bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold heavy oil production with sand simulation including wormhole propagation and foamy oil behaviour
Authors: Sahari Moghaddam Farzan , El‐Naghy Mohammed , Aborig Amer , Etminan Amin
Published: July 2022

Cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS) is a primary production method used for heavy oil reservoirs with no requirements of external energy consumption. A new model for CHOPS is simulated by incorporating wormhole propagation and foamy oil behaviour mechanisms to evaluate the recovery of an extra‐heavy oil reservoir of the Athabasca region. The most critical mechanisms of CHOPS, wormhole propagation and foamy oil behaviour, are captured by using Wang's model for wormhole propagation and Uddin's model of gas exsolution. After 120 months of simulation, 53.38%, 99.76%, and 100% of wormhole propagation were achieved during three time steps of 12, 48, and 60 months, respectively, toward the sides of the studied reservoir section. The propagation was achieved within all directions of the investigated section compatible with the erratic nature of wormhole propagation. Furthermore, the application of Uddin's model was incorporated into production by reducing the fluid viscosity as a result of the foamy oil behaviour. Over 3% of the recovery was achieved at the end of the primary CHOPS phase simulation by taking into account that we modelled the recovery based on highly viscous oil with API 7.5. Finally, the model can provide an improved understanding of the primary CHOPS process by considering its two significant mechanisms.
Supramolecular Radical Switches Regulated by Host‐Guest Chemistry
Authors: Ye Yu‐Yuan , Wang Zi‐Xin , Xu Shi‐Yuan , Lin Xiao‐Wei , Luo Jie , Li Wen‐Zhen , Wang Xiao‐Qiang
Published: July 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Water‐soluble thermal initiators are important radical sources to be applied in various fields. However, the uncontrolled radical generation from the high sensitivity of initiators may cause disadvantages in the applications. Here, we present a series of supramolecular radical switches regulated by the host‐guest chemistry between initiators and cucurbit[8]uril (CB [8]). Thermal initiators (VA‐044, VA‐056, VA‐057) can be spontaneously encapsulated into the cavity of CB [8] to “turn off” their radical‐generation ability. Their activity will instantaneously “turn on” in the presence of other competitors such as 1‐adamantylamine (ADA). Further, we demonstrated the free radical polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide using initiators, inhibiting its activity by binding with CB [8] and initiating reaction by adding ADA. These novel supramolecular radical switches provide a facile strategy to control the generation of free radicals in a “plug‐and‐play” manner, which may arouse research interests in polymerization, catalysis, and the biomedical field.
Candida species detection in patients with chronic periodontitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Slazhneva Ekaterina , Tikhomirova Ekaterina , Tsarev Victor , Orekhova Liudmila , Loboda Ekaterina , Atrushkevich Victoria
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To assess the Candida species occurrence rate and concentration in periodontal pockets in chronic periodontitis (CP) by meta‐analysis.

Materials and Methods

A search was performed of articles published between January 1, 2010, and October 1, 2020, in English and in Russian, in the electronic databases MEDLINE‐PubMed, Google Scholar, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Research Gate, eLIBRARY, and Cyberleninka (PROSPEROCRD42021234831). The odds ratio (OR), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Review Manager 5.4.1 to compare the risk of CP when Candida spp. were detected in the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket and to compare Candida spp. density counts in patients with CP and periodontally healthy patients.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were included in the systematic review and 11 were included in the meta‐analysis. The results showed that Candida spp. may increase the chance of CP development by 1.76 times (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.04–2.99; Z = 2.10; p = .04; I2 = 61%). More Candida spp. were found in patients with CP than in periodontally healthy patients (SMD = 1.58; 95% CI = 0.15−3.02; p = .03; I2 = 98%). No data were found relating to the statistically significant influence of Candida glabrata, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis on CP development.

Conclusion

We found that Candida albicans insignificantly increased the risk of CP development but, due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, further research is necessary to determine the exact role of Candida spp. in the development and course of the inflammatory periodontal diseases.
Hybrid closure of ventricular septal defect and implantation of systemic right ventricular assist device
Authors: Soquet Jerome , Houeijeh Ali , Richardson Marjorie , Hebbar Eleonore , Vaksmann Guy , Baudelet Jean‐Benoit , Moussa Mouhamed Djahoum , Vincentelli Andre
Published: July 2022

A 50‐year‐old female patient was readmitted with refractory systemic right ventricular failure. The patient underwent a Mustard procedure during childhood for transposition of the great arteries. A significant residual ventricular septal defect was present, which represents a major risk factor of death following ventricular assist device. We describe the combination of ventricular assist device implantation preceded by hybrid closure of ventricular septal defect.
Long‐term events following catheter‐ablation for atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Ishiguchi Hironori , Yoshiga Yasuhiro , Shimizu Akihiko , Ueyama Takeshi , Fukuda Masakazu , Kato Takayoshi , Fujii Shohei , Hisaoka Masahiro , Uchida Tomoyuki , Omuro Takuya , Okamura Takayuki , Kobayashi Shigeki , Yano Masafumi
Published: July 2022

