bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Structural Characteristics of Sodium Alginate Extracting from Sargassum polycystum Grew in Vietnam: Effect of Various Extraction Conditions
Authors: Thuat Nguyen Dinh , Boi Vu Ngoc , Hoan Nguyen Xuan , Tuyen Dang Thi Thanh , Kieu Do Thuy , Nguyen Nguyen Kim , Huy Nguyen Ngoc Bao , Trinh Pham the , Thuan Pham Thanh , Cuong Dang Xuan
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Alginate is a biopolymer commonly in brown algae, high content, diversity in structure and bioactivity. They are applied to other fields such as food, functional food, pharmaceuticals, and heavy industry and extracted from Sargassum, Laminarin, Tubinaria and Sargassum polycystum species commonly grow in the world than another genus. The content, the antioxidant activity, and the physical chemistry properties of alginate extracting from the species did not exhibit in the previous studies.

Methods: The study focused on the impact of various extraction conditions (temperature (40 to 90,oC), time (01 to 06, hours), the solvent-to-material ratio (10/1 to 40/1, v/w), solvent pH (8, 9, 10), and numbers of extraction (1, 2, and 3 times) on alginate content and its antioxidant activity, also evaluated sugar compositions, average molecular, viscosity, and 13C-NMR spectrum characteristics of alginate.

Results: The results showed that the suitable condition for the extraction of alginate was for 4 hours at 60oC with the ratio of Na2CO3 (pH 9)-to-material (40/1, v/w) and one number of extraction. The highest alginate content was 176.22 mg uronic acid equivalent/g DW, corresponding to antioxidant activity (188.54 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g DW). Alginate possessed the intrinsic viscosity (271.86, ƞ) and the average molecular weight (78.6, kD). Different sugar compositions of antioxidant alginate were fructose, fucose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose, mannose, and glucose. The 13C-NMR spectrum of antioxidant alginate exhibited chemical shifts of C sites of D-mannuronic (M) and L-guluronic (G), corresponded to C1, C2, C6, and C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, respectively.

Conclusion: Alginate is non-toxic, therefore, antioxidant alginate extracting from brown algae Sargassum polycystum grown in Vietnam is a potential in functional food and pharmaceuticals.
Perception and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Apakama A. I. , Uzozie C. C. , Amobi M. C. , Okosa M. C. , Onwuegbuna A. A.
Published: August 2021

Aims: To determine the perception and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among patients in a tertiary eye hospital.

Study Design: A cross-sectional hospital-based study.

Place and Duration of Study: Guinness Eye Centre Onitsha, South-East Nigeria between 1st to 29th June 2021

Methodology: An interviewer-administered semi-structured pretested questionnaire on sociodemographic, knowledge, perception and acceptance on coronavirus disease and its vaccine was used to collect data on eligible patients. Data obtained was analyzed with SPSS version 23 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics including frequency tables, mean and standard deviation was used to present categorical variables.

Results: A total of 386 patients were interviewed comprising 157 (40.7%) males and 229(59.3%) females, and aged 18 to 93 years (mean age of 44.73±18.49 years). Two hundred and fifty-eight (66.8%) patients knew of COVID-19 vaccine availability in Nigeria, with 90 (34.9%) not knowing where they could obtain the vaccine. Only 34 (8.8%) had taken the vaccine. Uptake of COVID-19 vaccine is strongly associated with patient’s perception of COVID-19 being real (P=0.006), patients trust in the information head about the vaccine (P=0.001), and their trust on the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine (P˂0.001). Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine is not significantly associated with their faith in the previous human vaccinations(P=0.076).

Conclusion: The uptake of COVID-19 vaccine in the study group is low. Therefore, there is an urgent need for re-strategizing on various ways to enlighten the public and widen the scope of information dissemination.
Clinical Experience of Mini-Open Hepatectomy to Aid a Laparoscopic Approach: A Case Series
Authors: Iida Hiroya , Nakajima Takayoshi , Ikuta Shinichi , Aihara Tsukasa , Yamanaka Naoki
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery is recently becoming widespread in the area of liver treatment. However, mobilization of the liver is difficult using laparoscopy alone because of its volume and weight. Ensuring a wider visual field and controlling blood loss are also difficult. We used a hybrid approach involving direct vision and laparoscopy for performing hepatectomy through a small incision to overcome these problems.

Case Presentation

Mini-open hepatectomy was performed on 64 patients between January 2010 and December 2013. Mobilization of the liver was performed using the smallest possible laparotomy incision. Detachment of right or left triangular ligaments was done using laparoscopy because direct vision of the operation field was impossible. Hepatectomy was performed through a small laparotomy incision. Most operations (47%) involved partial resections. Of these, segmentectomies were performed on 20 patients, whereas lobectomy was performed on 7 patients. The median intraoperative bleeding was 565 mL, and the operative time was 247 minutes. The median postoperative hospital stay was 14 days. There was no postoperative mortality.

Conclusion

We present the clinical use of mini-open hepatectomy to aid the laparoscopic approach with satisfactory short-term results.
Comparison of Ellagic Acid and NSAI Agents in the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Lacerations: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Authors: Allahverdi Ertuğrul , Allahverdi Tülay Diken , Vural Sevil
Published: August 2021

Objective

Although Achilles tendon ruptures can have many causes, they are known to develop most commonly with trauma. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and low doses of corticosteroids are used in the medical treatment of tendon ruptures. Ellagic acid (EA), which also has an anti-inflammatory effect, has been reported to show its effect via cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibition as well. The effects of EA and diclofenac sodium on tendon healing were compared in this study.

