bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel superconvergence analysis of anisotropic triangular FEM for a multi‐term time‐fractional mixed sub‐diffusion and diffusion‐wave equation with variable coefficients
Authors: Shi Yanhua , Zhao Yanmin , Wang Fenling , Liu Fawang
Published: September 2021

A fully discrete scheme is proposed for multi‐term time‐fractional mixed sub‐diffusion and diffusion‐wave equation with variable coefficients on anisotropic meshes, where linear triangular finite elelment method (FEM) is used for the spatial discretization and modified L1 approximation coupled with Crank–Nicolson scheme is applied to temporal direction. The mixed equation concerned contains a time–space coupled derivative which is very different from the previous literature. The stability is firstly obtained. Based on the property of the projection operator, the special relation between the projection operator and the interpolation operator of linear triangular finite element, the optimal error estimation and the superclose result are deduced. Then the global superconvergence property is derived by the interpolated postprocessing technique. Some numerical experiments are carried out to confirm the theoretical analysis on anisotropic meshes.
Exome‐based preconception carrier testing for consanguineous couples in China
Authors: He Yi , Xie Run‐Gui , Lou Ji‐Wu , Li Yan‐Wei , Wang Chun‐Li , Zhang Victor Wei , Li Dong‐Zhi
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the utility of clinical exome sequencing (ES)‐based carrier screening in Chinese consanguineous couples.

Methods

Consanguineous couples were screened for autosomal recessive (AR) disorders using the clinical ES of 5000 genes associated with human diseases.

Results

We recruited 14 couples who elected to have sequencing. One couple was related as first cousins and 13 as second cousins. Both partners carrying the same pathogenic variant were detected in four couples. One couple was found in which one partner carried a splice variant, and the other had a missence variant of the same gene. These five couples were identified as being at risk of having a child affected by an AR disorder.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that ES‐based preconception screening yields a clinical value for Chinese consanguineous couples. It enables to detect at‐risk couples for rare AR diseases.
Computational insight into networking H‐bonds in open and cyclic forms of glucose
Authors: Kotena Zahrabatoul Mosapour , Fattahi Alireza
Published: September 2021

We have studied the intramolecular H‐bonds existing in cyclic and open forms of glucose using B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level, AIM, and NBO methods. The theoretical results indicated that based on acidity values, (ΔHacid), glucose in the open form is more acidic than cyclic form. The acidity values for open and cyclic glucose (332 and 338 kcal/mol) exhibit significantly lower values (i.e., stronger acid) than the reported acidity values for α‐/ß‐anomers of D‐glucopyranose and simple alcohols. Because their conjugate bases are more stabilized through trifurcated and bifurcated intramolecular H‐bonds. AIM analysis showed normal H‐bonds in the conjugate bases of open glucose (O‐Glc), bifurcated, and normal H‐bonds in the conjugate base of cyclic glucose. In the conjugate base of glucose, the O–H···O bonds are categorized as mostly electrostatic and strong, whereas multiple interactions including C–H···O, C–H···H–C (dihydrogen bonding), C–H···C–H, and C=O···H are categorized as weak H‐bonds. The NBO results confirm that the O–H···O intramolecular H‐bonds should be the strongest among all H‐bonds existing within glucose.
Ultrafast organocatalytic ring‐opening polymerization of N‐sulfonyl aziridine in the melt
Authors: Chen Rui , Wang Ying , Zhu Linlin , Zhang Zhen
Published: September 2021

An ultrafast approach for controlled synthesis of well‐defined polysulfonamides is established through organocatalytic anionic ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of N‐sulfonyl aziridine in the melt. Several different organobases are investigated, and it is found that N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) catalyzed ROP of 2‐methyl‐N‐tosylaziridine (TsMAz) gives the desired polymer, while 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]‐undec‐7‐ene (DBU) initiate the polymerization along with initiator to produce uncontrolled polymers. Using PMDETA as the catalyst, poly(2‐methyl‐N‐tosylaziridine) with molecular weight over 100 kg/mol can be synthesized in less than 90 s. Various initiators, including carboxylic acid, N‐sulfonyl amide, unactivated amine, phenol, and thiol, are applicable for this protocol to give the molecular weight and end‐group controlled polymers under the open‐flask condition. Combining this ultrafast ROP with ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), a brush copolymer is facile synthesized. This approach allows the ultrafast metal‐free synthesis of polysulfonamide and expands the scope of initiators for the ROP of N‐sulfonyl aziridines.
Low‐temperature plasma‐jet‐activated medium inhibited tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma in a 3D in vitro culture model
Authors: Li Ying , Lv Yang , Tang Mengxiong , Choi Eun H. , Wang Junjie , Lv Guoqing , Zhu Yu , Wang Shubin , Liu Yajie
Published: September 2021

Many studies have shown, using two‐dimensional culture, that low‐temperature plasma‐jet‐activated medium (PAM) inhibits the growth of various tumor cells, whereas its effects and mechanisms in the three‐dimensional (3D) culture system remain unclear. In this study, a 3D cell culture model was used to study the inhibition of tumorigenesis of PAM in vitro. Our results showed that PAM significantly suppressed tumor spheroid formation and downregulated stemness‐related genes of A549 cells “before,” “during,” and “after” sphere formation. Additionally, we found that the specific signature of reactive oxygen species‐induced autophagy was involved in the antiproliferation effect of PAM on A549 spheroids. Our study complemented and extended the application of PAM for its anticancer effects in lung adenocarcinoma cancer.
The protective effect of harpagoside on angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced blood–brain barrier leakage in vitro
Authors: Lu Yun Wei , Hao Ren Juan , Wei Yu Yan , Yu Gu Ran
Published: September 2021

