bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ultra‐high pressure homogenization on microorganism and quality of composite pear juice
Authors: Liu Yan , Liao Mengyu , Rao Lei , Zhao Liang , Wang Yongtao , Liao Xiaojun
Published: April 2022

In this study, composite pear juice was processed by ultra‐high pressure homogenization (UHPH) at four different pressures (50, 100, 150, and 200 MPa) with six different temperatures (4, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80°C), then microorganism and physicochemical and nutritional properties of the samples were investigated. The counts of total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and yeasts and molds (Y&M) were reduced by 0.89–4.72 log10 CFU/ml and 0.40–3.03 log10 CFU/ml after processing, respectively. There was no significant change on total soluble solid and color, but significant decreases of pH and particle size value were observed, and the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, viscosity, and suspension stability significantly increased in treated samples. Compared to the untreated samples, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity of UHPH‐treated samples varied between 97%–126% and 81%–165%, respectively, indicating that the PPO and POD activities could be inactivated or activated by UHPH. This study introduced proper temperature combined with UHPH could improve the microbial inactivation and the quality of the compound juice.
Effect of alginate coatings incorporated with chitinase from ʻBaozhuʼ pear on the preservation of cherry tomato during refrigerated storage
Authors: Wu Yongmin , Wu Yi , Han Peng , Xu Jiangqi , Liang Xiaobo
Published: April 2022

The effects of edible coatings based on sodium alginate with ʻBaozhuʼ pear chitinase on the quality of cherry tomatoes during refrigerated storage were evaluated. Cherry tomatoes inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum were coated and stored up to 21 days. All coatings with the chitinase significantly reduced F. oxysporum proliferation on cherry tomatoes during storage and extended the shelf life of cherry tomatoes effectively (p < .05). Results showed that alginate coatings with the chitinase could prevent weight loss, maintain firmness, and slow down the changes of titratable acidity and vitamin C (p < .05) in a dose‐dependent manner. However, no significant differences were observed between T3 (1% alginate/0.15% ʻBaozhuʼ pear chitinase/1% glycerin) and T4 (1% sodium alginate/0.3% ʻBaozhuʼ pear chitinase/1% glycerin) (p > .05). Overall, alginate coating with 0.15% ʻBaozhuʼ pear chitinase could be a promising method to maintain the quality of cherry tomatoes.
Targeting TNFα produced by astrocytes expressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐linked mutant fused in sarcoma prevents neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction in mice
Authors: Jensen Brigid K. , McAvoy Kevin J. , Heinsinger Nicolette M. , Lepore Angelo C. , Ilieva Hristelina , Haeusler Aaron R. , Trotti Davide , Pasinelli Piera
Published: April 2022

Genetic mutations that cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressively lethal motor neuron disease, are commonly found in ubiquitously expressed genes. In addition to direct defects within motor neurons, growing evidence suggests that dysfunction of non‐neuronal cells is also an important driver of disease. Previously, we demonstrated that mutations in DNA/RNA binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS) induce neurotoxic phenotypes in astrocytes in vitro, via activation of the NF‐κB pathway and release of pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Here, we developed an intraspinal cord injection model to test whether astrocyte‐specific expression of ALS‐causative FUSR521G variant (mtFUS) causes neuronal damage in vivo. We show that restricted expression of mtFUS in astrocytes is sufficient to induce death of spinal motor neurons leading to motor deficits through upregulation of TNFα. We further demonstrate that TNFα is a key toxic molecule as expression of mtFUS in TNFα knockout animals does not induce pathogenic changes. Accordingly, in mtFUS‐transduced animals, administration of TNFα neutralizing antibodies prevents neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction. Together, these studies strengthen evidence that astrocytes contribute to disease in ALS and establish, for the first time, that FUS‐ALS astrocytes induce pathogenic changes to motor neurons in vivo. Our work identifies TNFα as the critical driver of mtFUS‐astrocytic toxicity and demonstrates therapeutic success of targeting TNFα to attenuate motor neuron dysfunction and death. Ultimately, through defining and subsequently targeting this toxic mechanism, we provide a viable FUS‐ALS specific therapeutic strategy, which may also be applicable to sporadic ALS where FUS activity and cellular localization are frequently perturbed.
Neuropsychological approach to subjective cognitive complaints in cognitively unimpaired older people: A systematic review
Authors: Pérez‐Blanco Lucía , Rodríguez‐Salgado Dolores
Published: April 2022

Objective

A systemized approach to subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) in elderly people is needed owing to the high prevalence of such complaints and their impact on the psychosocial well‐being of those affected. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the characteristics and effectiveness of intervention programmes that use a neuropsychological approach to target SCCs in cognitively unimpaired older people and that are tested in randomized controlled trials.

Methods

The search included a time‐unlimited query of Scopus, PsycInfo and Medline, yielding 215 articles, of which only 7 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results

The number of intervention programmes was very limited (11 interventions), but diverse, with cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring all used to address SCCs.

