bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of diazepam and lorazepam for the emergency treatment of adult status epilepticus: a systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kobata Hitoshi , Hifumi Toru , Hoshiyama Eisei , Yamakawa Kazuma , Nakamura Kentaro , Soh Mitsuhito , Kondo Yutaka , Yokobori Shoji ,   for the Japan Resuscitation Council (JRC) Neuroresuscitation Task Force and the Guidelines Editorial Committee
Published: November 2020

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life‐threatening medical and neurological emergency. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to stop the seizure and improve patient outcomes. To elucidate which benzodiazepine should be used as the first‐line treatment, a systemic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases was carried out to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing i.v. administration of lorazepam and diazepam used for adult SE. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Only two RCTs were finally analyzed among 2182 papers extracted. The SE definitions, inclusion criteria, and doses of the drugs differed in the two studies. Of 204 patients included, 103 and 101 patients were allocated to the lorazepam and diazepam groups, respectively. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and confidence interval (CI) for lorazepam treatment on seizure cessation (two RCTs, n = 204) showed a significantly superior effect of lorazepam over diazepam (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03–1.49). No statistically significant relationship was found for mortality (two RCTs, n = 204) (RR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.43–6.90), poor neurological outcome (one RCT, n = 134) (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.59–2.04), hypotension (one RCT, n = 70) (RR, 2.68; 95% CI, 0.11–63.61), and respiratory depression (two RCTs, n = 204) (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.48–2.48). The certainty of the evidence was rated as very low. The results of this meta‐analysis of RCTs showed that i.v. lorazepam was better than i.v. diazepam for the cessation of adult SE.
Fabrication of Aptamer‐Modified Paper Electrochemical Devices for On‐Site Biosensing
Authors: Yu Haixiang , Chen Zhimin , Liu Yingzhu , Alkhamis Obtin , Song Zhiping , Xiao Yi
Published: November 2020

Electrochemical aptamer‐based (E‐AB) sensors offer a powerful and general means for analyte detection in complex samples for various applications. Paper‐based E‐AB sensors could enable portable, low‐cost, and rapid detection of a broad range of targets, but it has proven challenging to fabricate suitable three‐electrode systems on paper. Here, we demonstrate a simple, economic, and environmentally friendly strategy for fabricating aptamer‐modified paper electrochemical devices (PEDs) via ambient vacuum filtration. The material, shape, size, and thickness of the three‐electrode PED system can be fully customized. We developed aptamer‐modified PEDs that enable sensitive and specific detection of small molecules in minimally processed biosamples. The sensitivity and stability of the PEDs are comparable to E‐AB sensors based on commercial gold electrodes. We believe our strategy can lead to the development of high performance PEDs for the on‐site detection of a variety of analytes.
Rational Synthesis of 1D Hyperbranched Heterostructures with Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance
Authors: Li Xuefei , Zhang Yadong , Zhai Li , Tao Chen‐Lei , Xu Dan , Mu Zhangyan , Ding Mengning , Wu Xue‐Jun
Published: November 2020

One‐dimensional (1D) hyperbranched heterostructures (HBHSs) with abundant interfaces are rendered with various interfacial phenomena and functionalities. However, the rational synthesis of 1D HBHSs with desired spatial architecture and specific interface remains a great challenge. Here, we report a seeded growth method for controlled synthesis of two extraordinary types of HBHSs, in which high‐intensity of CdS branches selectively grow on 1D nanowire (NW) trunks with different growth behaviors. The composition of the HBHSs can be further tuned by combining with cation exchange method, which enriches the variety of the HBHSs. The optoelectronic devices based on a single HBHS were fabricated and exhibit a better photoresponse performance compared with that of a single NW trunk. This advance provides a strategy for the controlled synthesis HBHSs with complex morphology and offers a platform for exploring their applications for photo harvesting and conversion.
Gesamt‐Sauerstoff‐Elektrokatalyse auf stickstoffmodifizierten Kohlenstoffkatalysatoren: Identifizierung aktiver Zentren und In‐situ‐Beobachtung reaktiver Zwischenprodukte
Authors: Lin Yangming , Liu Zigeng , Yu Linhui , Zhang Gui‐Rong , Tan Hao , Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Song Feihong , Mechler Anna K. , Schleker P. Philipp M. , Lu Qing , Zhang Bingsen , Heumann Saskia
Published: November 2020

