bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA miR205HG hinders HNRNPA0 translation: anti‐oncogenic effects in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Dong Xiaoying , Chen Xuyuan , Lu Di , Diao Dingwei , Liu Xiguang , Mai Shijie , Feng Siyang , Xiong Gang
Published: November 2021

Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) affects 4 450 000 people and causes approximately 400 000 deaths annually worldwide, making it the sixth most lethal and eighth most common cancer. Patients with ESCA are often diagnosed at the later stages in which cancer cell metastasis is the main factor contributing to the low 5‐year survival rate (< 20%) of this disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of regulatory RNAs with a length of > 200 nucleotides but which fail to encode proteins. In this study, by using real‐time quantitative PCR, we found that the expression of the miR205 host gene (miR205HG; a lncRNA) was downregulated in ESCA tumors when compared with normal esophageal tissues or adjacent normal tissues of tumors. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR205HG modulates the expression of extracellular matrix‐related genes in ESCA cells. In the transwell assay, downregulation of miR205HG contributes to migration and invasion of ESCA cells. In relation to the mechanism, our data show that miR205HG interacts with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A0 (HNRNPA0) mRNA and then hamper its translation by interacting with lin‐28 homolog A (LIN28A). Altogether, we highlight that the miR205HG‐HNRNPA0 axis is implicated in the migration and invasion of ESCA cells and that these members of this pathway may serve as therapeutic targets to inhibit metastasis of ESCA.
A comprehensive study of indole catalytic hydrodenitrogenation under hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Liu Xu , Guo Yang , He Haoran , Zheng Lixiao , Kong Lingzhao
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the catalytic hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) mechanism of indole under hydrothermal conditions. Formic acid (FA), which is a donor of both gaseous hydrogen and liquid hydrogen, can improve indole conversion and total yield of denitrogenated products. Ru/C showed the highest activity among the catalysts in this study for indole conversion at all temperature conditions with the existence of H2, and 91.17% indole was converted at 400°C and 60 min. Based on reaction kinetic experiments, a kinetic model was developed mathematically to describe the hydrothermal HDN reaction of indole over the home‐made Ni80Ru20/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst, which clearly captured all data trends and fitted the temporal variation of all major liquid products. High activation energy for the formation of the O‐containing substance o‐cresol from both mathematical fitting and density functional theory (DFT) calculation indicated the rare occurrence of a reaction between the pyrrole ring‐opening product methyl aniline and H2O, consistent with the experimental observation that only a trace of o‐cresol was detected.
Polymerase Synthesis of DNA Containing Iodinated Pyrimidine or 7‐Deazapurine Nucleobases and Their Post‐synthetic Modifications through the Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Sýkorová Veronika , Tichý Michal , Hocek Michal
Published: November 2021

All four iodinated 2′‐deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) derived from 5‐iodouracil, 5‐iodocytosine, 7‐iodo‐7‐deazaadenine and 7‐iodo‐7‐deazaguanine were prepared and studied as substrates for KOD XL DNA polymerase. All of the nucleotides were readily incorporated by primer extension and by PCR amplification to form DNA containing iodinated nucleobases. Systematic study of the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions with two bulkier arylboronic acids revealed that the 5‐iodopyrimidines were more reactive and gave cross‐coupling products both in the terminal or internal position in single‐stranded oligonucleotides (ssONs) and in the terminal position of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), whereas the 7‐iodo‐7‐deazapurines were less reactive and gave cross‐coupling products only in the terminal position. None of the four iodinated bases reacted in an internal position of dsDNA. These findings are useful for the use of the iodinated nucleobases for post‐synthetic modification of DNA with functional groups for various applications.
Physicochemical and rheological properties of Australian and Russian wheat flour mill streams
Authors: Abo‐Dief Mohammed , Abo‐Bakr Taisser , Youssef Mohammed , Moustafa Ayat
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

The physicochemical and rheological properties of flour mill streams obtained from the normal milling process of two wheat types were studied. Flour mill streams from consecutive milling processes (breaking, dividing, and reduction stages) differed in their overall technological functionality.

Findings

For both Australian and Russian wheat types, break streams had higher moisture and ash contents than did reduction streams. Ash content increased with progressively increasing break and reduction streams. Likewise, protein and fat contents increased with successive break streams (B1–B5) and reduction streams (C5 and C6). The results for both wheat types indicate that the progressive milling of break and reduction mill streams led to a marked decrease in flour gluten index. For both wheat types, the reduction flour streams had higher levels of damaged starch than did the break section flour streams. The break section flour streams had a higher α‐amylase activity than did the reduction flour streams.

Conclusions

Rheological properties illustrated a wide range of dough properties between the different break and reduction streams of Australian and Russian wheat types.

