bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variants of arterial supply to the inferior (diaphragmatic) surface of the ventricles of the heart and the influence on age at death
Authors: Puladi Behrus , Vogt Felix , Dinekov Maja , Köhler Christoph
Published: February 2022

Coronary artery systems of the inferior wall of the ventricles vary considerably. Schlesinger's concept distinguishes dominance of the right or left coronary artery (LCA) or balanced type. LCA dominance has been reported to be associated with increased mortality. Early angiography studies have shown that the anterior interventricular artery (AIVA), a branch of the LCA, often continues on the inferior surface of the heart and may replace the inferior interventricular artery. Others considered an AIVA on the inferior surface of the heart a rare variant. A long AIVA is a strong predictor of death in acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. We determined coronary artery variance at the inferior surface of the ventricles in 134 dissected human hearts and analyzed a possible association between coronary artery variance and age at death. The AIVA extended to the inferior side in 64.9% of the hearts, but rarely reached the basal half of the inferior interventricular groove. Most frequently (53%), it extended into the apical two‐fifths of the length of the inferior ventricular walls. An AIVA extending to the apical 40% of the length of the inferior ventricular walls may therefore be considered a common variant. In 20.1% of the hearts, a right inferior diagonal artery was also found. Statistical analysis neither revealed an association between mean AIVA length at the inferior ventricular surface and type of coronary artery dominance nor an association between AIVA length at the inferior ventricular surface or coronary artery dominance type and age at death.
COVID‐19 vaccine‐related new‐onset lichen planus
Authors: Babazadeh Arefeh , Miladi Ronak , Barary Mohammad , Shirvani Maria , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Aryanian Zeinab , Mohseni Afshar Zeinab
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines significantly impacted world health and well‐being. However, various adverse events have been observed following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccination. Cutaneous reactions have been prevalent following many vaccines, including COVID‐19 vaccines. Here, we present a case of new‐onset lichen planus in a patient who received the COVID‐19 vaccine at the same time as being infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. A 52‐year‐old woman presented to the clinic with extensive pruritic skin lesions. The eruptions had appeared a week after her second dose of the Sinopharm COVID‐19 vaccine. She mentioned a history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection approximately 10 days following the first dose of her vaccine, causing a 1‐month delay in getting the second dose. Her past medical history was not significant. On examination, erythematous and squamous papules were demonstrated predominantly on the extremities, including inguinal and axillary folds. Moreover, desquamation of the lips was visible, and buccal lesions were also found. After consultation with a dermatologist, a skin biopsy was indicated for the patient, but she refused to undergo the procedure. Therefore, considering the typical appearance of the eruptions, lichen planus was suspected, for which she was treated with oral antihistamines and topical corticosteroids.
Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Mordenite Zeolite with Improved Performance in Benzene Alkylation and n‐Paraffins Hydroconversion
Authors: Li Shaojie , Wu Hanglong , van de Poll Rim C. J. , Joosten Rick R. M. , Kosinov Nikolay , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: February 2022

Nanocrystalline mordenite (MOR) zeolites were hydrothermally synthesized in a single step with commercial cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) hydroxide as the sole organic template, while the aluminum source was varied in a typical synthesis gel. CTA can effectively reduce the crystal growth of MOR zeolites, in some cases selectively in the a‐ and b‐directions of the unit cell. These nanocrystalline MOR zeolites do not only have a larger external surface area than their bulk counterparts prepared without CTA, but the Brønsted acid sites in the side‐pockets are also more accessible. The combination of the use of CTA and AlCl3 ⋅ 6H2O afforded the best‐performing catalyst with much improved activity in benzene alkylation and hydroconversion of n‐hexadecane (n‐C16). Modifying MOR synthesis with CTA hydroxide is a cheap and effective method to open up the one‐dimensional micropore system of mordenite, increasing the catalytic performance in hydrocarbon reactions.
Targeted Fucosylation of Glycans with Engineered Bacterial Fucosyltransferase Variants
Authors: Heine Viktoria , Pelantová Helena , Bojarová Pavla , Křen Vladimír , Elling Lothar
Published: February 2022

Fucosyltransferases (FucTs) are crucial for the synthesis of Lewis‐type glycan epitopes. The synthetic capacity of efficient bacterial enzymes and their variants has not yet been fully exploited. In the present work, we investigated two previously described variants of α1,3FucT from Helicobacter pylori strains for their flexibility in substrate utilization and their applicability in the enzymatic synthesis of Lewis epitopes. We used the truncated enzyme variant of FutA from H. pylori 26695 (FucTΔ52A128N/H129E/Y132I/S46F, FucTΔ52‐4M) and the truncated α3FucT from H. pylori NCTC11639 (FucTΔ66). N‐Acetyllactosamine type 1 and type 2 as well as N’,N’’‐diacetyllactosamine were investigated as substrates. Both FucT variants exhibit α1,3/4FucT activity. Novel glycan structures were obtained displaying Lewis blood group antigens in a site‐specific sequence. Fucosylated N’,N’’‐diacetyllactosamine was synthesized for the first time with FucTΔ52‐4M. Our work paves the way for targeted fucosylation patterns that can be tested for lectin binding.
Grüne Chemie mit γ‐Valerolacton
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: February 2022

