bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation of Anti-tuberculosis Drug Loaded Starch Propionate Microparticles for Controllable Drug Delivery
Authors: Rami Gaurang , Nayak Tanvi , Vora J. J.
Published: February 2022

The goal of this study was to use an emulsification solvent evaporation approach to formulate anti-tuberculosis drug (isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide) loaded starch propionate microparticles (ATD-SPMPs). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry revealed that starch propionate (SP) exhibited new bands at 1749cm-1 and 1236cm-1, whereas SPMPs had identical peaks. The A-type pattern of native starch was entirely changed into the V-type pattern of SP by X-ray diffraction, while SPMPs showed a similar type pattern with SP having reduced crystallinity. Propionylation improved the thermal stability of native starch by reducing the number of hydroxyl groups in the modified starch molecule. SPMPs have superior thermal stability than SPMPs due to their semi-crystalline structure. In the optimized formulation, the highest percentage encapsulation efficiency of isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide was determined to be 37.6%, 45.2%, and 43.1%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that propionylation partially disturbed the granule morphology of native starches, and the imperfections and porosity structures of SP granules were completely changed into the uniform-sized spherical shape of SPMPs. The geometric particle sizes of the blank SPMPs, isoniazid, rifampicin, and pyrazinamide loaded SPMPs were 1.243 ± 0.3 μm, 1.65 ± 0.2 μm, 2.73 ± 0.7 μm, and 2.69 ± 0.5 μm, respectively. The dialysis bag method was used to study drug release from ATD-SPMPs and in-vitro drug release data was also analyzed using several kinetic models. The in-vitro drug release investigation revealed that drug release from SPMPs was controlled in comparison to pure ATD using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating drug release by anomalous diffusion, i.e., non-Fickian diffusion. Overall, the formulated ATD-SPMPs may be regarded as a potential anti-tuberculosis micro-drug, offers a path forward for tuberculosis clinics.
Quantification of Caspase 3 Levels in Patients with Periodontitis with or without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hanin S. M. Azima , Jeevitha M. , Jayakumar N. D. , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a debilitating systemic disease with several major complications affecting the quality and length of life. Periodontal disease has been considered another diabetic complication in addition to cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease. Caspase-3 plays an important role in intracellular signaling pathways that regulate apoptosis. High levels of glucose could induce human periodontal ligament fibroblast apoptosis.

Aim: The aim of the study is to compare caspase 3 levels in periodontitis patients with or without diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: 30 patients were included in the study and they are divided into 3 groups: Group a- Periodontal health; Group b- Periodontitis with diabetes mellitus and Group c- Periodontitis patients without diabetes mellitus. Whole unstimulated saliva was collected from 30 patients using expectoration into sterile bulbs. Caspase 3 levels in saliva samples were measured in duplicate using a commercially available Human Caspase-3 (CASP3) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit. Results were analyzed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant differences between the mean values were measured using Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test using Graph Pad Prism version 5. The results with the p < 0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant.

Results: From this study, it was observed that there was a significant increase of caspase 3 levels in periodontitis patients with diabetes mellitus (86.29±24.25 pmol/L) when compared to periodontitis patients without diabetes (55.06±12.90 pmol/L). The results showed a positive correlation and high level of significance when compared between periodontally healthy patients and periodontitis patients along with diabetes mellitus (86.29±24.25 pmol/L). Also, relatively significant results were observed in comparison between periodontally healthy patients (43.37±15.35 pmol/L) and patients with periodontitis without diabetes mellitus (55.06±12.90 pmol/L). Please add the most important statistical values.

Conclusion: The present study showed that caspase-3 concentrations in saliva increases in patients with periodontitis complicated along with diabetes mellitus. Moreover, saliva concentrations of caspase-3 increase with periodontal disease and caspase-3 plays a role as a biomarker of periodontal disease and its progression.
Green Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Ficus benghalensis
Authors: Singh Amit Kumar , Jeevitha M. , Rajeshkumar S. , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Background: Nanoparticles are materials with overall dimensions in the nanoscale, ie, under 100 nm. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown excellent bactericidal properties against a wide range of microorganisms. Ficus benghalensis is a very large tree and had been considered as effective, economical and safe treatments for curing various diseases.

Aim: The present study is aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of AgNPs synthesized using F. benghalensis.

Materials and Methods: Bio-mediated synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using F. benghalensis is a promising alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs was synthesized using DPPH radical scavenging assay. 1 gm of F. benghalensis mixed with 100 mL of distilled water and boiled in 60-70 degree celsius in the heating mantle for 10-15 minutes. Add filtered using Whatman no. 1 filter paper. 20 milli molar (0.574g) of silver was dissolved in 60mL of distilled water. 40 mL of filtered F. benghalensis extract is mixed with 60 mL of silver nanoparticles.

Results: ​ The activity of F. benghalensis extract was compared with standard ascorbic acid by measuring absorption intensity in the spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 517 nm. While increasing the concentration (10 µL, 20 µL, 30 µL, 40 µL, 50 µL) of F. benghalensis extracts, the percentage of inhibition of DPPH also increased.

