bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CoS2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Covalent Organic Polymers as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction with Ultralow Overpotential
Authors: Ma Qian , Liao Rongfeng , Lu Yuheng , Liu Shaohong , Tang Youchen , Zhu Youlong , Wu Dingcai
Published: August 2021

Cobalt disulfide (CoS2) has been explored as attractive electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, bulk CoS2 sheets have limited catalytic activity due to low exposure of active sites. Herein, through an in‐situ vulcanization approach, CoS2 nanoparticles are embedded into bipyridine‐containing covalent organic polymer (BP‐COP). The as‐prepared nanocomposite CoS2@BP‐COP exhibits high catalytic activity toward OER with an ultra‐low overpotential of 270 mV (vs. RHE) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 36 mV dec−1, and an excellent durability for 24 h without decay. The surface of CoS2 is partially converted into CoOOH to form CoS2/CoOOH as active sites under OER conditions. CoS2@BP‐COP displays superior OER catalytic activity to CoS2 nanosheets and commercially available RuO2 under the same conditions. The outstanding OER performance activity of CoS2@BP‐COP could be attributed to the uniform and small particle sizes of CoS2/CoOOH distributed in BP‐COP.
The effects of systemic and local fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor treatments on the metabolomic profile of lungs
Authors: Abohalaka Reshed , Bozkurt Turgut Emrah , Reçber Tuba , Onder Sevgen Celik , Nemutlu Emirhan , Kır Sedef , Sahin‐Erdemli Inci
Published: August 2021

The contribution of the endocannabinoid system to both physiology and pathological processes in the respiratory system makes it a promising target for inflammatory airway diseases. Previously, we have shown that increasing the tissue endocannabinoid levels by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors can prevent airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. In this study, the changes in the levels of major metabolites of endocannabinoids by systemic and local FAAH or MAGL inhibitor treatments were evaluated. Mice were treated with either the FAAH inhibitor URB597 or the MAGL inhibitor JZL184 by local (intranasal) or systemic (intraperitoneal) application. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and lungs were isolated afterward in order to perform histopathological and metabolomic analyses. There were no significant histopathological changes in the lungs and neutrophil, and macrophage and lymphocyte numbers in BAL fluid were not altered after local and systemic treatments. However, GC–MS‐based metabolomics profile allowed us to identify 102 metabolites in lung samples, among which levels of 75 metabolites were significantly different from the control. The metabolites whose levels were changed by treatments were mostly related to the endocannabinoid system and energy metabolism. Therefore, these changes may contribute to the anti‐inflammatory effects of URB597 and JZL184 treatments in mice.
Transplantation of patient‐specific bile duct bioengineered with chemically reprogrammed and microtopographically differentiated cells
Authors: Buisson Elina Maria , Park Suk‐Hee , Kim Myounghoi , Kang Kyojin , Yoon Sangtae , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Young Won , Lee Nak Kyu , Jeong Mi Ae , Kang Bo‐Kyeong , Lee Seung Bum , Factor Valentina M. , Seo Daekwan , Kim Hyunsung , Jeong Jaemin , Kim Han Joon , Choi Dongho
Published: August 2021

Cholangiopathy is a diverse spectrum of chronic progressive bile duct disorders with limited treatment options and dismal outcomes. Scaffold‐ and stem cell‐based tissue engineering technologies hold great promise for reconstructive surgery and tissue repair. Here, we report a combined application of 3D scaffold fabrication and reprogramming of patient‐specific human hepatocytes to produce implantable artificial tissues that imitate the mechanical and biological properties of native bile ducts. The human chemically derived hepatic progenitor cells (hCdHs) were generated using two small molecules A83‐01 and CHIR99021 and seeded inside the tubular scaffold engineered as a synergistic combination of two layers. The inner electrospun fibrous layer was made of nanoscale–macroscale polycaprolactone fibers acting to promote the hCdHs attachment and differentiation, while the outer microporous foam layer served to increase mechanical stability. The two layers of fiber and foam were fused robustly together thus creating coordinated mechanical flexibility to exclude any possible breaking during surgery. The gene expression profiling and histochemical assessment confirmed that hCdHs acquired the biliary epithelial phenotype and filled the entire surface of the fibrous matrix after 2 weeks of growth in the cholangiocyte differentiation medium in vitro. The fabricated construct replaced the macroscopic part of the common bile duct (CBD) and re‐stored the bile flow in a rabbit model of acute CBD injury. Animals that received the acellular scaffolds did not survive after the replacement surgery. Thus, the artificial bile duct constructs populated with patient‐specific hepatic progenitor cells could provide a scalable and compatible platform for treating bile duct diseases.
Potential of the common facial vein as a recipient vein in free flap reconstruction
Authors: Patel Chantal , Abdel‐rahman Ahmed , Gahir Daya
Published: August 2021

