bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of an indirect ELISA method for antibody detection of porcine pseudorabies by recombinant gB, gC, and gD proteins
Authors: Wu Xuemin , Chen Rujing , Chen Qiuyong , Che Yongliang , Yan Shan , Zhou Lunjiang , Wang Longbai
Published: October 2022

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), as a neuroherpes virus, leads to heavy economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. This study was designed to establish recombinant PRV glycoprotein B (gB), C, and D proteins as PRV diagnostic antigens. The gB/C, gC/D, and gB/C/D fusion sequences were synthesized and inserted into pET‐28a+ vector to generate the recombinant plasmids. The identified positive recombinant plasmids were transformed into BL21 Escherichia coli. The results of the polymerase chain reaction and enzyme digestion showed that the gB/C, gC/D, and gB/C/D fusion proteins were successfully expressed. An indirect sandwich ELISA was developed with the gB/C, gC/D, and gB/C/D as coating antigens. The results of indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of 184 PRV‐positive porcine sera showed that the positive coincidence rates of three recombinant proteins ELISAs relative to IDEXX kit were 98.25%, 95.32%, and 98.83%, and the negative coincidence rates were 85.71%, 75% and 100%, respectively. The inter and intra batch repeatability tests showed that the coefficient of variations of our kits were all less than 5%. Especially, the gB/C/D‐ELISA has the highest specificity and sensitivity among the ELISA methods developed in this study. We established a series expression system of gB/C, gC/D, and gB/C/D antigen epitope genes and Recombinant protein‐based indirect ELISA, providing new ideas for PV diagnosis and vaccine development.
Spatial and temporal characteristics of various cold surges over China during 1962–2018
Authors: Ma Li , Wei Zhigang , Li Xianru
Published: October 2022

The cold surge (CS) is an extreme climate event that frequently affects China. By using a 0.25° × 0.25° gridded observation dataset provided by the China Meteorological Administration (CN05.1), this paper investigates the spatial–temporal characteristics of various CSs in China during 1962–2018. According to the duration and coverage area (CA), CSs are classified into the short‐lived cold surges (SLCSs), the persistent cold surges (PCSs) and the extensive and persistent cold surges (EPCSs). They are also divided into the weak cold surges (WCSs), the strong cold surges (SCSs) and the super strong cold surges (SSCSs) based on the temperature drop (ΔT). The extreme cold surges (ECSs) are also defined and occur 38 times over 57 years. The total CSs and various CSs all display patterns of higher frequencies in the northeast and lower frequencies in the southwest. Northeast China and Inner Mongolia are frequently hit by various CSs, but the frequencies show overall downward trends in the regions during 1962–2018. The ΔT of the total CSs and ECSs both show significant decreasing trends in the whole of China from 1962 to 2018. From 1962 to 2018, the annual frequency and the ΔT of the total CSs both show decreasing trends. SLCSs and WCSs frequencies show overall increasing trends, but other kinds of CSs show overall decreasing trends. The annual frequencies of the total CSs and various CSs all have trend abrupt changes around 2000. The ΔT of ECSs shows a sharply increasing trend during 1962–2018. The total CSs and all kinds of CSs frequencies have a significant periodic oscillation. ECSs occur most in February. The total CSs and other kinds of CSs occur most in January. There are obvious differences between the multiyear average ECSs frequencies before 2000 and after 2000.
Single‐cell RNAseq provides insight into altered immune cell populations in human fracture nonunions
Authors: Avin Keith G. , Dominguez James M. , Chen Neal X. , Hato Takashi , Myslinski Jered J. , Gao Hongyu , Liu Yunlong , McKinley Todd O. , Brown Krista M. , Moe Sharon M. , Natoli Roman M.
Published: October 2022

Nonunion describes bone fractures that fail to heal, resulting in the fracture callus failing to fully ossify or, in atrophic cases, not forming altogether. Fracture healing is regulated, in part, by the balance of proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory processes occurring within the bone marrow and surface cell populations. We sought to further understand the role of osteoimmunology (i.e., study of the close relationship between the immune system and bone) by examining immune cell gene expression via single‐cell RNA sequencing of intramedullary canal tissue obtained from human patients with femoral nonunions. Intramedullary canal tissue samples obtained by reaming were collected at the time of surgical repair for femur fracture nonunion (n = 5) or from native bone controls when harvesting autologous bone graft (n = 4). Cells within the samples were isolated and analyzed using the Chromium Single‐Cell System (10x Genomics Inc.) and Illumina sequencers. Twenty‐three distinct cell clusters were identified, with higher cell proportions in the nonunion samples for monocytes and CD14 + dendritic cells (DCs), and lower proportions of T cells, myelocytes, and promyelocytes in nonunion samples. Gene expression differences were identified in each of the cell clusters from cell types associated with osteoimmunology, including CD14 + DC, monocytes, T cells, promyelocytes, and myelocytes. These results provide human‐derived gene profiles that can further our understanding of pathways that may be a cause or a consequence of nonunion, providing the clinical rationale to focus on specific components of osteoimmunology. Clinical significance: The novel single‐cell approach may lead to clinically relevant diagnostic biomarkers during earlier stages of nonunion development and/or investigation into therapeutic options.
Platelet‐rich plasma versus corticosteroid injections in the management of patients with rotator cuff disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Adra Maamoun , El Ghazal Nour , Nakanishi Hayato , Smayra Karen , Hong Sam S. , Miangul Shahid , Matar Reem H. , Than Christian A. , Tennent Duncan
Published: October 2022