Significance and novelty

The present study was applied on flour mill streams at large‐scale milling. Also, fat content of the investigated mill streams is somewhat novel.
Recurrent cervical osteomyelitis after radiation therapy in a patient with oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Hoshina Yoji , Takeuchi Takashi
Published: November 2021

It is crucial to consider cervical osteomyelitis as a differential diagnosis for neck pain in patients who underwent radiotherapy for early diagnosis and management, thereby preventing the development of potentially debilitating neurologic symptoms.
Combining Nanoconfinement in Ag Core/Porous Cu Shell Nanoparticles with Gas Diffusion Electrodes for Improved Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Junqueira João R. C. , O'Mara Peter B. , Wilde Patrick , Dieckhöfer Stefan , Benedetti Tania M. , Andronescu Corina , Tilley Richard D. , Gooding J. Justin , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: November 2021

Bimetallic silver‐copper electrocatalysts are promising materials for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to fuels and multi‐carbon molecules. Here, we combine Ag core/porous Cu shell particles, which entrap reaction intermediates and thus facilitate the formation of C2+ products at low overpotentials, with gas diffusion electrodes (GDE). Mass transport plays a crucial role in the product selectivity in CO2RR. Conventional H‐cell configurations suffer from limited CO2 diffusion to the reaction zone, thus decreasing the rate of the CO2RR. In contrast, in the case of GDE‐based cells, the CO2RR takes place under enhanced mass transport conditions. Hence, investigation of the Ag core/porous Cu shell particles at the same potentials under different mass transport regimes reveals: (i) a variation of product distribution including C3 products, and (ii) a significant change in the local OH‐ activity under operation.
A Flexible Ionic Polymer for “Soft Machines” – Where is the Low Temperature Limit?
Authors: Thibodeau Jake , Ignaszak Anna
Published: November 2021

Soft wearable robotics, electronic skins, exoskeletons, implantable drug delivery, medical sensors, fitness trackers as well as flexible power sources (batteries, capacitors, fuel cells) are emerging technologies that require significant innovation to succeed. Conducting hydrogels are one of the promising flexible platforms that can adopt a modular specification of wearable electronics. However, a common difficulty arises from incorporation of water that serves as main facilitator of ionic conductivity for these materials. This results in severe loss of performance when need to operate below freezing point of water. This work shows that the hydrogel with 50 vol % of glycerol with respect to water content can nominally support a modest weight at room temperature (360 g), and a significantly higher weight (1.5 kg) when cooled to −60 °C. Unlike other formulations, this hydrogel remained transparent at extremely low temperatures and thus could be useful in flexible optical devices. At −20 °C, conductivity of hydrogel without anti‐freeze drops below 2×10−4 S cm−1, with 25–50 vol % of glycerol ranging at ∼0.5 to 4×10−3 S cm−1. Furthermore, at −40 °C the hydrogel without glycerol becomes an insulator (∼2×10−6 S cm−1), and the one with 50 vol % glycerol shows ionic conductivity in the range of 1–4 ×10−4 S cm−1. Altogether, we define the operational temperature limit at −40 °C with respect to the ionic conductivity and at −60 °C in terms of sufficient mechanical strength for the hydrogel containing 50 vol % glycerol.
Equipoise, drug development, and biliary cancer
Authors: Lee Tristan Y. , Bates Susan E. , Abou‐Alfa Ghassan K.
Published: November 2021

Current paradigms in emerging treatments encourage clinicians in a position to choose promising, yet unproven, therapies for patients with a lethal disease. This article characterizes the challenge facing clinicians involved in ongoing research and clinical practice, while considering the ethically prescribed path forward.
Developmentally regulated pathways for motor skill learning in songbirds
Authors: Chung Jin Hyung , Bottjer Sarah W.
Published: November 2021

Vocal learning in songbirds is mediated by cortico‐basal ganglia circuits that govern diverse functions during different stages of development. We investigated developmental changes in axonal projections to and from motor cortical regions that underlie learned vocal behavior in juvenile zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Neurons in LMAN‐core project to RA, a motor cortical region that drives vocal output; these RA‐projecting neurons send a transient collateral projection to AId, a region adjacent to RA, during early vocal development. Both RA and AId project to a region of dorsal thalamus (DLM), which forms a feedback pathway to cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry. These projections provide pathways conveying efference copy and a means by which information about vocal motor output could be reintegrated into cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry, potentially aiding in the refinement of juvenile vocalizations during learning. We used tract‐tracing techniques to label the projections of LMAN‐core to AId and of RA to DLM in juvenile songbirds. The volume and density of terminal label in the LMAN‐core→AId projection declined substantially during early stages of sensorimotor learning. In contrast, the RA→DLM projection showed no developmental change. The retraction of LMAN‐core→AId axon collaterals indicates a loss of efference copy to AId and suggests that projections that are present only during early stages of sensorimotor learning mediate unique, temporally restricted processes of goal‐directed learning. Conversely, the persistence of the RA→DLM projection may serve to convey motor information forward to the thalamus to facilitate song production during both learning and maintenance of vocalizations.
Vapor Adsorption Measurements with Two‐Dimensional Membranes
Authors: Dementyev Petr , Khayya Neita , Kreie Jakob , Gölzhäuser Armin
Published: November 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) membranes display extraordinary mass transfer properties, in particular for the permeation of gaseous substances. Their ultimate thickness not only ensures the shortest diffusion pathways, but also makes the membrane surface play a significant role in accommodating and guiding the permeating molecules. As saturated vapors of water and organic solvents are often observed to pass 2D membranes faster than inert gases, condensation is believed to be responsible for surface‐mediated transport. Here, we present a spectroscopic experiment to probe adsorption of condensable species on 2D membranes under realistic conditions. Polarization‐modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM IRAS) is coupled with a reaction chamber and a vacuum system to control the vaporous environments. The measurements are demonstrated to yield quantitative information on the amount of adsorbates onto supported 2D layers. As a case study, the azeotropic mixture of water and propanol is revealed to maintain its molar composition upon interaction with carbon nanomembranes.
Facile N≡N Bond Cleavage by Anionic Trimetallic Clusters V3−xTaxC4− (x=0–3): A DFT Study
Authors: Wang Ya‐Ya , Ding Xun‐Lei , Gurti Joseph Israel , Chen Yan , Huang Xue‐Qian , Li Wei , Wang Xin
Published: November 2021