Methods

We used a total of 18 male New Zealand rabbits in 3 groups with 6 in each. The study was performed under general anesthesia with a xylazine-ketamine combination. After a defect was created in the right Achilles tendon of all the rabbits, group I was administered diclofenac sodium and group II was administered EA for 1 week, whereas the control group (group III) was not administered anything. Postoperative follow-up was provided for all groups.

Results

Euthanasia was performed in all subjects at the end of the eighth week, and the tendons were compared in terms of macroscopic and histopathologic features and tensile resistance. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the tensile resistance Newton values of group I and group II, these values were higher than in the control group, and the NSAI group values were statistically significantly higher than in the control group.

Conclusions

We concluded that EA and NSAIs could be effective in the recovery of tendon integrity and tensile strength and increasing the movement capacity in pathology caused by tendon damage because of their anti-inflammatory features.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy using a hydrogel spacer for localized prostate cancer: A dosimetric comparison between tomotherapy with the newly‐developed tumor‐tracking system and cyberknife
Authors: Manabe Yoshihiko , Hashimoto Seiji , Mukouyama Hideki , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: August 2021

Purpose

With a new tumor‐tracking system (Synchrony®) for tomotherapy (Radixact®), the internal and set‐up margins can be tightened, like cyberknife (CyberKnife®), in the planning of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer. Recently, the usefulness of placing a hydrogel spacer between the prostate and rectum has been established in prostate radiotherapy. We evaluated the characteristics of tomotherapy plans with the tumor‐tracking system and compared them with cyberknife SBRT plans for localized prostate cancer using a hydrogel spacer.

Methods

In 20 patients, two plans were created and compared using tomotherapy and cyberknife. All patients underwent hydrogel spacer injection behind the prostate before simulation CT and MRI for fusion. For all plans, 36.25 Gy in 7.25‐Gy fractions for a minimum coverage dose of 95% of planning target volume (PTV) (D95%) was prescribed. The D99% of PTV and D0.1 ml of the PTV, urethra, bladder, and rectum were intended to be > 90%, 110–130%, 100–110%, <110%, and <100%, respectively, of the prescribed doses.

Results

All plans using tomotherapy and cyberknife achieved the intended dose constraints. The cyberknife plans yielded better median PTV‐V110% (volume of PTV covered by 110% isodose line, 54.8%), maintaining lower median D0.1 ml of the urethra (37.5 Gy) and V80% of the bladder (11.0 ml) compared to the tomotherapy plans (39.0%; p < 0.0001, 38.2 Gy; p < 0.0001, and 18.3 ml; p < 0.0001, respectively). The tomotherapy plans were superior to the cyberknife plans for the rectum (V80% = 0.4 vs. 1.0 ml, p < 0.001; D1ml = 26.4 vs. 29.0 Gy, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

Our results suggested that tomotherapy with the tumor‐tracking system has reasonable potential for SBRT for localized prostate cancer using a hydrogel spacer.
Review makes case for closer look at office‐based methadone treatment
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2021

The research conducted to date on using methadone in office‐based settings to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) suggests that patients generally report greater satisfaction with their care and see no sacrifice in treatment outcomes, according to a newly published review. A somewhat surprising aspect of the findings, however, indicates that the pace of research on this subject has slowed to a crawl at a time of significant urgency in improving access to high‐quality OUD treatment.
Benzothienobenzothiophene‐Based Organic Charge Transfer Complex and Carbon Nanotube Composites for p‐Type and n‐Type Thermoelectric Materials and Generators
Authors: Qin Shihui , Tan Jingjuan , Qin Jinfeng , Luo Jiye , Jin Jiaoying , Huang Si , Wang Lei , Liu Danqing
Published: August 2021

Organic charge transfer complexes (CTCs) or electron donor–acceptor complexes have been intensively studied as organic semiconductors or organic conductors in organic electronics. Herein, the composite of CTCs and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is studied as both p‐type and n‐type thermoelectric materials for flexible thermoelectric generators. CTCs are formed by [1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) derivatives with different side chains as electron donors and 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) as electron acceptors. The thermoelectric properties of the composites as well as the effect of side chains in BTBT derivatives are investigated. It is found that the PhBTBT–F4TCNQ/SWCNT composite film shows the highest p‐type power factor of 244.3 µW m−1 K−2; while the C8BTBT–F4TCNQ/SWCNT composite film exhibits the highest n‐type power factor of 105.1 µW m−1 K−2. The thermoelectric module based on five p–n junctions of C8BTBT–F4TCNQ/SWCNT exhibits the highest output voltage of 13.1 mV and output power of 340 nW under a 38 K temperature gradient. This device performance is mainly generated from the moderate carrier concentrations and low film defects in the n‐type C8BTBT–F4TCNQ/SWCNT composite film.
Novel cases of pediatric sudden cardiac death secondary to TRDN mutations presenting as long QT syndrome at rest and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia during exercise: The TRDN arrhythmia syndrome
Authors: Rabbani Bahareh , Khorgami Mohammadrafi , Dalili Mohammad , Zamani Nasrin , Mahdieh Nejat , Gollob Michael H.
Published: August 2021