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an alternative to corticosteroid (CS) injections in managing rotator cuff disease. This meta‐analysis investigated differences between PRP and CS for function and pain scores in significance and minimal clinical important difference (MCID). A literature search of Ovid Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Epub, and Scopus was conducted from inception to October 28, 2021. Eligible studies reported patients older than 18 years with a diagnosis of rotator cuff disease. This review was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021278740). Twelve studies met eligibility criteria (n = 639) of patients receiving either PRP or CS. At short‐term follow‐up, a difference favored CS compared to PRP in baseline change for disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score (MD = −5.08, 95% CI: −8.00, −2.15; p = 0.0007; I2 = 0%) and simple shoulder test (SST) (MD = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.33, 2.18; p = 0.008; I2 = 0%). At intermediate follow‐up, a difference favored PRP to CS baseline change of the DASH score (MD = 3.41, 95% CI: 0.67, 6.15; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%). At medium‐term, a difference favored PRP to CS baseline change of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder (ASES) score (MD = −4.42, 95% CI: −8.16, −0.67; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%). Both treatments achieved individual MCID for each score. Despite favoring CS at short‐term follow‐up and PRP at intermediate‐ and medium‐term follow‐up, functional and pain scores did not demonstrate any clinical difference between the two treatment modalities in management of rotator cuff disease at all follow‐up periods.
Mechanical strain drives exosome production, function, and miRNA cargo in C2C12 muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Mullen Michael , Williams Katherine , LaRocca Tom , Duke Victoria , Hambright William S. , Ravuri Sudheer K. , Bahney Chelsea S. , Ehrhart Nicole , Huard Johnny
Published: October 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proven to promote tissue repair. However, concerns related to their clinical application and regulatory hurdles remain. Recent data has demonstrated the proregenerative secretome of MSCs can result in similar effects in the absence of the cells themselves. Within the secretome, exosomes have emerged as a promising regenerative component. Exosomes, which are nanosized lipid vesicles secreted by cells, encapsulate micro‐RNA (miRNA), RNA, and proteins that drive MSCs regenerative potential with cell specific content. As such, there is an opportunity to optimize the regenerative potential of MSCs, and thus their secreted exosome fraction, to improve clinical efficacy. Exercise is one factor that has been shown to improve muscle progenitor cell function and regenerative potential. However, the effect of exercise on MSC exosome content and function is still unclear. To address this, we used an in vitro culture system to evaluate the effects of mechanical strain, an exercise mimetic, on C2C12 (muscle progenitor cell) exosome production and proregenerative function. Our results indicate that the total exosome production is increased by mechanical strain and can be regulated with different tensile loading regimens. Furthermore, we found that exosomes from mechanically stimulated cells increase proliferation and myogenic differentiation of naïve C2C12 cells. Lastly, we show that exosomal miRNA cargo is differentially expressed following strain. Gene ontology mapping suggests positive regulation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling, regulation of actin‐filament‐based processes, and muscle cell apoptosis may be at least partially responsible for the proregenerative effects of exosomes from mechanically stimulated C2C12 muscle progenitor cells.
Impact of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 probiotic in the prevention of periodontitis associated with immunosuppression
Authors: Maia Luciana Prado , de Almeida Silva Levi Yara Loyanne , Henrique Félix Silva Pedro , Carla Wons Luana , Pizzo Pitelli Livia , Goulart de Castro Jéssica , da Silva Dólens Eder , Gregorio Danielle , Gouveia Straioto Fabiana , dos Santos Santinoni Carolina , Casarin Renato , Ervolino Edilson , Aparecida Chaves Furlaneto Flávia , Reis Messora Michel
Published: October 2022

Background

This study evaluated the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (HN019) in the development of experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats submitted to chemotherapy (5‐fluorouracil [5FU]).

Methods

Eighty male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C); treated with 5FU (60 mg/kg at day 30 and 40 mg/kg at day 32); treated with probiotic (HN019) (daily, for 44 days, starting at day 0); treatment with 5FU and probiotic (5FU‐HN019); only EP (EP) (ligature placed on lower first molars at day 30, maintained for 14 days); EP and treatment with 5FU (EP‐5FU); EP and treatment with probiotic (EP‐HN019); and EP and treatment with 5FU and probiotic (EP‐5FU‐HN019). Euthanasia occurred at day 44. Morphometric, histomorphometric, microtomographic, immunohistochemical, immunoenzymatic, and gene expressions analyses were performed. The data obtained were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05).

