bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagic degradation of claudin‐5 mediated by its binding to a Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin fragment modulates endothelial barrier permeability
Authors: Lin Panpan , Tan Rongbang , Yu Ping , Li Yanyu , Mo Yuqian , Li Wen , Zhang Jingjing
Published: February 2022

The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) protects the central nervous system (CNS) from harmful elements, while it also restricts efficient drug delivery into the CNS. Previously, we generated a mutated fragment of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (cCPEYWSH) which specifically binds to the endothelial tight junction protein claudin‐5. Here, we explore the mechanisms regulating the dynamics of membranous claudin‐5 and BBB permeability. Following cCPEYWSH binding to claudin‐5, caveolin‐1 mediates the redistribution of claudin‐5 to the cytosol. This abnormal cytosolic aggregation triggers the autophagic degradation of claudin‐5, leading to an increase in BBB permeability. Enhancement or inhibition of autophagy accelerates or inhibits the degradation of cytosolic claudin‐5, respectively. Our findings may pave the way for improving BBB permeability for drug delivery.
Evaluating a strategy for measuring deformations of the primary reflector of the Green Bank telescope using a terrestrial laser scanner
Authors: Salas Pedro , Marganian Paul , Brandt Joe , Shelton John , Sharp Nathan , Jensen Laura , Bloss Marty , Beaudet Carla , Egan Dennis , Sizemore Nathaniel , Frayer David T. , Seymour Andrew , Schwab Frederic R. , Lockman Felix J.
Published: February 2022

Astronomical observations in the molecule rich 3‐mm window using large reflector antennas provide a unique view of the Universe. To efficiently carry out these observations gravitational and thermal deformations have to be corrected. Terrestrial laser scanners have been used to measure the deformations in large reflector antennas due to gravity, but have not yet been used for measuring thermal deformations. In this work, we investigate the use of a terrestrial laser scanner to measure thermal deformations on the primary reflector of the Green Bank Telescope (GBT). Our method involves the use of differential measurements to reduce the systematic effects of the terrestrial laser scanner. We use the active surface of the primary reflector of the GBT to validate our method and explore its limitations. We find that when using differential measurements it is possible to accurately measure deformations corresponding to different Zernike polynomials down to an amplitude of 60 m. The difference between the amplitudes of known deformations and those measured are m when the wind speed is  m s. From these differences we estimate that it should be possible to bring the surface error of the GBT down to m. This suggests that using a commercial off‐the‐shelf terrestrial laser scanner it is possible to measure deformations induced by thermal gradients on a large parabolic reflector.
Arrested in Glass: Actin within Sophisticated Architectures of Biosilica in Sponges
Authors: Ehrlich Hermann , Luczak Magdalena , Ziganshin Rustam , Mikšík Ivan , Wysokowski Marcin , Simon Paul , Baranowska‐Bosiacka Irena , Kupnicka Patrycja , Ereskovsky Alexander , Galli Roberta , Dyshlovoy Sergey , Fischer Jonas , Tabachnick Konstantin R. , Petrenko Iaroslav , Jesionowski Teofil , Lubkowska Anna , Figlerowicz Marek , Ivanenko Viatcheslav N. , Summers Adam P.
Published: February 2022

Actin is a fundamental member of an ancient superfamily of structural intracellular proteins and plays a crucial role in cytoskeleton dynamics, ciliogenesis, phagocytosis, and force generation in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It is shown that actin has another function in metazoans: patterning biosilica deposition, a role that has spanned over 500 million years. Species of glass sponges (Hexactinellida) and demosponges (Demospongiae), representatives of the first metazoans, with a broad diversity of skeletal structures with hierarchical architecture unchanged since the late Precambrian, are studied. By etching their skeletons, organic templates dominated by individual F‐actin filaments, including branched fibers and the longest, thickest actin fiber bundles ever reported, are isolated. It is proposed that these actin‐rich filaments are not the primary site of biosilicification, but this highly sophisticated and multi‐scale form of biomineralization in metazoans is ptterned.
Informal supports, housing insecurity, and adolescent outcomes: Implications for promoting resilience
Authors: Marçal Katherine E. , Maguire‐Jack Kathryn
Published: February 2022

Adolescents in low‐income, marginalized families are vulnerable to behavior problems that impede healthy functioning and threaten long‐term well‐being. Informal supports may fill an important gap for these households as they navigate financial and social stressors. Instrumental support from social networks and neighborhood cohesion may promote family stability and youth well‐being; further, these informal supports may promote resilience to housing insecurity, which is linked with a range of adverse adolescent outcomes. The present study utilized data from a large sample of at‐risk families with children (N = 2425) to investigate whether instrumental support and neighborhood cohesion predicted adolescent behavior problems over 10 years and whether these links were mediated by housing insecurity. Results of structural equation modeling with latent variables showed direct links from instrumental support to anxious/depressed behaviors and from neighborhood cohesion to aggressive behaviors, as well as an indirect link from instrumental support to aggressive behavior via housing insecurity. Findings suggest informal supports are an important source of resilience for low‐income families who may be excluded from or are reluctant to engage with formal social systems. Further, stable, connected communities with highly embedded social networks can promote housing stability and youth well‐being in a virtuous cycle.
Direct Anodic N‐α Hydroxylation: Accessing Versatile Intermediates for Azanucleoside Derivatives
Authors: Kurose Yuma , Okamoto Kazuhiro , Okada Yohei , Kitano Yoshikazu , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: February 2022