Das mechanistische Verständnis der aktiven Zentren, adsorbierten Zwischenprodukte und geschwindigkeitsbestimmenden Schritte (RDS) von N‐modifizierten Kohlenstoffkatalysatoren in der elektrokatalytischen Sauerstoffreduktion (ORR) und der Sauerstoffentwicklung (OER) ist wegen der unvermeidlichen Koexistenz verschiedener N‐Konfigurationen und der technischen Beschränkungen bei der Beobachtung gebildeter Zwischenprodukte noch immer umstritten. Hier werden sieben Arten aromatischer Moleküle mit je einer einzelnen N‐Spezies als Modellstrukturen verwendet, um die explizite Rolle jeder üblichen N‐Gruppe bei der ORR sowie der OER zu untersuchen. Insbesondere wird die dynamische Entwicklung der aktiven Zentren und der wichtigsten adsorbierten Zwischenprodukte einschließlich O2(ads), Superoxidanion O2−* und OOH* mit In‐situ‐Spektroskopie beobachtet. Wir schlagen vor, dass die Bildung von *OOH‐Spezies aus O2−* (O2−*+H2O→OOH*+OH−) ein möglicher RDS während des ORR‐Prozesses ist, da die Erzeugung von O2 aus OOH*‐Spezies der wahrscheinlichste RDS während des OER‐Prozesses ist.
Overall Oxygen Electrocatalysis on Nitrogen‐Modified Carbon Catalysts: Identification of Active Sites and In Situ Observation of Reactive Intermediates
Authors: Lin Yangming , Liu Zigeng , Yu Linhui , Zhang Gui‐Rong , Tan Hao , Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Song Feihong , Mechler Anna K. , Schleker P. Philipp M. , Lu Qing , Zhang Bingsen , Heumann Saskia
Published: November 2020

The recent mechanistic understanding of active sites, adsorbed intermediate products, and rate‐determining steps (RDS) of nitrogen (N)‐modified carbon catalysts in electrocatalytic oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are still rife with controversy because of the inevitable coexistence of diverse N configurations and the technical limitations for the observation of formed intermediates. Herein, seven kinds of aromatic molecules with designated single N species are used as model structures to investigate the explicit role of each common N group in both ORR and OER. Specifically, dynamic evolution of active sites and key adsorbed intermediate products including O2 (ads), superoxide anion O2−*, and OOH* are monitored with in situ spectroscopy. We propose that the formation of *OOH species from O2−* (O2−*+H2O→OOH*+OH−) is a possible RDS during the ORR process, whereas the generation of O2 from OOH* species is the most likely RDS during the OER process.
Insights into the Topology and the Formation of a Genuine ppσ Bond: Experimental and Computed Electron Densities in Monoanionic Trichlorine [Cl3]−
Authors: Keil Helena , Sonnenberg Karsten , Müller Carsten , Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Beckers Helmut , Riedel Sebastian , Stalke Dietmar
Published: November 2020

So far, several publications have discussed the bonding concepts in polyhalides on a theoretical basis. In particular, the trichlorine monoanion is of great interest because its structure should be symmetrical and show two equidistant Cl−Cl bonds. However, apart from matrix‐isolation studies, only asymmetric trichlorine anions have been reported so far. Herein, the trichlorine monoanions in 2‐chloroethyltrimethylammonium trichloride [NMe3EtCl][Cl3],1, tetramethylammonium trichloride [NMe4][Cl3],2, and tetrapropylammonium trichloride [NnPr4][Cl3],3, are analysed. High‐resolution X‐ray structures and experimental charge density analyses supported by periodic quantum‐chemical calculations provide insight into the influence of the crystalline environment on the structure of these [Cl3]−anions as well as into the progress of the bond formation between a dichlorine molecule and a Cl−anion.
Effect of carbon dioxide, argon, and helium jets on the synchronous control of combustion instability and NOx emission
Authors: Tao Chengfei , Zhou Hao , Hu Liubin
Published: November 2020

This article experimentally studies the synchronous control of combustion instability and NOx emission in a model gas turbine combustor. The application of tabular jet in cross flow was adopted to test the effectiveness of synchronous control. The flow rate, height, direction, and relative molecular masses were studied in this research. Results suggest that the ideal damping ratio of the sound pressure amplitude can be as high as 73.7% under the carbon dioxide jet in cross flow case. The carbon dioxide jet in cross flow case can lead to a better thermoacoustic instability suppression result than the instances of argon or helium. Besides, amplitude and frequency switching of the unsteady flame emerged during the experiment. Adding minimal inert gaseous can change the local oscillation of equivalence ratio. The suppression ratio of NOx emission can reach as high as 44% under the carbon dioxide cases, which performs better than the argon or helium cases. Moreover, the flame length declines as the tabular jet in cross flow rate increases. When the flow rate increases (or the height decreases), the size of the flame front or root will decrease. The average flame length dropped from 122 to 41 mm. The macrostructure of the flame changes significantly under different injecting heights or directions. This article can serve as a specific guideline for the passive control of thermoacoustic instability in gas turbine, rocket, and industrial burners.
The Unintentional Effects on Body Donation Programs of a Competency‐Based Curriculum in Postgraduate Medical Education
Authors: Noël Geoffroy P.J.C. , Dubé Joseph , Venne Gabriel
Published: November 2020