Conclusions

Interventions including only cognitive stimulation were not effective in reducing SCCs, but interventions including cognitive stimulation and psychoeducation, physical exercise, and group sessions and discussions reinforced by the therapist were effective.
Performance evaluation of different types of ground source heat exchangers in a hot and dry climate
Authors: Majeed Saif H. , Abdul‐Zahra Amar S. , Mutasher Dheya G.
Published: April 2022

Most of the energy consumption in a hot and dry area is used for the air‐conditioning systems. This study aims to investigate the possibility of reducing the electricity consumption in air conditioners using ground cold energy to cool the hot fluid in the pipes. Several experiments were carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed system to be used in the weather conditions of Baghdad city (i.e., hot and dry). Two configurations of ground source heat exchangers (GSHEs) were developed and constructed. The first configuration comprised coil type with two different materials (copper and polyvinyl chloride [PVC]). The second configuration was the 3U type, which was made from copper, PVC, and galvanized. Three water flow rates were considered (5, 10, and 15 L/min) with water inlet temperatures (80°C, 70°C, and 60°C). The experiments' results showed that the type of material of the pipe has a significant influence on both the heat transfer effectiveness and the system performance. Copper tubes were the best type of heat exchanger (type coil) to be used in this regard. The highest recorded values of the heat exchange rate were 5.81, 4.81, 2.72, 1.60, and 1.32 kW with an inlet temperature of 80°C and a flow rate of 5 L/min for the case of copper coil, copper 3U, galvanized 3U, PVC profile, and PVC 3U, respectively. These findings can be used as a guideline for future studies of GSHEs, particularly for the applications fixed in unsaturated soils.
The second decade of the blue butterfly in Fukushima: Untangling the ecological field effects after the Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Otaki Joji M. , Sakauchi Ko , Taira Wataru
Published: April 2022

Many field observations of the biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been reported in the first decade after the accident. A series of observational and experimental studies have demonstrated causal adverse effects on the pale grass blue butterfly even at the low‐level radiation exposure in the “field,” contrary to the dosimetric view that insects are generally tolerant of radiation exposure. However, it has been demonstrated that the pale grass blue butterfly is tolerant of high oral doses of anthropogenic radioactive cesium (137Cs) under “laboratory” conditions. This field–laboratory paradox can be explained by ecological field effects; for example, radiation stress in the field causes physiological and biochemical changes in the host plant, which then trophically affects butterfly larvae. The second decade of butterfly‐based Fukushima research will be devoted to demonstrating how such adverse field effects occur. Changes in the host plant's nutritional contents likely affect butterfly physiology. The host plant may also upregulate secondary metabolites that affect herbivorous insects. The plant may be affected by changes in endophytic soil microbes in radioactively contaminated areas. If demonstrated, these results will reveal that the delicate ecological balances among the butterfly, its host plant, and soil microbes have been affected by radioactive pollution in Fukushima, which has important implications for environmental policies and human health. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1539–1550. © SETAC
Annexin A2: The diversity of pathological effects in tumorigenesis and immune response
Authors: Huang Yanjie , Jia Mengzhen , Yang Xiaoqing , Han Hongyan , Hou Gailing , Bi Liangliang , Yang Yueli , Zhang Ruoqi , Zhao Xueru , Peng Chaoqun , Ouyang Xinshou
Published: April 2022

Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is widely used as a marker in a variety of tumors. By regulating multiple signal pathways, ANXA2 promotes the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, which can cause tumorigenesis and accelerate thymus degeneration. The elevated ANXA2 heterotetramer facilitates the production of plasmin, which participates in pathophysiologic processes such as tumor cell invasion and metastasis, bleeding diseases, angiogenesis, inducing the expression of inflammatory factors. In addition, the ANXA2 on the cell membrane mediates immune response via its interaction with surface proteins of pathogens, C1q, toll‐like receptor 2, anti‐dsDNA antibodies and immunoglobulins. Nuclear ANXA2 plays a role as part of a primer recognition protein complex that enhances DNA synthesis and cells proliferation by acting on the G1‐S phase of the cell. ANXA2 reduction leads to the inhibition of invasion and metastasis in multiple tumor cells, bleeding complications in acute promyelocytic leukemia, retinal angiogenesis, autoimmunity response and tumor drug resistance. In this review, we provide an update on the pathological effects of ANXA2 in both tumorigenesis and the immune response. We highlight ANXA2 as a critical protein in numerous malignancies and the immune host response.
Hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: A retrospective observational multi‐institutional study
Authors: Ciavattini Andrea , Di Giuseppe Jacopo , Marconi Chiara , Giannella Luca , Delli Carpini Giovanni , Paolucci Michela , Fichera Mariasole , De Vincenzo Rosa Pasqualina , Scambia Giovanni , Evangelista Maria Teresa , Bogani Giorgio , Bertolina Francesca , Raspagliesi Francesco , Gardella Barbara , Spinillo Arsenio , Dominoni Mattia , Monti Ermelinda , Liverani Carlo Antonio , Vercellini Paolo , Iorio Maria , Vitobello Domenico , Portuesi Rosalba , Bresciani Gianluigi , Origoni Massimo , Cantatore Francesco , Pellegri Antonio Maurizio , Moriconi Lorenzo , Serri Matteo , Chiari Andrea , Sopracordevole Francesco , Barbero Maggiorino , Parazzini Fabio ,   the Italian Society of Colposcopy and Cervico‐Vaginal Pathology (SICPCV)
Published: April 2022

Objective

To analyze the clinical management, the outcomes, and the trend in hysterectomy rates (HR) in patients who underwent this procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Methods

Multicentric retrospective observational study conducted on 242 patients who underwent hysterectomy for CIN between 2010 and 2020 in nine Italian institutions. Hysterectomy for invasive or micro‐invasive neoplasia, sub‐total hysterectomy, or trachelectomy were excluded.