Furanose ring oxygen‐substituted artificial nucleosides show unique pharmacological activities even without incorporation into oligonucleotides, and are used as anticancer and antiviral agents. Practical synthetic routes to such nucleosides are of exceptional importance to enhance the development of (oligo)nucleotide therapeutics. Herein, we demonstrate that direct anodic N‐α hydroxylation is possible in aqueous media to realize the practical synthesis of these versatile intermediates for azanucleoside derivatives.
Mechanochemical Aliphatic Iodination (and Bromination) by Cascaded Cyclization
Authors: Bal Ankita , Kumar Dinda Tarun , Mal Prasenjit
Published: February 2022

Aliphatic iodination via mechanochemistry is a mammoth challenge due to the high polarizability and weak electrophilicity of iodonium cation (I+), and low bond dissociation energy of carbon iodine bond. Herein, the synthesis is demonstrated of oxazoline derivatives from N‐allyl benzamides via mechanochemical cascaded cyclization and halogenation using N‐iodo‐ and N‐bromosuccinimides, respectively, as bifunctional reagents.
Microscopic Mechanism of the Heat‐Induced Blueshift in Phosphors and a Logarithmic Energy Dependence on the Nearest Dopant–Vacancy Distance
Authors: Xu Jing , Huang Xueli , Cheng Xiyue , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan , Deng Shuiquan
Published: February 2022

Heat‐induced blueshift (HIB) observed in many luminescent materials is a puzzling phenomenon that has remained unexplained for decades. By using the high‐throughput first‐principles calculations and energy‐screening techniques, we generated a number of model structures for five phosphors, RbLi[Li3SiO4]2:Eu2+, Na[Li3SiO4]:Eu2+, K[Li3SiO4]:Eu2+, Sr[LiAl3N4]:Eu2+, and Ca[LiAl3N4]:Eu2+. Our analyses suggest, to a first approximation, a logarithmic energy dependence on the nearest distance between the dopant and the metal‐cation vacancy. By identifying the
transition energies from the electronic structures calculated for the screened model structures, we show that the vibration of the Eu2+ ion lying in an asymmetric and anharmonic potential well couples with the electronic states, leading to their HIB phenomena.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Reveals Molecular Species in Carbon Nanodot Samples Disclosing Flaws
Authors: Bartolomei Beatrice , Bogo Andrea , Amato Francesco , Ragazzon Giulio , Prato Maurizio
Published: February 2022

Carbon nanodots are currently one of the hot topics in the nanomaterials world, due to their accessible synthesis and promising features. However, the purification of these materials is still a critical aspect, especially for syntheses involving molecular precursors. Indeed, the presence of unreacted species or small organic molecules formed during solvothermal treatments can affect the properties of the synthesized nanomaterials. To illustrate the extreme importance of this issue, we present two case studies in which insufficient purification results in misleading conclusions regarding the chiral and fluorescent properties of the investigated materials. Key to identify molecular species is the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, which proves to be an effective tool. Our work highlights the need to include nuclear magnetic resonance as a standard characterization technique for carbon‐based nanomaterials, to minimize the risk of observing properties that arise from molecular species, rather than the target carbon nanodots.
Preparation and structure of three NHC metal (Ag(I) and Hg(II)) complexes as well as the selective recognition of complex 1 for dihydrogen phosphate
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Xiang , Zhang Huan‐Huan , Han Xing‐Jun , Bi Yue , Liu Qing‐Xiang
Published: February 2022

The preparation of three metal (Ag(I) and Hg(II)) complexes based on bis‐carbene ligands and correlative three precursors H2Ln·(PF6)2 (n = 1–3) were reported. In each cationic moiety of complexes 1 and 2 and the monomer of complex 3, two Ag+ (or Hg2+) ions and two Ln (n = 1–3) formed one 36‐membered macrometallocycle. There existed π–π interactions between two naphthalenes in each cationic moiety of 1 and 2. The monomers of 3 were connected together through HgO bonds to form 1D chain. In the crystal packings of 1–3, two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional supramolecular structures were formed through CH˙˙˙π contacts and CH˙˙˙F H bonds. Additionally, the recognition capacity of 1 for H2PO4− was studied via fluorescence spectra, UV/Vis spectra, HRMS, 1H NMR titrations, and infrared (IR) spectra.
Rheological experiment and fractional derivative model for aqueous polyurethane dispersion
Authors: Meng Zhuo , Liu Yuegang , Ji Chengchang , Sun Yize , Chen Yujie
Published: February 2022

Rheology of aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PUD) has a significant influence on the industry process. In this study, the aqueous PUD used in warp knitted vamp printing was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler electrophoresis. Characterization results reveal that aqueous PUD shows bimodal and broad particle size distributions as well as negative surface charges. Aiming at studying the influence of rheological property on industrial applications of aqueous PUD, dynamic oscillating shear experiments were performed, and its constitutive equation was deduced. Experimental results suggest that temperature has no distinct effect on the linear viscoelastic range, in which aqueous PUD shows a solid‐like behavior. In view of advantages of fractional order constitutive equation describing the viscoelasticity of fluid, this paper optimize the fractional order element to derived fractional Zener (FZ) and Poynting‐Thomson models, and FZ model performs the better. Furthermore, the application and analysis of fractional order model provide theoretic guide for industrial process in warp knitted vamp printing.
Lysozyme binding with sulfa group of antibiotics: Comparative binding thermodynamics and computational study
Authors: Ovung Aben , Jamir Nungshioba , Bhattacharyya Jhimli
Published: February 2022