Recipient vessel selection for free flap reconstruction depends on numerous factors and may be limited due to previous treatment. Currently, little evidence is available regarding the anatomy and reconstructive potential of the common facial vein (CFV), a tributary of the internal jugular vein (IJV). The aim of this project was to determine the diameter of the CFV at various points along its course and identify suitable landmarks to locate the CFV, to consider the vessel as a potential recipient vein in free flap reconstruction. A cadaveric study was conducted by dissecting 17 embalmed neck hemi‐sections in the Keele University Medical School Anatomy Suite. Our intent was to describe the gross anatomy of the CFV in terms of diameter and relation to surrounding structures. We found the mean diameter of the CFV to be 5.9 (± 1.8) mm at its termination into the IJV. We also found the mean distance of the CFV termination into the IJV from the level of the hyoid bone was 8.0 (± 4.0) mm. The diameter of the CFV could accommodate for end‐to‐end anastomoses to be formed with the IJV system. The diameter also suggests the vein to be appropriate for microvascular anastomosis with commonly used free flaps. The results propose that the CFV can be found within 12 mm of the level of the hyoid bone, knowledge of which could reduce operative time and site morbidity. These findings support the CFV as a potential recipient vein in free flap reconstruction of the head and neck.
The potential for facial artery injury during mandibular third molar extraction. An anatomical study using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Takeshita Yohei , Ibaragi Soichiro , Yutori Hirokazu , Kusukawa Jingo , Tubbs R. Shane , Kawazu Toshiyuki , Asaumi Junichi , Iwanaga Joe
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of injury to the facial (FA) and related arteries during mandibular third molar (MTM) extraction using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT). CE‐CT images of the MTM region were retrospectively reviewed. The area of the MTM was equally divided into three zones in the coronal images from mesial to distal, that is, zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3. The FA, submental artery (SMA), and sublingual artery (SLA) were identified. The distance from the mandible to FA, SMA, and SLA and the diameter of the FA, SMA, and SLA was measured in three zones, respectively. The thickness of the facial soft tissues and width of the mandible were measured at their maximum. The mean distance from the FA to the buccal cortical bone in zone 1, zone 2 and zone 3 was 2.24 mm, 2.39 mm and 1.67 mm, respectively. The SMA and SLA were found to be distal to the mandible. The mean diameter of the FA was 1.26 mm in males and 1.04 mm in females, respectively (p < 0.0001). The distance between the FA and buccal cortical bone of the mandible, and the patients' weight showed moderate correlation in zones 1 and 2. Based on our findings, the FA can be damaged if the surgical invasion reaches the facial soft tissues during MTM surgery. The patients' weight might be a good predictor for FA injury when CE‐CT is not available.
Facile Construction of Carbon Encapsulated of Earth‐Abundant Metal Sulfides for Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Tan Junbin , Li Rongrong , Raheem Saheed Abiola , Pan Longhai , Shen Hangjia , Liu Jian , Gao Manglai , Yang Minghui
Published: August 2021

Transition metal sulfide (TMS) promises an excellent prospect in electrocatalysis with high intrinsic activity but poor conductivity. In this work, a series of TMS wrapped by a thin carbon layer with enhanced conductivity have been developed by a facile and rapid strategy. Among them, the prepared CoSx compound exhibits the optimal ORR and OER performances because of the synergistic effect between the high intrinsic activity of CoSx and the desirable conductivity of carbon layer. More importantly, the CoSx‐based zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) exhibit a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with voltage gap of 0.8 V and remarkable cycling durability, which is comparable to those of the state‐of‐art noble Pt/C+IrO2 batteries. Therefore, this work introduces a facile route that opens up a new horizon and inspiration for the development of sulfide for energy conversion.
Structure‐Based Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Hsp90β‐Selective Inhibitors
Authors: Chaudhury Subhabrata , Narasimharao Meka Penchala , Banerjee Monimoy , Kent Caitlin N. , Blagg Brian S. J.
Published: August 2021

The 90 kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp90) are molecular chaperones that are responsible for the folding and/or trafficking of ∼400 client proteins, many of which are directly associated with cancer progression. Consequently, inhibition of Hsp90 can exhibit similar activity as combination therapy as multiple signaling nodes can be targeted simultaneously. In fact, seventeen small‐molecule inhibitors that bind the Hsp90 N‐terminus entered clinical trials for the treatment of cancer, all of which exhibited pan‐inhibitory activity against all four Hsp90 isoforms. Unfortunately, most demonstrated undesired effects alongside induction of the pro‐survival heat shock response. As a result, isoform‐selective inhibitors have been sought to overcome these detriments. Described herein is a structure‐based approach to design Hsp90β‐selective inhibitors along with preliminary SAR. In the end, compound 5 was shown to manifest ∼370‐fold selectivity for Hsp90β versus Hsp90α, and induced the degradation of select Hsp90β‐dependent clients. These data support the development of Hsp90β‐selective inhibitors as a new paradigm to overcome the detriments associated with pan‐inhibition of Hsp90.
Reinigung von lösemittelhaltiger Prozessabluft in Biorieselbettreaktoren
Authors: Grüner‐Lempart Sabine , Eckert Julian , Gredmaier Ludwig
Published: August 2021

Bei zahlreichen industriellen Prozessen fallen lösemittelhaltige Abluftströme an, die zur Einhaltung der gesetzlich vorgeschriebenen Emissionsgrenzwerte gereinigt werden müssen. Konventionelle Abluftreinigungsverfahren wie die thermische Nachverbrennung erfordern jedoch hohe Temperaturen von 1200 °C und oft fossile Brennstoffe. Als deutlich nachhaltiger erweisen sich dagegen Biorieselbettreaktoren, mit denen Lösemittel bereits bei 20 °C biologisch abgebaut werden können. Die Schadstoffe werden dabei von Bakterien in einem Biofilm auf Lavasteinen in unbedenkliche Substanzen umgewandelt.
Neutralization dynamics of slow highly charged ions passing through graphene nanoflakes: An embedding self‐energy approach
Authors: Balzer Karsten , Bonitz Michael
Published: August 2021