As medical programs place increasing importance on competency‐based training and surgical simulations for residents, anatomy laboratories, and body donation programs find themselves in a position of adapting to changing demands. To better assess the demand for “life‐like” cadaveric specimens and evaluate the possible impacts that competency‐based medical education could have upon the body donation program of McGill University, Canada, the authors tracked, over the course of the last 10 years, the number of soft‐embalmed specimens, along with the number of teaching sessions and the residents enrolled in competency‐based programs that are using cadaveric material. The results reveal that the number of soft‐embalmed specimens used within residency training increased from 5 in 2009 to 35 in 2019, representing an increase from 6% of bodies to 36.5% of the total number of body donors embalmed in this institution. Correspondingly, the number of annual teaching sessions for residents increased from 19 in 2012 to 116 in 2019. These increases in teaching are correlated with increasing number of residents enrolled in competency‐based programs over the last 3 years (Pearson r ranging from 0.9705 to 0.9903, and R2 ranging from 0.9418 to 0.9808). Those results suggest that the new skill‐centered curricula which require residents to perform specific tasks within realistic settings, exhibit a growing demand for “life‐like” cadaveric specimens. Institutions’ body donation programs must, therefore, adapt to those greater need for cadaveric specimens, which presents many challenges, ranging from the logistical to the ethical.
The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex and Functional Connectivity during Maritime Operations: An fNIRS study
Authors: Fan Shiqi , Blanco‐Davis Eduardo , Zhang Jinfen , Bury Alan , Warren Jonathan , Yang Zaili , Yan Xinping , Wang Jin , Fairclough Stephen
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Watchkeeping is a significant activity during maritime operations, and failures of sustained attention and decision‐making can increase the likelihood of a collision.

Methods

A study was conducted in a ship bridge simulator where 40 participants (20 experienced/20 inexperienced) performed: (1) a 20‐min period of sustained attention to locate a target vessel and (2) a 10‐min period of decision‐making/action selection to perform an evasive maneuver. Half of the participants also performed an additional task of verbally reporting the position of their vessel. Activation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was captured via a 15‐channel functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) montage, and measures of functional connectivity were calculated frontal using graph‐theoretic measures.

Results

Neurovascular activation of right lateral area of the PFC decreased during sustained attention and increased during decision‐making. The graph‐theoretic analysis revealed that density declined during decision‐making in comparison with the previous period of sustained attention, while local clustering declined during sustained attention and increased when participants prepared their evasive maneuver. A regression analysis revealed an association between network measures and behavioral outcomes, with respect to spotting the target vessel and making an evasive maneuver.

Conclusions

The right lateral area of the PFC is sensitive to watchkeeping and decision‐making during operational performance. Graph‐theoretic measures allow us to quantify patterns of functional connectivity and were predictive of safety‐critical performance.
Communication‐related assessments in an Angelman syndrome mouse model
Authors: Perrino Peter A. , Chamberlain Stormy J. , Eigsti Inge‐Marie , Fitch Roslyn Holly
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor deficits, seizures, some autistic‐like behaviors, and severe impairment of speech. A dysfunction of the maternally imprinted UBE3A gene, coupled with a functional yet silenced paternal copy, results in AS. Although studies of transgenic mouse models have revealed a great deal about neural populations and rescue timeframes for specific features of AS, these studies have largely failed to examine intermediate phenotypes that contribute to the profound communicative disabilities associated with AS.

Methods

Here, we use a variety of tasks, including assessments of rapid auditory processing and social communication. Expressive vocalizations were directly assessed and correlated against other core behavioral measures (motor, social, acoustic perception) to model putative influences on communication.

Results

AS mice displayed the characteristic phenotypes associated with Angelman syndrome (i.e., social and motor deficits), as well as marginal enhancements in rapid auditory processing ability. Our characterization of adult ultrasonic vocalizations further showed that AS mice produce fewer vocalizations and vocalized for a shorter amount of time when compared to controls. Additionally, a strong correlation between motor indices and ultrasonic vocalization output was shown, suggesting that the motor impairments in AS may contribute heavily to communication impairments.

Conclusion

In summary, the combination of motor deficits, social impairment, marginal rapid auditory enhancements, and altered ultrasonic vocalizations reported in a mouse model of AS clearly parallel the human symptoms of the disorder. This mouse model offers a novel route to interrogate the underlying genetic, physiologic, and behavioral influences on the under‐studied topic of impaired communication in AS.
Managing sustainability in luxury industry to pursue circular economy strategies
Authors: Shashi  , Centobelli Piera , Cerchione Roberto , Mittal Amit
Published: November 2020

Sustainable luxury research has received growing attention in the most recent years as it requires firms and supply chains to design circular business models and strategies to tackle environmental, financial, and social issues. However, previous research still falls short to deepen how luxury firms design and manage sustainable supply chain practices according to the circular principles. This paper adopts bibliometric and network analysis to evaluate a sample of 747 papers published over the last 35 years. The descriptive statistics and science mapping approaches utilizing cocitation analysis were performed with VOSviewer software to contribute to the ongoing development of sustainability in luxury research with the aim to develop a systemic framework for circular supply chain and offer a comprehensive overview on the topic. The main findings of this paper will help academicians and practitioners to improve the body of knowledge on the topic and provide an overview of promising future research avenues.
In‐situ IR Spectroscopy Study of Reactions of C3 Oxygenates on Heteroatom (Sn, Mo, and W) doped BEA Zeolites and the Effect of Co‐adsorbed Water
Authors: Najmi Sean , So Jungseob , Stavitski Eli , McDermott William P. , Lyu Yimeng , Burt Sam P. , Hermans Ive , Sholl David S. , Sievers Carsten
Published: November 2020