Results

A significant increase in the trend of HR for CIN was recorded (P = 0.002, r = 0.81; C.I. 95%: 0.415–0.949); HR increased from 0.46% in the year 2010 to 3.32% in 2020. The mortality rate was 0.4%, and 5% had operative complications. On definitive histopathology examination, a CIN of any grade was recorded in 71.5% of cases, and an occult invasive cancer in 1.24%. No pathology or CIN1 was found in 26.8% of cases, suggesting over treatment. During follow‐up, a vaginal lesion was recorded in 5% of cases.

Conclusion

A significant increase in the number of hysterectomies performed for CIN in the last 10 years was recorded. Hysterectomy for CIN can lead to complications, risk of the onset of vaginal lesions, and risk of overtreatment, and remains, in the first instance, an unacceptable treatment, to be proposed only after adequate counseling.
New developments in trade theory and the food and beverage industry
Authors: Reimer Jeffrey J. , Langpap Christian
Published: April 2022

Hypotheses from the recent economic literature on heterogeneous firms and international trade are evaluated for the food and beverage industry. Using new survey evidence for firms, an econometric model was developed to link a firm's probability of exporting back to characteristics such as ownership structure, size, and product type. Trade policy, the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the search costs of finding overseas markets were cited by firms as affecting their ability to export. The survey revealed what government policies and programs firms perceived as helpful as they sought to build new export markets.
Citric acid cross‐linked chitosan for inhibiting oxidative stress after nerve injury
Authors: Liu Kun , Wu Xiaopei , Dai Honglian
Published: April 2022

Scaffold design is particularly important and necessary for soft tissue repair such as nerve tissue repair. In this article, we designed and manufactured a macroporous chitosan‐based hydrogel with excellent cell compatibility and antioxidant properties. Here, the chitosan (CS) based hydrogel is obtained by repeated freezing and thawing using citric acid (CA) as a cross‐linking agent. We have evaluated the effects of citric acid content on the physical and chemical properties of hydrogels through mechanical properties and scanning electron microscopy. CA‐CS hydrogel shows a macroporous structure, as the citric acid increases, the mechanical strength increases and the pore size decreases. In vitro cell experiments show that CA‐CS hydrogel partakes positive effects on cell survival, adhesion and proliferation, as well as antioxidant properties. All results provide a basis for the construction of porous chitosan‐based hydrogels, while demonstrating a promising approach to deal with oxidative stress in nerve injury.
microRNA expression in acute myeloid leukaemia: New targets for therapy?
Authors: Fletcher Daniel , Brown Elliott , Javadala Julliah , Uysal‐Onganer Pinar , Guinn Barbara‐ann
Published: April 2022

Recent studies have shown that short non‐coding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs) and their dysregulation, are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This is due to their role in the control of gene expression in a variety of molecular pathways. Therapies involving miRNA suppression and replacement have been developed. The normalisation of expression and the subsequent impact on AML cells have been investigated for some miRNAs, demonstrating their potential to act as therapeutic targets. Focussing on miRs with therapeutic potential, we have reviewed those that have a significant impact on the aberrant biological processes associated with AML, and crucially, impact leukaemic stem cell survival. We describe six miRNAs in preclinical trials (miR‐21, miR‐29b, miR‐126, miR‐181a, miR‐223 and miR‐196b) and two miRNAs that are in clinical trials (miR‐29 and miR‐155). However none have been used to treat AML patients and greater efforts are needed to develop miRNA therapies that could benefit AML patients in the future.
Survival of SARS‐CoV‐2 in artificial seawater and on the surface of inanimate materials
Authors: Sun Zhi‐Ping , Yang Si‐Yu , Cai Xia , Han Wen‐Dong , Hu Gao‐Wei , Qian Yun , Wang Yu‐Yan , Zhang Rong , Xie You‐Hua , Qu Di
Published: April 2022

There is a potential risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spread through human contact with seafood and the inanimate materials contaminated by the virus. In this study, we examined the stability of the virus in artificial seawater (ASW) and on the surface of selected materials. SARS‐CoV‐2 (3.75 log10 TCID50) in ASW at 22℃ maintained infectious about 3 days and at 4℃ the virus survived more than 7 days. It should be noticed that viable virus at high titer (5.50 log10 TCID50) may survive more than 20 days in ASW at 4℃ and for 7 days at 22℃. SARS‐CoV‐2 on stainless steel and plastic bag maintained infectious for 3 days, and on nonwoven fabric for 1 day at 22℃. In addition, the virus remained infectious for 9 days on stainless steel and non‐woven fabric, and on plastic bag for 12 days at 4℃. It is important to highlight the role of inanimate material surfaces as a source of infection and the necessity for surface decontamination and disinfection.
Cell pyroptosis in picornavirus and its potential for treating viral infection
Authors: Wang Zheng , Yu Haolin , Zhuang Wenyue , Chen Jingxuan , Jiang Yi , Guo Zhicheng , Huang Xiaotian , Liu Qiong
Published: April 2022