Protein–drug binding study addresses a broad domain of biological problems associating molecular functions to physiological processes composing and modifying safe and coherent drug therapeutics. Comparison of the binding and thermodynamic aspect of sulfa drugs, sulfamethazine (SMZ) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) with the protein, lysozyme (Lyz) was carried out using spectroscopic, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation studies. The fluorescence quenching and apparent binding constant for the binding reaction were calculated to be in the order of 104 M−1, slightly higher for SMZ as compared to that of SDZ and the binding stoichiometry values show 1:1 drug binding with each protein molecule. The binding was an enthalpy‐driven spontaneous exothermic reaction favored by a negative enthalpy and a positive entropy contribution for both the complexes. The binding from the fluorescence quenching data suggests a static quenching mechanism dominated by non‐polyelectrolytic components. Synchronous fluorescence denoted a conformational change in the tryptophan moiety of the protein. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation study provided a clearer view of the interaction pattern, where the drug resides on the binding pocket of the protein structure. Overall the protein, Lyz binding of SMZ was slightly more favored over SDZ.
Carotenoid fortification of zucchini fruits using a viral RNA vector
Authors: Houhou Fakhreddine , Martí Maricarmen , Cordero Teresa , Aragonés Verónica , Sáez Cristina , Cebolla‐Cornejo Jaime , Pérez de Castro Ana , Rodríguez‐Concepción Manuel , Picó Belén , Daròs José‐Antonio
Published: February 2022

Background

Carotenoids are health‐promoting metabolites in livestock and human diets. Some important crops have been genetically modified to increase their content. Although the usefulness of transgenic plants to alleviate nutritional deficiencies is obvious, their social acceptance has been controversial.

Results

Here, we demonstrate an alternative biotechnological strategy for carotenoid fortification of edible fruits in which no transgenic DNA is involved. A viral RNA vector derived from zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) was modified to express a bacterial phytoene synthase (crtB), and inoculated to zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) leaves nurturing pollinated flowers. After the viral vector moved to the developing fruit and expressed crtB, the rind and flesh of the fruits developed yellow‐orange rather than green color. Metabolite analyses showed a substantial enrichment in health‐promoting carotenoids, such as α‐ and β‐carotene (provitamin A), lutein and phytoene, in both rind and flesh.

Conclusion

Although this strategy is perhaps not free from controversy due to the use of genetically modified viral RNA, our work does demonstrate the possibility of metabolically fortifying edible fruits using an approach in which no transgenes are involved.
Secondary Metabolites Produced by Coculture of Pleurotus ostreatus SY10 and Pleurotus eryngii SY302
Authors: Ge Xiaoxuan , Wang Yu , Sun Chunxiao , Zhang Ziping , Song Lin , Tan Lingling , Li Dehai , Yang Song , Yu Guihong
Published: February 2022

A new isovaleryl‐monoterpene, pleurotusin A (1), and a new cyclopentenone derivative, pleurotusin B (7), together with five related known terpenoids (2–6), were isolated from the coculture broth of two edible fungi, Pleurotus ostreatus SY10 and Pleurotus eryngii SY302. The absolute configurations of 1 and 7 were elucidated by comprehensively using the density functional theory calculation of NMR and ECD data, DP4+ probability analysis, Mo2(OAc)4‐based CD experiment and optical rotation. The antimicrobial activities of these compounds except for the unstable compound 7, were evaluated against two types of human‐pathogenic fungi, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, and three types of human‐pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Shigella sp. Compound 1 displayed moderate activity against S. aureus with an MIC50 value of 90.3 μM. In addition, the antioxidant activities of high‐yielding 2–6 were tested using DPPH, and compound 4 showed moderate activity with an EC50 value of 573 μM.
Bispalladacycle Catalyzed Nucleophilic Enantioselective Allylation of Aldehydes by Allylstannanes
Authors: Heberle Martin , Legendre Sarah , Wannenmacher Nick , Weber Manuel , Frey Wolfgang , Peters René
Published: February 2022

Enantiopure homoallylic secondary alcohols are very important synthetic building due to the versatility of the hydroxyl and olefin moieties. A key strategy to prepare them is by nucleophilic allylation of aldehydes. A large number of catalyst concepts emerged that allow for high enantioselectivity. Still, in many target‐oriented syntheses of complex structures stoichiometric methods are preferred over catalytic ones. The need for high catalyst loadings and long reaction times, plus unsatisfying reproducibility and substrate scopes are reasons for that. In the present study we report the first palladium catalysts capable of controlling asymmetric nucleophilic allylations of aldehydes with allyltributyltin. TONs up to 620 were achieved, which is significantly higher than for any other reported catalyst. The method is also tolerating electronically and sterically unfavorable substrates. We show that a transmetallation occurs, favoring an η1‐allyl coordination mode with the bispalladacycles. In contrast, for the corresponding monopalladacycle an unproductive η3 coordination is dominant.
Biocatalytically Active and Stable Cross‐Linked Enzyme Crystals of Halohydrin Dehalogenase HheG by Protein Engineering
Authors: Staar Marcel , Henke Steffi , Blankenfeldt Wulf , Schallmey Anett
Published: February 2022