Hypertension and its associated dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) contribute to cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Angiotensin II (Ang II), a vasoactive peptide of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), is not only a pivotal molecular signal in hypertension but also causes BBB leakage, cSVD, and cognitive impair. Harpagoside, the major bioactive constituent of Scrophulariae Radix, has been commonly used for the treatment of multiple diseases including hypertension in China. The effect of harpagoside on Ang II‐induced BBB damage is unclear. We employed an immortalized endothelial cell line (bEnd.3) to mimic a BBB monolayer model in vitro and investigated the effect of harpagoside on BBB and found that harpagoside alleviated Ang II‐induced BBB destruction, inhibited Ang II–associated cytotoxicity in a concentration‐dependent manner and attenuated Ang II‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) impair by downregulation of Nox2, Nox4, and COX‐2. Harpagoside prevented Ang II–induced apoptosis via keeping Bax/Bcl‐2 balance, decreasing cytochrome c release, and inactivation of caspase‐8, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3 (the mitochondria‐dependent and death receptor–mediated apoptosis pathways). Moreover, harpagoside can alleviate Ang II–induced BBB damage through upregulation of tight junction proteins and decrease of caveolae‐mediated endocytosis. Thus, harpagoside might be a potential drug to treat Ang II–induced cSVD.
Brønsted Acid Promoted N‐Dealkylation of N‐Alkyl(sulfon)amides
Authors: Gu Linghui , Wang Yang , Cheng Zemin , Sun Yanan , Gong Xin , Li Zheyu , Ma Wenbo
Published: September 2021

A simple and efficient Brønsted‐acid‐promoted N‐dealkylation of N‐alkylamides and N‐alkylsulfonamides has been developed. This strategy features an ample substrate scope with excellent chemical selectivity, affording primary (sulfon)amide derivatives in moderate to good yields without the need for transition‐metal catalysts.
Preparation of a Titania‐Supported Palladium in Water: An Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Karami Kazem , Habibabadi Razieh Mansouri , Bayat Parvaneh , Ramezanpour Azar
Published: September 2021

There is considerable emphasis in the literature that titania is readily available, inexpensive, non‐flammable, and non‐toxic as a promising agent for the preparation of green catalysts. In this study, a palladium complex was supported on titania by a simple deceptive method using water as the medium. The resulting nanomaterial, would seem justifiable to assert that this catalyst showed excellent activity and stability in the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction with different aryl halides. it was found out that for aryl halides with various electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups, the coupling reaction of substrate with arylboronic acid proceeded smoothly at low catalyst loading (0.1 mol% Pd). As a result, short reaction times associated with good to excellent yields also indicate the effectiveness of this catalyst in these reactions. Furthermore, the recyclability experiment showed that the catalyst could be recycled up to six times without decreasing the catalytic activity. The hot filtration test confirmed the heterogeneous characteristics of the catalytically active species.
Synthesis of Imide and Amine Derivatives via Deoxyamination of Alcohols Using N‐Haloimides and Triphenylphosphine
Authors: Irving Charles D. , Floreancig Jack T. , Gasonoo Makafui , Kelley Alexandra S. , Laulhé Sébastien
Published: September 2021

A deoxyamination methodology of activated and unactivated alcohols is presented. The reaction is mediated by phosphonium intermediates generated in situ from N‐haloimides and triphenylphosphine. The protocol allows for the synthesis of phthalimide and amine derivatives in moderate to good yields at room temperature. A series of NMR experiments have provided insight into the reactive intermediates involved and the mechanism of this deoxyamination reaction.
BiOBr/Bi5O7I/TiO2/Ti Photoanode Assembled Visible Light Responsive Photocatalytic Fuel Cell for Efficient Rhodamine B Degradation and Stable Electricity Generation
Authors: Zeng Yundong , Xu Yunlan , Zhong Dengjie , Yao Haoyang , Zhong Nianbing
Published: September 2021

The design of high efficiency photoanode is still the critical of photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC). In this study, BiOBr/Bi5O7I/TiO2/Ti photoanode was prepared for the first time whose photocurrent density was 2.33 mA cm−2 at 1.2 V (vs. SCE) under visible light irradiation, which was 2.31 times that of BiOBr/TiO2/Ti. The rhodamine B degradation rate, maximum power density, short‐circuit current density and open circuit voltage of PFC with BiOBr/Bi5O7I/TiO2/Ti photoanode were (94.75
2.01)%, (23.49
1.12) μW cm−2, (0.36
0.01) mA cm−2 and 0.54 V, respectively. The excellent performance was attributed to the herterojunction of the photoanode, which expanded the photoresponse wavelength of photoanode, was beneficial to charge transfer, and enhanced the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.
Improvement of Mg‐Based Hydrogen Storage Materials by Metal Catalysts: Review and Summary
Authors: Yang Xinglin , Zhang Jiaqi , Hou Quanhui , Guo Xintao , Xu Guanzhong
Published: September 2021

