bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of mass and heat transfer of Quercus leaf particles during hydrothermal extraction
Authors: Gao Xiangyu , Guo Chensi , Chen Junying , Wang Lijun , Zhao Xiaoling , Chang Chun , Han Xiuli , Song Jiande
Published: July 2022

Mass and heat transfer models of Quercus leaf particles during hydrothermal extraction were developed in COMSOL Multiphysics. The main physical properties used in the model were measured. The results showed that the average particle size was 116.7 μm, and after soaking in water for 24 h, the average particle size increased to 127.3 μm. However, the average particle size increased from 116.7 to 132.8 μm after soaking in a 60% (v/v) ethanol solution for 40 min, and decreased to 127.3 μm after 60 min. The Quercus leaf particles have a higher ability to absorb ethanol solution than water. The simulations showed that it took 3.2 s for the ethanol concentration and 0.5 s for the temperature in the particles to tend stably after soaking in a 60% (v/v) ethanol solution at 40°C. From the edge of the particle to the centre, the increasing rates of ethanol concentration and temperature gradually slowed down, while the changing rates of the centre accelerated with the increase in solution concentration and temperature, respectively. When the particles soaked at the lowest concentration, the central concentration first reached stability, and at the lowest temperature, the centre temperature first stabilized.
Groundwater Quality Index Mapping for Irrigation Purposes in the El Hezma‐El Hmila Aquifer (Medenine, Tunisia)
Authors: Ben Brahim Fatma , Msaddki Hadhom , Bouri Salem
Published: July 2022

In the El Hezma‐El Hmila region (Southeastern Tunisia), the Mio‐Plio‐quaternary aquifer is subject to excessive extraction of groundwater, leading to drops in potentiometric surfaces and a subsequent degradation of groundwater quality. Therefore, surveys have been conducted to provide some basic information on groundwater suitability. The assessment of the water quality for agricultural purposes is the principal aim of this study. To achieve this objective, an integrated approach to processing hydrogeological and geochemical data is used. The analytical physicochemical data from wells in the study area are processed with the geographic information system (GIS) using a multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA), simulationsgraphics, and an irrigation water quality index (IWQI). The two obtained IWQI maps based on GIS‐MCDA show different quality classes. In fact, using the weighted linear combination (WLC), only two classes (medium and low suitability with 11.5 and 88.5% of the study area, respectively) are displayed, whereas the Boolean logic model reveals four classes (good, permissible, doubtful, and unsuitable) for irrigation purposes. In this regard, the obtained results areconsidered an appropriate tool for agricultural planning as well as a guide for decision makers to identify areas where irrigation can be suitable without affecting both soil and water quality.
Examination of Structural and Electrical Properties of CuO‐Doped CdO Nanocomposites Produced by the Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Yildiz Tülay , Kati Nida , Gül Büşra
Published: July 2022

In this study, pure CdO and CdO‐CuO nanopowders with different dopant concentrations are synthesized by the hydrothermal method. Structural properties of the nanopowders are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), morphological properties and elemental analyses are characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), optical properties are characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, and electrical properties are characterized by the current–voltage technique. XRD data show that nanopowders are polycrystalline and crystallinity decreases with the doping concentration. In the analysis of FESEM images, it can be concluded that the morphology of the particles is shaped as needle‐like, spherical‐like, and randomly oriented nanorods forms from the cube form. Also, by joining those nanorods, spherical‐like microstructures occur, and while the dopant concentration increases, echinus‐like forms are obtained. The energy bandgap of the nanopowders decreases with an increased dopant concentration of CuO. It is observed that the dopant concentration of CuO also changes the electrical properties.
Treatment of cracked teeth: A comprehensive narrative review
Authors: Kakka Angeliki , Gavriil Dimitrios , Whitworth John
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The term “cracked tooth” is used to describe an incomplete fracture initiated from the crown and progressing towards a subgingival direction. Despite the high prevalence of cracked teeth and their frequent association with symptoms and pulpal or periapical pathoses, there is still no consensus in the literature with regard to their restorative and endodontic management. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the most relevant research and provide an up‐to‐date comprehensive overview regarding the treatment of cracked teeth.

Materials and Methods

An electronic literature search was carried out in MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science as well as several “Grey literature” sources up to February 22nd 2022 using a combination of pre‐specified ‘free‐text' terms (keywords) and “subject headings.” The search process was supplemented by handsearching in relevant dental journals and reference lists. This narrative review focused on clinical follow‐up studies (observational or interventional studies, case series/reports), laboratory studies and systematic reviews written in English language that reported data on treatment of permanent cracked teeth. The selection of relevant studies was carried out by two reviewers (AK and DG) working independently in two consecutive stages: title/abstract screening and full‐text retrieval. Any discrepancies in the study selection were resolved by discussion between the reviewers.

Results

In total, 64 articles were selected for inclusion in this narrative review.