Cell pyroptosis has received increased attention due to the associations between innate immunity and disease, and it has become a major focal point recently due to in‐depth studies of cancer. With increased research on pyroptosis, scientists have discovered that it has an essential role in viral infections, especially in the occurrence and development of some picornavirus infections. Many picornaviruses, including Coxsackievirus, a71 enterovirus, human rhinovirus, encephalomyocarditis virus, and foot‐and‐mouth disease virus induce pyroptosis to varying degrees. This review summarized the mechanisms by which these viruses induce cell pyroptosis, which can be an effective defense against pathogen infection. However, excessive inflammasome activation or pyroptosis also can damage the host's health or aggravate disease progression. Careful approaches that acknowledge this dual effect will aid in the exploration of picornavirus infections and the mechanisms that produce the inflammatory response. This information will promote the development of drugs that can inhibit cell pyroptosis and provide new avenues for future clinical treatment.
T‐cell responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron spike epitopes with mutations after the third booster dose of an inactivated vaccine
Authors: Li Yongzheng , Wang Xiuwen , Jin Junyan , Ma Zhenglai , Liu Yan , Zhang Xin , Su Bin
Published: April 2022

The rapidly spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron variant contains more than 30 mutations that mediate escape from antibody responses elicited by prior infection or current vaccines. Fortunately, T‐cell responses are highly conserved in most individuals, but the impacts of mutations are not clear. Here, we showed that the T‐cell responses of individuals who underwent booster vaccination with CoronaVac were largely protective against the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron spike protein. To specifically estimate the impact of Omicron mutations on vaccinated participants, 16 peptides derived from the spike protein of the ancestral virus or Omicron strain with mutations were used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the volunteers. Compared with the administration of two doses of vaccine, booster vaccination substantially enhanced T‐cell activation in response to both the ancestral and Omicron epitopes, although the enhancement was slightly weakened by the Omicron mutations. Then, the peptides derived from these spike proteins were used separately to stimulate PBMCs. Interestingly, compared with the ancestral peptides, only the peptides with the G339D or N440K mutation were detected to significantly destabilize the T‐cell response. Although more participants need to be evaluated to confirm this conclusion, our study nonetheless estimates the impacts of mutations on T‐cell responses to the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant.
Seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies against the respiratory syncytial virus in healthy adults in Guangzhou, southern China
Authors: Liu Zhenwei , Wu Shangzhi , Xian Yuting , Gu Zihao , Liu Wenkuan , Chen Dehui , Zhou Rong
Published: April 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children and mediates substantial morbidity and mortality in the elderly and immunocompromised globally. The development of a safe and effective RSV vaccine and an optimized neutralizing antibody (NAb) with strong virus‐neutralizing activity is appealing. To gain some detailed knowledge of the humoral immune response to RSV subgroup A (RSV‐A) and RSV‐B, we investigated the seroprevalence of pre‐existing NAbs by using the microneutralization assay in healthy adult from Guangzhou, southern China. We found that the overall seropositive rate was 84.86% for anti‐RSV NAbs. Furthermore, the seropositive rates were 68.47% and 73.61% for anti‐RSV‐A NAbs and anti‐RSV‐B NAbs, respectively. In addition, although the seropositive rates and NAb levels were not associated with the blood type, type AB individuals displayed higher seropositive rates for anti‐RSV‐A NAbs with high titer (≥ 288) and anti‐RSV‐B NAbs, especially those with moderate titer (≥ 72 to < 288). The seropositive rates and titers were comparable between anti‐RSV‐A NAbs and anti‐RSV‐B NAbs in the AB blood type group. Interestingly, only when the NAb titer of the serum to RSV‐A was not less than 288, was it not less than 18 to RSV‐B, and vice versa. These results would be helpful for a better understanding of the human serum NAb responses to RSV‐A and RSV‐B.
Effects of gibberellin applications before flowering on the phenotype, ripening, and flavonoid compounds of Syrah grape berries
Authors: Xie Sha , Liu Yunqi , Chen Huawei , Yang Bowei , Ge Maosheng , Zhang Zhenwen
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Vitis vinifera L. cv. Syrah grapevines in most Chinese viticulture regions generally have compact clusters that increase the susceptibility to diseases and inhibit coloration of the inner berries. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a plant growth regulator that is widely used during grape cultivation to elongate the rachis, control fruit set, and decrease cluster compactness. In this study, Syrah grapevines were treated with GA3 before flowering in 2019 and 2020 to determine the optimal GA3 treatment concentrations and times for decreasing bunch compactness, while minimizing the negative effects on the wine grape cluster weight.