Magnesium hydride (MgH2) has become a very promising hydrogen storage material because of its high hydrogen storage capacity, good reversibility and low cost. However, high thermodynamic stability and slow kinetic performance of MgH2 limit its practical application. In the past few decades, many alternative methods have been designed to solve this problem. A large number of studies have demonstrated that the use of metal catalyst doping modification, MgH2 nanocrystallization and other methods can greatly improve the hydrogen absorption and dehydrogenation performance of MgH2. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes the modification effect of transition metal catalyst doping on the hydrogen storage performance of MgH2, especially the catalysis on the de/rehydrogenation performance of MgH2. In addition, promoting effects of carbon materials, transition metal alloys and compounds on the hydrogen storage performance of MgH2 were also summarized. Finally, the existing problems and challenges of MgH2 as hydrogen storage materials are discussed, and some possible strategies are proposed.
Phage Display Targeting Identifies Eya1 as a Regulator of Glioblastoma Stem Cell Maintenance and Proliferation
Authors: Kim JongMyung , She Chunhua , Potez Marine , Huang Ping , Wu Qiulian , Prager Briana C. , Qiu Zhixin , Bao Shideng , Rich Jeremy N. , Liu James K.C.
Published: September 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) ranks among the most lethal of human malignancies with GBM stem cells (GSCs) that contribute to tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Identification and isolation of GSCs continue to be a challenge, as definitive methods to purify these cells for study or targeting are lacking. Here, we leveraged orthogonal in vitro and in vivo phage display biopanning strategies to isolate a single peptide with GSC-specific binding properties. In silico analysis of this peptide led to the isolation of EYA1 (Eyes Absent 1), a tyrosine phosphatase and transcriptional coactivator. Validating the phage discovery methods, EYA1 was preferentially expressed in GSCs compared to differentiated tumor progeny. MYC is a central mediator of GSC maintenance but has been resistant to direct targeting strategies. Based on correlation and colocalization of EYA1 and MYC, we interrogated a possible interaction, revealing binding of EYA1 to MYC and loss of MYC expression upon targeting EYA1. Supporting a functional role for EYA1, targeting EYA1 expression decreased GSC proliferation, migration, and self-renewal in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that phage display can identify novel therapeutic targets in stem-like tumor cells and that an EYA1-MYC axis represents a potential therapeutic paradigm for GBM.
ABCB5+ Dermal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells with Favorable Skin Homing and Local Immunomodulation for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Treatment
Authors: Riedl Julia , Pickett-Leonard Michael , Eide Cindy , Kluth Mark Andreas , Ganss Christoph , Frank Natasha Y. , Frank Markus H. , Ebens Christen L. , Tolar Jakub
Published: September 2021

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare, incurable blistering skin disease caused by biallelic mutations in type VII collagen (C7). Advancements in treatment of RDEB have come from harnessing the immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although human bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) trials in RDEB demonstrate improvement in clinical severity, the mechanisms of MSC migration to and persistence in injured skin and their contributions to wound healing are not completely understood. A unique subset of MSCs expressing ATP-binding cassette subfamily member 5 (ABCB5) resides in the reticular dermis and exhibits similar immunomodulatory characteristics to BM-MSCs. Our work aimed to test the hypothesis that skin-derived ABCB5+ dermal MSCs (DSCs) possess superior skin homing ability compared to BM-MSCs in immunodeficient NOD-scid IL2rgammanull (NSG) mice. Compared to BM-MSCs, peripherally injected ABCB5+ DSCs demonstrated superior homing and engraftment of wounds. Furthermore, ABCB5+ DSCs vs BM-MSCs cocultured with macrophages induced less anti-inflammatory interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) production. RNA sequencing of ABCB5+ DSCs compared to BM-MSCs showed unique expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and Homeobox (Hox) genes, specifically HOXA3. Critical to inducing migration of endothelial and epithelial cells for wound repair, increased expression of HOXA3 may explain superior skin homing properties of ABCB5+ DSCs. Further discernment of the immunomodulatory mechanisms among MSC populations could have broader regenerative medicine implications beyond RDEB treatment.
O-GlcNAc Transferase is Required to Maintain Satellite Cell Function
Authors: Zumbaugh Morgan D. , Geiger Ashley E. , Luo Jing , Shen Zhengxing , Shi Hao , Gerrard David E.
Published: September 2021

O-GlcNAcylation is a posttranslational modification considered to be a nutrient sensor that reports nutrient scarcity or surplus. Although O-GlcNAcylation exists in a wide range of cells and/or tissues, its functional role in muscle satellite cells (SCs) remains largely unknown. Using a genetic approach, we ablated O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), and thus O-GlcNAcylation, in SCs. We first evaluated SC function in vivo using a muscle injury model and found that OGT deficient SCs had compromised capacity to repair muscle after an acute injury compared with the wild-type SCs. By tracing SC cycling rates in vivo using the doxycycline-inducible H2B-GFP mouse model, we found that SCs lacking OGT cycled at lower rates and reduced in abundance with time. Additionally, the self-renewal ability of OGT-deficient SCs after injury was decreased compared to that of the wild-type SCs. Moreover, in vivo  ,  in vitro, and ex vivo proliferation assays revealed that SCs lacking OGT were incapable of expanding compared with their wild-type counterparts, a phenotype that may be explained, at least in part, by an HCF1-mediated arrest in the cell cycle. Taken together, our findings suggest that O-GlcNAcylation plays a critical role in the maintenance of SC health and function in normal and injured skeletal muscle.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells via Regulatory T Cells through ICOS-ICOSL Interaction
Authors: Fan Xingliang , Xu Zhi-Bin , Li Cheng-Lin , Zhang Hong-Yu , Peng Ya-Qi , He Bi-Xin , Liu Xiao-Qing , Chen De-Hua , Chen Dong , Akdis Cezmi A. , Fu Qing-Ling
Published: September 2021