We study the time‐dependent neutralization of a slow highly charged ion that penetrates a hexagonal hollow‐centred graphene nanoflake. To compute the ultrafast charge transfer dynamics, we apply an effective Hubbard nanocluster model and use the method of nonequilibrium Green functions in conjunction with an embedding self‐energy scheme, which allows one to follow the temporal changes of the number of electrons in the nanoflake. We perform extensive simulations of the charge transfer dynamics for a broad range of ion charge states and impact velocities. The results are used to put forward a simple semi‐analytical model of the neutralization dynamics that is in very good agreement with transmission experiments, in which highly charged xenon ions pass through sheets of single‐layer graphene.
A deep learning‐based HARQ chase combining for FBMC‐OQAM systems
Authors: Bedoui Abla , Et‐tolba Mohamed
Published: August 2021

Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) is a promising link adaptation technique to ensure reliable data transmission in future communication systems. However, it can severely suffer from high distortions, nonlinearities, and interferences caused by the propagation environment. In this paper, we propose an efficient HARQ chase combining (HARQ‐CC) for filter bank multicarrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (FBMC‐OQAM) systems using deep learning to combat channel impairments. We model the HARQ‐CC system as a fuzzy inference system that deploys a deep neural network tool to detect the transmitted data packets. Simulation results prove that the proposed approach outperforms the conventional HARQ‐CC method with regard to block error rate (BLER) and root mean square error (RMSE).
Concentration‐discharge relationships derived from a larger regional dataset as a tool for watershed management
Authors: D’Amario Sarah C. , Wilson Henry F. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A.
Published: August 2021

Concentration‐discharge (C‐Q) relationships have been widely used to assess the hydrochemical processes that control solute fluxes from streams. Here, using a large regional dataset we assessed long‐term C‐Q relationships for total phosphorus (TP), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and nitrate (NO3) for 63 streams in Ontario, Canada, to better understand seasonal regional behavior of nutrients. We used C‐Q plots, Kruskal‐Wallis tests, and breakpoint analysis to characterize overall regional nutrient C‐Q relationships and assess seasonal effects, anthropogenic impacts, and differences between “rising” and “falling” hydrograph limbs to gain an understanding of the dominant processes controlling overall C‐Q relationships. We found that all nutrient concentrations were higher on average in catchments with greater levels of anthropogenic disturbance (agricultural and urban land use). TP, SRP, and TKN showed similar C‐Q dynamics, with nearly flat or gently sloping C‐Q relationships up to a discharge threshold after which C‐Q slopes substantially increased during the rising limb. These thresholds were seasonally variable, with summer and winter thresholds occurring at lower flows compared with autumn and greater variability during snowmelt. These patterns suggest that seasonal strategies to reduce high flows, such as creating riparian wetlands or reservoirs, in conjunction with reducing related nutrient transport during high flows would be the most effective way to mitigate elevated in‐stream concentrations and event export. Elevated rising limb concentrations suggest that nutrients accumulate in upland parts of the catchment during drier periods and that these are released during rain events. NO3 C‐Q patterns tended to be different from the other nutrients and were further complicated by anthropogenic land use, with greater reductions on the falling limb in more disturbed catchments during certain seasons. There were few significant NO3 hydrograph limb differences, indicating that there was likely to be no dominant hysteretic pattern across our study region due to variability in hysteresis from catchment to catchment. This suggests that this nutrient may be difficult to successfully manage at the regional scale.
Relating macrofungal diversity and forest characteristics in boreal forests in China: Conservation effects, inter‐forest‐type variations, and association decoupling
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Sun Jingxue , Zhong Zhaoliang , Xiao Lu , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Huimei
Published: August 2021

Question

How conservation and forest type affect macrofungal compositional diversity is not well understood. Even less is known about macrofungal associations with plants, soils, and geoclimatic conditions.

Location

Southern edge of boreal forest distribution in China, named as Huzhong Nature Reserve.

Methods

We surveyed a total of 72 plots for recording macrofungi, plants, and topography in 2015 and measured soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and bulk density. Effects of conservation and forest types on macrofungi and plants were compared, and their associations were decoupled by structural equation modeling (SEM) and redundancy ordination (RDA).

Results

Conservation and forest type largely shaped macrofungal diversity. Most of the macrofungal traits declined with the conservation intensities or peaked at the middle conservation region. Similarly, 91% of macrofungal traits declined or peaked in the middle succession stage of birch‐larch forests. Forest conservation resulted in the observation of sparse, larch‐dominant, larger tree forests. Moreover, the soil outside the Reserve had more water, higher fertility, and lower bulk density, showing miscellaneous wood forest preference. There is a complex association between conservation site characteristics, soils, plants, and macrofungi. Variation partitioning showed that soil N was the top‐one factor explaining the macrofungal variations (10%). As shown in SEM coefficients, conservation effect to macrofungi (1.1–1.2, p < .05) was like those from soils (1.2–1.6, p < .05), but much larger than the effect from plants (0.01–0.14, p > .10). For all tested macrofungal traits, 89%–97% of their variations were from soils, and 5%–21% were from conservation measures, while plants compensated 1%–10% of these effects. Our survey found a total of 207 macrofungal species, and 65 of them are new updates in this Reserve, indicating data shortage for the macrofungi list here.

