bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal To Metal Charge Transfer Induced Efficient Yellow/Far‐Red Luminescence in Na2Ca3(Nb, Ta)2O9:Bi3+ toward the Applications of White‐LEDs and Plant Growth Light
Authors: Zhang Hongzhi , Zhang Jing , Su Yuchang , Zhang Xinmin
Published: March 2022

Red and far‐red spectral components are the basics for color rendering improvement of illumination devices and growth regulation of plants, respectively. Establishing a feasible design principle in solid state materials for the red/far‐red phosphors is significant but challenging. Realizing metal to metal charge transfer (MMCT) in Bi3+‐doped phosphors is a new strategy to target the red/far‐red luminescence. As a proof of concept, the MMCT state involving the ground state of Bi3+ ion and the excited state of host (Nb/Ta)5+ cations in Na2Ca3(Nb, Ta)2O9:Bi3+ induces efficient and tunable yellow/far‐red luminescence (peaking at 597–667 nm). Moreover, benefited from the appropriate distance between Bi3+ and (Nb/Ta)5+ ions, Na2Ca3(Nb, Ta)2O9:Bi3+ possess intense absorption in near‐ultraviolet region and no absorption in visible region. The plant growth light with the blending of Na2Ca3Nb2O9:Bi3+ far‐red phosphor and BAM:Eu2+ blue phosphor yields broadband electroluminescence covering almost the entire absorption spectra of chlorophyll and phytochrome, which is superior to the Cr3+‐ and Mn4+‐based light‐emitting diode (LED) devices. The white‐LED device by employing Na2Ca3Ta2O9:Bi3+ yellow phosphor as the essential component yields full‐spectrum warm white light with high color indexes.
Exosome Processing and Characterization Approaches for Research and Technology Development
Authors: Lai James J. , Chau Zoe L. , Chen Sheng‐You , Hill John J. , Korpany Katalin V. , Liang Nai‐Wen , Lin Li‐Han , Lin Yi‐Hsuan , Liu Joanne K. , Liu Yu‐Chung , Lunde Ruby , Shen Wei‐Ting
Published: March 2022

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that share components of their parent cells and are attractive in biotechnology and biomedical research as potential disease biomarkers as well as therapeutic agents. Crucial to realizing this potential is the ability to manufacture high‐quality exosomes; however, unlike biologics such as proteins, exosomes lack standardized Good Manufacturing Practices for their processing and characterization. Furthermore, there is a lack of well‐characterized reference exosome materials to aid in selection of methods for exosome isolation, purification, and analysis. This review informs exosome research and technology development by comparing exosome processing and characterization methods and recommending exosome workflows. This review also provides a detailed introduction to exosomes, including their physical and chemical properties, roles in normal biological processes and in disease progression, and summarizes some of the on‐going clinical trials.
Chloroform‐Assisted Rapid Growth of Vertical Graphene Array and Its Application in Thermal Interface Materials
Authors: Xu Shichen , Cheng Ting , Yan Qingwei , Shen Chao , Yu Yue , Lin Cheng‐Te , Ding Feng , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2022

With the continuous progress in electronic devices, thermal interface materials (TIMs) are urgently needed for the fabrication of integrated circuits with high reliability and performance. Graphene as a wonderful additive is often added into polymer to build composite TIMs. However, owing to the lack of a specific design of the graphene skeleton, thermal conductivity of graphene‐based composite TIMs is not significantly improved. Here a chloroform‐assisted method for rapid growth of vertical graphene (VG) arrays in electric field‐assisted plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system is reported. Under the optimum intensity and direction of electric field and by introducing the highly electronegative chlorine into the reactor, the record growth rate of 11.5 µm h−1 is achieved and VG with a height of 100 µm is successfully synthesized. The theoretical study for the first time reveals that the introduction of chlorine accelerates the decomposition of methanol and thus promotes the VG growth in PECVD. Finally, as an excellent filler framework in polymer matrix, VG arrays are used to construct a free‐standing composite TIM, which yields a high vertical thermal conductivity of 34.2 W m−1 K−1 at the graphene loading of 8.6 wt% and shows excellent cooling effect in interfacial thermal dissipation of light emitting diode.
High‐Performance Pentacene‐Based Field‐Effect Transistor Memory Using the Electrets of Polymer Blends
Authors: Liu Zhenliang , Yu Tianpeng , Wan Zuteng , Wang Yiru , Li Zhiqiang , Yin Jiang , Gao Xu , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: March 2022

Organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) memory based on pentacene has attracted a lot of attentions due to its promising prospect of application in flexible electronics, while the high programming/erasing (P/E) gate voltages due to the existence of hole barrier at pentacene/polymer interface leaves great challenges for its commercial applications. A high‐performance pentacene‐based OFET nonvolatile memory (ONVM) with polymer blends is reported here as the charge‐trapping layer containing poly(2‐vinyl naphthalene) (PVN) and poly{[N,N'‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5'‐(2,2'‐bithiophene)} (N2200). The presence of N2200, an n‐type semiconductor, in blends significantly improves the memory performance of pentacene‐based memory devices based on the static‐electric effect. The electrons in N2200 are aggregated near the pentacene/polymer interface due to the electric attraction from the positively charged defects in pentacene. Furthermore, those electrons reduce the height of hole barrier and produce local easy‐transportation paths for holes between pentacene and PVN, which enables the electret‐based ONVM device with low P/E voltages, fast P/E speeds, large mobility and stable multilevel data‐storage ability in ambient air.
Role of Defects and Power Dissipation on Ferroelectric Memristive Switching
Authors: Roy Pinku , Kunwar Sundar , Zhang Di , Chen Di , Corey Zachary , Rutherford Bethany X. , Wang Haiyan , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. , Jia Quanxi , Chen Aiping
Published: March 2022

