bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Bone Formation by 3D Biologically Active Scaffolds Containing RGD‐NPs, BMP2, and NtMPCs
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Hong Suk Jun , Lee Sujin , Park Jong Min , Park Ji‐In , Park Ji Sun , Shim Sung Han , Park Keun‐Hong
Published: January 2021

It is demonstrated that nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (NT‐ESCs) can be transformed into mesenchymal progenitor cells (NtMPCs) via culture under appropriate conditions and it is proposed that NtMPCs can be used for bone regeneration instead of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In a 2‐dimensional culture, NtMPCs undergo chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation more readily than BMSCs upon culture in appropriate media. However, the osteogenic differentiation ability of NtMPCs is lower than that of BMSCs. 3‐dimensional (3D) biologically active scaffolds (BAs) comprising poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres are constructed to improve osteogenic differentiation. To generate BAs, nanoparticles containing an l‐Arginyl‐Glycyl‐l‐Aspartic acid (RGD) sequence (RGD‐NPs) and dexamethasone (DEX), a drug used to control differentiation and inflammation, are simultaneously encapsulated by PLGA to form particles measuring 150–250 µm. After that, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is immobilized on the surface of polyethylenimine (PEI)‐coated microspheres via formation of ionic bonds between O‐sulfate and N‐sulfate in heparin with lysine/arginine residues of BMP2. Gene expression profiling is performed via QuantSeq 3′ mRNA‐sequencing in mice transplanted with BAs containing NtMPCs and BMSCs. Expression of the osteogenic differentiation‐related genes collagen Type I Alpha 2 (COL1A2), Homeobox protein MSX‐2 (MSX2), Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is 2–3‐fold higher in mice transplanted with BAs containing NtMPCs than in mice transplanted with BAs containing BMSCs.
Participatory survey design of a workforce health needs assessment for correctional supervisors
Authors: Dugan Alicia G. , Namazi Sara , Cavallari Jennifer M. , Rinker Robert D. , Preston Julius C. , Steele Vincent L. , Cherniack Martin G.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The correctional workforce experiences persistent health problems, and interventions designed with worker participation show favorable outcomes. However, participatory intervention research often leaves workers out of the health needs assessment, the basis of interventions subsequently developed. This omission risks failure to detect factors contributing to the health and is less likely to result in primary prevention interventions.

Methods

Partnering with a correctional supervisors' union, we followed Schulz and colleagues' community‐based participatory research (CBPR) methods for participatory survey design and used Healthy Workplace Participatory Program (HWPP) tools to develop a tailored survey to assess workforce health and contributing factors. Utilizing the HWPP Focus Group Guide, we generated key themes to adapt the HWPP All Employee Survey, a generic workforce health assessment, to become thorough and contextually‐relevant for correctional supervisors.

Results

Content analysis of focus group data revealed 12 priority health concerns and contributors, including organizational culture, masculinity, work‐family conflict, family support, trauma, positive job aspects, health literacy and efficacy, health/risk behaviors, sleep, obesity, and prioritizing work and income over health. Twenty‐six measures were added to the generic survey, mainly health‐related antecedents including knowledge, attitudes, norms, and motivation.

Conclusion

Findings yielded new insights about supervisors' lived experiences of work and health, and resulted in a customized workforce survey. CBPR methods and HWPP tools allowed us to identify health issues that we would not have detected with conventional methods, and provide opportunities for interventions that address root causes of poor health. We share challenges faced and lessons learned using CBPR with the correctional workforce.
Variants in KIF2A cause broad clinical presentation; the computational structural analysis of a novel variant in a patient with a cortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 3
Authors: Hatano Maiko , Fukushima Hiroko , Ohto Tatsuyuki , Ueno Yuichi , Saeki Saki , Enokizono Takashi , Tanaka Ryuta , Tanaka Mai , Imagawa Kazuo , Kanai Yu , Kato Mitsuhiro , Shiraku Hiroshi , Suzuki Hisato , Uehara Tomoko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Takada Hidetoshi
Published: January 2021

Cortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 3 (CDCBM3) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome caused by Kinesin family Member 2A (KIF2A) gene mutation. Patients with CDCBM3 exhibit posterior dominant agyria/pachygyria with severe motor dysfunction. Here, we report an 8‐year‐old boy with CDCBM3 showing a typical, but relatively mild, clinical presentation of CDCBM3 features. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a heterozygous mutation of NM_001098511.2:c.1298C>A [p.(Ser433Tyr)]. To our knowledge, the mutation has never been reported previously. The variant was located distal to the nucleotide binding domain (NBD), in which previously‐reported variants in CDCBM3 patients have been located. The computational structural analysis showed the p.433 forms the pocket with NBD. Variants in KIF2A have been reported in the NBD for CDCBM3, in the kinesin motor 3 domain, but not in the NBD in epilepsy, and outside of the kinesin motor domain in autism spectrum syndrome, respectively. Our patient has a variant, that is not in the NBD but at the pocket with the NBD, resulting in a clinical features of CDCBM3 with mild symptoms. The clinical findings of patients with KIF2A variants appear restricted to the central nervous system and facial anomalies. We can call this spectrum “KIF2A syndrome” with variable severity.
Holistic information research: From rhetoric to paradigm
Authors: Polkinghorne Sarah , Given Lisa M.
Published: January 2021