Conclusion: ​In this study, a simple, biological and low-cost approach was done for the preparation of silver nanoparticles using F. benghalensis. Thus the synthesized F. benghalensis mediated silver nanoparticles can be subjected to the various other biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic evaluation to know the efficiency of these nanoparticles.
Thick filament‐associated myosin undergoes frequent replacement at the tip of the thick filament
Authors: Ichimura Emi , Ojima Koichi , Muroya Susumu , Kobayashi Ken , Nishimura Takanori
Published: February 2022

Myosin plays a fundamental role in muscle contraction. Approximately 300 myosins form a bipolar thick filament, in which myosin is continuously replaced by protein turnover. However, it is unclear how rapidly this process occurs and whether the myosin exchange rate differs depending on the region of the thick filament. To answer this question, we first measured myosin release and insertion rates over a short period and monitored myotubes expressing a photoconvertible fluorescence protein‐tagged myosin, which enabled us to monitor myosin release and insertion simultaneously. About 20% of myosins were replaced within 10 min, while 70% of myosins were exchanged over 10 h with symmetrical and biphasic alteration of myosin release and insertion rates. Next, a fluorescence pulse‐chase assay was conducted to investigate whether myosin is incorporated into specific regions in the thick filament. Newly synthesized myosin was located at the tip of the thick filament rather than the center in the first 7 min of pulse‐chase labeling and was observed in the remainder of the thick filament by 30 min. These results suggest that the myosin replacement rate differs depending on the regions of the thick filament. We concluded that myosin release and insertion occur concurrently and that myosin is more frequently exchanged at the tip of the thick filament.
Yellow‐Emissive Carbon Dots with High Solid‐State Photoluminescence
Authors: Guo Jiazhuang , Lu Yushuang , Xie An‐Quan , Li Ge , Liang Zhi‐Bin , Wang Cai‐Feng , Yang Xiaoning , Chen Su
Published: February 2022

Carbon dots (CDs) present an enticing prospect for a variety of optical applications relying on their high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY). Herein, the synthesis, optical properties, structural characterizations, density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations, and potential applications of yellow‐emissive CDs (Y‐CDs) with ultra‐high PL QY are reported. Solvothermal treatment of citric acid and urea in toluene, followed by column chromatography, produces Y‐CDs exhibiting excitation‐independent PL emission at 553 nm with a high solution PL QY of 92%. A variety of optical and structural characterizations and DFT theoretical calculations are implemented to confirm the general structure and fluorescence origin of Y‐CDs, conjugated sp2‐carbon domains (fused rings) with edge groups. Significantly, transparent Y‐CDs/acrylic resin films with strong solid‐state emissions are fabricated. The Y‐CD films exhibit a high fluorescence with PL QY of 98%, good PL stability (no PL variation under continuous irradiation for 180 h), and large Stokes shift (129 nm). The potential applications of Y‐CDs for luminescent solar concentrators as well as yellow phosphors for lighting are also demonstrated. These findings thus promote the development of high‐performance CDs and their optoelectronic applications.
RVEX: Right Ventricular External Device for Biomimetic Support and Monitoring of the Right Heart
Authors: Pirozzi Ileana , Kight Ali , Shad Rohan , Han Amy Kyungwon , Dual Seraina A. , Fong Robyn , Jia Allison , Hiesinger William , Yock Paul , Cutkosky Mark
Published: February 2022

Right ventricular (RV) failure remains a significant burden for patients with advanced heart failure, especially after major cardiac surgeries such as implantation of left ventricular assist devices. Device solutions that can assist the complex biological function of heart muscle without the disadvantages of bulky designs and infection‐prone drivelines remain an area of pressing clinical need, especially for the right ventricle. In addition, devices that incur contact between blood and artificial surfaces mandate long‐term use of blood‐thinning medications, carrying increased risks for the patients. This work describes the design of a biomimetic, elastic sleeve to support RV‐specific motion via tuned regional mechanical properties. The RV external device (RVEX) in computational models as well as benchtop models and ex vivo (i.e., explanted heart) setups are evaluated to characterize the device and predict functional benefit. Additionally, long‐term implantation potential is demonstrated in mice. Finally, the ability to sensorize the RVEX device to yield resistive self‐sensing capabilities to continuously monitor ventricular deformation, as demonstrated in benchtop experiments and in live animal surgeries, is proposed.
PIWI‐Interacting RNA HAAPIR Regulates Cardiomyocyte Death After Myocardial Infarction by Promoting NAT10‐Mediated ac4C Acetylation of Tfec mRNA
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Lu‐Yu , Liu Fang , Lin Liang , Ju Jie , Tian Peng‐Chao , Liu Cui‐Yun , Li Xin‐Min , Chen Xin‐Zhe , Wang Tao , Wang Fei , Wang Shao‐Cong , Zhang Jian , Zhang Yu‐Hui , Tian Jin‐Wei , Wang Kun
Published: February 2022

PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are abundantly expressed in heart. However, their functions and molecular mechanisms during myocardial infarction remain unknown. Here, a heart‐apoptosis‐associated piRNA (HAAPIR), which regulates cardiomyocyte apoptosis by targeting N‐acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10)‐mediated N4‐acetylcytidine (ac4C) acetylation of transcription factor EC (Tfec) mRNA transcript, is identified. HAAPIR deletion attenuates ischemia/reperfusion induced myocardial infarction and ameliorate cardiac function compared to WT mice. Mechanistically, HAAPIR directly interacts with NAT10 and enhances ac4C acetylation of Tfec mRNA transcript, which increases Tfec expression. TFEC can further upregulate the transcription of BCL2‐interacting killer (Bik), a pro‐apoptotic factor, which results in the accumulation of Bik and progression of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The findings reveal that piRNA‐mediated ac4C acetylation mechanism is involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. HAAPIR‐NAT10‐TFEC‐BIK signaling axis can be potential target for the reduction of myocardial injury caused by cardiomyocyte apoptosis in ischemia heart diseases.
Fully Hydrocarbon Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers: An Engineering Perspective
Authors: Nguyen Hien , Klose Carolin , Metzler Lukas , Vierrath Severin , Breitwieser Matthias
Published: February 2022

Perfluorinated‐sulfonic‐acid‐based ionomers (PFSAs) are still the material of choice for electrochemical energy devices such as proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells or water electrolyzers. However, PFSAs show significant drawbacks ranging from a restricted temperature window of operation due to the insufficient thermomechanical stability, high cost, and questionable environmental properties. Recently, novel hydrocarbon‐based ionomers have been introduced, which not only have the potential to overcome these limitations, but also for the first time show promising performance, approaching that of PFSA‐based fuel cells and electrolyzers. This article summarizes the recent developments in this emerging field with a particular focus on the engineering of membrane‐electrode assemblies with hydrocarbon‐based polymer electrolytes. In the final part, the necessary key innovations are discussed, which are required for hydrocarbon ionomers to replace PFSAs in fuel cells and electrolyzers in the future.
Charge‐Enriched Strategy Based on MXene‐Based Polypyrrole Layers Toward Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Yongzheng , Cao Zhenjiang , Liu Sijin , Du Zhiguo , Cui Yanglansen , Gu Jianan , Shi Yongzheng , Li Bin , Yang Shubin
Published: February 2022

Although zinc metal anodes have some intrinsic advantages for aqueous zinc ion batteries, the notorious dendrites hamper its practical applications. Herein, a charge‐enriched strategy through MXene‐based polypyrrole (MXene‐mPPy) layers is explored toward dendrite‐free Zn metal anode. The MXene‐mPPy layers composed of mesoporous PPy on both sides of Ti3C2Tx‐MXene exhibit an exceptional charge enrichment ability (149 F g−1, 5 mV s−1), which is beneficial not onlying terms of accumulating the charge levels, but also to homogenize the dispersions of electric field and ion flux as used as an artificial interface on a Zn anode. Thus, a dendrite‐free Zn anode with an ultralong cycling lifespan up to 2500 h and superior rate capability is achieved, which is further applied as an anode for aqueous zinc ion batteries with a long‐term span over 3000 cycles at 10 A g−1.
Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Ti2FeNiSb2 Double Half‐Heusler Compound by Sn Doping
Authors: Hasan Rahidul , Park Taegyu , Kim Sang‐il , Kim Hyun-Sik , Jo Seungki , Lee Kyu Hyoung
Published: February 2022

Double half‐Heuslers comprising two aliovalent half‐Heuslers are promising candidates for thermoelectric materials because of their intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity; however, poor electronic transport properties need to be overcome. Herein, the effects of Sn doping on the electronic and thermal transport properties of p‐type Ti2FeNiSb2 to enhance the thermoelectric performance via the compositional tuning route are investigated. The power factor is significantly improved owing to the synergetic effect of the increase in the density‐of‐states effective mass and the carrier concentration. In addition, the lattice thermal conductivity is slightly reduced, benefitted from intensified phonon scattering due to lattice disordering by Sn substitution at the Sb‐site. A peak figure of merit (zT) of ≈0.28 is obtained at 973 K in Ti2FeNiSb1.8Sn0.2, which is almost twice higher than that of the pristine Ti2FeNiSb2.
Understanding the High Thermoelectric Performance of Mg3Sb2‐Mg3Bi2 Alloys
Authors: Imasato Kazuki , Wood Maxwell , Anand Shashwat , Kuo Jimmy Jiahong , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: February 2022

n‐Type Mg3Sb2‐Mg3Bi2 alloys are some of the most promising thermoelectric materials in the low–mid temperature range. While discovered relatively recently, these materials have garnered intense attention, and numerous papers from the international thermoelectric community have been published in a relatively short period of time. As with all materials, detailed insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to these alloys’ distinguished thermoelectric properties are important for future researchers to push the performance of this material to new heights. Herein, experimental studies on the role defects, synthesis conditions, electronic band structure, and microstructure along with future prospects arecompiled to establish a guide for fully exploiting the potential of this material system. Considering the limited number of n‐type thermoelectric materials with this performance for low‐grade heat recovery and cooling technologies, further development of the Mg3Sb2‐Mg3Bi2 alloys is an important step toward commercial applications of thermoelectric materials, including cooling technologies and waste heat recovery applications.
The optimal reference gene validation in Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja under environmental stresses
Authors: Yang Zheng‐Ting , Fan Si‐Xian , Li Rong , Huang Tai‐Min , An Yin , Guo Zi‐Qiang , Li Fei , Yi Yin , Li Kun
Published: February 2022