TRDN mutations cause catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) but may present with abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings provoking a diagnosis of long QT syndrome (LQTS). We report two novel cases of sudden cardiac death in children due to mutations of TRDN, providing further insight into this rare and aggressive inherited arrhythmia syndrome. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in two unrelated children who experienced cardiac arrest during exercise and were negative for targeted testing of LQTS. WES identified a novel homozygous splice‐site mutation in both patients, denoted c.22+1G>T, absent from gnomAD and suggesting a founder variant in the Iranian population. We now summarize the genetic architecture of all reported TRDN‐related patients, including 27 patients from 21 families. The average age‐onset was 30 months (range 1–10) for all cases. Adrenergic‐mediated cardiac events were common, occurring in 23 of 27 cases (85%). LQTS was diagnosed in 10 cases (37%), CPVT in 10 (37%) cases, and in 7 cases. No phenotypic diagnosis was provided. Five cases (15%) had evidence for associated skeletal myopathy. Four missense TRDN variants (24%) were observed in diseased cases, while the remaining variants reflect putative loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations. No disease phenotype was reported in 26 heterozygous carriers. In conclusion, TRDN mutations cause a rare autosomal recessive arrhythmia syndrome presenting with adrenergic‐mediated arrhythmic events, but with ECG abnormalities leading to a diagnosis of LQTS in a proportion of cases. Heterozygous carriers are free of disease manifestations.
Die Struktur des Cyclodecatriens Collinolacton, seine Biosynthese und semisynthetische Derivate: monopolare Spindeln und Schutz vor intrazellulärem oxidativem Stress
Authors: Schmid Julian C. , Frey Kerstin , Scheiner Matthias , Garzón Jaime Felipe Guerrero , Stafforst Luise , Fricke Jan‐Niklas , Schuppe Michaela , Schiewe Hajo , Zeeck Axel , Weber Tilmann , Usón Isabel , Kemkemer Ralf , Decker Michael , Grond Stephanie
Published: August 2021

Das kürzlich beschriebene Rhizolutin und Collinolacton, das aus Streptomyces Gö 40/10 isoliert wurde, besitzen dasselbe neuartige Kohlenstoffgerüst. Analysen mittels NMR und Kristallstrukturanalyse belegen die Struktur von Collinolacton und machen eine Korrektur der Stereochemie von Rhizolutin erforderlich. Fütterungsexperimente mit isotopenmarkierten Vorstufen zeigen, dass Collinolacton über eine Typ‐I‐Polyketidsynthase mit anschließender Baeyer‐Villiger‐Oxidation synthetisiert wird. CRISPR‐basierte genetische Arbeiten führten zur Entdeckung des Genclusters und einem optimierten Produktionsstamm. Chemische Semisynthesen lieferten Derivate von Collinolacton, welche die Viabilität von L929‐Zellen reduzieren. Fluoreszenzmikroskopie zeigte, dass diese Derivate während der Zellteilung monopolare Spindeln induzieren. Dem beschriebenen Schutz von Rhizolutin gegen Alzheimer folgend studierten wir die neuroprotektiven Eigenschaften von Collinolacton und dessen Derivaten an Glutamat‐sensitiven Zellen (HT22). Tatsächlich zeigt Collinolacton eine Schutzwirkung gegen intrazellulären oxidativen Stress.
The Structure of Cyclodecatriene Collinolactone, its Biosynthesis, and Semisynthetic Analogues: Effects of Monoastral Phenotype and Protection from Intracellular Oxidative Stress
Authors: Schmid Julian C. , Frey Kerstin , Scheiner Matthias , Garzón Jaime Felipe Guerrero , Stafforst Luise , Fricke Jan‐Niklas , Schuppe Michaela , Schiewe Hajo , Zeeck Axel , Weber Tilmann , Usón Isabel , Kemkemer Ralf , Decker Michael , Grond Stephanie
Published: August 2021

Recently described rhizolutin and collinolactone isolated from Streptomyces Gö 40/10 share the same novel carbon scaffold. Analyses by NMR and X‐Ray crystallography verify the structure of collinolactone and propose a revision of rhizolutin's stereochemistry. Isotope‐labeled precursor feeding shows that collinolactone is biosynthesized via type I polyketide synthase with Baeyer–Villiger oxidation. CRISPR‐based genetic strategies led to the identification of the biosynthetic gene cluster and a high‐production strain. Chemical semisyntheses yielded collinolactone analogues with inhibitory effects on L929 cell line. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that only particular analogues induce monopolar spindles impairing cell division in mitosis. Inspired by the Alzheimer‐protective activity of rhizolutin, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of collinolactone and its analogues on glutamate‐sensitive cells (HT22) and indeed, natural collinolactone displays distinct neuroprotection from intracellular oxidative stress.
A Nonheme Mononuclear {FeNO}7 Complex that Produces N2O in the Absence of an Exogenous Reductant
Authors: Dey Aniruddha , Gordon Jesse B. , Albert Therese , Sabuncu Sinan , Siegler Maxime A. , MacMillan Samantha N. , Lancaster Kyle M. , Moënne‐Loccoz Pierre , Goldberg David P.
Published: August 2021