Many researchers in library and information science have claimed that studies that are holistic are critical to understanding various phenomena. On closer examination, however, the term “holistic” is used mainly as a rhetorical device in the literature, rather than as one that embraces the epistemological tenets of a holistic paradigm, and applies these to research design. This paper examines this rhetorical use, and explores what it would mean, and why it would matter, to adopt substantively holistic approaches to research. We review relevant literature in library and information science to position past uses of holistic and compare these to the conceptual intentions of holism. We also outline the concept of holism, itself, with a focus on methodological and ontological holism, which can most deeply inform research design in our discipline. Greater methodological diversity, including much wider adoption of interpretivist and critical approaches, can address the concerns underlying the use of holistic rhetoric. We illustrate this central conceptual argument with a roadmap illustrating holistic considerations throughout the research process. The paper demonstrates that it is possible to shift away from predominantly rhetorical use of holistic, toward paradigmatically holistic research, which will provide for richer analyses of critical phenomena in the discipline.
Acceleration of the high‐energy protons in an active galactic nuclei
Authors: Istomin Yakov , Gunya Alexey
Published: January 2021

The process of stationary acceleration of protons by an electric field in the electromagnetic field of active galactic nuclei, including the regions of the magnetosphere of a supermassive black hole and a relativistic jet, is considered. The process of collisionless acceleration of the proton as a component of ultrahigh‐energy cosmic rays is assumed. It is shown that during acceleration to the maximum energy γmax the main part of the energy is achieved by a proton in the magnetosphere up to in the region of the light cylinder. Further achievement of the maximum energy γmax occurs in the jet region, where, depending on the parameters of the amplitudes of the electric and magnetic fields, various acceleration regimes are possible.
General relativistic formulas for mass and spin of a Kerr black hole in terms of redshifts and orbital parameters
Authors: Herrera–Aguilar Alfredo , Lizardo–Castro Raúl , Nucamendi Ulises
Published: January 2021

We derive closed formulas for the mass M and spin a parameters of a Kerr black hole in terms of a minimal quantity of observational data: the red‐/blue‐shifts of photons emitted by massive particles (stars) moving on geodesics around the black hole and their respective orbital radius. It turns out that for a single star orbiting the black hole, we need a minimal set of four observational measurements to analytically determine both parameters. Indeed, given a set of two (three) stars revolving around the black hole, these formulas involve just eight (twelve) observational data.
Predicting manganese and iron precipitation in drinking water biofilters
Authors: Earle Martin R. , Breda Inês L. , Stoddart Amina K. , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: January 2021

Manganese is removed from drinking water because of aesthetic, health, and corrosion concerns. Like iron, manganese removal in biofilters depends on homogeneous, heterogeneous, and biological processes. This study aims to add further understanding to the importance of homogeneous processes for manganese removal in drinking water biofilters. Data collected from 10 groundwater biofilters across filter depth were analyzed using Pourbaix diagrams and thermodynamic modelling software (PHREEQC). Both methods predicted that iron would precipitate in all samples, but the predictions differed for manganese. The software approach provided a more precise look into the minerals predicted to form by homogeneous oxidation, allowing for deeper interpretation of biofilter oxidation–reduction (redox) conditions. Results suggest that multiple manganese removal mechanisms occur across biofilters, but homogeneous manganese oxidation may be essential to meet new Canadian guidelines. Utilities operating manganese removing biofilters should measure redox conditions to determine if changing biofilter pretreatment could decrease effluent manganese concentrations.

Article Impact Statement

Results of this study suggest that homogeneous manganese oxidation may be important for achieving the low effluent concentrations required by Canadian guidelines.
Radial versus femoral access for coronary interventions: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Chiarito Mauro , Cao Davide , Nicolas Johny , Roumeliotis Anastasios , Power David , Chandiramani Rishi , Sartori Samantha , Camaj Anton , Goel Ridhima , Claessen Bimmer E. , Stefanini Giulio G. , Mehran Roxana , Dangas George
Published: January 2021

Objective

It is still debated if benefits associated with radial versus femoral access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are due to the access site selection itself, operator expertise or other underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and meeting abstracts for randomized trials comparing radial versus femoral access site for coronary angiography and PCI. Primary safety endpoint was major bleeding. Coprimary efficacy endpoints were stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). This study is registered with PROSPERO.