RESULTS

Pre‐flowering GA3 applications at 3, 5, and 7 mg L−1, especially treatment at 20 days before flowering, decreased Syrah grape bunch compactness by decreasing the fruit set rate and promoting bunch elongation, with minimal adverse effects on the healthy grape cluster weight in both years. The 7 mg L−1 GA3 treatment at 20 days before flowering significantly increased reducing sugar, total phenolic, tannin, and total anthocyanin contents of Syrah grape berries in 2019 and 2020. Moreover, high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry, hierarchical cluster, and principal component analysis results indicated GA3 applications before flowering (3, 5, and 7 mg L−1) significantly affected the accumulation of different anthocyanins in Syrah grape berries. Notably, the application of 7 mg L−1 GA3 at 20 days before flowering resulted in the highest anthocyanin content.

CONCLUSION

Pre‐flowering gibberellin application can decrease bunch compactness and improve the quality of Syrah grape berries. These findings reflect the potential utility of gibberellin treatments for decreasing cluster compactness and increasing the quality of wine grapes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
WHY ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE IS HARD—AND HOW TO MAKE IT EASIER
Authors: Andersen Erika
Published: April 2022

The author explains why organizational change can be such a difficult endeavor, and what leaders can do about it. And it is not just in business. She points out that this also happens in “charitable and religious organizations, academic institutions and government entities.” As a species, humans have “anti‐change wiring,” yet in today’s fast‐paced world “We need to re‐wire ourselves to be more comfortable with and open to change; we need to become more change‐capable.” Based on research at the author’s company, Proteus, a figure is presented, representing what she calls “The Change Arc.” It outlines what happens from when a change is proposed to when it occurs, including the mindset shifts leading to new behaviors. For helping people embrace change, she proposes four “change levers,” which “are force multipliers that help accelerate people through their mindset shift around change.”
Versatility of perforator flaps for lower extremity defect coverage: Technical highlights and single center experience with 87 consecutive cases
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Knobe Matthias , Fritsche Elmar
Published: April 2022

Background

Lower extremity defects have been and remain one of the greatest challenges in reconstructive surgery. Perforator flaps have been accepted as a valid procedure to cover such a defect. Different techniques have been described and nowadays many options are available. However, there were not studies that comprehensively review the most modern techniques and clinical application of the use of perforator flaps in the lower extremity reconstruction. In the present report, we gathered most of them, presenting an updated and large case series where different pedicled and free perforators flaps were employed in simple and complex scenarios in a large series of cases.

Patients and Methods

Eighty‐seven patients presenting soft tissue defects of the lower extremities were treated by means of different perforator‐based flaps, in either free or pedicled fashion. The flaps were based on different perforator vessels, namely deep lateral circumflex femoral artery, profunda femoris artery, superficial femoral artery, medial sural artery, peroneal artery, posterior tibial artery, anterior tibial artery, and medial plantar artery. Patients' mean age was 61.9 years old (range 21—87 years old), 58 were males and 29 females. The 12 patients received sequential flaps and 9 received double free flaps, for a total sum of 106 flaps. The causes of the defects were trauma in 41 patients and tumors in 46 patients, located throughout the lower limbs. Size of the defect ranged from 3 cm × 4 cm to 25 cm × 9 cm.

Results

The dimensions of the flap skin paddles ranged from 3 cm × 4 cm to 16 cm × 5 cm for the pedicled flaps (42 cases) and from 6 cm × 4 cm to 25 cm × 8 cm for the free ones (45 cases). Mean flap's size was 48 cm2 (range 12–80 cm2) for the pedicle flaps and 104 cm2 (range 24—200 cm2) for free flaps. In two pedicled cases, a distal congestion was encountered, requiring a second surgery. Debulking procedures were performed in 2 patients. All the patients were successfully treated and no flaps were lost. Mean follow‐up period was 8.4 months (range 3–12 months). No range of motion impairment was encountered after surgery and all the patients were able to return to habitual life.

Conclusions

The present case series highlights the reliability and versatility of perforator flaps for lower extremity defect coverage. Following careful consideration of the etiology, dimensions, location, patient comorbidities, and presence of adequate perforators, a pedicled or free perforator flap can be potentially successful in the most disparate circumstances.
A Presurgical‐Window Intervention Trial of Isothiocyanate‐Rich Broccoli Sprout Extract in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Zinian , Tu Chengjian , Pratt Rachel , Khoury Thaer , Qu Jun , Fahey Jed W. , McCann Susan E. , Zhang Yuesheng , Wu Yue , Hutson Alan D. , Ambrosone Christine B. , Edge Stephen B. , Cappuccino Helen H. , Takabe Kazuaki , Young Jessica S. , Tang Li
Published: April 2022

Scope

Dietary isothiocyanates (ITCs) from cruciferous vegetables have shown potent anti‐breast cancer activities in preclinical models, but their anticancer effects in vivo in breast cancer patients remain elusive. A proof‐of‐principle, presurgical window of opportunity trial is conducted to assess the anticancer effects of dietary ITCs in breast cancer patients.