Advancement of information technology requires low power, high speed, and large capacity non‐volatile memory. Memristors have potential applications for not only information storage but also neuromorphic computation. Memristive devices are mostly focused on the use of binary oxides as the resistive switching materials. On the other hand, polarization assisted memristive devices based on ternary ferroelectric oxides are attracting more attention due to their unique switching properties. However, the underlying switching mechanisms and the current–voltage rotation direction are still not fully understood yet. By comparing stoichiometric BaTiO3, BiFeO3, and Bi1‐xFeO3‐δ ferroelectric memristors with different cation stoichiometry, it is found that off‐stoichiometry‐induced traps can play a critical role in controlling the ferroelectric memristive switching behavior. Ferroelectrics with slight off‐stoichiometry show greatly enhanced switching properties, and the switching on/off ratio is mainly determined by the trap energy levels and concentrations. The rotation direction of current–voltage hysteresis loop is affected by the defects, which can be controlled by synthesis and power dissipation. These findings provide insight in understanding the role of defects in ferroelectric memristors and offer guidance to design ferroelectric memristors with enhanced performance.
Electronic and Lattice Thermal Conductivity Switching by 3D−2D Crystal Structure Transition in Nonequilibrium (Pb1−xSnx)Se
Authors: Nishimura Yusaku , He Xinyi , Katase Takayoshi , Tadano Terumasa , Ide Keisuke , Kitani Suguru , Hanzawa Kota , Ueda Shigenori , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Kawaji Hitoshi , Hosono Hideo , Kamiya Toshio
Published: March 2022

Dynamic control of thermal transport in solid materials is highly desired for thermal management technology. However, the development of a material exhibiting large modulation of thermal conductivity (κ) by external stimuli remains a major challenge. Here, the large κ modulation is reported by the reversible 3D to 2D crystal structure transition in a nonequilibrium solid solution of (Pb1−xSnx)Se, where Pb2+ stabilizes a 3D cubic structure while Sn2+ does a 2D layered structure. The phase boundary of these phases is induced in (Pb0.5Sn0.5)Se bulk polycrystals by thermally quenching the high‐temperature solid solution phase. Through the 3D–2D phase transition, the 1/2.9‐times decrease of lattice κ (κlat.) is achieved by strong phonon scattering in the 2D layered structure, and the electronic κ (κele.) is also decreased by 5 orders of magnitude due to the electronic phase transition from a 3D high conductivity state to a 2D semiconducting state. The total κ (=κlat. + κele.) modulation ratio κ3D phase/κ2D phase = 3.6 is attained at 373 K. The present strategy will lead to a novel concept for designing thermal management materials through crystal‐structure dimensionality switch using nonequilibrium phase boundaries.
Operating High‐Energy Lithium‐Metal Pouch Cells with Reduced Stack Pressure Through a Rational Lithium‐Host Design
Authors: Ren Yuxun , Shin Woochul , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: March 2022

Transitioning from a liquid electrolyte to an inorganic solid electrolyte offers a potential pathway to enable highly reversible lithium‐metal anodes. However, the solid‐electrolyte‐protected lithium‐metal anode suffers from poor interfacial ionic contacts and requires an impractically high stack pressure (>1.0 MPa) to maintain the interfacial contacts. It is demonstrated here that combining a hollow silver/carbon fiber scaffold and an inorganic/organic composite electrolyte enables a highly reversible lithium‐metal anode. Since the high surface area of the electrode provides intimate contact and the hollow structure of the electrode relieves the lithium plating‐induced stress, the electrode/electrolyte interface remains stable during cycling even under mild stack pressure. This unconventional structural design is validated in practical pouch cells assembled with the 3D lithium host containing a onefold excess of lithium and a high‐nickel cathode. At a mild stack pressure of 320 kPa, the pouch cell displays 83% capacity retention for 200 cycles. The work illustrates that combining a hollow electrode architecture and a robust solid electrolyte offers a practical pathway toward rechargeable lithium‐metal anodes.
Preoperative skeletal muscle status is associated with tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Daitoku Nobuya , Miyamoto Yuji , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Tokunaga Ryuma , Sakamoto Yuki , Sawayama Hiroshi , Ishimoto Takatsugu , Baba Yoshifumi , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: March 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), but the mechanisms contributing to this association remain unclear. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle status is associated with tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with CRC. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical effect of sarcopenia and its relationship with the local immune system in CRC patients.

Methods

A total of 256 consecutive patients with CRC who underwent curative resection between 2008 and 2014 were enrolled. Sarcopenia was determined according to the skeletal muscle index (SMI), which was assessed using L3 skeletal muscle mass on axial computed tomography images, and its relationship with patient clinicopathological characteristics and survival was evaluated. Additionally, TILs (CD3+, CD8+, CD4+, and FOXP3+ T cells) were assayed by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between TILs and skeletal muscle status was evaluated.

