bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among US Adults With Vision or Hearing Disabilities
Authors: Turner Kea , Nguyen Oliver T. , Alishahi Tabriz Amir , Islam Jessica Y. , Hong Young-Rock
Published: August 2022

Importance

Despite persistent care delivery inequities, limited studies have assessed COVID-19 vaccination rates among adults with vision or hearing disabilities.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of and factors in COVID-19 vaccination among US adults with vision or hearing disabilities.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study assessed data from adults who participated in the US Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey from April 2021 through March 2022. The survey assessed COVID-19 vaccine initiation, vaccine series completion, and determinants of health care access, including demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and social determinants of health.

Exposures

Vision disability (serious difficulty seeing even with eyeglasses or blindness) and hearing disability (serious difficulty hearing even with a hearing aid or deafness).

Main Outcomes and Measures

First dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Adjusted estimated probabilities and 95% CIs of COVID-19 vaccine initiation were calculated using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for survey week, demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and social determinants of health.

Results

In this study of 916 085 US adults (weighted population, 192 719 992; mean [SD] age, 54.0 [15.9] years; 52.0% women), most participants had initiated the COVID-19 vaccine series (82.7%). Adults with serious difficulty seeing (mean difference, −6.3%; 95% CI, −7.5% to −5.1%; P < .001) and blindness (mean difference, −20.1%; 95% CI, −25.1% to −15.0%; P < .001) had lower vaccination rates compared with adults with little to no vision impairment. Adults with serious difficulty hearing (mean difference, −2.1%; 95% CI, −3.5% to −0.7%; P = .003) and deafness (mean difference, −17.7%; 95% CI, −21.8% to −13.6%; P < .001) were less likely to initiate the COVID-19 vaccine compared with adults with little to no hearing impairment. Controlling for other factors, adults with blindness (mean difference, −6.3%; 95% CI, −11.1% to −1.5%; P = .009) were less likely to initiate the COVID-19 vaccine compared with adults with little to no vision impairment. Controlling for other factors, adults with deafness (mean difference, −5.5%; 95% CI, −9.2% to −1.9%; P = .003) were less likely to initiate the COVID-19 vaccine compared with adults with little to no hearing impairment.

Conclusion and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that COVID-19 vaccine initiation is lower among adults with vision or hearing disabilities compared with adults without disabilities; this information may inform initiatives to promote equitable and accessible vaccination. Additional research may be needed to monitor COVID-19 vaccination disparities among adults with vision or hearing disabilities and to address disparities.
Family History of Psychiatric Disorders as a Risk Factor for Maternal Postpartum Depression
Authors: Zacher Kjeldsen Mette-Marie , Bricca Alessio , Liu Xiaoqin , Frokjaer Vibe G. , Madsen Kathrine Bang , Munk-Olsen Trine
Published: August 2022

Importance

Current evidence on the association between family history of psychiatric disorders and postpartum depression is inconsistent; family studies have identified familial risk of postpartum depression, whereas systematic reviews and umbrella reviews, compiling all risk factors for postpartum depression, often have not.

Objective

To investigate the association between family history of psychiatric disorders and risk of developing postpartum depression within 12 months post partum.

Data Sources

Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO in September 2021 and updated in March 2022, accompanied by citation and reference search.

Study Selection

Studies eligible for inclusion comprised peer-reviewed cohort and case-control studies reporting an odds ratio (OR) or sufficient data to calculate one for the association between family history of any psychiatric disorder and postpartum depression. Study selection was made by 2 independent reviewers: title and abstract screening followed by full-text screening.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Reporting was performed using the MOOSE checklist. Two reviewers independently extracted predefined information and assessed included studies for risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was investigated with meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses. Publication bias was investigated using a funnel plot, and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) was used to evaluate the overall certainty of the findings.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the pooled association between family history of psychiatric disorders and postpartum depression.