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are recognized as key controllers and effectors of type 2 inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to alleviate type 2 inflammation by modulating T lymphocyte subsets and decreasing TH2 cytokine levels. However, the effects of MSCs on ILC2s have not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the potential immunomodulatory effects of MSCs on ILC2s in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from allergic rhinitis patients and healthy subjects. We further investigated the mechanisms involved in the MSC modulation using isolated lineage negative (Lin−) cells. PBMCs and Lin− cells were cocultured with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs (iPSC-MSCs) under the stimulation of epithelial cytokines IL-25 and IL-33. And the ILC2 levels and functions were examined and the possible mechanisms were investigated based on regulatory T (Treg) cells and ICOS-ICOSL pathway. iPSC-MSCs successfully decreased the high levels of IL-13, IL-9, and IL-5 in PBMCs in response to IL-25, IL-33, and the high percentages of IL-13+ILC2s and IL-9+ILC2s in response to epithelial cytokines were significantly reversed after the treatment of iPSC-MSCs. However, iPSC-MSCs were found directly to enhance ILC2 levels and functions via ICOS-ICOSL interaction in Lin− cells and pure ILC2s. iPSC-MSCs exerted their inhibitory effects on ILC2s via activating Treg cells through ICOS-ICOSL interaction. The MSC-induced Treg cells then suppressed ILC2s by secreting IL-10 in the coculture system. This study revealed that human MSCs suppressed ILC2s via Treg cells through ICOS-ICOSL interaction, which provides further insight to regulate ILC2s in inflammatory disorders.
Can leadership assessments do harm? Considerations for the ethical use of assessments in leadership development
Authors: Barnes Amy C.
Published: September 2021

This article explores the ethical use of assessments in leadership training, education, and development. From the importance of having well‐trained facilitators to the consideration of power and social identity in the interpretation of individual results, this article advocates for approaching the use of leadership assessments and inventories with a critical ethic of care. This practical focus on ethics serves as a compliment to the other articles in this text by helping leadership educators and leadership professionals apply this critical lens to every facilitation.
Strengthening and transforming non‐profits with leadership profiles and assessments
Authors: Sneath Karyn Nishimura
Published: September 2021

Non‐profit organizations positively contribute to society in a myriad of ways. With their focus on purpose and mission, they raise funds and awareness for specific causes and people. This article points to how assessments and inventories strengthen the volunteer and professional workforce that drives the work of non‐profit organizations. The assessments reviewed are the DiSC profile, leadership practices inventory, team dimensions profile, and change style indicator.
Concluding thoughts and reflections on the effective and ethical use of assessments
Authors: Shankman Marcy Levy , Gigliotti Ralph A.
Published: September 2021

This article offers a set of themes that summarize the entirety of the book. Of particular note is the context in which this issue was written and how our social context impacts the ways we understand and explore leadership. In addition to the critical task of increasing self‐awareness as a core deliverable of any leadership assessment or inventory, this article offers a set of themes that emerged from the articles in this issue.
Establishing the Isostructural Platform GaPd2‐InPd2‐SnPd2 to Address Electronic and/or Structural Effects
Authors: Zerdoumi Ridha , Armbrüster Marc
Published: September 2021

The isostructural series (Ga,In)Pd2 and (In,Sn)Pd2 have been established and characterised. Together with the recently discovered isostructural series (Ga,Sn)Pd2, they form a triangle along the edges of which electronic, structural and the combination thereof on chemical and physical properties can be explored, e. g. in heterogeneous catalysis. Single‐phase ternary samples of the Ga1‐xInxPd2 and In1‐xSnxPd2 series are synthesised with x=0.1 substitution steps. Metallography and powder X‐ray diffraction are utilised to establish the phase composition of the samples and to determine how the lattice parameters vary with composition. In both isotructural series, the total volume of the unit cell increases linearly with the substitution degree x. The isostructural triangle thus constitutes an excellent material platform for decoupling electronic and structural effects, namely in catalysis, where the combination of both effects usually obscures their individual influence due to their coexistence in multimetallic catalytic materials.
Polarimetric signatures of the photon ring of a black hole that is pierced by a cosmic axion string
Authors: Gußmann Alexander
Published: September 2021

