bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of pulp calcifications and changes in their composition after treatments with citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solutions
Authors: Juárez‐Gallegos Julieta , Rodríguez‐Hidalgo Alejandra , Santana Maricela , Arzate Higinio , Montoya‐Ayala Gonzalo
Published: October 2022

The ectopic calcifications of non‐mineralized tissues can occur in several forms throughout life, such as pulpal calcification. The presence of pulp stones is a challenge in endodontic treatment because they partially or fully obliterate the pulp chamber hindering access to root canals and their subsequent shaping. This study aimed to determine their crystallographic properties and evaluate the capacity of citric acid (CA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to promote the demineralization of pulp calcifications. The samples were obtained from patients with indications of endodontic treatment, and the radiographic examination was suggestive of pulp stone in at least one permanent tooth. The samples were isolated and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The Fourier Transform by high resolution‐transmission electron microscopy, Raman microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to identify the mineral phase and crystallographic characteristics. To evaluate the effect of CA and EDTA on the crystallinity of calcifications, they were submerged into these two individual solutions and the changes were assessed in situ by Raman spectroscopy. The SEM images obtained from calcifications demonstrated irregular morphologies. EDX of sample surfaces shows a high presence of oxygen, carbon, calcium, and phosphorous, however, other elements such as sodium, magnesium, nitrogen, chlorine, potassium, sulfur, and zinc were identified in less quantity. According to Raman, XRD, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, the predominant mineral phase identified in the pulpal calcification was a poor crystallinity apatite. According to in situ analyses, the effect of CA and EDTA was observed on the signals of PO43− and CH2 groups corresponding to inorganic and organic components. The changes with CA were evident at 7 min while the effect of EDTA was observed until 15 min of treatment. All results indicate that pulp stones have a heterogeneous composition principally composed of apatite with low crystallinity. The solubility of these pathological minerals is adequate using solutions such as EDTA or CA; however, the effectivity depends on the mineralization grade of calcifications, time, and concentration of exposition to this chemical.
Weather‐type‐conditioned calibration of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission precipitation over the South Pacific Convergence Zone
Authors: Mirones Óscar , Bedia Joaquín , Fernández‐Granja Juan A. , Herrera Sixto , Van Vloten Sara O. , Pozo Andrea , Cagigal Laura , Méndez Fernando J.
Published: October 2022

The South Pacific region is an area affected by characteristic precipitation patterns undergoing extreme events such as tropical cyclones and droughts. First, a daily weather typing of precipitation is presented, based on principal component analysis and k‐means clustering using precipitation and atmospheric circulation variables derived from sea‐level pressure and wind reanalysis fields. As a result, five weather types (WTs) are presented, able to capture distinct precipitation spatiotemporal patterns, interpretable in terms of salient regional climate features. Second, we undertake the calibration of the TRMM precipitation product using a set of rain gauge stations as reference and scaling and empirical quantile mapping (eQM) as calibration techniques. Furthermore, we build upon the weather‐type classification to compare the results with a WT‐conditioned calibration approach. Overall, our results underpin the need of adjusting the existing TRMM biases, mostly relevant for the upper tail of their distribution, and advocate the use of correction techniques able to deal with quantile‐dependent biases—such as eQM—instead of a simple scaling, in order to obtain a more realistic representation of extreme precipitation events. The conditioning has shown only a marginal added value over the simple approach, although this minor improvement may prove relevant for applications focused on extreme event analysis. Furthermore, the weather types created can be applied to a wide variety of conditioned analyses in this region.
Synoptic patterns associated with extreme precipitation events over southeastern South America during spring and summer seasons
Authors: Martinez Daiana M. , Solman Silvina A.
Published: October 2022

This study focuses on characterizing the diversity of synoptic forcing precursors of extreme precipitation events in southeastern South America (SESA) during the warm season, as well as identifying the differences in the synoptic environment during spring (October–November–December) and summer (January–February–March). The characterization of extreme events was carried out using daily precipitation data from the CPC gridded dataset for the period 1979–2017. Extreme events were defined when the daily precipitation exceeds the 95th percentile of the daily rainy days and covers a minimum area of 100 km2. During the spring months extremes are more intense and are preferably located over the central and eastern part of SESA, while during the summer they occur towards the west and south of SESA. The associated synoptic conditions were identified after applying a principal component analysis to the 850 hPa geopotential height for extreme precipitation days using the ERA‐Interim reanalysis. Two distinctive patterns for each season were identified. The anomalous intense wind with a northerly component and a negative geopotential height anomaly over northwestern Argentina emerged as the most common features associated with the occurrence of extreme events. Differences between the two patterns emerge in terms of the southward penetration of the northerly wind and the anomalous circulation off the east coast of South America. A high‐level jet was detected in both patterns, although a weaker core and located in a position further south is found for the second pattern compared with the first one. Differences in the synoptic forcing features between spring and summer, such as a more intense low‐level northerly wind, a deeper northwestern low, a more intense upper‐level jet stream and a more extended area of maximum upper‐level wind divergence during spring compared with summer, may explain the differences found in the extreme precipitation in SESA for the two seasons.
Exploring Patient's Preference of Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures in Laryngeal Movement Disorders
Authors: Gochman Grant E. , Dwyer Christopher D. , Young VyVy N. , Rosen Clark A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite many available patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) for laryngeal movement disorders, there is a lack of patient input regarding which PROM most accurately and conveniently captures aspects related to their vocal disease. This study aimed to assess patients' preferences among a selection of voice‐related PROMs (Voice Handicap Index‐10 [VHI‐10], OMNI‐Vocal Effort Scale [OMNI‐VES], Communicative Participation Item Bank‐General Short Form [CPIB‐10], and Visual Analog Scales [VAS]) within the laryngeal movement disorder population and investigate associations between selected instruments.