γ‐Valerolacton findet derzeit wegen seines süßlichen Geruchs hauptsächlich als Bestandteil von Parfums und als Lebensmittelzusatz Verwendung. Die Gewinnung des zyklischen Esters aus erneuerbaren Rohstoffen und seine Eignung als Synthesebaustein für verschiedenste Kohlenstoffverbindungen sind unter anderem im Zusammenhang mit der Gewinnung von Biotreibstoffen beziehungsweise Additiven attraktiv. Sein Potential als Ersatz für polare aprotische Lösemittel wie das reproduktionsschädigende N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidon wird aktuell noch nicht ausgeschöpft.
Assessment of preschool‐age executive functions: A systematic review
Authors: Silva Cristina , Sousa‐Gomes Valéria , Fávero Marisalva , Oliveira‐Lopes Susana , Merendeiro Cristiana S. , Oliveira Jorge , Moreira Diana
Published: February 2022

Executive functions (EF) are higher‐order cognitive processes present in the prefrontal cortex and are fundamental in planning, executing and monitoring goal‐oriented behaviours. Evaluating EF in early stages of child development is essential for identifying any cognitive alterations in young children, given that it allows for early intervention and minimizes future complications. Additionally, it contributes to a better understanding of this construct in this age bracket, as well as its operational model. Study of EF has recently been the focus of multiple researchers; however, there is still a serious lack of instruments and measurements validated towards children's age bracket. This systematic review's main goal is to evaluate instruments and/or tasks that serve to evaluate and analyse EF and/or their components between the ages of 36 and 72 months. Forty‐nine studies were analysed, containing multiple tasks and tools oriented towards EF and their constituent components. Results indicate the existence of various tasks that grade the different components independently from one another; nevertheless, they also confirm the lack of any global measurement instrument or method. Therefore, this systematic review presents itself as an important contribution in the study of EF, stressing not only the importance of further investing into constructing and validating new and better tools for evaluating the construct but also the study of operating models of executive functioning, especially in an age bracket where comprehending it is notoriously difficult.
Analysis of single input dual output buck converter with reduced cross regulation using decoupled sliding mode control strategy
Authors: Nanthagopal Sowrirajan , Andy Srinivasan
Published: February 2022

In the present scenario, single input dual output (SIDO) converters are remarkably required for wide range of applications, as it is capable of handling two outputs with a single source. The general advantages of SIDO converters are reduced number of components in the topology; power rating can be increased or decreased depending on the application and it ease of control. However, it faces with a common problem of cross regulation occurring due to the change of load in anyone of the load terminals. This paper proposes a control technique for a SIDO buck converter (SIDO‐BC) to have a mitigated cross regulation scenario during load change. Decoupled sliding mode controller (D‐SMC) is developed for the SIDO‐BC by considering the boundary limits of the inductor current. The D‐SMC‐based SIDO‐BC provides better output regulation with mitigated cross regulation when compared to the conventional techniques. The topological small signal model derivation of the SIDO‐BC is firmly derived, and the controller is designed and developed in such way to provide a stabilized regulated output. The entire system is implemented in simulation and in experimental hardware to validate the performance.
Combining photoperiod and thermal responses to predict phenological mismatch for introduced insects
Authors: Grevstad Fritzi S. , Wepprich Tyson , Barker Brittany , Coop Leonard B. , Shaw Richard , Bourchier Robert S.
Published: February 2022

A wide variety of organisms use the regular seasonal changes in photoperiod as a cue to align their life cycles with favorable conditions. Yet the phenological consequences of photoperiodism for organisms exposed to new climates are often overlooked. We present a conceptual approach and phenology model that maps voltinism (generations per year) and the degree of phenological mismatch that can arise when organisms with a short‐day diapause response are introduced to new regions or are otherwise exposed to new climates. Our degree‐day‐based model combines continent‐wide spatialized daily climate data, calculated date‐specific and latitude‐specific day lengths, and experimentally determined developmental responses to both photoperiod and temperature. Using the case of the knotweed psyllid Aphalara itadori, a new biological control agent being introduced from Japan to North America and Europe to control an invasive weed, we show how incorporating a short‐day diapause response will result in geographic patterns of attempted voltinism that are strikingly different from the potential number of generations based on degree‐days alone. The difference between the attempted and potential generations represents a quantitative measure of phenological mismatch between diapause timing and the end of the growing season. We conclude that insects moved from lower to higher latitudes (or to cooler climates) will tend to diapause too late, potentially resulting in high mortality from inclement weather, and those moved from higher to lower latitude (to warmer climates) may be prone to diapausing too early, therefore not fully exploiting the growing season and/or suffering from insufficient reserves for the longer duration in diapause. Mapped output reveals a central region with good phenology match that shifts north or south depending on the geographic source of the insect and its corresponding critical photoperiod for diapause. These results have direct relevance for efforts to establish populations of classical biocontrol agents. More generally, our approach and model could be applied to a wide variety of photoperiod‐ and temperature‐sensitive organisms that are exposed to changes in climate, including resident and invasive agricultural pests and species of conservation concern.
Limitations to coral recovery along an environmental stress gradient
Authors: Doropoulos Christopher , Gómez‐Lemos Luis A. , Salee Kinam , McLaughlin M. James , Tebben Jan , Van Koningsveld Mark , Feng Ming , Babcock Russell C.
Published: February 2022