The reactions of acetone and hydroxyacetone over heteroatom doped BEA zeolites (Sn, Mo, and W) in the presence and absence of H2O vapor are investigated using infrared spectroscopy. Acetone is converted to mesityl oxide over Sn‐BEA exclusively. At higher temperatures, larger oxygenates such as phorones, aromatics, and coke form. The presence of co‐adsorbed water in Sn‐BEA suppresses tautomerization. H2O vapor is also beneficial for minimizing coke formation at high temperatures. Hydroxyacetone is converted into 2‐hydroxypropanal over Sn‐BEA, exhibiting high affinity to Sn sites up to 400 °C. Sn‐BEA catalyzes conversion of hydroxyacetone into the enol in the absence of H2O, but exposure to H2O induces the formation of 2‐hydroxypropanal and subsequent conversion to acrolein. The Lewis acid descriptors are used to rationalize the reaction pathways. For the isomerization of hydroxyacetone into 2‐hydroxypropanal, the hardness of acid sites influences the reaction and correlates with the overall Lewis acidity of the catalysts, respectively. However, the size of the exchanged metal significantly affects aldol condensation, where keto and enol forms of acetone adsorb to active sites simultaneously.
Steuerkopf für intelligente Kommunikation
Authors: Mulenga Rex
Published: November 2020

Der universelle Ventil‐Steuerkopf Typ 8681 von Bürkert bietet mit der neuen IO‐Link‐Kommunikationsschnittstelle eine wirtschaftliche Datenübertragung für Industrie‐4.0‐Applikationen im Prozessbereich. Betriebs‐ und Diagnosedaten stehen nun in der Leiteben
Umstieg wagen, Kosten sparen
Authors: Landgraf Evelyn
Published: November 2020

Mittlerweile hat es sich herumgesprochen, dass sich moderne verfahrenstechnische Anlagen nur dann effizient betreiben lassen, wenn die Daten aus der Planungsphase auch für Betrieb, Instandhaltung und Modernisierung verfügbar sind. Eine papiergestützte Dok
Rührend für die Umwelt
Authors: Lindner Jörg‐Peter
Published: November 2020

Wie kann frisches Material optimal zur schnellen Verteilung des frischen Substrates in den Biogasfermenter gefördert werden und wie kann im Dauerbetrieb die Bildung von Schwimmschichten verhindert werden.
Vorgelagert oder im Kanal
Authors: Groth Michael
Published: November 2020

Der Doppelwellenzerkleinerer N.Mac ist für die Zerkleinerung zahlreicher Materialien konzipiert und eignet sich für die Abwasserbehandlung, Biogas‐ und Biomasseanlagen und für viele Abfall‐ und Industrieanwendungen. Der Zerkleinerer ist wahlweise mit eine
Cardiometabolic risk factors and survival after cancer in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Simon Michael S. , Hastert Theresa A. , Barac Ana , Banack Hailey R. , Caan Bette J. , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Foraker Randi , Hovsepyan Gayane , Liu Simin , Luo Juhua , Manson JoAnn E. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Okwuosa Tochukwu M. , Pan Kathy , Qi Lihong , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Waheed Nida , Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Cardiometabolic abnormalities are a leading cause of death among women, including women with cancer.

Methods

This study examined the association between prediagnosis cardiovascular health and total and cause‐specific mortality among 12,076 postmenopausal women who developed local‐ or regional‐stage invasive cancer in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Cardiovascular risk factors included waist circumference, hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Obesity‐related cancers included breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for important predictors of survival.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 10.0 years from the date of the cancer diagnosis, there were 3607 total deaths, with 1546 (43%) due to cancer. Most participants (62.9%) had 1 or 2 cardiometabolic risk factors, and 8.1% had 3 or 4. In adjusted models, women with 3 to 4 risk factors (vs none) had a higher risk of all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.73‐2.30), death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) (HR, 4.01; 95% CI, 2.88‐5.57), cancer‐specific mortality (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.72), and other‐cause mortality (HR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.70‐2.69). A higher waist circumference was associated with greater all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.30) and cancer‐specific mortality (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.42).

Conclusions

Among postmenopausal women diagnosed with cancer in the WHI, cardiometabolic risk factors before the cancer diagnosis were associated with greater all‐cause, CVD, cancer‐specific, and other‐cause mortality. These results raise hypotheses regarding potential clinical intervention strategies targeting cardiometabolic abnormalities that require future prospective studies for confirmation.

Lay Summary

This study uses information from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to find out whether cardiac risk factors are related to a greater risk of dying among older women with cancer. The WHI is the largest study of medical problems faced by older women in this country.

The results show that women who have 3 or 4 risk factors are more likely to die of any cause, heart disease, or cancer in comparison with women with no risk factors.

It is concluded that interventions to help to lower the burden of cardiac risk factors can have an important impact on survivorship among women with cancer.
First the seed: Genomic advances in seed science for improved crop productivity and food security
Authors: Dwivedi Sangam L. , Spillane Charles , Lopez Francesca , Ayele Belay T. , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: November 2020

