bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aristolactam I inhibits cell migration and invasion through regulation of Twist1 in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Lee Sewoong , Lee Junho , Cho Sayeon
Published: July 2022

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most difficult cancer types to treat. Because three key receptors are absent in these cancer cells, the cells bypass the human immune system and chemotherapy does not work well. Aristolactam I (AL‐I) is a natural compound in the plant genus Aristolochia. Previous studies have shown that aristolactam variants exhibit an inhibitory effect on several bioactive cancer developments. However, the regulatory mechanism and biological activity of AL‐I in TNBC cell lines have not been identified. In this study, AL‐I affected an increase in E‐cadherin expression in MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells. AL‐I increased E‐cadherin mRNA expression by down‐regulating Twist1 protein expression. The novel anticancer effect of AL‐I was confirmed to be inhibition of the development of breast cancer cells through reduced cell mobility.
Three‐dimensional morphological revealing of human placental villi with common obstetric complications via optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ni Guangming , Zhong Junming , Gao Xuemei , Wu Renxiong , Wang Wenjing , Wang Xiaoshan , Xie Yao , Liu Yong , Mei Jie
Published: July 2022

Placental villi play a vital role in human fetal development, acting as the bridge of material exchange between the maternal and fetal. The abnormal morphology of placental villi is closely related to placental circulation disorder and pregnancy complications. Revealing placental villi three‐dimensional (3D) morphology of common obstetric complications and healthy pregnancies provides a new perspective for studying the role of the placenta and its villi in the development of pregnancy diseases. In this study, we established a noninvasive, high‐resolution 3D imaging platform via optical coherence tomography to reveal placental villi 3D morphological information of diseased and normal placentae. For the first time, 3D morphologies of placental villous tree structures in common obstetric complications were quantitatively revealed and corresponding 3D information could visualize the morphological characteristics of the placental villous tree from a more intuitive perspective, providing helpful information to the study of fetal development, feto‐maternal material exchange, and gestational complications treatment.
Identification of PIK3CG as a hub in septic myocardial injury using network pharmacology and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis
Authors: Liu Qiong , Dong Yushu , Escames Germaine , Wu Xue , Ren Jun , Yang Wenwen , Zhang Shaofei , Zhu Yanli , Tian Ye , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío , Yang Yang
Published: July 2022

Sepsis causes multiple organ injuries, among which the heart is one most severely damaged organ. Melatonin (MEL) alleviates septic myocardial injury, although a systematic and comprehensive approach is still lacking to understand the precise protective machinery of MEL. This study aimed to examine the underlying mechanisms of MEL on improvement of septic myocardial injury at a systematic level. This study integrated three analytic modalities including database investigations, RNA‐seq analysis, and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WCGNA), in order to acquire a set of genes associated with the pathogenesis of sepsis. The Drugbank database was employed to predict genes that may serve as pharmacological targets for MEL‐elicited benefits, if any. A pharmacological protein–protein interaction network was subsequently constructed, and 66 hub genes were captured which were enriched in a variety of immune response pathways. Notably, PIK3CG, one of the hub genes, displayed high topological characteristic values, strongly suggesting its promise as a novel target for MEL‐evoked treatment of septic myocardial injury. Importantly, molecular docking simulation experiments as well as in vitro and in vivo studies supported an essential role for PIK3CG in MEL‐elicited effect on septic myocardial injury. This study systematically clarified the mechanisms of MEL intervention in septic myocardial injury involved multiple targets and multiple pathways. Moreover, PIK3CG‐governed signaling cascade plays an important role in the etiology of sepsis and septic myocardial injury. Findings from our study provide valuable information on novel intervention targets for the management of septic myocardial injury. More importantly, this study has indicated the utility of combining a series of techniques for disease target discovery and exploration of possible drug targets, which should shed some light on elucidation of experimental and clinical drug action mechanisms systematically.
The impact of low‐dose CT on smoking behavior among non‐smokers, former‐smokers, and smokers: A population‐based screening cohort in rural China
Authors: Su Zheng , Li Xuebing , Wu Heng , Meng Zhaowei , Li Yang , Pan Hongli , Liang Hao , Wang Ying , Zhao Fang‐Hui , Qiao Youlin , Zhou Qinghua , Fan Ya‐Guang
Published: July 2022

Background

Lung cancer screening may provide a “teachable moment” for the smoking cessation and relapse prevention. However, the impact of lung cancer screening on smoking initiation in non‐smokers has not been reported.

Methods

A baseline smoking behavior survey was conducted in 2000 participants who were screened by low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) from 2014 to 2018. All participants were re‐surveyed on their smoking behavior in 2019. Of these, 312 participants were excluded, leaving 1688 participants in the final analysis. The smoking initiation rate in baseline non‐smokers, the relapse rate in baseline former smokers, and the abstinence rate in baseline current smokers were calculated, respectively. The associations between screening results, demographic characteristics, and smoking behavior change were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

From 2014 to 2019, smoking prevalence significantly decreased from 52.6% to 49.1%. The prevalence of smoking initiation, relapse, and abstinence in baseline non‐smokers, former, and current smokers was 16.8%, 22.9%, and 23.7%, respectively. The risk of smoking initiation in baseline non‐smokers was significantly higher in those with negative screening result (adjusted OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.27–6.94). Compared to smokers who only received baseline screening, the chance of smoking abstinence in baseline current smokers was reduced by over 80% in those who attended 5 rounds of screening (adjusted OR = 0.15, 95% CI:0.08–0.27). No significant associations were found between smoking relapse and prior screening frequency, with at least one positive screening result. Age, gender, occupational exposure, income, and smoking pack years were also associated with smoking behavior changes.