Aims

Data regarding prognostic events following catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are scarce. We conducted this study to compare the incidence of major adverse clinical events (MACE) following CA for AF between patients with HFpEF and those with systolic heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

This single‐centre observational study included 142 patients with HF who underwent CA for AF (median follow‐up: 4.0 [2.6, 6.3] years). The patients were grouped based on the presence of HFpEF (n = 84) and systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, n = 58). We compared the cumulative incidence and incidence rate of MACE, comprising all‐cause death, unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization (CVH), and HF hospitalization (HFH) between both groups and the number of HFH before and after CA in each group. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the predictors of MACE in patients with HFpEF. The incidence of MACE was comparable between the groups (following the first procedure: HFpEF: 23%, 4.7/100 person‐years, vs. systolic HF: 28%, 6.6/100 person‐years, P = 0.18; last procedure: 20%, 4.8/100 person‐years, vs. 24%, 6.9/100 person‐years, P = 0.21). Although the incidence of HFH was lower in patients with HFpEF than in those with systolic HF (first procedure: 14%, 2.9/100 person‐years, vs. 24%, 5.7/100 person‐years, P = 0.07; last procedure: 11%, 2.5/100 person‐years, vs. 24%, 6.9/100 person‐years, P = 0.01), the incidence of CVH was higher (first procedure: 8%, 1.7/100 person‐years, vs. 5%, 1.2/100 person‐years, P = 0.74; last procedure: 6%, 1.4/100 person‐years, vs. 2%, 0.5/100 person‐years, P = 0.4). The number of HFH significantly decreased in both groups after CA (HFpEF: 1 hospitalization [the first and third quartiles: 0, 1] in pre‐CA, vs. 0 hospitalizations [0, 0] in post‐CA, P < 0.0001; systolic HF: 1 hospitalization [0, 1], vs. 0 hospitalizations [0, 0], P < 0.005). The proportion of HFH among total clinical events was significantly smaller in patients with HFpEF than in those with systolic HF (following the first procedure: 56% vs. 88%, P < 0.005; last procedure: 52% vs. 92%, P < 0.005).

Conclusions

CA for AF could be beneficial for patients with HFpEF, similar to those with systolic HF. However, clinical events other than HFH should be considered cautiously in such patients.
Longitudinal trajectories in renal function before and after heart failure hospitalization among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the PARAGON‐HF trial
Authors: Chatur Safia , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Peikert Alexander , Claggett Brian L. , McCausland Finnian R. , Skali Hicham , Pfeffer Marc A. , Beldhuis Iris E. , Kober Lars , Seferovic Petar , Lefkowitz Martin , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: July 2022

Aims

Worsening renal function may impact long‐term outcomes in heart failure (HF). However, little is known about the longitudinal trajectories in renal function in relation to HF hospitalization or how this high‐risk clinical event impacts renal outcomes.

Methods and results

In PARAGON‐HF, we evaluated the association between recency of prior HF hospitalization (occurring pre‐randomization) and subsequent first renal composite outcome: (i) time to ≥50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); (ii) development of end‐stage renal disease; or (iii) death attributable to renal causes. A total of 2306 (48.1%) patients had a history of prior HF hospitalization. Incident rates of the renal outcome were highest in those most recently hospitalized and decreased with longer time from last hospitalization. Treatment effect on the renal outcome of sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan was similar between patients with (hazard ratio [HR] 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24–0.76) and without (HR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.33–1.18; pinteraction = 0.39) a prior history of HF hospitalization and appeared consistent regardless of timing of prior hospitalization for HF (pinteraction = 0.39). Serial eGFR measurements leading up to and after a HF hospitalization (occurring during the study period) and estimated eGFR trajectories using repeated measures regression models with restricted cubic splines were also examined. Patients experiencing a post‐randomization HF hospitalization had a significant decline in eGFR prior to hospitalization while patients without HF hospitalization experienced a relatively stable eGFR trajectory (p < 0.001). A change in the rate of decline of eGFR trajectory was observed 12 months preceding a HF hospitalization, and continued in the post‐discharge window to 12 months following hospitalization.

Conclusions

Heart failure hospitalization denotes increased risk for kidney disease progression which continues following recovery from HF decompensation in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction.