Results

Patients with a lower SMI showed significantly shorter recurrence‐free and overall survival compared with those with a higher SMI. Low expression of TILs was associated with significantly shorter recurrence‐free survival. SMI was significantly correlated with the number of CD3+ and CD8+ cells in the ordinal logistic regression analysis. Patients with low skeletal muscle status and low CD3+ and CD8+ cells had an unfavorable prognosis compared with patients with high skeletal muscle status and high CD3+ and CD8+ cells.

Conclusion

Our data showed an association between skeletal muscle status and local immune cells, and this association may play a pivotal role in the clinical outcome of patients with CRC.
Secular changes in the waist, hips circumferences and selected associated indicators, among preschool children from Kraków (Poland), between 1983 and 2018
Authors: Kryst Łukasz , Żegleń Magdalena , Kowal Małgorzata , Woronkowicz Agnieszka
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Waist circumference and derived indicators are great for measuring the risk of abdominal obesity. The main aim of the study was to assess the changes in the waist, hips circumferences and selected associated indicators, among preschool children (3–7 years of age) from Kraków, Poland, between 1983, 2008 and 2018.

Methods

The research was conducted in randomly selected kindergarten in Krakow (Poland). The 1983 cohort consisted of 1414 children and the 2008 and 2018 series included 1050 preschoolers each. Analyzed characteristics included waist and hip circumferences, body height, waist‐to‐hips ratio (WHR) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR).

Results

There was a negative secular trend regarding circumferences of the hips and waist, as well as WHtR. In girls, WHR was, the greatest in the 2018 cohort, while among boys there was a secular increase in the value of this parameter compared to the 2008 cohort, but not to the 1983 series.

Conclusions

The coexistence of currently noted trends with the previously described secular decrease in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and increase in trunk adiposity in the same population, suggests that WHR is preferable to body mass index in assessing the risk associated with excess adiposity in the population examined in the presented study.
Improving Perioperative Communication During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Sussman Eileen
Published: March 2022

Perioperative communication can be ineffective and result in delays or adverse events. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has placed demands on health care leaders and personnel to integrate information quickly and accurately. When caring for patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 or whose infection status was unknown, perioperative personnel at one facility discovered communication gaps associated with the environmental cleaning process and hand‐over reports. A project team comprising perioperative nurses created five tools to provide critical information to help diverse team members share the same mental model. The project team created one tool in English and Spanish to meet the needs of environmental services personnel whose primary language was Spanish. The team created another tool to support communication with central processing department personnel and facilitate prioritization of case cart cleaning when needed. The development and implementation of the communication tools helped to provide a safe working environment during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Linen: The New Frontier in Infection Control and Prevention
Authors: Dunn Debra
Published: March 2022

Personnel follow hospital policies and regulatory guidelines to prevent surgical site infections. However, a potentially contaminated item may be overlooked—the linen. When perioperative team members transport patients to the OR, the linen on the beds and transport carts can contain a variety of microorganisms. Textile surfaces can serve as reservoirs for microorganisms that can be transferred to health care providers, patients, and the environment. These pathogens may then infect patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised or have direct portals of entry (eg, catheters, incision sites). This article provides an overview of how microorganisms that cause health care–associated infections can survive and thrive on hospital linen and related equipment; discusses the linen laundering, transport, and storage processes and best practices; and discusses antimicrobial interventions—including a silver‐ion laundering additive that was added as an infection prevention measure to the laundry production cycle at a medical center’s contracted laundry facility.
Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Birth
Authors: Eldridge Ta’Tanisha , Martin Nolan , Campbell Lisa , Song Huaxin , Frazier Linda
Published: March 2022

After observing the effectiveness of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for gynecological surgery patients, an interdisciplinary team initiated a quality improvement project with an ERAS protocol to minimize opioid use of patients undergoing elective cesarean birth. Secondary outcomes during the three‐month project included decreasing the patient’s length of stay and inpatient care costs. We used the Lean Six Sigma methodology and measured aggregated patient outcomes of opioid use, length of hospital stay, and total cost. In addition, we incorporated the ERAS protocol into the electronic health record. Results showed a reduction use of morphine milligram equivalents of opioids, a slight decrease in length of hospital stay, and no change in the inpatient costs. The team recognized that implementation of an ERAS protocol is a best practice to reduce opioid use in patients undergoing a cesarean birth and decided to permanently include it in patient care processes.
From copula to fertilization: The reproduction of primitive crabHypoconcha parasitica(Linnaeus, 1763) (Podotremata: Dromiidae)
Authors: Garcia Bento Maria Alice , López Greco Laura S. , Mantelatto Fernando L. , Zara Fernando José
Published: March 2022

