bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment and outcomes of patients with light chain amyloidosis who received a second line of therapy post autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Al Saleh Abdullah S. , Ebraheem Mohammad S. , Sidiqi M. Hasib , Dispenzieri Angela , Muchtar Eli , Buadi Francis K. , Warsame Rahma , Lacy Martha Q. , Dingli David , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Hogan William J. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Kapoor Prashant , Kumar Shaji K. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: April 2022

We retrospectively reviewed 292 patients who received a second line of therapy post ASCT for their light chain amyloidosis. Most patients (40%) were treated with an alkylator + PI ± dex or PI ± dex followed by an alkylator + 2nd-gen IMiD ± dex or 2nd-gen IMiD ± dex (26%), an alkylator ± steroid or steroid monotherapy (19%), a 2nd-gen IMiD + PI ± dex (6%), an alkylator + thalidomide ± dex (5%), or daratumumab-based therapy (4%). The rate of CR or VGPR was 70% among the daratumumab-based group, 62% in the alkylator + PI ± dex or PI ± dex group, 55% in the alkylator + 2nd-gen IMiD ± dex or 2nd-gen IMiD ± dex group, 47% in the 2nd-gen IMiD + PI ± dex group, 24% in the alkylator ± steroid or steroid monotherapy group, and 18% in the alkylator + thalidomide ± dex group. The median OS was NR for the 2nd-gen IMiD + PI ± dex group and the daratumumab group, 130.4 months in the alkylator + 2nd-gen IMiD ± dex or 2nd-gen IMiD ± dex group, 100 months for the alkylator + PI ± dex or PI ± dex group, 36 months for the alkylator ± steroid or steroid monotherapy group, and 21 months for the alkylator + thalidomide ± dex group (P < 0.0001). The median OS was 100 months in patients who received melphalan 200 mg/m2 compared to 41 months in the 140 mg/m2 group (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, patients receiving novel therapy post ASCT and melphalan conditioning dosing at 200 mg/m2 at diagnosis had better outcomes.
Specific inflammatory osteoclast precursors induced during chronic inflammation give rise to highly active osteoclasts associated with inflammatory bone loss
Authors: Meirow Yaron , Jovanovic Milena , Zur Yuval , Habib Juliana , Colombo Daniele Filippo , Twaik Nira , Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Reuven Or , Kariv Guy , Daniel Leonor , Baraghithy Saja , Klein Yehuda , Krijgsveld Jeroen , Levaot Noam , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2022

Elevated osteoclast (OC) activity is a major contributor to inflammatory bone loss (IBL) during chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the specific OC precursors (OCPs) responding to inflammatory cues and the underlying mechanisms leading to IBL are poorly understood. We identified two distinct OCP subsets: Ly6ChiCD11bhiinflammatory OCPs (iOCPs) induced during chronic inflammation, and homeostatic Ly6ChiCD11bloOCPs (hOCPs) which remained unchanged. Functional and proteomic characterization revealed that while iOCPs were rare and displayed low osteoclastogenic potential under normal conditions, they expanded during chronic inflammation and generated OCs with enhanced activity. In contrast, hOCPs were abundant and manifested high osteoclastogenic potential under normal conditions but generated OCs with low activity and were unresponsive to the inflammatory environment. Osteoclasts derived from iOCPs expressed higher levels of resorptive and metabolic proteins than those generated from hOCPs, highlighting that different osteoclast populations are formed by distinct precursors. We further identified the TNF-α and S100A8/A9 proteins as key regulators that control the iOCP response during chronic inflammation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the response of iOCPs but not that of hOCPs was abrogated intnf-α−/−mice, in correlation with attenuated IBL. Our findings suggest a central role for iOCPs in IBL induction. iOCPs can serve as potential biomarkers for IBL detection and possibly as new therapeutic targets to combat IBL in a wide range of inflammatory conditions.
METTL3 stabilizes HDAC5 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner to facilitate malignant proliferation of osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Jiang Renbing , Dai Zhibing , Wu Junshen , Ji Suzhi , Sun Yachao , Yang Wenpeng
Published: April 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a prevalent primary bone sarcoma. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is dysregulated in human malignancies. This study explored the mechanism of METTL3 in OS cell proliferation. Our results demonstrated that METTL3 was highly expressed in OS, and correlated with the tumor size, clinical stage, and distant metastasis of OS patients. Higher METTL3 expression indicated poorer prognosis. METTL3 silencing inhibited the malignant proliferation of OS cells, while METTL3 overexpression led to an opposite trend. METTL3 upregulated histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) expression in OS cells by increasing the m6A level. HDAC5 reduced the enrichment of H3K9/K14ac on miR-142 promoter, thus suppressing miR-142-5p expression and upregulating armadillo-repeat-containing 8 (ARMC8) level. HDAC5 overexpression or miR-142-5p silencing attenuated the inhibitory effect of METTL3 silencing on OS cell proliferation. Xenograft tumor experiment in nude mice confirmed that METTL3 silencing repressed OS cell proliferation in vivo via the HDAC5/miR-142-5p/ARMC8 axis. Collectively, METTL3-mediated m6A modification facilitated OS cell proliferation via the HDAC5/miR-142-5p/ARMC8 axis.
Pyroptosis executor gasdermin D plays a key role in scleroderma and bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis
Authors: Yang Huan , Shi Yanqiang , Liu Huiting , Lin Feiyan , Qiu Biying , Feng Qinglan , Wang Yu , Yang Bin
Published: April 2022

The NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β are essential for scleroderma pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the role of pyroptosis executor gasdermin D(GSDMD), which is a downstream molecule of NLRP3 and is required for IL-1β release in some situations, has not yet been well elucidated in scleroderma. Here, we found that GSDMD was significantly up-regulated and activated in the skin of scleroderma patients and bleomycin-induced mouse model. What’s more, the ablation of GSDMD ameliorates bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis according to HE staining, Masson staining and the detection of hydroxyproline contents. GSDMD deficiency also impaired macrophages infiltration and reduced inflammation response. Furthermore, the loss of GSDMD reduced Th17 differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, these findings provide the first demonstration that GSDMD related pyroptosis plays an important role in scleroderma pathogenesis.
Sampling lattices in semi-grand canonical ensemble with autoregressive machine learning
Authors: Damewood James , Schwalbe-Koda Daniel , Gómez-Bombarelli Rafael
Published: April 2022

Calculating thermodynamic potentials and observables efficiently and accurately is key for the application of statistical mechanics simulations to materials science. However, naive Monte Carlo approaches, on which such calculations are often dependent, struggle to scale to complex materials in many state-of-the-art disciplines such as the design of high entropy alloys or multi-component catalysts. To address this issue, we adapt sampling tools built upon machine learning-based generative modeling to the materials space by transforming them into the semi-grand canonical ensemble. Furthermore, we show that the resulting models are transferable across wide ranges of thermodynamic conditions and can be implemented with any internal energy model U, allowing integration into many existing materials workflows. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach to the simulation of benchmark systems (AgPd, CuAu) that exhibit diverse thermodynamic behavior in their phase diagrams. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges in model development and promising research directions for future improvements.
Gordonia species as a rare pathogen isolated from milk of dairy cows with mastitis
Authors: Bzdil Jaroslav , Slosarkova Sona , Fleischer Petr , Matiasovic Jan
Published: April 2022

While Gordonia species have long been known to cause severe inflammation in humans, the pathogenic effects of Gordonia species in veterinary medicine have rarely been described. Between 2010 and 2019, we collected microorganisms of the genus Gordonia isolated from milk samples from dairy cows with mastitis. We describe the growth properties of these microorganisms and their prevalence, virulence factors and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. From 31,534 quarter milk samples processed by standard culture methods, 27 isolates of Gordonia species (0.086% prevalence) were identified by a molecular phenotyping method. The isolates originated from 17 farms in 12 districts of the Czech Republic. Twenty-one isolates were tested for susceptibility to 7 antimicrobials by the disc diffusion method. Notably, 100% of these isolates were susceptible to streptomycin and neomycin, 85.7% to cefovecin and tetracycline, 76.2% to penicillin G, 47.6% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and 0% to clindamycin. The species was determined to be Gordonia paraffinivorans by whole genome sequencing for 9 isolates (from 8 farms in 7 districts). These isolates showed the highest similarity to two reference strains from the environment. In all these isolates, we identified genes encoding virulence factors that are very similar to genes encoding virulence factors expressed in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis. However, genome analysis revealed 61 unique genes in all 9 sequenced isolates.
Facile fabrication of ternary MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and antibacterial activity
Authors: Malekkiani Mitra , Heshmati Jannat Magham Abbas , Ravari Fatemeh , Dadmehr Mehdi
Published: April 2022

Developing a cheap, stable and effective photocatalyst is necessary for remediation of persistent organic pollutants. To address this challenge, we proposed a unique interfacial engineering technique and proper bandgap matching strategy to synthesize MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan ternary nanocomposite for effective photocatalytic application. The features of the prepared samples were determined by FESEM, TEM, EDX, elemental mapping, AFM, FT-IR, XRD, UV–Vis spectroscopy and BET surface analysis. The obtained results showed successful fabrication of synthesized nanocomposites with enhanced surface area. Degradation effect of nanostructures on methylene blue (MB) and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) pathogenic strains were investigated. The proposed photocatalytic mechanism illustrated the electron transfer facilitated by MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan structure which results in spatial separation of electron–hole pairs. Compared with ZnO and ZnO/Chitosan, the prepared MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan ternary nanocomposite showed high usage of UV illumination and superior separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan illustrated 86.26% adsorption rate and outstanding increased photocatalytic activity on MB degradation efficiency of 98.76% after 20 min. Stability of photocatalyst reached from 98.76% initial decolorization to 85% at the fourth cycle. In addition, the ternary nanocomposite also exhibited remarkable bactericidal activity against gram-positive (S. aureus) and (B. subtilis) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria strains. Due to the obtained results, the prepared nanocomposite would be an efficient candidate photocatalyst with antibacterial properties.
Clustering of Parkinson subtypes reveals strong influence of DRD2 polymorphism and gender
Authors: Pelzer Esther Annegret , Stürmer Sophie , Feis Delia-Lisa , Melzer Corina , Schwartz Frank , Scharge Marcel , Eggers Carsten , Tittgemeyer Marc , Timmermann Lars
Published: April 2022

Most classification approaches for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease subtypes primarily focus on motor and non-motor symptoms. Besides these characteristics, other features, including gender or genetic polymorphism of dopamine receptors are potential factors influencing the disease’s phenotype. By utilizing a kmeans-clustering algorithm we were able to identify three subgroups mainly characterized by gender, DRD2 Taq1A (rs1800497) polymorphism—associated with changes in dopamine signaling in the brain—and disease progression. A subsequent regression analysis of these subgroups further suggests an influence of their characteristics on the daily levodopa dosage, an indicator for medication response. These findings could promote further enhancements in individualized therapies for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Heterogeneous fates of simultaneously-born neurons in the cortical ventricular zone
Authors: Magrinelli Elia , Baumann Natalia , Wagener Robin Jan , Glangetas Christelle , Bellone Camilla , Jabaudon Denis , Klingler Esther
Published: April 2022