Clinical Trial Registration: PARAGON‐HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ARB Global Outcomes in HF with Preserved Ejection Fraction), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01920711.
Real‐time droplet size analysis using laser micrometer as a process analytical technology tool for continuous dripping process
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Tian Ying , Zhang Sheng , Qu Haibin
Published: July 2022

Process analysis and monitoring during the manufacturing of the dripping pills are essential. However, research on developing sensor‐based technology or process analytical technology (PAT) tools to analyze and monitor the dripping process is minimal. The purpose of this work is to develop a fast and non‐destructive laser detection system for quantitative visualization of droplets, which involves detecting the size of the droplet and calculating the weight of the dripping pills during the dripping process. Several factors influencing the detection performance of the detection system and the detection system capability for quantitation of the pill weight were explored. The laser detection system accurately detects the weight of the dripping pills with the coefficients of determination (R2) higher than 0.99. It was also robust concerning the variation in critical process parameters and critical material attributes. Furthermore, the laser detection system was successfully applied to the production line of Ginkgo biloba leaf dripping pills to monitor the dripping pills weight. The proposed laser detection system can analyze and monitor the dripping process in dripping pill manufacturing with stable performance, high accuracy, and high efficiency.
Lentilactobacillus buchneri domination during the fermentation of Japanese traditional fermented fish (funazushi)
Authors: Tanabe Koichi , Monguchi Masaki , Inoue Ryoga , Zamami Rio , Nakanishi Ryo , Manabe Ayano , Oe Kaho , Komatsuzaki Noriko , Shima Jun
Published: July 2022

Funazushi is a Japanese traditional fermented fish made with boiled rice without the addition of microbial starter cultures. Isolates from various commercial funazushi products, as identified by 16S rDNA sequences, suggested that Lentilactobacillus buchneri strains are major lactic acid bacteria. Based on an analysis of the putative CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) region, the genetic diversity of L. buchneri strains was examined. The data suggested that the diversity of L. buchneri strains depended on the factories at which funazushi was produced. An analysis of samples during fermentation indicated that the transition of microbes occurred, and L. buchneri was the dominant species. To determine the factors associated with domination, bacteriocin production and environmental stress tolerance, including NaCl and organic acid (lactate and acetate) tolerance, were evaluated. L. buchneri isolates did not produce bacteriocin. Although the isolates did not exhibit NaCl tolerance, they displayed higher lactate tolerance than other lactic acid bacteria isolated during funazushi fermentation. Based on reports that L. buchneri can convert lactate to acetate, the previous and present results suggested that lactate tolerance and lactate conversion in L. buchneri could explain its domination in funazushi. Our study presented a model for the domination mechanisms of specific microbes in fermented foods by spontaneous fermentation.
Identification of the promising accessions of spistan (Cordia myxa Roxb.) using morphological and fruit‐related traits
Authors: Mirheidari Farhad , Khadivi Ali , Moradi Younes , Paryan Simin
Published: July 2022

Spistan (Cordia myxa Roxb.) is a potentially underutilized fruit plant in arid and semi‐arid regions. It has long been associated with health and nutrition. Morphological diversity of 75 accessions of this species was evaluated. The accessions studied showed significant differences in terms of the characters measured. Ripening date varied from late May to mid‐July. Fruit color was yellow‐cream in 54, light orange in 8, and orange in 13 accessions. The range of fruit weight was 0.71–11.83 g with an average of 3.12, while fruit flesh thickness ranged from 0.63 to 7.86 mm with an average of 2.55, and fruit jelly part thickness varied between 1.34 and 6.40 mm with an average of 2.75. Principal component analysis could describe the evaluated traits as the nine main components that were able to justify 79.04% of total variance. Hierarchical clustering showed that the accessions were placed into two main clusters using the measured traits data, exhibiting a wide range of variability. Based on the traits related to selection of the ideal genotype, such as big fruit size, high fruit flesh thickness with high yield, and longer harvesting period, 11 accessions, including Jangal‐4, Jangal‐9, Rask‐7, Jangal‐5, Jangal‐6, Jangal‐11, Rask‐1, Jangal‐1, Rask‐4, Rask‐5, and Rask‐2, were superior. It is recommended to use the best accessions selected in breeding programs. The commercial orchards of those best accessions should be extensively constructed to take advantage of the high yield of C. myxa as a crop and its medicinal properties.
Educational attainment polygenic scores, socioeconomic factors, and cortical structure in children and adolescents
Authors: Merz Emily C. , Strack Jordan , Hurtado Hailee , Vainik Uku , Thomas Michael , Evans Alan , Khundrakpam Budhachandra
Published: July 2022

Genome‐wide polygenic scores for educational attainment (PGS‐EA) and socioeconomic factors, which are correlated with each other, have been consistently associated with academic achievement and general cognitive ability in children and adolescents. Yet, the independent associations of PGS‐EA and socioeconomic factors with specific underlying factors at the neural and neurocognitive levels are not well understood. The main goals of this study were to examine the unique contributions of PGS‐EA and parental education to cortical structure and neurocognitive skills in children and adolescents, and the associations among PGS‐EA, cortical structure, and neurocognitive skills. Participants were typically developing 3‐ to 21‐year‐olds (53% male; N = 391). High‐resolution, T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired, and cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) were measured. PGS‐EA were computed based on the EA3 genome‐wide association study of educational attainment. Participants completed executive function, vocabulary, and episodic memory tasks. Higher PGS‐EA and parental education were independently and significantly associated with greater total SA and vocabulary. Higher PGS‐EA was significantly associated with greater SA in the left medial orbitofrontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus, which was associated with higher executive function. Higher parental education was significantly associated with greater SA in the left parahippocampal gyrus after accounting for PGS‐EA and total brain volume. These findings suggest that education‐linked genetics may influence SA in frontal regions, leading to variability in executive function. Associations of parental education with cortical structure in children and adolescents remained significant after controlling for PGS‐EA, a source of genetic confounding.
In vitro evaluation of the inhalation toxicity of the cosmetic ingredient aluminum chlorohydrate
Authors: Thá Emanoela Lundgren , Gagosian Viviana Stephanie Costa , Canavez Andrezza Di Pietro Micali , Schuck Desiree Cigaran , Brohem Carla Abdo , Gradia Daniela Fiori , de Freitas Rilton Alves , Prado Karin Braun , Cestari Marta Margarete , Lorencini Márcio , Leme Daniela Morais
Published: July 2022

Aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) is a major aerosol component frequently used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants, and in vivo studies have raised a concern about its inhalation toxicity. Still, few studies have addressed its effects on the human respiratory tract. Therefore, we developed a study on ACH inhalation toxicity using an in vitro human alveolar cell model (A549 cells) with molecular and cellular markers of oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, and epigenetic changes. The chemical characterization of ACH suspensions indicated particle instability and aggregation; however, side‐scatter analysis demonstrated significant particle uptake in cells exposed to ACH. Exposure of A549 cells to non‐cytotoxic concentrations of ACH (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/ml) showed that ACH induced reactive oxygen species. Moreover, ACH upregulated TNF, IL6, IL8, and IL1A genes, but not the lncRNAs NEAT1 and MALAT1. Finally, no alterations on the global DNA methylation pattern (5‐methylcytosine and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine) or the phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ‐H2AX) were observed. Our data suggest that ACH may induce oxidative stress and inflammation on alveolar cells, and A549 cells may be useful to identify cellular and molecular events that may be associated with adverse effects on the lungs. Still, further research is needed to ensure the inhalation safety of ACH.
Therapeutic effects of statins on osteoarthritis: A review
Authors: Saberianpour Shirin , Abolbashari Samaneh , Modaghegh Mohamad H. S. , Karimian Maryam S. , Eid Ali H. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease. The etiology of OA is considered to be multifactorial. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for OA, and the existing treatments are not very effective. Hypercholesterolemia is considered a novel risk factor for the development of OA. Statins act as a competitive inhibitor of the β‐hydroxy β‐methylglutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase and are widely used to manage hypercholesterolemia. Inhibition of HMG‐CoA reductase results in reduced synthesis of a metabolite named mevalonate, thereby reducing cholesterol biosynthesis in subsequent steps. By this mechanism, statins such as atorvastatin and simvastatin could potentially have a preventive impact on joint cartilage experiencing osteoarthritic deterioration by reducing serum cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin can protect cartilage degradation following interleukin‐1β‐stimulation. Atorvastatin stimulates the STAT1‐caspase‐3 signaling pathway that was shown to be responsible for its anti‐inflammatory effects on the knee joint. Simvastatin had chondroprotective effects on OA in vitro by reducing matrix metalloproteinases expression patterns. In this study, we tried to review the therapeutic effects of statins on OA.
Dilemmas when talking about Huntington's disease: A qualitative study of offspring and caregiver experiences in Norway
Authors: Kjoelaas Siri , Jensen Tine K. , Feragen Kristin B.
Published: July 2022

Research provides a compelling list of reasons why offspring should be included in honest conversations about disease when the disease affects their caregivers. Despite this, we lack in‐depth knowledge about how families affected by the severe and complex genetic condition Huntington's disease (HD) experience talking about the many aspects of how this disease affects their lives. This study aimed to provide an in‐depth exploration of how offspring with a caregiver with HD and caregivers with a partner with HD experienced talking about disease throughout childhood. Thematic analysis was conducted with semistructured interviews of both caregivers (n = 14) and offspring (n = 36) from families affected by HD, reflecting both current and past experiences. In addition to highlighting the many needs offspring have for knowledge and conversation about the disease with their caregivers, our findings also show that a variety of dilemmas can follow these conversations, including when to talk, what to say, how often HD should be talked about on a day‐to‐day basis, and whether to share disease‐related information with others outside the family. The findings show the complexity of talking with offspring about HD. A difficult task for both offspring and caregivers seemed to be finding out how to balance the many dilemmas that arise in conversations and how to use dialogue to best help offspring adapt and cope with the many challenges that can come with HD. The findings can assist health care professionals, such as genetic counselors, prepare, and guide families affected by HD in the many and complex conversations that arise about the disease, in turn helping offspring adjust and cope with their current lives or future lives affected by HD.
Clinical characteristics and illness course based on pathogen among children with respiratory illness presenting to an emergency department
Authors: Windsor W. Jon , Lamb Molly M. , Dominguez Samuel R. , Mistry Rakesh D. , Rao Suchitra
Published: July 2022