Activation of N2 on anionic trimetallic V3−xTaxC4− (x=0–3) clusters was theoretically studied employing density functional theory. For all studied clusters, initial adsorption of N2 (end‐on) on one of the metal atoms (denoted as Site 1) is transferred to an of end‐on: side‐on: side‐on coordination on three metal atoms, prior to N2 dissociation. The whole reaction is exothermic and has no global energy barriers, indicating that the dissociation of N2 is facile under mild conditions. The reaction process can be divided into two processes: N2 transfer (TRF) and N−N dissociation (DIS). For V‐series clusters, which has a V atom on Site 1, the rate‐determining step is DIS, while for Ta‐series clusters with a Ta on Site 1, TRF may be the rate‐determining step or has energy barriers similar to those of DIS. The overall energy barriers for heteronuclear V2TaC4− and VTa2C4− clusters are lower than those for homonuclear V3C4− and Ta3C4−, showing that the doping effect is beneficial for the activation and dissociation of N2. In particular, V−Ta2C4− has low energy barriers in both TRF and DIS, and it has the highest N2 adsorption energy and a high reaction heat release. Therefore, a trimetallic heteronuclear V‐series cluster, V−Ta2C4−, is suggested to have high reactivity to N2 activation, and may serve as a prototype for designing related catalysts at a molecular level.
Inclusion of the other in the self as a potential risk factor for prolonged grief disorder: A comparison of patients with matched bereaved healthy controls
Authors: Harrison Octavia , Windmann Sabine , Rosner Rita , Steil Regina
Published: November 2021

Pathological grief has received increasing attention in recent years, as about 10% of the bereaved suffer from one kind of it. Pathological grief in the form of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a relatively new diagnostic category which will be included into the upcoming ICD‐11. To date, various risk and protective factors, as well as treatment options for pathological grief, have been proposed. Nevertheless, empirical evidence in that area is still scarce. Our aim was to identify the association of interpersonal closeness with the deceased and bereavement outcome. Interpersonal closeness with the deceased in 54 participants (27 patients suffering from PGD and 27 bereaved healthy controls) was assessed as the overlap of pictured identities via the inclusion of the other in the self scale (IOS scale). In addition to that, data on PGD symptomatology, general mental distress and depression were collected. Patients suffering from PGD reported higher inclusion of the deceased in the self. By contrast, they reported feeling less close towards another living close person. Results of the IOS scale were associated with PGD severity, general mental distress and depression. Inclusion of the deceased in the self is a significant statistical predictor for PGD caseness.
Amorphous Molecular Materials for Directed Supercontinuum Generation
Authors: Dehnen Stefanie , Schreiner Peter R. , Chatterjee Sangam , Volz Kerstin , Rosemann Nils W. , Pilgrim Wolf‐Christian , Mollenhauer Doreen , Sanna Simone
Published: November 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by Stefanie Dehnen, Kerstin Volz, Wolf‐Christian Pilgrim (Philipps University Marburg), Peter R. Schreiner, Sangam Chatterjee, Doreen Mollenhauer, Simone Sanna (Justus Liebig University Giessen), and Nils W. Rosemann (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). The image illustrates the conversion of red light from a continuous wave (CW) infrared laser into directed white light when propagating through a sample of the inherently amorphous adamantane‐type cluster compound [(StySn)4S6] (Sty=styryl). Cover design by Elisa Monte. Read the full text of the Minireview at 10.1002/cptc.202100130.
Dimeric Cyclobutane Formation Under Continuous Flow Conditions Using Organophotoredox‐Catalysed [2+2] Cycloaddition**
Authors: Grantham Helena F. , Kimber Marc C.
Published: November 2021