Methods

Prior to botulinum toxin A injection, patients with laryngeal dystonia and/or essential tremor of the vocal tract were administered the VHI‐10, OMNI‐VES, CPIB‐10, and three novel VAS questions in a randomized order. Patients rank ordered the four PROMs based on the PROMs' reflection of their voice problems. Pearson's correlation coefficients evaluated pairwise associations among PROM scores. Fisher's exact test compared the preferred PROM rankings.

Results

Seventy patients (53 female, mean age = 60.7 years) participated. The VHI‐10 and CPIB‐10 were most preferred at 33.9% and 27.4% respectively. The OMNI‐VES and VAS scales were less favored (19.4%, each). When analyzed by age ≥60 years, the CPIB‐10 was most favored (33.3%), but for age <60 years, VHI‐10 was most preferred (42.3%). There was a strong correlation between scores of all administered PROMs (strongest correlation between OMNI‐VES and VAS, r = 0.8, p < 0.001; the weakest correlation between OMNI‐VES and VHI‐10, r = 0.6, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

With an increasing trend in PROMs usage and a strong correlation between all evaluated outcome instruments, insight regarding patients' PROM preferences is an area for further consideration.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1448–1454, 2023
Relative oscillation theory for linear Hamiltonian systems with nonlinear dependence on the spectral parameter
Authors: Elyseeva Julia
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we consider two linear Hamiltonian differential systems that depend in general nonlinearly on the spectral parameter λ and with Dirichlet boundary conditions. For the Hamiltonian problems, we do not assume any controllability and strict normality assumptions and also omit the classical Legendre condition for their Hamiltonians. The main result of the paper, the relative oscillation theorem, relates the difference of the numbers of finite eigenvalues of the two problems in the intervals and , respectively, with the so‐called oscillation numbers associated with the Wronskian of the principal solutions of the systems evaluated for and . As a corollary to the main result, we prove the renormalized oscillation theorems presenting the number of finite eigenvalues of one single problem in . The consideration is based on the comparative index theory applied to the continuous case.
Clinical Features of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Critical Review of Objective Findings
Authors: Bluett Brent , Ash Elissa , Farheen Amtul , Fasano Alfonso , Krauss Joachim K. , Maranzano Alessio , Passaretti Massimiliano , Tang‐Wai David F. , Van Gerpen Jay , Alonso‐Canovas Araceli , Youn Jinyoung , Malm Jan , Martino Davide ,   for the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Study Group
Published: October 2022

Background

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized by the classic clinical triad of gait, cognitive, and urinary dysfunction, albeit incomplete in a relevant proportion of patients. The clinical findings and evolution of these symptoms have been variably defined in the literature.

Objectives

To evaluate how the phenomenology has been defined, assessed, and reported, we performed a critical review of the existing literature discussing the phenomenology of iNPH. The review also identified the instrumental tests most frequently used and the evolution of clinical and radiologic findings.

Methods

The review was divided into 3 sections based on gait, cognitive, and urinary dysfunction. Each section performed a literature search using the terms “idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus” (iNPH), with additional search terms used by each section separately. The number of articles screened, duplicates, those meeting the inclusion criteria, and the number of articles excluded were recorded. Findings were subsequently tallied and analyzed.

Results

A total of 1716 articles with the aforementioned search criteria were identified by the 3 groups. A total of 81 full‐text articles were reviewed after the elimination of duplicates, articles that did not discuss phenomenological findings or instrumental testing of participants with iNPH prior to surgery, and articles with fewer than 10 participants.

Conclusions

“Wide‐based gait” was the most common gait dysfunction identified. Cognitive testing varied significantly across articles, and ultimately a specific cognitive profile was not identified. Urodynamic testing found detrusor overactivity and “overactive bladder” as the most common symptom of urinary dysfunction.
The Development of Genetic Sex Identification Markers and Evidence of a Male Heterogametic Sex Determination System in Red Shiner
Authors: Teal Chad N. , Coykendall D. Katharine , Campbell Matthew R. , Delomas Thomas A. , Eardley Daniel L. , Erwin John A. , Schill Daniel J. , Bauder Javan M. , Bonar Scott A. , Culver Melanie
Published: October 2022