Positive feedbacks driving habitat‐forming species recovery and population growth are often lost as ecosystems degrade. For such systems, identifying mechanisms that limit the re‐establishment of critical positive feedbacks is key to facilitating recovery. Theory predicts the primary drivers limiting system recovery shift from biological to physical as abiotic stress increases, but recent work has demonstrated that this seldom happens. We combined field and laboratory experiments to identify variation in limitations to coral recovery along an environmental stress gradient at Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf in northwest Australia. Many reefs in the region are coral depauperate due to recent cyclones and thermal stress. In general, recovery trajectories are prolonged due to limited coral recruitment. Consistent with theory, clearer water reefs under low thermal stress appear limited by biological interactions: competition with turf algae caused high mortality of newly settled corals and upright macroalgal stands drove mortality in transplanted juvenile corals. Laboratory experiments showed a positive relationship between crustose coralline algae cover and coral settlement, but only in the absence of sedimentation. Contrary to expectation, coral recovery does not appear limited by the survival or growth of recruits on turbid reefs under higher thermal stress, but to exceptionally low larval supply. Laboratory experiments showed that larval survival and settlement are unaffected by seawater quality across the study region. Rather, connectivity models predicted that many of the more turbid reefs in the Gulf are predominantly self seeded, receiving limited supply under degraded reef states. Overall, we find that the influence of oceanography can overwhelm the influences of physical and biological interactions on recovery potential at locations where environmental stressors are high, whereas populations in relatively benign physical conditions are predominantly structured by local ecological drivers. Such context‐dependent information can help guide expectations and assist managers in optimizing strategies for spatial conservation planning for system recovery.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Pandey Arjun K. , Dhingra Nitish K. , Hibino Makoto , Gupta Vijay , Verma Subodh
Published: February 2022

Aims

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to be an effective therapy in improving heart failure outcomes. We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure patients with either a reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for large (≥1000 patients) randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors compared with placebo in the setting of heart failure until September 2021. Our primary outcome was the composite of heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death, and secondary outcomes included all‐cause mortality and total heart failure hospitalizations. We pooled hazard ratios and risk ratios and evaluated risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Four randomized controlled trials (DAPA HF, EMPEROR‐Preserved, EMPEROR‐Reduced, and SOLOIST‐WHF) were included (n = 15 684); two of which evaluated patients with a reduced LVEF, one of which evaluated patients with a preserved LVEF, and one of which included both. Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors resulted in a significant reduction in the composite of CV death and heart failure hospitalization (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.82, I2: 0%, P < 0.00001). This was consistent in sub‐groups of patients with LVEF ≤40% (n = 9199, HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.81, I2: 0%) and LVEF >40% (n = 6482, HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.89, I2: 0%, P‐for‐interaction: 0.57), as well as in sub‐groups of patients with and without diabetes mellitus at baseline (P‐for‐interaction: 0.81). SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular death (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.97, I2: 0%, P < 0.00001) and total heart failure hospitalization (RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.76, I2: 0%, P < 0.00001); although a potential trend towards reduced all‐cause mortality was noted with SGLT2 inhibitors, no statistically significant difference was observed (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.00, I2: 14%, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization among patients with heart failure, regardless of LVEF status.
Empirical fragility assessment of adobe and rammed earth walls subjected to seismic actions
Authors: Rincon Raul , Reyes Juan C. , Carrillo Julian , Clavijo‐Tocasuchyl Alejandra
Published: February 2022

In many Latin American countries, most constructions from the colonial period were built in earth masonry. During past earthquakes, some of these buildings collapsed even with moderate magnitude events resulting in significant loss of human lives. Nevertheless, empirical fragility functions at the component level (FFs) for these structures have not been comprehensively investigated in the literature. This paper presents the probabilistic characterization of the uncertain damage sustained by earthen vertical wall segments subjected to seismic actions. Drift‐based FFs are constructed for in‐plane (IP) actions using 48 test results from previous studies. Three damage states, corresponding to cracking, extensive cracking, and collapse, are proposed for this loading direction. Only the collapse state is analyzed for out‐of‐plane (OOP) forces and a total of 26 experimental results comprise the database for this case; peak ground acceleration is selected to represent the intensity measure for OOP demands. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests aided to confirm that, for in‐plane demands, the compressive strength is one of the most influential parameters for the cracking limit state. ANOVA tests also helped to identify that only the slenderness and boundary conditions seem to have a slight influence in the FFs for the OOP demands. Finally, the derived FFs were used to recommend drift and acceleration‐based limit states for earthquake‐resistant assessment of earthen components. The developed fragility functions may be used to predict the probability of occurrence of a certain damage state at a component level which can be used in risk and resilience assessments of vernacular buildings.
Metallogenesis of the giant Maoping carbonate‐hosted lead–zinc deposit, southwestern Yangtze Craton: New insights from structural geology and whole‐rock geochemistry
Authors: Zhao Wei‐Ce , Jiang Bin‐Bin , Zhu Xin‐You , Liu Zi , Guan Yu‐Chun , Zhao De‐Shun , Mao Rong‐Wei
Published: February 2022