This study describes the mating behavior ofHypoconcha parasiticaunder laboratory conditions highlighting the spermathecal morphology and focusing on the seminal fluid storage and release of spermatozoa. The pairs were kept in aquaria where the mating behavior was recorded and described. The spermathecae of the female were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray micro‐CT, histology, and histochemistry. No pre‐ or post‐copulatory mate guarding was observed inH. parasitica. The sperm transfer occurred with each pair maintaining the protection shield (bivalve shell) on their dorsum. The pair of spermathecae is covered exclusively by the cuticle, following the Podotremata pattern. Many muscle fiber bundles are attached to the cuticular wall facing toward the cephalothorax cavity, especially covering the lateral and slightly dorso‐anterior region toward the apodeme of Sternite 7. The spermathecal organization indicates that the process of sperm release during fertilization occurs through muscular action exerted by the female on the wall of the chamber. Thus, the musculature distribution in Hypoconchinae distinguishes them from described for other Podotremata such as Homolidae, which shows the musculature associated with the spermathecae aperture. Like the Homolidae, the first pleopod inH. parasiticaseems to take part in the transfer/ movement of spermatozoa and oocytes between the sternum and abdomen, which forms a temporary chamber where fertilization occurs. In conclusion, the spermathecal morphology and associated structures bring new insights to the mechanisms involved in the sperm storage and fertilization of primitive crabs and how the Dromiidae spermatheca perform a new pattern among the poorly studied Podotremata.
Monitoring Methionine Decarboxylase by a Supramolecular Tandem Assay
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Ren Siying , Geng Wen‐Chao , Cui Xuexian , Wu Bian , Wang Hong
Published: March 2022

Methionine is an essential amino acid involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Methionine starvation caused by methionine decarboxylase (MetDC) degradation becomes a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Multistep colorimetric method, the present approach to monitor the MetDC activity, possesses drawbacks of the complicated process, low accuracy, and poor anti‐interference due to indirect detection. Herein, we report a facile and easy‐to‐use supramolecular tandem assay (STA) with the cucurbit[7]uril and acridine orange reporter pair for the direct and real‐time monitoring of MetDC activity. This strategy not only provides a feasible method for enzymatic activity detection but also establishes the capability of inhibitor screening.
Synthesis, Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of Bis‐Squaraine Dyes Fused on Isomeric Benzodipyrrole Central Units
Authors: Sawada Ryuhei , Maeda Takeshi , Oda Yuya , Yagi Shigeyuki , Karunakaran Venugopal , Fujiwara Hideki , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: March 2022

Exciton interactions are not only observed in assembled molecules but also in compounds with multiple chromophores referred to as superchromophores. We have developed isomeric bis‐squaraine dyes as superchromophores in which two squaraine chromophores are fused onto the isomeric benzodipyrrole skeleton so as to regulate conformations and to reduce distances between two chromophores. The dyes with benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b’]dipyrrole and benzo[1,2‐b:5,4‐b’]dipyrrole moieties exhibited split electronic absorption originated from the intramolecular exciton interaction. The intensity of the split absorption bands varies in correlation with the orientation of chromophores. The isomeric dye with benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b’]dipyrrole moiety exhibited a near‐infrared absorption associated with the resonance throughout two chromophores. Their electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties are distinct from those of monomeric dyes owing to electronic interactions between the two chromophores. Thus, the structural isomerism of the central skeleton significantly affects their optical properties as well as their electrochemical properties.
On preventive maintenance scheduling for the systems exposed to aging and external shocks
Authors: Hashemi Marzieh , Asadi Majid , Tavangar Mahdi
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates some maintenance strategies for repairable systems that are exposed to two distinct types of failure: internal failures due to aging over time and fatal external shocks arriving according to a nonhomogeneous Poisson process. When the system fails, it will be repaired, and it is assumed that the repair does not bring the system to an as‐good‐as‐new state. Two maintenance models are developed to prevent the system from failure under the mentioned scenario. By imposing the related cost functions, we investigate the corresponding optimal policy for each model such that the expected cost rate is minimized. Some numerical examples and simulation studies are presented to demonstrate the proposed maintenance models.
Automatisierte Bauteilzerlegung für Betonfertigteile aus additiv hergestellten Schalungen
Authors: Stieler David , Schwinn Tobias , Menges Achim
Published: March 2022

Eine präzise, adaptive und individuelle Fertigung ermöglicht einen hohen Grad an Bauteildifferenzierung, die somit hocheffiziente und lastadaptierte Strukturen für den Betonfertigteilbau zugänglich macht. Während Fortschritte von Fertigungsseite durch zahlreiche Projekte in Forschung und Industrie demonstriert werden, so sind zugehörige Planungswerkzeuge weniger entwickelt. Um das volle Potenzial digitaler Fertigungsprozesse nutzen zu können, sind daher computerbasierte Methoden erforderlich, welche die flexible Anpassung von Bauteilgeometrien erlauben und eine fertigungsgerechte Planung ermöglichen. Die Modularisierung von Betonstrukturen muss den Anforderungen sowohl von Seiten der Tragfähigkeit wie auch der Fertigung gerecht werden. Planungswerkzeuge müssen diese Komplexität abbilden können. Simulationsbasierte Methoden, welche modularisierte Baustrukturen als komplexes System bauteilspezifischer Wechselwirkungen abbilden, bieten die Möglichkeit, bereits früh die Konsequenzen von Entwurfs‐ und Planungsentscheidungen abschätzen zu können. Dieser Beitrag zeigt einen agentenbasierten Planungsansatz auf, welcher insbesondere die additive Fertigung von Schalungen als Ergänzung bestehender Produktionskonzepte berücksichtigt. Die geometrischen Grundlagen für die simulationsbasierte Zerlegung von Bauteilen werden dargestellt und in einen durchgehenden Planungsprozess integriert.
Renewal and resurgence of severe problem behavior in an intensive outpatient setting: Prevalence, magnitude, and implications for practice
Authors: Falligant John M. , Chin Michelle D. , Kurtz Patricia F.
Published: March 2022