The Red Shiner Cyprinella lutrensis is of increasing management interest as an invasive species that negatively impacts many native fishes throughout North America. Trojan sex chromosome (TSC)-carrying individuals could theoretically control invasive fish populations by skewing the sex ratio to 100% male. The efficacy of TSC-based control programs requires an understanding of a population's sex determination system, yet such information is lacking for Red Shiner. We used single-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing to discover sex-linked single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and we conducted a series of breeding experiments to uncover the sex determination system. All candidate sex-linked SNPs that fit our selection criteria exhibited a pattern of male heterogamety. We developed two sex-identification (sex-ID) marker assays, XY_248 and XY_170, which showed phenotype–genotype concordance scores of 77.00% and 84.35%, respectively. These sex-ID markers exhibited relatively high phenotype–genotype concordance in females (XY_248 = 96.30%; XY_170 = 98.61%), which allowed for selective breeding of phenotypically feminized genetic males. We observed a 3:1 male : female sex ratio in spawns from feminized males crossed with wild-type males, indicative of a male heterogametic sex determination system (i.e., XY male/XX female). The discovery of a male heterogametic sex determination system, in combination with our two markers, increases the likelihood of developing an effective TSC eradication strategy for invasive Red Shiner populations.
Patients' experience of patient safety information and participation in care during a hospital stay
Authors: Tubic Bojan , Finizia Caterina , Zainal Kamil Asra , Larsson Pernilla , Engström My
Published: October 2022

Aim

Having a culture of safety is crucial when providing high‐quality health care, yet preventable adverse events are common in the Swedish healthcare system, especially in the field of surgical care. Research shows that patient participation can improve patient safety. This study aimed to explore patients' experience of the safety leaflet, “Your safety in hospital,” including participation in care and feelings of safe care.

Design

This study uses a descriptive qualitative study design.

Methods

Twenty patients from surgical wards received patient safety leaflets and participated in semi‐structured interviews during their hospital stay. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three categories emerged from the analysis: Positive and negative experiences of provided information, Experiences of participation in own care, and Feelings of being safe arising from a perception of good quality care. Most participants were satisfied with their participation in their care and felt safe during their hospital stay. Oral information about the safety leaflet from healthcare personnel was lacking.
A systematic review of predictive models for hospital‐acquired pressure injury using machine learning
Authors: Zhou You , Yang Xiaoxi , Ma Shuli , Yuan Yuan , Yan Mingquan
Published: October 2022

Aims and objectives

To summarize the use of machine learning (ML) for hospital‐acquired pressure injury (HAPI) prediction and to systematically assess the performance and construction process of ML models to provide references for establishing high‐quality ML predictive models.

Background

As an adverse event, HAPI seriously affects patient prognosis and quality of life, and causes unnecessary medical investment. At present, the performance of various scales used to predict HAPIs is still unsatisfactory. As a new statistical tool, ML has been applied to predict HAPIs. However, its performance has varied in different studies; moreover, some deficiencies in the model construction process were observed in each study.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Relevant articles published between 2010–2021 were identified in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and CINHAL databases. Study selection was performed in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis guidelines. The quality of the included articles was assessed using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool.

Results

Twenty‐three studies out of 1793 articles were considered in this systematic review. The sample size of each study ranged from 149–75353; the prevalence of pressure injuries ranged from 0.5%–49.8%. ML showed good performance for HAPI prediction. However, some deficiencies were observed in terms of data management, data pre‐processing and model validation.

Conclusions

ML, as a powerful decision‐making assistance tool, is helpful for the prediction of HAPIs. However, existing studies have been insufficient in terms of data management, data pre‐processing and model validation. Future studies should address these issues to establish ML models for HAPI prediction that can be widely used in clinical practice.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This review highlights that ML is helpful in predicting HAPI; however, in the process of data management, data pre‐processing and model validation, some deficiencies still need to be addressed. The ultimate goal of integrating ML into HAPI prediction is to develop a practical clinical decision‐making tool. A complete and rigorous model construction process should be followed in future studies to develop high‐quality ML models that can be applied in clinical practice.
Expedited upskilling of intermediate care nurses to provide critical care during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hampton Rachel , Outten Carrie E. , Street Lara , Miranda Sheila , Koirala Binu , Davidson Patricia M. , Hager David N.
Published: October 2022

Aim

Describe the strategy, efficacy and preferred mechanisms of training used to rapidly upskill intermediate care nursing staff to provide critical care during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Descriptive study.

Methods

The strategy used from March through December 2020 to upskill nurses in an intermediate care unit to administer critical care upon rapid conversion of the intermediate care unit to an intensive care unit for coronavirus disease 2019 is described. Training and education included paired staffing models, interdisciplinary education, skills days and self‐directed learning. Nurses engaged in this upskilling process were surveyed to evaluate their confidence in new critical care competencies and educational preferences.

Results

Of 38 intermediate care nurses, 35 completed training and began independent intensive care practice. Nursing confidence in critical care competencies increased steadily. Nurses demonstrated the greatest preference for peer education models, particularly those incorporating the hospital's pre‐existing medical intensive care nurses.