A new nonheme iron(II) complex, FeII(Me3TACN)((OSiPh2)2O) (1), is reported. Reaction of 1 with NO(g) gives a stable mononitrosyl complex Fe(NO)(Me3TACN)((OSiPh2)2O) (2), which was characterized by Mössbauer (δ=0.52 mm s−1, |ΔEQ|=0.80 mm s−1), EPR (S=3/2), resonance Raman (RR) and Fe K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopies. The data show that 2 is an {FeNO}7 complex with an S=3/2 spin ground state. The RR spectrum (λexc=458 nm) of 2 combined with isotopic labeling (15N, 18O) reveals ν(N‐O)=1680 cm−1, which is highly activated, and is a nearly identical match to that seen for the reactive mononitrosyl intermediate in the nonheme iron enzyme FDPnor (ν(NO)=1681 cm−1). Complex 2 reacts rapidly with H2O in THF to produce the N‐N coupled product N2O, providing the first example of a mononuclear nonheme iron complex that is capable of converting NO to N2O in the absence of an exogenous reductant.
One‐pot synthesis of pyrido[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]dipyrimidines using CoFe2O4@SiO2‐PA‐CC‐guanidine‐SA magnetic nanoparticles in water
Authors: Rostami Hedieh , Shiri Lotfi
Published: August 2021

In this study, the synthesis of pyrido[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]dipyrimidines using CoFe2O4@SiO2‐PA‐CC‐guanidine‐SA magnetic nanoparticles with excellent yields has been reported. Pyrido[2,3‐d:5,6‐d′]dipyrimidines were synthesized from the four‐component reaction of barbituric acid derivatives, benzaldehyde derivatives and ammonium acetate in water at room temperature. The synthesized catalyst was identified using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques.
New invasive predator reduces the abundance of native prey in a cold‐temperate marine fouling community
Authors: Battini Nicolás , Giachetti Clara B. , Castro Karen L. , Bortolus Alejandro , Schwindt Evangelina
Published: August 2021

Invasive species threaten the conservation of marine environments, and urgent management strategies are needed to prevent their introduction, establishment and spread. Specifically, marine invasive predators destabilize ecological interactions and alter community structure and function. However, most of the evidence showing the effect of these predators is restricted to a few species and regions, while for others the information remains scarce.

This study experimentally evaluated the ecological effects of the sea slug Pleurobranchaea maculata, a recently introduced invasive predator, on the fouling communities of a cold‐temperate port in the South‐western Atlantic.

The results show that increasing predation pressure reduces significantly the abundance of sea anemones, which are among the preferred prey items.

This study reveals new evidence to help better understand the effects of P. maculata on the biological communities of a recently invaded region. Furthermore, it provides the first experimental evidence supporting the hypothesis that marine invasive predators can induce a significant decrease in the abundance of native species in benthic communities of cold‐temperate marine environments in the South‐western Atlantic.
A new generalized bounded real lemma for continuous‐time descriptor systems
Authors: Wu Jenq‐Lang , Yung Chee‐Fai
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes a new generalized Lyapunov theorem and a new generalized bounded real lemma for continuous‐time linear descriptor systems. First, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition in terms of strict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for the admissibility of descriptor systems. Subsequently, we demonstrate that a descriptor system is L2‐gain stable if and only if two strict LMIs are feasible. Other than existing results, only one matrix variable in the LMIs needs to be solved that can be indefinite. Some illustrative examples are provided to validate the theoretical results.
Oxocarbons Electrode Materials for Alkali Ion Batteries: Challenges, Strategies and Development
Authors: Zhang Zhengna , Ma Jianjun , Zhang Rui , Rajagopalan Ranjusha , Tang Yougen , Ren Yu , Wang Haiyan
Published: August 2021

Benefiting from the high theoretic capacity, structural designability, low cost, abundant resources and sustainability, oxocarbons materials have attracted extensive attention as a promising candidate to replace inorganic electrode materials for alkali ion batteries (AIBs). This review focuses on the in‐depth evaluation of the electrochemical properties of oxocarbons for lithium, sodium and potassium ion batteries. Further, we summarize the evolution, challenges and opportunities of oxocarbon compounds based on our current understanding. In addition, we identified two main aspects that limit their applications as electrode materials: 1) inferior conductivity and 2) fast capacity decay. Hence, in this review we also integrate different strategies to improve these two aspects, e. g., compositing with carbon, grafting conductive polymers, nanostructuring, optimizing electrolytes, designing interface, and selecting appropriate binders. This review can be useful to understand the practical application and commercial feasibility of such materials for different AIBs applications.
Gonadorelins adherence in prostate cancer: A time‐series analysis of England’s national prescriptions during the COVID‐19 pandemic (from Jan 2019 to Oct 2020)
Authors: Barrett Ravina , Barrett Robert , Dhar Kalyan , Birch Brian
Published: August 2021

Objective

To examine the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on gonadorelin analogue prescription for community patients in England.

Materials and methods

We included data from all primary‐care patients who had relevant prescriptions dispensed in the community in England. Descriptive statistics and interrupted time series analysis over 22 months (15 months before and 7 months after lockdown) was evaluated.

Results

A total of 22 months’ worth of data were analyzed (or 1 041 638 total items, monthly average 47 347 items). Goserelin; leuprorelin, and triptorelin are the medicines most used by total quantity in the study period. Simple descriptive statistics show that mean values have declined during the pandemic. The Interrupted Time Series (ARIMA Modeling) shows declining trends.

After the pandemic's onset, we observe a statistically significant downward trend for goserelin (P = .017) and leuprorelin (P = .014). As these are the major constituents of the model, we interpret this overall data as showing a significant downward category trend. Aside from linearity, a significant step change was noted for leuprorelin (P = .029) showing an increase in prescription items with a similar effect that is close to being statistically significant for goserelin (P = .051).