Following successful behavioral treatment in which problem behavior is reduced, problem behavior sometimes reemerges as a function of changes in stimulus conditions (i.e., renewal) or the worsening of reinforcement conditions for an appropriate alternative response (i.e., resurgence). Extant research suggests that both renewal and resurgence may be relatively prevalent phenomenon in a variety of clinical settings. The purpose of the present study was to replicate and extend extant research quantifying the prevalence and magnitude of renewal (Experiment 1) and resurgence (Experiment 2) in an intensive outpatient clinic via retrospective consecutive controlled case series (CCCS; Hagopian, 2020). Findings from the current study—which represents the largest sample to date investigating relapse in applied settings—suggest that both renewal and resurgence are relatively common phenomenon and occur in the majority of treatment applications. Based on our findings (and emerging research in this area), we provide recommendations for practitioners to mitigate the occurrence of renewal and resurgence in clinical contexts.
Interfacet distance at L4 is increased in spines with high‐pelvic incidence
Authors: Ren Bryan O. , Teplensky Jason R. , Abola Matthew V. , Komarovsky Michael B. , Cooperman Daniel R. , Bauer Jennifer M. , Liu Raymond W.
Published: March 2022

Pelvic incidence (PI) is an angular measurement linked to spinal pathologies. There is an increasing distance between facet joints moving caudally down the sagittal plane of the spine. We defined pedicle divergence (PD) as the ratio of interfacet distance (IFD) between adjacent levels. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between PI and PD. Two hundred and thirty specimens were obtained from the Hamann‐Todd Osteological Collection. Specimens were catalogued for age, sex, race, PI, PD, and lumbar facet angle. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between variables. IRB approval was not required. Average age at death was 57.0 years ±6.2 years. There were 211 (92%) male specimens and 176 (77%) were white. Average PI was 47.1 ± 10.5°. For PD between L3/L4, there was a relationship with PI (β = −0.18, p = 0.008). For PD between L4/L5, there was an opposite relationship with PI (β = 0.21, p = 0.003). Regression analyses of the interfacet to body ratio at each level found an association with PI only at L4 (p = 0.008). This study demonstrated that PI has a significant association with IFD in the lower lumbar spine. Increasing PI was associated with increased PD between L3/L4 and decreased PD between L4/L5. These results further support the close relationship between pelvic morphology and the lower lumbar spine, and suggest that L4 may have an important role in compensating for aberrant PI.
Identification of FDFT1 as a potential biomarker associated with ferroptosis in ccRCC
Authors: Huang Ruizhen , Zhang Chiyu , Wang Xing , Zou Xin , Xiang Zhengjie , Wang Zewei , Gui Bin , Lin Tao , Hu Honglin
Published: March 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) seriously threatens people's lives and health. The identification of some precise biomarkers during the process of RCC progression and the pathophysiologic procedure is critical for improving the diagnosis and management of RCC. Evidence suggests that ferroptosis may play a pivotal role in eradicating clear cell RCC (ccRCC, KIRC) tumor cells. We screened out the target prognostic ferroptosis‐associated genes and examined the functions of farnesyl‐diphosphate farnesyltransferase (FDFT1) in 786‐O cells by plasmid transfection. In our study, we identified FDFT1 as a potential marker correlating with ferroptosis in KIRC. Upregulated FDFT1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and the underlying antitumor effects may occur via the AKT signaling pathway. Our study provides helpful evidence to study the complex physiopathology of KIRC.
Superficial papilloma of the ovary
Authors: Kalaitzopoulos Dimitrios Rafail , Eberhard Markus , Samartzis Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Superficial papilloma of the ovary is a rare benign ovarian finding, which was first described back in 1895. Here, we present the intraoperative and histological findings of a superficial papilloma of the ovary in a 59‐year‐old patient.
Seawater‐Extracted MgO‐Doped Co3O4 Composite for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Shah Awais Ali , Kumar Mukesh , Aftab Umair , Abro Muhammad Ishaque
Published: March 2022

Considering clean energy production, the development of efficient, cheap, and steady water splitting electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is imperative. A cost‐efficient approach for MgO extraction from seawater and development of a nanocomposite (MgO/Co3O4) via hydrothermal technique for electrochemical water splitting is reported. Various compositions labeled as C‐1, C‐2, and C‐3 were selected for designing the MgO/Co3O4 nanocomposite. Among these nanocomposites, C‐2 has been found as best candidate for OER with small overpotential values and low Tafel slope values. Additionally, the MgO/Co3O4 (C‐2) composite exhibited stability for thirty hours across the chronoamperometry experiment at 20 mA cm−2.
Curved beams with circular cross‐sections under pure in‐plane bending
Authors: Sophianopoulos Dimitrios S. , Michaltsos George T.
Published: March 2022

This paper deals with the phenomenon of flattening or inflation of cross‐sections caused by pure bending on beams of hollow circular cross‐section with or without initial curvature. Both initially straight and initially bent tubes are analyzed under in plane bending. Results over a wide range of initial curvature values are presented. Finally, the area of validity of the expressions used is studied, as well as the deformations and stresses that occur in practice.
Highly Effective Activated Carbon‐Supported Ni‐Mn Bifunctional Catalyst for Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Dimethylfuran
Authors: Liu Yingxin , Shi Xiaoyang , Hu Jinbo , Liu Kai , Zeng Mao , Hou Yaxin , Wei Zuojun
Published: March 2022