The southwestern Yangtze Craton hosts more than 400 carbonate‐hosted Pb–Zn deposits, and is well endowed with enormous base metals. The giant Maoping deposit is one of the most representative deposits, and the mineralization mainly occurs in the Devonian to Carboniferous dolomitic rocks. Its metallogenesis has been thoroughly discussed from many perspectives by previous studies, but it remains controversial, especially about the relationship between the structural process and the Pb–Zn mineralization. In this paper, we conducted large‐scale structural mapping and whole‐rock geochemical analysis to investigate the structural process and its control on the mineralization at Maoping. Three stages of deformation have been recognized, including the NE–SW‐striking folds and thrusts (D1), the N–S‐striking transtensional faults (D2), and the NW–SE‐striking transpressional structures (D3). The geochemical analysis shows relatively higher contents of the ore‐related trace elements in the tectonites from the N–S‐striking faults, indicating a close relationship between the N–S‐striking faults and the mineralization. Combined with field evidence and geochemical analysis, we propose that the N–S‐striking transtensional faults are likely the major ore‐conducting structures, and the NE–SW‐striking interlayer fractures serve as the assistant structures at the deposit scale. The regional NE–SW‐striking fold‐and‐thrust belts are suggested to dominate the spatial distribution and location of the Pb–Zn deposits in northeastern Yunnan at the regional scale. Our study enhances the understanding of the metallogenesis at Maoping and provides new insights into the Pb–Zn prospecting at both the regional scale and the deposit scale.
Sequence stratigraphy of the Miocene siliciclastic–carbonate sediments in Sadat Area, north‐west of Gulf of Suez: Implications for Miocene eustasy
Authors: Ayyad Haitham M. , Hewaidy Abdel Galil A. , Al‐Labaidy Naser A.
Published: February 2022

The Miocene sequences in the north‐west of the Gulf of Suez represent transition zones between carbonate‐dominated and siliciclastic‐dominated strata. These rocks were greatly influenced by the Gulf of Suez rifting, which resulted in lateral variations of facies and hence presented a complicated stratigraphic setting. Here, we interpret the sequence stratigraphy of the Sadat Area to the north‐west of the Gulf of Suez by integrating biostratigraphic data and microfacies analysis to contribute primarily to the geology of the studied successions and incorporate the existing knowledge of syn‐rift deposition. We determined the ages of the studied formations by biostratigraphic examination of the integrated calcareous nannoplankton, planktic, and benthic foraminifera. Our results distinguish four genetic Miocene sequences. These sequences are defined by four major sequence boundaries that outline sedimentation cycles and were chiefly deposited in a lagoon to outer‐shelf settings. The proposed Miocene eustacy is well‐correlated with global curves, implying a rise in sea level in the lower parts of Zones M4, M5, and M8. In contrast, the reduction of sea‐level rise resulted in the decrease of accommodation space in the upper part of Zone M5. The studied Miocene deposits mainly formed in a shallower marine environment, as shown by a comparison between data from the eastern side of the Gulf of Suez and the data presented in this paper. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the local tectonic activity linked with the Gulf of Suez rifting and the eustatic sea‐level changes were significant factors in the deposition of the Miocene in the studied successions.
Complex fluid flow in annular space under the effects of mixed convection and rotating wall of the outer enclosure
Authors: Laidoudi Houssem , Ameur Houari
Published: February 2022

This study aims to investigate the roles of pertinent parameters on the mixed convection of complex liquids in annular devices. The investigated area consists of two circular cylinders with fixed and heat walls. Both cylinders are enclosed within a circular room with a cold wall and rotate regularly. The zone between the inner obstacles and the outer space contains complex power‐law fluids. This investigation is numerically achieved by using the package ANSYS‐CFX, which is based on the finite‐volume method. The parameters studied in this study are the arrangement and size of inner tubes (d/D), the rotational speed of outer space, the rheological nature of fluids (n), and the relative concentration of thermal buoyancy force. These pertinent parameters were quantitatively expressed for the following values:d/D(= 0.1, 0.25, and 0.45); Reynolds number (Re = 1 to 20); flow behavior index (n = 0.6, 1 and 1.6); Richardson number (Ri = 0 to 100), respectively. It was found that increasing the thermal buoyancy value and the rotational speed of the outer container increases the rate of heat transfer of the cylinders in the vertical and horizontal arrangement. For example, for shear‐thinning fluid (n = 0.6), raising the value ofRifrom 0 to 100 increasesNuby 59.67% ford/D = 0.1. Also, the arrangement of the two cylinders differently affects the dynamic behavior of the fluid within the studied space.
Towards Model‐based HSI Engineering: A Universal HSI Model for Utility Optimization
Authors: Harel Avi
Published: February 2022