Conclusion

Our findings provide new data for the joint conservation of macrofungi and plant communities, highlighting the crucial importance of soil matrix for macrofungal conservation in boreal forests.
Metal‐Metal Interactions in Bi‐, Tri‐ and Multinuclear Fe, Ru and Os N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes and their Catalytic Applications
Authors: Narayana Brinda Kadur , Keri Rangappa S. , Hanumantharayudu Nagaraju Doddahalli , Budagumpi Srinivasa
Published: August 2021

N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have been the focal point of advanced research on catalysis and bioorganometallic chemistry in the last decade. The field of NHC‐metal mediated catalysis has steadily grown over past years, commencing from the seminal discoveries on various C−C, C−N coupling and acceleration of C−H bond activation reactions. This review presents an overview of the work about the effects of NHC ligand field on metal‐metal contacts in Fe, Ru and Os metal NHC complexes. The influence of these contacts in making the supramolecular assemblies and their consequences on the reactivity patterns is reviewed. Correspondingly, the synergic effects between two metals leading to a unique reactivity pattern are correlated. The suitability and efficiency of various synthetic protocols used to prepare bi‐, tri‐ and multinuclear transition metal NHC complexes where metal‐metal contacts are possible, is discussed. Alternatively, this study on metal‐metal contacts in Fe, Ru and Os metal NHC complexes has great potential in the fields of homogeneous and heterogonous catalysis including the new designs for efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts and oxidation and acylation catalysts. Rational ligand design leading to metal‐metal contacts by the appropriate functionalization of NHCs to investigate their applications in mentioned fields are thus fundamental to our efforts. Apart from their applications, the nature of the metal‐carbene carbon bond, nature of auxiliary ligand(s) and the influence of suitably functionalized NHC ligands led to generate advanced structural motifs have also been emphasized.
The Quest for Large Group 13 Metallacalixarenes Based on Benzymidazolyl Ligands and Al and Ga Alkyls
Authors: Díaz‐Ramírez Mariana L. , Huggins Hannah , Donnadieu Bruno , Lopez Nazario , Muñoz‐Hernández Miguel‐Ángel
Published: August 2021

Metallacalix[n]arenes derived from AlMe3 or GaMe3 with either 2‐bromo‐1H‐benzimidazole, 2‐Brbzim, or 2‐ethyl‐1H‐benzimidazole, 2‐Etbzim, were obtained by coordination self‐assembly. SCXRD and 1H and 13C NMR in solution are consistent with the isolation of metallacalix[4]arenes 1 and 2, respectively. SCXRD molecular structures of 2‐Etbzim‐based metallacalix[n]arenes show an aluma[6]calixarene complex, 3, and a gallacalix[5]arene, 4. 1H and 13C NMR for 3 and 4 show three species coexisting in solution. The electronic properties of 1–4 along with previously reported [2‐MebzimAlMe2]4 and [2‐MebzimGaMe2]4 were investigated by DFT single point calculations. For the large aluma‐ and gallametallacalix[n]arenes, the analysis of the electrostatic potential show that charge complementarity along with a more flexible cavity than for metallacalix[4]arenes renders self‐encapsulation.
Mycotoxins Detection Based on Electrochemical Approaches
Authors: Dong Shaoqing , Yan Jixian , Zhou Shuang , Zhou Qing
Published: August 2021

Electrochemical biosensors have attracted much attention in mycotoxin bioanalysis. In this review, three electrochemical biosensor technologies for mycotoxins were reviewed, including general electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, and electrochemiluminescence. Based on the classification of multiple electrochemical detection methods, the design schemes, recognition mechanism and probe materials were described in detail. Moreover, the characteristics and limitations of these electrochemical biosensors were summarized. The challenges and future trends of electrochemical biosensor development in mycotoxin bioanalysis were also briefly discussed in the end. This review is expected to provide some inspirations for point‐of‐care testing in electrochemical sensors for mycotoxins and further electrochemical analysis application.
Performance analysis for user selection‐based downlink non‐orthogonal multiple access system over generalized fading channels
Authors: Sharma Priyank , Kumar Atul , Bansal Matadeen
Published: August 2021

In this study, user selection‐based downlink power domain‐non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system is investigated over generalized fading channels, that is, η‐μ and κ‐μ fading channels. In particular, this system considers multiple users and out of which two users are selected to serve with NOMA principle in perfect channel state information scenario. The outage probability expressions of the system are derived with respect to the fixed target rate and the orthogonal multiple access (OMA) rate. In addition, the average sum‐rate and rate of paired users of the system are derived and compared with that of OMA. Further, the optimum power allocation coefficients are derived for the system to ensure fixed and dynamic rate requirements. The impact of imperfect successive interference cancelation on the system performance is discussed. The paper also investigates the effect of various parameters on the performance of the system. The extensive simulations show the accuracy of the derived expressions.
Typifications and notes on Hyptidinae (Lamiaceae) described by Pilger from Mato Grosso state, Brazil
Authors: Antar Guilherme Medeiros , Harley Raymond Mervyn , Soares Arthur de Souza , Buchoski Mônica Gomes , Pastore José Floriano Barêa , Sano Paulo Takeo
Published: August 2021