A major drawback for practical application of halohydrin dehalogenase HheG in biocatalysis is its rather low thermal stability and low organic solvent tolerance. We therefore pursued a stabilization of HheG via immobilization as cross‐linked enzyme crystals. Since glutaraldehyde inactivates HheG, we introduced a cysteine residue in the crystal interface, which enabled thiol‐specific cross‐linking at well‐defined cross‐linking sites. Variant HheG D114C displayed improved crystallizability and yielded stable and catalytically active CLECs using bis‐maleimidoethane as cross‐linker. Effective cross‐linking at the predefined site could be confirmed via the CLEC crystal structure. Compared to soluble enzyme, the CLECs displayed significantly improved stability and activity at higher temperatures, lower pH values and in the presence of water‐miscible organic solvents, which enabled their reuse over 21 days in the azidolysis of cyclohexene oxide.
Preparation of Porous NiCe Composite Catalyst and Its Performance for CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhou Guilin , Xu Shiyu , Li Yue , Jiang Qingqing , Xu Benjing , Xie Hongmei , Zhang Guizhi
Published: February 2022

Ni component can be effectively introduced into CeO2 by a soft template method to prepare porous NiCe composite catalysts. The reducibility of the catalyst precursors was studied by H2‐TPR. The physicochemical properties of the prepared NiCe composite catalysts were characterized by XRD, quasi in‐situ XPS, BET and TEM. And the catalytic performances of the corresponding NiCe composite catalysts was evaluated by CO2 catalytic hydrogenation. The synergistic effect of Ni and Ce species can significantly improve the reducibility of the precursors to form CO2 hydrogenation active sites in the corresponding NiCe composite catalysts. The morphology, pore structure, specific surface area, crystallinity and content of metal Ni species of the prepared NiCe composite catalysts were significantly affected by nNi/nCe ratio, which can affect the CO2 catalytic hydrogenation performances of NiCe composite catalysts. The synergistic effect of Ni and Ce species can also promote the formation of NiCe composite catalyst nanoparticles with small particle size about 5–10 nm. The developed mesoporous structure and high specific surface area can be formed in the prepared NiCe composite catalysts. The NC3 catalyst with a nNi/nCe ratio of 3.0 showed the best CO2 hydroreduction performances and use stability. When the reaction temperature was 300 °C, the CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity can reach 85.6% and 100%, respectively. Even if the reaction temperature rises to 340 °C, the CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity can be maintained at 83.7% and 100% in the continuous reaction of 600 min, respectively.
Poly(maleic anhydride) Shell Modified with Negatively and Positively Charged Groups to Control Zeta Potential and Hydrodynamic Size of Encapsulated Quantum Dots at Variable pH
Authors: Radchanka Aliaksandra , Hrybouskaya Varvara , Antanovich Artsiom , Artemyev Mikhail
Published: February 2022

We prepared water‐soluble quantum dots (QDs) with tunable ξ‐potential varied from −38 to +20 mV and controlled sensitivity to pH level. Poly(maleic anhydride‐alt‐1‐tetradecene) (PMAT) was modified with bifunctional molecules containing sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate, phosphonate, and quaternary ammonium in different proportions. The sulfonate shell of QDs leads to a stable negative ξ‐potential in the biological pH range from 4.5 to 9.5, while modification with quaternary ammonium groups gives QDs with positive and pH‐independent charge. If nearly half of carboxyl groups of PMAT were modified with quaternary ammonium groups, ξ‐potential begins pH‐dependent with the isoelectric point at pH≈5.5. To obtain pH‐independent, neutrally charged QDs, the rest of carboxyl groups can be converted into sulfonate groups at a 1 : 1 ratio; sulfonate‐quaternary ammonium QDs show high colloidal stability in solutions with high ionic strength. In addition, encapsulated QDs show an unusual correlation between their hydrodynamic size and ζ‐potential: when ζ‐potential approaches zero, the hydrodynamic size markedly increases due to a decrease in the electrostatic repulsion component of the QDs diffusion coefficient.
Fine‐Tuning the Thermal Relaxation Dynamics of Indigo‐Based Photoswitches Using Selective Non‐Covalent Interactions Without Chemical Modification
Authors: Shen Zhen‐Nan , Xu Yu‐Xuan , Wang Chen‐Yu , Qiao Bo
Published: February 2022

Understanding the thermal relaxation dynamics of photoswitches is of crucial importance when considering application scenarios. Strategies for regulating the thermal relaxation rates of photoswitches have been mostly limited to modifying the chemical structures. Herein we demonstrate a complementary method of manipulating the thermal relaxation rate of indigo‐based photoswitches that does not require chemical modification. We used indigo‐based photoswitches in aprotic solvents as a model system to demonstrate this strategy. Our method creates a deactivated pathway that extends the thermal relaxation half‐life by selectively stabilizing the parent structure of the metastable Z‐isomer via non‐covalent interaction. In addition, by establishing a quantitative kinetic model, we showed that controlling the strength of such selective stabilization enables fine‐tuning of the thermal relaxation rates to precisely access to targeted values.
Is the degree of facial swelling after dental extraction sufficient to justify the current delays to radiotherapy mask production? A pilot evaluation of postextraction swelling using 3D photography
Authors: McCormick Robert , Meechan John , Adams James , Stanncliffe Helen , Merecer Lee , Best Kate , Nugent Michael
Published: February 2022

Background

Concern that facial swelling after dental extractions will spoil the fit of radiotherapy masks in head and neck cancer patients leads to the current practice of delay making of mask production (and therefore the start of radiotherapy) for several days or longer. However, there is little data on how extensive facial swelling is after dental extraction.