Radical‐cation‐initiated dimerization of electron rich alkenes is an expedient method for the synthesis of cyclobutanes. By merging organophotoredox catalysis and continuous flow technology, a batch versus continuous flow study has been performed providing a convenient synthetic route to an important carbazole cyclobutane material dimer 1,2‐trans‐dicarbazylcyclobutane (t‐DCzCB) using only 0.1 mol % of an organophotoredox catalyst. The scope of this methodology was explored giving a new class of functional materials, as well as an improved synthetic route to styrene‐based lignan dimeric natural products. The cyclobutane dimers could be isolated in higher chemical yields under continuous flow conditions and reaction times were reduced significantly compared to traditional batch reaction conditions.
The use of objective adherence measures targeting four placebo microbicide delivery forms in the Quatro Clinical Crossover Study
Authors: Jacot Terry A. , Adedipe Oluwatosin E. , Godbout Susan , Peele Abby G. , Schwartz Jill L. , Ju Susan , Cunningham Tina D. , Montgomery Elizabeth , van der Straten Ariane , Beksinska Mags , Smit Jenni , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Thurman Andrea R. , Clark Meredith R. , Doncel Gustavo F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Adherence to topical microbicides for HIV prevention has been a challenge for women using them and those developing novel products. The Quatro Clinical Crossover Study investigated user preference and acceptability of four different placebo‐based vaginal delivery forms among young African women. The objective of this sub‐study was to test the ability of objective adherence measures in assessing placebo product usage.

Methods

A total of two hundred women from Zimbabwe and South Africa used placebo vaginal gel, insert, and film once per week, with or without sex, for 1 month and an intravaginal ring continuously for one month (Months 1–4). Women then chose their preferred product and used it with sex each week during Month 5. Women self‐collected vaginal swabs after using the gel, insert and film. Collected vaginal swabs and used intravaginal rings were analysed for placebo‐based adherence measures using spectroscopy and excipient‐based analyses to determine product use. Vaginal insertion and semen exposure was determined using previously developed and published adherence biomarkers. Intravaginal rings were extracted for residual excipient (glycerin) and penetrated bioanalytes.

Results

Both methodologies showed that women used gel the most during Months 1–4 (75% by excipient methods, 85% by spectroscopy). The methodologies also determined that nearly all swabs from both sites were vaginally inserted, and 51–86% had detectable placebo product. Semen was detected in more swabs collected during Month 5 from women in Zimbabwe than the swabs from women in South Africa, and most of those swabs had placebo product present as well. The majority of women used the ring for the required four weeks. Sixty‐eight per cent of women who used the ring for the required 4 weeks increased to 78% during Month 5.

Conclusion

This sub‐study demonstrated how these objective placebo‐based measures of adherence determined product use of various microbicide delivery forms.
Tardive peritonitis after the endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastorostomy: A case report
Authors: Yasuhara Yukitaka , Shimamoto Nana , Tsukinaga Shintaro , Kato Masayuki , Sumiyama Kazuki
Published: November 2021

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) has become popular as a new drainage technique for malignant biliary strictures. Although EUS‐BD has been reported to show high technical and clinical success rates, the rate of adverse events is 15%. In particular, peritonitis, which is generally caused by bile leakage from the aspiration side during the procedure and occurs within a few days after EUS‐BD, needs to be considered as it can be fatal. In the present case, a jaundiced patient presented with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Due to duodenal invasion, we performed EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy for biliary drainage. After the procedure, jaundice improved, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed only a small amount of air in the intrahepatic bile duct. However, 7 days after the procedure, the patient developed fever, and clinical findings indicated peritonitis. Abdominal CT showed food in the stomach accompanied by the appearance of perihepatic free air, with increased air in the intrahepatic bile duct. The duodenal stent insertion settled the peritonitis and improved the perihepatic free air and the air in the intrahepatic bile duct through the discharge of food from the stomach. To date, no case of tardive peritonitis associated with air leakage after EUS‐BD has been reported. We noted that even if there was no evidence of bile leakage after EUS‐BD, the possibility of tardive peritonitis due to gradual air leakage from the stent implantation side of the stomach should be considered, and careful follow‐up is needed.
Study of vertical distribution dynamics of zooplankton in a thermally stratified warm monomictic lake of Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Yaseen Tabasum , Bhat Sami Ullah , Bhat Farooz Ahmad
Published: November 2021

In the present study, we investigated how stratification patterns and the related physico‐chemical characteristics impact the vertical distribution of zooplankton community during the two consecutive stratifications in a warm monomictic lake (Manasbal Lake) in the Ganderbal area of Central Kashmir. Two consecutive events of stratification and deepening of thermocline recorded during the sampling period led to significant changes in the vertical distribution of zooplankton community. Physico‐chemical characteristics displayed significant changes with the stratification pattern. Temperature of the surface water (0 m) increased gradually from 13°C to 29°C, resulting in a higher thermal gradient. pH and dissolved oxygen (O2) displayed clinograde curves with vertical depth. Keratella cochlearis and Polyarthra vulgaris (Rotifers) were most dominant in terms of density and abundance at the thermocline and significantly decreased at the hypolimnion. Cladocera with significant difference along the vertical column showed an epilimnetic distribution with Ceriodaphnia reticulata and Ceriodaphnia quadriangularis being the major contributors. Among copepods, Cyclops viridis was recorded at all depths in greater dominance. Acanthodiaptomus denticornis (Diaptomidae) showed higher abundance from epilimnion to thermocline but decreased at hypolimnion. The results showed that the strong vertical gradient of environmental factors occurs in the Manasbal lake. Among them, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and nutrients controlled the zooplankton community with higher aggregation above the thermocline. Therefore, the present investigation regarding the dynamic patterns of zooplankton community along the vertical gradient in a stratified lake could be important in monitoring habitats and to understand the ecology of warm monomictic lakes.
Global wellness: Predicting lower levels of anxiety and depression severity
Authors: Kalkbrenner Michael T.
Published: November 2021