The actual cost of medicines shows minimal variation suggesting that prices of individual medicines have remained stable. The regional data showed variation but this was not statistically significant. In all cases, the Oct‐20 figures are lower “year on year.” This novel work reports the impact of a global pandemic on prescription volumes of prostate cancer (PCa) medicines.

Conclusions

A worrying decrease in prescription medicines raises concerns for the care of PCa patients. We encourage diagnosed patients to discuss their planned care with their doctor.
Clinical significance of novel identified high‐frequency tumor‐specific peptides associated signature in predicting disease status of gastric cancer patients
Authors: Li Bin , Geng Huizhen , Li Zibo , Peng Bing , Wang Jinfeng , Yin Xiaolei , Li Ning , Shi Jianfei , Zhao Man , Li Cuizhen , Yin Fei
Published: August 2021

The effectively early detection and determination of disease progression of gastric cancer (GC) are still required. An emerging demand for identifying the novel targets adherent to cancer cells has been still challenged since those valuable profilings not only could act as for early gastric tumor discovery but also being potential therapeutic views. We have retrospectively analyzed GC biopsies to identify those specific target peptides in association with disease progression. We have detected the polypeptide by liquid mass technology initiated BIO‐HIGH innovational assay technology for tumor‐specific target peptide identification. We have validated the accessibility and feasibility of multiple target cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte for the assessment of potential molecular markers by equally comparing the frequencies of tumor peptides' loci identified in 138 GC patients. The aim was to separate peripheral blood lymphocytes by density gradient centrifugation and use specific target peptides in in vitro culture of lymphocytes. The Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay was set up to prove the lymphocytes' proliferation stimulated by identified peptides. Both of GC‐specific peptide and shared peptide were detected in the peripheral blood, and the frequencies and quantities were correlated with disease status and cancer differentiation, in which BHGa1510 (78%), BHGa1310 (66%), BHGa0910 (57%), BHGa0310 (54%), BHGa0210 (40%), BHGa0810 (35%), BHGa0110 (33%), and BHGa1410 (30%) were apparently scoped out as high‐frequency (HF) peptides could be potentially specific tumor markers. Moreover, BHGa1410 was significantly associated with cancer progression, and BHGa0910 and BHGa0210 were significantly associated with TNM stage. The IHC data have shown that both the HF BHGa1510 and HF BHGa1310 were expressions by 100% in contrast with paracancerous tissues of 40% (p < 0.05) and 33%, respectively (p < 0.05). Those specific peptide pools could be valued in assessment of advanced tumor and differential status in GC patients.
ITGB4 as a novel serum diagnosis biomarker and potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer
Authors: Jiang Xia , Wang Jia , Wang Mengyu , Xuan Mingda , Han Shuangshuang , Li Chao , Li Meng , Sun Xiao‐Feng , Yu Weifang , Zhao Zengren
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To develop new and effective biomarkers for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Experimental design

The serum expression of ITGB4 (49 CRC and 367 HC) was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its diagnostic value was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The sensitivity and specificity of ITGB4 in CRC diagnosis were calculated through statistical analysis. The optimal clinical cutoff value was calculated using the Youden index, and diagnostic efficacy was analyzed in a larger serum sample (98 CRC and 1631 non‐CRC). The expression of ITGB4 was measured by CyTOF (cell experimental technology) at the single‐cell level, and characteristics were analyzed using viSNE and SPADE TREE.

Results

Serum ITGB4 and CEA levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in HC and non‐CRC patients. The use of serum ITGB4 levels for the diagnosis of CRC has a high sensitivity (79%) but not high specificity when the clinical cutoff value was 0.70 ng/mL. However, the optimal cutoff value was 1.6 ng/mL with 86.2% specificity and 52.0% sensitivity, and the diagnostic efficacy was greatly improved with high specificity (82.0%) and sensitivity (71.4%) when combined with CEA. ITGB4 expression characteristics were measured and related to the expression of EpCAM, Ck8/18, and perforin at the single‐cell level. Single‐cell analysis showed that cell clusters with low expression of CK8/18 and ITGB4 were more sensitive to 5FU and radiotherapy (RT).

Conclusions

ITGB4 is an effective diagnostic serum biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
A unique cause of coronary obstruction after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Chang Chih‐Wei , Wadia Subeer Kanwar , Rastogi Ashish , Stinis Curtiss Tyler
Published: August 2021

Delayed coronary obstruction is a rare but often fatal complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement that can present within 24 hr after the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure. We present a case of a 77‐year‐old woman whose distal left main coronary artery bifurcation became obstructed by an embolized piece of native valve leaflet material 16 hours after the uncomplicated transfemoral implantation of an Edwards Sapien Ultra 23 mm aortic valve, which was successfully treated with the simultaneous kissing stent technique.
NiII36‐Containing 54‐Tungsto‐6‐Silicate: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic and Electrochemical Studies
Authors: Goura Joydeb , Bassil Bassem S. , Ma Xiang , Rajan Ananthu , Moreno‐Pineda Eufemio , Schnack Jürgen , Ibrahim Masooma , Powell Annie K. , Ruben Mario , Wang Jingjing , Ruhlmann Laurent , Kortz Ulrich
Published: August 2021