Abstract

A black hole image contains a bright ring of photons that have closely circled the black hole on their way from the source to the detector. Here, we study the photon ring of a rotating black hole which is pierced by a global hyper-light axion-type cosmic string. We show that the coupling 𝜙F$$ \overset{\sim }{F} $$F~between the axion 𝜙 and the photon can give rise to a unique polarimetric structure of the photon ring. The structure emerges due to an Aharonov-Bohm type effect that leads to a change of the polarization directions of linear polarized photons when they circle the black hole. For several parameter choices, we determine concrete polarization patterns in the ring. Measuring these patterns can provide us with a way of determining the value of the coefficient of the mixed anomaly between electromagnetism and the symmetry that gave rise to the cosmic string. Finally, we briefly review a possible formation mechanism of black holes that are pierced by cosmic strings and discuss under which conditions we can expect such objects to be present as supermassive black holes in the center of galaxies.
Practice pattern variation: treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in The Netherlands
Authors: Enklaar Rosa A. , van IJsselmuiden Mèlanie N. , IntHout Joanna , Haan Stefan J. H. , Rijssenbeek Olivier G. A. M. , Bremmer Rolf H. , van Eijndhoven Hugo W. F.
Published: September 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Great variety in clinical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has been described over the last years. Practice pattern variation (PPV) reflects differences in care that cannot be explained by the underlying condition. We aim to explore whether PPV in management of POP in The Netherlands has changed between 2011 and 2017.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter cohort study, using prospective routinely collected benchmark data from LOGEX, a healthcare analytics company (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Data of patients with a diagnosis POP from 50 hospitals (16 teaching and 34 non-teaching hospitals) were collected for the years 2011 and 2017. All treatments were categorized into three groups: conservative treatment, uterus-preserving or uterus-removing surgery. Using meta-analysis, we evaluated whether the proportions of conducted treatments changed over time and estimated the between-center variation (Cochran’s Q), reflecting the PPV in 2011 and 2017. This variation was analyzed using F-tests.

Results

Compared to 2011, referral for POP in 2017 decreased by 16.2% (−4505 patients), and the percentage of hysterectomies decreased by 33.6% (p < 0.0001). The PPV of POP surgery decreased significantly by 47.2% (p = 0.0137) and of hysterectomies by 41.5% (p = 0.0316).

Conclusions

We found a decline in PPV for POP surgery between 2011 and 2017. Furthermore, the number of surgical interventions decreased, which was mostly due to a decline of hysterectomies. This indicates a shift toward more conservative therapy and uterus preservation. A further reduction of PPV would be beneficial for the quality of health care.
The effect of levamisole on kidney function in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Hoogenboom Lieke A. , Webb Hazel , Tullus Kjell , Waters Aoife
Published: September 2021

Background

Levamisole is frequently used as a steroid-sparing agent in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Side effects, such as neutropenia, gastro-intestinal upset and skin rash, have been reported. We noted an increase in creatinine in some of our patients, but literature on the effect of levamisole on kidney function is lacking.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients 1–18 years of age, treated for steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome with levamisole at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children between January 2010 and January 2020. Data was collected on clinical observations and serum creatinine values before, during and after treatment. eGFR was calculated using the Schwartz equation.

Results

In total, 75 children were included in the analysis. The median duration of treatment was 19 (IQR 12–27) months. The median estimated GFR was 134 (IQR 119–160), 101 (IQR 91–113) and 116 (IQR 106–153) ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively, before, during and after treatment with levamisole. The difference between eGFR before and after treatment compared with during treatment was statically significant (P < 0.0001). During the treatment period, the eGFR decrease was not progressive. The median levamisole dose was 2.5 (IQR 2.3–2.6) mg/kg on alternate days, and the dose was not correlated with the decrease in eGFR (r = 0.07, 95% CI − 0.22 to 0.35).

Conclusion

Levamisole significantly decreases eGFR. However, this decrease is not progressive or irreversible and would not be an indication to discontinue the treatment.
Hydrogen Embrittlement of Steels in High Pressure H2 Gas and Acidified H2S-saturated Aqueous Brine Solution
Authors: Trautmann Anton , Mori Gregor , Loder Bernd
Published: September 2021

Microbiological methanation is planned in an underground natural gas reservoir. For this purpose, hydrogen is stored, which can lead to hydrogen embrittlement of steels. To simulate these field conditions, autoclave tests were performed to clarify the amount of absorbed hydrogen and to test whether this content leads to failure of the steels. Constant load tests and immersion tests with subsequent hydrogen analyses were performed. Tests under constant load have shown that no cracks occur due to hydrogen pressures up to 100 bar and temperatures at 25 °C and 80 °C. In these conditions, the carbon steels absorb a maximum of 0.54 ppm hydrogen, which is well below the embrittlement limit. Austenitic stainless steels absorb much more hydrogen, but these steels also have a higher resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. In H2S saturated solutions, the hydrogen uptake is ten times higher compared to hydrogen gas, which has caused fractures of several steels (high strength carbon steels, Super 13Cr, and Duplex stainless steel 2205).
Electrochemical sensor based on Ni-exchanged natural zeolite/carbon black hybrid nanocomposite for determination of vitamin B6
Authors: Porada Radosław , Fendrych Katarzyna , Baś Bogusław
Published: September 2021

The utilization of environmentally friendly nanoporous natural zeolite exchanged with Ni2+ions (NiZ) and conductive carbon black (CB) in the fabrication of a novel and selective voltammetric sensor of vitamin B6(VB6) is presented. The used clinoptilolite-rich zeolite material and CB were characterized in terms of morphology and textural properties. The superior properties of Ni-zeolite/carbon black modified glassy carbon electrode (NiZCB-GCE), arising from the synergistic effect of combining the unique features of zeolite and conductive carbon black, were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. In the determination of VB6with the use of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the optimization of the pH value of supporting electrolyte and instrumental parameters, as well as the interference study were performed. Under optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current at the potential +0.72 V vs. Ag | AgCl | 3 M KCl reference electrode was linear to the VB6 concentration in the range 0.050 to 1.0 mg L−1(0.30–5.9 μmol L−1) (R = 0.9993). The calculated limit of detection (LOD,S/N = 3), equal to 15 μg L−1(0.09 μmol L−1), was much better compared to chemically modified electrodes with other carbon-based materials. The RSD for 0.5 mg L−1was in the range 2.5–5.4% (n = 4). The developed NiZCB-GCE was successfully applied to the determination of VB6in commercially available multivitamin dietary supplements, food, and water samples. The obtained recoveries ranged from 95 to 106%.