Results

A total of 26 studies were included, containing information on 100 877 women. Meta-analysis showed an increased OR of developing postpartum depression when mothers had a family history of psychiatric disorders (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.67-2.59; I2 = 57.14%) corresponding to a risk ratio of 1.79 (95% CI, 1.52-2.09), assuming a 15% postpartum depression prevalence in the general population. Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were in line with the primary analysis. The overall certainty of evidence was deemed as moderate according to GRADE.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, there was moderate certainty of evidence for an almost 2-fold higher risk of developing postpartum depression among mothers who have a family history of any psychiatric disorder compared with mothers without.
Lactate dehydrogenase predicting mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zan Xin , Deng Haidong , Zhang Yu , Wang Peng , Chong Weelic , Hai Yang , You Chao , Fang Fang
Published: August 2022

Objective

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been reported to be associated with outcomes after surgery in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but it is unclear if this is independent from other biomarkers and across all aSAH treatments. This study aims to assess whether LDH is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with aSAH and test whether the inclusion of LDH in a well‐established prediction model can improve discrimination and reclassification.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study at a tertiary academic medical center. This study measured baseline LDH levels taken at admission and longitudinal LDH levels (up to a month postadmission) to assess median, max, and trajectory LDH levels. The primary outcome was mortality at 90 days. Multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between LDH and outcomes. The full original Subarachnoid Hemorrhage International Trialists' (SAHIT) model was used as the reference model.

Results

In total, 3524 patients with aSAH were included. LDH at admission was independently associated with mortality at 90 days (quartile 4 vs. 1: odds ratio 1.60; 95% CI 1.08–2.37) and mortality at the longest follow‐up (quartile 4 vs. 1: hazard ratio1.72; 95% CI 1.34–2.20). Compared with the SAHIT model, the addition of three LDH (admission, max, and median) levels to the SAHIT model significantly improved the area under the curve and categorical net reclassification improvement for prediction mortality.

Interpretation

In patients with aSAH, LDH level is an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality. The incorporation of LDH into a well‐established prediction model improved the ability to predict the risk of death in patients with aSAH.
Pyroptosis Remodeling Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy Driven by Membrane Anchoring Photosensitizer
Authors: Wang Meng , Wu Min , Liu Xingang , Shao Shiyi , Huang Junmin , Liu Bin , Liang Tingbo
Published: August 2022

Immunotherapy, the most promising strategy of cancer treatment, has achieved promising outcomes, but its clinical efficacy in pancreatic cancer is limited mainly due to the complicated tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. As a highly inflammatory form of immunogenic cell death (ICD), pyroptosis provides a great opportunity to alleviate immunosuppression and promote systemic immune responses in solid tumors. Herein, membrane‐targeted photosensitizer TBD‐3C with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) feature to trigger pyroptosis‐aroused cancer immunotherapy via photodynamic therapy (PDT) is applied. The results reveal that pyroptotic cells induced by TBD‐3C could stimulate M1‐polarization of macrophages, cause maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), and activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs). Pyroptosis‐aroused immunological responses could convert immunosuppressive “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME) to immunogenic “hot” TME, which not only inhibits primary pancreatic cancer growth but also attacks the distant tumor. This work establishes a platform with high biocompatibility for light‐controlled antitumor immunity and solid tumor immunotherapy aroused by cell pyroptosis.
A Review on CO2‐Based Polyureas and Polyurea Hybrids
Authors: Li Hui , Cheng Haiyang , Zhao Fengyu
Published: August 2022

The utilization of CO2as a renewable and cheap carbon resource to produce fuels, chemicals and polymers has attracted more attention. This review will summarize the developments in the production of polymers like polyureas and polyurea hybrids with CO2as a monomer directly or indirectly. The influences of catalyst and the structure of diamine monomer on the molecular weight, thermal stability and mechanical properties of polyureas are discussed. In addition, the general properties and applications of functional CO2‐based polyureas are also described. A few examples of CO2‐based polyurea hybrids are also introduced. Finally, the future research priorities as well as the development trend of polyurea materials are depicted.
Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed Dipropargylic Amination to Access Bispropargylic Diamines
Authors: Ma Jingbo , Wang Xinhong , Liu Zhenting , Hu Xiangping
Published: August 2022