Counseling researchers and practitioners use screening tools and assessments to measure, treat, and improve their clients’ overall (mental and physical) wellness, which creates a need for screening tools that appraise overall wellness. The author of this study first tested the convergent validity of scores on the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (LPHCI), a screening tool for simultaneously appraising global wellness (mental and physical) using a large (N = 796) national stratified random sample of adults living in all 50 of the United States. The author then investigated the capacity of global wellness for predicting symptoms of anxiety and depression and explored demographic differences in global wellness. Findings support the convergent validity of scores on the LPHCI and reveal that global wellness is a significant negative predictor of the symptomology of mental and physical distress. Implications for the potential utility of incorporating global wellness into counseling practice are discussed.
Intercalates in double and triple arrays
Authors: Nilson Tomas
Published: November 2021

This paper addresses the question of how intercalates occur in the two known infinite families of triple arrays, the Paley triple arrays constructed in 2005 by Preece et al., and the Triple arrays from difference sets in 2017 by Nilson and Cameron. The main reason for doing this is that the number of such embedded Latin squares is often used when checking whether two arrays are isotopic or not. We determine sharp bounds for the number and density of intercalates for the main subclasses of these families respectively. We also prove the existence of an infinite family of triple arrays in which every two occurrences of an entry lie in an intercalate.
High performance membranes containing zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 and polysulfone for CO2 removal from CH4
Authors: Ch'ng Christine Wei Mann , Yeong Yin Fong , Jusoh Norwahyu , Suhaimi Nadia Hartini , Lai Li Sze
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Natural gas is essential for the world's supply of energy due to its economic viability and environmental sustainability in producing adequate amounts of clean energy. However, the removal of CO2 as an undesirable impurity remains challenging in natural gas purification. In this work, high performance dense mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing a low loading (<2 wt%) of zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF‐8) and polysulfone (PSF) were prepared via simple solvent evaporation method and single solvent for the removal of CO2 from CH4.

RESULTS

Significant enhancements in CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity were obtained for the resultant MMMs as compared to the neat PSF membrane. The highest CO2 permeability of 33.57 Barrer and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity of 39.03 were achieved for a PSF membrane loaded with 1 wt% of ZIF‐8; these values were 514% and 161% higher than those obtained for the neat PSF membrane, respectively. Furthermore, MMM embedded with 1 wt% of ZIF‐8 demonstrated CO2 plasticization pressure up to 16 bar, which is equivalent to an 100% increment of the value obtained for the neat PSF membrane.

CONCLUSION

Overall, MMMs fabricated in this work demonstrated a significant improvement of CO2 separation from CH4 compared to the PSF‐based MMMs reported in the literature, where most of the reported MMMs contain high loading of fillers up to 30 wt%. Therefore, the MMMs fabricated in this work are ready to be further exploited for application in gas separation industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Energy‐ and protein‐enriched formula improves weight gain in infants with malnutrition due to cardiac and noncardiac etiologies
Authors: Goday Praveen S. , Lewis Jeffery D. , Sang Charlie J. , George Donald E. , McGoogan Katherine E. , Safta Anca M. , Seth Anand , Krekel Caitlin
Published: November 2021

Background

We aimed to assess safety, tolerability, and improvement in weight gain with an energy‐ and protein‐enriched formula (EPEF) in infants with poor growth.

Methods

Infants aged 1–8 months with poor growth received EPEF for 16 weeks. Our primary objective was improvement in weight as measured by change in weight‐for‐agez‐score (WAZ) and weight gain velocity (grams per day) ≥ median for age. Secondary objectives included improvement in other anthropometricz‐scores, formula tolerance, and safety.

Results

Twenty‐six patients with poor growth due to congenital heart disease (n= 15), other organic causes (n= 9), and nonorganic causes (n= 2) completed the study per protocol. Mean daily energy intake was 123 ± 32 kilocalories per kilogram of body weight, with >90% of energy coming from EPEF. Weight gain velocity exceeded the median for 83% (20 of 24) and 67% (16 of 24) of infants at ≥1 time point and for the overall study period, respectively. Mean ± SD WAZ improved from −2.92 ± 1.04 at baseline to −2.01 ± 1.12 at 16 weeks (P= 0.0001). Z‐scores for weight‐for‐length and head circumference (P= 0.0001) and for length‐for‐age (P= 0.003) improved significantly at 16 weeks. Compared with baseline, stool consistency was different at 2, 4, and 16 weeks (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences in vomiting, fussiness, or daily number of stools while there was a decrease or no change in spit‐up, flatulence, crying, or gassiness.