The 36‐NiII‐containing 54‐tungsto‐6‐silicate, [Ni36(OH)18(H2O)36(SiW9O34)6]6− (Ni36) was synthesized by a simple one‐pot reaction of the Ni2‐pivalate complex [Ni2(μ‐OH2)(O2CCMe3)4(HO2CCMe3)4] with the trilacunary [SiW9O34]10− polyanion precursor in water and structurally characterized by a multitude of physicochemical techniques including single‐crystal XRD, FTIR, TGA, elemental analysis, magnetic and electrochemical studies. Polyanion Ni36 comprises six equivalent {NiII6SiW9} units which are linked by Ni−O−W bridges forming a macrocyclic assembly. Magnetic studies demonstrate that the {Ni6} building blocks in Ni36 remain magnetically intact while forming a hexagonal ring with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between adjacent {Ni6} units. Electrochemical studies indicate that the first reduction is reversible and associated with the WVI/V couple, whereas the second reduction is irreversible attributed to the NiII/0 couple.
Kunststoffe im Kreislauf
Authors: von Vacano Bernhard , Mangold Hannah , Seitz Christian
Published: August 2021

In den letzten Dekaden waren Kunststoffe so erfolgreich, dass ihre produzierte Menge überproportional gewachsen ist. Da die Entsorgung weltweit nicht Schritt gehalten hat, hat sich das Müllproblem verschärft. In einer Kreislaufwirtschaft werden Kunststoffe dagegen nicht als Müll in der Umwelt abgelagert oder zu CO2 verbrannt, sondern in Einmalanwendungen vermieden und generell als Werkstoff oder Rohstoff wiederverwendet. Da viele Abhängigkeiten bestehen, muss die Nachhaltigkeit von jedem Schritt in der Kreislaufwirtschaft als Teil des gesamten Zyklus, auf Basis von stofflichen, energetischen und Emissions‐Betrachtungen, beurteilt werden. Die Weiterentwicklung der zugehörigen, sich ergänzenden Recyclingverfahren ist neben weiteren Innovationen in der Sortierung, im Design von Werkstoffen und Produkten der Schlüssel zum nachhaltigen Schließen der Kreisläufe für Kunststoffe.
Assessing and Interpreting Real‐World Evidence Studies: Introductory Points for New Reviewers
Authors: Wang Shirley V. , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Nonrandomized real‐world evidence (RWE) studies are conducted using healthcare data collected as part of clinical practice. As RWE studies are increasingly considered for regulatory, coverage, and other clinical decision making, nonspecialists will find themselves in the position of assessing the validity of RWE studies, a field that may be less familiar to them. This introductory guide provides conceptual guidance for reviewing RWE studies and is particularly directed at professionals for whom this is new or whose prior experience has primarily been in reviewing randomized controlled trial evidence. We focus on RWE studies that make causal inference, evaluating whether one treatment option is better, worse, or neutral compared to another. Although we provide citations to direct the reader to resources with more details on complex issues, this guide cannot substitute for years of training and expertise in the field.
Investigating targeted spring dead spot management via aerial mapping and precision‐guided fungicide applications
Authors: Booth Jordan C. , Sullivan Dana , Askew Shawn A. , Kochersberger Kevin , McCall David S.
Published: August 2021

Spring dead spot (Ophiosphaerella herpotricha, O. korrae, O. narmari; SDS) is among the most destructive diseases of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and hybrid bermudagrass (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy) in the Transition Zone of the United States. Spring dead spot's primary causal agents in the United States, Ophiosphaerella korrae and O. herpotricha, infect bermudagrass in the fall with symptoms appearing in the spring when winter dormancy breaks. Patches of necrotic turfgrass often reoccur in the same location and expand into surrounding areas. Chemical control options are often expensive or provide inconsistent results. Our objectives were to develop SDS incidence maps, analyze these maps, and evaluate suppression efficacy of chemical applications guided by incidence‐based maps. Digital imagery captured with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to create SDS incidence maps in the spring of 2016, 2017, and 2018. In the fall of 2016 and 2017, a targeted, site‐specific penthiopyrad treatment was evaluated against blanket, full‐coverage applications of penthiopyrad and tebuconazole, and a nontreated control. Treatments were compared using digital image analysis of diseased area (DA) and post‐treatment SDS patch count (PC). Across both metrics, the penthiopyrad treatments had significantly less disease than both the tebuconazole and nontreated control in 2016–2017. Targeted penthiopyrad compared favorably to full coverage penthiopyrad for DA and PC in 2016–2017, but full‐coverage penthiopyrad was superior to targeted penthiopyrad and tebuconazole in 2017–2018 for both DA and PC. Targeted penthiopyrad using SDS incidence maps required 51% less fungicides in 2016–2017 and 65% less in 2017–2018 when compared to full‐coverage penthiopyrad.
Novel resonator providing class‐F oscillation with better performance compared with available alternatives
Authors: Fathabadi Hassan
Published: August 2021