Herein we described the diastereo‐ and enantioselective copper‐catalyzed dipropargylic amination between propargylic acetates and diamines. The reaction features readily available substrates and broad functional group compatibility, as well as mild reaction conditions. Various synthetically valuable chiral bispropargylic diamines can be furnished in high yields with good to excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to 98% yield, >95 : 5 dr, >99% ee). The products further can be transformed into chiral bispropargylic diamines containing two internal alkyne groups and novel potential C2‐symmetric chiral tetraaza ligands without any loss of diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity.
Eosinophil‐derived interferon‐γ drives transmembrane protein 119–induced new bone formation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Jo Sungsin , Jin Bong Joon , Lee Seung Hoon , Jo Hye‐Ryeong , Park Joo Mi , Hwang Kyung‐Gyun , Rho Mina , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Cho Seok Hyun
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory sinonasal disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration and new bone formation. These changes indicate the severity and prognosis of CRSwNP and may be closely linked to each other.

Methods

We performed RNA sequencing to screen specific osteogenic molecules and validated transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119) expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry analyses. TMEM119 knockdown was performed to observe the downregulation of bone mineralization. We validated the bone‐forming activity of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and its signaling pathways in cultured primary sinus bone cells. Cellular sources of IFN‐γ were identified using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. Interleukin‐4–eosinophil–IFN‐γ axis and the effect of dupilumab were investigated in Eol‐1 cells.

Results

We observed elevated IFN‐γ levels and eosinophils in the nasal fluid and predominantly eosinophil‐derived IFN‐γ in the sinus mucosa of patients with CRSwNP. TMEM119 expression and bone‐forming activities were increased in the osteitic and primary sinus bone cells of CRSwNP. IFN‐γ treatment enhanced bone mineralization and TMEM119 expression via signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling. Moreover, TMEM119 knockdown inhibited sinus bone cell mineralization and dupilumab attenuated IFN‐γ secretion by IL4‐stimulated Eol‐1 cells.

Conclusion

Eosinophil‐derived IFN‐γ promotes the bone‐forming activities of sinus bone cells via the STAT1–TMEM119 signaling pathway. Interleukin‐4–eosinophil–IFN‐γ axis may be crucial for TMEM119‐mediated new bone formation in CRSwNP.
Pas de Deux of an NO Couple: Synchronous Photoswitching from a Double‐Linear to a Double‐Bent Ru(NO)2 Core under Nitrosyl Charge Conservation
Authors: Hasil Asma , Beck Daniel , Schröder Daniel , Pillet Sébastien , Wenger Emmanuel , Woike Theo , Klüfers Peter , Schaniel Dominik
Published: August 2022

The {Ru(NO)2}10 dinitrosylruthenium complex [Ru(NO)2(PPh3)2] (1) shows photo‐induced linkage isomerism (PLI) of a special kind: the two NO ligands switch, on photo‐excitation, synchronously from the ground state (GS) with two almost linear RuNO functions to a metastable state (MS) which persists up to 230 K and can be populated to ≈50 %. The MS was experimentally characterised by photo‐crystallography, IR spectroscopy and DS‐calorimetry as a double‐bent variant of the double‐linear GS. The experimental results are confirmed by computation which unravels the GS/MS transition as a disrotatory synchronous 50° turn of the two nitrosyl ligands. Although 1 shows the usual redshift of the N−O stretch on bending the MNO unit, there is no increased charge transfer from Ru to NO along the GS‐to‐MS path. In terms of the effective‐oxidation‐state (EOS) method, both isomers of 1 and the transition state are Ru−II(NO+)2 species.
A large non‐marine turtle from the Upper Cretaceous of Alabama and a review of North American “Macrobaenids”
Authors: Gentry Andrew D. , Kiernan Caitlín R. , Parham James F.
Published: August 2022