Conclusion

EPEF is safe, well tolerated, and improves weight gain in infants with poor growth.
Optimization of sweet basil harvest time and cultivar characterization using near‐infrared spectroscopy, liquid and gas chromatography, and chemometric statistical methods
Authors: Birenboim Matan , Chalupowicz Daniel , Maurer Dalia , Barel Shimon , Chen Yaira , Falik Elazar , Kengisbuch David , Shimshoni Jakob A
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Terpene, eugenol and polyphenolic contents of basil are major determinants of quality, which is affected by genetics, weather, growing practices, pests and diseases. Here, we aimed to develop a simple predictive analytical method for determining the polyphenol, eugenol and terpene content of the leaves of major Israeli sweet basil cultivars grown hydroponically, as a function of harvest time, through the use of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, liquid/gas chromatography, and chemometric methods. We also wanted to identify the harvest time associated with the highest terpene, eugenol and polyphenol content.

RESULTS

Six different cultivars and four different harvest times were analyzed. Partial least square regression (PLS‐R) analysis yielded an accurate, predictive model that explained more than 93% of the population variance for all of the analyzed compounds. The model yielded good/excellent prediction (R2 > 0.90, R2cv and R2pre > 0.80) and very good residual predictive deviation (RPD > 2) for all of the analyzed compounds. Concentrations of rosmarinic acid, eugenol and terpenes increased steadily over the first 3 weeks, peaking in the fourth week in most of the cultivars. Our PLS‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) model provided accurate harvest classification and prediction as compared to cultivar classification. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of harvest classification were larger than 0.82 for all harvest time points, whereas the cultivar classification, resulted in sensitivity values lower than 0.8 in three cultivars.

CONCLUSION

The PLS‐R model provided good predictions of rosmarinic acid, eugenol and terpene content. Our NIR coupled with a PLS‐DA demonstrated reasonable solution for harvest and cultivar classification. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Simultaneous screening of 21 potential adulterants in dietary supplements for the treatment of prostate diseases using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Nam Sook , Choi Hwan Seong , Lim Na Young , Kim Hyungil , Baek Sun Young
Published: November 2021

Reports of the number of adulteration cases using illegal therapeutic substances in dietary supplements have increased. In recent years, various dietary supplements are being distributed that exaggerate the efficacy of treatment for prostate‐related diseases. To develop the preemptive monitoring method, we selected 21 prostate‐related therapeutic substances and optimized the simultaneous ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry and pretreatment procedures for various types of matrices including solid, liquid, and soft capsule samples. The methods were validated by determining the specificity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, method detection limit, method quantitation limit, precision, accuracy, recovery, stability, and matrix effect. The simultaneous methods were validated according to the international guidelines. In addition, using the validated methods, 81 real samples, which were searched and purchased by focusing on promotional phrases, such as prostate and prostatic hyperplasia, were successfully screened. As a result, sildenafil and tadalafil were detected in one seized capsule sample (5.15 and 14.6 mg/g, respectively). Synthetically, our approach could be useful for the determination of illegal therapeutic substances potentially adulterated in various types of dietary supplements.
RD‐systems with chemotaxis: Global existence, boundedness, and blow‐up of solutions
Authors: Xu Xue , Huang Sen‐Zhong
Published: November 2021

We study the finite time blow‐up of solutions to general RD‐systems with chemotaxis for multi‐species. Our result shows that the blow‐up is equivalent to the blow‐up of the Lr‐norms of the solutions for r exceeding some critical value rc. Under very loose conditions, we give the estimation of rc, relying on a variant of Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequality, and a kind of bootstrap method which is very similar to the Alikakos–Moser iteration procedure.
Motion compensation for aortic valves using partial angle CT reconstructions
Authors: Lebedev Sergej , Fournié Eric , Maier Joscha , Stierstorfer Karl , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A motion compensation method that is aimed at correcting motion artifacts of cardiac valves is proposed. The primary focus is the aortic valve.

Methods

The method is based around partial angle reconstructions and a cost function including the image entropy. A motion model is applied to approximate the cardiac motion in the temporal and spatial domain. Based on characteristic values for velocities and strain during cardiac motion, penalties for the velocity and spatial derivatives are introduced to maintain anatomically realistic motion vector fields and avoid distortions. The model addresses global elastic deformation, but not the finer and more complicated motion of the valve leaflets.

Results

The method is verified based on clinical data. Image quality was improved for most artifact‐impaired reconstructions. An image quality study with Likert scoring of the motion artifact severity on a scale from 1 (highest image quality) to 5 (lowest image quality/extreme artifact presence) was performed. The biggest improvements after applying motion compensation were achieved for strongly artifact‐impaired initial images scoring 4 and 5, resulting in an average change of the scores by and , respectively. In the case of artifact‐free images, a chance to introduce blurring was observed and their average score was raised by 0.42 ± 0.03.