Seeds are valuable sources of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, fibers, minerals, and vitamins. They provide energy and nutrition to germinating seedlings, food to humans, feed to livestock, and feedstocks to industry. High‐throughput analyses of gene expression in crops has identified many candidate genes associated with seed dormancy, longevity, germination, and vigor. In this review, we cover the latest research focusing on such key seed traits. Transcriptome analyses of time courses of seed filling have identified sets of genes expressed at different stages of this process. The potential role of epigenetics (including seed–endosperm imprinted genes) in regulating seed development and chemistry is highlighted herein. We also discuss how advances in genomics and seed biology are facilitating the unravelling of associations between seed traits with gene bank accessions and gene sequences, including how functional research can accelerate the discovery of allelic variants. Such knowledge of functional effects relating to gene variants is necessary for more efficient and cost‐effective management of genetic resources or for redesigning crops with specific seed characteristics. For instance, gene bank curators may assess seed viability by monitoring changes in gene expression of biomarker genes in dry seed samples to decide germplasm regeneration and assess genetic integrity of collections by monitoring changes in diversity and allele frequencies between samples of same accession stored in gene banks. We highlight that resistance to preharvest sprouting can be enhanced through genomics‐assisted breeding in otherwise nondormant rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, while pimt, another valuable marker for seed longevity, may be deployed to enhance seed vigor in crops.
Study on chaotic oscillator‐based algorithm for weak GLONASS signal acquisition
Authors: Liu Yu , Zou Xing , Niu Xiaowei , Hu Zhengquan
Published: November 2020

According to the characteristics of the chaotic oscillator in detecting weak signals, an algorithm based on Duffing chaotic oscillator array was proposed for acquisition of weak GLONASS signals. By means of GLONASS intermediate frequency and Duffing chaotic oscillator models, Lyapunov exponent is adopted to judge the critical condition of phase track and decide whether GLONASS signals exist or not by the change of the critical condition, and numeric iteration procedure is used to calculate the exponent. Finally, the performance of algorithm is simulated using GLONASS intermediate frequency data. The results indicate that acquisition algorithm can satisfy the need of object positioning in low signal‐to‐noise ratio environment.
The association of Epstein‐Barr virus infection with CXCR3+ B‐cell development in multiple sclerosis: impact of immunotherapies
Authors: van Langelaar Jamie , Wierenga‐Wolf Annet F. , Samijn Johnny P.A. , Luijks Caroline J.M. , Siepman Theodora A. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Bell Andrew , van Zelm Menno C. , Smolders Joost , van Luijn Marvin M.
Published: November 2020

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells is associated with increased multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Recently, we found that CXCR3‐expressing B cells preferentially infiltrate the CNS of MS patients. In chronic virus‐infected mice, these types of B cells are sustained and show increased antiviral responsiveness. How EBV persistence in B cells influences their development remains unclear. First, we analyzed ex vivo B‐cell subsets from MS patients who received autologous bone marrow transplantation (n = 9), which is often accompanied by EBV reactivation. The frequencies of nonclass‐switched and class‐switched memory B cells were reduced at 3–7 months, while only class‐switched B cells returned back to baseline at 24–36 months posttransplantation. At these time points, EBV DNA load positively correlated to the frequency of CXCR3+, and not CXCR4+ or CXCR5+, class‐switched B cells. Second, for CXCR3+ memory B cells trapped within the blood of MS patients treated with natalizumab (anti‐VLA‐4 antibody n = 15), latent EBV infection corresponded to enhanced in vitro formation of anti‐EBNA1 IgG‐secreting plasma cells under GC‐like conditions. These findings imply that EBV persistence in B cells potentiates brain‐homing and antibody‐producing CXCR3+ subsets in MS.
Checkpoints controlling the induction of B cell mediated autoimmunity in human autoimmune diseases
Authors: Reijm S. , Kissel T. , Toes R.E.M.
Published: November 2020

B cell targeting therapies are effective in various autoimmune diseases, among others rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigus vulgaris, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Given these successes, it is evident that B cells are central orchestrators in the processes leading to the signs and symptoms hallmarking many human autoimmune diseases. The pathways provoking the generation of such autoreactive B cells or mechanisms preventing their induction in health are, however, poorly explored. Nevertheless, such information is crucial for the development of preventative/curative interventions aiming to permanently deplete‐ or prohibit the emergence of autoreactive B cells. Hence, this review will focus on how B cell tolerance might be breached, and which checkpoints are at play preventing the arousal of autoreactive B cells in human. Especially antigen presentation by follicular dendritic cells, somatic hypermutation, and cross‐reactivity to the microbiome/environment could operate as actors playing pivotal roles in the induction of B cell‐mediated humoral autoimmunity. Moreover, we highlight the human autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis as a prototype where autoreactive B cells combine several mechanisms to overcome peripheral B cell checkpoints.
Nylon‐11 nanowires for triboelectric energy harvesting
Authors: Choi Yeon Sik , Kar‐Narayan Sohini
Published: November 2020

Triboelectric energy harvesting from ambient mechanical sources relies on motion‐generated surface charge transfer between materials with different electron affinities. In order to achieve highly efficient energy harvesting performance, choosing materials with a high surface charge density is crucial, and odd‐numbered polyamides (Nylons), such as Nylon‐11, are particularly promising due to their strong electron‐donating characteristics and the possibility to achieve dipolar alignment leading to high surface potential. The use of Nylon‐11 as a material for triboelectric energy harvesting has been rather limited due to the extreme processing conditions required for film fabrication, and the high‐voltage poling process required for dipole alignment. However, several methods to achieve “self‐poled” Nylon‐11 nanowires via facile nanoconfinement techniques have been demonstrated recently, leading to highly efficient Nylon‐11 nanowire‐based triboelectric nanogenerators. Here, we review the most recent advances in the fabrication of Nylon‐11 nanowires, with a focus on how nanoconfinement‐based fabrication methods can be used to control phase and crystallinity. These growth methods lead to self‐poled nanowires without the requirement for subsequent electrical poling, facilitating their integration into triboelectric energy harvesting devices. Strategies to fabricate Nylon‐11 nanowires for applications in triboelectric devices can be extended to other polymeric families as well.