The abundant record of marine turtles from the Late Cretaceous of Appalachia contrasts with the relatively poor record of contemporaneous terrestrial and freshwater species. A new taxon from the Santonian‐Campanian of Alabama,Appalachemys ebersoleigen. et sp. nov., is described here and assigned to a grade of freshwater turtles known as “macrobaenids.”Appalachemyscan be differentiated from other “macrobaenids” by the presence of a nearly round carapace, deep nuchal emargination, and nine pairs of costals. With a carapace more than 80 cm in length,Appalachemysis among the largest freshwater turtles to ever inhabit North America. The absence of pre‐Campanian “macrobaenids” from Laramidia indicates that the North American distribution of this grade may have been restricted to Appalachia prior to the recession of the Western Interior Seaway. Phylogenetic analysis placesAppalachemysas the sister taxon to all post‐Santonian “macrobaenids.” Although the phylogeny lacks statistical support, it demonstrates morphological similarities between the K/Pg boundary speciesOsteopygis emarginatusand Maastrichtian‐Danian species referred toJudithemys. We, therefore, refer all but the Campanian type species ofJudithemysto the genusOsteopygis. A review of all North American “macrobaenid” occurrences reveals that despite originating in Asia, the record of the grade (as defined here) is predominantly North American. Future studies can test whether late Paleocene records in Asia and Europe resulted from dispersal from North America.
Effect of operating conditions on the hydrothermal valorization of sewage sludge
Authors: Madikizela Mbaliyezwe , Isa Yusuf Makarfi
Published: August 2022

This study followed a quantitative approach, with the purpose of converting municipal sewage to valuable bio‐oils. The sewage sludge was subjected to hydrothermal liquefaction in 60 mL stainless steel batch reactors, where the effects of temperature, solvent composition and solvent content were investigated, and all the other process parameters were maintained at constant values. Temperatures were explored between 220 and 370°C. The two solvents investigated were de‐ionized water (H2O) and ethanol (E) which were applied in the following compositions: 1:0, 1:1 and 0:1 (H2O:E). The five solvent contents (moisture contents) investigated were 75, 80, 85, 90 and 95 wt%. The temperature of 310°C emerged categorically as the optimal temperature across the various solvent contents. The best yield was achieved when H2O/E (1:1) performed as a co‐solvent at 85% solvent content and 310°C, which amounted to 40.69 wt%. Bio‐oils derived by the use of pure H2O solvent were overall the least effective in yielding high bio‐oil quantities. The lowest bio‐oil yield obtained was 6.42 wt% where pure H2O was the solvent at extreme conditions of 370°C and 95% solvent content. The order of efficiency of solvent content was as follows: 85% > 80% > 75% > 90% > 95%. Among the six temperatures investigated, the intermediate temperature, 310°C, gave the highest conversions. The highest conversion across all of the runs was 85.65% at 310°C with 90% solvent content using the co‐solvent H2O/E. The order of superiority of solvent was H2O/E > pure ethanol > pure water. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Nanoparticle‐based single molecule fluorescent probes
Authors: Chen Xueqian , Liu Yuhao , Liu Xiaoting , Lu Chao
Published: August 2022

Single molecule fluorescent probes have attracted considerable attention due to their ultimate sensitivity, fast response, low sample consumption, and high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Nanoparticles with outstanding optical properties make them perfect candidates for probes in the application of single molecule detection. In this review, we focus on various kinds of nanoparticles acting as single molecule fluorescent probes, including quantum dots, upconverting fluorescent nanoparticles, carbon dots, single‐wall carbon nanotubes, fluorescent nanodiamonds, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoclusters, and metallic nanoparticles. Optical properties of various nanoparticles and their recent application in single molecule fluorescent probes are explored. How nanoparticles boost the sensitivity of detection is emphasized in combination with different sensing strategies. Future trends of nanoparticles in single molecule detection are also discussed. We hope that this review can provide practical guidance for researchers who work on nanoparticle‐based single molecule fluorescent probes.
Two connected large epiploic appendixes make a loop: A case report
Authors: Zabihi Fariba , Mehri Ali , Etezadpour Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common cause of hospitalization in surgery ward and brings a notable morbidity and mortality with 30,000 annual deaths. In some cases, SBO develops due to the internal hernia. In this case, we present a case of internal hernia in a woman with normal large epiploic appendixes.
In‐situ Investigations of Co@Al2O3 Ammonia Decomposition Catalysts: The Interaction between Support and Catalyst
Authors: Weidenthaler Claudia , Schmidt Wolfgang , Leiting Sebastian , Ternieden Jan , Kostis Alexander , Ulucan Tolga Han , Budiyanto Eko
Published: August 2022