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja is a special plant species grown at high elevation in southwestern China. The bark, leaves, and roots are used for many purposes including reduction of fever and enhancement of blood insulin level. However, its growth is usually limited by the fragile environment and climate variability. Previous studies attributed the environment‐relevant yield reductions to stress induced gene expression changes. The accuracy and reliability of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), a commonly accepted gene expression method, depends on the choice of appropriate reference genes, which are used for gene expression normalization. However, there are no reports at present about reference genes of C. paliurus under environmental stresses. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify reference genes for C. paliurus under environmental stresses. In this work, we selected seven common reference genes as our candidates: ACT2, ACTF, GAPDH, TUA, TUB, UBQ4, and 18SrRNA. The stability of these seven reference genes in C. paliurus was quantified by RT‐qPCR and evaluated by geNorm and NormFinder algorithms. The results suggest that although there were variations of the stability of the internal reference genes, two of them were usually good enough for the normalization purpose for low temperature (4 °C), high salinity (NaCl), and drought stress (polyethylene glycol [PEG] treatment). However, these genes should not be used for high‐temperature (42 °C) stress. This study provides insight for reference gene selection under experimental stresses in C. paliurus. It also sets the foundation of wide and accurate use of RT‐qPCR under environmental stresses.
Soil water storage, winter wheat yield, and water‐use efficiency with cover crops and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Zhang Shaohong , Wang Jun , Sainju Upendra M. , Ghimire Rajan
Published: February 2022

Summer cover crops extract soil water and may affect succeeding winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and water‐use efficiency (WUE). We examined the effect of summer cover crops and N fertilization rates on soil water storage at wheat planting (SWP) and harvest (SWH), winter wheat yield, evapotranspiration (ET), and WUE from 2017–2018 to 2019–2020 at Changwu and Chang'an in the Loess Plateau of China. Cover crops were soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr., SB], sudangrass [Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf, SG], soybean and sudangrass mixture (SS), and no cover crop (CK) and N fertilization rates were 0, 60, and 120 kg N ha–1 applied to winter wheat. Soil water was measured to a depth of 2 m at wheat planting and harvest, and grain yield, ET, and WUE of wheat were evaluated. Cover crop biomass was greater for SS than SB at both sites. The SWP and ET were greater for CK than other cover crops at all N fertilization rates, but SWH varied for cover crops, N fertilization rates, years, and sites. Winter wheat grain yield and WUE were greater for SS than other cover crops and increased with increased N fertilization rates in all years and sites. Although SS and 120 kg N ha–1 reduced SWP and ET, wheat yield and WUE were greater than other cover crops and N fertilization rates in the semiarid climatic condition of the Loess Plateau of China where annual precipitation is adequate to reduce the detrimental effect of water stress.
Assessment of a subgrid‐scale model for convection‐dominated mass transfer for initial transient rise of a bubble
Authors: Weiner Andre , Claassen Claire M. Y. , Hierck Irian R. , Kuipers J. A. M. , Baltussen Maike W.
Published: February 2022

The mass transfer between a rising bubble and the surrounding liquid is mainly determined by an extremely thin layer of dissolved gas near the bubble interface. Resolving this concentration boundary layer in numerical simulations is computationally expensive and limited to low Péclet numbers. Subgrid‐scale (SGS) models mitigate the resolution requirements by approximating the mass transfer near the interface. In this contribution, we validate an improved SGS model with a single‐phase simulation approach, which solves only the liquid phase at a highly resolved mesh. The mass transfer during the initial transient rise of moderately deformed bubbles in the range Re = 72–569 and Sc = 102–104 is carefully validated. The single‐phase approach is able to mirror the two‐phase flow field. The time‐dependent local and global mass transfer of both approaches agree well. The difference in the global Sherwood number is below than 2.5%. The improved SGS model predicts the mass transfer accurately and shows marginal mesh dependency.
Time trend and age‐specific gender difference in the incidence of liver cancer from 2009 to 2018 in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chuen‐Fei , Chang Hung‐Chuen
Published: February 2022