Neocortical excitatory neurons belong to diverse cell types, which can be distinguished by their dates of birth, laminar location, connectivity, and molecular identities. During embryogenesis, apical progenitors (APs) located in the ventricular zone first give birth to deep-layer neurons, and next to superficial-layer neurons. While the overall sequential construction of neocortical layers is well-established, whether APs produce multiple neuron types at single time points of corticogenesis is unknown. To address this question, here we used FlashTag to fate-map simultaneously-born (i.e. isochronic) cohorts of AP daughter neurons at successive stages of corticogenesis. We reveal that early in corticogenesis, isochronic neurons differentiate into heterogeneous laminar, hodological and molecular cell types. Later on, instead, simultaneously-born neurons have more homogeneous fates. Using single-cell gene expression analyses, we identify an early postmitotic surge in the molecular heterogeneity of nascent neurons during which some early-born neurons initiate and partially execute late-born neuron transcriptional programs. Together, these findings suggest that as corticogenesis unfolds, mechanisms allowing increased homogeneity in neuronal output are progressively implemented, resulting in progressively more predictable neuronal identities.
An improved spider optimization algorithm coordinated by pheromones
Authors: Feng Siling , Hu Yue , Chen Yinjie , Huang Mengxing
Published: April 2022

Swarm intelligence algorithm is an important evolutionary computation method that optimizes the objective function by imitating the behaviors of various organisms in nature. A two-stage swarm intelligence algorithm named spider pheromone coordination algorithm (SPC) is proposed in this paper. SPC tries to explore as many feasible solutions as possible on the cobweb at the positioning stage. It simulates the release and reception of different pheromones between spiders at the hunting stage, and then spiders move towards prey under the co-action of winds and pheromones. Different from the existing algorithms, SPC simulates the process that spiders accomplish intra-species communications through different pheromones and considers the impact on spider wind movement. A large number of typical benchmark functions are used in comparative numerical experiments to verify the performances of SPC. Experiments are made to compare SPC with a series of swarm intelligence algorithms, showing that SPC has higher convergence accuracy and stronger global searchability, effectively keeping the diversity of feasible solutions.
Comprehensive analysis of genetic factors predicting overall survival in Myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Maurya Nehakumari , Mohanty Purvi , Dhangar Somprakash , Panchal Purvi , Jijina Farah , Mathan S. Leo Prince , Shanmukhaiah Chandrakala , Madkaikar Manisha , Vundinti Babu Rao
Published: April 2022

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematological disease with high risk of progression to AML. Accurate risk stratification is of importance for the proper management of MDS. Genetic lesions (Cytogenetic and Molecular mutations) are known to help in prognosticating the MDS patients. We have studied 152 MDS patients using cytogenetics and next generation sequencing (NGS). These patients were evaluated and as per cytogenetic prognostic group, majority (92.1%) of the patients classified as good (81.6%) and intermediate (10.5%) group. The NGS identified 38 different gene mutations in our cohort. Among 111 MDS patients with mutations, the most frequent mutated genes were SF3B1 (25.2%), SRSF2 (19%) U2AF1 (14.4%) ASXL1 (9.9%) RUNX1 (9.9%) TET2 (9%), TP53 (9%), ATM (6.3%), NRAS (5.4%) and JAK2/3 (5.4%). The survival analysis revealed that the mutations in TP53, JAK2/3, KRAS, NRAS and ASXL1 were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with poor survival of the patients. The univariate cox and multivariate cox analysis of our study suggested that the age, marrow morphology, cytogenetic and gene mutations with IPSS-R should be considered for prognosticating the MDS patients. We have proposed M-IPSS-R which changed the risk stratification i.e. 66.3% patients had decreased risk whereas 33.75% showed increased risk compared to IPSS-R. The survival analysis also showed that the M-IPSS-R were more significant in separating the patients as per their risk than the IPSS-R alone. The change in risk stratification could help in proper strategy for the treatment planning.
Integrated analysis of expression profiles with meat quality traits in cattle
Authors: Li Yunxiao , Yang Miaosen , Lou Angang , Yun Jinyan , Ren Chunyu , Li Xiangchun , Xia Guangjun , Nam Kichang , Yoon Duhak , Jin Haiguo , Seo Kangseok , Jin Xin
Published: April 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in improving meat quality by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs). We performed an integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiling between bulls and steers based on the differences in meat quality traits. Fat and fatty acids are the major phenotypic indices of meat quality traits to estimate between-group variance. In the present study, 90 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) and 18 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified. Eighty-three potential DEG targets and 18 DEMs were used to structure a negative interaction network, and 75 matching target genes were shown in this network. Twenty-six target genes were designated as intersection genes, screened from 18 DEMs, and overlapped with the DEGs. Seventeen of these genes enriched to 19 terms involved in lipid metabolism. Subsequently, 13 DEGs and nine DEMs were validated using quantitative real-time PCR, and seven critical genes were selected to explore the influence of fat and fatty acids through hub genes and predict functional association. A dual-luciferase reporter and Western blot assays confirmed a predicted miRNA target (bta-miR-409a and PLIN5). These findings provide substantial evidence for molecular genetic controls and interaction among genes in cattle.
Long COVID occurrence in COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Sugiyama Aya , Miwata Kei , Kitahara Yoshihiro , Okimoto Mafumi , Abe Kanon , E Bunthen , Ouoba Serge , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanimine Naoki , Ohdan Hideki , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Nagasawa Akira , Nakanishi Toshio , Takafuta Toshiro , Tanaka Junko
Published: April 2022