Upper respiratory illnesses due to viruses are the most common reason for pediatric emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. We explored the clinical characteristics, hospitalization risk, and symptom duration of children in an ED setting by respiratory pathogen including coinfections. A retrospective analysis was conducted from a randomized controlled trial evaluating a rapid molecular pathogen panel among 931 children 1 month to 18 years of age with acute respiratory illness. We assessed hospitalization risk by pathogen using multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance. Symptom duration was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Among 931 children, 702 (75%) were aged 0–5 years and 797 (85%) tested positive for a respiratory pathogen. Children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and human rhinovirus/enterovirus (HRV/EV) had higher hospitalization risk compared with influenza (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–7.45; 3.56, 95% CI: 1.05–12.02; aRR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.05–6.35, respectively). Children with RSV, parainfluenza and atypical bacterial pathogens had longer illness duration compared with influenza (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR]: 2.16 95% CI: 1.41–3.29; aHR: 1.67, 95% CI:1.06–2.64; aHR: 2.60 95% CI: 1.30–5.19, respectively). Children with RSV, hMPV, and atypical bacterial pathogens had higher illness severity and duration compared with other respiratory pathogens. Coinfection was not associated with increased illness severity.
Orientation Toward Intrinsic Motivation Mediates the Relationship Between Metacognition and Creativity
Authors: Urban Marek , Urban Kamila
Published: July 2022

Metacognition and motivation are considered key facets of self‐regulation in various contexts. Recent studies identified a link between metacognition and creative performance, with metacognitively aware students performing more creatively and exhibiting higher levels of intrinsic and identified extrinsic motivation. The present study aims to examine the relationship between metacognition, orientation toward intrinsic or extrinsic motivation, and creative performance. One hundred nineteen university students completed the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) and Scale of Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom and performed four verbal creativity tasks (product improvement task, consequences task, and two unusual uses tasks). The partial correlation network showed that all the creativity tasks were uniquely related to at least one facet of metacognition, and that the most complex task (product improvement task) was linked to both metacognitive knowledge and regulation. Furthermore, the structural equation model indicated that orientation toward intrinsic motivation mediated the relationship between metacognition and creative performance, explaining 16% of the variance in creative performance.
Dietary flavonoids: a novel strategy for the amelioration of cognitive impairment through intestinal microbiota
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Cheng Lu , Liu Yanan , Zhan Shengnan , Wu Zufang , Luo Songmei , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2022

The chances of people suffering from cognitive impairments increase gradually with age. Diet and lifestyle are closely related to the occurrence and development of cognitive function. Dietary flavonoid supplementation has been shown to be one of the protective factors against cognitive decline. Flavonoids belong to a class of polyphenols that have been proposed for the treatment of cognitive decline. Recent evidence has shown that intestinal flora in the human body can interact with flavonoids. Intestinal microbiota can modify the chemical structure of flavonoids, producing new metabolites, the pharmacological activities of which may be different from those of the parent; meanwhile, flavonoids and their metabolites can, in turn, regulate the composition and structure of intestinal flora. Notably, intestinal flora affect host nervous system activity through the gut‐brain axis, ultimately causing changes in cognitive function. This review therefore summarizes the interaction of dietary flavonoids and intestinal flora, and their protective effect against cognitive decline through the gut‐brain axis, indicating that dietary flavonoids may ameliorate cognitive impairment through their interaction with intestinal microbiota. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Editorial bias in top‐tier education journals: Factors influencing publishable scholarship in China
Authors: Jiang Xiaohua , Shi Yabing
Published: July 2022

Though not rare in the gatekeeping practices of journals, editorial bias in China has received scant scholarly attention. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 15 academics and 10 editors in the field of education and collecting data on more than 1,522 scholarly articles published by the Chinese journal Educational Research, we assessed the causes and consequences of editorial bias in a subset of the education journals covered by the Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI). Our findings indicate that the editorial biases revealed in some top‐tier Chinese education journals were associated mainly with academic fame, rank, and affiliation as well as personal relationships described by the term guanxi. The causes of these biases include the desire to secure the status of CSSCI‐listed journals, short‐staffed editorial teams, and an inadequate peer‐review system. Further, we found these biases to be associated with three particular negative consequences: slowing the professional development of young academics, allowing the publication of mediocre articles and compromising the Chinese academic environment. We conclude that journal editors, reviewers and academics must work together to safeguard a rigorous and constructive scholarly publishing system in China.
Guided Bone Regeneration with a Nitric‐Oxide Releasing Polymer Inducing Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis in Critical‐Sized Bone Defects
Authors: Won Jong‐Eun , Kim Won Jong , Shim Ji Suk , Ryu Jae Jun
Published: July 2022