Designing highly efficient and low‐cost catalysts for conversion of renewable biomass into high value‐added chemicals and biofuels is important and challenging. Herein, a non‐noble Ni‐Mn bifunctional catalyst supported on activated carbon (Ni‐Mn/AC) was developed by an incipient wetness impregnation method. The catalyst was found to be economic and efficient for the selective hydrodeoxygenation of biomass‐derived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) to 2,5‐dimethylfuran (2,5‐DMF). The optimal Ni‐Mn/AC (Ni/Mn=3) catalyst achieved 98.5 % 2,5‐DMF yield with 100 % conversion of 5‐HMF under mild reaction conditions of 180 °C, 2.0 MPa H2 for 4 h. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited outstanding reusability and could be recycled eight times without loss of activity. The addition of Mn not only enhanced the reactivity of 5‐HMF but also resulted in the dominant reaction pathway shift from the hydrogenation of the C=O bond to the hydrogenolysis of C−OH bond, which was attributed to the synergy of highly dispersed Ni metallic nanoparticles and moderate Lewis acid sites from MnOx as revealed by detailed characterizations.
Winners and losers of land use change: A systematic review of interactions between the world’s crane species (Gruidae) and the agricultural sector
Authors: Hemminger Karoline , König Hannes , Månsson Johan , Bellingrath‐Kimura Sonoko‐Dorothea , Nilsson Lovisa
Published: March 2022

While agricultural intensification and expansion are major factors driving loss and degradation of natural habitat and species decline, some wildlife species also benefit from agriculturally managed habitats. This may lead to high population densities with impacts on both human livelihoods and wildlife conservation. Cranes are a group of 15 species worldwide, affected both negatively and positively by agricultural practices. While eleven species face critical population declines, numbers of common cranes (Grus grus) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) have increased drastically in the last 40 years. Their increase is associated with higher incidences of crane foraging on agricultural crops, causing financial losses to farmers. Our aim was to synthesize scientific knowledge on the bilateral effects of land use change and crane populations. We conducted a systematic literature review of peer‐reviewed publications on agriculture‐crane interactions (n = 135) and on the importance of agricultural crops in the diet of cranes (n = 81). Agricultural crops constitute a considerable part of the diet of all crane species (average of 37%, most frequently maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)). Crop damage was identified in only 10% of all agriculture‐crane interactions, although one‐third of interactions included cranes foraging on cropland. Using a conceptual framework analysis, we identified two major pathways in agriculture‐crane interactions: (1) habitat loss with negative effects on crane species dependent on specific habitats, and (2) expanding agricultural habitats with superabundant food availability beneficial for opportunistic crane species. The degree to which crane species can adapt to agricultural land use changes may be an important factor explaining their population response. We conclude that multi‐objective management needs to combine land sparing and land sharing strategies at landscape scale. To support viable crane populations while guaranteeing sustainable agricultural production, it is necessary to include the perspectives of diverse stakeholders and streamline conservation initiatives and agricultural policy accordingly.
Coastal carbon processing rates increase with mangrove cover following a hurricane in Texas, USA
Authors: Kominoski John S. , Weaver Carolyn A. , Armitage Anna R. , Pennings Steven C.
Published: March 2022

Changes in species distributions and disturbances have complex impacts on ecosystem functioning. In many subtropical coastal wetlands, plant identity and cover are changing, as salt marshes dominated by low‐stature herbaceous species transition to woody mangroves. These systems are also subject to frequent and potentially more intense hurricanes, which can alter a range of ecosystem structures and functions. We examined how changes in dominant plant species affected carbon processing in coastal wetlands following a hurricane. We experimentally manipulated cell‐scale (3 × 3 m) cover of black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) and salt marsh plants (e.g., Spartina alterniflora and Batis maritima) in fringe and interior locations of 10 plots (24 × 42 m) to create a gradient in mangrove cover in coastal Texas, USA. Hurricane Harvey made direct landfall over our site on 25 August 2017, uniformly decreasing soil nutrients and impacting the spatial patterns of total soil sulfide accumulation (δ34S). To test how mangrove cover affected carbon processing and retention after the hurricane, we measured litter breakdown rates (k) of A. germinans and S. alterniflora in surface soils and associated microbial respiration rates, and fast‐ and slow‐decomposing standard litter substrates (green and red tea, respectively) in subsurface soils (15 cm depth). Soil temperatures were lower in mangrove than marsh cells, and A. germinans litter k increased linearly with plot‐level mangrove cover. Breakdown rates of S. alterniflora and fast‐decomposing green tea litter increased nonlinearly with mangrove cover (highest k at intermediate % cover). Slow‐decomposing red tea had similar k in all plots and was highest where soil δ34S was greatest. Microbial respiration rates (R) did not change with plot‐level mangrove cover for either S. alterniflora or A. germinans litter. Respiration associated with S. alterniflora litter was highest in interior marsh cells, and R associated with A. germinans litter was similar between fringe and interior mangrove cells. Despite widespread declines in soil nutrient concentrations and increases in δ34S, all predicted to decrease R and k, post‐hurricane carbon processing increased with mangrove cover in coastal wetlands. Our results indicate that disturbances can reduce local plant identity effects and may enhance carbon loss.
Introducing Spin Polarization into Mixed‐Dimensional Van der Waals Heterostructures for High‐Efficiency Visible‐Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Yong , Xu Wei , Zhang Yu , Zeng Chengxin , Zhang Weining , Fu Lin , Sun Mei , Wu Yizhang , Hao Jian , Zhong Wei , Du Youwei , Yang Rusen
Published: March 2022