Conclusions

Cracked teeth with normal pulp or reversible pulpitis have exhibited high pulp and tooth survival rates by the provision of direct or indirect composite restorations. Besides, recent data favour monitoring, especially in the absence of symptoms or compromised tooth structure. When endodontic intervention is required, current evidence suggests that along with appropriate restorative management, outcomes of cracked teeth may be comparable to those of non‐cracked root filled teeth.
A bibliometric performance analysis of publication productivity in the corporate social responsibility field: Outcomes ofSciValanalytics
Authors: Cucari Nicola , Tutore Ilaria , Montera Raffaella , Profita Sofia
Published: July 2022

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) research in academia has been increasing over time, especially in recent years. Thus, the evaluation of relative research productivity is becoming increasingly relevant due to the current importance of this topic. The paper aims to investigate research productivity in the CSR field by performing a bibliometric analysis. An iterative search strategy was used to firstly identify productive CSR authors and then examine their productivity over a 5‐year period (2015–2020) using the SciVal tool by Elsevier. Drawing on the results from different bibliometric analyses, the study investigates quantitative and qualitative publication performance at the country (macro), institutional (meso) and individual (micro) levels. This study is the first bibliometric analysis on CSR that is not related to a specific journal and has a multi‐level nature by providing the groundwork in determining the knowledge structure of CSR.
Identification of growth hormone receptor as a relevant target for precision medicine in low‐EGFR expressing glioblastoma
Authors: Verreault Maïté , Segoviano Vilchis Irma , Rosenberg Shai , Lemaire Nolwenn , Schmitt Charlotte , Guehennec Jérémy , Royer‐Perron Louis , Thomas Jean‐Léon , Lam TuKiet T. , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Ducray François , Paris Sophie , Carpentier Catherine , Marie Yannick , Laigle‐Donadey Florence , Rousseau Audrey , Pigat Natascha , Boutillon Florence , Bielle Franck , Mokhtari Karima , Frank Stuart J. , de Reyniès Aurélien , Hoang‐Xuan Khê , Sanson Marc , Goffin Vincent , Idbaih Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Objective

New therapeutic approaches are needed to improve the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients.

Methods

With the objective of identifying alternative oncogenic mechanisms to abnormally activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling, one of the most common oncogenic mechanisms in GBM, we performed a comparative analysis of gene expression profiles in a series of 54 human GBM samples. We then conducted gain of function as well as genetic and pharmocological inhibition assays in GBM patient‐derived cell lines to functionnally validate our finding.

Results

We identified that growth hormone receptor (GHR) signalling defines a distinct molecular subset of GBMs devoid of EGFR overexpression. GHR overexpression was detected in one third of patients and was associated with low levels of suppressor of cytokine signalling 2 (SOCS2) expression due to SOCS2 promoter hypermethylation. In GBM patient‐derived cell lines, GHR signalling modulates the expression of proteins involved in cellular movement, promotes cell migration, invasion and proliferation in vitro and promotes tumourigenesis, tumour growth, and tumour invasion in vivo. GHR genetic and pharmacological inhibition reduced cell proliferation and migration in vitro.

Conclusion

This study pioneers a new field of investigation to improve the prognosis of GBM patients.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and cognition in persons at risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Vesperman Clayton J. , Wang Rui , Schultz Stephanie A. , Law Lena L. , Dougherty Ryan J. , Ma Yue , Oh Jennifer M. , Edwards Dorothy F. , Gallagher Catherine L. , Chin Nathaniel A. , Asthana Sanjay , Hermann Bruce P. , Sager Mark A. , Johnson Sterling C. , Cook Dane B. , Okonkwo Ozioma C.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

This study examined the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and longitudinal cognitive functioning in a cohort enriched with risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

A total of 155 enrollees in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention completed repeat comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations that assessed six cognitive domains. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was the primary measure of CRF. Random effects regression was used to investigate the effect of CRF on cognitive trajectories.

Results

Higher CRF was associated with slower decline in the cognitive domains of verbal learning and memory (P < .01) and visual learning and memory (P < .042). Secondary analyses indicated that these effects were stronger among men than women, and for noncarriers of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele.

Discussion

Higher CRF was associated with a slower rate of the decline in episodic memory that occurs as a natural consequence of aging in a cohort enriched with risk factors for AD.
Fast investigative lung cancer pathway and endobronchial ultrasound procedure supported by rapid on‐site evaluation
Authors: Khan Kashif Ali , Narine Nadira , Bailey Simon , Shelton David , Rana Durgesh
Published: July 2022

Introduction

EBUS is a well‐established tool for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer in a fast track investigative pathway. However, impact of ROSE in conjunction with EBUS on reduction of time to treatment decision (TTD) for cancer patients is less well known.

Aims

Our aim was to determine TTD which was defined as the number of working days from EBUS procedure to the discussion at sector lung multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT). Moreover, concordance of ROSE with final diagnosis was evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospective data collection in a busy teaching hospital over a four months study period (September to December 2018).

Results

Data from 112 patients was analyzed. There were 61 (54%) males. Mean age was of 70 years (range 43–91). WHO performance status was 0 in 20 (23%), 1 in 57 (51%), 2 in 22 (20%) and 3 in 7 (6%) patients. In total 522 needle passes were performed from 242 sampling sites.