Aim

To assess the degree of facial swelling in a group of adult patients attending Newcastle Dental School for routine dental extractions.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen dental extraction patients underwent three‐dimensional photography using the 3dMDFace® system at 1‐week preop, immediately preop, and at 48‐h postop. We recorded demographic data, teeth extracted, and methods. Facial volume change was assessed using 3dMD Vultus® software. Two reviewers ran the data through the 3dMD Vultus® software independently. We used Student's t‐test to assess significance.

Results

Twelve patients were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference in the difference between the two preoperative measurements and the preoperative versus postoperative difference (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test: Reviewer 1: p = .31. and Reviewer 2: p = .10). Thus, mean facial swelling was less than the threshold for significant swelling which was deemed to be 15 cm3.

Conclusion

Facial swelling following dental extraction may not be sufficient in itself to justify the current delays in mask production and subsequent delivery of radiotherapy. Further definitive studies are needed to optimize how dental extractions should be timed within head and neck cancer care pathways.
Novel multilayer SISO shift register architecture in QCA technology and its usage in communications
Authors: Niknezhad Divshali Mojtaba , Rezai Abdalhossein , Karimi Asghar
Published: February 2022

The QCA technology is a promising emerging technology at nano‐scale for replacing CMOS technology. Shift register has a vital role in communication networks and digital electronic circuits that are the main components of integrated circuits and memory. In this study, novel and efficient delay circuit (pseudo‐D‐Latch) is designed. Then, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐bit SISO QCA shift register architectures are developed and evaluated in single layer, 3‐layer and 5‐layer using the designed delay circuit. The designed architectures are evaluated using QCADesigner‐E tool version 2.2. The results demonstrate that the pseudo‐D‐Latch circuit contains 17 cells and 0.01 μm2 area. The 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐bit single layer SISO QCA shift register architecture contains 63 (0.05 μm2), 85 (0.66 μm2), and 107 (0.08 μm2) cells (area), respectively. The 3‐ and 4‐bit 3‐layer SISO QCA shift register architecture contains 63 (0.03 μm2) and 84 (0.03 μm2) cells (area), respectively. The 3‐ and 5‐bit 5‐layer SISO QCA shift register architecture contains 62 (0.02 μm2) and 105 (0.032 μm2) cells (area), respectively. These results show that the designed QCA architectures provide improvements compared with other SISO QCA architectures.
Cytological and molecular characterization of secretory breast carcinoma
Authors: Carretero‐Barrio Irene , Santón Almudena , Caniego Casas Tamara , López Miranda Elena , Reguero‐Callejas Maria Eugenia , Pérez‐Mies Belén , Benito Amparo , Palacios José
Published: February 2022

Secretory breast carcinoma is a rare neoplasm, histologically well‐characterized, and secondary to ETV6‐NTRK3 gene fusion, whose cytological features are scarcely described in the literature. We report the case of a woman with a history of secretory breast carcinoma 8 years before, who presented a periareolar nodule. A recurrence was diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration based on the cytomorphological features and pan‐TRK immunocytochemistry on the cell block, and the patient underwent a mastectomy. The histology and molecular studies performed on the surgical specimen (immunohistochemistry, FISH and NGS) confirmed the diagnosis. Cytological smears showed abundant epithelial cellularity, in groups and single cells. These cells showed moderate atypia, with abundant cytoplasm. We observed intracytoplasmic inclusions and extracellular metachromatic globules. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical studies showed a triple negative breast tumour. NTRK overexpression was demonstrated with immunocytochemistry against pan‐TRK on the cell block, as well as with immunohistochemistry in the surgical specimen. NTRK3 rearrangement was proved by FISH. In the primary tumour and in the recurrence, we demonstrated ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion by NGS. After conducting a literature review, we have found 26 articles describing the cytological features of secretory breast carcinoma in 33 patients. The smears were described as groups of epithelial cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, single signet ring cells and a globular extracellular secretion. In only two cases molecular confirmation of the diagnosis with ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion was proven, although not in the cytological specimen, but in the subsequent biopsy. The distinct cytological features of secretory breast carcinoma can help in its diagnosis, thus guiding the molecular studies. This is the first reported case that proves TRK overexpression, as a fusion surrogate, in the cytological sample.
Sentinel Riparian Spiders Predict Mercury Contamination of Riverine Fish
Authors: Drenner Ray W. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Gaul Simon P. , Hembrough Michael T. , Khan Amal M. , Rolfe Ian M. , Wallace Garrett R. , Hannappel Madeline P.
Published: February 2022