Liver cancer has a significant impact on global health. Taiwan is a country with a high incidence rate of liver cancer. Efforts in primary prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C are projected to decrease the liver cancer incidence in Taiwan. We used the Taiwan Cancer Registry data to explore the time trend of liver cancer incidence over the last decade, which showed a decreasing trend of 21% in males and 26.1% in females from 2009 to 2018. Both genders aged 30‐39 years had the greatest decrease in liver cancer incidence, while those >70 years old had the least decrease. Our study also showed gender disparity in liver cancer with a persistent male predominance over time. In the past decade, the liver cancer incidence had a 2.5 to 2.7 sex ratio (male to female) and varied gender differences at different ages. Sex ratios peaked at age 40‐49 years and gradually decreased as age increases. The pattern of age‐specific gender differences was similar between 2009 and 2018. This finding implies that female sex hormones may play a protective role in the development of liver cancer.
Migration of bird feather into bile duct mimicking bile duct stone recurrence: First‐ever case report
Authors: Chen Chia‐Chang , Peng Yen‐Chun , Yang Sheng‐Shun , Tung Chun‐Fang
Published: February 2022

The presence of a bird feather as a foreign object inside the human body has rarely been reported in the literature. A feather can cause severe complications such as neck infection or duodenal perforation. Early recognition and treatment of this condition may prevent associated morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a female patient who had a feather inside her bile duct. The feather caused abdominal pain without acute cholangitis. Fortunately, it was successfully removed before causing severe complications. This is the first‐ever case report of the migration of a feather into the common bile duct. A 54‐year‐old Taiwanese woman had a history of cholecystectomy due to acute calculous cholecystitis 1 year prior to this visit. She had also undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) two times due to acute cholangitis (8 years ago and 1 year ago). Endoscopic papilla sphincterotomy had been performed during ERCP for stone extraction. This time, she visited our clinic due to intermittent epigastric pain for 2 weeks. There were no signs of acute cholangitis. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) did not reveal bile duct stone or foreign bodies. ERCP was arranged for possible hidden stones not detected by CT. To our surprise, we pulled a 5‐cm‐long bird feather out of her bile duct during ERCP. After successfully removing the feather, she remained free of abdominal pain and other complications during the next 6 months of follow‐up at our outpatient clinic. Migration of foreign bodies into the bile duct should be included in the differential diagnosis for unexplained abdominal pain in patients with choledochoduodenal fistula due to previous endoscopic papilla sphincterotomy.
The utility of HCV core antigen for evaluation of viremia at 48 weeks posttreatment with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Ko Ping‐Hung , Tseng Chih‐Wei , Tseng Kuo‐Chih , Chen Yen‐Chun , Hsu Ching‐Sheng
Published: February 2022

The hepatitis C virus core antigen (HCV‐cAg) assay is a cheap and rapid alternative to HCV‐RNA detection, while the results were limited to 12 weeks following direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of the HCV‐cAg assay up to 48 weeks after DAA treatment. We enrolled 98 patients with chronic HCV infection who received DAA treatment in this study. Plasma samples were assessed for HCV‐RNA (AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan assay, Roche) and HCV‐cAg (Abbott ARCHITECT HCV‐cAg assay) levels at baseline, 12 weeks (P12) and 48 weeks (P48) after DAA treatment. The sensitivity and specificity of HCV‐cAg were compared with those of HCV‐RNA. A total of 284 samples from 98 enrolled participants were analyzed. HCV‐cAg levels changed in parallel with HCV‐RNA levels in HCV‐infected patients during and after DAA therapy. HCV‐cAg levels showed excellent correlation with HCV viral load (R = 0.951, R2 = 0.905, β = 0.951, and P < .001). The overall sensitivity and specificity for HCV‐cAg in detecting quantifiable HCV‐RNA thresholds were 96.9% and 100%, respectively. Three patients with baseline HCV viremia had nonreactive HCV‐cAg (false‐negative rate was 1.02%); none of the patients were HCV‐cAg positive and HCV‐RNA negative. At 48 weeks after DAA treatment, the HCV‐cAg assay detected all patients with viremia, demonstrating 100% sensitivity and specificity. In conclusions, the HCV‐cAg assay has high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of pre‐ and post‐DAA treatment viremia and may be a useful tool to confirm viremia at P12 and P48.
Gastric amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma: A rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Fang Huei‐Ling , Lin Cheng‐Kuan , Yu Yuan‐Bin , Chang Min‐Hsiang
Published: February 2022

Amyloidosis is defined as an excess extracellular deposit of protein fibrils, an associated syndrome with tissue injury and dysfunction. Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common type of systemic amyloidosis. The most frequently involved organs are the kidneys, heart, liver, autonomous nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Systemic AL amyloidosis patients often have GI symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Furthermore, asymptomatic gastric amyloid deposits are commonly found in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis. The clinical manifestations, laboratory results, and treatment of an 80‐year‐old female patient with AL amyloidosis of the gastrointestinal tract in our hospital were summarized. Relevant literatures on the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease were reviewed. The patient was referred to upper endoscopy because of melena for weeks. Large areas of irregular thickened gastric folds with overlying ulcers and friable polypoid masses at the fundus were seen, showing amyloid depositions. Further workup revealed that no involvement of other organs. Serum immunoelectrophoresis and bone marrow biopsy confirmed multiple myeloma, which was clinically thought to cause gastric amyloidosis. The patient was treated with melphalan, prednisolone, and thalidomide. After treatment, the melena was improved, the flattening gastric mass and a reduction in the serum kappa light chain level and kappa/lambda ratio were observed. Gastric amyloidosis is rarely seen at upper endoscopy in patients without a previously established diagnosis of myeloma. Early detection of gastrointestinal amyloidosis will ultimately improve the outcomes of patients with the rare disease.
Marangoni‐Propulsion Micro‐Robots Integrated with a Wireless Photonic Colloidal Crystal Hydrogel Sensor for Exploring the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Yoshida Koki , Onoe Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