Average working days to discuss at MDT after optimal EBUS sampling was 2.087 (range 0–13 working days). ROSE concordance with final cytological diagnosis was 98.4%.

The number of needle passes per site for adequate sample and diagnosis in malignant (4.929) vs non‐malignant (2.776) involvement was significantly different (p value <0.0001). There was 100% sample adequacy for preliminary diagnosis, immunohistochemistry and predictive molecular testing.

Conclusion

ROSE supported fast‐investigative pathway by reducing the time to treatment decision (TTD) making at MDT. High concordance with final cytological diagnosis makes it an effective tool to inform meaningful decision making.
Molecular testing of soft tissue tumors
Authors: Rottmann Douglas , Abdulfatah Eman , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: July 2022

Background

The diagnosis of soft tissue tumors is challenging, especially when the evaluable material procured is limited. As a result, diagnostic ancillary testing is frequently needed. Moreover, there is a trend in soft tissue pathology toward increasing use of molecular results for tumor classification and prognostication. Hence, diagnosing newer tumor entities such as CIC‐rearranged sarcoma explicitly requires molecular testing. Molecular testing can be accomplished by in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, as well as next generation sequencing, and more recently such testing can even be accomplished leveraging an immunohistochemical proxy.

Conclusion

This review evaluates the role of different molecular tests in characterizing soft tissue tumors belonging to various cytomorphologic categories that have been sampled by small biopsy and cytologic techniques.
Platyfish bypass the constraint of the caudal fin ventral identity in teleosts
Authors: Rees Lana , König Désirée , Jaźwińska Anna
Published: July 2022

Background: The caudal fin of teleosts is characterized by dorsoventral symmetry. Despite this external morphology, the principal rays of this appendage connect to bones below the notochord, indicating the ventral (hypochordal) identity of this organ. Results: Here, we report that this typical architecture of the caudal fin is not fully conserved in the platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) and the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), representatives of the Poeciliidae family. We show that in these species, 3–4 principal rays connect to bones above the notochord, suggesting an epichordal contribution. Consistently, as examined in platyfish, dorsal identity genes zic1/4 were highly expressed in these rays, providing molecular evidence of their epichordal origin. Developmental analysis revealed that the earliest rays above the notochord emerge at the 10‐ray stage of fin morphogenesis. In contrast to zebrafish and medaka, platyfish and guppies display a mirrored shape of dorsal and ventral processes of the caudal endoskeleton. Our study suggests that an ancestral bauplan expanded in poeciliids by advancing its symmetrical pattern. Conclusion: The platyfish evolved a fin architecture with the epichordal origin of its upper principal rays and a high level of symmetry in the caudal endoskeleton. This innovative architecture highlights the adaptation of the teleost skeleton.
The climate change mitigation potential of annual grasslands under future climates
Authors: Mayer Allegra , Silver Whendee L.
Published: July 2022

Composted manure and green waste amendments have been shown to increase net carbon (C) sequestration in rangeland soils and have been proposed as a means to help lower atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, the effect of climate change on soil organic C (SOC) stocks and greenhouse gas emissions in rangelands is not well understood, and the viability of climate change mitigation strategies under future conditions is even less certain. We used a process‐based biogeochemical model (DayCent) at a daily time step to explore the long‐term effects of potential future climate changes on C and greenhouse gas dynamics in annual grassland ecosystems. We then used the model to explore how the same ecosystems might respond to climate change following compost amendments to soils and determined the long‐term viability of net SOC sequestration under changing climates. We simulated net primary productivity (NPP), SOC, and greenhouse gas fluxes across seven California annual grasslands with and without compost amendments. We drove the DayCent simulations with field data and with site‐specific daily climate data from two Earth system models (CanESM2 and HadGEM‐ES) and two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) through 2100. NPP and SOC stocks in unamended and amended ecosystems were surprisingly insensitive to projected climate changes. A one‐time amendment of compost to rangeland acted as a slow‐release organic fertilizer and increased NPP by up to 390–814 kg C ha−1 year−1 across sites. The amendment effect on NPP was not sensitive to Earth system model or emissions scenario and endured through the end of the century. Net SOC sequestration amounted to 1.96 ± 0.02 Mg C ha−1 relative to unamended soils at the maximum amendment effect. Averaged across sites and scenarios, SOC sequestration peaked 22 ± 1 years after amendment and declined but remained positive throughout the century. Though compost stimulated nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, the cumulative net emissions (in CO2 equivalents) due to compost were far less than the amount of SOC sequestered. Compost amendments resulted in a net climate benefit of 69.6 ± 0.5 Tg CO2e 20 ± 1 years after amendment if applied to similar ecosystems across the state, amounting to 39% of California's rangeland. These results suggest that the biogeochemical benefits of a single amendment of compost to rangelands in California are insensitive to climate change and could contribute to decadal‐scale climate change mitigation goals alongside emissions reductions.
Herbivory mediates direct and indirect interactions in long‐unburned chaparral
Authors: Fox Laurel R. , Potts Stephen E.
Published: July 2022