This article targets designers of tools for developing utility‐critical systems, including safety‐critical, usability‐critical, and productivity‐critical systems, as well as consumer products. Analyses of operational failure case studies indicate that many of them are due to insufficient support for coping with operational complexity. Operational complexity may be defined in terms of exceptional situations. Prior studies indicate the feasibility of reducing the operational complexity by merging theories from various domains with practices employed in various industries. The article presents a semi‐quantitative study of a universal HSI model, consisting of seven layers of generic mini models (GMM) used to cope with exceptions. Following the APA guidelines, the paper has four sections: introduction, method, results, and discussion.
Zinc deficiency and supplementation in autism spectrum disorder andPhelan‐McDermidsyndrome
Authors: Alsufiani Hadeil M. , Alkhanbashi Alaa S. , Laswad Norah A. Bin , Bakhadher Khulood K. , Alghamdi Shareefa A. , Tayeb Haythum O. , Tarazi Frank I.
Published: February 2022

Approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The disorder is four times more common in males than in females. Zinc deficiency and mutations inSHANK2andSHANK3(members of a family of excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding proteins) are all risk factors that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. The presence of shankopathies (loss of one copy of theSHANK3gene) can lead to the development of Phelan‐McDermid syndrome (PMDS)—a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, poor motor tone, and ASD‐like symptoms. We reviewed the relationship between zinc, ASD, and PMDS as well as the effect of zinc supplementation in improving symptoms of ASD and PMDS based on 22 studies published within 6 years (2015–2020). Zinc deficiency (assessed by either dietary intake, blood, hair, or tooth matrix) was shown to be highly prevalent in ASD and PMDS patients as well as in preclinical models of ASD and PMDS. Zinc supplements improved the behavioral deficits in animal models of ASD and PMDS. Clinical trials are still needed to validate the beneficial therapeutic effects of zinc supplements in ASD and PMDS patients.
Optimal control and approximate controllability for fractional integrodifferential evolution equations with infinite delay of order r∈(1,2)
Authors: Mohan Raja Marimuthu , Vijayakumar Velusamy , Shukla Anurag , Sooppy Nisar Kottakkaran , Sakthivel Natarajan , Kaliraj Kalimuthu
Published: February 2022

This article investigates the issue of optimal control and approximate controllability results for fractional integrodifferential evolution equations with infinite delay of in Banach space. In the beginning, we analyze approximate controllability results for fractional integrodifferential evolution equations using the fractional calculations, cosine families, and Banach fixed point theorem. After, we developed the continuous dependence of the fractional integrodifferential evolution equations by using the Henry–Gronwall inequality. Furthermore, we tested the existence of optimal controls for the Lagrange problem. Lastly, an application is presented to illustrate the theory of the main results.
Plasma‐driven biocatalysis: In situ hydrogen peroxide production with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet increases the performance of OleTJE when compared to adding the same molar amount of hydrogen peroxide in bolus
Authors: Wapshott‐Stehli Hannah L. , Myers Brayden G. , Herrera Quesada María J. , Grunden Amy , Stapelmann Katharina
Published: February 2022

Enzymes like fatty acid peroxygenase OleTJE are desirable enzymes for the industry. While they require inexpensive hydrogen peroxide for activity, the same hydrogen peroxide also causes overoxidation of their reactive heme center. Here, we generate hydrogen peroxide slowly in situ using the Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)‐Jet, an atmospheric pressure plasma jet, to avoid overoxidizing OleTJE. The COST‐Jet was operated in helium with a water admixture to provide hydrogen peroxide for OleTJE activity. This helium/water admixture produced the highest enzyme turnover numbers after 2 min of treatment. These turnover numbers were even superior to using an equimolar amount of hydrogen peroxide to treat the enzymes exogenously, showing that this plasma source can provide a reliable amount of reaction mediator to support OleTJE activity.
Food insecurity and mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic in cystic fibrosis households
Authors: Lim Janet T. , Ly Ngoc P. , Willen Shaina M. , Iwanaga Kensho , Gibb Elizabeth R. , Chan Marilynn , Church Gwynne D. , Neemuchwala Fatima , McGarry Meghan E.
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted many households due to shelter‐in‐place orders and economic hardship. People with cystic fibrosis (CF) experienced increased food insecurity compared to the general population before the pandemic, even though adequate food access is needed to maintain nutrition goals associated with improved health‐related outcomes. Little is known about the impact the pandemic had on the food insecurity of people with CF and their families.

Objective

To investigate how the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted food insecurity, mental health, and self‐care in people with CF.