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Terephthalic acid‐directed supramolecular Cu(II)‐metallogel for photosensitive semiconducting Schottky diode with promising electronic charge transportation
Authors: Dhibar Subhendu , Dey Arka , Majumdar Santanu , Ray Partha Pratim , Dey Biswajit
Published: November 2020

Terephthalic acid‐based supramolecular metallogel of Cu(II) (ie, Cu‐TA) is developed by sonicating the mixture of copper(II) acetate monohydrate and terephthalic acid in N,N‐dimethyl formamide solvent. The rheological study is performed to expose the mechanical property of metallogel. The flake‐like morphological patterns are found through FESEM microstructural investigations. The formation strategy, crystalline nature, and thermal behavior of the Cu‐TA metallogel are also studied. The optical and electrical properties of Cu‐TA metallogel are exhaustively scrutinized, and the measured data show that Cu‐TA metallogel is semiconducting in nature. The electrical analysis indicates that the conductivity of Cu‐TA metallogel increased up to ~four times under illumination (7.49 × 10−5 S m−1) rather than the nonirradiation condition (1.83 × 10−5 S m−1). The measured I‐V characteristics of Cu‐TA metallogel‐based thin‐film metal‐semiconductor (MS) junction devices under irradiation and nonirradiation conditions show a nonlinear rectifying behavior, typical of a Schottky diode (SD).
Characterization of odour‐active compounds of sour guava (Psidium acidum[DC.]Landrum) fruit by gas chromatography‐olfactometry and odour activity value
Authors: Pino Jorge A. , Trujillo Reinaldo
Published: November 2020

Volatile compounds in sour guava (Psidium acidum [DC.] Landrum) were isolated by headspace‐solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE). Analyses were performed by GC‐FID and GC‐MS. By GC‐O, the HS‐SPME extract was evaluated by frequency analysis, whereas the SAFE extract was assessed by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and odour activity value (OAV) to find the most odour‐active components. Twenty‐four volatiles were found as odour‐active compounds and contribute to the typical sour guava aroma, from which hexyl acetate, 3‐methylbutyl butanoate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl hexanoate, nonanal and (E)‐β‐ionone presented the highest aroma contribution in sour guava fruit. Results demonstrated a good resemblance between the typical aroma of the fruit and the aroma model.
Induction of interleukin‐6 by irradiation and its role in epithelial mesenchymal transition and radioresistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Yuan Xun , Zhang Linli , Huang Yu , Liu Dongbo , Peng Ping , Liu Shunfang , Long Guoxian , Hu Guangyuan , Sun Wei
Published: November 2020

Background

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) participates in the radioresistance of cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated whether interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) regulates EMT and subsequent radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells.

Methods

Western blot was used to analyze the expression of proteins. Immunofluorescent assay was performed to detect the position and content of specific proteins. Colony formation assay was applied to measure the proliferation ability of NPC cells. Flow cytometry was adopted to measure cell apoptosis.

Results

NPC cells seen with typical morphological transition and unique proteins change of EMT when exposed to irradiation. IL‐6 and its downstream signal molecules elevated in irradiated cells. Blocking IL‐6 with anti‐IL‐6 receptor antibody hampered EMT and radioresistance. Cell radiosensitivity and apoptosis rates in irradiated NPC cells declined significantly upon IL‐6 stimulation.

Conclusion

Irradiation could induce EMT and activate IL‐6 signaling in NPC cell lines. Blocking IL‐6 was able to inhibit EMT and cellular radioresistance.
Analysis of palliative care treatment among head and neck patients with cancer: National perspective
Authors: Sullivan Christopher Blake , Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Chang Kristi , Pagedar Nitin A.
Published: November 2020

Background

To analyze the characteristics and survival patterns of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who received palliative treatment during their first course of treatment.

Methods

Cohort analysis utilizing the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) of patients with a diagnosis of oral cavity/oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal SCC. Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression and Cox Hazard ratio modeling, and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis.

Results

165 081 patients were included, of which 2747 patients received palliative treatment. Patients who received palliative treatment tended to be ≥65 years old, black, Charlson/Deyo score ≥3, hypopharyngeal cancer, stage (III‐IV), with Medicaid insurance (P < .05). Patients were more likely to be treated with palliative intent if they underwent chemotherapy/radiotherapy and declined surgery (P < .001) compared to patients who underwent surgery and declined chemotherapy/radiotherapy (P = .006).