Conclusions

The overall decreased smoking prevalence indicated an overwhelming effect of “teachable moment” on “license to smoke.” A tailored smoking cessation strategy should be integrated into lung cancer screening.
Universal Synthesis of Transition‐Metal Phosphide/Carbon Hybrid Nanosheets for Stable Sodium Ion Storage and Full‐Cell Application
Authors: Zhao Liping , Li Jie , Peng Bo , Wang Gongrui , Yu Lai , Guo Yiming , Shi Liang , Zhang Genqiang
Published: July 2022

Transition metal phosphides (TMP), as promising candidates for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), have recently attracted tremendous attention by virtue of high theoretical capacity, low cost and abundant resources. Nevertheless, unsatisfactory rate performance and inferior cycling stability caused by inevitable volume expansion and sluggish charge transfer kinetics extremely restrict their practical applications. Herein, we present hierarchical TMP‐carbon hybrid structures composed of carbon coated TMP nanoparticles embedded in P and N dual‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (denoted as TMP@C⊂PNCNS, including FeP@C⊂PNCNS, CoP@C⊂PNCNS and Ni2P@C⊂PNCNS) through a facile, extensible, one‐pot strategy followed by carbonization treatment. Thanks to the dual‐carbon protected, P and N dual‐doped and hierarchical structure, the TMP@C⊂PNCNS anodes display an extraordinary sodium‐ion storage performance. Notably, the FeP@C⊂PNCNS demonstrates a remarkable reversible capacity of 127.8 mA h g−1 after 4000 cycles at a high current density of 5.0 A g−1 with 70.8 % capacity retention. More importantly, the full‐cell based on Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode and FeP@C⊂PNCNS anode delivers an outstanding energy/power density of 172.1 W h kg−1/80.2 W kg−1. This work provides valuable insights into the facile synthesis of hybrid nanostructures and further promotes the development of TMP‐based anode materials.
Is it time to change how we write scientific articles?
Authors: Soares João B. P.
Published: July 2022

In this perspective, I will argue that we must reconsider how we write scientific articles. Instead of using the stiff style that has become the norm in academic writings, we should focus on clarity and informality. It's time to abandon old conventions that make scientific articles so unpleasant to read.
Bucket Effect to Improve Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Response on Metal‐Heteroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Wang Zirui , Fang Yu‐Hui , Lin Huaxing , Zhao Guoxiang , Yan Weiyin , Ma Zuju , Li Qiao‐Hong , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Carbolong compounds as a metal‐heteroaromatic compound with both organometallic properties and π‐conjugated systems exhibit great potential in organic catalysis and optoelectronic devices. In this work, for the first time, the “Bucket Effect” is revealed to promote the third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) performance in metal‐heteroaromatic compounds. We have successfully constructed and investigated a series of novel metallapentalenes with higher third‐order NLO performance benefited from the “Bucket Effect”. Meanwhile, aromaticity and electron−hole analysis further confirm the internal homogeneity of organometallic rings, reduced bandgap, and enhanced low‐energy peak response resulted in the enhanced third‐order NLO effects. The success of this work is discovering an emerging material library of high third‐order NLO effects, and illustrating the feasibility of engineering the high response metal‐heteroaromatic optical devices at the electronic structure level.
A Coumarin−Donepezil Hybrid as a Blood−Brain Barrier Permeable Dual Cholinesterase Inhibitor: Isolation, Synthetic Modifications, and Biological Evaluation of Natural Coumarins
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Nuthakki Vijay K. , Gairola Sumeet , Singh Bikarma , Bharate Sandip B.
Published: July 2022

Plants have immensely contributed to the drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we undertook the phytochemical investigation of Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. rhizomes followed by semisynthetic modifications to discover cholinesterase (ChE) and beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE‐1) inhibitors. The 8‐acetyl‐7‐hydroxycoumarin isolated from the bioactive extract moderately inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and BACE‐1 with IC50 values of 22.1 and 17.7 μM, respectively. The semisynthetic trifluoromethyl substituted coumarin chalcone display a 5‐fold improvement in BACE‐1 inhibition (IC50 3.3 μM). Another semisynthetic derivative, a coumarin‐donepezil hybrid, exhibits dual inhibition of both ChEs with IC50 values of 1.22 and 3.09 μM, respectively. Molecular modeling and enzyme kinetics revealed that the coumarin‐donepezil hybrid is a non‐competitive inhibitor of AChE. It crosses the blood‐brain barrier and also inhibits Aβ self‐aggregation. The results presented herein warrant a detailed investigation of the coumarin‐donepezil hybrid in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease.
A randomized phase 2 trial of nivolumab, gemcitabine, and cisplatin or nivolumab and ipilimumab in previously untreated advanced biliary cancer: BilT‐01
Authors: Sahai Vaibhav , Griffith Kent A. , Beg Muhammad S. , Shaib Walid L. , Mahalingam Devalingam , Zhen David B. , Deming Dustin A. , Zalupski Mark M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Gemcitabine and cisplatin has limited benefit as treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). The addition of an anti‐programmed death receptor (PD‐1)/PD‐ligand (L1) antibody to either systemic chemotherapy or anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA4) antibody has shown benefit in multiple solid tumors.