Results

The EP‐5FU‐HN019 group showed less bone and connective tissue loss when compared with EP‐5FU group, while EP‐HN019 and EP‐5FU‐HN019 groups had greater bone volume than EP and EP‐5FU groups, respectively (p < 0.05). A decrease in immunostaining for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and RANKL, an increase for osteoprotegerin and lower interleukin‐1β levels were observed in EP‐5FU‐HN019 group, when compared with EP‐5FU group (p < 0.0001). Probiotic therapy led to an increase in the proportions of B. lactis in the feces (p = 0.0018), but not in the biofilm, and reduced the expression of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia in the biofilm (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

B. lactis HN019 reduced the severity of EP in rats submitted to chemotherapy, modulating immunoinflammatory parameters in periodontal tissues and reducing periodontopathogens expression on biofilm in rats submitted to chemotherapy.
Storage impact on egg white powder's physical and functional properties
Authors: Zhang Ting , Tang Yuanhu , Ge Huifang , Zhang Deju , Li Ting , Cheng Dongkun , Liu Jingbo , Yu Yiding
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Changes in storage temperature and time alter the functional properties of egg white powder (EWP) and determine its quality and shelf‐life, finally affecting the consumer acceptance of the products made from EWP. In the present study, the EWP samples were stored at four different temperatures (−20, 4, 25 and 37 °C) for 60 days, and then the protein structural, physical and functional properties of EWP were measured and assessed further for correlation with storage conditions using heatmap.

RESULTS

The viscosity of the EWP solution increased after 30 days. Foaming ability and rheological properties increased first and then decreased compared to untreated samples with the prolonged storage time. Correlation analysis results indicated that the gel hardness, water holding capacity, foaming ability, emulsifying ability, particle size, dispersibility and viscosity of EWP were significantly related to storage time (P < 0.05). Only the gelation properties of EWP stored at 37 °C for 60 days changed significantly and were negatively related to its moisture content (P < 0.05). Additionally, the random coil content of EWP was positively correlated with particle size, moisture content, solubility and gel properties, whereas β‐sheet was negatively correlated with them.

CONCLUSION

Compared to other temperatures, the functional properties of EWP were relatively stable under 4 °C. Therefore, the low temperature (4 °C) was selected as the most suitable storage temperature for EWP. The results of the present study could provide a theoretical basis for the shelf‐life extension of EWP. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Deep learning image analysis quantifies tumor heterogeneity and identifies microsatellite instability in colon cancer
Authors: Rubinstein Jill C. , Foroughi Pour Ali , Zhou Jie , Sheridan Todd B. , White Brian S. , Chuang Jeffrey H.
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Deep learning utilizing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) applied to hematoxylin & eosin (H&E)‐stained slides numerically encodes histomorphological tumor features. Tumor heterogeneity is an emerging biomarker in colon cancer that is, captured by these features, whereas microsatellite instability (MSI) is an established biomarker traditionally assessed by immunohistochemistry or polymerase chain reaction.

Methods

H&E‐stained slides from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colon cohort are passed through the CNN. Resulting imaging features are used to cluster morphologically similar slide regions. Tile‐level pairwise similarities are calculated and used to generate a tumor heterogeneity score (THS). Patient‐level THS is then correlated with TCGA‐reported biomarkers, including MSI‐status.

Results

H&E‐stained images from 313 patients generated 534 771 tiles. Deep learning automatically identified and annotated cells by type and clustered morphologically similar slide regions. MSI‐high tumors demonstrated significantly higher THS than MSS/MSI‐low (p < 0.001). THS was higher in MLH1‐silent versus non‐silent tumors (p < 0.001). The sequencing derived MSIsensor score also correlated with THS (r = 0.51, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Deep learning provides spatially resolved visualization of imaging‐derived biomarkers and automated quantification of tumor heterogeneity. Our novel THS correlates with MSI‐status, indicating that with expanded training sets, translational tools could be developed that predict MSI‐status using H&E‐stained images alone.
Can low‐grade chondrosarcoma in flat bones be treated with intralesional curettage and cryotherapy?
Authors: Park Kwangwon , Krumme John , Adebayo Moses , Adams Brock W. , Henshaw Robert M.
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives

Chondrosarcomas in flat bones are thought to be more aggressive in their behavior, and little is known about intralesional treatment outcomes of low‐grade chondrosarcoma in these locations. We tried to find the differences between patients who had low‐grade chondrosarcoma in their flat bones versus those with long bone involvement with regard to (1) disease outcome, (2) functional outcome, and (3) treatment complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients with primary low‐grade chondrosarcoma who were treated with intralesional curettage and cryotherapy. The patients were divided by location of tumor, group I (flat bones, seven patients) and group II (long bones, 37 patients).

Results

The local recurrence rate was higher in group I with 5 years disease‐free survival of 80.0% in group I and 97.0% in group II (p = 0.001). All recurrent cases were noted to have initially presented with soft tissue extension (Enneking stage IB). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at the last follow‐up was 21.7 in group I and 27.9 in group II (p = 0.045).

Conclusions

Intralesional curettage and cryotherapy for low‐grade chondrosarcoma appear to be a safe and reasonable surgical option for patients with lesions confined to bone (Enneking stage IA).