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the post-acute consequences of COVID-19. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey on sequelae, psychological distress (K6), impairments in work performance (WFun), and COVID-19–related experiences of stigma and discrimination in two designated COVID-19 hospitals in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, between August 2020 and March 2021. The prevalence of sequelae was calculated by age and COVID-19 severity. Factors independently associated with sequelae or psychological distress were identified using logistic regression analysis. Among 127 patients who had recovered from COVID-19, 52.0% had persistent symptoms at a median of 29 days [IQR 23–128] after COVID-19 onset. Among patients with mild COVID-19, 49.5% had sequelae. The most frequent symptoms were olfactory disorders (15.0%), taste disorders (14.2%), and cough (14.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that age was an independent risk factor for sequelae (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] for ≥ 60 years vs. < 40 years 3.63, p = 0.0165). Possible psychological distress was noted in 30.7% (17.9% of males and 45.0% of females). Female sex and the presence of sequelae were independent risk factors for psychological distress. Of all participants, 29.1% had possible impairments in work performance. Experiences of stigma and discrimination were reported by 43.3% of participants. This study revealed the significant impacts of Long COVID on health in local communities. A large-scale, long-term cohort study is desired.
Anisotropic thermal and electrical transport properties induced high thermoelectric performance in an Ir2Cl2O2 monolayer
Authors: Fan Qiang , Yang Jianhui , Qi Hangbo , Yu Linfeng , Qin Guangzhao , Sun Zhehao , Shen Chen , Wang Ning
Published: April 2022

This work reveals that the anisotropic layer Ir2Cl2O2 exhibits high TE performance, which confirms that it is feasible to screen excellent TE materials via high-throughput calculations.
Light–ferroelectric interaction in two-dimensional lead iodide perovskites
Authors: Kim Dohyung , Ievlev Anton V. , Ovchinnikova Olga S. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Ahmadi Mahshid
Published: April 2022

This study reveals that light–ferroelectricity interaction in 2D (4,4-DFPD)2PbI4 MHP originates from crystallographic orientations and chemical composition instability in this material.
An electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of dopamine based on a COF/Pt/MWCNT–COOH nanocomposite
Authors: Feng Sinuo , Yan Mengxia , Xue Yu , Huang Jianshe , Yang Xiurong
Published: April 2022

A novel COF-based nanocomposite COF/Pt/MWCNT–COOH with excellent electrocatalytic activity was synthesized through a simple solution method and applied to an electrochemical biosensor.
Wettability of graphene oxide functionalized with N-alkylamines: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Muñoz-Rugeles Leonardo , Arenas-Blanco Brayan Alberto , del Campo Jorge M. , Mejía-Ospino Enrique
Published: April 2022

Water contact angle of alkylamine-modified graphene oxide for different degrees of substitution and alkyl chain lengths.
Tuning the magnetic anisotropy energy by external electric fields of CoPt dimers deposited on graphene
Authors: Ruiz-Díaz P. , Núñez-Valencia C. , Muñoz-Navia M. , Urrutia-Bañuelos E. , Dorantes-Dávila J.
Published: April 2022

The magneto-electronic properties of CoPt dimers deposited on a graphene-layer can be tuned upon electric-field exposure, particularly in the magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy (MAE). Spin-reorientation transitions are also envisioned.
Molecular interactions in diffusion-controlled aldol condensation with mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Yu Lim , Evans James W. , Gordon Mark S.
Published: April 2022

The molecular interaction energies are investigated through the effective fragment potential (EFP) method on the aldol reaction-related molecules in mesoporous silica nanoparticles by the analysis of potential energy surfaces.
Reaction pathways on N-substituted carbon catalysts during the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Chen Zheng , Chen Jianhong , Barcaro Giovanni , Budnyak Tetyana M. , Rokicińska Anna , Dronskowski Richard , Budnyk Serhiy , Kuśtrowski Piotr , Monti Susanna , Slabon Adam
Published: April 2022

Electrochemical reduction of nitrate into ammonia is one potential strategy to valorize pollutants needed to close the nitrogen cycle.
Interface engineering of W2C/W2N co-catalyst on g-C3N4 nanosheets for boosted H2 evolution and 4-nitrophenol removal
Authors: Song Tong , Zhang Xiao , Yang Ping
Published: April 2022

W2C/W2N anchored on g-C3N4 exhibits excellent photocatalytic hydrogen generation performance and simultaneous photoreduction and photooxidation activities during photo-assisted 4-NP removal.
In situ decomposition of bromine-substituted catechol to increase the activity of titanium dioxide catalyst for visible-light-induced aerobic conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde
Authors: Aitsuki Kana , Fukushima Daiki , Nakahara Hiroki , Yo Kazumune , Kodera Masahito , Okunaka Sayuri , Tokudome Hiromasa , Koitaya Takanori , Hitomi Yutaka
Published: April 2022

Surface-modified TiO2 generated by the photolysis of tetrabromocatechol showed higher activity than bare TiO2 in visible-light-induced photocatalytic toluene oxidation.
(R)- and (S)-[C8H10NO3]2[NbOF5]: noncentrosymmetric niobium oxyfluorides with large optical anisotropy
Authors: Moon Jihyeon , Ok Kang Min
Published: April 2022