Mercury (Hg) is a widespread and toxic environmental contaminant. It is challenging to determine the level of Hg contamination of food chains and fish within the millions of water bodies in the United States. Mercury contamination can vary 10-fold between ecosystems, even those in the same region. Therefore, aquatic ecosystems need to be individually monitored for Hg contamination to determine which ecosystems are most contaminated and pose the greatest risk to human and wildlife health. One approach to monitoring Hg is to use sentinel species, defined as biological monitors that accumulate a contaminant in their tissues without significant adverse effects. Riparian spiders such as long-jawed orb weavers (Tetragnathidae) have been proposed as sentinels of persistent bioavailable contaminants, like Hg, in aquatic systems. Long-jawed orb weavers feed on emergent aquatic insects and have concentrations of Hg that reflect levels of Hg contamination in the aquatic food web. Previous studies have documented elevated contaminant concentrations in long-jawed orb weavers from shorelines of aquatic ecosystems, suggesting that they could be used as sentinels of chemical contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. We demonstrate for the first time that long-jawed orb weavers can be used as sentinels to identify aquatic systems that contain fish with elevated concentrations of Hg. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1297–1303. © 2022 SETAC
Comparative Toxicity of Oil Spill Herding Agents to Aquatic Species
Authors: Alloy Matthew M. , Sundaravadivelu Devi , Moso Elizabeth , Meyer Peter , Barron Mace G.
Published: February 2022

Chemical herding agents are surfactant mixtures used to coalesce spilled oil and increase slick thickness to facilitate mechanical recovery or in situ burning. Only two herders are currently listed on the United States' National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan or National Contingency Plan product schedule for potential use in spill response: the surface collecting agents Siltech OP-40™ and ThickSlick 6535™. Toxicity data for spill response agents are frequently available only for two estuarine species, mysid shrimp (Americamysis bahia) and inland silversides (Menidia beryllina), and are particularly limited for herding agents. Toxicity can vary over several orders of magnitude across product type and species, even within specific categories of spill response agents. Seven aquatic species were tested with both Siltech OP-40™ and ThickSlick 6535™ to evaluate acute herder toxicity and relative species sensitivity. The toxicity assessment included: acute tests with A. bahia and M. beryllina, the freshwater crustacean Ceriodaphina dubia, and the freshwater fish Pimephales promelas; development of the echinoderm Arbacia unctulate; and growth of a freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata and marine alga Dunaliella tertiolecta. Siltech acute toxicity values ranged from 1.1 to 32.8 ppm. ThickSlick acute toxicity values ranged from 2.2 to 126.4 ppm. The results of present study show greater toxicity of Siltech compared to ThickSlick with estimated acute hazard concentrations intended to provide 95% species protection of 1.1 and 3.6 ppm, respectively, on empirical data and 0.64 and 3.3 ppm, respectively, with the addition of interspecies correlation data. The present study provides a greater understanding of species sensitivity of these two oil spill response agents. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1311–1318. © 2022 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Glacier inventory of the Subansiri River Basin in the Brahmaputra catchment using Landsat satellite data: A case study of the Daisaphu Glacier changes
Authors: Choudhury Swapnamita , Phukan Sarat , Duarah Bhagawat Pran , Goswami Dulal Chandra , Mehta Manish
Published: February 2022

Monitoring of glaciers of the Subansiri River Basin, regardless of geopolitical distribution, is pivotal, as the Subansiri River is one of the most important tributaries of the Brahmaputra River. However, the existing inventories in Eastern Himalayas mostly covered the Indian side, while most of the glacier regions are located in Tibet. For the first time, we constructed a complete, validated glacier and lake inventory using Landsat satellite data. We report 390 glaciers, where 191 are hanging glaciers, 59 ice aprons, 52 cirques, 40 niches, 37 valley glaciers, 9 icecaps and 2 outlet glaciers. The snow‐covered region occupies 0.96% of the total basin area. The study also reports that there are 52 glacial lakes, covering a cumulative area of 3.358 km2. Furthermore, the 37 valley glaciers cover an area of ~144 km2, with lengths ranging between 1.3 and 15.3 km, and a total ice reserve of ~11.95 km3. The largest glacier of the basin is the Daisaphu Glacier, which has an ice reserve of ~2.70 km3. We calculated the retreat of the Daisaphu Glacier to be 16 ma−1 between 1989 and 2014. However, the retreat has been seen to be enhanced, up to 21 ma−1 after 2009. We also estimated the recession rate of 27 other valley glaciers, apart from the Daisaphu Glacier. The recession rate of the glaciers ranges between 2 and 51 ma−1, where 30% of glaciers have retreated at a rate of <10 ma−1, 55% of glaciers have retreated at a rate of >10 ma−1 and 15% of glaciers show no frontal changes since 1985. The pro‐glacial moraine‐dammed lake of the Daisaphu glacier shows growth of 0.471 km2 in area, and an increase of 0.0833 km3 in water volume between 1978 and 2014. This inventory should help in the assessment of future water scenarios and climate change, as it will impact a large community downstream which is dependent on the glaciers which lie across two countries.
Multimodal assessments of preterm temperament across the first year of life: Continuity, stability, and moderation by country of origin and infant age
Authors: Spinelli Maria , Bornstein Marc H. , Putnick Diane L. , Shah Prachi E.
Published: February 2022