Results

We identified 31 trials (30,096 patients, PCI performed in 21,225 patients). Radial compared to femoral access was associated with a significant risk reduction in major bleeding (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.42–0.66, I2 = 3.3%). Findings were consistent regardless of clinical characteristics or whether coronary angiography was performed with or without PCI. The benefit of radial access was significantly increased in studies published before 2010 and in patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Risk for stroke (OR 1.11, 95%CI 0.76–1.64, I2 = 0%) and MI (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.79–1.04, I2 = 0%) were comparable between the groups. Risk for mortality and vascular complications were significantly lower with radial than femoral access.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing coronary angiography and PCI, radial access is associated with a significant risk reduction in bleeding, vascular complications, and mortality compared to femoral access. The risk of stroke or MI were comparable in patients with radial or femoral access.
Use of a novel implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator multisensor algorithm for heart failure monitoring in a COVID‐19 patient: A case report
Authors: Bontempi Luca , Cerini Manuel , Salghetti Francesca , Fabbricatore Davide , Nozza Clara , Campari Monica , Valsecchi Sergio , Curnis Antonio
Published: January 2021

We report the case of a patient implanted with an implantable defibrillator endowed with a multisensor algorithm for heart failure monitoring. Automatic measurement of multiple clinical variables allowed to detect impending heart failure decompensation and showed its ability to facilitate differential diagnosis in the context of the current COVID‐19 pandemic.
The utility of intraoperative nerve monitoring in secondary and tertiary Hyperparathyroid surgery
Authors: Dudley Samuel , Nezakatgoo Nosratollah , Rist Tyler M. , Klug Theodore , Shires Courtney B.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a well‐known complication of parathyroid surgery. Despite ample data, there is still uncertainty about the role of intraoperative monitoring (IONM) in mitigating RLN damage.

Study Design

A retrospective review.

Methods

We included all patients presenting for total, subtotal, or completion parathyroidectomy at a tertiary referral hospital from 2013 to 2018. Information about demographics, previous neck surgery, perioperative data, pathology, and possible RLN injury was collected. Two groups were formed for analysis: IONM vs. nonmonitored (NM).

Results

105 patients underwent 107 surgeries with IONM utilized in 71 cases. The groups were similar in demographics, but significantly differed (all P < 0.05) in preincision parathyroid hormone level (IONM = 2091.44 vs NM = 1334.87), surgery type (IONM = 62.9% vs NM = 27.8% subtotal), and surgery length in minutes (IONM = 155.21 vs NM = 182.22). We observed six cases (6/71 = 8.45%) of persistent RLN complaints (three or more weeks postoperatively) and four cases (4/71 = 5.63%) of temporary complaints with the use of IONM compared with only one temporary complaint (1/36 = 2.78%) in unmonitored procedures (P = 0.129).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the use of IONM does not provide a protective effect on the RLN in patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism undergoing total, subtotal, or completion parathyroidectomy. Prospective, randomized studies with pre‐ and postoperative flexible laryngoscopy are needed to explore the use of IONM in this patient population further.
Prostatic tissue in 46XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Case report and literature review
Authors: Elfekih Hamza , Ben Abdelkrim Asma , Marzouk Hajer , Saad Ghada , Gasmi Ayoub , Gribaa Moez , Zaghouani Hounaida , Hasni Yosra , Maaroufi Amel
Published: January 2021

The presence of prostatic tissue, in addition to uterus and adrenal tumors, is possible in 46XX patients with CAH. Lesions of these organs are usually benign. However, complications including prostate and adrenal cancer were also reported.
para‐Selective Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Difluoroalkylation by Weak Oxazolidinone Assistance
Authors: Fang Xinyue , Tan Yuqiang , Gu Linghui , Ackermann Lutz , Ma Wenbo
Published: January 2021

Herein, we report a general and efficient method for the palladium‐catalyzed remote C(sp2)−H difluoroalkylation of N‐aryloxazolidinone derivatives with commercially available difluoroalkyl bromide. This method tolerates a wide range of functional groups with 26 examples in up to 96 % yields. Moreover, it proceeds with complete para‐selectivity. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that a single electron transfer process likely involved in this transformation.
Arsenic Adsorption on Modified Clay Minerals in Contaminated Soil and Water: Impact of pH and Competitive Anions
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Raj , Sarkar Binoy , Barman Arijit , Datta Samar Chandra , Manjaiah Kanchikeri Math
Published: January 2021

This study evaluates the arsenic adsorption behavior of Fe‐exchanged smectite and phosphate‐bound kaolinite, in soil, tap water and double distilled water in the presence of competing anions such as silicate, phosphate, and sulfate, and at variable pH values. The maximum amounts of As adsorbed in soil are 620.6 and 607.6 µg g–1 at pH 5 by Fe‐exchanged smectite and phosphate‐bound kaolinite, respectively. The pH‐modified Freundlich equation fits well (R2 > 0.96) to the adsorption data, distinguishing the effect of pH on adsorption. The coefficients of pH‐value are 0.04 and 0.05 for phosphate‐bound kaolinite and Fe‐exchanged smectite, suggesting that low pH is suitable for the adsorption. The As adsorption is decreased in tap water at low pH compared to the soil due to the presence of iron (Fe2+/3+), sulfate, and bicarbonate in tap water. Among the competing anions in distilled water, phosphate is the most interfering anion for As adsorption. The competition coefficients of As‐phosphate binary adsorption derived from the Sheindorf equation are 3.93 and 0.56 for Fe‐exchanged smectite and phosphate‐bound kaolinite at pH 5. The Fe‐exchanged smectite can be used more effectively than phosphate‐bound kaolinite for As remediation in systems having low pH (pH ≈5) and high phosphate concentration.
Phosphonate as a Stable Zinc‐Binding Group for “Pathoblocker” Inhibitors of Clostridial Collagenase H (ColH)
Authors: Voos Katrin , Schönauer Esther , Alhayek Alaa , Haupenthal Jörg , Andreas Anastasia , Müller Rolf , Hartmann Rolf W. , Brandstetter Hans , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Ducho Christian
Published: January 2021