Methods

In this phase 2 trial, patients 18 years or older with advanced BTC without prior systemic therapy and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 0–1 were randomized across six academic centers. Patients in Arm A received nivolumab (360 mg) on day 1 along with gemcitabine and cisplatin on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks for 6 months followed by nivolumab (240 mg) every 2 weeks. Patients in Arm B received nivolumab (240 mg) every 2 weeks and ipilimumab (1 mg/kg) every 6 weeks.

Results

Of 75 randomized patients, 68 received therapy (Arm A = 35, Arm B = 33); 51.5% women with a median age of 62.5 years. The observed primary outcome of 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) rates in the evaluable population was 59.4% in Arm A and 21.2% in Arm B. The median PFS and overall survival (OS) in Arm A were 6.6 and 10.6 months, and in Arm B 3.9 and 8.2 months, respectively, in patients who received any treatment. The most common treatment‐related grade 3 or higher hematologic adverse event was neutropenia in 34.3% (Arm A) and nonhematologic adverse events were fatigue (8.6% Arm A) and elevated transaminases (9.1% Arm B).

Conclusions

The addition of nivolumab to chemotherapy or ipilimumab did not improve 6‐month PFS. Although median OS was less than 12 months in both arms, the high OS rate at 2 years in Arm A suggests benefit in a small cohort of patients.
Alkali Etching Induced CoAl‐Layered Double Oxides with Regulatable Cation and Oxygen Vacancy Defects to Promote the Photothermal Degradation of Methanol
Authors: Wang Huangbin , Zeng Yikui , Mao Huiyang , Huang Haomin , Hu Yun
Published: July 2022

By controlling the alkali etching time, the cation and oxygen vacancies contents of CoAl‐LDHs were adjusted. Then CoAl‐layered double oxides catalysts (CoAl‐LDOs‐x) were prepared by calcination and applied to the photothermal catalytic degradation of methanol and acetone under the full spectrum simulated solar illumination. Compared with CoAl‐LDOs‐0 without alkali etching, CoAl‐LDOs‐9 with alkali etching for 9 h showed the most superior photothermal catalytic activity and excellent stability. A series of studies had suggested that the most superior activity of the catalyst could be ascribed to the cation vacancy produced by alkali etching, resulting in more Co3+ active sites on the surface. At the same time, alkali etching also produced oxygen vacancy, which accelerated the adsorption and conversion of surface reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the activation effect of light on lattice oxygen and gas phase oxygen was proved by in‐situ DRIFTS, and the degradation path of methanol was clarified.
Plasma circulating cell‐free MYCN gene: A noninvasive and prominent recurrence monitoring indicator of neuroblastoma
Authors: Liang Ying , Liu Yan , Zhang Pin , Zhang Mengxin , Du Bang , Cheng Weyland , Yu Zhidan , Li Lifeng , Wang Huanmin , Hou Guangjun , Zhang Xianwei , Zhang Wancun
Published: July 2022

The postoperative recurrence of neuroblastoma (NB) patients is an essential reason for the high mortality of NB due to the lack of early, non‐invasive, and dynamic strategies for monitoring NB recurrence. Therefore, whether the plasma circulating cell‐free MYCN gene as an indicator for monitoring of NB recurrence was systematically evaluated. The MYCN copy number and NAGK (reference gene) copy number (M/N) ratio in plasma and corresponding tumor tissues of NB patients was detected using an economical, sensitive, and specific single‐tube dual RT‐PCR approach developed in this study. The plasma M/N ratio of the MYCN gene amplification (MNA) group (N = 25, median M/N ratio = 4.90) was significantly higher than that of the non‐MNA group (N = 71, median M/N ratio = 1.22), p < .001. The M/N ratio in NB plasma (N = 60) was positively correlated with the M/N ratio in NB tumor tissue (N = 60), with a correlation coefficient of 0.9496. In particular, the results of dynamic monitoring of postoperative plasma M/N ratio of NB patients showed that an abnormal increase in M/N ratio could be detected 1–2 months before recurrence in NB patients. In summary, the single‐tube double RT‐PCR approach can be used to quantitatively detect MYCN copy number. The copy number of MYCN in the tissue and plasma of NB patients is consistent with each other. More importantly, the circulating cell‐free MYCN gene of NB patients can be used as a monitoring indicator for early, non‐invasive, and dynamic monitoring of NB recurrence.
Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw and successful implant treatment in a patient on high‐dose antiresorptive medication: A case report
Authors: Ottesen Camilla , Andersen Sanne W. M. , Jensen Simon S. , Kofod Thomas , Gotfredsen Klaus
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Oral rehabilitation can be a challenge in patients on high‐dose antiresorptive medication (HDAR), especially if the alveolar anatomy has changed due to previous medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) resection. In healthy patients, dental implant treatment has found wide acceptance in prosthetic rehabilitation as it increases the patient's oral health‐related quality of life. However, it is considered contraindicated in patients on HDAR due to the risk of MRONJ, although a recent feasibility study indicates that implant treatment may indeed be an option in these patients. The aim of the present case report is to illustrate the risk of MRONJ in a patient with cancer on HDAR and to discuss the reasons behind the outcomes of the implant treatment.