There is limited research regarding the continuity, stability, and role of country of origin in preterm infant temperament across the first year of life. This prospective longitudinal study examined patterns of mean‐level continuity and individual‐differences stability of select scales of temperament at 6 and 12 months in preterm infants from three countries, Chile (n = 47), United Kingdom (n = 44), and United States (n = 50). Temperament was assessed with the Infant Behavior Questionnaire and observed using the Bayley Behavior Rating Scale. Continuity and stability across infant age, country effects, and interactions of country and age on preterm infant temperament were examined. Chilean mothers rated infants higher in soothability, duration of orienting, and orientation/engagement compared with mothers from the United Kingdom and/or United States. Continuity of temperament from 6 to 12 months varied by country: Chilean mothers reported increasing smiling and laughter and activity level from 6 to 12 months, and mothers from the United Kingdom reported decreasing smiling and laughter and increasing fear from 6 to 12 months. Infant temperament was stable in all three countries. Correlations evidenced low concordance between maternal reports and examiner observations of infant temperament at 12 months. However, among Chilean infants, higher maternal reported activity level was associated with higher examiner observed orientation/engagement score.
A novel classification of bone graft materials
Authors: Wickramasinghe Maduni L. , Dias George J. , Premadasa Kariyawasam Majuwana Gamage Prasanna
Published: February 2022

Over the past few decades, the field of biomaterials concerning bone tissue engineering has gained a significant amount of interest. This has led to new biomaterials to be used as bone substitute materials. Despite the rapid increase in the types and forms of bone substitutes, a comprehensive classification encompassing all types of bone graft materials that have so far been developed and evaluated is lacking. Therefore, this review aims to integrate and bring together the published data on bone substitutes within the last 5 years and produce a novel classification that would provide bone material researchers with a better understanding of what materials have so far been used and evaluated and the areas, where research is lacking and deserves more attention. The literature available in all major databases was obtained and filtered using an elimination criterion to extract all the articles related to studies that tested bone substitute materials in nonclinical and clinical trials over the last 5 years. The review article would provide bone material researchers with an insight into the materials that have been evaluated for bone tissue engineering applications and identify future perspectives for bone graft material research.
Influence of parameters on mechanical properties of poly (L‐lactic acid) helical stents
Authors: Zhao Gutian , Liu Jiaming , Liu Muqing , Tian Yuan , Cheng Jie , Liu Wentao , Ni Zhonghua
Published: February 2022

With better biocompatibility, bioresorbable poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) helical stents are expected to replace the commonly used metallic stents. However, due to the great difference between the material properties of PLLA and those of metals, the current research results on mechanical properties of stents will not be applicative. In this article, the effects of i on the radial compression performance and bending stiffness of PLLA helical stents were systematically studied, and the effect of temperature on the radial compression performance of the helical stent was investigated. The findings obtained indicate that the reduction of initial pitch angle and initial diameter can enhance the radial compression performance. The reduction of initial pitch angle and the increase of initial diameter can weaken the bending stiffness of the helical stent. Moreover, the increase of temperature will reduce the radial stiffness and peak compression force of the helical stent. A favorable agreement between the theoretical and experimental results of radial compression properties was found in stents with the initial pitch angle between 14° and 21° and all initial diameters. This work can provide suggestions for the use of the theoretical formula in structure design of the helical stent.
Application of posterior canal skin flap for the repair of large tympanic membrane perforations
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Bagheri Fateme , Roosta Sareh , Jahangiri Reza
Published: February 2022

Objective

Many methods have been described for the repair of the tympanic membrane, but there is no general consensus as to the standard method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inferior base posterior canal skin flap on the graft success rate in large tympanic membrane perforations.

Methods

After the post‐auricular incision, the posterior canal skin flap with inferior pedicle was created by two vertical and one horizontal incisions. Then the flap was rotated over the temporalis fascia graft. The graft success rate and postoperation hearing test results were evaluated in 52 patients who suffered from large tympanic membrane perforations.

Results

We achieved a 92.3% total graft success rate with about 9 dB improvement in speech reception threshold (SRT).

Conclusion

The rotational inferior base posterior canal skin flap tympanoplasty technique is simple, fast, safe, and effective for the repair of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations.
Lateralized Subthalamic Stimulation for Axial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Lizárraga Karlo J. , Gnanamanogaran Bhairavei , Al‐Ozzi Tameem M. , Cohn Melanie , Tomlinson George , Boutet Alexandre , Elias Gavin J.B. , Germann Jürgen , Soh Derrick , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Munhoz Renato P. , Marras Connie , Hutchison William D. , Lozano Andres M. , Lang Anthony E. , Fasano Alfonso
Published: February 2022

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease might develop treatment‐resistant axial dysfunction after bilateral subthalamic stimulation.

Objectives

To study whether lateralized stimulation (unilateral 50% amplitude reduction) for ≥21 days results in ≥0.13 m/s faster gait velocity in the dopaminergic ON state in these patients, and its effects on motor and axial function, quantitative gait and speech measures, quality of life, and selected cognitive tasks.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blinded, double‐crossover trial.

Results

In 22 participants (51–79 years old, 15 women), there were no significant changes in gait velocity, quality of life, cognitive, and speech measures. Reducing left‐sided amplitude resulted in a 2.5‐point improvement in axial motor Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) (P = 0.005, uncorrected) and a 1.9‐point improvement in the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (P = 0.024, uncorrected).