Microbial infections are a significant threat to public health, and resistance is on the rise, so new antibiotics with novel modes of action are urgently needed. The extracellular zinc metalloprotease collagenase H (ColH) from Clostridium histolyticum is a virulence factor that catalyses tissue damage, leading to improved host invasion and colonisation. Besides the major role of ColH in pathogenicity, its extracellular localisation makes it a highly attractive target for the development of new antivirulence agents. Previously, we had found that a highly selective and potent thiol prodrug (with a hydrolytically cleavable thiocarbamate unit) provided efficient ColH inhibition. We now report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a range of zinc‐binding group (ZBG) variants of this thiol‐derived inhibitor, with the mercapto unit being replaced by other zinc ligands. Among these, an analogue with a phosphonate motif as ZBG showed promising activity against ColH, an improved selectivity profile, and significantly higher stability than the thiol reference compound, thus making it an attractive candidate for future drug development.
Biosurveillance for invasive insect pest species using an environmental DNA metabarcoding approach and a high salt trap collection fluid
Authors: Young Robert G. , Milián‐García Yoamel , Yu Jaeju , Bullas‐Appleton Erin , Hanner Robert H.
Published: January 2021

With the increase in global trade and warming patterns, the movement, introduction, and establishment of non‐native insect species has increased. A rapid and effective early detection biosurveillance program to identify species of concern is needed to reduce future impacts and costs associated with introduced non‐native species. One of the challenges facing insect surveillance trapping methods is the sheer volume of individual specimens in the collections. Although molecular identification methods are improving, they currently have limitations (e.g., destructive processing of specimens) and a protocol addressing these limitations can support regulatory applications that need morphological evidence to corroborate molecular data.

The novel protocol presented here uses a metabarcoding approach to amplify environmental DNA from a saturated salt solution trap fluid, which retains trap specimens for downstream morphological identifications. The use of a saturated salt solution to preserve specimens in traps addresses issues with the high evaporation rate of ethanol in traps, and public safety concerns with other fluid preservation options with unattended traps in public settings.

Using a metabarcoding approach, a 407‐nucleotide segment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) animal barcode region was successfully amplified from Lindgren funnel trap collection fluids. These traps were placed in forested areas to survey for wood‐boring beetles of regulatory concern. Our results displayed successful amplification of target taxa, including the molecular identification of the Japanese Beetle Popillia japonica, a species regulated in Canada. A second species, Anisandrus maiche, recently introduced to North America, was identified in every trap. The genus Lymantria, which contains numerous species of concern to North American woodlands, was also detected. Also, there were six other species identified of interest due to their potential impacts on native and crop flora and fauna.

Our results show how this protocol can be used as an efficient method for the surveillance of insects using a trap with a saturated salt solution and eDNA metabarcoding to detect species of regulatory concern.
Saproxylic insects and fungi in deciduous forests along a rural–urban gradient
Authors: Meyer Sandro , Rusterholz Hans‐Peter , Baur Bruno
Published: January 2021

Urbanization is increasing worldwide and is regarded a major threat to biodiversity in forests. As consequences of intensive human use, the vegetation structure of naturally growing urban forests and their amount of deadwood can be reduced. Deadwood is an essential resource for various saproxylic insects and fungi. We assessed the effects of urbanization and forest characteristics on saproxylic insects and fungi. We exposed standardized bundles consisting of each three freshly cut beech and oak branches in 25 forests along a rural–urban gradient in Basel (Switzerland). After an exposure of 8 months, we extracted the saproxylic insects for 10 months using an emergence trap for each bundle. We used drilling chips from each branch to determine fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs). In all, 193,534 insect individuals emerged from the experimental bundles. Our study showed that the abundance of total saproxylic insects, bark beetles, longhorn beetles, total flies, moths, and ichneumonid wasps decreased with increasing degree of urbanization, but not their species richness. However, the taxonomic composition of all insect groups combined was altered by wood moisture of branches and that of saproxylic beetles was influenced by the degree of urbanization. Unexpectedly, forest size and local forest characteristics had a minor effect on saproxylic insects. ITS (internal transcribed spacer of rDNA) analysis with fungal specific primers revealed a total of 97 fungal OTUs on the bundles. The number of total fungal OTUs decreased with increasing degree of urbanization and was affected by the volume of naturally occurring fine woody debris. The composition of fungal OTUs was altered by the degree of urbanization and pH of the branch wood. As a consequence of the altered compositions of saproxylics, the association between total saproxylic insects and fungi changed along the rural–urban gradient. Our study shows that urbanization can negatively impact saproxylic insects and fungi.
Integrated hierarchical models to inform management of transitional habitat and the recovery of a habitat specialist
Authors: Eaton Mitchell J. , Breininger David R. , Nichols James D. , Fackler Paul L. , McGee Samantha , Smurl Michelle , DeMeyer David , Baker Jonny , Zondervan Maria B.
Published: January 2021