Cracking of ammonia, a hydrogen carrier with high storage capacity, gains increasing attention for fuel cell systems for heavy load transportation. In this work, we studied the influence of metal loading and synthesis temperatures on the properties of Co@Al2O3 catalysts. The combination of in situ bulk characterization methods with in situ surface spectroscopy provides insights into the structure‐property relation of the Co catalyst on the γ‐Al2O3 support. At too high temperatures, the formation of CoAl2O4 during synthesis or during the catalytic reaction itself results in inactive mixed metal aluminium spinels which do not contribute to the catalytic reaction. The amount of ‘active’ Co catalyst thus varies significantly as well as its catalytic activity. The latter is correlated to the size of the reduced Co particles on the alumina support. The experiments also highlight that the state of the catalyst changes after reaction which strongly emphasizes the necessity of in situ studies.
Acid‐Modulated Synthesis of Novel π‐Conjugated Microporous Polymers for Efficient Metal‐Free Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Bai Monika M. G. , Bramhaiah K. , Bhattacharyya Santanu , Rao Rajeswara M.
Published: August 2022

Simple synthetic modifications that tune the molecular structures, thereby the properties of the molecules, are of topical interest. Herein, we report the synthesis of two novel cationic rosaniline‐based conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) from identical monomers via simple acid modulation (Acetic acid and BF3 ⋅ Et2O). The condensation reaction of rosaniline with 2,4,6‐triformylphloroglucinol in acetic acid renders β‐ketoenamine‐linked CMP (CMP‐A) while changing the acid to BF3 ⋅ Et2O, the linkages transform to enol and undergoes BF2‐complexation, leading to boranil CMP (CMP‐B). BF2‐functionalities in boranil CMP significantly modified the optical and functional properties compared to β‐ketoenamine‐linked CMP. The cationic‐delocalization along with the extended π‐delocalization supported by chromophoric BF2‐groups allow CMP‐B to exhibit broad absorption spanning the visible to Near‐Infrared region (NIR). The absorption red‐edge of CMP‐B appears around 1277 nm (optical band gap ∼1.58 eV) while CMP‐A displays at 981 nm (optical band gap ∼1.83 eV). Most interestingly, as a photocatalyst, CMP‐B catalyzes hydrogen evolution with a superior rate of 252 μmol g−1 over CMP‐A (100 μmol g−1). It is about 2.5 times higher performance. The transient photocurrent measurements, electrochemical impedance data, and in‐depth mott‐Schottky analysis demonstrate that the BF2‐group in CMP‐B generates photoinduced charge carriers and their migration towards the active sites for photocatalysis. These polymers show significant photocatalytic H2 generation without any supportive metal co‐catalyst. The BF2 complexed building blocks are a unique class of metal‐free photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution through green and cost‐effective approach.
Post‐disturbance evolution of a prograded foredune barrier during a sustained dynamic restoration project—the role of wind speed, wind direction and vegetation
Authors: Konlechner Teresa Maree , Hilton Michael John
Published: August 2022

Disturbed (de‐vegetated) coastal dunes can follow divergent evolutionary pathways, evolving to one of a range of possible morphologies in response to spatial and temporal variations in windiness (i.e. the speed and direction of competent winds) or vegetation cover (i.e. the magnitude and rate of vegetation loss). Here we examine the influence of these factors on the evolution of two adjacent barriers during a sustained dune restoration programme, at Doughboy Bay, Aotearoa/New Zealand. We document a shift from a stable prograded foredune barrier to a mobile dune state over a 15‐year period. The spatial and temporal patterns of sedimentation across the barriers reflect alongshore variations in incident wind direction. Changes in vegetation resulted from an alongshore gradient in wind speed, with little decline in vegetation cover recorded towards the more sheltered sections of the dunes and almost total loss of vegetation towards the centre of the bay. Subsequent changes in vegetation cover continued to reflect these gradients in wind speed and direction, with an increase in vegetation cover associated with relatively sheltered sections of coast and a continued decline or no change in vegetation cover across the more exposed parts of the barriers. Finally, localized sediment accumulation across both barriers is strongly associated with the presence of dune‐building species. This case demonstrates the influence of wind speed, wind direction and vegetation on post‐disturbance foredune morphologies and barrier development. We propose a three‐stage conceptual model of barrier evolution consistent with existing biogeomorphic disturbance models: (1) an initial ‘reaction’ phase, characterized by high vegetation cover and relatively little topographic change; (2) an ‘activation’ phase, characterized by low vegetation cover and rapid rates of topographic change; and (3) a ‘stabilization’ phase, characterized by increasing vegetation cover and topographic stability. Dune restoration interventions of this type would clearly benefit from an analysis of incident wind conditions prior to commencement and careful consideration of where and how to reintroduce native sand‐binding species.
No evidence that seaweed cover enhances the deterioration of natural cement‐based mortar in intertidal environments
Authors: Baxter Timothy , Coombes Martin , Viles Heather
Published: August 2022