Graphical abstract
Integration of waste biomass thermal processing technology with a metallurgical furnace to improve its efficiency and economic benefit
Authors: Szwaja Stanisław , Zajemska Monika , Szwaja Magdalena , Maroszek Artur
Published: September 2021

The article presents innovative technology which integrates a metallurgical pusher-type furnace with a waste heat recovery system that consisted of a reactor for torrefaction and pyrolysis of waste biomass. The technology is designed for utilizing both liquefied and gaseous by-products (torgas, pyrolysis gas and condensate denoted as TPC) obtained from torrefaction and pyrolysis of waste biomass. TPC is considered to be applied as an additional fuel for a metallurgical furnace as an example of effective energy management in metallurgical industry. In detail, the technology contains waste heat recovery unit installed on the furnace smoke stack as the heat source for the pyrolysis/torrefaction reactor. The analysis was carried out for a pusher furnace, fed optionally with either natural gas or coke gas. Share of this gaseous/liquid TPC fuel from waste in the total fuel mixture fed to the furnace was varied from 5 to 15% by volume. Practical usefulness of TPC fuel was tested on a specially constructed test stand. Financial analysis in energy consumption and economy of using the obtained TPC fuel for co-combustion with coke gas in the metallurgical pusher furnace was carried out on the basis of data from a steel sheet roller combined with the pusher furnace located in one of large steel works. It was shown that the use of this TPC fuel derived from thermal treatment of waste biomass and other organic substances can be considered an effective method of reducing production costs in the analyzed steel company and can lead to increase in the attractiveness of their products and thus strengthen their competitiveness on the global market.

Graphic abstract
Digging into the lesser-known aspects of CRISPR biology
Authors: Guzmán Noemí M. , Esquerra-Ruvira Belén , Mojica Francisco J. M.
Published: September 2021

A long time has passed since regularly interspaced DNA repeats were discovered in prokaryotes. Today, those enigmatic repetitive elements termed clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are acknowledged as an emblematic part of multicomponent CRISPR-Cas (CRISPR associated) systems. These systems are involved in a variety of roles in bacteria and archaea, notably, that of conferring protection against transmissible genetic elements through an adaptive immune-like response. This review summarises the present knowledge on the diversity, molecular mechanisms and biology of CRISPR-Cas. We pay special attention to the most recent findings related to the determinants and consequences of CRISPR-Cas activity. Research on the basic features of these systems illustrates how instrumental the study of prokaryotes is for understanding biology in general, ultimately providing valuable tools for diverse fields and fuelling research beyond the mainstream.
Impact of clinical-pathological factors on locoregional recurrence in mastectomy patients with T1-2N1 breast cancer: who can omit adjuvant radiotherapy?
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Li , Zhang Xiaomeng , Luo Jurui , Wang Xuanyi , Chen Xingxing , Yang Zhaozhi , Mei Xin , Yu Xiaoli , Zhang Zhen , Guo Xiaomao , Shao Zhimin , Ma Jinli
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in T1–T2 tumors with 1–3 positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) is controversial. This study was to identify prognostic factors of locoregional control (LRC) following mastectomy with or without PMRT for patients with T1-2N1 breast cancer and to discuss the selection of patients who might omit PMRT.

Materials and methods

Between January 2006 and December 2012, the data of 1474 postmastectomy patients staged pT1-2N1 were analyzed. PMRT was applied in 663 patients. LRC and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox regression model was applied in the univariate and multivariate analyses to recognize the recurrence risk factors.

Results

With the median follow-up duration of 93 months (range, 5–168 months), 78 patients (5.3%) failed to secure LRC and 220 patients (14.9%) experienced any recurrence. The 7.7-year LRC and DFS was 94.9% and 85.4% respectively in the entire cohort. PMRT significantly improved 7.7-year LRC from 93.4% to 96.6% (p = 0.005), but not the DFS (p = 0.335). Multivariate analysis revealed that PMRT was an independent prognostic factor of LRC (p < 0.001), meanwhile, age ≤ 40 years (p = 0.012), histological grade 3 (p = 0.004), 2–3 positive nodes (p < 0.001) and tumor size of 3–5 cm (p = 0.045) were significantly associated with decreased LRC. The 7.7-year LRC for patients with 0, 1, and 2–4 risk factors was 97.7% / 98.9% (p = 0.233), 95.3% / 98.0% (p = 0.092), and 80.3% / 94.8% (p < 0.001) in the non-PMRT and PMRT group, respectively.