Conclusion

Motion artifacts were consistently removed and image quality improved.
Protonated Ethylene Carbonate: A Highly Resonance‐Stabilized Cation
Authors: Beck Stefanie , Jessen Christoph , Kornath Andreas J.
Published: November 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Andreas J. Kornath at the LMU in Munich (Germany). The cover picture shows the crystal structure of the salt of protonated ethylene carbonate [C3H5O3][Sb2F11]. Protonated ethylene carbonate was synthesized by reacting the neutral compound in the superacidic system HF/SbF5 at low temperature. Interestingly, the single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis revealed a planar CO3 moiety with nearly equal CO bond lengths. Further theoretical investigations of the cation led to the result, that it contains a remarkably delocalized 6π‐electron system. On the cover this resonance stabilization is highlighted by p‐orbitals on the CO3 moiety. Read the full text of their Research Article at 10.1002/open.202100229.
Anxiety and stress over COVID‐19 pandemic associated with increased eating
Authors: Himmelstein Mary S. , Beaver Jasmin N. , Gilman T. Lee
Published: November 2021

Objective

Stressful experiences can dramatically affect eating. The relatively sudden, global emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic served as a massive stressor to virtually all people, regardless of infection status. This study hypothesized that actual and perceived stressors from the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, in the categories of recurring disruptions, environmental threat, and social isolation would be positively associated with increased self‐reported eating in the United States.

Methods

Over 1100 English‐fluent adults (52.8% women) living in the United States were recruited for a cross‐sectional online survey about eating, COVID‐19 consequences, and stress experiences. Linear regressions examined associations between perceived stress on five eating measures, and individual differences in personal/work situations, perceptions, and adverse experiences during the pandemic.

Results

Anxiety, worry, and stress over, rather than direct consequences of, COVID‐19 were most consistently associated with self‐reported increased eating. Largely, these fell into the stressor categories of environmental threat and social isolation, not recurring disruptions. Body mass index and current self‐reported eating pathology symptoms were also consistently associated with these outcomes.

Conclusions

These correlational findings suggest specific stressors have pronounced influences on eating behavior of US adults. Remotely deliverable stress mitigation strategies should be explored to attenuate increased eating.
Proteomic analysis identified potential age‐associated prognostic biomarkers in pneumonia‐derived paediatric sepsis
Authors: Luo Ting , Yan Haipeng , Li Xun , Deng Youcai , Huang Jiaotian , Li Liping , Xiao Zhenghui , Lu Xiulan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Our aim was to investigate the age‐associated plasma protein profiles in pneumonia‐derived sepsis between infants and toddlers and identify potential age‐adapted prognostic markers for poor outcome of pneumonia‐derived pediatric sepsis.

Experimental Design

A nested case‐control study strategy was applied. The plasma proteomes of pneumonia‐derived pediatric septic patients with different outcomes between infants and toddlers were respectively analysed compared to their age‐matched controls.

Results

Compared to toddlers, pneumonia‐derived sepsis in infants was characterized by increased upregulation of protein processing in the ER, proteasome and antigen processing and presentation; and reduced downregulation in complement and coagulation cascades and cholesterol metabolism. Among them, the pentose phosphate pathway as well as the complement and coagulation cascades were possibly associated with poor outcome of pneumonia‐derived sepsis. Furthermore, we confirmed that HP, THBS1, and SAA1/2 were potential prognostic markers for poor outcome of pneumonia‐derived sepsis in infant patient groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Age‐associated plasma protein profiles of pneumonia‐derived pediatric septic patients provided potential age‐adapted biomarkers for a more precise prognosis of poor outcome in pneumonia‐derived pediatric sepsis and helped to improve the survival of septic children.
Cyhalofop‐butyl resistance conferred by a novel Trp‐2027‐Leu mutation of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and enhanced metabolism in Leptochloa chinensis
Authors: Zhao Ning , Jiang Minghao , Li Qi , Gao Quan , Zhang Jingxu , Liao Min , Cao Haiqun
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Chinese sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees) is an invasive grass weed severely infesting rice fields across China. In October 2020, a suspected resistant Leptochloa chinensis population HFFD3 that survived the acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicide cyhalofop‐butyl applied at its field‐recommended rate was collected from a rice field in Feidong County, Anhui Province, China. This study aimed to determine the resistance profile of HFFD3 to ACCase inhibitors and to investigate its mechanisms of resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl.