Quantifying the contribution of habitat dynamics relative to intrinsic population processes in regulating species persistence remains an ongoing challenge in ecological and applied conservation. Understanding these drivers and their relationship is essential for managing habitat‐dependent species, especially those that specialize in transitional habitats. Limitations in the ability of natural disturbance to mediate transitional habitat dynamics have resulted in a decline in early‐ and mid‐successional vegetation structure and prompted the need for aggressive habitat management to replace natural perturbations and increase habitat structural complexity. We describe a collaborative effort with a group of independent land managers to design an adaptive management program for restoring an imperiled ecosystem and recovering declining populations of an endemic habitat specialist. We developed a set of integrated, hierarchical models to estimate management‐mediated transition rates among vegetation classes in two dominant scrub communities and the species response (local colonization and extinction probabilities) as a function of habitat state. Models were fit using a long‐term data set of habitat and occupancy observations from 361 Florida scrub‐jay territories across two Florida counties. Occupancy model results correspond closely to previous approaches of estimating differential survival and reproductive success associated with habitat conditions, with highest colonization and lowest extinction rates estimated for those habitat states found to have the highest rates of survival and reproduction. In addition to offering an innovative approach for jointly modeling habitat and species population dynamics, the program we describe will also be of interest from a management perspective by providing guidance for developing collaborative, adaptive management frameworks from the ground up. We engaged land managers via workshops to specify objectives and desired state‐variable conditions, identify management alternatives, and elicit consensus opinions on model parameters. Treating expert opinions as pseudo‐observations to define Dirichlet priors allowed us to make use of existing management knowledge. Formal learning was then accumulated by updating transition probability estimates as management activities were implemented over the study period. We believe this adaptive management framework provides a useful approach for increasing our understanding of complex ecological relationships and hope that it will be adopted by others who have interest in informing management and conservation efforts.
Impacts of two types of errors on the predictability of terrestrial carbon cycle
Authors: Sun Guodong , Mu Mu
Published: January 2021

Initial errors and model parameter errors are two of the main factors that produce uncertainties in numerical simulations and predictions. It is crucial to determine in advance which of these types of errors should be reduced to improve numerical simulations and increase their prediction skill. In this study, a fundamental issue related to studies of the predictability about terrestrial carbon cycle is discussed. The relative importance of initial errors and model parameter errors in causing the prediction uncertainty of net primary production (NPP), which is part of the terrestrial carbon cycle, is assessed. The errors in NPP predictions related to initial errors and parameter errors are evaluated within the Lund–Potsdam–Jena (LPJ) model using the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation approach for these two types of errors (CNOP‐I and CNOP‐P, respectively). This method explores the upper bounds of the prediction errors caused by initial errors and model parameter errors at a particular time in the future. The contributions of initial errors and model parameter errors to NPP prediction uncertainty are found to depend on climate backgrounds and the prediction timescale. For the moist and semimoist regions of China, initial errors play a more important role than model parameter errors in the prediction uncertainty of NPP for short prediction times. As the prediction time scale increases, model parameter errors lead to large errors in NPP predictions. However, in the arid and semiarid regions of China, the uncertainty in NPP predictions caused by model parameter errors is always larger than that caused by initial errors. The above results can be explained by analyzing variations in photosynthesis and autotrophic respiration. The numerical results also suggest that the skill of predictions of the terrestrial carbon cycle may be improved by reducing the different types of errors for different climatic regions and prediction timescales.
Development and implementation of a remote patient monitoring program for heart failure: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Baginski Bryana N. , Byrne Kaileigh A. , Vaz Dev G. , Barber Regina , Blackhurst Dawn , Tibbett Thomas P. , Guichard Jason L.
Published: January 2021

Aims

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) in the management of heart failure (HF), including telemonitoring, thoracic impedance, implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitors, and cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)‐based sensors, has had varying outcomes in single platform studies. Uncertainty remains regarding the development of single‐centre RPM programs; additionally, no studies examine the effectiveness of dual platform RPM programs for HF. This study describes the implementation and outcomes of a dual platform RPM program for HF at a single centre.

Methods and results

An RPM program was developed to include two platforms (e.g. CardioMEMS™ HF System and HeartLogic™ HF Diagnostic). To examine changes within each participant over time, study‐related outcomes including total hospitalizations (TH), total length of stay (TLOS), cardiac hospitalizations (CH), cardiac LOS (CLOS), and cardiac‐related emergency department (ED) visits were compared in two timeframes: 12 months pre‐enrolment and post‐enrolment into RPM. For 141 participants enrolled, there was a significant reduction in the likelihood of experiencing a CH by 19% (0.77 vs. 0.61 events/patient‐year; HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.97, P = 0.03) and a cardiac‐related ED visit by 28% (0.48 vs. 0.34 events/patient‐year; HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55–0.93, P = 0.01). There was also a 51% decrease (SE = 1.41, 95% CI: 2.79–8.38 days, P < 0.001) and 62% decrease (SE = 1.24, 95% CI: 3.35–8.22 days, P < 0.001) in TLOS and CLOS, respectively.