Level of evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Metabolic‐associated signature and hub genes associated with immune microenvironment and prognosis in bladder cancer
Authors: Guo Yadong , Zheng Zongtai , Mao Shiyu , Yang Fuhan , Wang Ruiliang , Wang Hong , Liu Ji , Li Cheng , Wang Qinwan , Zhang Wentao , Yao Xudong , Liu Shenghua
Published: October 2022

The relationship between metabolism and immune microenvironment remains to be studied in bladder cancer (BCa). We aimed to construct a metabolic‐associated signature for prognostic prediction and investigate its relationship with the immune microenvironment in BCa. The RNA expression of metabolism associated genes was obtained from a combined data set including The Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE48075, and GSE13507 to divide BCa patients into different clusters. A metabolic‐associated signature was constructed using the differentially expressed genes between clusters in the combined data set and validated in the IMvigor210 trial and our center. The composition of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) was evaluated using the single‐sample Gene Set Variation Analysis. BCa patients in Cluster A or high‐risk level were associated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor survival outcomes. The percentage of high‐risk patients was significantly lower in patients responding to anti‐PD‐L1 treatment. Compared with low‐risk patients, the IC50 values of cisplatin and gemcitabine were significantly lower in high‐risk patients. Thiosulfate transferase (TST) and S100A16 were significantly associated with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Downregulation of TST promoted BCa cell invasion, migration, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, which are inhibited by downregulation of S100A16. CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells had higher infiltration in the TST low‐level and the S100A16 high‐level. Furthermore, loss of function TST and S100A16 significantly affected the expression of PD‐L1 and CD47. The metabolic‐associated signature can stratify BCa patients into distinct risk levels with different immunotherapeutic susceptibility and survival outcomes. Metabolism disorder promoted the dysregulation of immune microenvironment, thus contributing to immunosuppression.
A generalized Taylor operational matrix method for ψ‐fractional differential equations
Authors: Tariq Momna , ur Rehman Mujeeb , Saeed Umer
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present an operational matrix method to obtain numerical solutions of
‐Caputo fractional ordinary and partial differential equations. For this purpose, a fractional version of the Taylor theorem is presented in the framework of
‐fractional calculus. The method converts the underlying ordinary or partial differential equations to systems of algebraic equations. The method is accompanied by numerical examples to verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method. Further, estimates of upper bounds of error for the approximations have been derived.
Regional Variation in Growth and Mortality of Spotted Seatrout in the Western Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Anderson Joel , Olsen Zachary , Beeken Nicolette , Weixelman Roberta , Fisher Mark
Published: October 2022

The Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, a year-round estuarine resident throughout the Gulf of Mexico, is a common mid-trophic predator across its range and is one of the most popular game fish in Texas. In 1998, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department initiated long-term collections of otoliths from Spotted Seatrout encountered in fishery-independent samples. Here, we use data from those collections (1998–2018) to generate a coastwide growth function and assess regional and temporal variation in growth and mortality. Key findings from this work include (1) sexual dimorphism in Texas that is consistent with previous studies across the species' range, with females exhibiting faster growth rates (growth rate parameter k) and having a greater asymptotic length than males based on coastwide sex-specific growth functions; (2) relatively fast growth in northern estuaries, as evidenced by estuary-specific patterns of deviation from a coastwide growth function as well as variability among k-values from regionalized growth functions; and (3) higher estimates of natural mortality and total mortality in northern estuaries based on regional variation in k and catch-curve analysis. The third finding was supported by an increase in estuary-specific mean age of Spotted Seatrout from north to south, suggesting that older fish are more common in southern estuaries. Broadly, significant regional variation in age, growth, and mortality implies a complex underlying demographic structure. Clinal variation in important life history phenotypes of Spotted Seatrout in the western Gulf is consistent with previous studies that have described clinal genetic variation for the species, implying the potential for overlapping but independent subpopulations in the western Gulf of Mexico.
On low Reynolds number optimization of non‐linear partial differential equations for convergent–divergent engulfment: A numerical result
Authors: Rehman Khalil Ur , Shatanawi Wasfi , Shatnawi Taqi A. M.
Published: October 2022

The flow field in a convergent–divergent engulfment along with the installation of infinite cylinders as an obstacle results in non‐linear partial differential equations and the scientific computation in this regard remains a challenging task. The present attempt is the numerical motivation in this direction to evaluate the flowing liquid stream in the convergent–divergent channel at a low Reynolds number. From the left wall, the liquid stream move with the parabolic profile and have interaction with the case‐wise installation of infinite cylinders in the left vicinity of the convergent–divergent throat. The differential system is constructed for the flow field in the channel and hybrid meshed finite element method is utilized to report the numerical solution. A comparative study is enclosed for the hydrodynamic forces faced by obstructions in the left region of the convergent–divergent throat. The drag coefficient for a triangular cylinder acting as an obstruction is higher than that of a circular hitch. In comparison to both triangular and circular hitches, the square‐shaped obstacle suffered the most drag force. Considering drag coefficient one can extend this work to obtain information for the real behavior of the vehicle toward air flow and may conclude findings toward reduction of fuel consumption.
Dietary advanced glycation products and their associations with insulin sensitivity and body weight: A 16‐week randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kahleova Hana , Znayenko‐Miller Tatiana , Uribarri Jaime , Holubkov Richard , Barnard Neal D.
Published: October 2022

Background

Evidence suggests that changes in advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) may influence body weight. Previous studies have focused on cooking methods as the primary way how to reduce the dietary AGEs but little is known about the effects of a change in diet composition.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a low‐fat plant‐based diet on dietary AGEs and test the association with body weight, body composition, and insulin sensitivity.