RESULTS

Single‐dose testing confirmed that HFFD3 had evolved resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl. Two loci encoding plastidic ACCase were each amplified from the susceptible (S) and resistant (R, HFFD3) individual plants. Target gene sequencing and derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence assay revealed all the R plants carried a Trp‐2027‐Leu substitution in their ACCase1,2 copies. Dose–response bioassays revealed that HFFD3 was highly resistant to cyhalofop‐butyl and exhibited cross‐resistance to metamifop, fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl, quizalofop‐P‐ethyl, and clethodim. Pre‐treatment with piperonyl butoxide and 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzoxadiazole considerably reversed the resistance of the R plants to cyhalofop‐butyl, by 23% and 43%, respectively. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis suggested the metabolic rates of cyhalofop‐butyl were significantly faster in the R than in the S plants.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the first case of an arable weed species featuring cross‐resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides due to a novel Trp‐2027‐Leu mutation of ACCase. Target gene mutation and cytochrome P450s‐ and glutathione‐S‐transferases‐involved enhanced metabolism may have simultaneously participated in the resistance of HFFD3 population to cyhalofop‐butyl.
Removal of an aspirated tooth from the bronchus using a cryoprobe: A case report
Authors: Ishimoto Hiroshi , Sakamoto Noriho , Moriyama Sakiko , Murata Mayako , Nakada Nana , Hara Atsuko , Kido Takashi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Kazuko , Obase Yasushi , Ishimatsu Yuji , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

An 88‐year‐old bedridden man with Alzheimer's disease developed fever and hypoxaemia. Chest radiography showed obstructive pneumonia caused by a foreign body in the airway. Examination using a flexible bronchoscope revealed a silver‐crowned molar, thought to have fallen out due to root caries, at the left lower lobe branch. Removal of the foreign body was unsuccessful with grasping or basket forceps, but successful with cryoadhesion using a cryoprobe. Removal of an airway foreign body by a cryoprobe depends on the nature of the foreign body, namely its water content. Therefore, cryoprobes are not inherently suitable for removing foreign bodies of aspirated teeth, but a tooth covered with mucus for a long time after aspiration can be cryoadhered with cryoprobes. Airway foreign bodies that remain in the airway for a long time should also be considered for removal by cryoprobe, regardless of the water content of the material.
Sign‐sensitivity of metabolic networks: Which structures determine the sign of the responses
Authors: Vassena Nicola
Published: November 2021

Perturbations are ubiquitous in metabolism. A central tool to understand and control their influence on metabolic networks is sensitivity analysis, which investigates how the network responds to external perturbations. We follow here a structural approach: the analysis is based on the network stoichiometry only and it does not require any quantitative knowledge of the reaction rates. We consider perturbations of reaction rates and metabolite concentrations, at equilibrium, and we investigate the responses in the network. For general metabolic systems, this paper focuses on the sign of the responses, that is, whether a response is positive, negative or whether its sign depends on the parameters of the system. In particular, we identify and describe the subnetworks that are the main players in the sign description. These subnetworks are associated to certain kernel vectors of the stoichiometric matrix and are thus independent from the chosen kinetics.
Prediction of Limits of Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Efficiency from Polarization Curves of the Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Astakhov Oleksandr , Smirnov Vladimir , Rau Uwe , Merdzhanova Tsvetelina
Published: November 2021

The maximum solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency (STH) in directly coupled photovoltaic‐assisted water‐splitting systems is achieved when the photovoltaic (PV) and electrochemical (EC) devices are power matched precisely. This matching requires that the polarization curve of the EC device crosses the current–voltage (IV) characteristics of the PV device at its maximum power point (MPP). Conversely, each point on the EC polarization curve can be considered the MPP of a PV device optimally coupled to the EC device. Therefore, at each point on the polarization curve, the minimum PV efficiency and maximum EC efficiency can be calculated for a specific irradiance. The product of both efficiencies generates the STH limit that can be attained at that specific point on the polarization curve. This “reverse analysis,” carried out with elementary math, does not involve any modeling or analysis of PV IV characteristics. Herein, this reverse analysis is described and how it can be used to quantify losses in PV–EC systems and the effect of mutual scaling of PV and EC devices is shown. This method is presented using a NiMo/NiFeOX catalyst pair as an example and was applied to a variety of PV–EC combinations described in the literature.
How Useful are Conventional I–Vs for Performance Calibration of Single‐ and Two‐Junction Perovskite Solar Cells? A Statistical Analysis of Performance Data on ≈200 Cells from 30 Global Sources
Authors: Song Tao , Friedman Daniel J. , Kopidakis Nikos
Published: November 2021

As perovskite photovoltaics (PV) advance from the laboratory to commercial prototypes, their accurate and reliable performance testing is becoming increasingly important. The well‐documented dynamic response of perovskite solar cells to an external applied voltage has led to the development of steady‐state performance measurement methods; however, these methods have not been widely adopted by the perovskite PV community. A key reason for this is that steady‐state measurement methods take tens of minutes to complete, as opposed to conventional “fast” current–voltage (I–V) measurements usually lasting a few seconds. Fast I–Vs arise from a snapshot, almost always not a steady‐state condition of the device; however, given their widespread use, the question arises: how do performance parameters of perovskite PV compare when measured with fast I–V and with a steady‐state method? Results compiled from approximately 200 perovskite PV cells, including single junction, and two‐terminal perovskite–perovskite and perovskite–Si tandems, show that fast I–Vs can provide a useful measure of the open‐circuit voltage of the devices, while the short‐circuit current and the overall efficiency can be widely misestimated. The implications of these findings on performance testing protocols are discussed and possible options for fast and accurate testing of perovskite PV are proposed.