Conclusions

A dual platform RPM program for HF using structured education, RPM‐capable devices, and alert‐specific medication titration reduces the likelihood of experiencing a cardiac hospitalization and cardiac‐related ED visit in this single‐centre study.
Tumor infiltrated immune cell types support distinct immune checkpoint inhibitor outcomes in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ku Bo Mi , Kim Youjin , Lee Kyoung Young , Kim Sang‐Yeob , Sun Jong‐Mu , Lee Se‐Hoon , Ahn Jin Seok , Park Keunchil , Ahn Myung‐Ju
Published: January 2021

The evaluation of PD‐L1 expression alone has limitations in predicting clinical outcome in immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). This study aimed to evaluate the predictive and prognostic effects of the presence of various immune cells in pretreatment tissue samples and to identify determinants associated with response in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with PD‐1 blockade. Immune cell distribution was heterogeneous and the most dominant immune cell type was T cells. Patients with durable clinical benefit (DCB) showed significantly higher PD‐L1 expression. The ratio of tumor/stroma region of T cell, B cell, and macrophage was significantly higher in patient with DCB. High intratumoral T‐ and B‐cell density (≥median) was associated with DCB in the low PD‐L1 expression (<50%) group. In univariate analyses, the overall survival (OS) benefit was shown according to intratumoral B‐cell density (p = 0.0337). The incidence of hyperprogressive disease (HPD) was 13.0%. The Chi‐square test revealed that HPD was significantly associated with intratumoral B‐cell density but not T‐cell or macrophage density. Our results demonstrate different predictive and prognostic values for infiltrating immune cells in tumor tissue, which may help in selecting patients for ICI.
Synthesis, Structural, and Conformational Analysis of 4′‐C‐Alkyl‐2′‐O‐Ethyl‐Uridine Modified Nucleosides
Authors: Nikam Rahul R. , Harikrishna S. , Gore Kiran R.
Published: January 2021

Sugar modifications have attracted much attention due to their potential structural and functional influence on therapeutic nucleic acids. Herein, we report the synthesis of dual modified 4′‐C‐azidomethyl‐2′‐O‐ethyl‐uridine (4′‐AzM‐2′‐OEt−U) and 4′‐C‐aminomethyl‐2′‐O‐ethyl‐uridine (4′‐AM‐2′‐OEt−U) nucleosides using linear multi‐step synthesis (16 linear steps). Additionally, we report an alternative route for the synthesis of 2′‐O‐ethyl‐uridine nucleoside which has been achieved in three steps with an overall yield of 40 %. X‐ray structure of 4′‐AzM‐2′‐OEt−U illustrates that the nucleoside adopts C2′‐endo (South) conformation having a DNA‐type glycosidic bond (χ) angle of −116.01°. Computational studies revealed the C2′‐endo and C4′‐exo conformations for 4′‐AzM‐2′‐OEt−U and 4′‐AM‐2′‐OEt−U free nucleosides, respectively. The C4′‐exo conformation in 4′‐AM‐2′‐OEt−U free nucleoside is collectively stabilized by various non‐covalent interactions between positively charged aminomethyl and 2′,3′‐hydroxyl groups. Insights into the structural and conformational analysis of dual sugar modified nucleosides and oligonucleotides will be helpful in the rational design of modified nucleosides and therapeutic oligonucleotides.
Enhancing teaching and research skills in metal casting through a virtual casting lab
Authors: Sheikh Anwar K. , Khan Muhammad A. A. , Gasem Zuhair M. , Iqbal Hassan
Published: January 2021

This article describes the establishment of a virtual metal casting lab at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and its relevance in engineering education (teaching and research). The main objective of this work is to communicate the importance of virtual metal casting in engineering education and research, and to provide a framework for establishing and developing a lab to expand research in the area. Casting simulation softwares are briefly introduced followed by the details of setting up the lab and utilization of MAGMASoft at KFUPM. This includes methods of acquiring licenses of the software and its training, collaboration with the local industries, learning and capacity building at KFUPM at several stages. The utilization of casting simulations in undergraduate and graduate teaching, and in funded research projects reflects the continuous development of teaching and research skills of students, instructors, and researchers at the institution. Evaluation of virtual casting lab is discussed. Invigorated by encouraging results of the existing lab, an extension in the lab is proposed leading to a virtual casting quality center at KFUPM. It is expected that the results presented in this study will encourage institutes, universities, and industries in the region to develop in‐house virtual casting facilities for expanding research and development in the field.
Reality or fantasy—Perovskite semiconductor laser diodes
Authors: Gao Wei , Yu Siu Fung
Published: January 2021

Perovskite semiconductor has emerged as a promising laser gain medium; however, it is still a challenge to fabricate electrically pumped perovskite lasers due to the insufficient electrical‐to‐optical conversion efficiency. Here, the current progress on the lasing performance of optically pumped perovskite lasers is reviewed. The advancement in the control of carrier transport and recombination properties of perovskite light‐emitting diode architectures is also studied. Hence, the obstacles preventing the fabrication of perovskite laser diodes are investigated. More importantly, a strategy toward electrically driven perovskite lasers is proposed base on the successful development of organic semiconductor laser diodes.