Methods

Participants who were overweight (n = 244) were randomly assigned to an intervention (low‐fat plant‐based) (n = 122) or control group (n = 122) for 16 weeks. Before and after the intervention period, body composition was measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with the predicted insulin sensitivity index (PREDIM). Three‐day diet records were analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research software and dietary AGEs were estimated, using a database. Repeated measure ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Dietary AGEs decreased in the intervention group by 8768 ku/day on average (95% −9611 to −7925; p < 0.001), compared with the control group (−1608; 95% CI −2709 to −506; p = 0.005; treatment effect −7161 ku/day [95% CI −8540 to −5781]; Gxt, p < 0.001). Body weight decreased by 6.4 kg in the intervention group, compared with 0.5 kg in the control group (treatment effect −5.9 kg [95% CI −6.8 to −5.0]; Gxt, p < 0.001), largely due to a reduction in fat mass, notably visceral fat. PREDIM increased in the intervention group (treatment effect +0.9 [95% CI + 0.5 to +1.2]; p < 0.001). Changes in dietary AGEs correlated with changes in body weight (r = +0.41; p < 0.001), fat mass (r = +0.38; p < 0.001), visceral fat (r = +0.23; p < 0.001), and PREDIM (r = −0.28; p < 0.001), and remained significant even after adjustment for changes in energy intake (r = +0.35; p < 0.001 for body weight; r = +0.34; p < 0.001 for fat mass; r = +0.15; p = 0.03 for visceral fat; and r = −0.24; p < 0.001 for PREDIM).

Conclusions

Dietary AGEs decreased on a low‐fat plant‐based diet, and this decrease was associated with changes in body weight, body composition, and insulin sensitivity, independent of energy intake. These findings demonstrate positive effects of qualitative dietary changes on dietary AGEs and cardiometabolic outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registry Number

NCT02939638.
Evaluation of biocatalytic pathways in the synthesis of polyesters: Towards a greener production of surgical sutures
Authors: Nicolás Paula , Lassalle Verónica L. , Ferreira María L.
Published: October 2022

This review presents an updated and alternative perspective on enzymatic synthesis to obtain polyesters, with a focus on the precursor materials for absorbable sutures: poly‐lactic, poly‐glycolic, and poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acids. Currently, the profitable path towards the industrial synthesis of polyesters is ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones, which is an experimentally complex process and implies a hazardous environmental impact due to the need for energy consumption, use of large volumes of toxic organic solvents and of non‐biocompatible metal‐based catalysts. On the contrary, enzymatically driven reactions may be performed under mild conditions in simple reactors. Mechanistic and experimental issues of the two major biocatalyzed strategies ‐direct condensation and ROP‐ were analyzed from a green chemistry perspective. These enzyme‐catalyzed poly‐esterifications often return low yield and/or low final molecular weight (Mw). Considering all the analyzed published data available, possible strategies to overcome these limitations were postulated: implementation of aqueous biphasic reaction systems, use of ultrasound agitation and sequential addition of reactants or co‐solvents. To promote Mw increment, post‐reaction treatments can be carried out such as thermally induced short‐chain polymerization under vacuum and incorporation of glycols as chain extenders.
Hypermethylation of RASSF1A gene in pediatric rhabdoid tumor of the kidney and clear cell sarcoma of the kidney
Authors: Ueno‐Yokohata Hitomi , Okita Hajime , Nakasato Keiko , Kiyokawa Nobutaka
Published: October 2022

Background

Among pediatric renal tumors, rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) and clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) are rare and associated with an unfavorable prognosis, while congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is associated with a good prognosis. Methylation of the Ras association domain‐containing protein 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) promoter has been reported to correlate with a poor prognosis in patients with Wilms tumors, while its methylation status is unclear in other types of pediatric renal tumors.

Method

DNA methylation of the RASSF1A promoter in several pediatric renal tumors was analyzed with pyrosequencing. In order to clarify the correlation between expression of RASSF1A and DNA methylation of its promoter, the RTK cell line was treated with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐dC). RASSF1A was overexpressed in the RTK cell line to evaluate its functional effects.

Results

Quantitative methylation analysis demonstrated hypermethylation in the RASSF1A promoter region in RTK and CCSK, but not CMN. The 5‐Aza‐dC treatment induced demethylation of the RASSF1A promoter as well as increased RASSF1A mRNA expression. The transduction of RASSF1A has an effect on the suppression of viability and proliferation of RTK cells.