The subtribe Hyptidinae (Lamiaceae) is predominantly Neotropical with ca. 400 species, most diverse in the Cerrado domain, the Brazilian savanna. Mato Grosso state, located in the core of the Cerrado, owns a remarkable richness in the subtribe with 71 species recognized. Robert Pilger, who accompanied Hermann Meyer on an expedition to the state in 1898, collected about 700 angiosperm specimens that were mostly deposited in the Berlin Herbarium and many subsequently destroyed during the 2nd World War, with few if any duplicates surviving. Five species of Hyptidinae were described by Pilger based on these materials from Mato Grosso, subsequently were lectotypified by Epling, and later destroyed. They are: Hyptis helophila Pilg. (= H. petiolaris Pohl ex Benth.), H. indivisa Pilg. (= Cantinoa indivisa (Pilg.) Harley & J.F.B.Pastore), H. lasiocalyx Pilg. (= Cyanocephalus desertorum (Pilg.) Harley & J.F.B.Pastore), H. loeseneriana Pilg. and H. mattogrossensis Pilg. (= Hypenia macrosiphon (Briq.) Harley). To fix the application of these names, neotypes are here designated. Notes are also provided on the habitats and distribution of these species.
A restudy of Early Devonian graptolites from the Himalayan Mountains, southern Xizang, China
Authors: Chen Qing , Chen Xu , Zhang Linna , Muir Lucy A.
Published: August 2021

Early Devonian graptolites from the Liangquan Formation at a locality north of Jiacun, Nielamu, southern Xizang, were collected more than 50 years ago and are restudied herein. Based on morphological analysis of tubarium features, the eight species belonging to two genera identified in previous studies were revised and merged into four species: Neomonograptus himalayensis, Uncinatograptus nyalamensis, Uncinatograptus thomasi, and Uncinatograptus yukonensis. The co‐occurrence of U. thomasi and U. yukonensis indicates a late Pragian to early Emsian age (U. yukonensis Biozone).
Geophysical mapping of hyporheic processes controlled by sedimentary architecture within compound bar deposits
Authors: McGarr Jeffery Tyler , Wallace Corey D. , Ntarlagiannis Dimitrios , Sturmer Daniel M. , Soltanian Mohamad Reza
Published: August 2021

Hyporheic exchange influences water quality and controls numerous physical, chemical, and biological processes. Despite its importance, hyporheic exchange and the associated dynamics of solute mixing are often difficult to characterize due to spatial (e.g., sedimentary heterogeneity) and temporal (e.g., river stage fluctuation) variabilities. This study coupled geophysical techniques with physical and chemical sediment analyses to map sedimentary architecture and quantify its influence on hyporheic exchange dynamics within a compound bar deposit in a gravel‐dominated river system in southwestern Ohio. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) was used to quantify variability in electrical conductivity within the compound bar. EMI informed locations of electrode placement for time‐lapse electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) surveys, which were used to examine changes in electrical resistivity driven by hyporheic exchange. Both geophysical methods revealed a zone of high electrical conductivity in the center of the bar, identified as a fine‐grained cross‐bar channel fill. The zone acts as a baffle to flow, evidenced by stable electrical conditions measured by time‐lapse ERI over the study period. Large changes in electrical resistivity throughout the survey period indicate preferential flowpaths through higher permeability sands and gravels. Grain size analyses confirmed sedimentological interpretations of geophysical data. Loss on ignition and x‐ray fluorescence identified zones with higher organic matter content that are locations for potentially enhanced geochemical activity within the cross‐bar channel fill. Differences in the physical and geochemical characteristics of cross‐bar channel fills play an important role in hyporheic flow dynamics and nutrient processing within riverbed sediments. These findings enhance our understanding of the applications of geophysical methods in mapping riverbed heterogeneity and highlight the importance of accurately representing geomorphologic features and heterogeneity when studying hyporheic exchange processes.
International variation in childhood cancer mortality rates from 2001 to 2015: Comparison of trends in the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership countries
Authors: Smith Lesley , Stiller Charles A. , Aitken Joanne F. , Hjalgrim Lisa L. , Johannesen Tom , Lahteenmaki Paivi , McCabe Martin G. , Phillips Robert , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Steliarova‐Foucher Eva , Winther Jeanette F. , Woods Ryan R. , Glaser Adam W. , Feltbower Richard G.
Published: August 2021