Methods and Results

Thirty postmenopausal breast cancer patients are randomly assigned to receive ITC‐rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE) (200 µmol ITC per day) or a placebo for 2 weeks. Expression of biomarkers related to ITCs functions are measured in breast cancer tissue specimens at pre‐ and post‐interventions using immunohistochemistry staining. First morning urine samples are collected at both timepoints for proteomic analysis. Overall, the study shows high compliance (100%) and low toxicity (no grade 4 adverse event). Trends of increase in cleaved caspase 3 and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and trends of decrease in Ki‐67 and nuclear to cytoplasm ratio of estrogen receptor (ER)‐α are observed in the BSE arm only, consistent with the significantly altered signaling pathways identified in urinary proteomic analysis.

Conclusions

Anticancer activities of ITCs are observed in breast cancer patients, supporting the potential beneficial roles of ITC‐containing cruciferous vegetables in breast cancer prognosis.
Improving the reproducibility of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy brain thermometry: Theoretical and empirical approaches
Authors: Dong Zhengchao , Kantrowitz Joshua T. , Mann J. John
Published: April 2022

In proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS)‐based thermometry of brain, averaging temperatures measured from more than one reference peak offers several advantages, including improving the reproducibility (i.e., precision) of the measurement. This paper proposes theoretically and empirically optimal weighting factors to improve the weighted average of temperatures measured from three references. We first proposed concepts of equivalent noise and equivalent signal‐to‐noise ratio in terms of frequency measurement and a concept of relative frequency that allows the combination of different peaks in a spectrum for improving the precision of frequency measurement. Based on these, we then derived a theoretically optimal weighting factor and proposed an empirical weighting factor, both involving equivalent noise levels, for a weighted average of temperatures measured from three references (i.e., the singlets of NAA, Cr, and Ch in the 1H MR spectrum). We assessed these two weighting factors by comparing their errors in measurement of temperatures with the errors of temperatures measured from individual references; we also compared these two new weighting factors with two previously proposed weighting factors. These errors were defined as the standard deviations in repeated measurements or in Monte Carlo studies. Both the proposed theoretical and empirical weighting factors outperformed the two previously proposed weighting factors as well as the three individual references in all phantom and in vivo experiments. In phantom experiments with 4‐ or 10‐Hz line broadening, the theoretical weighting factor outperformed the empirical one, but the latter was superior in all other repeated and Monte Carlo tests performed on phantom and in vivo data. The proposed weighting factors are superior to the two previously proposed weighting factors and can improve the reproducibility of temperature measurement using 1H MRS‐based thermometry.
Examining the relationship between board member selection criteria and board boundary spanning into internal, upward, and outward accountability environments
Authors: Cody Christopher A. , Lawrence Kara L. , Prentice Christopher R. , Clerkin Richard M.
Published: April 2022

Previous literature establishes a contingency‐based framework of external conditions, internal organizational characteristics, and board attributes and composition that impact board effectiveness and calls for more industry‐specific nonprofit studies to build the field's knowledge of the factors that lead to nonprofit board effectiveness. In this manuscript, we use a national study of nonprofit charter school boards to answer this call. Controlling for internal organizational characteristics and external conditions, we examine how board member selection criteria is related to levels of board boundary spanning in inward, upward, and outward accountability environments. Selecting board members because of their knowledge of the organization, have membership in the group being served and for their willingness to give time is all associated with higher levels of inward, upward, and outward accountability activities. Alternatively, selecting board members because they are friends/acquaintances of current board members is associated with lower levels of activities across all three accountability environments. Our findings suggest that charter school boards may be recruiting board members who can relate to multiple stakeholder groups across accountability environments rather than selecting for members who operate in distinct accountability environments.
Preparation of cellulose nanocrystals coated with polymer crystals and their application in composite films
Authors: Uchida Tetsuya , Nishioka Ryohei , Yanai Risa
Published: April 2022

Increasing the dispersibility of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a reinforcing material is highly desirable to obtain composites with enhanced mechanical properties. To this aim, nanocomposite fibers (NCF(CNC/polymer)) were fabricated by coating CNCs with polymer crystals. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (EVOH) were crystallized from a dilute solution in the presence of CNCs, which acted as nucleating agents for polymer crystal growth on the CNC surface. NCF consisting of CNCs coated with PVA crystals (NCF(CNC/PVA)) and CNCs coated with EVOH crystals (NCF(CNC/EVOH)) were successfully obtained. Both NCF(CNC/polymer) showed good dispersibility in water, even after drying, and were used to prepare composite films with improved mechanical properties. The reinforcement effect of NCF(CNC/PVA) was greater than that of pure CNCs and NCF(CNC/EVOH). The PVA composite films exhibited optical transmittance above 99% compared with additive‐free PVA films. No agglomerates appeared even under the optical microscopic observation of the PVA composite film, and NCF(CNC/PVA) dispersibility was extremely good. NCF(CNC/PVA)‐added PVA composite films exhibited increased glass transition temperature compared with additive‐free PVA films, and the crystallinity of the PVA film increased. The highly dispersed CNCs in the PVA matrix and the increase in the glass transition temperature and crystallinity caused an increase in the mechanical modulus of the PVA composite film at low NCF(CNC/PVA) content. Furthermore, the effect of the morphologies of cellulose nanofibers and CNCs on the mechanical properties of the composite films prepared using the respective NCFs was investigated.
Studies on mechanical and thermal properties of cellulosic fiber fillers reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Sathish Thanikodi , Jagadeesh Praveenkumara , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart
Published: April 2022