The breakdown of rocks and engineering materials in marine environments is both enhanced and retarded by surface‐colonizing marine organisms (seaweed, barnacles, etc.). However, the impact of marine growth on the deterioration of materials used to construct and repair maritime heritage assets, such as natural cement, is poorly understood.

This study assesses whether seaweed cover (Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus serratus) influences the breakdown of mortar prepared using natural cement through an exposure trial at Portland Port, Dorset, UK. Using microclimate monitoring and three different indicators of weathering and material breakdown (surface hardness, surface roughness and ultrasonic pulse velocity), samples of mortar with and without a cover of seaweed were compared after 6 months of exposure to intertidal conditions. Our results show that temperature variations were significantly dampened under seaweed canopies compared to uncovered substrate both in summer and winter. As mechanical rock weathering processes are influenced by surface temperature regimes, we infer that these stabilizing effects may translate to a reduction in the efficacy of particular rock breakdown processes. Seaweed cover was not found to have significant effects on the surface hardness of the samples. Conversely, significant differences in surface roughness and pulse velocity were observed, indicating that the seaweed‐covered samples experienced less surface and subsurface breakdown.

Overall, we found no evidence that seaweed significantly enhances the deterioration of natural cement‐based mortar during the first few months of exposure. Instead, we present the first empirical evidence of the bioprotective potential of seaweed covering materials commonly used in maritime built heritage restoration. Future work is now needed to examine the geomorphic roles of seaweed and other marine organisms on different types of materials used in maritime heritage conservation, and the extent to which their impacts on different deteriorative/protective processes vary in time and space, particularly under future climatic scenarios.
Significance of nuclear EGFR and ABCG2 expression in malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders
Authors: Tarle Marko , Müller Danko , Raguž Marina , Lukšić Ivica
Published: August 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of nuclear EGFR (nEGFR) and the stem cell marker ABCG2 in oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral erythroplakia (OE) and to assess their significance as prognostic biomarkers for malignant transformation.

Methods

In this study we included 50 patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), 31 with OL and 19 with OE, in whom we examined the expression of nEGFR and ABCG2 by immunohistochemical methods.

Results

Twenty‐one (42%) of 50 patients with OL and OE developed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The malignant transformation was increased 12,84‐fold (95% CI, 2.15–76.44, p = 0.005) in OPMD expressing both ABCG2 and nEGFR. Expression of nEGFR is a strong indicator of malignant transformation, unlike ABCG2 expression, respectively.

Conclusions

Determining the co‐expression of the biomarkers nEGFR and ABCG2 in OPMD may serve us to determine the risk of malignant transformation in OSCC.
Ramification of healthcare expenditure on morbidity rates and life expectancy in the association of southeast asian nations countries: A dynamic panel threshold analysis
Authors: Abbasi Babar Nawaz , Sohail Ali
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study has investigated the impact of healthcare expenditure on life expectancy and morbidity rates in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to analyse whether health expenditure remains a critical component of improving health status and to determine the threshold value at which health strategy becomes cost‐effective from 2000 to 2019.