Synthetic scaffolds, as bone grafts, provide a favorable environment for the repair and growth of new bone tissue at defect sites. However, the lack of angio‐ and osteo‐induction limits the usefulness of artificial scaffolds for bone regeneration. Nitric oxide (NO) performs essential roles in healing processes, such as regulating inflammation and addressing incomplete revascularization. In this study, a polymer capable of controlled NO release is developed to promote the osteogenic capacity in artificial scaffolds. The biological efficiency of the NO compound is assessed by its effect on pre‐osteoblasts and macrophages in vitro and the extent of vascularization and bone formation in the calvaria defect model in vivo. The compound does not inhibit cell adhesion or proliferation. NO treatment significantly increases both alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization in pre‐osteoblasts. Macrophages treated with NO secrete high levels of anti‐inflammatory factors and adopt the pro‐regenerative phenotype. In the critical‐sized defect model, the collagen scaffold containing the NO compound enhances neovascularization and bone formation. The developed NO‐releasing system promotes osteogenesis and regeneration of damaged bone tissue. As the multiple functions of NO involve macrophage modulation and angiogenesis, such release systems may be valuable for guiding bone regeneration in critical‐sized defects.
3D Printing GelMA/PVA Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Scaffolds Mediated with CuO Nanoparticles for Angiogenesis
Authors: Hu Qingxi , Lu Runsheng , Liu Suihong , Liu Yakui , Gu Yan , Zhang Haiguang
Published: July 2022

Biocompatible hydrogels have been considered one of the most well‐known and promising in various materials used in the fabrication of tissue‐engineering scaffolds. Although considerable progress has been made in recent decades, many limitations remain, such as poor mechanical and degradation properties of biomaterials. In addition, vascularization of tissue‐engineering scaffold is an enduring challenge, which limited the fabrication and application of scaffold with clinically relevant dimension. To cover these challenges, in this work, a novel nanocomposite interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) hydrogel scaffold consists of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) is fabricated by extrusion‐based 3D printing. A series of physiochemical and biological characterizations of the nanocomposite GelMA/PVA scaffolds are performed. Results showed that the mechanical and degradation properties of the nanocomposite GelMA/PVA scaffolds are obviously improved compared to GelMA scaffolds with single network. In vitro cell experiments and chick embryo angiogenesis (CEA) assay confirmed good cytocompatibility of the fabricated scaffold and its potential to promote cell migration and angiogenesis. In conclusion, altogether the results demonstrated that GelMA/PVA IPN scaffolds modified with CuONPs have great potential for fabrication of volumetric scaffolds and promote angiogenesis during tissue growth and repair.
Electrically Controlled Click‐Chemistry for Assembly of Bioactive Hydrogels on Diverse Micro‐ and Flexible Electrodes
Authors: Da Silva Aruã Clayton , Akbar Teuku Fawzul , Paterson Thomas Edward , Werner Carsten , Tondera Christoph , Minev Ivan Rusev
Published: July 2022

The seamless integration of electronics with living matter requires advanced materials with programmable biological and engineering properties. Here electrochemical methods to assemble semi‐synthetic hydrogels directly on electronically conductive surfaces are explored. Hydrogels consisting of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) and heparin building blocks are polymerized by spatially controlling the click reaction between their thiol and maleimide moieties. The gels are grown as conformal coatings or 2D patterns on ITO, gold, and PtIr. This study demonstrates that such coatings significantly influence the electrochemical properties of the metal‐electrolyte interface, likely due to space charge effects in the gels. Further a promising route toward engineering and electrically addressable extracellular matrices by printing arrays of gels with binary cell adhesiveness on flexible conductive surfaces is highlighted.
Graphical methods for understanding changes in states: Understanding medication use pathways
Authors: Wise Elizabeth A. , Adams Roy J. , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Leoutsakos Jeannie‐Marie
Published: July 2022

Objectives

As epidemiological studies become longer and larger, the field needs novel graphical methods to visualize complex longitudinal data. The aim of this study was to present the Slinkyplot, a longitudinal crosstabulation, to illustrate patterns of antidepressant use in a large prospective cohort of older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Methods

Data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center are used to track switches between different states and types of antidepressant use. A Slinkyplot is populated with rows representing the state of medication use at each timepoint and columns representing the state at each subsequent visit.

Results

The constructed Slinkyplots display the common practice of switching on and off different antidepressants over time, with citalopram, sertraline, and bupropion most commonly used followed by switching to another SSRI or SNRI as second‐line treatment.

Conclusions

Slinkyplots are an innovative graphical means of visualizing complex patterns of transitions between different states over time for large longitudinal studies.
Measuring and estimating insulin resistance in clinical and research settings
Authors: Gastaldelli Amalia
Published: July 2022

The article discusses how to measure insulin resistance in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue in human participants. The most frequently used methodologies to evaluate insulin resistance are described in detail starting from the gold standard, that is, the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, to the intravenous glucose tolerance test, surrogate indices based on fasting measurements, or dynamic tests (such as oral glucose or mixed meal tolerance tests). The accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of the tests as well as cutoff values are reported.
Neuropsychological, behavioral, and quality‐of‐life outcomes in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease treated with nonmyeloablative matched sibling donor hematopoietic cell transplantation: A case series
Authors: Fay‐McClymont Taryn B. , Monagel Dania A. , Singh Gurpreet , Schulte Fiona , Brooks Brian L. , MacAllister William S. , Désiré Naddley , Mineyko Aleksandra , Vasserman Marsha , Leaker Michael T. , Truong Tony H. , Shah Ravi , Lewis Victor A. , Yeates Keith Owen , Guilcher Gregory M. T.
Published: July 2022

Background/objectives

Despite advances in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD), cerebrovascular and cognitive insults can have lifelong consequences. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established curative therapy, and recent studies have demonstrated efficacy with reduced toxicity nonmyeloablative (NMA) regimens, but little is known about neuropsychological outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe neuropsychological, behavioral, and quality‐of‐life outcomes with medical correlates in children with SCD who received an NMA matched sibling donor (MSD) HCT.