Community interaction webs describe both direct and indirect interactions among species. Changes in direct interactions often become noticeable soon after a perturbation, but time lags in the responses of many species may delay the appearance of indirect effects and lead to temporal or spatial variation in interaction webs. Accurately identifying these shifts in the field requires time‐specific, spatially differentiated interaction webs. We explore how variation in browsing affects interaction webs in a long‐unburned chaparral shrubland near the central California coast. Most prior work in chaparral focused on rapid changes for <5 years after a wildfire that were assumed to determine community patterns until the next fire. Here, we report the results of the first 15 years of an ongoing experiment monitoring how interaction webs in long‐unburned chaparral (at least 100 years postfire) respond to experimental variation in browsing by deer and rabbits on dominant shrubs (Arctostaphylos pumila, Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus, and Ericameria ericoides). We hypothesized that variation in browsing would directly affect foodplants, indirectly modify growth and survival of other shrubs, and impact habitat needed by herbaceous plants. We found a dynamic web of plant–herbivore and plant–plant interactions that responded rapidly to changes in deer browsing on Ceanothus followed by indirect interactions that continued developing over several years, affecting shrubs, open space, herbaceous plants, and small mammals. Experimental variation in the intensity of deer browsing led to temporal and spatial changes in interactions that produced three different community interaction webs. With deer, community webs were complex, having numerous direct and indirect interactions. Removing deer simplified the community web, changed outcomes of interactions, and reduced open space and herbaceous plant densities. Finally, changes in Ceanothus morphology without deer allowed woodrats to browse these shrubs, with negative impacts on Ceanothus growth and survival. General field observations also showed that all three alternative interaction webs occurred naturally at our fieldsite, varying across space and over time. Long‐unburned chaparral communities browsed by deer maintain high biological diversity, but maintenance of this diversity involves many key direct and indirect biotic interactions.
Character displacement when natural selection pushes in only one direction
Authors: McPeek Mark A. , McPeek Sarah J. , Fu Feng
Published: July 2022

The usual conception of character displacement is of resource competitors differentiating to specialize on different prey in order to reduce competition. However, traits that underlie many predator–prey interactions, such as chase‐evade speeds, gape limitation, and toxin concentrations, do not permit such specialization, but instead result in unidirectional evolutionary arms races. Here, we develop and analyze an evolutionary model of predator–prey interactions to explore whether character displacement will still occur when such unidirectional traits define the species interactions, and if so, what environmental conditions foster or retard differentiation. Character displacement in predators and prey does occur, and this differentiation is driven by fitness component trade‐offs. Instead of specialization or compartmentalization in which different sets of species have strong interactions, differentiation in this model causes a nested community structure in which species of predators and prey have the same rank interaction strengths with species at the other trophic level. Also, analyses of the model predict that character displacement is fostered in environments with higher productivity, weaker stressors, and lower structural complexity. Model comparisons suggest that character displacement should occur over a broader set of environmental conditions when traits permit prey specialization than when traits foster arms races. These results highlight how different types of phenotypic traits that underlie species interactions shape the species diversification and the structure of the resulting community.
Introducing zoid: A mixture model and R package for modeling proportional data with zeros and ones in ecology
Authors: Jensen Alexander J. , Kelly Ryan P. , Anderson Eric C. , Satterthwaite William H. , Shelton Andrew Olaf , Ward Eric J.
Published: July 2022

Many ecological data sets are proportional, representing mixtures of constituent elements such as species, populations, or strains. Analyses of proportional data are challenged by categories with zero observations (zeros), all observations (ones), and overdispersion. In lieu of ad hoc data adjustments, we describe and evaluate a zero‐and‐one inflated Dirichlet regression model, with its corresponding R package (zoid), capable of handling observed data consisting of three possible categories: zeros, proportions, or ones. Instead of fitting the model to observations of single biological units (e.g., individual organisms) within a sample, we sum proportional contributions across units and estimate mixture proportions using one aggregated observation per sample. Optional estimation of overdispersion and covariate influences expand model applications. We evaluate model performance, as implemented in Stan, using simulations and two ecological case studies. We show that zoid successfully estimates mixture proportions using simulated data with varying sample sizes and is robust to overdispersion and covariate structure. In empirical case studies, we estimate the composition of a mixed‐stock Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fishery and analyze the stomach contents of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Our implementation of the model as an R package facilitates its application to varied ecological data sets composed of proportional observations.
Heart failure caused by Takayasu's arteritis in the time of COVID‐19: a case report
Authors: Rácz Ágnes Orsolya , Szabó Gábor Tamás , Erdei Nóra , Győry Ferenc , Kolozsvári Rudolf Viktor
Published: July 2022