Materials and Methods

A patient with prostate cancer with bone metastases on high‐dose denosumab therapy with previous MRONJ had four implants inserted bilaterally in the maxilla (14, 13, 23, 24). Two identical implant‐supported screw‐retained cantilever bridges were fabricated. The patient was followed for more than 1 year.

Results and Conclusion

Peri‐implantitis, and/or MRONJ, was diagnosed around two of the implants (23, 24), probably induced by crestal bone trauma from a healing abutment and/or a misfitting prosthetic reconstruction. A peri‐implantitis operation was performed, but without the desired response, and the two implants (23, 24) were later removed in an MRONJ resection. The implants on the other side of the maxilla (14, 13) remained without complications. Dental implant treatment is feasible in patients on HDAR, but comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus) and polypharmacy (e.g., chemotherapy and steroids) may add to the risk of implant failure. Minimal trauma surgery and prosthodontics are crucial to increase the chance of successful healing in an HDAR patient.
Fermented lingonberry juice's effects on active MMP‐8 (aMMP‐8), bleeding on probing (BOP), and visible plaque index (VPI) in dental implants—A clinical pilot mouthwash study
Authors: Lähteenmäki Hanna , Tervahartiala Taina , Räisänen Ismo T. , Pärnänen Pirjo , Sorsa Timo
Published: July 2022

Objectives

We aimed to study the effects of fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ) as a mouthwash on the levels of active matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (aMMP‐8) in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF), bleeding on probing (BOP), and visible plaque index (VPI). We hypothesized that FLJ rinsing could reduce inflammation (aMMP‐8 and BOP) and microbial load (VPI) in the oral cavity, especially around dental implants.

Materials and Methods

A clinical pilot study was performed using FLJ as a mouthwash. The inclusion criteria were at least one dental implant in the anterior or posterior areas with a screw‐retained crown. Ten participants used 10 ml of mouthwash twice a day for 15 days, and 10 participants served as the control group. Point‐of‐care tests (POCTs) were used to measure aMMP‐8 levels in the PISF, and BOP and VPI were recorded at the beginning of the trial and after 15 and 30 days.

Results

The FLJ mouthwash had a reductive effect on aMMP‐8, VPI, and BOP in the mouthwash group; however, there was no significant difference compared to the control group. The difference in VPI and BOP levels between the groups diminished after the lingonberry regimen ended. The decrease in aMMP‐8 levels appeared to continue even after discontinuation of the mouthwash regimen.

Conclusion

The reduction in the amount of plaque, aMMP‐8, and BOP by FLJ was promising and continuous considering the relatively short study period and sample size. FLJ is a natural and safe supplement for oral and dental implant home care. Further studies are required to verify these promising results.
Reading publics and a curriculum in literature
Authors: Sawyer Wayne
Published: July 2022

The notion of reading publics has a secure place in the sociology of Literature but its place in the educational literature around curriculum studies is relatively sparse. Here I address the question of reading publics in a curriculum context by examining school subject curricula whose very raisons d'etre are the creation of a reading public, viz. the curricula in Literature that usually sit inside high school English/Language Arts. I am interested in the extent to which ‘reading publics’ can themselves be ‘read off’ such Literature curricula and also in the kind of reading publics that are imagined as being created through such curricula. Under examination are two senior years courses from the Australian Curriculum: English which imagine two quite different ‘beneficiary publics’ which I argue as class‐based differences, but which nevertheless both represent what I call a ‘weak’ version of an imagined beneficiary public. I conclude by asking how a curriculum might imagine a more socially oriented reading public.
Assortative mixing in eastern spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) spatial networks is driven by landscape features
Authors: Devan‐Song Anne , Walden M. A. , Watson James R. , Jolles Anna E. , Fox Justine M. , Karraker Nancy E.
Published: July 2022