Methods

The techniques employed include the Dynamic Panel Threshold model advanced by Seo et al. (2019) to implement Seo and Shin's (2016) proposed first‐differenced generalised method of moments (GMM) estimation. Furthermore, the dynamic system GMM and Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) techniques were also employed for robustness check.

Results

The findings revealed that healthcare expenditure raises life expectancy and lowers the crude death rate, infant mortality rate, and maternal mortality rate. Therefore, healthcare expenditure is increasing life expectancy and reducing crude death rate, infant mortality rate, and maternal mortality rate. However, when disaggregating the impact, that of public healthcare expenditure is higher than that of private except in the case of infant mortality rate where that of private is higher. In addition, it found that the threshold value at which health strategy becomes cost‐effective, thus the amount which the countries should spend for health status improvement is at least 6% and above of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Conclusion

Healthcare expenditure is raising life expectancy and lowering the morbidity rate of the countries. Furthermore, the cost‐effective level of the country's healthcare expenditure as a proportion of GDP is 6% and above.
Targeting YAP1/TAZ in nonsmall‐cell lung carcinoma: From molecular mechanisms to precision medicine
Authors: Mui Chun Wai , Chan Wai Nok , Chen Bonan , Cheung Alvin Ho‐Kwan , Yu Jun , Lo Kwok Wai , Ke Huixing , Kang Wei , To Ka Fai
Published: August 2022

Accumulating evidence has underscored the importance of the Hippo‐YAP1 signaling in lung tissue homeostasis, whereas its deregulation induces tumorigenesis. YAP1 and its paralog TAZ are the key downstream effectors tightly controlled by the Hippo pathway. YAP1/TAZ exerts oncogenic activities by transcriptional regulation via physical interaction with TEAD transcription factors. In solid tumors, Hippo‐YAP1 crosstalks with other signaling pathways such as Wnt/β‐catenin, receptor tyrosine kinase cascade, Notch and TGF‐β to synergistically drive tumorigenesis. As YAP1/TAZ expression is significantly correlated with unfavorable outcomes for the patients, small molecules have been developed for targeting YAP1/TAZ to get a therapeutic effect. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the deregulation of Hippo‐YAP1 pathway in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, discuss the molecular mechanisms of its dysregulation in leading to tumorigenesis, explore the therapeutic strategies for targeting YAP1/TAZ, and provide the research directions for deep investigation. We believe that detailed delineation of Hippo‐YAP1 regulation in tumorigenesis provides novel insight for accurate therapeutic intervention.
Deep learning captures selective features for discrimination of microsatellite instability from pathologic tissue slides of gastric cancer
Authors: Lee Sung Hak , Lee Yujin , Jang Hyun‐Jong
Published: August 2022

Microsatellite instability (MSI) status is an important prognostic marker for various cancers. Furthermore, because immune checkpoint inhibitors are much more effective in tumors with high level of MSI (MSI‐H), MSI status is routinely tested in multiple cancer types. Therefore, many studies have tested the feasibility of deep learning (DL)‐based prediction of MSI status from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained tissue slides. In the present study, we attempted a fully automated classification of MSI status in gastric cancer (GC) tissue slides. For frozen and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) GC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the areas under the curves (AUCs) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.893 and 0.902, respectively. The classifier trained with the TCGA FFPE tissues performed well on an external validation Asian FFPE cohort, with an AUC of 0.874. However, the DL‐based classifier seems incompatible with cancers from different organs because morphologic features of MSI‐H tissues are different. Analysis of histomorphologic features of MSI‐H GC tissues suggested that MSI‐H GC could largely be divided into two groups: intestinal type tumors with moderate to poor differentiation and diffuse type mucinous tumors. However, the recognizable morphologic features cannot completely explain the good performance of the DL‐based classifier. These results indicate that DL could automatically learn the optimal features for discrimination of MSI status in GC tissue slides. This study demonstrated the potential of a DL‐based MSI classifier as a screening tool for definitive cases.
Research advances in nanomedicine applied to the systemic treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Yin Luxi , Li Haozhe , Shi Linlin , Chen Keda , Pan Hongming , Han Weidong
Published: August 2022