The low separation efficiency of the photogenerated carrier and the poor activity of the surface redox reaction are the main barrier to further improvement of photocatalytic materials. To address these issues, introducing spin‐polarized electrons in single‐component photocatalytic materials emerged as a promising approach. However, the decreased redox ability of photocarriers in these materials becomes a new challenge. Herein, we mitigate this challenge with a carbon nitride sheet (CNs)/graphene nanoribbon (GNR) composite material that has a van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) and spin‐polarized electron properties. Experimental results and theoretical calculations show that the heterostructure has a strong redox ability, high carrier‐separation efficiency, and enhanced surface catalytic reaction. Consequently, the mixed‐dimensional CNs/GNR vdWHs exhibit remarkable performance for H2 and O2 generation as well as CO2 production under visible‐light irradiation without any cocatalyst. The spin‐polarized vdWHs discovered in this study revealed a new type of photocatalytic materials and advanced the development of spintronics and photocatalysis.
Association between prognosis and the use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers in frail patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sunaga Akihiro , Hikoso Shungo , Tamaki Shunsuke , Seo Masahiro , Yano Masamichi , Hayashi Takaharu , Nakagawa Akito , Nakagawa Yusuke , Kurakami Hiroyuki , Yamada Tomomi , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Sato Taiki , Oeun Bolrathanak , Kida Hirota , Sotomi Yohei , Dohi Tomoharu , Okada Katsuki , Mizuno Hiroya , Nakatani Daisaku , Yamada Takahisa , Yasumura Yoshio , Sakata Yasushi ,   OCVC‐Heart Failure Investigators
Published: March 2022

Aims

The effectiveness of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) has not been demonstrated in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We recently reported significant interaction between the use of ACE‐I and/or ARB (ACE‐I/ARB) and frailty on prognosis in patients with HFpEF. In the present study, we examined the association between ACE‐I/ARB and prognosis in patients with HFpEF stratified by the presence or absence of frailty.

Methods and results

We examined the association between the use of ACE‐I/ARB and prognosis according to the presence [Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) ≥ 5] or absence (CFS ≤ 4) of frailty in patients with HFpEF in a post hoc analysis of registry data. Primary endpoint was the composite of all‐cause mortality and heart failure admission. Secondary endpoints were all‐cause mortality and heart failure admission. Of 1059 patients, median age was 83 years and 45% were male. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the risk of composite endpoint (log‐rank P = 0.001) and all‐cause death (log‐rank P = 0.005) in patients with ACE‐I/ARB was lower in those with CFS ≥ 5, but similar between patients with and without ACE‐I/ARB in patients with CFS ≤ 4 (composite endpoint: log‐rank P = 0.830; all‐cause death: log‐rank P = 0.192). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, use of ACE‐I/ARB was significantly associated with lower risk of the composite endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–0.83, P = 0.005] and heart failure admission (HR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25–0.83, P = 0.010) in patients with CFS ≥ 5, but not in patients with CFS ≤ 4 (composite endpoint: HR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.99–2.02, P = 0.059; heart failure admission: HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.94–2.18, P = 0.091). The association between ACE‐I or ARB and prognosis did not significantly differ by CFS (CFS ≤ 4: log‐rank P = 0.562; CFS ≥ 5: log‐rank P = 0.100, for with ACE‐I vs. ARB, respectively). Adjusted HRs for CFS 1–4 were higher than 1.0 but were <1.0 at CFS 5.

Conclusions

In patients with HFpEF, use of ACE‐I/ARB was associated with better prognosis in patients with frailty as assessed with the CFS, but not in those without frailty.
Burden of hospitalizations in newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland: real world population based study in years 2013–2019
Authors: Leszek Przemysław , Waś Daniel , Bartolik Kinga , Witczak Kladiusz , Kleinork Andrzej , Maruszewski Bohdan , Brukało Katarzyna , Rolska‐Wójcik Paulina , Celińska‐Spodar Małgorzata , Hryniewiecki Tomasz , Załęska‐Kocięcka Marta
Published: March 2022

Aims

We aim to report trends in unplanned hospitalizations among newly diagnosed heart failure patients with regard to hospitalizations types and their impact on outcomes.

Methods and results

A nation‐wide study of all citizens in Poland with newly diagnosed heart failure based on ICD‐10 coding who were beneficiaries of either public primary, secondary, or hospital care between 2013 and 2018 in Poland. Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019, there were 1 124 118 newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland in both out‐ and inpatient settings. The median observation time was 946 days. As many as 49% experienced at least one acute heart failure hospitalization. Once hospitalized, 44.6% patients experienced at least one all‐cause rehospitalization and 26% another heart failure rehospitalization. The latter had the highest Charlson co‐morbidity index (1.36). The 30 day heart failure readmission rate was 2.96%. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed very early readmissions (up to 1–7 days) were associated with better survival compared with rehospitalization between 8 and 30 days. All‐cause mortality was related to the number of hospitalization with adjusted estimated hazard ratios: 1.550 (95% CI: 1.52–158) for the second HF hospitalization, 2.158 (95% CI: 2.098–2.219) for third, and 2.788 (95% CI: 2.67–2.91) for the fourth HF hospitalization and subsequent ones, as compared with the first hospitalization.