Biotic and abiotic factors drive assortative mixing (preference for or sorting with individuals with similar characteristics) in animal populations on a landscape, with implications for dispersal, population structuring, and other ecological and evolutionary processes. However, patterns and generative mechanisms of assortative mixing are overlooked in amphibians outside of specific life history events such as reproduction. The aims of this project were to determine whether there is assortative mixing by size and life history category in eastern spadefoots (Scaphiopus holbrookii), whether these patterns are preserved across time and spatial scale, and quantify the nature and relative role of various habitat and soil features in explaining observed patterns in spatial organization of individuals. We conducted field surveys in southeastern Virginia, USA, in 2016 and 2017 during nonbreeding periods to create spatial networks of S. holbrookii. We quantified spatial assortativity by size and life history stage and evaluated the roles of multiple landscape features in explaining spatial organization of S. holbrookii. We found that S. holbrookii sorted spatially by size and sex outside of breeding periods, with juveniles and adults less likely to sort with each other. Within each life history stage, S. holbrookii sorted by size. These patterns were similar across time and spatial scale. Soil and habitat types had no effect on assortativity. Instead, the distance to nearest breeding pool, wetland, and meadow were related to life history stage assortativity, as well as size assortativity in males and subadults. Adult males and females displayed affinity for breeding pools and meadows and avoidance of other types of wetlands, while subadults and nonbreeding adults showed opposite patterns compared with breeding adults. Our results indicate that (1) previously established guidelines for the minimum size of buffer zones to protect wetland‐breeding amphibians may be inadequate, (2) nonbreeding wetlands may be important core habitat for subadults, and (3) the upland spatial organization of amphibians may be used to predict locations of undetected breeding pools.
Energy management and system design for fuel cell hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Liu Huiying , Yao Yongming , Wang Jie , Yang Tingyi , Li Tianyu
Published: July 2022

The growth in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has created an increasing demand for energy‐efficient and green power systems. In this paper, we have evaluated energy management strategies (EMSs) and system optimization design methodologies for fuel cell/battery‐powered hybrid UAVs (HUAVs). EMSs aimed at the optimization of flight endurance and fuel cell durability were proposed based on fuzzy logic, dynamic programming, equivalent consumption minimization, and Pontryagin's minimum principle (PMP). System optimization design methodologies, including static design and synergistic sizing optimization design, were also devised. The synergistic sizing optimization was based on multiobjective optimization, while optimization of the EMS used a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed EMSs and optimization design were then validated by simulation. Results showed that the proposed EMSs have both long flight time and good fuel cell durability, with the improved PMP prolonging the fight endurance by 4.64% and reducing the mean current of the fuel cell by 16.1% compared with fuzzy logic. Substantial improvements were obtained by using sizing optimization, and parameter sensitivity was addressed. The findings of this study can aid in the future development of fuel cell‐powered UAVs.
Consumption of nutritive supplements during physical activities in Romania: A qualitative study
Authors: Ionescu Romeo Victor , Antohi Valentin Marian , Zlati Monica Laura , Iconomescu Mihaela Teodora , Nechifor Alexandru , Stanciu Silvius
Published: July 2022

The consumption of nutritional supplements by the population that practices physical activities in a regular, organized manner represents a form of scientific interest for professionals interested in analyzing the somatic and biological changes that occur under the influence of the stimuli provided by nutritional supplements. In this context, based on a new statistical model proposed by the authors, we aimed at assessing nutritional supplement consumption efficiency and the effects felt by the consumers in relation to both the achievement of their health goals and the destructuring of the biological processes following the consumption of these supplements. The new model, created by the authors, can be applied to the population of any other state in the world. The methods used in this article are analytical and prospective, and they are based on a qualitative questionnaire applied to 310 Romanian people who practice sports regularly; the sample group being considered representative for the entire population of Romania by the Cochran W.G. test. The results of the study are useful to both the specialists and the people who take nutritional supplements, and they help in improving the perception regarding the efficiency of these products on various categories, as will be seen from the data provided in this study. Moreover, the results of this analysis are also interesting for the providers of products such as pharmacies and authorized distributors, which can scientifically quantify their supply in the market.
Vanadium‐doped MnO2 nanocatalyst for visible‐light‐driven photodegradation of selected fluoroquinolone antibiotics from contaminated water
Authors: Zaman Brohi Rafi O , Khuhawar Muhammad Yar , Mahar Rasool Bux , Ibrahim Medhat A , Ali Awais , Lanjwani Muhammad Farooq
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Vanadium‐doped manganese dioxide (V‐MnO2) was fabricated for effective photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and moxifloxacin (MOXI) antibiotics under visible light. V‐MnO2 fabricated by simple redox method was characterized by spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) techniques.

RESULTS

DLS measured average particles size of 93.18 nm for MnO2, which reduced to 88 nm for V‐ MnO2 and zeta potential indicated −11.5 mV for MnO2 and 17.7 mV for 1% V‐MnO2. PL spectra of V‐MnO2 was suppressed as compared to MnO2 spectra, indicating a decrease in electron hole recombination and leading to increased photocatalytic activity of V‐MnO2. Band gap results revealed a successful decrease in band gap of MnO2 from 3.30 to 2.82 eV after doping with 1% V. Maximum degradation of CIP and MOXI achieved was 92% ± 2.98% and 79.5% ±2.15%, respectively, at pH 6. Optimum visible light irradiation of 180 and 300 min was calculated for CIP and MOXI, respectively. V‐MnO2 catalyst was recyclable for three cycles.