Conclusion

DNA methylation‐mediated deficiency of RASSF1A might be involved in the development and aggressiveness of some pediatric renal tumors and correlated with a poor prognosis.
Transient neonatal hemolytic anemia due to the novel gamma globin gene mutation HBG2:C.290T>C, p.Leu97Pro (hemoglobin Wareham)
Authors: Gorfinkel Lev , Wachter Franziska , Luo Hong‐yuan , Hansbury Eileen , Williams David A. , Agarwal Archana , Chui David H. K. , Cantor Alan B.
Published: October 2022

Unstable gamma globin variants can cause transient neonatal hemolytic anemia. We have identified a novel variant in a newborn who presented with jaundice and anemia requiring phototherapy and red blood cell transfusion. The patient was found to be heterozygous for the mutation HGB2:c.290T>C, p.Leu97Pro, which we have termed hemoglobin (Hb) Wareham. This substitution is expected to generate an unstable hemoglobin with increased oxygen affinity based on the homologous mutation previously described in the beta globin gene, which is termed as Hb Debrousse. The patient fully recovered by 9 months of age as expected with the transition from fetal to adult hemoglobin.
A simple and efficient analytical model for the natural frequencies of sandwich plates made of flexible core and composite face sheets with embedded pre‐strained shape memory alloy wires
Authors: Kamarian Saeed , Song Jung‐il
Published: October 2022

Two main goals are followed in the present work. The first objective is the development of a simple analytical model based on piecewise low‐order shear deformation theory (PLSDT) for the natural frequencies of sandwich plates made of flexible core with temperature‐dependent mechanical properties and laminated composite face sheets with embedded pre‐strained shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. Brinson's model is applied in this research to estimate the recovery stress produced by SMAs. A comparative study is performed to show the ability of the proposed model to offer high solution accuracy at low computational costs. Specifically, the results of the present research exhibit less than a 2% difference from those obtained from the mixed LW/ESL models in the framework of Carrera's unified formulation (CUF). As the second goal, the influences of some parameters such as the pre‐strain of SMAs, the volume fraction of SMAs, and core thickness on the fundamental frequencies of SMA‐reinforced sandwich plates are examined. The results reveal that depending on the geometric parameters and operating temperature, SMAs may have constructive or destructive effects on the free vibration of sandwich plates.
Understanding photoenolization of O‐methyl acetophenone, and its subsequent [4 + 2] and 1,4 addition of its photoproduct from an aromaticity perspective
Authors: Halder Debabrata , Ray Anuj Kumar , Paul Ankan
Published: October 2022

Photon‐driven enolization of aromatic ketones and aldehydes with an ortho alkyl group has been suggested to proceed through triplet state surface after photoexcitation. We have investigated the photoexcitation of 2‐methoxy‐6‐methylacetophenone using time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) theory, following which we have studied excited state proton transfer on the triplet surface and have computed the aromaticity of both the ground and excited state intermediates and transition states using nucleus‐independent chemical shifts (NICSs) based on multi‐reference wavefunction. The barrier for the crucial proton transfer for photoenolization on ππ* lowest Triplet surface is predicted to be a paltry 3.7 kcal/mol, as compared to the prohibitively high barrier of 38 kcal/mol on the S0 surface at M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,P) level of theory. We show that a favorable change from anti‐aromaticity to aromaticity on the ππ* triplet surface makes proton transfer facile, whereas in the ground state reaction, reduction of aromaticity along the reaction coordinate is responsible for a higher barrier. Moreover, it was found that the product arising from photoenolization can serve as a more efficient diene than traditional dienes such as 1,3‐butadiene, 1‐methoxy‐1,3‐butadiene for Diels–Alder‐based [4 + 2] cyclization and 1,4 addition due to the significant gain in aromaticity in the transition state of the former case as compared to those of the traditional ones.
Psychological predictors of quality of life among Jordanian cancer patients' caregivers
Authors: Alnajar Malek , Mosleh Sultan , Almalik Mona , Darawad Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Objective

The caregivers who provide care for patients with cancer often experience emotional and psychological stressors and burdens that could be influenced by several factors, including the cultural context. This study examines the level of emotional distress and burden and their effect on the quality of life (QOL) of Jordanian cancer patients' caregivers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 257 family caregivers of patients at various stages of cancer.

Results

The average age of caregivers was 37.5 years (SD = 12.2). Most caregivers (145; 59.2%) were female and married (168; 68.6%). About a quarter were partners (32.2%) and lived with their patients (137; 55.9%). Caregivers with a reduced overall Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer (CQOLC) score were more likely to be older, the parents of the patients, and living with patients in the same house. A significant negative relationship was found between caregivers' CQOLC and Zarit Burden Interview (r = −0.7, p = 0.001), anxiety (r = −0.69, p = 0.001), and depression (r = −0.42, p = 0.03) scores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that burden, anxiety, and depression scores were independent predictors and explained 63% of the variance in the total CQOLC score of caregivers.

Conclusion

Cancer caregivers are at elevated risk of poor QOL. Despite participants' low perception of the burden level, this study provides preliminary results for policymakers and medical practitioners to foster a comprehensive platform supporting cancer caregivers. Moreover, identifying the caregivers' readiness to provide the needed care and the availability of supportive resources, as a clinical routine, is strongly recommended.
Variability of clinically measured lung clearance index in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Frauchiger Bettina S. , Ramsey Kathryn A. , Usemann Jakob , Kieninger Elisabeth , Casaulta Carmen , Sirtes Daniel , Yammine Sophie , Spycher Ben , Moeller Alexander , Latzin Philipp
Published: October 2022

RATIONALE

The lung clearance index (LCI) is increasingly being used in the clinical surveillance of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, there are limited data on long‐term variability and physiologically relevant changes in LCI during routine clinical surveillance.