Patient and Public Contributions

No patient or public contributions were made to this manuscript.
Student nurses' spiritual care competence and attitude: An online survey
Authors: Guo Zhihua , Zhang Yan , Li Pan , Zhang Qianyou , Shi Chunhong
Published: October 2022

Aims

This study aimed to assess student nurses' competence and attitude toward spiritual care and analysed the associated factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional study using an online survey.

Methods

From April 14 to June 14, 2018, a convenience sample of 938 student nurses were recruited from six schools of Nursing in Hunan Province, China. Data were collected by using the Chinese versions of the Spiritual Care Competence Scale (C‐SCCS) and the Spiritual Care Attitude Scale (C‐SCAS).

Results

The average total score on the C‐SCCS was 21.42 (±4.27) out of 30 and the C‐SCAS was 58.03 (±9.90) out of 75. Factors such as liking the nursing profession, attending a spiritual care course, participation in classroom learning or expert lecture, and supporting continuous and systematic training were the strongest predictors of higher spiritual care competence and attitude. A better attitude about spiritual care was a relatively moderate and significant predictor of higher spiritual care competence.
B2O3 reinforced polylactic acid/thermoplastic polyethylene glycol shape memory composites
Authors: Pekdemir Mustafa Ersin , Kök Mediha , Kanca Muhammed Sait , Özen Öner Ecem , Pekdemir Sibel , Inci Şule , Kirbağ Sevda , Tatar Beyhan
Published: October 2022

Recently, there has been a great demand for boron‐containing compounds (BCCs) with unique biological properties. The demand for the use of these compounds not alone but as additives in composite materials is increasing day by day. In this study, the effect of adding B2O3 compound to the blend of PLA and PEG polymers, which is an important biocompatible shape memory polymer, was investigated. In order to examine the effect of increasing B2O3 additive on the thermal properties of PLA‐PEG blend, it was determined by using a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and it was seen that while the melting temperature of PEG decreased, the melting temperature of PLA increased. In addition, when the thermal stability of the composites was examined, increasing of thermal stability was observed with the addition of B2O3 and a three‐step degradation occurred. It was determined that the B2O3/PLA‐PEG composite was homogeneous by taking X‐ray measurements and SEM measurements. The antimicrobial property of the PLA‐PEG blend improved with the increasing B2O3 contribution were observed from the antimicrobial activity measurements of the composite against 4 different bacteria. However, it was determined that the PLA‐PEG blend preserved its shape memory effect with increasing diboron trioxide contribution.
Crystalline aliphatic polyesters from eight‐membered cyclic (di)esters
Authors: Tang Xiaoyan , Shi Changxia , Zhang Zhen , Chen Eugene Y.‐X.
Published: October 2022

Ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones or cyclic (di)esters is a powerful method to produce well‐defined, high‐molecular‐weight (bio)degradable aliphatic polyesters. While the ROP of lactones of various ring sizes has been extensively studied, the ROP of the simplest eight‐membered lactone, 7‐heptanolactone (7‐HL), has not been reported using metal‐based catalysts. Accordingly, this contribution reports the ROP of 7‐HL via metal‐catalyzed coordinative‐insertion polymerization to the corresponding high‐molecular‐weight polyester, poly(7‐hydroxyheptanoate) (P7HHp). The resulting P7HHp is a semi‐crystalline material, with a Tm of 68 °C, which is ~10 °C higher than poly(ε‐caprolactone) derived from the seven‐membered lactone. Mechanical testing showed that P7HHp is a hard and tough plastic, with elongation at break >670%. P7HHp‐based polyesters with higher Tm values have been achieved through stereoselective copolymerization of 7‐HL with an eight‐membered cyclic diester, racemic dimethyl diolide (rac‐8DLMe), known to lead to high Tm poly(3‐hydroxyburtyrate) (P3HB). Notably, catalyst's strong kinetic preference for polymerizing rac‐8DLMe over 7‐HL in the 1/1 comonomer mixture rendered the formation of di‐block copolymer P3HB‐b‐P7HHp, showing two crystalline domains with Tm1 ~ 65 °C and Tm2 ~ 160 °C. Semi‐crystalline random copolymers with Tm up to 164 °C have also been obtained by adjusting copolymerization conditions. Mechanical testing showed that P3HB‐b‐P7HHp can synergistically combine the high modulus of isotactic P3HB with the high ductility of P7HHp.
Cancer‐related fatigue: Identification of hallmarks to enable refined treatment approaches
Authors: Schmidt Martina E. , Blickle Patricia , Steindorf Karen
Published: October 2022

Objective

Recommendations for fatigue management are commonly given in an undifferentiated manner without further evaluation of patient's specific symptomatology. Thus, we aimed to identify hallmarks of potential fatigue subgroups which might guide more refined treatment.

Methods

The FiX study assessed fatigue with the EORTC QLQ‐FA12 in patients around 2 years after cancer diagnosis (T0) including 15 different entities. After 2 years, a follow‐up survey (T1) was conducted. The analyses comprised all patients with prevalent fatigue at T0 (N = 1023). Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Ward method and including the dichotomized factors emotional distress, pain, insomnia, and obesity. Emotional distress, that is, depressive symptoms and anxiety, was assessed by the PHQ‐4. Pain and insomnia were based on the according symptom scores of the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Analysis of covariance was conducted to investigate the association of the fatigue clusters at T0 with subsequent fatigue at T1.