The case of a 35‐year‐old female with heart failure is presented, where the symptoms overlap with the heterogeneous manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Those similarities and a recent shift in priorities during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic delayed the recognition of acute heart failure in this patient. During the differential diagnostic process, obliterative disease was discovered in the bilateral subclavian and right renal arteries, and the latter resulted in uncontrolled hypertension, which played a significant role in the development of heart failure. The aetiology of vascular alterations turned out to be Takayasu's arteritis. Diagnosing Takayasu's arteritis is typically not straightforward due to its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Therefore, it can be concluded from our case report that the rising incidence of COVID‐19 and focus on ruling out infection can potentially defer alternative, but appropriate diagnostic tests, particularly for certain conditions like rare diseases. Early identification and intervention is especially important for treating acute heart failure, whereas delay increases the risk of severe complications and mortality.
A New Route toE‐Stilbenes through the Transition‐Metal‐Free KOtBu/DMF‐Promoted Direct Coupling of Alcohols with Phenyl Acetonitriles
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Sotiropoulos Jean‐Marc , Taillefer Marc
Published: July 2022

An alternative route to synthesise alkenes, based only on the KOtBu/DMF promoted activation and direct coupling of alcohols with phenyl acetonitriles, is reported. VariousE‐stilbenes have thus been obtained directly from alcohols that are sustainable sources of carbon, which to our knowledge, is unprecedented in the absence of transition metal based catalysts. A variation allowing, through a Csp3−Csp3bond formation, the selective synthesis ofN‐Heteroarenes is also described. A mechanism for the olefination pathway proceeding via an original activation of alcohols under alkyl formates is provided.
Wearable Electrochemical Sensors Based on Nanomaterials for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Tong Xin , Ga Lu , Bi Li‐getu , Ai Jun
Published: July 2022

Wearable electrochemical sensors have attracted great interest in health care applications because of their flexibility, biocompatibility, low cost and light weight. This review briefly focuses on the main concepts and methods that are related to the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in wearable electrochemical sensors. Moreover, attempts to bring together different perspectives and terms that are commonly used in NPs‐based wearable electrochemical sensors along with the introduction and discussion of common manufacturing methods and recent achievements. In the end, future challenges and prospects are also discussed on the development of wearable electrochemical sensors based on nanoparticles.
Study of electrochemical sensor and energy storage properties of MnTiO3 nano‐perovskite
Authors: Sharma Arti , Kumar Neeraj , Malik Javied Hamid , Bhat Aadil Ahmad , Tomar Radha
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we report the synthesis of MnTiO3 nanoparticles employing a simple, eco‐friendly and low‐cost hydrothermal method. The properties of MnTiO3 nanoparticles were analysed by XRD, FTIR, FE‐SEM, TEM and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Structural properties revealed that the MnTiO3 have rhombohedral phase. Morphological studies revealed that the synthesised sample has granular‐like structure. FTIR technique confirmed the formation of MnTiO3 nanoparticles. TGA shows that the as synthesised sample is thermally more stable. The electrochemical detection of acetaminophen (AMP) by using nano‐perovskite‐type manganese titanate (MnTiO3)‐modified glassy carbon electrode is reported. The conductive behaviour of MnTiO3‐modified glassy carbon electrode (MnTiO3/GCE) was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed for the detection of AMP. DPV technique showed a comparatively lower detection potential with a higher peak response towards AMP sensing with a linear range of 1.3 to 13.8 μM. The limit of detection and sensitivity were found 1.26 μM and 36.22 μA μM−1 m−2, respectively. Moreover, the modified electrode also demonstrated better repeatability, reproducibility and higher stability, hence used for the analysis of AMP in pharmaceutical and human serum samples with good recoveries. Electrochemical properties showed that the MnTiO3 perovskite has specific capacitance 357.2 F g−1 revealing its charge storing ability.
Acute inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐type 4 cation channel halts cytoskeletal dynamism in microglia
Authors: Beeken Jolien , Mertens Melanie , Stas Nathan , Kessels Sofie , Aerts Liese , Janssen Bieke , Mussen Femke , Pinto Silvia , Vennekens Rudi , Rigo Jean‐Michel , Nguyen Laurent , Brône Bert , Alpizar Yeranddy A.
Published: July 2022

Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, are highly motile cells that support brain development, provision neuronal signaling, and protect brain cells against damage. Proper microglial functioning requires constant cell movement and morphological changes. Interestingly, the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel, a calcium‐permeable channel, is involved in hypoosmotic morphological changes of retinal microglia and regulates temperature‐dependent movement of microglial cells both in vitro and in vivo. Despite the broad functions of TRPV4 and the recent findings stating a role for TRPV4 in microglial movement, little is known about how TRPV4 modulates cytoskeletal remodeling to promote changes of microglial motility. Here we show that acute inhibition of TRPV4, but not its constitutive absence in the Trpv4 KO cells, affects the morphology and motility of microglia in vitro. Using high‐end confocal imaging techniques, we show a decrease in actin‐rich filopodia and tubulin dynamics upon acute inhibition of TRPV4 in vitro. Furthermore, using acute brain slices we demonstrate that Trpv4 knockout microglia display lower ramification complexity, slower process extension speed and consequently smaller surveyed area. We conclude that TRPV4 inhibition triggers a shift in cytoskeleton remodeling of microglia influencing their migration and morphology.
Acute hemodynamic response to propranolol predicts bleeding and nonbleeding decompensation in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Hofer Benedikt S. , Simbrunner Benedikt , Bauer David J. M. , Paternostro Rafael , Schwabl Philipp , Scheiner Bernhard , Semmler Georg , Hartl Lukas , Jachs Mathias , Datterl Barbara , Staettermayer Albert F. , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas
Published: July 2022