In this study, a novel resonator is proposed to be connected to a differential complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or bipolar junction transistor (BJT) circuit to form an oscillator operating as a class‐F oscillator. Currently, there are only two resonators as alternatives to be reported and proposed for class‐F oscillators. The first one is the transformer‐coupled resonator, and the second one is the two‐separate‐tank resonator. The objective of this study is to present a novel resonator providing class‐F oscillation with lower phase noise as well as higher figure of merit (FoM) compared with the two available alternatives. Theoretical basis of the proposed resonator is first presented and formulated. To compare the performance of the proposed resonator with that of the two available alternatives, the three resonators are implemented in standard 180‐nm CMOS technology. Measured results demonstrate that the phase noise of the proposed resonator is −148.19 dBc/Hz which is lower than that of the transformer‐coupled resonator (−147.73 dBc/Hz) and two‐separate‐tank resonator (−142.84 dBc/Hz). Also, the FoM of the proposed resonator is 187.17 dB which is higher than that of the two alternatives (185.23 and 183.39 dB). These points clearly prove the novelty and contribution of this work in presenting a novel resonator with better performance compared with the two available alternatives.
Association of walking energetics with amyloid beta status: Findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Dougherty Ryan J. , Ramachandran Janani , Liu Fangyu , An Yang , Wanigatunga Amal A. , Tian Qu , Bilgel Murat , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M. , Schrack Jennifer A.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Higher energetic costs for mobility predict gait speed decline. Slow gait is linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whether the energetic cost of walking is linked to AD pathology is unknown. We investigated the cross‐sectional association between the energetic cost of walking, gait speed, and amyloid beta (Aβ) status (+/−) in older adults.

Methods

One hundred forty‐nine cognitively normal adults (56% women, mean age 77.5 ± 8.4 years) completed customary‐paced walking assessments with indirect calorimetry and 11C‐Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography. Logistic regression models examined associations adjusted for demographics, body composition, comorbid conditions, and apolipoprotein E ε4.

Results

Each 0.01 mL/kg/m greater energy cost was associated with 18% higher odds of being Aβ+ (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 1.34; P = .011). These findings were not observed when investigating gait speed (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.01; P = .321).

Discussion

High energetic cost of walking is linked to AD pathology and may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Tree recruitment is determined by stand structure and shade tolerance with uncertain role of climate and water relations
Authors: Käber Yannek , Meyer Peter , Stillhard Jonas , De Lombaerde Emiel , Zell Jürgen , Stadelmann Golo , Bugmann Harald , Bigler Christof
Published: August 2021

Tree regeneration is a key process for long‐term forest dynamics, determining changes in species composition and shaping successional trajectories. While tree regeneration is a highly stochastic process, tree regeneration studies often cover narrow environmental gradients only, focusing on specific forest types or species in distinct regions. Thus, the larger‐scale effects of temperature, water availability, and stand structure on tree regeneration are poorly understood.

We investigated these effects in respect of tree recruitment (in‐growth) along wide environmental gradients using forest inventory data from Flanders (Belgium), northwestern Germany, and Switzerland covering more than 40 tree species. We employed generalized linear mixed models to capture the abundance of tree recruitment in response to basal area, stem density, shade casting ability of a forest stand as well as site‐specific degree‐day sum (temperature), water balance, and plant‐available water holding capacity. We grouped tree species to facilitate comparisons between species with different levels of tolerance to shade and drought.

Basal area and shade casting ability of the overstory had generally a negative impact on tree recruitment, but the effects differed between levels of shade tolerance of tree recruitment in all study regions. Recruitment rates of very shade‐tolerant species were positively affected by shade casting ability. Stem density and summer warmth (degree‐day sum) had similar effects on all tree species and successional strategies. Water‐related variables revealed a high degree of uncertainty and did not allow for general conclusions. All variables had similar effects independent of the varying diameter thresholds for tree recruitment in the different data sets.

Synthesis:Shade tolerance and stand structure are the main drivers of tree recruitment along wide environmental gradients in temperate forests. Higher temperature generally increases tree recruitment rates, but the role of water relations and drought tolerance remains uncertain for tree recruitment on cross‐regional scales.
Phosphine Evaluation on a New Series of Heteroleptic Copper(I) Photocatalysts with dpa Ligand [Cu(dpa)(P,P)]BF4
Authors: Henriquez Marco A. , Engl Sebastian , Jaque Pablo , Gonzalez Ivan A. , Natali Mirco , Reiser Oliver , Cabrera Alan R.
Published: August 2021

Five new heteroleptic copper(I) complexes (C1‐5) of the type [Cu(dpa)(P,P)]BF4 based on dipyridylamine (dpa) as N,N ligand and commercial diphosphines as P,P ancillary ligands have been synthesised through a simple methodology with high yields. All complexes were thoroughly characterised by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, as well by theoretical calculations. These showed Metal to Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) absorptions in the 300–370 nm region, and emission in the 450–520 nm region with quantum yields and lifetimes that depend on the nature of the P,P ligand. The photocatalytic performance of copper(I) complexes C1‐5 was evaluated for their use as photoredox catalysts in ATRA reactions, decarboxylative coupling and an Appel‐type reaction. The use of readily available dpa as N,N ligand constitutes an attractive alternative to the well‐established phenanthroline ligands typically used in photocatalysis.
Exploring LGBT+ campus climate in the UK and Philippines: How prejudice and belonging shape inclusion in higher education
Authors: Evangelista Zyra M. , Lido Catherine , Swingler Maxine , Bohan Jason
Published: August 2021