Results

Four hierarchical clusters were identified. The first cluster comprised patients with moderate‐to‐severe distress. The remaining fatigue cases were differentiated by obesity and then by pain. Fatigue cases without any of these three symptoms formed the last cluster. Physical, emotional and cognitive fatigue were highest in the distress cluster. Additionally, this cluster was associated with higher physical, emotional and cognitive fatigue at T1 compared to the other clusters.

Conclusions

Fatigue in conjunction with emotional distress had worse impact, persisted longer, and may require other treatment approaches than fatigue in patients without emotional distress. Obesity and pain may be further distinguishing hallmarks for refined fatigue management.
Correlation between urinary and serum NT‐proBNP in acute bronchiolitis: A pilot study
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Moises , Castellano‐Martínez Ana , Estalella‐Mendoza Ana , Rodríguez‐Campoy Patricia , Estepa‐Pedregosa Lorena , Calero‐Ruiz María Mercedes , Sáez‐Benito Godino Ana , Flores‐González Jose Carlos
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

We aimed to analyze the correlation of urinary with serum N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations and its association with severity in acute bronchiolitis.

Material and Methods

A pilot observational study was conducted between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022 including acute bronchiolitis cases who attended our institution. Serum and urinary NT‐proBNP concentrations were determined using the Alere i NT‐proBNP assay in time‐matched urine and blood samples. The Mann−WhitneyUtest, Spearman's correlations, and simple linear regression were utilized to analyze the association of urine NT‐proBNP levels with serum NT‐proBNP and with variables indicative of severe bronchiolitis.

Results

Seventeen infants (median age 68 [IQR: 36−91] days) with 36 time‐matched samples were included. The urine NT‐proBNP was positively and strongly correlated with the serum NT‐proBNP concentrations (Spearman'sρ = 0.81 &R2 coefficient = 0.751;p < 0.001), and increased with higher C‐reactive protein, (p = 0.004), procalcitonin (p = 0.001), and pCO2(p = 0.029) levels. The initial urinary NT‐proBNP concentrations were higher in those infants that required ventilatory support compared with those without this outcome (1.85 [IQR: 1.16−2.44] vs. 0.63 [IQR: 0.45−0.84] pg/mg);p < 0.001); and resulted positively and strongly correlated with the duration of the ventilatory support (Spearman'sρ = 0.76;p < 0.001) and the length of stay hospitalization (Spearman'sρ = 0.84;p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The urinary NT‐proBNP concentrations could be a reliable surrogate for serum NT‐proBNP levels and resulted elevated in cases of acute bronchiolitis with complicated evolution, suggesting a potential as a noninvasive tool to assess severity in this setting.
A real‐time PCR for detection of pathogens of anthracnose on Chinese fir using TaqMan probe targeting ApMat gene
Authors: He Jiao , Sun Mei‐Ling , Li De‐Wei , Zhu Li‐Hua , Ye Jian‐Ren , Huang Lin
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Anthracnose is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases on Chinese fir. Colletotrichum cangyuanense, Colletotrichum fructicola, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Colletotrichum siamense are the causal agents of anthracnose on Chinese fir. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of different pathogens is critical for the disease management.

RESULTS

Phylogenetic tree and sequence similarity analysis showed that the single‐locus ApMat provides superior phylogenetic information and is an appropriate target to distinguish C. cangyuanense, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, and C. siamense. The real‐time PCR assays with the primer sets of MQ‐F/R, 1#C‐F/R, YK‐F/R, and WZ‐F/R, and corresponding TaqMan probes of MQ‐P, 1#C‐P, YK‐P, and WZ‐P were specific for C. cangyuanense, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, and C. siamense, respectively. The sensitivity tests showed that the lowest amount of gDNA that the PCRs can detect was 1 ng of genomic DNA. The validity of the assays was confirmed by directly detecting the pathogens from both the fungal culture and infected Chinese fir.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated the potential of the TaqMan real‐time PCR targeting the ApMat gene to provide rapid, specific, and reliable molecular detection of C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. siamense, and C. cangyuanense, respectively. The data also provided a reference solution for the identification of species within Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC), which share similar morphological characteristics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Th17/Treg balance and factors related to autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Xue Miao , Feng Junshuai , Yang Aimin , Gao Liping , Peng Xuebin , Jiang Ni , Mao Xiaorong
Published: October 2022

Background

Although Th17 cells and regulatory T cells play critical roles in autoimmune hepatitis, the balance between them in acute and chronic immune hepatitis is not well‐studied. The objective of this study was to explore the role of Th17/Treg balance in autoimmune hepatitis.

Methods

Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: acute model (AC), chronic model (CC), and healthy control (HC). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and bilirubin levels were measured. Peripheral blood interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐6, IL‐10, and transforming growth factor‐β cytokine levels were also assessed. Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in the Th17 cell and Treg cell frequency, and the Th17/Treg ratio was calculated.