CONCLUSION

V‐MnO2 catalyst was successfully applied to treatment of CIP and MOXI in spiked real water supply and sewage wastewater samples. Computational molecular models of CIP, MOXI, MnO2 and V‐MnO2 were built and optimized. Total energy values measured by a semi‐empirical method revealed that V‐MnO2 structure was less stable than MnO2, with weakened bonds between Mn atoms of MnO2 structure after doping of V ions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The study of functional connectivity of attention cognitive impairment in children with nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Jiang Kaihua , Liu Liangqing , Pan Chenzhu , Ge Yawen , Zheng Aibin , Li Yamin , Li Yanhong
Published: July 2022

We aimed to explore the brain functional connectivity mechanism of attention cognitive impairment in children with nocturnal enuresis (NE). Children with NE often show attention cognitive deficit, but its brain mechanism remains unclear. Most previous studies have only focused on a single brain region, without involving the association among brain regions. In this study, 26 NE and 26 normal children were selected. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA‐CPT) were performed. The 12 key brain regions of the dorsal attention network (DAN), default mode network (DMN) and ventral attention network (VAN) were selected as areas of interest, and 66 groups of functional connectivity (FC) were analysed among these 12 brain regions. The correlation between FC and IVA‐CPT in the two groups was analysed. The FC values showed that the groups with significant differences between NE and normal children were lFEF‐aMPFC, rFEF‐lIFG, rFEF‐rIPS and lAG‐VFC (P < 0.05), and the FC value of lAG‐VFC was positively correlated with the Full‐Scale Attention Quotient (FAQ). Our results showed that attention deficit in children with NE was associated with all three networks and was relative to the FC among the three attention networks. DAN was the brain network most related to attention cognition in children with NE, and most of the brain regions with abnormal connectivity in NE were related to the prefrontal lobe. The lAG was also an important brain region in attention impairment in NE.
Estimating impacts of logistics processes on online customer ratings: Consequences of providing technology‐enabled order tracking data to customers
Authors: Akturk M. Serkan , Mallipeddi Rakesh R. , Jia Xingzhi
Published: July 2022

Recent advances in logistics tracking technologies have enabled e‐commerce firms to both accurately track the shipments and obtain accurate estimates of delivery times. With customers constantly tracking the status of their orders, the effects of logistics processes on customers' evaluation of their online shopping experience are relatively unknown as academic literature provides little guidance. Drawing upon the expectation‐disconfirmation theory and attribution theory, and using a unique dataset assembled in collaboration with an e‐commerce firm, we empirically investigate the effects of order processing and delivery times on online customer ratings. We also estimate the impact of positive deviation (i.e., early delivery) and negative deviation (i.e., late delivery) from the promised delivery date on online customer ratings and whether the impact of delivery status (early or late) depends on order cost and freight cost. Our empirical findings demonstrate that longer order processing and delivery times are associated with lower ratings. Our results also highlight that the late delivery of an order is negatively associated with ratings and that the order cost amplifies this effect. Furthermore, freight cost reduces both the negative effect of late delivery and the positive effect of early delivery on online ratings. Our results also indicate that there exist curvilinear relationships between online ratings and the number of days an online order is late or early. Specifically, the negative effect of a late delivery follows a convex‐shape curve such that its impact decreases as the number of days an online order is late increases. Likewise, the positive effect of an early delivery increases at a decreasing rate as the number of days an online order is early increases. Our supplementary analyses further account for potential endogeneity issues and corroborate our main results with additional empirical evidence obtained through alternative model specifications and estimation strategies. We present important theoretical implications and managerial takeaways from our findings.
The editor: A demanding but underestimated role in scientific publishing
Authors: Vuong Quan‐Hoang
Published: July 2022

Key points

Editorial services and editors' hard work are mostly underestimated, and yet the increase in articles, issues and journals requires more editors.

Early Career Researchers should be encouraged to join editorial teams to advance their careers and improve their research skills.

Working as an editor should receive greater recognition and reward, which will encourage greater participation by senior and junior researchers.

Senior editors should create training opportunities for ECRs as it will help strengthen editorial teams and build resilience.

The key requirements for any ECR joining an editorial team are to learn the rules, become an excellent communicator, learn to read in different roles and be prepared to do their homework.
Let's start talking: A reflective essay on minority students' experiences in academic spaces, publishing, and journal involvement
Authors: Wong Ryan S.C. , Martensen Kayla M.
Published: July 2022

Key points

Graduate student population is diversifying, but not enough intentional resources are given to support minority graduate students.

The need to publish during graduate school in order to have a chance for an academic career generates inequalities.

Publishers and editors need to be more intentional in creating paid positions and recruiting submissions from a diversity of graduate students.