Nonselective beta‐blockers are used as prophylaxis for variceal bleeding in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). The acute hemodynamic response to intravenous propranolol (i.e., ≥10% reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG]) is linked to a decreased risk of variceal bleeding. In this study, we aimed to investigate the overall prognostic value of an acute response in compensated and decompensated ACLD. We analyzed the long‐term outcome of prospectively recruited patients with ACLD following a baseline HVPG measurement with an intraprocedural assessment of the acute hemodynamic response to propranolol. Overall, we included 98 patients with ACLD (mean ± SD age, 56.4 ± 11.5 years; 72.4% decompensated; 88.8% varices; mean ± SD HVPG, 19.9 ± 4.4 mm Hg) who were followed for a median of 9.6 (interquartile range, 6.5–18.2) months. Fifty‐seven patients (58.2%) demonstrated an acute hemodynamic response to propranolol that was associated with a decreased risk of variceal bleeding (at 12 months, 3.6% vs. 15% in nonresponder; log‐rank, p = 0.038) and hepatic decompensation (at 12 months, 23% vs. 33% in nonresponder; log‐rank, p = 0.096). On multivariate analysis, the acute response was an independent predictor of first/further hepatic decompensation (adjusted hazards ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–0.70; p = 0.005). Importantly, there was a tendency toward a prolonged transplant‐free survival in acute responders compared to nonresponders (34.2; 95% CI, 29.2–39.2 vs. 25.2; 95% CI, 19.8–30.6 months; log‐rank, p = 0.191). Conclusions: Patients with ACLD who achieve an acute hemodynamic response to intravenous propranolol experience a lower risk of variceal bleeding and nonbleeding hepatic decompensation events compared to nonresponders. An assessment of the acute hemodynamic response to intravenous propranolol provides important prognostic information in ACLD.
Impact of measuring quantification of blood loss versus estimation of blood loss during cesarean deliveries
Authors: Bhatt Akshay , Hughes‐Hogan Logan , Mitchell Takiyah , Nair Singh , Chuang Meleen , Chen Steven L. , Reddy Shamantha
Published: July 2022

Objective

Our objective was to determine whether there is a numerical difference between quantitative blood loss (QBL) versus visual estimation of blood loss (EBL) during cesarean delivery (CD), and whether initiation of QBL leads to increased recognition and intervention for postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 250 patients undergoing CD with only EBL documented and 250 patients undergoing CD with both EBL and QBL documented at Montefiore Medical Center between October 2017 and November 2018. Since May 2018, the protocol for all CD included documentation of EBL and QBL.

Results

Average EBL when documented alone (897.0 ml ± 301.0 ml) trended lower than average EBL when documented with QBL (940.0 ml ± 371.0 ml, P = 0.161). For CD with both blood loss documented, average EBL (940.0 ml ± 371.0 ml) was significantly lower than average QBL (1065.3 ml ± 649.8 ml, P = 0.0001). CD with both blood loss documented had a greater number of blood transfusions (24 CD, 9.6%) versus only EBL documented (14 CD, 5.6%) (P = 0.125).

Conclusion

The use of QBL may function in the algorithm to determine up‐front resuscitative intervention to improve maternal outcomes and merits further study.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes following induction of labor for fetal growth restriction: Extra‐amniotic balloon versus prostaglandins
Authors: Hochberg Alyssa , Amikam Uri , Krispin Eyal , Wiznitzer Arnon , Hadar Eran , Salman Lina
Published: July 2022

Objective

To compare perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) undergoing induction of labor by extra‐amniotic balloon (EAB) versus prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of women with singleton pregnancies and FGR, undergoing induction at term via EAB, PGE2, or both, at a single medical center (2014–2017). Primary outcome was rate of cesarean deliveries (CDs). Secondary outcomes included composite maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results

Overall, 266 women met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 131 (49.2%) underwent induction by PGE2, 116 (43.6%) by EAB, and 19 (7.14%) by both methods. No differences were noted in baseline characteristics. Rate of CD (17.24% vs. 6.11% vs. 10.53%, P = 0.022) and maternal composite outcome (18.97% vs. 6.11% vs. 10.53%, P < 0.01) were higher among women who underwent induction by EAB compared with PGE2 or both. No difference was noted between groups in neonatal outcomes. In a multivariable logistic regression, rates of cesarean delivery and composite maternal outcome were no longer higher in the EAB group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–4.16, P = 0.260; and aOR 1.94, 95% CI 0.84–4.45, P = 0.120, respectively).