In nature, some insects can rapidly propel by using the Marangoni effect without employing the oscillatory movements of legs. Inspired by nature's Marangoni‐propulsion principles, various Marangoni‐propulsion untethered micro‐robots are achieved to propel with small energy storage. For practical use of Marangoni‐propulsion micro‐robots, it is required to have the intelligence to detect the external environment. However, previous Marangoni‐propulsion micro‐robots integrated with wireless micro‐scale sensors that can sense the external environment and transmit the obtained information are not achieved. Herein, Marangoni propulsion micro‐robots integrated with a wireless photonic gel sensor for exploring the aquatic environment and transmitting the environmental information are proposed. The proposed micro‐robots can propel at the water–air interface by the Marangoni effect. The integrated photonic gel sensor can sense the external stimuli and transmit the information by the color change. In this research, the responsivity of the micro‐robots is evaluated by the propulsion velocity and the response time of the photonic gel. It is shown that the propulsion velocity is changed by the outlet area. The response time decreased as the diameter of the photonic gel decreased. Finally, it is demonstrated that the photonic gel sensor can dynamically sense the external stimuli while the micro‐robots propel.
The quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: Focus on gender difference
Authors: Meng Detao , Jin Zhaohui , Gao Lei , Wang Yixuan , Wang Ruidan , Fang Jinping , Qi Lin , Su Yuan , Liu Aixian , Fang Boyan
Published: February 2022

Background

To improve understanding of gender differences on quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PWP) of a different race, the differences of clinical features and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) between male and female PWP were studied in a small cohort early to middle stage of Chinese PWP.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out. PWP were consecutively included from April 2020 to July 2021 in Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital. HRQoL, motor symptoms, and nonmotor symptoms in each patient were evaluated. The differences of demographic, motor symptoms assessments, nonmotor symptoms assessments, and QoL between two gender groups were tested using t‐test statistics, Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test, or χ2 depending on the data type. To eliminate the possible factors contributing to the QoL, linear regression models were constructed to sort out the effect of gender.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐two Parkinson's disease (PD) patients were included. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and symptom scale assessments had no statistical differences except for levodopa equivalent daily dose, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Score, REM sleep behavior disorder sleep questionnaire, and Hyposmia Rating Scale score. After baseline imbalance corrections, a significantly higher score of PD Questionnaire‐39 (PDQ‐39) in female than in male patients(p<.05) was found. In the questionnaire, summary Index and bodily discomfort, stigma, and emotional well‐being subscores were the main contribution differences.

Conclusions

Gender differences are associated with the QoL in the early to middle stage PWP in China. Female patients have poorer QoL than male patients, especially bodily discomfort, stigma, and emotional well‐being.
The comparison of acute toxicities associated with craniospinal irradiation between photon beam therapy and proton beam therapy in children with brain tumors
Authors: Uemura Suguru , Demizu Yusuke , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Fujikawa Tomoko , Inoue Shotaro , Nishimura Akihiro , Tojyo Ryunosuke , Nakamura Sayaka , Kozaki Aiko , Saito Atsuro , Kishimoto Kenji , Ishida Toshiaki , Mori Takeshi , Koyama Jyunji , Kawamura Atsufumi , Akasaka Yoshinobu , Yoshida Makiko , Fukumitsu Nobuyoshi , Soejima Toshinori , Kosaka Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate acute toxicities associated with irradiation between the X‐CSI (photon beam craniospinal irradiation) and P‐CSI (proton beam craniospinal irradiation) groups in children with brain tumors.