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term variability of LCI and propose a threshold for a physiologically relevant change.

Methods

In children aged 4–18 years with CF, LCI was measured every 3 months as part of routine clinical surveillance during 2011–2020 in two centers. The variability of LCI during periods of clinical stability was assessed using mixed‐effects models and was used to identify thresholds for physiologically relevant changes.

Results

Repeated LCI measurements of acceptable quality (N = 858) were available in 100 patients with CF; for 74 patients, 399 visits at clinical stability were available. The variability of repeated LCI measurements over time expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV%) was 7.4%. The upper limit of normal (ULN) for relative changes in LCI between visits was 19%.

Conclusion

We report the variability of LCI in children and adolescents with CF during routine clinical surveillance. According to our data, a change in LCI beyond 19% may be considered physiologically relevant. These findings will help guide clinical decisions according to LCI changes.
PDBsum1: A standalone program for generating PDBsum analyses
Authors: Laskowski Roman A.
Published: October 2022

PDBsum1 is a standalone set of programs to perform the same structural analyses as provided by the PDBsum web server (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/pdbsum). The server has pages for every entry in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and can also process user‐uploaded PDB files, returning a password‐protected set of pages that are retained for around 3 months. The standalone version described here allows for in‐house processing and indefinite retention of the results. All data files and images are pre‐generated, rather than on‐the‐fly as in the web version, so can be easily accessed. The program runs on Linux, Windows, and mac operating systems and is freely available for academic use at https://www.ebi.ac.uk/thornton-srv/software/PDBsum1.
Enhancing the insecticidal potential of a baculovirus by overexpressing the mammalian β‐galactosyl binding protein galectin‐1
Authors: Lin Chia‐Yang , Lin Yu‐Hsien , Lin Yu‐Chun , Hsu Chun‐Min , Wu Yueh‐Lung , Huang Rong‐Nan
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Bio‐pesticide development is an important area of research in agriculture, in which viruses are an essential tool. Infection by entomological pathogenic viruses kills agricultural pests, and viral progenies are disseminated to infect more pests, eventually achieving long‐term pest control in the field. Of the current virus‐based pest control models, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is the most studied. AcMNPV belongs to the Baculoviridae family and can infect many lepidopterans. Although AcMNPV has been previously demonstrated to be a potential pest‐control tool, its long virus infection cycle has made field applications challenging. To overcome this, we generated a recombinant baculovirus that can express mammalian galectin‐1, which is a galactoside‐binding protein that binds to the peritrophic matrix in the midgut of lepidopteran pests and induces perforation of the membrane.

RESULTS

Hosts infected with a recombinant virus that expressed mammalian galectin‐1 exhibited reduced appetite and died sooner in both laboratory and small‐scale field studies, suggesting that the overexpression of galectin‐1 can more efficiently eliminate pest hosts. In addition to disrupting the integrity of the peritrophic matrix, the immune system of hosts infected with recombinant baculovirus carrying the galectin‐1 gene was suppressed, making hosts more vulnerable to secondary infection.

CONCLUSION

Galectin‐1 has been shown to affect immune responses in mammals, including humans, but to our knowledge, the effect of galectin‐1 on insect immune systems had not been previously reported. Our results demonstrated that the pest‐control potential of baculoviruses can be improved by using a recombinant baculovirus that overexpresses mammalian galectin‐1 in hosts. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Beyond brokering for recruitment: Education agents in Armenia
Authors: Fittante Daniel
Published: October 2022

International student migration (ISM) makes up an increasingly significant part of all international migration. Scholars have unpacked various aspects of this global mobility. While ISM scholarship has largely focused on a particular stream of migration—namely, student migration from the Global South to the Global North—recent studies have expanded this research to include more diverse case studies. ISM scholarship has also analysed education agents, who provide migration infrastructures and enable student mobility (or, in some cases, immobility). But the scholarship's characterisations of these agents remain somewhat limited: Studies focus largely on the oversized role agents play in student recruitment processes—that is, as those who enable initial mobility. This paper analyzes a unique case study—Indian medical students in Yerevan, Armenia—to unpack education agents' extensive, oftentimes problematic roles in structuring students' postmigration experiences.
Detection Limit of Phosphorus in Diamond by High Mass Resolution Secondary‐Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pinault-Thaury Marie-Amandine , Jomard François
Published: October 2022