Conclusion

EAB and PGE2 have comparable maternal and neonatal outcomes when used for induction of labor due to FGR.
Are sexual and reproductive health and rights taught in medical school? Results from a global survey
Authors: Endler Margit , Al‐Haidari Taghreed , Benedetto Chiara , Chowdhury Sameena , Christilaw Jan , El Kak Faysal , Galimberti Diana , Gutierrez Miguel , Ibrahim Shaimaa , Kumari Shantha , McNicholas Colleen , Flores Desiré Mostajo , Muganda John , Ramirez‐Negrin Atziri , Senanayake Hemantha , Sohail Rubina , Temmerman Marleen , Gemzell Danielsson Kristina
Published: July 2022

Our aim was to investigate the inclusion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) topics in medical curricula and the perceived need for, feasibility of, and barriers to teaching SRHR. We distributed a survey with questions on SRHR content, and factors regulating SRHR content, to medical universities worldwide using chain referral. Associations between high SRHR content and independent variables were analyzed using unconditional linear regression or χ2 test. Text data were analyzed by thematic analysis. We collected data from 219 respondents, 143 universities and 54 countries. Clinical SRHR topics such as safe pregnancy and childbirth (95.7%) and contraceptive methods (97.2%) were more frequently reported as taught compared with complex SRHR topics such as sexual violence (63.8%), unsafe abortion (65.7%), and the vulnerability of LGBTQIA persons (23.2%). High SRHR content was associated with high‐income level (P = 0.003) and low abortion restriction (P = 0.042) but varied within settings. Most respondents described teaching SRHR as essential to the health of society. Complexity was cited as a barrier, as were cultural taboos, lack of stakeholder recognition, and dependency on fees and ranking.
Persistent and transient efficiency of the chemical fertilizer firms in China: Does ownership matter?
Authors: Zhang Xiaoheng , Huangfu Bingyu , Min Shi
Published: July 2022

The chemical fertilizer industry has made great contributions to China's food security. Existing studies mainly focus on evaluating fertilizer use efficiency at the farm level whereas little is known about the technical efficiency of Chinese firms producing fertilizer. Based on the Chinese Industrial Enterprise Database (CIED) and the Generalized True Random Effects model (GTRE), this paper estimates and decomposes the technical efficiency of Chinese fertilizer‐producing firms. Results show technical efficiency increased from 0.883 in 1998 to 0.930 in 2007, with an average of 0.898. The growth rate of persistent efficiency is lower than that of transient efficiency, implying structural problems exist in the Chinese fertilizer industry. Moreover, ownership type and firms' entry and exit are exogenous determinants of technical inefficiency. State‐owned firms perform much worse on technical efficiency. The entry of efficient firms and exit of inefficient firms, especially the exit of inefficient state‐owned firms, have improved the technical efficiency significantly.
Automatized protocol and interface to simulate QM/MM time‐resolved transient absorption at TD‐DFT level with COBRAMM
Authors: Avagliano Davide , Bonfanti Matteo , Nenov Artur , Garavelli Marco
Published: July 2022

We present a series of new implementations that we recently introduced in COBRAMM, the open‐source academic software developed in our group. The goal of these implementations is to offer an automatized workflow and interface to simulate time‐resolved transient absorption (TA) spectra of medium‐to‐big chromophore embedded in a complex environment. Therefore, the excited states absorption and the stimulated emission are simulated along nonadiabatic dynamics performed with trajectory surface hopping. The possibility of treating systems from medium to big size is given by the use of time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) and the presence of the environment is taken into account employing a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) scheme. The full implementation includes a series of auxiliary scripts to properly setup the QM/MM system, the calculation of the wavefunction overlap along the dynamics for the propagation, the evaluation of the transition dipole moment at linear response TD‐DFT level, and scripts to setup, run and analyze the TA from an ensemble of trajectories. Altogether, we believe that our implementation will open the door to the easily simulate the time‐resolved TA of systems so far computationally inaccessible.
JNK pathway‐associated phosphatase in acute ischemic stroke patients: Its correlation with T helper cells, clinical properties, and recurrence risk
Authors: Zhao Ping , Huo Huiyong , Li Juntao , Zhang Wenchao , Liu Chao , Jin Bei , Wang Huijuan , Wang Chaohui
Published: July 2022

Objective

JKAP modifies T‐cell immune response and inflammation, also involves in cardia‐cerebrovascular disease etiology. This study intended to explore JKAP's relation with T‐helper 1 (Th1), T‐helper 17 (Th17) cell levels, clinical properties, and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Methods

A total of 155 AIS patients were analyzed. Serum JKAP, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) were detected by ELISA; then blood Th1 and Th17 cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Besides, 30 healthy subjects were enrolled as controls to detect JKAP, Th1, and Th17 cells.

Results

JKAP level was lower (p < 0.001), Th1 cells were not differed (p = 0.068), but Th17 cells were elevated in AIS patients versus controls (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, JKAP was negatively correlated with Th1 cells (p = 0.038), Th17 cells (P<0.001), IFN‐γ (p = 0.002), and IL‐17A (p < 0.001) in AIS patients. JKAP was negatively associated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p < 0.001), but Th17 cells (p = 0.001), IFN‐γ (p = 0.035), and IL‐17A (p = 0.008) levels were positively associated with NIHSS score. Additionally, accumulating RFS was numerically longer in patients with JKAP Quantile (Q) 4 than patients with JKAP Q1–Q3 (p = 0.068), and numerically better in patients with JKAP Q3–Q4 than patients with JKAP Q1–Q2 (p = 0.069), but without statistical significance.