Conclusions

In patients with T1-2N1 breast cancer, clinical-pathological factors including young age, histological grade 3, 2–3 positive nodes, and tumor size of 3–5 cm were identified to be predictors of a poorer LRC following mastectomy. Patients with 0–1 risk factor might consider the omission of PMRT.
Gesundheit – digital und inklusiv: eine Lernsoftware barrierearm gestalten
Authors: Sube Lena , Bröhl Jessica , Kadatz Lisa , Klose Inga , Frings Stefanie , York Jana
Published: September 2021

Hintergrund

Der Kompetenzerwerb in den Bereichen Arbeitsschutz und Gesundheit ist für Menschen mit Lernschwierigkeiten auf Grund vielfältiger Barrieren erschwert. Die softwarebasierte Vermittlung von gesundheitsbezogenen Kompetenzen stellt eine Möglichkeit dar, die Barrieren in der Gesundheitsbefähigung abzubauen.

Methodik

Es wurden drei leitfadengestützte Fokusgruppengespräche mit Beschäftigten mit Lernschwierigkeiten und Mitarbeitenden einer WfbM (Werkstatt für Menschen mit Behinderung) der Recklinghäuser Werkstätten GmbH geführt. Im Rahmen dessen wurden Kenntnisse zu Gesundheitsförderung und Arbeitsschutz sowie die bevorzugte Lernmethode erfragt. Außerdem wurden Gestaltungskriterien und Entwürfe für barrierefreie Lerninhalte diskutiert. Hierfür stand die Lernsoftware sam® von secova GmbH & Co. KG, Rheine, beispielhaft zur Verfügung. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse wurden in die Revision der Lerninhalte einbezogen und als Handreichung für die barrierefreie Gestaltung digitaler Lerninhalte für die Zielgruppe mit Lernschwierigkeiten aufbereitet.

Ergebnisse

Anhand multimedialer Inhalte sollte eine didaktische Vielfalt angeboten werden. Zum besseren Verständnis sollten hierbei vereinfachte Sprache und Symbolbilder sowie eine kontrastreiche und übersichtliche Gestaltung verwendet werden. Der Fokus sollte auf den individuellen Bedürfnissen der Adressierten sowie den Gegebenheiten der Einrichtung liegen. Zum Abbau von Barrieren sollten verschiedene didaktische und multimediale Materialien zur Wissensvermittlung genutzt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Der Einsatz der Handreichung ist auch in anderen Kontexten vorstellbar und sollte in der Praxis evaluiert werden.
Theorieatmosphären. Soziologische Denkstile als affektive Praxis
Authors: Beregow Elena
Published: September 2021

Dieser Artikel führt das Konzept der Theorieatmosphäre ein, um die affektive Dimension von Theorien zu adressieren. Jenseits einer Engführung auf die Autor:in oder auf den Text wird die Theorieatmosphäre als Produkt des performativen Zusammenwirkens von Text, Lesepraktiken, Dingen und Räumen entworfen. Im Anschluss an Ludwik Flecks Theorie der Denkstile, Denkkollektive und Stimmungen wird die Funktionsweise von Theorieatmosphären umrissen und mithilfe der jüngeren Debatten um Atmosphären und Affekte aktualisiert. In dieser Weise können Theorieatmosphären als Produkte affektiver Praxis (Wetherell) verstanden und um die Rolle nichtmenschlicher Elemente erweitert werden. In einem Vergleich des systemtheoretischen (Luhmann) und des dekonstruktiven Denkstils (Deleuze und Guattari) erfolgt anhand der Parameter des Textes, der Praxis des Lesens sowie der Dinge und Räume von Theorie eine Analyse zweier konträrer Theorieatmosphären. Ausgehend von den Selbstbeschreibungen und den dabei wichtigen metaphorischen Registern werden diese als „heiße“ vs. „kalte“ Theorien akzentuiert. Das Konzept der Theorieatmosphäre zielt auf eine konstitutive, aber meist übersehene Dimension von Theorien und möchte zur Debatte zu Prozessen des Theoretisierens sowie von Schulbildungs- und Rezeptionsprozessen beitragen, indem es erste Antworten auf die Frage liefert: Warum faszinieren Theorien?
Storying COVID-19: fear, digitalisation, and the transformational potential of storytelling
Authors: Essebo Maja
Published: September 2021

Stories are being increasingly recognised for their potential as creators, not only depicters, of change. As such, they are receiving greater interest within sustainability science, not least in the approaches specifically focused on transformative processes of co-creation. But while highly powerful, stories are confined by both inherent and external frameworks that, if not acknowledged, limit their transformative potential. This paper addresses two such critical issues—fear and digitalisation—and discusses the ways in which they influence how and with what effects stories can be told. It uses the COVID-19 pandemic as illustration of storytelling processes and outlines some of the ways in which we can, and cannot, draw parallels between pandemic and climate change storytelling.
Current Concepts on the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Truchetet Marie Elise , Brembilla Nicolò C. , Chizzolini Carlo
Published: September 2021