Results

The frequency of Th17 cells and Treg cells were both increased (p < 0.05) and the Th17/Treg ratio was higher in the AC group compared with those in the HC group (p < 0.05). Th17 cell levels were significantly lower and Treg cell levels were significantly higher in the CC group, compared with those in the AC group (p < 0.05). In addition, the Th17/Treg ratio was lower in the CC group compared with that in the HC group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Th17/Treg ratio was increased in the acute immune liver injury model and decreased in the chronic liver injury model. Th17/Treg imbalance may play a critical role in liver injury occurrence and development.
Effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on ovarian function in lupus mice
Authors: Meng Defang , Xie Jing , Li Hui , Tang Yu , Wei Hua
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suffer from a high incidence of premature ovarian failure, which might be due to cyclophosphamide gonadal toxicity, immune abnormalities, or other reasons. This study aimed to investigate whether the transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC‐MSCs) can improve ovarian reserve function in lupus mice.

Methods

We used MRL/lpr mice to observe changes in ovarian structure and secretory function in SLE. Lupus mice and controls were injected with HUC‐MSCs at Weeks 12 and 16. We detected serum concentrations of the sex hormones estradiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed ovarian tissue structure and enabled the counting of follicles. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) expression in ovarian tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Ovarian function in lupus mice was abnormal, as indicated by decreased serum E2 and AMH concentrations, and increased FSH concentrations. HUC‐MSC transplantation caused significant upregulation of serum E2 and AMH and downregulation of FSH (all p < 0.05). Ovarian structure improved and the follicle number increased after HUC‐MSC transplantation. Multiple infusions of HUC‐MSCs at Weeks 12 and 16 resulted in a significantly higher number of primordial follicles than infusions of HUC‐MSCs at only Week 12 (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that IGF‐1 and HGF expression increased after HUC‐MSC transplantation, but this was not significant.

Conclusions

HUC‐MSCs transplantation restores disturbed hormone secretion and folliculogenesis in lupus mice. HUC‐MSC transplantation should be repeated for the best treatment effect.
Uniportal robotic‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for early‐stage lung cancer with the Da Vinci Xi: Initial experience of two cases
Authors: Vincenzi Paolo , Lo Faso Felice , Eugeni Emilio , Patriti Alberto
Published: October 2022

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques, currently considered the gold standard in the treatment of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), are mainly represented by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), both uniportal and multiportal, and by robotic‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS). While multiportal RATS has been accepted as a valid alternative to VATS, carrying the advantages of three‐dimensional high‐definition visualisation and improved maneuverability, very few reports exist in literature on the application of uniportal RATS (U‐RATS). Therefore, we describe our initial experience with this recently developed method in the treatment of early‐stage NSCLC.

Materials and Methods

U‐RATS was conducted through a single 4 cm long antero‐lateral mini‐thoracotomy (ALMT) in the sixth intercostal space at the mid‐axillary line. Three 8 mm robotic trocars were positioned and connected, from back to front, to robotic arms as follows: 30° camera arm, robotic arm 2 (bipolar fenestrated grasper) and 1 (Maryland bipolar forceps). Assistant access was identified as the most anterior part of ALMT.

Results

Case 1: an 82‐year‐old woman (American Society of Anaesthesiologists [ASA III]) underwent a left S6 segmentectomy for a clinical stage IA2 NSCLC, complicated by an air leak that resolved spontaneously by postoperative day three (POD 3). Case 2: a 75‐year‐old man (ASA III) underwent an uncomplicated right lower lobectomy for a clinical stage IA3 NSCLC. Case 1 and 2 were discharged on POD 5 and 4, respectively.

Conclusions

From what emerged in our small series, U‐RATS with the Da Vinci Xi surgical system might be considered a safe, reliable, and effective alternative to other MIS techniques. Larger prospective studies are required to validate these findings.
Promoting Energy Transfer Between Quasi‐2D Perovskite Layers Toward Highly Efficient Red Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liang Xiangfei , Liu Zhe , Zhang Jibin , Chen Hongting , Gu Qing , Zhang Wei , Shen Chao , Xiao Zijie , Wang Yufei , Liao Jihai , Wen Xuemiao , Xie Jianing , Yao Lijun , Cai Wanzhu , Mo Yueqi , Qing Jian , Su Shi‐Jian , Hou Lintao
Published: October 2022

Although tremendous progress has recently been made in quasi‐2D perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), the performance of red PeLEDs emitting at ≈650–660 nm, which have wide prospects for application in photodynamic therapy, is still limited by an inefficient energy transfer process between the quasi‐2D perovskite layers. Herein, a symmetric molecule of 3,3′‐(9H‐fluorene‐9,9‐diyl)dipropanamide (FDPA) is designed and developed with two functional acylamino groups and incorporated into the quasi‐2D perovskites as the additive for achieving high‐performance red PeLEDs. It is demonstrated that the agent can simultaneously diminish the van der Waals gaps between individual perovskite layers and passivate uncoordinated Pb2+ related defects at the surface and grain boundaries of the quasi‐2D perovskites, which truly results in an efficient energy transfer in the quasi‐2D perovskite films. Consequently, the red PeLEDs emitting at 653 nm with a peak external quantum efficiency of 18.5% and a maximum luminance of 2545 cd m−2 are achieved, which is among the best performing red quasi‐2D PeLEDs emitting at ≈650–660 nm. This work opens a way to further improve the electroluminescence performance of red PeLEDs.
Parallelization of Microfluidic Droplet Junctions for Ultraviscous Fluids
Authors: Kim Hyeon Ho , Cho YongDeok , Baek Dongjae , Rho Kyung Hun , Park Sung Hun , Lee Seungwoo
Published: October 2022