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Renewable energy and sustainable development: Evidence from OECD countries
Authors: Güney Taner
Published: January 2021

This study aims to investigate the effects of renewable energy on GDP and sustainable development. The data of Economic Cooperation and Development Organization (OECD) countries covering the period of 1990–2015 are included in the analysis. In this study, GDP and adjusted net savings (ANS) are used as indicators of sustainable development. ANS calculation is closely related to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the concept of sustainable development. According to IV (two‐stage least square—2SLS) and two‐stage general method of moments IV (2SLS) estimates, renewable energy positively affects ANS per capita. However, non‐renewable energy negatively affects ANS per capita. Therefore, renewable energy causes an increase in sustainable development, while non‐renewable energy causes a decrease. As a result, OECD countries are recommended to prefer renewable energy rather than non‐renewable energy. OECD countries should make the necessary arrangements for the growth and development of the renewable energy sector and implement them quickly. Preferring renewable energy is extremely important to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Moringa oleifera seed pod‐based adsorbent for the removal of paracetamol from aqueous solution: A novel approach toward diversification
Authors: Ogunmodede John , Akanji Samuel Babarinde , Bello Olugbenga Solomon
Published: January 2021

The removal of paracetamol (PCM) from aqueous solution using chemically modified Moringa seed pod activated carbon (MOSPAC) was investigated. MOSPAC was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. EDX results show that carbon in MOSP is 61.69% by weight and 61.18% by atom, while MOSPAC is 78.44% by weight and 88.80% by atom. The effects of operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage, initial PCM concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature were investigated. Langmuir model described the adsorption process mostly with adsorption capacity, qo of 20.284 mg g−1. The Dubinin–Radushkevich (D‐R) isotherm showed that the mean free energy, ED‐R, ranged from 100 to 408 kJ mol−1, suggesting that the mechanism of adsorption of PCM was chemisorption in nature. Similarly, the adsorption kinetic study was adequately described by the pseudo‐second order with R2 values ranging from 0.95 to 0.9998. Thermodynamic parameters, ΔS, ΔH, and ΔG gave (+493.79 kJ mol−1 K−1, +134.8679 kJ mol−1, and −35.3681 kJ mol−1, respectively) revealed that the adsorption process is endothermic, feasible, and spontaneous. The value of Ea (>80 kJ mol−1) shows the mechanism of adsorption follows chemisorption. The cost analysis provides a simple proof that MOSPAC (40.17 USD per kg) is approximately 10 times cheaper than commercial activated carbon (398.70 USD per kg) providing a saving of 358.53 USD per kg. MOSPAC proved to be an effective adsorbent in the removal of PCM from aqueous solution. The use of functionalized Moringa seed pod in removing paracetamol drug even at very low concentration was demonstrated in this study to be efficient and cost effective.

Statement of novelty

The adsorption of paracetamol (PCM) on Moringa oleifera seed pod activated carbon (MOSPAC) was investigated.

MOSPAC adsorbent gave a higher qo value for PCM removal from aqueous solution than other similar ones.

MOSPAC is 78.44% by weight and 88.80% by atom, suggesting a promising adsorbent for PCM removal from aqueous solution
Chronic Toxicity of Cobalt to Marine Organisms: Application of a Species Sensitivity Distribution Approach to Develop International Water Quality Standards
Authors: Saili Katerine S. , Cardwell Allison S. , Stubblefield William A.
Published: January 2021

Water quality standards for cobalt (Co) have yet to be developed for the European Union or the United States. The primary objective of the present study was to produce a data set comprising marine Co toxicity data that could be used by both the European Union and the United States to determine a predicted-no-effect concentration and ambient water quality criteria, respectively. Ten marine species, ranging from algae to fish, were subjected to chronic Co toxicity tests that were designed to meet international water quality testing standards. Chronic 10% effect concentration values ranged from a low of 1.23 µg dissolved Co/L for red algae (Champia parvula) to a high of 31 800 µg dissolved Co/L for sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus). The species sensitivity ranking for chronic marine Co exposure was as follows (from most to least sensitive): C. parvula > Neanthes arenaceodentata (polychaete) > Americamysis bahia (mysid shrimp) > Skeletonema costatum (marine diatom) > Dendraster excentricus (sand dollar) > Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussel) > Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (purple sea urchin) > Crassostrea gigas (oyster) > Dunaliella tertiolecta (marine flagellate) > C. variegatus. Chronic test results indicated that invertebrate and plant species were substantially more sensitive to Co exposure than fish. The chronic toxicity data were used to calculate a species sensitivity distribution, from which a hazardous concentration 5th percentile of 7.09 µg dissolved Co/L (95% CI 0.025–47.3 µg Co/L) was derived. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1405–1418. © 2021 SETAC
Concentration Addition, Independent Action, and Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships for Chemical Mixture Toxicities of the Disinfection By products of Haloacetic Acids on the Green Alga Raphidocelis subcapitata
Authors: Qin Li-Tang , Liu Min , Zhang Xin , Mo Ling-Yun , Zeng Hong-Hu , Liang Yan-Peng
Published: January 2021