Conclusions

Among newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland between 2013 and 2019, nearly half required at least one unplanned heart failure hospitalization. The risk of death was growing with every other hospital reoccurrence due to heart failure.
Cardiac remodelling – Part 1: From cells and tissues to circulating biomarkers. A review from the Study Group on Biomarkers of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: González Arantxa , Richards A. Mark , de Boer Rudolf A. , Thum Thomas , Arfsten Henrike , Hülsmann Martin , Falcao‐Pires Inês , Díez Javier , Foo Roger S.Y. , Chan Mark Y. , Aimo Alberto , Anene‐Nzelu Chukwuemeka G. , Abdelhamid Magdy , Adamopoulos Stamatis , Anker Stefan D. , Belenkov Yuri , Ben Gal Tuvia , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Böhm Michael , Chioncel Ovidiu , Delgado Victoria , Emdin Michele , Jankowska Ewa A. , Gustafsson Finn , Hill Loreena , Jaarsma Tiny , Januzzi James L. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Lopatin Yuri , Lund Lars H. , Metra Marco , Milicic Davor , Moura Brenda , Mueller Christian , Mullens Wilfried , Núñez Julio , Piepoli Massimo F. , Rakisheva Amina , Ristić Arsen D. , Rossignol Patrick , Savarese Gianluigi , Tocchetti Carlo G. , Van Linthout Sophie , Volterrani Maurizio , Seferovic Petar , Rosano Giuseppe , Coats Andrew J.S. , Bayés‐Genís Antoni
Published: March 2022

Cardiac remodelling refers to changes in left ventricular structure and function over time, with a progressive deterioration that may lead to heart failure (HF) development (adverse remodelling) or vice versa a recovery (reverse remodelling) in response to HF treatment. Adverse remodelling predicts a worse outcome, whilst reverse remodelling predicts a better prognosis. The geometry, systolic and diastolic function and electric activity of the left ventricle are affected, as well as the left atrium and on the long term even right heart chambers. At a cellular and molecular level, remodelling involves all components of cardiac tissue: cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and leucocytes. The molecular, cellular and histological signatures of remodelling may differ according to the cause and severity of cardiac damage, and clearly to the global trend toward worsening or recovery. These processes cannot be routinely evaluated through endomyocardial biopsies, but may be reflected by circulating levels of several biomarkers. Different classes of biomarkers (e.g. proteins, non‐coding RNAs, metabolites and/or epigenetic modifications) and several biomarkers of each class might inform on some aspects on HF development, progression and long‐term outcomes, but most have failed to enter clinical practice. This may be due to the biological complexity of remodelling, so that no single biomarker could provide great insight on remodelling when assessed alone. Another possible reason is a still incomplete understanding of the role of biomarkers in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodelling. Such role will be investigated in the first part of this review paper on biomarkers of cardiac remodelling.
Association between tramadol use and risk of pneumonia in the middle‐aged and elderly populations: a propensity‐score matched cohort study
Authors: Wu Ziying , Li Xiaoxiao , Lu Na , Wang Yilun , Ding Xiang
Published: March 2022

Background

Tramadol is a widely used weak opioid; however, the evidence for its safety profile in respiratory system needs additional information. We aimed to examine whether tramadol use is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia in the general population.

Methods

We conducted five propensity‐score (PS) matched cohort studies in The Health Improvement Network database. Participants aged ≥50‐years initiated tramadol were compared with those initiated one of the following analgesics: codeine (n = 144,506), naproxen (n = 113,028), diclofenac (n = 74,297), celecoxib (n = 42,538), or etoricoxib (n = 27,232). The outcome was incident pneumonia.

Outcomes

During 6‐month follow‐up, 395 pneumonia (5.6/1000 person‐years) occurred in the tramadol group and 414 pneumonia (5.9/1000 person‐years) occurred in the PS matched codeine group. Compared with codeine group, the risk of pneumonia was lower in the tramadol group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–0.82) during the first 30‐day follow‐up, but comparable between groups over the entire 6‐month follow‐up (HR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.83–1.09). In addition, the risk of pneumonia was higher in the tramadol group than that in the PS matched naproxen (HR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.37–2.06), diclofenac (HR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.31–2.03), celecoxib (HR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.20–2.24) or etoricoxib (HR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.04–2.49) group.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that tramadol initiators had a lower risk of incident pneumonia than codeine initiators during the short‐time follow‐up, but had a comparable pneumonia risk compared with codeine initiators and had a higher risk of pneumonia compared with NSAIDs initiators over the entire 6‐month follow‐up duration. Confirmation of the present findings and determination of the underlying mechanism will require more studies.

Significance

Tramadol might not be a safer alternative analgesic to codeine or NSAIDs. Both of health‐care providers and patients may need to be on alert for its safety profile in respiratory system in future clinical practice.