Methods

Sixty‐two consecutive patients who received initial craniospinal irradiation (CSI) for brain tumors in our center between January 1, 2011 and May 31, 2021, were included in the study. Acute toxicities were retrospectively evaluated during CSI using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Maximum grades of fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, dermatitis, constipation, abdominal pain, oropharyngeal mucositis, and hematological toxicities were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐six patients received X‐CSI, and 26 patients received P‐CSI. The median dose of CSI was 18.0 Gy in the X‐CSI group and 23.4 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in the P‐CSI group (p < 0.001). The P‐CSI group had a lower incidence of more than grade 2 nausea (11.5% vs. 69.4%, p = 0.008) and vomiting (7.7% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001), compared with the X‐CSI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustments for potential confounding factors of doses of CSI showed that proton radiation therapy was associated with a marked reduced risk of more than grade 2 nausea and vomiting during CSI (adjusted odds ratio, 0.050; 95% confidential interval, 0.011–0.24; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that P‐CSI reduces the acute gastrointestinal toxicities associated with irradiation.
NO Reduction on Cu‐Based Model Catalysts Studied by in‐situIRAS
Authors: Huang Wujun , Lin Na , Xie Xiuwen , Chen Mingshu , Wan Huilin
Published: February 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Cu‐based catalyst has been widely used for catalytic reduction of NO. Well‐defined TiOx/Cu(110) films were prepared and investigated by in situ reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (IRAS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED). A complex surface structure of Cu+(‐O‐Ti‐)‐O‐Cuδ+/Cu(110) was proposed, in which the topmost surface Cu+ is highly dispersed, isolated and fixed by the TiOx layer. Such a ‘single atom’‐like surface site appears a very narrow νCO peak at 2130 cm–1, and is more stable upon both CO reduction and vacuum annealing than the Cu2O/Cu(110). Such isolated Cu+(‐O‐Ti‐) site on TiOx/Cu(110) is also fairly stable in NO+CO reaction, but the overall catalytic activity is slightly lower than that on the Cu(110) surface, indicating that the single‐atom Cu+(‐O‐Ti‐) site is less efficient for NO+CO reaction at the examined conditions. The study provides useful information for the design and application of single‐atom catalysts and understanding the nature of catalytically active centers.
Biomarker Qualification at the European Medicines Agency: A Review of Biomarker Qualification Procedures From 2008 to 2020
Authors: Bakker Elisabeth , Hendrikse Natalie M. , Ehmann Falk , van der Meer Daniëlla S. , Llinares Garcia Jordi , Vetter Thorsten , Starokozhko Viktoriia , Mol Peter G.M.
Published: February 2022

Regulatory qualification of biomarkers facilitates their harmonized use across drug developers, enabling more personalized medicine. This study reviews various aspects of the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) biomarker qualification procedure, including frequency and outcome, common challenges, and biomarker characteristics. Our findings provide insights into the EMA’s biomarker qualification process and will thereby support future applications. All biomarker‐related “Qualification of Novel Methodologies for Medicine Development” procedures that started from 2008 to 2020 were included. Procedural data were extracted from relevant documents and analyzed descriptively. In total, 86 biomarker qualification procedures were identified, of which 13 resulted in qualified biomarkers. Whereas initially many biomarker qualification procedures were linked to a single company and specific drug development program, a shift was observed to qualification efforts by consortia. Most biomarkers were proposed (n = 45) and qualified (n = 9) for use in patient selection, stratification, and/or enrichment, followed by efficacy biomarkers (37 proposed, 4 qualified). Overall, many issues were raised during qualification procedures, mostly related to biomarker properties and assay validation (in 79% and 77% of all procedures, respectively). Issues related to the proposed context of use and rationale were least common yet were still raised in 54% of all procedures. While few qualified biomarkers are currently available, procedures focus increasingly on biomarkers for general use instead of those linked to specific drug compounds. The issues raised during qualification procedures illustrate the thorough discussions taking place between applicants and regulators—highlighting aspects that need careful consideration and underlining the importance of an appropriate validation strategy.
Habitat partitioning by mobile intertidal invertebrates of sandy beaches shifts with the tides
Authors: Emery Kyle A. , Kramer Valerie R. , Schooler Nicholas K. , Michaud Kristen M. , Madden Jessica R. , Hubbard David M. , Miller Robert J. , Dugan Jenifer E.
Published: February 2022

Coexistence of similar species can be influenced by the intensity of interspecific interactions, which often depends on the availability of limiting resources. Habitat availability varies strongly with tidal phase in many intertidal ecosystems, potentially affecting interspecific interaction strength, particularly for mobile species. Four closely related species of highly mobile intertidal detritivores (talitrid amphipods Megalorchestia californiana, M. corniculata, M. benedicti, M. minor) inhabit sandy beaches in southern California, where they consume wave‐cast macroalgal wrack originating on coastal reefs. Their coexistence suggests that mechanisms, such as niche separation, are operating to weaken competition among these species. To evaluate this possibility, we explored how tidal phase may mediate temporal and spatial patterns of habitat use among these closely related congeners. We hypothesized that neap tides that reduce intertidal habitat would strengthen temporal separation between species, whereas spatial separation would be greater during spring tides when more habitat is available. We investigated these questions during spring and neap tide phases using (1) comparisons of intertidal distributions of burrowed amphipods and (2) observations of surface activity of amphipods from pitfall traps and mesocosms. We found significant effects of tide phase and species identity on mean intertidal positions and separation of burrowed amphipods. Intertidal distributions of the four species overlapped during neap tide and were significantly separated during spring tide when more intertidal habitat was available. Surface activity patterns differed among species and were more widely separated in time during neap tide than during spring tide. Consequently, the cumulative activity time of all species on neap tides was twice that observed during spring tides. Our findings suggest that mobile intertidal species, like these sympatric talitrid amphipods, can avoid interspecific competition by shifting their activity patterns with tide phase and beach condition. As rising sea levels reduce beach habitat, interspecific competition among these important intertidal consumers may increasingly influence their behavior and coexistence.
Multimodal biological brain age prediction using magnetic resonance imaging and angiography with the identification of predictive regions
Authors: Mouches Pauline , Wilms Matthias , Rajashekar Deepthi , Langner Sönke , Forkert Nils D.
Published: February 2022