Despite improved survival rates, cancer remains one of the most common causes of childhood death. The International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) showed variation in cancer survival for adults. We aimed to assess and compare trends over time in cancer mortality between children, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and adults in the six countries involved in the ICBP: United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Norway and Sweden. Trends in mortality between 2001 and 2015 in the six original ICBP countries were examined. Age standardised mortality rates (ASR per million) were calculated for all cancers, leukaemia, malignant and benign central nervous system (CNS) tumours, and non‐CNS solid tumours. ASRs were reported for children (age 0‐14 years), AYAs aged 15 to 39 years and adults aged 40 years and above. Average annual percentage change (AAPC) in mortality rates per country were estimated using Joinpoint regression. For all cancers combined, significant temporal reductions were observed in all countries and all age groups. However, the overall AAPC was greater for children (−2.9; 95% confidence interval = −4.0 to −1.7) compared to AYAs (−1.8; −2.1 to −1.5) and adults aged >40 years (−1.5; −1.6 to −1.4). This pattern was mirrored for leukaemia, CNS tumours and non‐CNS solid tumours, with the difference being most pronounced for leukaemia: AAPC for children −4.6 (−6.1 to −3.1) vs AYAs −3.2 (−4.2 to −2.1) and over 40s −1.1 (−1.3 to −0.8). AAPCs varied between countries in children for all cancers except leukaemia, and in adults over 40 for all cancers combined, but not in subgroups. Improvements in cancer mortality rates in ICBP countries have been most marked among children aged 0 to 14 in comparison to 15 to 39 and over 40 year olds. This may reflect better care, including centralised service provision, treatment protocols and higher trial recruitment rates in children compared to older patients.
Fatty acid‐binding protein 5 limits the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells through regulating plasmacytoid dendritic cell function in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kobayashi Shuhei , Wannakul Tunyanat , Sekino Kaname , Takahashi Yu , Kagawa Yoshiteru , Miyazaki Hirofumi , Umaru Banlanjo Abdulaziz , Yang Shuhan , Yamamoto Yui , Owada Yuji
Published: August 2021

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) promote viral elimination by producing large amounts of Type I interferon. Recent studies have shown that pDCs regulate the pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory diseases, such as cancer. Fatty acid‐binding protein 5 (FABP5) is a cellular chaperone of long‐chain fatty acids that induce biological responses. Although the effects of FABP‐mediated lipid metabolism are well studied in various immune cells, its role in pDCs remains unclear. This study, which compares wild‐type and Fabp5−/− mice, provides the first evidence that FABP5‐mediated lipid metabolism regulates the commitment of pDCs to inflammatory vs tolerogenic gene expression patterns in the tumor microenvironment and in response to toll‐like receptor stimulation. Additionally, we demonstrated that FABP5 deficiency in pDCs affects the surrounding cellular environment, and that FABP5 expression in pDCs supports the appropriate generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Collectively, our findings reveal that pDC FABP5 acts as an important regulator of tumor immunity by controlling lipid metabolism.
Bidirectional Mendelian randomisation analysis of the relationship between circulating vitamin D concentration and colorectal cancer risk
Authors: He Yazhou , Zhang Xiaomeng , Timofeeva Maria , Farrington Susan M. , Li Xue , Xu Wei , Campbell Harry , Houlston Richard S. , Tomlinson Ian P. , Theodoratou Evropi , Dunlop Malcolm G.
Published: August 2021

Epidemiological evidence is consistent with a protective effect of vitamin D against colorectal cancer (CRC), but the observed strong associations are open to confounders and potential reverse causation. Previous Mendelian randomisation (MR) studies were limited by poor genetic instruments and inadequate statistical power. Moreover, whether genetically higher CRC risk can influence vitamin D level, namely the reverse causation, still remains unknown. Herein, we report the first bidirectional MR study. We employed 110 newly identified genetic variants as proxies for vitamin D to obtain unconfounded effect estimates on CRC risk in 26 397 CRC cases and 41 481 controls of European ancestry. To test for reserve causation, we estimated effects of 115 CRC‐risk variants on vitamin D level among 417 580 participants from the UK Biobank. The causal association was estimated using the random‐effect inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method. We found no significant causal effect of vitamin D on CRC risk [IVW estimate odds ratio: 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.88‐1.07, P = .565]. Similarly, no significant reverse causal association was identified between genetically increased CRC risk and vitamin D levels (IVW estimate β: −0.002, 95% CI = −0.008 to 0.004, P = .543). Stratified analysis by tumour sites did not identify significant causal associations in either direction between vitamin D and colon or rectal cancer. Despite the improved statistical power of this study, we found no evidence of causal association of either direction between circulating vitamin D and CRC risk. Significant associations reported by observational studies may be primarily driven by unidentified confounders.
Circulating C‐reactive protein increases lung cancer risk: Results from a prospective cohort of UK Biobank
Authors: Ji Mengmeng , Du Lingbin , Ma Zhimin , Xie Junxing , Huang Yanqian , Wei Xiaoxia , Jiang Xiangxiang , Xu Jing , Yin Rong , Wang Yuzhuo , Dai Juncheng , Jin Guangfu , Xu Lin , Zhu Chen , Hu Zhibin , Ma Hongxia , Zhu Meng , Shen Hongbing
Published: August 2021

Chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of lung cancer. In this study, we examined the association between C‐reactive protein (CRP) and lung cancer in a prospective cohort study and used Mendelian randomization (MR) to clarify the causality. We included 420 977 participants from the UK Biobank (UKB) in the analyses; 1892 thereof were diagnosed with lung cancer during the follow‐up. Hazards ratios (HRs) of CRP concentrations were estimated by Cox proportional hazard models and two approaches of MR analysis were performed. Besides, we added CRP concentrations to epidemiological model of lung cancer to evaluate its prediagnostic role through time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Elevated CRP levels were associated with a 22% increased lung cancer risk per 1 SD increase (HR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18‐1.26). Positive associations were observed in small cell lung cancer (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.10‐1.33), lung adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.11‐1.23) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (HR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.14‐1.31). No genetical association of circulating CRP levels and lung cancer risk was observed in MR analysis. When added to a risk model of lung cancer, CRP improved the performance of model as long as 8 years among current smokers (basic model: C‐statistic = 0.78 [95% CI = 0.75‐0.80]; CRP model: C‐statistic = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.76‐0.81]; Pnonadjusted = .003, Padjusted = .014). Our results did not support the causal association of circulating CRP with lung cancer risk. However, circulating CRP could be a prediagnostic marker of lung cancer as long as 8 years in advance for current smokers.
Analysis of unexpected disruptive effects of contingent food reinforcement on automatically maintained self‐injury
Authors: Rooker Griffin W. , Hagopian Louis P. , Haddock Jennifer N. , Arevalo Alexander R. , Bonner Andrew C. , Dillon Christopher M.
Published: August 2021

Research has identified treatment‐responsive and treatment‐resistant subtypes of automatically maintained self‐injurious behavior (ASIB) based on patterns of responding in the functional analysis (FA) reflecting its sensitivity to disruption by alternative reinforcement, and the presence of self‐restraint. Rooker et al. (2019) unexpectedly observed reductions in treatment‐resistant self‐injury while participants performed an operant task. The current study further examined this in nine participants with treatment‐resistant ASIB in an example of discovery‐based research. An operant task engendering high rates of responding (switch‐pressing) to produce food, reduced self‐injury across all participants, and eliminated self‐injury for some participants under certain schedules. Although this finding must be replicated and evaluated over longer time periods, it provides some evidence that alternative reinforcement can disrupt self‐injury in these treatment‐resistant subtypes under some conditions. Reinforcer and response competition are discussed as possible mechanisms underlying these disruptive effects, as are the potential implications of these findings regarding treatment.
A PHARMacist led Initiative for the Management of Hydroxyurea Therapy in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia patients attending a Multidisciplinary Tertiary Hemoglobinopathy Clinic: A retrospective cohort study (PHARMIT‐SCA)
Authors: Barton Amanda , Defoe Kimberly , Jupp Jennifer , Dersch‐Mills Deonne , Ghosh Sunita , Leaker Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

The pharmacological treatment of choice for sickle cell anemia (SCA) is hydroxyurea (HU). The therapeutic effect of HU is believed to be dose‐dependent and titration to maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is the standard of care. Clinical pharmacists took an active role in managing HU therapy through patient assessment and prescribing as part of a multidisciplinary team in a pediatric Hemoglobinopathy Clinic.

Objectives

To identify the proportion of pediatric patients with SCA achieving MTD within 6 months of initiating HU therapy with traditional or pharmacist‐led management. Secondary objectives included quantifying and characterizing pharmacist interventions, and comparing the rate of dose change, dose assessments secondary to laboratory visits and number of acute care visits between cohorts in the 6 months post therapy initiation.

Methods

For this retrospective single center cohort study, 46 patients with SCA on treatment for six consecutive months between January 3, 2013 and February 28, 2019 were included and analyzed. Both groups were allocated 23 patients. Data were collected using electronic and paper medical records. SPSS version 25 was used for all statistical analyses. A P‐value <.05 was used for statistical significance.

Results

Mean HU dose at 6 months was significantly higher in the pharmacist cohort (19.1 vs 22.2, P = .038). No patients achieved MTD in either cohort. More acute care visits occurred in the traditional cohort (20 vs 6, P = .01), and dose assessments secondary to laboratory visits occurred more in the pharmacist cohort (1 vs 3 per patient, P = .002). Pharmacists completed 82 follow‐ups and 175 interventions. Most follow‐ups were by phone (53.7%) to assess HU therapy for dose assessments secondary to laboratory visits (58.5%). Thirty‐eight percent of pharmacist interventions were related to HU dose and medication adherence was assessed in 76.8% of follow‐ups.

Conclusion

Pharmacist‐led HU dose management resulted in a significantly higher mean dose of HU at 6 months, more frequent dose assessments secondary to laboratory work, and a reduced number of acute care visits.
Antidotal effect of dihydroxyacetone against phosphine poisoning in mice
Authors: Niknahad Hossein , Heidari Reza , Hashemi Asieh , Jamshidzadeh Akram , Rashedinia Marzieh
Published: August 2021

Phosphine (PH3) is widely used as an insecticide and rodenticide. On the contrary, many cases of PH3 poisoning have been reported worldwide. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote against PH3 toxicity. Disruption of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism is a well‐known mechanism of PH3 cytotoxicity. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is an adenosine triphosphate supplying agent which significantly improves mitochondrial function. The current study was designed to evaluate DHA's effect on inhalational PH3 poisoning in an animal model. DHA was injected into BALB/c mice before and/or after the start of the PH3 inhalation. The cytochrome c oxidase activity was assessed in the animals' brain, heart, and liver exposed to PH3 (for 15, 30, and 60 min, with and without the antidote). The LC50 of PH3 was calculated to be 18.02 (15.42–20.55) ppm over 2 h of exposure. Pretreatment of DHA (1 or 2 g/kg) increased the LC50 of PH3 by about 1.6‐ or 3‐fold, respectively. Posttreatment with DHA (2 g/kg) increased the LC50 of PH3 by about 1.4‐fold. PH3 inhibited the activity of cytochrome c oxidase in the assessed organs. It was found that DHA treatment restored mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity. These findings suggested that DHA could be an effective antidote for PH3 poisoning.
Molecular dynamics simulation of Toxin‐Antitoxin (TA) system in Acinetobacter baumannii to explore the novel mechanism for inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis: Zeta Toxin as an effective therapeutic target
Authors: Karthika Alagesan , Ramachandran Balajee , Chitra Jeyarajpandian , Prabhu Dhamodharan , Rajamanikandan Sundaraj , Veerapandiyan Malaisamy , Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman
Published: August 2021