Methods

Adults with CF and parents/guardians of children with CF were recruited via social media to complete online questionnaires from May 2020 to February 2021. Questionnaires in English and Spanish included USDA 2‐question food insecurity screening, Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 for mental health screening, and directed questions on the impact of the pandemic.

Results

Of 372 respondents, 21.8% of the households experienced food insecurity during the pandemic compared to 18.8% prepandemic (p < .001). More food insecure patients with CF reported weight loss (32.1% vs. 13.1%, p < .001), worse airway clearance adherence (13.6% vs. 5.8%, p < .01), and worse medication adherence (12.4% vs. 1.7%, p < .01) compared to food secure patients. Food insecure subjects were more likely to have an abnormal mental health screen compared to food secure subjects (53.1% vs. 16.2%, p < .001).

Conclusion

Food insecurity increased in the CF population during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Food insecure subjects reported worse mental health and self‐care during the pandemic compared to food secure subjects.
Learning from accidents: Nontechnical skills deficiency in the European process industry
Authors: Tusher Hasan Mahbub , Nazir Salman , Mallam Steven , Rusli Risza , Botnmark Anne Kari
Published: February 2022

Safety‐critical industries have long been subjected to extensive research and development to enhance operator performance to improve their efficiency. From a human factors perspective, much of the work in process industries is related to either enhancing technical training of operators or related to improving the physical ergonomics of hazardous workplaces. The importance of Nontechnical Skills (NTS) in the process industries have traditionally been less emphasized, while other domains (e.g., aviation, healthcare) have led the development of investigating and improving NTS for the sharp‐end operators. This study aims to investigate the association of NTS deficiencies to the major accidents from the past 5 years in the process industries within the European Union by analyzing the accident reports from The Major Accident Reporting System (MARS) database. The accident analysis results reveal potential NTS deficiencies in 27% (17 out of 64) of the cases involving the lack of situational awareness, decision making, problem‐solving, communication, leadership, and time management issues. Based on the results of the analysis, a few implications, as well as future research directions, are proposed, which could facilitate the stakeholders in addressing NTS deficiencies of European process industry operators.
Stochastic parametrization: An alternative to inflation in ensemble Kalman filters
Authors: Dufée Benjamin , Mémin Etienne , Crisan Dan
Published: February 2022

We investigate the application of a stochastic dynamical model in ensemble Kalman filter methods. Ensemble Kalman filters are very popular in data assimilation because of their ability to handle the filtering of high‐dimensional systems with reasonably small ensembles (especially when they are accompanied with so‐called localization techniques). The stochastic framework presented here relies on location uncertainty principles that model the effects of the model errors on the large‐scale flow components. The experiments carried out on the surface quasi‐geostrophic model with the localized square‐root filter demonstrate two significant improvements compared with the deterministic framework. First, as the uncertainty is a priori built into the model through the stochastic parametrization, there is no need for ad hoc variance inflation or perturbation of the initial condition. Second, it yields better mean‐square‐error results than the deterministic ones.
Analysis of executional and procedural errors in dry‐lab robotic surgery experiments
Authors: Hutchinson Kay , Li Zongyu , Cantrell Leigh A. , Schenkman Noah S. , Alemzadeh Homa
Published: February 2022

Background

Analysing kinematic and video data can help identify potentially erroneous motions that lead to sub‐optimal surgeon performance and safety‐critical events in robot‐assisted surgery.

Methods

We develop a rubric for identifying task and gesture‐specific executional and procedural errors and evaluate dry‐lab demonstrations of suturing and needle passing tasks from the JIGSAWS dataset. We characterise erroneous parts of demonstrations by labelling video data, and use distribution similarity analysis and trajectory averaging on kinematic data to identify parameters that distinguish erroneous gestures.

Results

Executional error frequency varies by task and gesture, and correlates with skill level. Some predominant error modes in each gesture are distinguishable by analysing error‐specific kinematic parameters. Procedural errors could lead to lower performance scores and increased demonstration times but also depend on surgical style.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into context‐dependent errors that can be used to design automated error detection mechanisms and improve training and skill assessment.
Biomass‐Derived Graphene‐Based Nanocomposites: A Futuristic Material for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Blessy Rebecca P. N. , Durgalakshmi D. , Balakumar S. , Rakkesh R. Ajay
Published: February 2022

Advanced research in the field of material science and biomedicine leads to the development of materials that are efficient and cost‐effective. Graphene has been a widely studied material in recent years and graphene‐based materials exhibit exceptional properties that can be used for applications ranging from biomedical to electronics. In biomedical field, graphene‐based materials are employed in drug delivery, sensing, bioimaging and tissue engineering. However, the production of graphene from graphite and chemical precursors has certain drawbacks such as toxicity, expensive, complex fabrication process, etc. To overcome these, biomass have become a new source for graphene materials. Different types of biomass sources and various preparation methods for graphene‐based materials were reviewed. Here, the applications of biomass derived graphene‐based materials in biomedical field were discussed.
Progress, Advantages, and Challenges of Topological Material Catalysts
Authors: Xie Ruikuan , Zhang Tan , Weng Hongming , Chai Guo-Liang
Published: February 2022