Design/methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of nine recipients with hemoglobin SS SCD who underwent MSD HCT using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) NMA protocol.

Results

Mean full‐scale intellectual functioning (FSIQ) was average pre‐HCT (FSIQ = 92.1, SD 9.0; n = 8) and 2 years post‐HCT (mean FSIQ = 96.6; SD 11.1; N = 9). Neuropsychological functioning was largely average across all cognitive domains, and no pre/post‐HCT differences were found to be statistically significant given the small sample size. However, effect sizes revealed moderate improvements in processing speed (Cohen's d = .72) and verbal memory (Cohen's d = .60) post‐HCT, and declines in measures of attention (Cohen's d = −.54) and fine motor speed and dexterity (Cohen's d = −.94). Parents endorsed better quality of life (Cohen's d = .91), less impact of SCD on their family, and less worry about their child's future (Cohen's d = 1.44).

Conclusion

Neuropsychological functioning in a sample of children and adolescents treated uniformly with NMA MSD HCT remained stable or improved in most cognitive domains, and improvements in quality of life and family functioning were observed.
Aripiprazole sensitizes head and neck cancer cells to ionizing radiation by enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Jeong Hyeon‐Jeong , Jung Chan‐Woong , Kim Hee‐Jin , Park Byunghee , Moon Youna , Kim Jeong‐Yub , Park Myung‐Jin
Published: July 2022

Drug repositioning is an alternative process for drug development in cancer. Specifically, it is a strategy for the discovery of new antitumor drugs by screening previously approved clinical drugs. On the basis of this strategy, aripiprazole, an antipsychotic drug, was found to have anticancer activity. In this study, we investigated the radiosensitizing effects of aripiprazole on head and neck cancer cells at sublethal doses of ionizing radiation (IR) in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with aripiprazole suppressed the growth of head and neck cancer cells in a concentration‐dependent manner, as evidenced by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Intriguingly, aripiprazole significantly enhanced the sensitivity of these cells to the IC50 dose of IR. The combination of aripiprazole with IR synergistically increased annexin and propidium iodide double‐positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling‐positive cell populations, and induced cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and caspase‐3 expression, indicating the induction of apoptosis in these cells. Aripiprazole and IR‐induced apoptosis were accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species and was almost completely suppressed by the addition of the antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine. Finally, aripiprazole greatly sensitized xenograft tumors to IR at doses that did not affect tumor growth. Taken together, these results suggest that aripiprazole could be considered a potent radiosensitizer for head and neck cancer.
Influence of prazosin on systemic iron levels and the associated iron metabolic alterations in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Chang Hengrui , Zhang Dong , Xin Zhen , Zhang Pengfei , Ding Wenyuan , Chang Yan‐Zhong
Published: July 2022

The relationship between cardiovascular diseases and iron disorders has gained increasing attention; however, the effects of hypotensive drugs on iron metabolic alterations in hypertension are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate iron metabolic changes after prazosin treatment of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. Our second objective was to examine the effects of hypertension and anti‐hypertensive drugs on bone formation and resorption. SHRs and WKY rats were randomized into either prazosin‐treated groups (WKY + PZ and SHR + PZ) or untreated groups (WKY and SHR). After 7 days of intragastric prazosin administration, the rats were sacrificed for analysis; blood samples and organs (the duodenum, liver, kidneys, spleen, and femur) were collected. Both WKY + PZ and SHR groups exhibited iron deficiency in the serum and liver. Prazosin increased the iron levels in the bone tissue of SHRs. Prazosin stimulated the expression of hepcidin mRNA in the liver of SHRs and inhibited the expression of this iron‐regulatory hormone in WKY rats. FPN1 expression in the duodenum was increased significantly in SHRs, however markedly decreased after prazosin treatment. The expression of TLR4 and Ctsk was enhanced in the bone tissue of SHRs, whereas CLC‐7 expression was inhibited. Both hypotension and hypertension can lead to iron deficiency. Treatment with prazosin restored iron homeostasis in SHRs. The inverse impacts of prazosin on hepatic hepcidin expression in SHRs versus WKY rats indicates differing iron regulatory mechanisms between hypertensive and normal animals. The osteoclast activity was found to be enhanced in SHRs. Further study is needed to address whether the changes in osteoblast and osteoclast activity in SHRs correlates with the effects on iron metabolism.
Pneumatic spray delivery‐based solid set canopy delivery system for oblique banded leaf roller and codling moth control in a high‐density modern apple orchard
Authors: Sahni Ramesh K. , Ranjan Rakesh , Hoheisel Gwen‐Alyn , Khot Lav R. , Beers Elizabeth H. , Grieshop Matthew J.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Pneumatic spray delivery (PSD)‐based solid set canopy delivery systems (SSCDS) have demonstrated comparable spray deposition and reduced off‐target drift compared with axial‐fan airblast sprayers in high‐density apple orchards. An important next step is to quantify whether PSD‐based SSCDS can provide effective pest management. This study evaluated the biological efficacy of this fixed spray system variant and compared it with that of an axial‐fan airblast sprayer. Partial field trials were conducted in a commercial apple orchard (cv. Jazz) trained in tall spindle architecture. Insecticides were applied at a rate of 935 L ha−1 (100 gallons per acre) for both application systems. Twenty‐four hours after spraying, leaves and fruits were collected to prepare the laboratory bioassays enabling evaluation of efficacy against obliquebanded leafroller (OBLR) and codling moth (CM).