Huge crystals of novel noncentrosymmetric chiral niobium oxyfluorides have been systematically grown via the systematic driving of chiral structure-directing agents.
Synergistic effect of GO/SrFe12O19 as magnetic hybrid nanocatalyst for regioselective ring-opening of epoxides with amines under eco-friendly conditions
Authors: Laayati Mouhsine , Mekkaoui Ayoub Abdelkader , Fkhar Lahcen , Ait Ali Mustapha , Anane Hafid , Bahsis Lahoucine , El Firdoussi Larbi , El Houssame Soufiane
Published: April 2022

Highly efficient magnetically separable hybrid GO/SrFe12O19 nanocomposite was synthesized, as catalyst for epoxide ring-opening, via dispersing M-type strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) on graphene oxide (GO) sheets.
Enhanced hydrogen storage properties of ZrTiVAl1−xFex high-entropy alloys by modifying the Fe content
Authors: Ma Xiangfeng , Ding Xin , Chen Ruirun , Gao Xuefeng , Su Yanqing , Cui Hongzhi
Published: April 2022

The reduced interdendritic phase favors shortening of the H atom diffusion distance, thereby increasing the hydrogenation rate. The transfer of element V to the C14 Laves phase leads to an increase in hydrogen storage capacity.
Revealing the structural and chemical properties of copper-based nanoparticles released from copper treated wood
Authors: Wang Chen , Qi Chaolong
Published: April 2022

A combination of analytical electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy enables effective speciation and characterization of airborne copper nanoparticles released from copper-treated wood.
Effect of the organic sulfur source on the photocatalytic activity of CdS
Authors: Zhu Qiong , Wang Jinhua , Chen Si , Fu Hongquan , Zhang Juan , Gao Hejun , Liao Yunwen
Published: April 2022

By controlling the species of the organic sulfur source, CdS samples were produced with different photocatalytic performances by a low-temperature solvothermal method.
Self-healing polyurethane with high strength and toughness based on a dynamic chemical strategy
Authors: Dong Fuhao , Yang Xinxin , Guo Lizhen , Wang Yuqi , Shaghaleh Hiba , Huang Zhen , Xu Xu , Wang Shifa , Liu He
Published: April 2022

Menthane diamine promotes the strength and toughness of H-bonding and disulfide bonding-based self-healing polyurethane elastomers and simultaneously improves the elasticity and self-healing performance.
Metal–organic-framework-derived vanadium(iii) phosphate nanoaggregates for zinc-ion battery cathodes with long-term cycle stability
Authors: Hwang Suk-Ho , Seo Seung-Deok , Kim Dong-Wan
Published: April 2022

The distinctively manipulated thin-carbon layer coated VPO4 nano aggregates via in situ transformation of a vanadium-based MIL-47 precursor were demonstrated as a highly stable and high-rate capable cathode material in aqueous Zn-ion batteries.
Novel deep-blue hot exciton material for high-efficiency nondoped organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xu Pei , Xu Lei , Pan Yuyu , Yang Dezhi , Ma Zetong , Qiao Xianfeng , Hu Dehua , Ma Dongge , Ma Yuguang
Published: April 2022

A deep-blue OLED based on a novel hot exciton material exhibited an EQEmaxof 7.51% with CIE coordinates of (0.154, 0.075).
Ultra-stable narrowband green-emitting CsPbBr3 quantum dot-embedded glass ceramics for wide color gamut backlit displays
Authors: Lin Jidong , Wang Shaoxiong , Chen Guohua , Chen Runyu , Chen Shuxin , Jiang Naizhong , Huang Feng , Zheng Yuanhui , Zheng Yongping , Chen Daqin
Published: April 2022

A white LED backlit unit designed by coupling a CsPbBr3@glass@PDMS green film and Mn4+:K2SiF6 red film with a home-made blue light guide panel endows a liquid crystal display with a wide color gamut.
Oxygen mobility in yttrium hydride films studied by isotopic labelling
Authors: Moldarev Dmitrii , Aracheloff Camille , Moro Marcos V. , Pitthan Eduardo , Wolff Max , Primetzhofer Daniel
Published: April 2022

The photochromic properties of oxygen-containing yttrium hydride thin films are directly dependent on the oxygen concentration in the material. We use 16O/18O labelling to study oxidation of YH2 films. Oxygen penetrates the film through grain boundaries and intercolumnar voids oxidising the whole film thickness, without pronounced surface oxidation or self-passivation. Once oxidised, the mobility of oxygen in the films is low and no detectable changes in chemical composition of 18O-labeled YHO films is found under illumination.
Preliminary results of the experimental cross sections of the long-lived β+ emitters of interest in PET range verification in proton therapy at clinical energies
Authors: Rodriguez-Gonzalez Teresa , Guerrero Carlos , Bäcker Claus Maximilian , Bäumer Christian , Jentzen Walter , Jiménez-Ramos M. Carmen , Millán-Callado M. Ángeles , Timmermann Beate , Quesada José Manuel
Published: April 2022

In proton therapy, offline PET range verification requires a comparison of the measured and expected β+ activity distributions produced by the proton field in the body, looking at the the long-lived β+ emitters. The reliability of the expected activity distributions depends on the Monte Carlo simulations and hence on the accuracy of the underlying cross section data. However, several studies confirm the need for more and better measurements and evaluations of these cross sections.