Environment protection is the current theme for many industries by utilizing biodegradable natural fibers for products development. The growing awareness of the environmental harm caused by synthetic materials has resulted in the emergence of eco‐friendly materials. This work aims to fabrication of jute, bamboo, and coir fiber reinforced hybrid composites (12 combinations) with the analysis of mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The tensile and flexural tests reveal that the composite JC8 (21% jute, 1.5% coir, 7.5% bamboo) exhibited maximum tensile and flexural strengths of 129.3 and 98 MPa respectively due to higher cellulose constituents in jute and bamboo fibers that resulted in higher degree cellulose polymerization with the epoxy matrix, and also the capability of tension and bending resistance. The combined effect of hybrid fibers stiffness and strong interfacial adhesion were also the reason for maximum flexural strength. The thermal stability of all the composites was remains the same, and considerable weight loss was observed between the ranges of 200 and 500°C. Overall, the hybrid composite JC8 has 21% jute, 1.5% coir, and 7.5% bamboo on the basis of volume percentage exhibited a maximum tensile strength, flexural strength, thermal stability and better surface morphology than other hybrid composites.
Effect of poly(catechol/polyamine) modified boron nitride on microstructure and properties of thermally vulcanized silicone rubber
Authors: Jiang Guo , Dong Wenyong , Liao Kai , Liu Tao
Published: April 2022

With the increasing integration of electronic devices, better heat dissipation of components is urgently required. In this work, a poly(catechol/polyamine) (PCPA) layer is formed on the surface of boron nitride (BN) through chemical modification and then grafted modification by a silane coupling agent. The effect of modified BN (mBN) on microstructure, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of silicone rubber (SR) is investigated by FTIR, XPS, SEM, thermal and mechanical property testing. Results show that the thermal property of SR composites is improved. When the filling content of mBN is 100 phr, the thermal conductivity of the SR/100mBN composites reaches 1.26 W m−1 K−1, which is 26% higher than that of the SR/100BN composites. For the purpose of further building a thermal network to improve the thermal conductivity of composites, blocky SiC and flaky BN are introduced into the SR composites. When the ratio of mSiC to mBN is 1:9 in SR composites, the thermal conductivity of the SR/mSiC/mBN composites is 1.35 W m−1 K−1, which is higher than that of SR composites filled with a single type of filler.
Mechanical characterization of soft microparticles prepared by droplet microfluidics
Authors: Kim Eunseo , Lee Hyomin
Published: April 2022

Droplet microfluidics is one of the most promising approaches that allows preparation of microparticles with tailored structure and composition. Various functional microparticles have been developed using microfluidics, where their controlled structure shows high potential for a wide range of applications. Among these, soft polymeric microparticles which exhibit low elastic modulus compared to ceramics and metals are extensively investigated in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, as well as soft and deformable nature. As the mechanical properties of soft microparticles play important role in determining how they function in each application, it is essential to adequately characterize them for the optimal design of functional microparticles. In this review, we mainly discuss the mechanical characterization methods of soft microparticles and their elastic property. A brief overview of the droplet microfluidics‐assisted fabrication of microparticles is also provided before discussing the mechanical characterization techniques. We then describe the general characterization methods and models employed to determine the elastic properties of microparticles. In addition, we discuss the relationship between the physical parameters (size, composition, and structure) and the elastic properties of the microparticles, followed by the role of elastic properties in various applications including microcarrier, bioink, and self‐healing to name a few.
Role of Complexity on Self‐gravitating Compact Star by Gravitational Decoupling
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Errehymy Abdelghani , Nag Riju , Daoud Mohammed
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study novel classes of solutions characterizing the role of complexity on static and spherically symmetric self‐gravitating systems proposed by L. Herrera (Phys Rev D 97: 044010, 2018) in the gravitational decoupling background. We start by considering the minimal geometric deformation approach as a ground‐breaking tool for generating new physically viable models for anisotropic matter distributions by exploiting the Buchdahl and Tolman models. In both models, all solutions show similar results with a slight change in their magnitude for a non‐vanishing complexity factor i.e., , where β is a decoupling constant. However, under vanishing complexity factor i.e., , the minimally deformed anisotropic Buchdahl model yielded a constant density isotropic fluid distribution and anisotropic matter distribution becomes an isotropic fluid matter distribution without invoking any isotropy requirement. On the other hand, Tolman model possesses an increasing pressure when the complexity factor vanishes. Furthermore, we also extend our findings by calculating the mass‐complexity factor relationship for both presented models, revealing that the mass is larger for small values of the decoupling constant β and the complexity factor .
Effects of cross‐pollination among non‐Bt and pyramided Bt corn expressing cry proteins in seed mixtures on resistance development of dual‐gene resistant Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Yang Fei , Kennedy Haley , Santiago‐González José C , Kerns David L
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Seed mixture strategy can guarantee the compliance of planting non‐Bt crops to host the susceptible insects for resistance management. However, pollen movement between Bt and non‐Bt corn in the mixed plantings could reduce the efficacy of this strategy for ear‐feeding insects. Few studies have evaluated the effects of cross‐pollination among non‐Bt and pyramided Bt corn in seed mixtures on the resistance development of insects possessing multiple resistances. Here, we provided the first study to investigate whether cross‐pollination in mixed plantings of pyramided Bt corn producing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 would increase the dominance of resistance of dual‐gene resistant populations of Helicoverpa zea, a target of pyramided Bt corn and cotton in the USA.