The parallelization of multiple microfluidic droplet junctions has been successfully achieved so that the production throughput of the uniform microemulsions/particles has witnessed considerable progress. However, these advancements have been observed only in the case of a low viscous fluid (viscosity of 10−2–10−3Pa s). This study designs and fabricates a microfluidic device, enabling a uniform micro‐emulsification of an ultraviscous fluid (viscosity of 3.5 Pa s) with a throughput of ≈330 000 droplets per hour. Multiple T‐junctions of a dispersed oil phase, split from a single inlet, are connected into the single post‐crossflow channel of a continuous water phase. In the proposed device, the continuous water phase undergoes a series circuit, wherein the resistances are continuously accumulated. The independent corrugations of the dispersed oil phase channel, under the theoretical guidance, compromise such increased resistances; the ratio of water to oil flow rates at each junction becomes consistent across T‐junctions. Owing to the design being based on a fully 2D interconnection, single‐step soft lithography is sufficient for developing the full device. This easy‐to‐craft architecture contrasts with the previous approach, wherein complicated 3D interconnections of the multiple junctions are involved, thereby facilitating the rapid uptake of high throughput droplet microfluidics for experts and newcomers alike.
Low‐Temperature‐Processed Monolayer Inverse Opal SnO2 Scaffold for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wenjia , Cheng Bei , Xiao Peng , Chen Tao , Zhang Jianjun , Yu Jiaguo
Published: October 2022

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted tremendous attention in the photovoltaic field due to their excellent optical properties and simple fabrication process. However, the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs at the interface severely affects the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs. Herein, a monolayer of inverse opal SnO2 (IO‐SnO2) is synthesized via a template‐assisted method and used as a scaffold for perovskite layer (PSK). The porous IO‐SnO2 scaffold increases the contact area and shortens the transport distance between the electron transport layer (ETL) and PSK. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy results indicate that the built‐in electric field is enhanced with IO‐SnO2 scaffold, strengthening the driving force for charge separation. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy measurements reveal that the IO‐SnO2 scaffold facilitates interfacial electron transfer from PSK to ETL. Based on the above superiorities, the IO‐SnO2‐based PSCs exhibit boosted PCE and device stability compared with the pristine PSCs. This work provides insights into the development of novel scaffold layers for high‐performance PSCs.
Transition Metal d‐band Center Tuning by Interfacial Engineering to Accelerate Polysulfides Conversion for Robust Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Guo Pengqian , Chen Weixin , Zhou Yifan , Xie Fangyan , Qian Guoyu , Jiang Pengfeng , He Deyan , Lu Xia
Published: October 2022

Although lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) promise high theoretical energy density and potential cost effectiveness, their applications are severely impeded by the shuttling and sluggish redox kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this context, a Co9S8@MoS2 heterostructure is sophisticatedly designed as an efficient catalytic host to boost the sulfur reduction reaction/evolution reaction (SRR/SER) kinetics and suppresses the LiPSs shuttling in LSBs. The results indicate that the electronic structure is manipulated in the Co9S8@MoS2 heterostructure, where the built‐in electric fields (BIEFs) within the heterointerfaces enable the sufficient adsorption sites to accelerate the ionic diffusion/charge transfer kinetics for LiPSs redox, thus enhancing the sulfur conversion. By tuning the electronic structure, the metal d‐band of Co9S8@MoS2 heterostructure plays an important role in adsorbing and catalyzing the conversion of LiPSs, thus promoting the reaction kinetics of the corresponding LSBs. This work unlocks the potential of heterostructures as promising catalysts to the design of high‐energy and stabilized LSBs.
Surface Self‐Assembly Protonation Triggering Triple‐Conductive Heterostructure with Highly Enhanced Oxygen Reduction for Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Song Rui , Huan Daoming , Zhu Kang , Li Xinyu , Han Hairui , Xia Changrong , Peng Ranran , Lu Yalin
Published: October 2022