In this work, the employed method to measure the production yields of the long-lived β+ emitters of interest in PET range verification 11C (t1/2 = 20 min), 13N (t1/2 = 10 min) and 15O (t1/2 = 2 min) in C, N and O is presented. The method combines the multi-foil activation technique with the subsequent measurement of the induced activity in a clinical PET scanner. The preliminary results of the12C(p,pn)11C reaction cross sections is presented.
Ambulantes Glukoseprofil (AGP) und relevante Daten aus CGM-Messungen
Authors: Kröger Jens , Thomas Andreas
Published: April 2022

Das kontinuierliche Glukosemonitoring (CGM) hat sich zum Standard der Therapieunterstützung von Menschen mit Typ-1-Diabetes entwickelt. Darüber hinaus nutzen zunehmend auch Menschen mit Typ-2-Diabetes CGM. Mit dem CGM ergeben sich aber nicht nur eine Reihe von neuen Glukoseparametern, die unter der punktuellen Blutzuckermessung gar nicht ermittelt werden konnten, es ergeben sich auch vielfältige Daten, die sich zu einem Bild über den Glukoseverlauf zusammensetzen. Das macht es notwendig, diese Bilder schnell und effektiv zu interpretieren. Das Ambulante Glukoseprofil (AGP) ist ein Modell, in welchem die Daten zusammengefasst sind und welches sich schnell auswerten lässt, auch unter Praxisbedingungen im Gespräch mit den Patienten. Darüber wird nachfolgend berichtet.
Digitalisierung in der diabetologischen Schwerpunktpraxis
Authors: Schubert-Olesen Oliver
Published: April 2022

Die Digitalisierung ist in aller Munde. Auch im Medizinbereich und gerade im Bereich der Diabetologie – mit dem wichtigen Anteil des Datenmanagements – scheinen sich große Möglichkeiten zu eröffnen. Digitalisierung kann die Arbeitsabläufe und Therapiequalität in der Praxis positiv beeinflussen. Dabei muss zwischen „Pflichtdigitalisierung“ und optionalen Möglichkeiten unterschieden werden. Welche Möglichkeiten gibt es jedoch bei den optionalen Änderungen, wo kann ich Ideen sammeln? Welche Vorteile bieten sie und wie können sie umgesetzt werden? Dabei sollten die Möglichkeiten zusammengetragen, individuell der Bedarf ausgelotet und die Umsetzung gut geplant werden.
Rectal band ligation as a treatment for chronic radiation proctitis: a feasibility study
Authors: Lamonaca Laura , Auriemma Francesco , Paduano Danilo , Bianchetti Mario , Spatola Federica , Galtieri Piera , Maselli Roberta , Repici Alessandro , Mangiavillano Benedetto
Published: April 2022

Background and study aims Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) occurs in 5 % to 20 % of patients undergoing pelvic radiation therapy and frequently manifests with rectal bleeding. Endoscopic management of more severe and refractory cases can be challenging. Rectal band ligation (RBL) has been shown to be a feasible alternative to current available techniques, especially in extensive CRP. Our aim is to evaluate clinical and technical success of RBL.

Patients and methods We enrolled all consecutive patients treated with RBL for severe or recurrent hemorrhagic CRP. Success was defined as endoscopic evidence of complete rectal healing and/or cessation of bleeding not requiring further treatment or blood transfusion.

Results We enrolled 10 patients (7 males, mean age 75.6 years). Median length of the CRP from the anal verge was 4.5 cm and mean surface area involved was 89 %. Eight patients (80 %) were naïve to endoscopic treatment, while two had undergone argon plasma coagulation (APC). Median follow-up was 136.5 days. Success was achieved in 100 % of patients after a mean number of 1.8 RBL sessions. A mean number of 4.7 bands were released in the first session while a mean of 3.1 and 2 bands were placed in the second and third sessions, respectively. As for adverse events, only one patient reported mild tenesmus and pelvic pain after the procedure.

Conclusions RBL is a safe and effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of hemorrhagic CRP. It could be considered a valid first-line option in case of extensive rectal involvement as well as a viable rescue treatment after failed APC.
Influence of Instrument Lubrication on Properties of Dental Composites
Authors: Kosewski Juliusz , Kosewski Przemysław , Mielczarek Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

Resin composites are one of the most commonly used materials in restorative dentistry. To improve their handling and facilitate restoration sculpting, clinicians began to lubricate modeling instruments with various substances like alcohol, unfilled resins, or even bonding agents. Although the technique is commonly present in daily clinical practice, it has not been precisely described in the literature and both application methods and lubricating materials vary across the available studies. This study aims to summarize the currently available knowledge about influence of instrument lubrication on properties of dental composites. Literature selection was conducted within MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and EBSCO databases. Instrument lubrication seems not to be indifferent for composite mechanical and optical properties. Moreover, various lubricants can differently affect the composite material, so the choice of lubricating agent should be deliberate and cautious. Available in vitro studies suggest possible incorporation of lubricant into the composite structure. Unfilled resins based on bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) seem to be the best choice for the lubricant, as bonding agents containing hydrophilic molecules and alcohols carry a bigger risk of altering the composite properties. Further research is necessary to evaluate lubricants' influence in clinical practice conditions.
Rechtskolumne: Achtung bei Prufverfahren
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: April 2022

Mit Inkrafttreten der Prüfverfahrensvereinbarung (PrüfvV) sind nunmehr in strittigen Fällen die Voraussetzungen für Krankenhäuser für die Einreichung von Klagen bei den Sozialgerichten an höhere Anforderungen geknüpft. Vor Einleitung eines Klageverfahrens ist eine einzelfallbezogene Erörterung durchzuführen.
Hauptstadtkongress 2022; „Digitalformate ersetzen keinen Kongress“
Authors: Dorner Carola
Published: April 2022