Topological materials is one of the hottest topics in condensed matter physics because of its exotic properties such as robust metallic boundary states, Fermi arcs, and the spin‐momentum‐locking helicity. The topologically protected conducting boundary states spanning the whole bandgap are expected to serve as robust and wide‐range‐energy transition states facilitating catalytic reactions. Recently, some topological materials have been found to be high‐performance catalysts, which might open an emerging research field. Herein, an overview of topological materials is given and then recent progress in topological material catalysts (TMCs) is presented. As it is a new field, more detailed and accurate mechanisms behind the high performance of TMCs are urgently needed. Combining theoretical and experimental studies is a promising way to resolve these puzzles. Heterostructures, dopants, and defects have the chance to tune the catalytic activity of TMCs while retaining topological surface states (TSSs). Also, more TMCs are needed to be discovered, and more catalytic reactions are to be investigated for TMCs in the future.
Sonographic anatomy and imaging of the dorsal supportive ligaments of the Chopart joint complex
Authors: Fenech Michelle , Wylie Bridie
Published: February 2022

Ankle sprains are common. Midfoot ligaments, particularly the dorsal ligaments of the Chopart joint complex, can be injured in combination with other ankle and foot injuries via an ankle sprain, but are clinically difficult to detect. The prevalence of injury to dorsal midfoot ligaments may be underreported as they can be overlooked, underappreciated, and underdiagnosed. Symptoms can include chronic pain, long‐term functional limitations, and physical disability due to lack of timely management. Sonographic assessment of the ankle and foot following an ankle sprain should include assessment of the dorsal midfoot ligaments. This paper will provide a description of the sonographic anatomy, appearances, and assessment of the dorsal ligaments of the Chopart joint complex. Early diagnosis of injury can allow for appropriate management and treatment.
Dihydromyricetin inhibits cancer cell migration and matrix metalloproteinases‐2 expression in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma through extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Chen , Su Chun‐Wen , Wang Po‐Hui , Lu Yen‐Ting , Ho Yu‐Ting , Yang Shun‐Fa , Hsin Chung‐Han , Lin Chiao‐Wen
Published: February 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southeast Asia and the main cause of treatment failure is metastasis. A lot of biological and pharmacological actions of dihydromyricetin (DHM) have been reported such as regulating glucose and anti‐cancer effects. The effects of DHM on the cancer invasion and migration of NPC, however, are still unclear. We therefore investigated the in vitro anti‐metastatic properties of DHM on three human NPC cell lines (HONE‐1, NPC‐39, and NPC‐BM), as well as the underlying signaling pathways. Our study revealed that DHM could suppress the migration and invasion in NPC cells. Gelatin zymography assay and western blotting assays demonstrated that DHM suppressed the enzyme activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2). Mitogen‐activated protein kinases were also investigated to elucidate the signaling pathway, which showed that phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) was inhibited after the treatment of DHM. In conclusion, our data revealed that DHM inhibited the migration and invasion of NPC cells by suppressing the expression of MMP‐2 via down regulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Protective effect of C‐phycocyanin and apo‐phycocyanin subunit on programmed necrosis ofGC‐1 spg cells induced byH2O2
Authors: Dong Xiaolei , Yang Fanghao , Xu Xiaohui , Zhu Feng , Liu Guoxiang , Xu Fenghua , Chen Guang , Cao Can , Teng Lei , Li Xiaoxia , Wang Lin , Li Bing
Published: February 2022

C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) is an effective antioxidant and has an important value in medical research. Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the main underlying mechanisms of cell death, and reducing oxidative stress is one of the strategies to enhance germ cell viability. Herein, we investigated the protective effect and the mechanism of C‐PC and apo‐phycocyanin subunit on oxidative stress damage induced by H2O2in GC‐1 spg cells. C‐PC genes were cloned into the pGEX‐4T‐1 vectorand transformed intoEscherichia coliBL21 to achieve the efficient expression of C‐PC subunit. GC‐1 spg cells were treated with 600 μM H2O2for 24 h to establish the oxidative stress damage model. Cell viability was detected by CCK‐8. The degree of oxidative stress was detected by testing Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated utilizingby 2', 7'‐dichlorofluorescent‐diacetate (DCFH‐DA). Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC‐1. Cell necrosis rate was detected by Annexin V‐FITC/PI. Expression of protein was detected by western blot. We found that C‐PC and GST‐CPC β significantly inhibited H2O2‐induced oxidative damage of GC‐1 spg cells, improved the ability of antioxidation, reduced ROS overproduction, and mitochondrial membrane potential loss, and inhibited the RIP‐1/RIP‐3/ p‐MLKL signaling pathway to reduce the necrosis rate. The results demonstrated that C‐PC played a protective role against H2O2‐induced cell damage, especially its β subunit. This study provides a theoretical basis for C‐PC as a potential protective agent of reproductive system.
Recent advances on transdermal delivery systems for the treatment of arthritic injuries: From classical treatment to nanomedicines
Authors: Shang Hongtao , Younas Ayesha , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2022