In diamond, secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is usually performed in order to detect and measure the depth distribution of impurities. The SIMS measurements are then performed using parameters allowing high sensitivities. In the classical configuration for diamond analysis, the mass resolution is usually set at the lowest value and gives access to the concentration of most dopants. In the case of phosphorus, the detection limit is then in the range of a few 1015 at cm−3 (≈20 ppb).Herein, several diamond samples are studied and the SIMS detection on the secondary ions of masses 12 (carbon) and 31 (phosphorus) is focused. It is shown that SIMS analyses require high mass resolution (HMR) to accurately separate unexpected molecular ions detected at 31 a.m.u. In such HMR–SIMS analyses, the detection limit of phosphorus by one decade is improved and the value of 3 × 1014 at cm−3 is achieved.
Fabrication of High‐Quality Thin Single‐Crystal Diamond Membranes with Low Surface Roughness
Authors: Heupel Julia , Pallmann Maximillian , Körber Jonathan , Hunger David , Reithmaier Johann Peter , Popov Cyril
Published: October 2022

Certain aspects before and during the fabrication of single‐crystal diamond (SCD) membranes are highlighted, which are decisive to obtain high‐quality membranes with low surface roughness values around 0.2 nm on a small area scale. In addition to the requirements for the starting material, including a high planarity and a moderate surface roughness, the importance of cleaning processes to minimize particles and impurities before and during the structuring is emphasized. With the help of a planarization procedure, consisting of a combination of different Ar/Cl2recipes with low etch rates, surface defects like grooves due to polishing are minimized and smooth surfaces are acquired. Severe micro‐masking can be prevented by the application of a cyclic Ar/Cl2 + O2recipe, allowing finally the fabrication of defect‐minimized and planarized SCD membranes in the thickness range between a few microns and a few hundred nanometers. The high quality of the structured SCD membranes is evidenced with a morphological as well as optical characterization via fiber‐based microcavity measurements.
Effect of Al Electrodes on Surface Passivation of TiOxSelective Heterocontacts for Si Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Wensheng , Narangari Parvathala , Tong Jingnan , Michel Jesus Ibarra , Murdoch Billy J. , Sio Hang Cheong , Kho Teng , Kremer Felipe , Armand Stephane , McIntosh Keith , Bullock James , Fong Kean Chern
Published: October 2022

This article presents a comprehensive study regarding the impact of the Al electrode on the surface passivation of three TiOx‐based passivating selective contacts: TiOx:Al/LiFx/Al,TiOx/LiFx/Al, and a‐Si/TiOx:Al/LiFx/Al. A deterioration in passivation is recorded after the deposition of the Al electrode at close to room temperature, where the deterioration correlated to the Al thickness. A thin Al (10 nm) electrode resulted in the most severe passivation decline, while samples with a 100 nm Al electrode showed much less passivation deterioration. Furthermore, it is found that a low‐temperature annealing step led to a partial recovery of the passivation, particularly in the case of TiOx:Al/LiFx/Al and a‐Si/TiOx:Al/LiFx/Al contacts. The presented discovery in this article provides crucial insight into the importance of characterization and evaluation of passivating contacts, which is demonstrated here to be highly sensitive to the deposited metal thickness and the interfacial layers, as well as to the post‐deposition annealing.
Manipulation of the Magnetoresistance by Strain in Topological TaSe3
Authors: Xing Jie , Blawat Joanna , Speer Smita , Saleheen Ahmad Ikhwan Us , Singleton John , Jin Rongying
Published: October 2022

1D TaSe3 exhibits many unusual physical properties due to its distorted type‐II chains. Ribbon‐shaped single crystals can be easily bended along the b‐axis, forming rings. This study investigates the magnetoresistance (MR) of TaSe3 up to 60 T in both unbended (ribbon shape) and ring‐shaped (bended ribbon) samples. Notable changes are found in the magnetotransport properties between the two different shaped samples. One is that the MR in ring‐shaped samples is three orders lower than that in unbended samples under the same sample environment. In addition, linear MR is observed above ≈20 T in ring‐shaped samples when the magnetic field is parallel or perpendicular to the rings. Quantum oscillations are also observed as a function of the magnetic field when the magnetic field is applied parallel to rings, possibly due to the Altshuler–Aronov–Spivak effect or the inversion of the lowest Landau level beyond the quantum limit. All these results are related to strain‐induced electronic structure change in TaSe3, an effective way to tune physical properties in low‐dimensional materials.
Dual‐terminal event‐triggered dynamic output feedback H∞ control for aero engine networked control systems with quantization
Authors: Wang Weixuan , Xie Shousheng , Peng Jingbo , Zhang Yu , Wang Hao , Zhou Bin , Wang Lei
Published: October 2022

This study deals with the problem of dual‐terminal event‐triggered dynamic output feedback (DOF) control for aero engine networked control systems (NCSs) subject to network‐induced delay, external disturbance, and quantization effects. First, we established a generalized mathematical model of the aero engine. Second, a dual‐terminal dynamic event‐triggered mechanism (DETM) was designed to reduce the utilization of the network bandwidth. In addition, a DOF controller with a compensation function was proposed to stabilize the system. By utilizing the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii (LK) method, the stability criteria were determined. Accordingly, the design conditions of the DOF controller and DETMs were presented. Furthermore, based on a genetic algorithm (GA), a parameter tuning method was proposed to obtain the allowable delay upper bound with less conservatism. Finally, some examples were presented to show the effectiveness and superiority of the presented scheme.