We encourage more minority students to share their stories and form interdisciplinary support groups beyond a single institution or country context.
Effect of Cationic Groups on the Selectivity of Ternary Antimicrobial Polymers
Authors: Pham Phuong , Oliver Susan , Nguyen Duong Thanh , Boyer Cyrille
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial polymers (AMPs) have emerged as a promising approach to combat multidrug‐resistant pathogens. Developed from binary polymers, which contain cationic and hydrophobic groups, ternary polymers are enhanced by adding neutral hydrophilic monomers to improve their biocompatibility. Cationic groups have attracted significant attention owing to their pivotal role in AMPs. Although many studies have investigated the effect of cationic groups on antimicrobial activity of binary AMPs, there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic evaluation for ternary AMPs. Therefore, a library of 31 statistical amphiphilic ternary polymers containing different cationic groups, including primary amine, guanidine, and sulfonium groups is prepared to investigate the impact of cationic groups on antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. It is shown that the cationic balance appears to be a critical factor influencing polymers' antibacterial activity and selectivity. The results reveal that the polymers that have the ratio of the cationic groups ranging between 50% and 60%, coupled with a cationic/hydrophobic ratio in the range of [1.4–2] and an appropriate neutral hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance, exhibited the highest selectivity toward mammalian cells. This study elucidates a structure–property‐performance relationship for ternary AMPs, which contributes to the development of AMPs capable of selectively targeting gram‐negative pathogens.
Polyphenols in Highland Barley Tea Inhibit the Production of Advanced Glycosylation End‐Products and Alleviate the Skeletal Muscle Damage
Authors: Nie Chenzhipeng , Li Tingting , Fan Mingcong , Wang Yu , Sun Yujie , He Ruikun , Zhang Xuguang , Qian Haifeng , Ying Hao , Wang Li , Li Yan
Published: July 2022

Scope

Highland barley tea is a kind of caffeine‐free cereal tea. Previous studies have shown that it is rich in polyphenol flavonoids. Here, the effect of Highland barley tea polyphenols (HBP) on the production of advanced glycosylation end‐products and alleviate the skeletal muscle damage is systematically investigated.

Methods and Results

HBP effectively inhibits the formation of AGEs in vitro, and 12 phenolic compounds are identified. In addition, d‐galactose is used to construct a mouse senescence model and intervenes with different doses of HBP. It is found that high doses of HBP effectively inhibit AGEs in serum and flounder muscle species and increased muscle mass in flounder muscle; also, high doses of HBP increase the expression of the mitochondrial functional protein SIRT3 and decrease the expression of myasthenia‐related proteins. Furthermore, cellular experiments show that AGEs can significantly increase oxidative stress in skeletal muscle.

Conclusion

These data indicate that the relationship between the biological activity and HBP properties is relevant since Highland barley can be a potential functional food to prevent AGEs‐mediated skeletal muscle damage.
The expression level of mir‐21‐3p in platelet‐rich plasma: A potential effective factor and predictive biomarker in recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Babian Scarlet , Salehpour Saghar , Nazari Leila , Ghorbanmehr Nassim
Published: July 2022

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the most important complication associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite the good quality of the transferred embryo, the success rate is rather disappointing. Therefore, predictive biomarkers for implantation are critical to making decisions about transferring high‐quality embryos or cryopreserving them for cycles with a higher chance of implantation. Recently, intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed to increase the endometrial receptivity in RIF patients. PRP is rich in both growth factors and microRNAs (miRNAs). We investigated the possible association of mir‐21‐3p, mir‐21‐5p, mir‐494‐3p, mir‐145‐5p, and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) levels in PRP and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) samples with the pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients. The miRNA expression level and IGF‐I concentration were assessed using real‐time PCR and chemiluminescence methods respectively. Mir‐21‐3p was upregulated in PRP samples of the pregnant group in comparison to the nonpregnant group. There was no difference in the expression of mir‐21‐3p in PPP samples of these groups. The concentration of IGF‐I was higher in PRP and PPP samples of the nonpregnant in comparison to the pregnant group. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis showed that mir‐21‐3p can be a valuable biomarker for the prediction of pregnancy chance in RIF patients treated with PRP.
Constitutive anamnesis model (CAM) for fine‐grained soils
Authors: Tafili Merita , Grandas Carlos , Triantafyllidis Theodoros , Wichtmann Torsten
Published: July 2022

Mainly, two divisions are encountered in the literature regarding constitutive models: elasto‐plasticity and hypoplasticity. In addition, barodesy and the framework of generalized plasticity are used. The main disadvantage of nearly all models is the failure to reproduce the mechanical behaviour under cyclic loading without restrictions. A model which deals neither with the true hypoplastic nor the true elasto‐plastic approach will be proposed herein. Moreover, it combines and establishes the unification of both frameworks and it can be assigned to both of them. It introduces a so called historiotropic surface, responsible for the memory of the soil, but no consistency condition. It also introduces a hypoplastic strain rate, but incorporating the distance to the new surface for its intensity and the back stress tensor. Hence, both the intergranular strain as well as the fabric‐dilatancy tensor are omitted, even though the eight‐shaped stress hysteresis at cyclic mobility is well reproduced.
Childhood obesity risk factors by race and ethnicity
Authors: Pineros‐Leano María , Grafft Natalie , Aguayo Liliana
Published: July 2022

Objective

Childhood obesity is a public health concern that often worsens with age. Although several risk factors at the child and maternal levels have been identified in cross‐sectional studies, less is known about their long‐term contribution to racial/ethnic disparities in childhood obesity. This study examines child‐ and maternal‐level factors associated with the growth trajectories of White, Black, and Latino children.

Methods

Group‐based trajectory models were used to identify BMI z score trajectories from birth to 9 years of age among White, Black, and Latino children. The associations of child‐ and maternal‐level factors with the trajectory group identified as at risk for obesity were examined using adjusted logistic regression analysis, stratified by race/ethnicity.