Conclusions

Palliative care use in head and neck oncology is associated with older patients, non‐whites, Medicaid patients, and nonsurgically treated patients.
Calcium channel blockers are associated with lower gastric cancer risk: A territory‐wide study with propensity score analysis
Authors: Li Bofei , Cheung Ka Shing , Wong Ian Yu‐Hong , Leung Wai Keung , Law Simon
Published: November 2020

Prior studies showed that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) could modify cancer risk, but data on gastric cancer (GC) are limited. We aimed to investigate whether CCBs could modify GC risk in Helicobacter pylori‐eradicated patients. H pylori‐infected patients with hypertension who are aged ≥50 and had received clarithromycin‐based triple therapy between 2003 and 2016 were identified from a territory‐wide healthcare database. Patients with eradication failure, GC diagnosed within 6 months after HP eradication, and gastric ulcer were excluded. Time‐fixed Cox model with one‐to‐one propensity score matching was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) of GC with CCBs. Sensitivity analysis using time‐dependent multivariable Cox model in which CCB use was treated as time‐varying covariate was also performed to address immortal time bias. 17 622 (29.6%) H pylori‐eradicated patients with hypertension were included. During a median follow‐up of 8.6 years, 105 (0.6%) developed GC. After PS matching, CCBs were associated with a lower GC risk (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32‐0.97). Time‐dependent analysis showed consistent result (aHR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.33‐0.75). A longer duration of CCB use was associated with even lower GC risk (adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.61‐0.79 for every 1‐year increase in use). Long‐acting CCBs (aHR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29‐0.76) and dihydropyridines (aHR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32‐0.73) conferred greater benefit than short‐acting ones (aHR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36‐1.03) and nondihydropyridines (aHR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.24‐2.48). The aHR was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.34‐0.97) for noncardia and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.27‐1.31) for cardia cancer. Use of CCBs was associated with lower risk of GC development in H pylori‐eradicated patients, in a duration‐ and dose‐response manner.
STAT3 activation in HER2‐positive breast cancers: Analysis of data from a large prospective trial
Authors: Sonnenblick Amir , Agbor‐tarh Dominique , de Azambuja Evandro , Hultsch Susanne , Izquierdo Miguel , Liu Minetta , Pruneri Giancarlo , Harbeck Nadia , Piccart Martine , Moreno‐Aspita Alvaro , Granit Roy Zvi , Rouas Ghizlane , Fahoum Ibrahim , Sotiriou Christos
Published: November 2020

The JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway may be aberrantly activated and have various and conflicting roles in breast cancer. The current study explored prognostic implications of activated STAT3 in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive primary breast cancers in the context of a large prospective study (ALTTO). Activated STAT3 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of STAT3 phosphorylation (Y705) performed on the primary tumors. This analysis evaluated whether patients with activated STAT3 had disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) different from patients without activated STAT3. A total of 5694 patients out of the 8381 patients enrolled in ALTTO were included in this analysis (67.9%), and 2634 of them (46%) had evidence of STAT3 activation (minimum tumor Allred score ≥2). The median follow‐up was 6.93 years (6.85‐6.97 years), at the end of which 1035 (18.18%) and 520 (9.13%) patients experienced DFS and OS events, respectively. Patients with STAT3 activation experienced improved DFS compared to those without it (multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74‐0.95; P = .006). There were no group differences in OS (multivariable HR, 0.92; 95% CI 0.78‐1.10; P = .37). This effect was limited to ER‐positive tumors. In conclusion, these findings support the role of STAT3 activation as a marker of favorable outcome in ER‐positive/HER2‐positive breast cancer patients.
Determinants of financial stress in emerging market economies: Are spatial effects important?
Authors: Yurteri Kösedağlı Begüm , Önder A. Özlem
Published: November 2020

This study aims to analyse the determinants of financial stress and to show the impact of the spatial linkages between 13 emerging economies during 1996–2016. The 2007 Global Financial Crisis has once again showed that financial/economic turmoil of countries has negative effects on other economies. At this point, this study brings novelty to the existing literature by considering the effects of neighbour countries' macroeconomic variables on domestic financial stress and by focusing on financial stress interaction between emerging economies using spatial econometric methods. According to the estimation results, we find current account balance/GDP, economic growth, geopolitical risk and global risk are the most important determinants of financial stress. It is also observed that there is a strong interaction of financial stress among emerging market economies. While geographical linkage is the most important transmission channel of financial stress among those economies, financial and trade linkages also play an important role.
Label‐free optical antibody testing kit based on a self‐assembled whispering‐gallery‐mode microsphere
Authors: Yue Ying , Ding Hui , Chen Chen
Published: November 2020

The appearance of antibodies in blood is a critical signal to suggest the infection. A rapid and accurate detection method for the antibody is significant to the disease diagnosis, especially for the epidemic. To this end, a highly sensitive whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) optical testing kit is designed and fabricated for detecting the specific immunoglobulin antibodies. The key component of the kit is a silica self‐assembled microsphere decorated with the nucleocapsid proteins (N‐proteins) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. After the N‐protein antibody immunoglobulin G (N‐IgG) and immunoglobulin M (N‐IgM) solutions being injected into the kit, the WGM red‐shifts due to the antigen–antibody reaction. The wavelength displacement rates are proportional to the concentrations of these two antibodies from 1 to 100 μg/mL. A good specificity of the kit is demonstrated by the nonspecific human immunoglobulin G (H‐IgG) and immunoglobulin M (H‐IgM).
Chitosan/zinc nitrate microneedles for bacterial biofilm eradication
Authors: Yi Xin , Wang Chengyong , Yu Xiao , Su Weiwei , Yuan Zhishan
Published: November 2020