Although recent global developments suggest progress toward LGBT+ equality, institutional structures perpetuating differential treatment based on sexual orientation and gender identity persist. The present research employed a mixed‐method campus climate study of LGBT+ and cis‐heterosexual students sampled from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines and the UK. Phase 1 reports a large‐scale survey assessing relationships among students’ social attitudes toward LGBT+, campus climate perceptions and experiences of harassment, well‐being, academic persistence, and social identity belonging within the university (LGBT+ = 877; cis‐heterosexual = 2107). Phase 2 reports focus groups and interviews with 35 LGBT+ students, further exploring their campus climate experiences. Triangulated results highlight the role of social identity belonging in creating positive LGBT+ campus climates. Fostering belonging, through visible institutional support for intersectional LGBT+ student organisations and endorsement of LGBT+ inclusive policies and programmes, is recommended for creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBT+ students.
Who decides what ‘normal’ is?
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: August 2021

The fall 2021 semester is about to begin, and how the COVID‐19 pandemic will impact decisions on your campus will vary depending on local infection rates and guidance from both federal and local entities.
What you need to know about over‐the‐top advertising
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: August 2021

If you're like me, you might miss the days of rushing home to catch the latest episode of your favorite hilarious sitcom or nail‐biting crime drama. Maybe you even feel nostalgic for true cliff‐hangers, when you had to wait an entire week — or even a break between TV seasons — for an outcome, resolution, or solution.
Closer contact with students can pay off in enrollment, retention
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: August 2021

No one should underestimate the importance of offering a personal touch when working with students who may face multiple barriers to enrollment and completion, said the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success at Monroe County Community College in Michigan. Scott Behrens, Ph.D., still finds the phone calls he places to students to be among his favorite aspects of the job.
Bi‐directional ground motions: Stochastic simulation and frequency‐dependent modal combination rule
Authors: Naskar Subhadip , Das Sandip
Published: August 2021

For direct statistical analysis of 3‐D structures against lateral earthquake shaking, stochastic simulation of fully nonstationary bi‐directional ground motions is essential. The recorded bi‐directional ground motions (or their projections) along the two orthogonal axes of a structure are usually correlated and their correlation influences the overall structural response. Further, the correlation is, in general, frequency‐dependent, that is, the correlation coefficients are different for different narrow frequency bands of the (composite) pair of motions. So it is important to have a method for stochastic simulation of bi‐directional motions that can maintain a target frequency‐dependent correlation. This type of simulated ensemble of bi‐directional motions for a recording process provides a sound basis for the statistical analysis of structural response vis‐à‐vis the observed/recorded correlation. In the present paper, a Priestley process based framework is proposed to simulate bi‐directional ground motions that can emulate the frequency‐dependent correlation structure of the parent recording process while maintaining the time–frequency characteristics of the recorded bi‐directional motion. Since principal directions are frequency‐dependent, it is imperative to develop a modal combination rule for multi‐directional ground motions which can address the frequency‐dependence of principal directions. For this purpose, a new ground motion frequency‐dependent modal combination rule is also proposed. It is found that the proposed frequency‐dependent combination rule performs better than the conventional frequency‐independent one, especially when the response is dominated by some frequency bands having different individual principal directions from each other or from those of the composite pair of motions.
Effect of sub‐atmospheric pressures on buoyancy‐dominated hydrocarbon fuel fires: An experimental analysis on thermal flickering frequency
Authors: Li Haihang , Tang Fei
Published: August 2021

Thermal flickering of a fire is caused by the buoyancy‐induced Kelvin‐Helmholtz‐type instability in the buoyant shear layer between burned gases and ambient air. The study of flickering frequency and inherent buoyancy‐induced instability are of great importance for fire essential parameters and their applications like fire detection, burner, and furnace designs. The flickering frequency of hydrocarbon fuel fires involved methane, ethylene, and propane was studied at low pressures ranging from 0.03 to 0.1 MPa. Three different fuel flow rates were configured for each fuel type of diffusion flame. Generally, the flickering behaviors were observed falling into three regimes: tip flickering, intermittent flickering, and continuous flickering. The continuous flickering appeared when the fuel flow rate or pressure increased above a particular level. The observed thermal flickering frequency varied from about 8 Hz at 0.03 MPa to 12 Hz at 0.1 MPa and was found insensitive to fuel type and flow rate. Thermal flickering frequency increased with the increasing of pressure with a power of 0.27. Buoyancy force dominates the flame flicking behavior under a wide range of sub‐atmospheric pressures and fuel exit velocities. In addition, multiple frequencies phenomenon was observed in the tests.
Notch signaling via Hey1 and Id2b regulates Müller glia's regenerative response to retinal injury
Authors: Sahu Aresh , Devi Sulochana , Jui Jonathan , Goldman Daniel
Published: August 2021

Zebrafish Müller glia (MG) respond to retinal injury by suppressing Notch signaling and producing progenitors for retinal repair. A certain threshold of injury‐derived signal must be exceeded in order to engage MG in a regenerative response (MG's injury‐response threshold). Pan‐retinal Notch inhibition expands the zone of injury‐responsive MG at the site of focal injury, suggesting that Notch signaling regulates MG's injury‐response threshold. We found that Notch signaling enhanced chromatin accessibility and gene expression at a subset of regeneration‐associated genes in the uninjured retina. Two Notch effector genes, hey1 and id2b, were identified that reflect bifurcation of the Notch signaling pathway, and differentially regulate MG's injury‐response threshold and proliferation of MG‐derived progenitors. Furthermore, Notch signaling component gene repression in the injured retina suggests a role for Dll4, Dlb, and Notch3 in regulating Notch signaling in MG and epistasis experiments confirm that the Dll4/Dlb‐Notch3‐Hey1/Id2b signaling pathway regulates MG's injury‐response threshold and proliferation.