Nach zwei Jahren mit Hybridformaten findet der Hauptstadtkongress 2022 wieder in Präsenz statt. Ein Interview mit Kongresspräsident Professor Karl Max Einhäupl über Digitalisierung, Vorhaltepflicht und Lieferketten. Und über Lehren und Veränderungen der letzten zwei Jahre.
Digitale Identitäten: Moderne Zeiten
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: April 2022

Anwender sollen sich künftig bei Fachdiensten der Telematikinfrastruktur (TI) genauso einfach anmelden können wie im Internet – nur sicherer. Die Authentifizierung erfolgt über zertifizierte Identity Provider.
E-Rezept: Ein enger Zeitplan
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: April 2022

Die für Anfang 2022 geplante Einführung des E-Rezepts wurde kurzfristig verschoben. Susanne Koch, Referentin für eHealth und Verbandsstrategie beim Bundesverband Gesundheits-IT (bvitg), erläutert die Hintergründe und Vorschläge, die künftig zu einem besseren Ablauf der TI-Projekte führen sollen.
KIS-Markt: KHZG belebt deutlich das Geschäft
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: April 2022

Nach den Turbulenzen des Jahres 2020 ist im vergangenen Jahr wieder Ruhe auf dem KIS-Markt eingekehrt. Nur der Zusammenschluss von i-Solutions mit Meona ließ aufhorchen. Während das reine KIS-Geschäft stagniert, rüsten alle Health-IT-Hersteller derzeit ihre Systeme gewinnbringend mit Detaillösungen im Rahmen des KHZG auf. Das Geschäft brummt wie lange nicht.
Processing Spanish gender in a usage‑based model with special reference to dual‑gendered nouns
Authors: Ellingson Eddington David
Published: April 2022

In an experiment, Spanish speakers assigned gender to nouns. Some nouns had biological referents. Others had a
mismatch between their gender and their final phones (e.g. problema). Nouns with biological referents and nouns
with matching gender and phonology were responded to faster suggesting that gender does not depend solely on a noun’s gender.
Gender was also assigned to dual-gendered nouns, which are feminine nouns that take the masculine article el
(e.g. agua). Most participants assigned them masculine gender.

Dual-gendered nouns are often preceded by masculine modifiers which is due to analogy to el. The
idea is explored that the gender of el, along with all modifiers a noun has been experienced with, explains
gender assignment. Computational simulations were carried out to test this using exemplar, naive Bayes, and decision tree
algorithms. They made accurate predictions without referencing the noun’s gender. In dual-gendered nouns, a shift towards preposed
masculine modifiers was observed. A simulation predicted the gender of bare dual-gendered nouns which mirrored the masculine gender the
experimental participants provided. These results suggest a usage-based model in which a noun’s gender is determined by the
modifiers it has been experienced with.
Microstructure evolution of a drive shaft spline from an aero-engine fuel pump during fretting wear
Authors: Zhang Fengtai , Liang Yilong , Wu Yuzhong , Yin Cunhong , Zhang Juan , Yang Songyun , Huang Xin
Published: April 2022

In the process of transmitting power, the drive shaft splines of an aero-engine fuel pump often cause fretting wear due to the action of high-frequency vibration and torque load, which greatly restricts the service life and reliability of a drive shaft spline. Therefore, to understand the whole process of the fretting wear of a drive shaft spline, the microstructure of the worn surface and subsurface was characterized and analysed. The results show that adhesion, deformation, oxidation and cracking occur on the worn surface of the drive shaft spline. Plastic deformation induces dislocation multiplication that expands into subgrains and transforms into equiaxed nanocrystals. Dislocations generated by these grains in the subsequent plastic deformation will be quickly absorbed by grain boundaries, which reduces the stress concentration caused by dislocation blocks and significantly delays cracking. However, wear cracks tend to form at the interfaces of short rod-like nanocrystals near the worn surface and propagate along grain boundaries, accelerating the spalling of the material. These results provide guidance for the design and use of drive shaft splines.
A predictive model of lymph node metastasis for thymic epithelial tumours
Authors: Wang Zi-Ming , Li Feng , Sarigül Lara , Nachira Dania , Gonzalez-Rivas Diego , Badakhshi Harun , Rückert Jens-C , Ng Calvin S H , Ismail Mahmoud
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES

Thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) are relatively rare indolent malignancies in the mediastinum. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important prognostic indicator for TETs; however, the pattern of LNM involved in TETs has yet to be elucidated.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed thymoma (A–B3), thymic carcinomas and thymic neuroendocrine tumours, between 1988 and 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the predictors for LNM. The predictive nomogram was built from the independent risk factors and measured using the concordance statistic.