Triple‐conducting (H+/O2−/e−) cathodes are a vital constituent of practical protonic ceramic fuel cells. However, seeking new candidates has remained a grand challenge on account of the limited material system. Though triple conduction can be achieved by mechanically mixing powders uniformly consisting of oxygen ion–electron and proton conductors, the catalytic activity and durability are still restricted. By leveraging this fact, a highly efficient strategy to construct a triple‐conductive region through surface self‐assembly protonation based on the robust double‐perovskite PrBaCo1.92Zr0.08O5+δ, is proposed. In situ exsolution of BaZrO3‐based nanoparticles growing from the host oxide under oxidizing atmosphere by liberating Ba/Zr cations from A/B‐sites readily forms proton transfer channels. The surface reconstructing heterostructures improve the structural stability, reduce the thermal expansion, and accelerate the oxygen reduction catalytic activity of such nanocomposite cathodes. This design route significantly boosts electrochemical performance with maximum peak power densities of 1453 and 992 mW cm−2 at 700 and 650 °C, respectively, 86% higher than the parent PrBaCo2O5+δ cathode, accompanied by a much improved operational durability of 140 h at 600 °C.
Modulation of IrO6 Chemical Environment for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution in Acid
Authors: Zhao Wenli , Xu Fenghua , Wang Zhaoyang , Pan Zhipeng , Ye Yiming , Hu Shilin , Weng Baicheng , Zhu Rilong
Published: October 2022

The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limits the commercialization of oxygen electrochemistry, which plays a key role in renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. Herein, a facile and practical strategy is developed to successfully incorporate Ir single atoms into the lattice of transition metal oxides (TMOs). The chemical environment of Ir and its neighboring lattice oxygen is modulated, and the lattice oxygen provides lone‐pair electrons and charge balance to stabilize Ir single atoms, resulting in the enhancement of both OER activity and durability. In particular, Ir0.08Co2.92O4 NWs exhibit an excellent mass activity of 1343.1 A g−1 and turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.04 s−1 at overpotentials of 300 mV. And this catalyst also displays significant stability in acid at 10 mA cm−2 over 100 h. Overall water splitting using Pt/C as the hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst and Ir0.08Co2.92O4 NWs as the OER catalyst takes only a cell voltage of 1.494 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2 with a perfect stability. This work demonstrates a simple approach to produce highly active and acid‐stable transition metal oxides electrocatalysts with trace Ir.
Hierarchically Porous Metal–Organic Frameworks: Synthetic Strategies and Applications
Authors: Yao Yao , Zhao Xinyu , Chang Ganggang , Yang Xiaoyu , Chen Banglin
Published: October 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), assemblies comprised of metal nodes and organic ligands, have captured the interest of scientists during the past two decades. The flexible approaches developed for the custom design of framework structures and intriguing pore‐containing environments formed at the molecular or atomic level have elevated the interest in MOFs to a level that is far beyond those of traditional porous solids (e.g., zeolites, activated carbon). Nevertheless, applications of MOFs, particularly in the process involving large molecules, have been restricted by narrow pore size. To overcome the restriction imposed by the micropores, a great effort has been given to related hierarchically porous MOFs (HP‐MOFs), which combine high surface areas of microporous materials with the spaces of meso‐/macropores that allow accessibility and diffusivity by large molecules. This review focuses on recent advances and breakthroughs in the design and synthesis of HP‐MOFs that contain intrinsic pores, defective pores, and pores based on interparticle accumulation, respectively. In addition, the applications of HP‐MOFs in heterogeneous catalysis, water remediation, gas storage and separation, biotechnology, energy storage, and sensing are summarized from the perspective of the relationships between synthetic strategies and applications. Finally, challenging and promising research directions in the field of HP‐MOFs are discussed.
Bisphenol A (BPA) induces apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells via oxidative stress
Authors: Zhang Meijuan , Ma Bingchun , Yang Si , Wang Jinglei , Chen Jiaxiang
Published: October 2022

As one of the most frequently produced synthetic compounds worldwide, bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely used in many kinds of products such as appliances, housewares, and beverage cans. BPA has been shown to cause damage to male reproductive system; however, the potential mechanism remains to be investigated. In the present study, BPA exposure decreased the testis and epididymis coefficient, caused a disintegration of germinal epithelium, decreased the density and motility of sperm in the epididymis tissue, and increased the number of abnormal sperm morphology, which indicated that BPA exposure could cause damage to testis. BPA was also shown to induce apoptosis and oxidative stress in the testis tissue. The serum testosterone concentration was decreased in the BPA‐treated group, suggesting that BPA could lead to Leydig cell damage. Subsequently, mouse TM3 cell, a kind of mouse Leydig cell line, was utilized to investigate the potential mechanism. Herein, we showed that BPA exposure could inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis of TM3 cells. Furthermore, oxidative stress in the cells could also be induced by BPA, while the inhibition of oxidative stress by N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), an oxidative stress scavenger, could reverse the inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis by BPA exposure, indicating that oxidative stress was involved in BPA‐induced apoptosis of TM3 cells. Finally, RNA‐sequencing and real‐time PCR were utilized to screen and validate the potential oxidative stress‐related genes involving in BPA‐induced apoptosis. We found that BPA exposure increased the mRNA levels of oxidative stress‐related genes such as Lonp1, Klf4, Rack1, Egln1, Txn2, Msrb1, Atox1, Mtr, and Atp2a2, as well as decreased the mRNA level of Dhfr gene; while NAC could rescue the expression of these genes. Taken together, oxidative stress was involved in BPA‐induced apoptosis of mouse Leydig cells.