RESULTS

We compared the survival and development of susceptible, dual‐gene resistant (resistance to both Cry1 and Cry2 proteins) and heterozygous genotypes of H. zea in the laboratory on non‐Bt and pyramided Bt corn ears collected from mixed plantings and structured plantings in the field. We found higher fitness for F1 heterozygous insects than for the susceptible insects of H. zea on both pyramided Bt corn and non‐Bt corn in the mixed plantings.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that cross‐pollination in mixed plantings will significantly increase the dominance of resistance by supporting survival of heterozygous insects for dual‐gene resistant populations of H. zea, and therefore accelerate evolution of resistance to pyramided Bt crops. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Crystalline and Electronic Structures of Ultrathin Cadmium Sulfide Films
Authors: Wang Xiao-Fang , Chen Xiang-Hong , Gao Kuang-Hong , Li Zhi-Qing
Published: April 2022

Herein, the crystalline and electronic structures of ultrathin cadmium sulfide {0001} films with thickness ranging from 1 to 14 Cd–S bilayers are studied using first‐principles calculations method. After structural relaxation, the film composed of 1 Cd–S bilayer is transformed into a CdS monolayer with flat honeycomb structure. Those 2‐ to 5‐bilayer films do not maintain the Wurtzite structure either: the distance between the sulfur and cadmium layers in each bilayer is compressed while the Cd–S bond length between adjacent bilayers is enlarged. These 1‐ to 5‐bilayer films reveal semiconducting characteristics in band structures, and their bandgaps are widened in some degree compared with the bulk. The films with 6–14 Cd–S bilayers keep the Wurtzite structure of the bulk, and exhibit metallic surface states due to the polarity of the films. The results could provide a new insight for the electronic structure regulation of cadmium sulfide.
Micromilling vs hand drilling in stable isotope analyses of incremental carbonates: The potential for δ13C contamination by embedding resin
Authors: Branscombe Tansy , Lee‐Thorp Julia , Schulting Rick , Leng Melanie
Published: April 2022

Rationale

Embedding resins are commonly used to facilitate high‐resolution sampling for stable isotope analysis but anomalous δ13C values have been observed in some cases. Here we compare the results of microsampling strategies for hand‐drilled versus resin‐embedded micromilled samples from the same marine shells to assess whether resin contamination is implicated in δ13C spikes. The comparison allows assessment of the relative benefits for spatial resolution, seasonal range for both δ18O and δ13C, and sample failure rates.

Methods

Hand‐drilled samples were obtained from two bivalve shells (Spisula sachalinensis), corresponding to micromilled samples on the same shells where high δ13C spikes were observed. All carbonate powders were analysed using a dual‐inlet Isoprime mass spectrometer and Multiprep device. Results from both sample sets were compared statistically.

Results

No anomalous high δ13C values and no failures due to insufficient gas were observed in the hand‐drilled samples in contrast to the embedded micromilled sequences. Spatial resolution was reduced (~2.5×) in the former compared with the latter, resulting in a small reduction in the total range observed in the micromilled δ13C and δ18O values. Reduced sampling resolution between the two datasets was only significant for δ18O.

Conclusions

For S. sachalinensis (as with other similar bivalves), rapid growth mitigates the reduced sampling resolution of hand drilling and does not significantly impact observed isotopic range and seasonal patterning. Occurrence of anomalous δ13C values were eliminated and failure rates due to insufficient sample size greatly reduced in the hand‐drilled dataset. We can find no other explanation for the occurrence of δ13C spikes than contamination by the embedding agent. We conclude that the logistical and interpretational benefits of careful hand drilling may be preferable to resin embedding for micromilling in marine shells, corals or speleothems where growth rate is rapid and the highest resolution is not required.
Non‐Invasive Thermal Therapy for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Li Longfei , Zhang Xiaodi , Zhou Jun , Zhang Liqun , Xue Jiajia , Tao Wei
Published: April 2022

Owing to the development of nanotechnology and noninvasive treatment, thermal therapy in combination with external stimuli has been applied for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM), which has attracted more and more attention in recent years. In this review, the recent progress of applying a variety of non‐invasive thermal therapeutic modalities for TERM, including photothermal therapy, magnetic thermotherapy, and ultrasound thermotherapy, as well as other thermal therapeutics are discussed. The parameters and conditions that need to be considered and regulated to realize a well‐controlled thermal therapy for tissue regeneration are also discussed. Afterwards, the current concerns and challenges of putting thermal therapy into clinical applications are pointed out. At last, perspectives are provided for the future development directions, aiming to providing opportunities and a novel pathway for TERM.