From the clinical standpoint, systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin and internal organ fibrosis, diffuse fibroproliferative vascular modifications, and autoimmunity. Clinical presentation and course are highly heterogenous and life expectancy variably affected mostly dependent on lung and heart involvement. SSc touches more women than men with differences in disease severity and environmental exposure. Pathogenetic events originate from altered homeostasis favored by genetic predisposition, environmental cues and a variety of endogenous and exogenous triggers. Epigenetic modifications modulate SSc pathogenesis which strikingly associate profound immune-inflammatory dysregulation, abnormal endothelial cell behavior, and cell trans-differentiation into myofibroblasts. SSc myofibroblasts show enhanced survival and enhanced extracellular matrix deposition presenting altered structure and altered physicochemical properties. Additional cell types of likely pathogenic importance are pericytes, platelets, and keratinocytes in conjunction with their relationship with vessel wall cells and fibroblasts. In SSc, the profibrotic milieu is favored by cell signaling initiated in the one hand by transforming growth factor-beta and related cytokines and in the other hand by innate and adaptive type 2 immune responses. Radical oxygen species and invariant receptors sensing danger participate to altered cell behavior. Conventional and SSc-specific T cell subsets modulate both fibroblasts as well as endothelial cell dysfunction. Beside autoantibodies directed against ubiquitous antigens important for enhanced clinical classification, antigen-specific agonistic autoantibodies may have a pathogenic role. Recent studies based on single-cell RNAseq and multi-omics approaches are revealing unforeseen heterogeneity in SSc cell differentiation and functional states. Advances in system biology applied to the wealth of data generated by unbiased screening are allowing to subgroup patients based on distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Deciphering heterogeneity in pathogenic mechanisms will pave the way to highly needed personalized therapeutic approaches.
A Comparison of Cranial Cavity Extraction Tools for Non-contrast Enhanced CT Scans in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Vass L. , Moore M. J. , Hanayik T. , Mair G. , Pendlebury S. T. , Demeyere N. , Jenkinson M.
Published: September 2021

Cranial cavity extraction is often the first step in quantitative neuroimaging analyses. However, few automated, validated extraction tools have been developed for non-contrast enhanced CT scans (NECT). The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast freely available tools in an unseen dataset of real-world clinical NECT head scans in order to assess the performance and generalisability of these tools. This study included data from a demographically representative sample of 428 patients who had completed NECT scans following hospitalisation for stroke. In a subset of the scans (n = 20), the intracranial spaces were segmented using automated tools and compared to the gold standard of manual delineation to calculate accuracy, precision, recall, and dice similarity coefficient (DSC) values. Further, three readers independently performed regional visual comparisons of the quality of the results in a larger dataset (n = 428). Three tools were found; one of these had unreliable performance so subsequent evaluation was discontinued. The remaining tools included one that was adapted from the FMRIB software library (fBET) and a convolutional neural network- based tool (rBET). Quantitative comparison showed comparable accuracy, precision, recall and DSC values (fBET: 0.984 ± 0.002; rBET: 0.984 ± 0.003; p = 0.99) between the tools; however, intracranial volume was overestimated. Visual comparisons identified characteristic regional differences in the resulting cranial cavity segmentations. Overall fBET had highest visual quality ratings and was preferred by the readers in the majority of subject results (84%). However, both tools produced high quality extractions of the intracranial space and our findings should improve confidence in these automated CT tools. Pre- and post-processing techniques may further improve these results.
A new measure for the assessment of the university engagement: The SInAPSi academic engagement scale (SAES)
Authors: Freda Maria Francesca , Raffaele De Luca Picione , Esposito Giovanna , Ragozini Giancarlo , Testa Italo
Published: September 2021

Despite the growing interest on the notion of academic engagement (AE) and its relevance for students’ success, a few valid and reliable instruments on AE have been developed. Moreover, most of the available measures consider AE as a student’s trait rather than a relational and situated dynamic process. This study presents the development and validation of a new instrument, the SInAPSi Academic Engagement Scale (SAES), which was developed within a project coordinated by the SInAPSi center of the Authors’ University and it aims to measure AE. The main sample was constituted by 680 students and a convenience sample of 312 biology and biotechnologies students was also involved to perform the confirmatory factor analysis of the initial factor structure of the SAES. Construct validity was assessed using the University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI), while criterion-related validity was established with the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), the students’ confidence in one’s own preparation for academic studies and their academic performance. Results show that the SAES presents a robust factor structure, a good convergent and discriminant validity, and satisfactory psychometric properties. Furthermore, the SAES shows a positive correlation with the USEI and the AMS, the students’ confidence in their preparation for academic studies and their academic performance. The results indicate that the SAES can produce valid and reliable data on AE and it may have strong implications for assessing AE and implementing intervention programs for university students.
Impact of serum vitamin D on the response and prognosis in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Tokunaga Eriko , Masuda Takanobu , Ijichi Hideki , Tajiri Wakako , Koga Chinami , Koi Yumiko , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Ohno Shinji , Taguchi Kenichi , Okamoto Masahiro
Published: September 2021

Background

Several studies have recently reported that the relationships between serum vitamin D and the prognosis or the pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. However, there are no data regarding the clinical impacts of the vitamin D in Japanese breast cancer patients so far.

Patients and methods

In the present study, a total of 250 patients with clinical Stage I–III primary breast cancer who were treated with NAC and subsequently underwent definitive surgery were included. Serum 25-hydroxvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were evaluated using blood samples obtained before NAC.

Results

The serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with age, and the serum 25(OH)D was significantly higher in postmenopausal women than that in pre/peri-menopausal women. Serum 25(OH)D level was not associated with the achievement of pathological complete response (pCR) in this cohort. The low 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with shorter time to distant recurrence (TTDR). According to the univariate analysis, high clinical stage before NAC (cStage III) and low serum 25(OH)D level were significantly associated with the shorter TTDR, and pCR was significantly associated with the longer TTDR. According to a multivariate analysis, low serum 25(OH)D level were independent poor prognostic factors for TTDR.

Conclusions

The low 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with poorer prognosis in Japanese women with operable breast cancer patients treated with NAC.