The majority of bacteria and archaea contains Toxin‐Antitoxin system (TA) that codes for the stable Toxin and unstable Antitoxin components forming a complex. The Antitoxin inhibits the catalytic activities of the Toxin. In general, the Antitoxin will be degraded by the proteases leading to the Toxin activation that subsequently targets essential cellular processes, including transcription, translation, replication, cell division, and cell wall biosynthesis. The Zeta Toxin‐Epsilon Antitoxin system in ESKAPE pathogen stabilizes the resistance plasmid and promotes pathogenicity. The known TA system in Acinetobacter baumannii are known to be involved in the replication and translation, however, the mechanism of Zeta Toxin‐Epsilon Antitoxin in cell wall biosynthesis remains unknown. In the present study, molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were employed to demonstrate whether Zeta Toxin can impair cell wall synthesis in A. baumannii. Further, the degradation mechanism of Antitoxin in the presence and absence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules are explained through MD simulation. The result reveals that the cleavage of Antitoxin could be possible with the presence of ATP by displaying its response from 20 ns, whereas the Zeta Toxin/Epsilon was unstable after 90 ns. The obtained results demonstrate that Zeta Toxin is “temporarily favorable” for ATP to undergo phosphorylation at UNAG kinase through the substrate tunneling process. The study further evidenced that phosphorylated UNAG prevents the binding of MurA, the enzyme that catalyzes the initial step of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Therefore, the present study explores the binding mechanism of Zeta Toxin/Epsilon Antitoxin, which could be beneficial for preventing cell wall biosynthesis as well as for unveiling the alternative treatment options to antibiotics.
Diagnostic criteria for cancer cachexia: reduced food intake and inflammation predict weight loss and survival in an international, multi‐cohort analysis
Authors: Martin Lisa , Muscaritoli Maurizio , Bourdel‐Marchasson Isabelle , Kubrak Catherine , Laird Barry , Gagnon Bruno , Chasen Martin , Gioulbasanis Ioannis , Wallengren Ola , Voss Anne C. , Goldwasser Francois , Jagoe R. Thomas , Deans Chris , Bozzetti Federico , Strasser Florian , Thoresen Lene , Kazemi Sean , Baracos Vickie , Senesse Pierre
Published: August 2021

Background

Cancer‐associated weight loss (WL) associates with increased mortality. International consensus suggests that WL is driven by a variable combination of reduced food intake and/or altered metabolism, the latter often represented by the inflammatory biomarker C‐reactive protein (CRP). We aggregated data from Canadian and European research studies to evaluate the associations of reduced food intake and CRP with cancer‐associated WL (primary endpoint) and overall survival (OS, secondary endpoint).

Methods

The data set included a total of 12,253 patients at risk for cancer‐associated WL. Patient‐reported WL history (% in 6 months) and food intake (normal, moderately, or severely reduced) were measured in all patients; CRP (mg/L) and OS were measured in N = 4960 and N = 9952 patients, respectively. All measures were from a baseline assessment. Clinical variables potentially associated with WL and overall survival (OS) including age, sex, cancer diagnosis, disease stage, and performance status were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression MLR and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively.

Results

Patients had a mean weight change of −7.3% (±7.1), which was categorized as: ±2.4% (stable weight; 30.4%), 2.5–5.9% (19.7%), 6.0–10.0% (23.2%), 11.0–14.9% (12.0%), ≥15.0% (14.6%). Normal food intake, moderately, and severely reduced food intake occurred in 37.9%, 42.8%, and 19.4%, respectively. In MLR, severe WL (≥15%) (vs. stable weight) was more likely (P < 0.0001) if food intake was moderately [OR 6.28, 95% confidence interval (CI 5.28–7.47)] or severely reduced [OR 18.98 (95% CI 15.30–23.56)]. In subset analysis, adjusted for food intake, CRP was independently associated (P < 0.0001) with ≥15% WL [CRP 10–100 mg/L: OR 2.00, (95% CI 1.58–2.53)] and [CRP > 100 mg/L: OR 2.30 (95% CI 1.62–3.26)]. Diagnosis, stage, and performance status, but not age or sex, were significantly associated with WL. Median OS was 9.9 months (95% CI 9.5–10.3), with median follow‐up of 39.7 months (95% CI 38.8–40.6). Moderately and severely reduced food intake and CRP independently predicted OS (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Modelling WL as the dependent variable is an approach that can help to identify clinical features and biomarkers associated with WL. Here, we identify criterion values for food intake impairment and CRP that may improve the diagnosis and classification of cancer‐associated cachexia.