The potential toxicity of haloacetic acids (HAAs), common disinfection by products (DBPs), has been widely studied; but their combined effects on freshwater green algae remain poorly understood. The present study was conducted to investigate the toxicological interactions of HAA mixtures in the green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata and predict the DBP mixture toxicities based on concentration addition, independent action, and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. The acute toxicities of 6 HAAs (iodoacetic acid [IAA], bromoacetic acid [BAA], chloroacetic acid [CAA], dichloroacetic acid [DCAA], trichloroacetic acid [TCAA], and tribromoacetic acid [TBAA]) and their 68 binary mixtures to the green algae were analyzed in 96-well microplates. Results reveal that the rank order of the toxicity of individual HAAs is CAA > IAA ≈ BAA > TCAA > DCAA > TBAA. With concentration addition as the reference additive model, the mixture effects are synergetic in 47.1% and antagonistic in 25%, whereas the additive effects are only observed in 27.9% of the experiments. The main components that induce synergism are DCAA, IAA, and BAA; and CAA is the main component that causes antagonism. Prediction by concentration addition and independent action indicates that the 2 models fail to accurately predict 72% mixture toxicity at an effective concentration level of 50%. Modeling the mixtures by QSAR was established by statistically analyzing descriptors for the determination of the relationship between their chemical structures and the negative logarithm of the 50% effective concentration. The additive mixture toxicities are accurately predicted by the QSAR model based on 2 parameters, the octanol–water partition coefficient and the acid dissociation constant (pKa). The toxicities of synergetic mixtures can be interpreted with the total energy (ET) and pKa of the mixtures. Dipole moment and ET are the quantum descriptors that influence the antagonistic mixture toxicity. Therefore, in silico modeling may be a useful tool in predicting disinfection by-product mixture toxicities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1431–1442. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

The toxicological interactions of disinfection by-product mixtures on green algae. BAA = bromoacetic acid; CAA = chloroacetic acid; DBP = disinfection by-product; DCAA = dichloroacetic acid; IAA = iodoacetic acid; pEC50 = predicted median effect concentration; QSAR = quantitative structure–activity relationship; TBAA = tribromoacetic acid; TCAA = trichloroacetic acid.
Addition of inulin to probiotic yogurt: Viability of probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum) and sensory characteristics
Authors: Kamel Dalia G. , Hammam Ahmed R.A. , Alsaleem Khalid A. , Osman Dina M.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this work was to study the effect of different concentrations of inulin (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6%) on the viability of probiotic bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum) and sensory characteristics of probiotic yogurt. The yogurt was manufactured with Lactobacillus delbruckii ssp. bulgaricus (Lb), Streptococcus thermophilus (St), and Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb). Raw milk was received, heated to 90°C, and divided into 4 aliquots portions. All portions were inoculated with 5.11 log cfu of Lb and St combined and 5 log cfu of Bb per kg of milk. The first portion was utilized as control (T1) while 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% of inulin were added to the second (T2), third (T3), and fourth (T4) portions, respectively. All treatments were incubated at 40°C until a pH of 4.6 was reached. Subsequently, the yogurt was cooled and stored at 4°C for 16 days. Titratable acidity, total bacterial count (TBC), Bb count, yeast count, mold count, and sensory evaluation were determined during the storage. The results showed that the addition of inulin and the storage period have significant effects (p < .05) on the titratable acidity of the yogurt. The storage of control was ended after 8 days at 4°C due to the growth of molds on the surface of the samples. The TBC decreased (p < .05) over time in control from 8.28 to 7.97 log cfu/g. It was also decreased (p < .05) with increasing the concentration of inulin. However, the addition of inulin increased (p < .05) the viability of Bb during the storage, as well as, acted as an antimicrobial against molds in T2, T3, and T4. Additionally, there were no significant differences (p > .05) in the sensory evaluation of all treatments. We conclude that inulin can be utilized in the manufacturing of probiotic yogurt as a prebiotic, which, inturn, enhances the growth of Bb and increase the shelf‐life.
Porous Silica Microspheres with Immobilized Titania Nanoparticles for In‐Flow Solar‐Driven Purification of Wastewater
Authors: Marques Ana C. , Vale Mário , Vicente Daniel , Schreck Murielle , Tervoort Elena , Niederberger Markus
Published: January 2021

In this paper, inorganic silica microspheres with interconnected macroporosity are tested as a platform for designing robust and efficient photocatalytic systems for a continuous flow reactor, enabling a low cost and straightforward purification of wastewater through solar‐driven photocatalysis. The photocatalytically active microspheres are prepared by wet impregnation of porous silica scaffolds with Trizma‐functionalized anatase titania (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). NPs loading of 22 wt% is obtained in the form of a thin and well‐attached layer, covering the external surface of the microspheres as well as the internal surface of the pores. The TiO2 loading leads to an increase of the specific surface area by 26%, without impacting the typically interconnected macroporosity (≈60%) of the microspheres, which is essential for an efficient flow of the pollutant solution during the photocatalytic tests. These are carried out in a liquid medium for the decomposition of methyl orange and paracetamol. In addition to photocatalytic activity under continuous flow, the microspheres offer the advantage that they can be easily removed from the reaction medium, which is an appealing aspect for industrial applications. In this work, the typical issues of TiO2 NPs photocatalysts are circumvented, without the need for elaborate chemistries, and for low availability and expensive raw materials.