Conclusion

JKAP correlates with lower Th1 and Th17 cell percentages as well as milder disease severity.
Computational construction of TME‐related lncRNAs signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Libin , Fang Hualong , Guo Fei , Yin Min , Long Huimin , Weng Guobin
Published: July 2022

Background

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely related to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) prognosis, and immunotherapy response. In current study, comprehensive bio‐informative analysis was adopted to construct a TME‐related lncRNA signature for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted drug responses in ccRCC patients.

Methods

The TME mRNAs were screened following the immune and stromal scores with the data from GSE15641, GSE29609, GSE36895, GSE46699, GSE53757, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). And the TME‐related lncRNAs were recognized using correlation analysis. The TME‐related lncRNAs prognostic model was constructed using the training dataset. Kaplan–Meier analysis, principal‐component analysis, and time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic were used to evaluate the risk model. The immune cell infiltration in TME was evaluated using the single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), ESTIMATE, and microenvironment cell populations counter algorithm. The immunophenoscore (IPS) was used to assess the response to immunotherapy with the constructed model.

Results

In the current study, 364 TME‐related lncRNAs were selected based on the integrated bioinformatical analysis. Six TME‐related lncRNAs (LINC00460, LINC01094, AC008870.2, AC068792.1, and AC007637.1) were identified as the prognostic signature in the training dataset and subsequently verified in the testing and entire datasets. Patients in the high‐risk group exhibited poor overall survival and disease‐free survival than those in the low‐risk group. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year areas under the curves of the prognostic signature in the entire dataset were 0.704, 0.683, and 0.750, respectively. The risk score independently predicted ccRCC survival based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression. GSEA analysis suggested that the high‐risk group was concentrated on immune‐related pathways. The high‐risk group were characterized by high immune cell infiltration, high TMB and somatic mutation counters, high IPS‐PD‐1 + CTLA4 scores, and immune checkpoints expression upregulation, reflecting the higher ICIs response. The half inhibitory concentrations of sunitinib, temsirolimus, and rapamycin were low in the high‐risk group.

Conclusion

The TME‐related lncRNAs signature constructed could reliably predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response and targeted ccRCC patients' therapy.
Global distribution of treatment resistance gene markers for leishmaniasis
Authors: Salari Samira , Bamorovat Mehdi , Sharifi Iraj , Almani Pooya Ghasemi Nejad
Published: July 2022

Background

Pentavalent antimonials (Sb(V)) such as meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) and sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®) are used as first‐line treatments for leishmaniasis, either alone or in combination with second‐line drugs such as amphotericin B (Amp B), miltefosine (MIL), methotrexate (MTX), or cryotherapy. Therapeutic aspects of these drugs are now challenged because of clinical resistance worldwide.

Methods

We reviewedthe recent original studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases such as Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science.

Results

Studies on molecular biomarkers involved in drug resistance are essential for monitoring the disease. We reviewed genes and mechanisms of resistance to leishmaniasis, and the geographical distribution of these biomarkers in each country has also been thoroughly investigated.

Conclusion

Due to the emergence of resistant genes mainly in anthroponotic Leishmania species such as L. donovani and L. tropica, as the causative agents of ACL and AVL, respectively, selection of an appropriate treatment modality is essential. Physicians should be aware of the presence of such resistance for the selection of proper treatment modalities in endemic countries.
Cu/CuOx@C for efficient selective transfer hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol with formic acid
Authors: Wang Tong , Suo Wei , Qu Miaomiao , Li Fang , Sun Shujuan , Xue Wei , Wang Yanji
Published: July 2022

Background

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation has been increasingly employed as an effective and safe method for biomass upgrading; however, relying on biomass‐derived formic acid (FA) as hydrogen source has rarely been studied, especially in the production of furfuryl alcohol (FOL) from biomass‐derived furfural (FF) via selective hydrogenation, which is challenging due to diverse unsaturated groups. Herein, in situ encapsulation and stabilization of Cu/CuOx in a porous carbon matrix (Cu/CuOx@C) was reported for the first time and applied in the hydrogenation of FF to FOL with FA.

Results

Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the effect of pyrolysis temperature on Cu/CuOx@C, since the temperature can be adjusted to control the reduction of the catalyst to give different Cu0/Cun+ ratios. The optimal catalyst Cu/CuOx@C‐450 gave a 99.1% FF conversion and 98% FOL selectivity under suitable reaction conditions, exhibiting excellent activity that was even better than those of noble metal catalysts. Further, density functional theory calculations were used to reveal the effect of Cu species on FA decomposition and final catalytic performance.

Conclusion

The catalytic activity of Cu/CuOx@C was influenced by the pyrolysis temperature of the catalyst precursor, and its good performance was mainly attributed to a high dispersion of accessible catalytic Cu/CuOx nanoparticles on the porous carbon and to an appropriate Cu0/Cun+ ratio. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).