Arthritic injuries happen frequently during a lifetime due to accidents, sports, aging, diseases, etc. Such injuries can be cartilage/bone injuries, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, inflammation, pain, and/or synovitis. Oral and injective administration of therapeutics are typically used but cause many side effects. Transdermal administration is an alternative route for safe and efficient delivery. Transdermal formulations of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have been available on market for years and show promising efficacy in pain relieving, inflammation alleviation, infection control, and so on. Innovative transdermal patches, gels/films, and microneedles have also been widely explored as formulations to deliver therapeutics to combat arthritic injuries. However, transdermal formulations that halt disease progression and promote damage repair are translated slowly from lab bench to clinical applications. One major reason is that the skin barrier and synovial capsule barrier limit the efficacy of transdermal delivery. Recently, many nanocarriers, such as nanoparticles, nanolipids, nanoemulsions, nanocrystals, exosomes, etc., have been incorporated into transdermal formulations to advance drug delivery. The combined transdermal formulations show promising safety and efficacy. Therefore, this review will focus on stating the current development of nanomedicine‐based transdermal formulations for the treatment of arthritic injuries. The advances, limitations, and future perspectives in this field will also be provided to inspire future studies and accelerate clinical translational studies.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures
Modelling the coordination environment in α‐ketoglutarate dependent oxygenases – a comparative study on the effect of N‐ vs. O‐ligation
Authors: Warm Katrin , Kass Dustin , Haumann Michael , Dau Holger , Ray Kallol
Published: February 2022

In various non‐heme iron oxygenases the Fe(II) center is coordinated by 2 N and 1 O atoms of the 2‐His‐2‐carboxylate facial triad; however, most artificial model complexes bear only N‐based ligands. In an effort to closely mimic the coordination environment in α‐ketoglutarate dependent oxygenases, we have now employed the Me2tacnO ligand (4,7‐dimethyl‐1‐oxa‐4,7‐diazacyclononane) in the synthesis of the complexes [(Me2tacnO)FeCl2]2 (1‐NNO), [(Me2tacnO)FeCl3] (1 b‐NNO) and [(Me2tacnO)Fe(BF)Cl] (2‐NNO; BF=benzoylformate). The weaker donation of the O atom in the ligand was found to result in stronger binding of the ligand in trans‐position to the O‐atom of the ancillary ligand as compared to the corresponding complexes involving the Me3tacn (1,4,7‐trimethyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane) ligand. Furthermore, by stopped‐flow techniques we could detect an intermediate (3‐NNO) in the reaction of 2‐NNO with O2. The spectroscopic features of 3‐NNO agree with the involvement of an Fe(IV)‐oxo intermediate and hence this study represents the first detection of such an intermediate in the O2 activation of artificial α‐ketoglutarate Fe(II) complexes.
Scarheart: Research as Healing
Authors: O’Hara Emily R.
Published: February 2022

My chapter examines whether and if so, how, alternative approaches can be used to engage with intimate partner violence (IPV). I explore how poetry, creative writing and other forms of expression can be feminist methodologies for looking at IPV as they both offer us ways of thinking differently about objects of study, in more embodied, personal and situated ways, and can also be forms of healing in the very process of studying such “difficult” objects of research. I use artistic mediums as a form of healing when writing about the very thing that has caused so much personal hardship. My chapter also narrates my own experience with IPV as a survivor’s “ethnography of one”.
Feminist Ethics Amid Covid-19: Unpacking Assumptions and Reflections on Risk in Research
Authors: Dupuis Constance
Published: February 2022

In the context of my research on aging and later life, I explore the complexities of navigating feminist ethics in the context of a pandemic. This chapter begins by situating how I entered the research process and my early thinking about research ethics, discussing how my assumptions were partially validated in my early data collection. I then unpack how the Covid-19 pandemic has flipped some of these assumptions on their head, underscoring the unexamined ageism that fed them. I reflect on how my understanding of risk in research has also been problematized because of Covid-19. I close with a reflection on feminist research ethics as a practice of feminist methodologies, and gesture towards what I have learned about in practice when unpacking assumptions.
Of Apps and the Menstrual Cycle: A Journey into Self-Tracking
Authors: Gaybor Jacqueline
Published: February 2022

In this chapter, I describe my journey of becoming a user of menstrual tracking apps. I explore how my positionality and the different encounters I have had prior to and during this journey have shaped my understanding and experience of using the app. I am reflexive about how my standpoint constituted my meaning-making processes. I emphasize that through the journey of self-tracking, knowledge was developed in conversation with other users of these apps. I reflect on the tensions I face with regards to giving away personal data to the health app about my body while questioning the advertised possibilities to build body awareness and knowledge through digital traces. My chapter concludes by assessing my methodological choices, stressing the possibilities and limitations of a reflective writing.