Chronic wounds are greatly health threatening owing to the increasing morbidity, and bacterial biofilm is a major cause of chronic wounds. The critical for bacterial biofilm eradication is overcome the barrier of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the bacteria, and promote the diffusion of drugs within the biofilm. In this article, composite microneedles (MNs) of chitosan and zinc nitrate (CS‐Zn[II] MNs) were investigated to eradicate bacterial biofilm. The CS‐Zn(II) MNs combined the structure characteristic of MNs with the antibacterial properties of CS and Zn2+. The MNs can pierce the EPS due to the needle‐like structure, and can transport directly the CS and Zn2+ into the bacterial biofilm. The needle‐like structure of MNs also increased the contact area between drug carrier and bacterial biofilm nearly 14–23% comparing with membrane without needle‐like structure, and facilitated the diffusion of drugs. What is more, the synergistic effect of CS and Zn2+ make the CS‐Zn(II) MNs obtain excellent antibiofilm properties. Counting the colony forming units and bacterial live/dead staining tests confirmed the fascinating antibacterial abilities (up to 100% inhibition) and biofilm eradication properties, respectively, of the CS‐Zn(II) MNs. The inhibition zone test shown that the antibiofilm effect of MNs was superior to membrane and the antibiofilm effect of MNs was become increasingly obvious along with the increase of the treatment time. Besides, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays proved that the CS‐Zn(II) MNs possess brilliant cytocompatibility. These results indicate that the CS‐Zn(II) MNs are promising method for bacterial biofilm eradication.
Methionine selenium antagonizes LPS‐induced necroptosis in the chicken liver via the miR‐155/TRAF3/MAPK axis
Authors: Zhirong Zhao , Qiaojian Zhang , Chunjing Xu , Shengchen Wang , Jiahe Li , Zhaoyi Liu , Shu Li
Published: November 2020

Organic selenium has antioxidation and disease treatment effects. To explore the mechanisms of how methionine selenium alleviates necroptosis in the liver and whether this process is related to microRNA (miRNA) and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, an animal model of methionine selenium and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) interaction was established. The morphology, inflammatory factor (tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]), necroptosis‐related genes (RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, and caspase 8), MAPK pathway‐related genes (JNK, ERK, and p38, p‐JNK, p‐ERK, and p‐p38), gga‐miR‐155, TRAF3 (predicted target of gga‐miR‐155), and oxidative stress‐related indicators (SOD, MDA, CAT, GSH, and GSH‐Px) were analyzed from the perspective of the miR‐155/TRAF3/MAPK axis to elucidate the mechanism of methionine selenium on the LPS‐induced necroptosis mechanism in the chicken liver. The current results suggested that methionine selenium antagonizes oxidative stress, inflammation, and the MAPK pathway, thereby antagonizing the occurrence of necroptosis through multiple mechanisms. At the same time, methionine selenium affects miR‐155/TRAF3/MAPK signaling, reduces miR‐155 expression, and upregulates TRAF3 expression to inhibit necroptosis. This information provided new ideas and a theoretical basis for the practical application of methionine selenium, and it also enriched the study of miRNAs in birds and provided a reference for comparative medicine.
Kidney involvement in COVID‐19 and its treatments
Authors: Han Xiucui , Ye Qing
Published: November 2020

The lungs are the most commonly affected organ by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), but the kidneys are also frequently affected. Infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 can not only cause new kidney damage but also increase the difficulty of treatment and care as well as mortality for people with underlying kidney diseases. Kidney involvement in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection mainly manifests as kidney tubular injury. Proteinuria is the main clinical sign. To reduce patient mortality, kidney complications should be given increased attention in the diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This study reviews the existing literature and discusses COVID‐19 infection in combination with kidney diseases in terms of kidney damage, pathogenesis, and treatment to guide clinical anti‐epidemic responses.
Optimal location and capacity of Unified Power Flow Controller based on chaotic krill herd blended runner root algorithm for dynamic stability improvement in power system
Authors: Vijay Kumar B. , Rajendar G. , Ramaiah Veerlapati
Published: November 2020

In this manuscript, the optimal location and capacity of Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) based on chaotic krill herd (CKH) with runner root algorithm (RRA) for dynamic stability improvement in power system is proposed. The proposed technique is the combined execution of CKH and RRA hence it is known as CKHRA technique. Here, CKH is utilized to optimal location of unified power flow controller when occurring generator fault. CKH chooses maximal power loss line as optimal location to keep UPFC according to the objective function. The minimal voltage deviation is improved using runner root algorithm from the unified power flow controller control parameters. The minimal voltage deviation is utilized to determine the optimal unified power flow controller capacity. The CKHRA technique is executed at MATLAB/Simulink and the performance is assessed by comparison with other techniques. The performance of CKHRA technique is linked with IEEE 14 bus, IEEE 30 bus, IEEE 57 bus bench mark system, whereas the efficiency is examined against various generator fault conditions. By then the statistical analysis, result accuracy percentage and loss sensitivity index are analyzed. The comparative results thus proven the greatness of CKHRA approach and corroborate its ability to improve the dynamic stability of power system.