RESULTS

OBLR mortality for SSCDS, airblast sprayer and untreated control treatments after 24 h of larval exposure was 91%, 98% and 4%, respectively and increased to 98%, 100% and 19% after 48 h. First‐instar CM leaf bioassay mortality was 100% for SSCDS and airblast sprayer treatment, and 13% for the untreated control at 24 h post exposure. Larval CM mortality on fruit was 100% for SSCDS and airblast sprayer treatments, and 33% on the untreated control.

CONCLUSIONS

Insecticides applied using SSCDS and an airblast sprayer had comparable larval mortality in all three assays, significantly higher than the untreated controls. These results suggest that PSD‐based SSCDS may provide a viable alternative to axial‐fan airblast sprayers in high‐density apple orchards. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of longitudinal item response theory models to modeling Parkinson’s disease progression
Authors: Zou Haotian , Aggarwal Varun , Stebbins Glenn T. , Müller Martijn L. T. M. , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Pedata Anne , Stephenson Diane , Simuni Tanya , Luo Sheng
Published: July 2022

The Movement Disorder Society revised version of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) parts 2 and 3 reflect patient‐reported functional impact and clinician‐reported severity of motor signs of Parkinson’s disease (PD), respectively. Total scores are common clinical outcomes but may obscure important time‐based changes in items. We aim to analyze longitudinal disease progression based on MDS‐UPRDS parts 2 and 3 item‐level responses over time and as functions of Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stages 1 and 2 for subjects with early PD. The longitudinal item response theory (IRT) modeling is a novel statistical method addressing limitations in traditional linear regression approaches, such as ignoring varying item sensitivities and the sum score balancing out improvements and declines. We utilized a harmonized dataset consisting of six studies with 3573 subjects with early PD and 14,904 visits, and mean follow‐up time of 2.5 years (±1.57). We applied both a unidimensional (each part separately) and multidimensional (both parts combined) longitudinal IRT models. We assessed the progression rates for both parts, anchored to baseline H&Y stages 1 and 2. Both the uni‐ and multidimensional longitudinal IRT models indicate significant worsening time effects in both parts 2 and 3. Baseline H&Y stage 2 was associated with significantly higher baseline severities, but slower progression rates in both parts, as compared with stage 1. Patients with baseline H&Y stage 1 demonstrated slower progression in part 2 severity compared to part 3, whereas patients with baseline H&Y stage 2 progressed faster in part 2 than part 3. The multidimensional model had a superior fit compared to the unidimensional models and it had excellent model performance.
Extracting daily isotopic records on fish otolith (Trachurus japonicus) by combining micro‐milling and micro‐scale isotopic analysis (MICAL‐CF‐IRMS)
Authors: Muto Daichi , Ishimura Toyoho , Takahashi Motomitsu , Nishida Kozue
Published: July 2022

Rationale

The recent progress in micro‐scale isotopic analytical techniques for otoliths has enabled the reconstruction of the experienced water temperature history of fish in every few days resolution using the stable oxygen isotope ratio (δ18O) of otoliths. We aimed to improve those techniques and extract the daily δ18O records of otoliths formed during the juvenile period.

Methods

Growth rings were formed daily in fish otoliths. We precisely distinguished the daily rings in otoliths of Japanese jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus, and milled them along daily growth rings using a high‐spatial resolution micromilling system (Geomill326). Then, we determined the stable carbon and oxygen (δ13C, δ18O) isotopic compositions using a high‐precision micro‐scale isotopic analytical system (MICAL3c with IsoPrime 100).

Results

We successfully milled each daily ring with width ranging from 14.0 to 62.9 μm (average 27.0 μm) during the high growth period (30–70 days after hatching), and determined the isotopic compositions of otolith aragonite.

Conclusions

Our improved micro‐scale analytical method is the first to determine the daily δ18O history of fish otoliths. By using our method together with the δ18O – water temperature equation, the daily history of experienced water temperature can be elucidated. Our high‐resolution milling and analytical technique can also be applied to high‐resolution isotope analysis for stalactites, clams, and corals.