Conclusions

Lateralized subthalamic stimulation does not result in meaningful improvement in gait velocity in patients with Parkinson's disease who develop treatment‐resistant axial dysfunction after bilateral subthalamic stimulation. Left subthalamic overstimulation may contribute to axial deterioration in these patients. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
On the spectral instability for weak intermediate triharmonic problems
Authors: Ferraresso Francesco
Published: February 2022

We define the weak intermediate boundary conditions for the triharmonic operator −Δ3. We analyse the sensitivity of this type of boundary conditions upon domain perturbations. We construct a perturbation (Ωϵ)ϵ > 0 of a smooth domain Ω of
for which the weak intermediate boundary conditions on ∂Ωϵ are not preserved in the limit on ∂Ω, analogously to the Babuška paradox for the hinged plate. Four different boundary conditions can be produced in the limit, depending on the convergence of ∂Ωϵ to ∂Ω. In one particular case, we obtain a ‘strange’ boundary condition featuring a microscopic energy term related to the shape of the approaching domains. Many aspects of our analysis could be generalised to an arbitrary order elliptic differential operator of order 2m and to more general domain perturbations.
Nursing students’ self‐directed learning abilities and related factors at graduation: A multi‐country cross‐sectional study
Authors: Visiers‐Jiménez Laura , Palese Alvisa , Brugnolli Anna , Cadorin Lucia , Salminen Leena , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Nemcová Jana , Simão de Oliveira Célia , Rua Marília , Zeleníková Renáta , Kajander‐Unkuri Satu ,   the COMPEUnurse‐Consortium
Published: February 2022

Aim

To describe nursing students’ level of self‐directed learning abilities and identify possible factors related to it at graduation in six European countries.

Design

A cross‐sectional comparative design across the countries.

Methods

The study was conducted from February 2018 to September 2019. Nursing students (N = 4,135) from the Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain were invited to respond to the research instruments (the Self‐Rating Scale of Self‐Directed Learning and the Nurse Competence Scale) at graduation. The data were analysed using the chi‐square test, Pearson correlation coefficient and the linear model.

Results

The nursing students’ (N = 1,746) overall self‐directed learning abilities were at high level in all countries. Statistically significant differences occurred between countries. Spanish nursing students reported the highest level of self‐directed learning abilities while students from the Czech Republic reported the lowest. Higher level of self‐directed learning abilities was related to several factors, particularly with the self‐assessed level of competence and country.
Fabrication and biocompatibility analysis of flexible organic light emitting diodes on poly(lactic acid) substrates: toward the development of greener bio‐electronic devices
Authors: Prontera Carmela Tania , Villani Fulvia , Palamà Ilaria Elena , Maglione Maria Grazia , Manini Paola , Maiorano Vincenzo , Tammaro Loredana
Published: February 2022

The use of biodegradable and biocompatible materials for electronic applications is a research topic of great interest, offering the possibility to develop bio‐electronic devices and reduce e‐wastes. In this work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films were prepared to be employed as substrates in flexible optoelectronic devices and their functionality was tested in indium tin oxide‐free organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The PLA substrates were fabricated by extrusion and characterized in terms of morphological, optical and wettability properties. The films showed optical transmittance of about 90% in the visible region and surface roughness of about 12 nm, optical and morphological parameters suitable for OLED applications. Different structures were fabricated on top of the PLA substrates by hybrid technology through solution‐based and thermal evaporation deposition methods. Good electro‐optical properties were detected in iridium complexes‐based devices, with current efficiencies of about 14 and 1 cd/A in structures with tris[2‐phenylpyridinato‐C2,N]iridium(III) (Ir[ppy]3) and bis[2‐(4,6‐difluorophenyl)pyridinato‐C2,N](picolinato)iridium (FIrPic) as emitting layer, respectively. The biocompatibility assay showed that the encapsulated devices do not release toxic substances and their biocompatibility can be improved by selecting different encapsulating glues. The results of this study show the potentiality of PLA as substrate for the fabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable optoelectronic devices opening new routes for the development of advanced bio‐electronic systems.
Enhanced antitumor chemo‐immunotherapy by local co‐delivery of chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint blocking antibody and IDO inhibitor using an injectable polypeptide hydrogel
Authors: Ding Junfeng , Wang Tianran , Chen Zhixiong , Lin Zhiqiang , Chen Xuesi , He Chaoliang
Published: February 2022

The efficiency of antitumor immunotherapy is usually limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we developed a chemo‐immunotherapy strategy that is able to improve the immunosuppressive TME for enhancing the antitumor efficacy. The chemo‐immunotherapy was achieved by the topical co‐delivery of a chemotherapeutic drug, Doxorubicin (DOX), an immune checkpoint blocking antibody targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (aPD‐1), and an indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor, 1‐methyl‐d‐tryptophan (d‐1MT) by using a thermosensitive polypeptide hydrogel. It was revealed that the sustained DOX release from the hydrogel caused the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of B16F10 cells in vitro, and the tumor cell lysates subsequently promoted the activation of dendritic cells (DCs). After intratumoral injection into B16F10 melanoma‐bearing mice, the DOX/aPD‐1/D‐1MT co‐loaded hydrogel exhibited enhanced tumor inhibition efficacy and prolonged animal survival time, compared to the DOX/aPD‐1/D‐1MT mixed solution, DOX‐loaded hydrogel or DOX/aPD‐1 co‐loaded hydrogel. The improvement of immunosuppressive TME and enhancement of antitumor immune response after the local chemo‐immunotherapy were demonstrated by the augmented activation of DCs and increased infiltration of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, as well as enhanced secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the hydrogel‐based local chemo‐immunotherapy system holds great potential for effective antitumor treatment.