RESULTS

The overall proportion of TETs with LNM was 18.5% (200/1048). The rate of LNM in thymoma, thymic carcinomas and thymic neuroendocrine tumours was 6.8% (42/622), 30.2% (100/331) and 61.1% (58/95), respectively. According to the logistic regression analysis, histology type and T stage were independent factors correlated with LNM. A predictive nomogram model was developed with a concordance statistic of 0.807 (95% confidence interval: 0.773–0.841), which was significantly better than the T stage (P < 0.001) while had limited benefit to the histology type (P = 0.047). The calibration curve for the nomogram comparing the predicted and actual probabilities after bias correction showed good agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

Nodal involvement was not uncommon in TETs. Main factors related to LNM in TETs were histology type and T stage. The probability of LNM could be well calculated using the predictive model.
Phylogenetically diverseBradyrhizobiumgenospecies nodulate Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterraneaL. Verdc) and soybean (Glycine maxL. Merril) in the northern savanna zones of Ghana
Authors: Adjei Josephine A , Aserse Aregu A , Yli-Halla Markku , Ahiabor Benjamin D K , Abaidoo Robert C , Lindstrom Kristina
Published: April 2022

A total of 102 bacterial strains isolated from nodules of three Bambara groundnut and one soybean cultivars grown in nineteen soil samples collected from northern Ghana were characterized using multilocus gene sequence analysis. Based on a concatenated sequence analysis (glnII-rpoB-recA-gyrB-atpD-dnaK), 54 representative strains were distributed in 12 distinct lineages, many of which were placed mainly in the Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium elkanii supergroups. Twenty-four of the 54 representative strains belonged to seven putative novel species, while 30 were conspecific with four recognized Bradyrhizobium species. The nodA phylogeny placed all the representative strains in the cosmopolitan nodA clade III. The strains were further separated in seven nodA subclusters with reference strains mainly of African origin. The nifH phylogeny was somewhat congruent with the nodA phylogeny, but both symbiotic genes were mostly incongruent with the core housekeeping gene phylogeny indicating that the strains acquired their symbiotic genes horizontally from distantly related Bradyrhizobium species. Using redundancy analysis, the distribution of genospecies was found to be influenced by the edaphic factors of the respective sampling sites. In general, these results mainly underscore the high genetic diversity of Bambara groundnut-nodulating bradyrhizobia in Ghanaian soils and suggest a possible vast resource of adapted inoculant strains.
A high-quality genome assembly and annotation of the dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis, a recently diversified songbird
Authors: Friis Guillermo , Vizueta Joel , Ketterson Ellen D , Milá Borja
Published: April 2022

The dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) is one of the most common passerines of North America, and has served as a model organism in studies related to ecophysiology, behavior, and evolutionary biology for over a century. It is composed of at least 6 distinct, geographically structured forms of recent evolutionary origin, presenting remarkable variation in phenotypic traits, migratory behavior, and habitat. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly and annotation of the dark-eyed junco generated using a combination of shotgun libraries and proximity ligation Chicago and Dovetail Hi-C libraries. The final assembly is ∼1.03 Gb in size, with 98.3% of the sequence located in 30 full or nearly full chromosome scaffolds, and with a N50/L50 of 71.3 Mb/5 scaffolds. We identified 19,026 functional genes combining gene prediction and similarity approaches, of which 15,967 were associated to GO terms. The genome assembly and the set of annotated genes yielded 95.4% and 96.2% completeness scores, respectively when compared with the BUSCO avian dataset. This new assembly for J. hyemalis provides a valuable resource for genome evolution analysis, and for identifying functional genes involved in adaptive processes and speciation.
Response to a Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease Case Among Military Trainees
Authors: Marcus Joseph E , Bennett William N , Frankel Dianne N , Kieffer John W , Casey Theresa M , Huston Amanda E , Hintz Courtney N , Keller Alexander P , Smolka Michael T , Sikorski Cynthia S , Yun Heather C , Dolan Matthew J , Kiley John L
Published: April 2022

We describe the public health response to a military trainee who developed serogroup B meningococcal disease while sharing underwater breathing equipment. Despite high transmission risk, with rapid isolation and postexposure prophylaxis administration, there were no secondary cases. This case supports carefully weighing serogroup B meningococcal vaccination in high-risk settings.
Reconstruction of the origin and dispersal of the worldwide dominant Hepatitis B Virus subgenotype D1
Authors: Trovão Nídia Sequeira , Thijssen Marijn , Vrancken Bram , Pineda-Peña Andrea-Clemencia , Mina Thomas , Amini-Bavil-Olyaee Samad , Lemey Philippe , Baele Guy , Pourkarim Mahmoud Reza
Published: April 2022

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV-D1 is the dominant subgenotype in the Mediterranean basin, Eastern Europe, and Asia. However, little is currently known about its evolutionary history and spatio-temporal dynamics. We use Bayesian phylodynamic inference to investigate the temporal history of HBV-D1, for which we calibrate the molecular clock using ancient sequences, and reconstruct the viral global spatial dynamics based, for the first time, on full-length publicly available HBV-D1 genomes from a wide range of sampling dates. We pinpoint the origin of HBV subgenotype D1 before the current era (BCE) in Turkey/Anatolia. The spatial reconstructions reveal global viral transmission with a high degree of mixing. By combining modern-day and ancient sequences, we ensure sufficient temporal signal in HBV-D1 data to enable Bayesian phylodynamic inference using a molecular clock for time calibration. Our results shed light on the worldwide HBV-D1 epidemics and suggest that this originally Middle Eastern virus significantly affects more distant countries, such as those in mainland Europe.
CE: Environments & Health: Chemicals in the Home That Can Exacerbate Asthma
Authors: Polivka Barbara J. , Huntington-Moskos Luz , Folz Rodney , Barnett Russel
Published: April 2022

Although chemical exposures from cleaning and disinfectant products often go unnoticed or unrecognized, such exposures have been associated with asthma-related symptoms and exacerbations. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) website provides consumer information on a wide range of issues and products related to human health and the environment, including the use of cleaning and disinfectant products, 2,500 of which it has rated in terms of their effects on respiratory function and asthma. In discussing how the use of cleaning and disinfectant products and the frequency of their use may affect asthma control, the authors use the EWG ratings as well as data collected for a study they conducted on older adults with asthma.