Biological brain age predicted using machine learning models based on high‐resolution imaging data has been suggested as a potential biomarker for neurological and cerebrovascular diseases. In this work, we aimed to develop deep learning models to predict the biological brain age using structural magnetic resonance imaging and angiography datasets from a large database of 2074 adults (21–81 years). Since different imaging modalities can provide complementary information, combining them might allow to identify more complex aging patterns, with angiography data, for instance, showing vascular aging effects complementary to the atrophic brain tissue changes seen in T1‐weighted MRI sequences. We used saliency maps to investigate the contribution of cortical, subcortical, and arterial structures to the prediction. Our results show that combining T1‐weighted and angiography MR data led to a significantly improved brain age prediction accuracy, with a mean absolute error of 3.85 years comparing the predicted and chronological age. The most predictive brain regions included the lateral sulcus, the fourth ventricle, and the amygdala, while the brain arteries contributing the most to the prediction included the basilar artery, the middle cerebral artery M2 segments, and the left posterior cerebral artery. Our study proposes a framework for brain age prediction using multimodal imaging, which gives accurate predictions and allows identifying the most predictive regions for this task, which can serve as a surrogate for the brain regions that are most affected by aging.
Reducing target volume in definitive radiotherapy for human papillomavirus‐associated tonsil cancer
Authors: Lee Hye In , Kim Jin Ho , Lee Joo Ho , Wu Hong‐Gyun
Published: February 2022

Background

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of reducing target volume in definitive radiotherapy for HPV‐associated tonsil cancer.

Methods

A single‐institution cohort of 90 patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated tonsil cancer who received definitive radiotherapy with a 5‐mm expansion from the gross tumor volume to clinical target volume between 2008 and 2019 were included. The overlapping volume of initial planning target volume and the recurrent tumor was calculated and categorized as one of three failure types: in‐field: ≥95%; marginal‐field: 50%–94%; and out‐field: <50%.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 59.4 months, the 3‐year and 5‐year local control rates were 94.4% and 92.8%, respectively. A total of seven local failures were identified, of which 4 (4.4%) were in‐field, 2 (2.2%) were marginal‐field, and 1 (1.1%) was out‐field. Grade 3 acute and late toxicities developed in 30 (33.3%) and 5 (5.6%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Reducing target volume could be an alternative option for selected patients with HPV‐associated tonsil cancer.
Helping after dark: Ambivalent leadership outcomes of helping followers after the workday
Authors: Watkins Trevor , Lee Stephen H. , Yam Kai Chi , Zhan Yuanfang , Long Lirong
Published: February 2022

Helping has long been considered as a beneficial behavior that enhances organizational effectiveness. Recent technological boons, however, have expanded the boundaries of when and where employees fulfill their responsibilities. In the context of leadership, this means that leaders are now able to efficiently provide help to their followers in the evening after the official workday ends, and there is theoretical reason to expect that this behavior leads to meaningful emotional and behavioral reactions. In this manuscript, we draw from theory on emotional appraisal to explain how helping followers in the evening is positively associated with pride or irritation for leaders as a function of leaders' trust in their followers. Furthermore, we posit that these emotional reactions are positively associated with next‐day transformational and laissez‐faire leadership behaviors, respectively. The results of two experience sampling studies align with our predictions for the pride pathway, while providing mixed results for the irritation pathway. Overall, we extend existing theory on organizational helping by highlighting the theoretical and practical implications of helping followers after the official workday ends.
The effective approach for the quality control of Codonopsis radix based on quality markers of immune activity
Authors: Liu Jiushi , Wang Yumeng , Li Bin , Qi Yaodong , Wei Xueping , Liu, Haitao , Zhang Bengang , Xiao Peigen
Published: February 2022

Codonopsis radix is an important edible and medicinal plant resource for immunomodulation in China and Southeast Asia. However, the chemical quality evaluation of C. radix in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Version) is still lacking; therefore, it is necessary to develop an effective method to evaluate its quality accurately and systematically. Herein, a reliable method for a comprehensive chemical analysis of bioactive compounds in C. radix by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector was developed based on the quality marker (Q‐marker) concept, which can efficiently reflect its immune activity. Our previous research explored the seven potential bioactive compounds reflecting the immune regulation activities of C. radix by spectrum–effect relationship analysis. Therefore, in this study, we researched on establishing a quality control method and selected the modern pharmacodynamic experiment of immune regulation to verify the potential bioactive compounds as quality markers. A real quality control method that reflected the traditional efficacy of C. radix in strengthening the spleen and tonifying lungs was developed. Furthermore, the C. radix extract and the seven bioactive compounds could promote the proliferation of immune‐related cells and regulate the secretion of inflammatory factors, thus playing a role in immune regulation.