Results

Among White children, fast‐food consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.52) was associated with higher odds of following an at‐risk trajectory. Among Black and Latino children, prepregnancy BMI was associated with following an at‐risk trajectory (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.08 for Black children, and OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07‐1.17 for Latino children).

Conclusions

These findings showed racial/ethnic differences in the risk factors that influence the likelihood of obesity during childhood. Further research is needed to identify modifiable racial/ethnic specific risk factors to guide obesity‐prevention interventions.
Passive wrist deviation to increase the ultrasound identified procedural safe zone in carpal tunnel syndrome: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Meiling James B. , Hollman John H. , Shin Alexander Y. , Brault Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome. Although prior studies have explored the anatomic changes of the median nerve and carpal arch with different wrist deviations and positionings, the change in safe zone distance between the median nerve and ulnar artery with ulnar or radial wrist deviations has not been adequately investigated.

Objective

To identify the optimal wrist positioning that increases the safe zone distance between the median nerve and ulnar artery using ultrasound in patients with CTS.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Quaternary medical center multidisciplinary outpatient hand clinic.

Participants

Twenty five patients (41 wrists) with clinical CTS who received an electrodiagnostic study (EDX) to evaluate CTS within 1 year prior to enrollment.

Interventions

Ultrasound‐identified safe zone distance measurements were obtained in each patient between the ulnar aspect of the median nerve and the radial aspect of the ulnar artery with the wrist in neutral radial‐ulnar deviation as well as in passive ulnar and radial deviation.

Main Outcome Measure

The ultrasound‐identified safe zone distance with the wrist in each of the three positions.

Results

The interstructural safe zone distance was significantly greater when measured in the ulnarly deviated position (1.08 cm) compared with either the neutral (0.61cm, p < .001) or radially deviated positions (0.52 cm, p < .001). Interstructural safe zone distance did not differ between those with normal, mild, moderate, or severe classifications of pathology, or between dominant and nondominant limbs.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the ultrasound‐measured interstructural safe zone distance was significantly greater in the ulnarly deviated position than in either the neutral position or radially deviated position. These findings may lead to improvement in the safety of ultrasound‐guided injections.
Clinical analysis of immediate breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi muscular flap in breast cancer
Authors: Li Jian , Deng Rong , Sun Da‐wei , Gong Jian‐ping , Yu Qiao , Hu Qing
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to explore the clinical efficacy of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using the latissimus dorsi muscular flap in Chinese breast cancer patients. The clinical data of 17 breast cancer patients who underwent IBR using the latissimus dorsi muscular flap between August 2013 and September 2021 at Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Harris scoring standard was used to evaluate the cosmetic effect. All the 17 cases were successfully treated. The median age was 43 years old (age range: 32–54 years old). In the clinical staging, the patients were mainly early and mid‐stage patients, with two cases in stage 0, 12 cases in stage II, and three cases in stage III. Postoperative pathology was predominantly invasive breast cancer (15/17), and two cases were carcinoma in situ. The median operation time was 300 min (range: 180–450 min) and only two patients developed complications. After 2–97 months of follow‐up, no patients had recurrence or metastasis. According to the Harris method, 9, 6, 2, and 0 cases were evaluated as “excellent”, “good”, “fair,” and “poor” respectively. The practical application of IBR using the latissimus dorsi muscular flap is a safe and feasible way to improve physical and mental health in breast cancer patients.
Characteristics of ionization behaviors of aminonitrotoluene isomers produced by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
Authors: Choi He‐Ryun , Choi Sung‐Seen
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Six of the isomers of aminonitrotoluene (ANT) are 2‐amino‐3‐nitrotoluene (2A3NT), 2A4NT, 2A5NT, 2A6NT, 4A2NT, and 4A3NT. Some of them can be identified by chromatography and spectroscopy. Biochemical transformation of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dinitrotoluenes (DNTs) is very complex and ANTs are decomposition products of TNT and DNTs.

Methods

Each isomer in acetone was ionized using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in positive and negative ion modes, and kinds and abundances of the product ions were analyzed. Energy‐minimized structures of the product ions and their energies were calculated to explain the analysis results.

Results

The [M + H]+, [M + H + Acetone − H2O]+, and [M + H + Acetone]+ ions as positive product ions were detected, while [M − H]−, M•−, and [M + O2]•− ions as negative ones were observed. The order of the ionization efficiencies for the positive product ions was 4A3NT > 4A2NT > 2A4NT > 2A6NT > 2A5NT > 2A3NT, while that of the negative ones was 2A5NT > 2A3NT > 4A3NT > 2A4NT > 2A6NT > 4A2NT. Ion abundance ratios for 2A3NT and 2A5NT showed very similar trends, while those of 2A6NT and 4A2NT also showed similar trends. Differences in the ionization behaviors were explained using the heats of reaction.

Conclusions

The product ions were produced by ion–molecule reactions with the reactant ions of [2Acetone + H]+ and [Acetone + O2]•−. The [M + H + Acetone]+ ion was fragmented to produce [M + H]+ and [M + H + Acetone − H2O]+, while the [M + O2]•− ion was fragmented to generate the [M − H]− and M•− ions. Differences in the ionization behaviors of the ANTs can be used for their differentiation.