The systematic treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) still has room for improvement. The efficacy of chemotherapy, that of anti‐vascular therapy, and that of immunotherapy have been unsatisfactory. In recent years, nanomaterials have been used as carriers to improve the bioavailability of anticancer drugs. For the treatment of colorectal cancer, nanodrugs increase the possibility of more precise targeted delivery. However, the actual benefits may cover more aspects. Nanocarriers can produce synergistic effects with anticancer drugs, including the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and co‐delivery of a variety of drugs. Currently, immunotherapy has very limited clinical applications in CRC. Modified nanocarriers can activate the immune microenvironment, which can be used for staging antigen recognition or the immune response. Cancer vaccines based on nanomaterials and modified immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown therapeutic potential in animal models. Considering the direct or indirect relationship between the intestinal microflora and CRC, a variety of nanodrugs that regulate microbial function have been explored as an anticancer strategy, and the special structure of microorganisms can also be used as a basis for improving the delivery of traditional nanoparticles (NPs). This review summarizes recent research performed on nanocarriers in in vivo and in vitro models and the synergistic anticancer effects of nanocarriers, focusing on the interaction between NPs and the body, resulting in enhanced efficacy and immune activation. Furthermore, this review describes the current trend of NPs used in the treatment of CRC.
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Authors: Geng Xiangshun , Zhang Peigen , Ren Jun , Dun Guan‐Hua , Li Yuanyuan , Jin Jialun , Wang Chaolun , Wu Xing , Xie Dan , Tian He , Yang Yi , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: August 2022

A mixed‐dimensional van der Waals (vdW) graphene/perovskite photodetector is fabricated by directly growing single crystal CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite on monolayer graphene. The hybrid device achieves self‐powering behavior and exhibits comprehensive photoresponse properties, including a fast response time (2.05 µs), high detectivity (4.65×1012 Jones), and strong responsivity (10.41 A W‐1). This prominent performance is mainly attributed to the high‐quality graphene/perovskite heterojunction suppressing the dark current and the strong interface coupling caused by the effective transport of photo‐generated carriers. This work (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12347) provides an effective guideline for the development of next‐generation directly integrated vdW optoelectronic devices.

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Induction of angiogenesis and neural progenitor cells by basic fibroblast growth factor‐releasing polyglycolic acid sheet following focal cerebral infarction in mice
Authors: Ito Yoshiro , Oyane Ayako , Yasunaga Mayu , Hirata Koji , Hirose Motohiro , Tsurushima Hideo , Ito Yuzuru , Matsumaru Yuji , Ishikawa Eiichi
Published: August 2022

Biodegradable sheets loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are prepared as novel bFGF‐releasing systems from polyglycolic acid nonwoven fabric by oxygen plasma treatment followed by bFGF adsorption. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of this system on a focal cerebral infarction model (CB‐17 mouse). A preliminary in vitro study showed that this system released bFGF in an acellular culture medium, thereby keeping the bFGF concentration in the medium at ≥5 ng/ml for a prolonged period of 7 days. The released bFGF from this system retained its biological activity to enhance endothelial tube formation in vitro. In a mouse model of subacute focal cerebral infarction, this system increased the expression of endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor in the peri‐infarct cortex and subventricular zone, promoted angiogenesis in the striatum, and increased neural progenitor cells in the peri‐infarct cortex. Thus, this bFGF‐releasing system has the potential to be a novel therapeutic approach for cerebral infarction.
Exercise Reduces the Number of Overall and Major Osteoporotic Fractures in Adults. Does Supervision Make a Difference? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Isabelle , Shojaa Mahdieh , Kohl Matthias , von Stengel Simon , Becker Clemens , Gosch Markus , Jakob Franz , Kerschan-Schindl Katharina , Kladny Bernd , Clausen Jürgen , Lange Uwe , Middeldorf Stefan , Peters Stefan , Schoene Daniel , Sieber Cornel , Tholen Reina , Thomasius Friederike , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A , Uder Michael , Kemmler Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021250467) was to evaluate the effects of exercise on low-trauma overall and major osteoporotic fractures (hip, spine, forearm, or humerus fractures) and to determine the corresponding effect of supervision of the exercise program. Our systematic search of six literature databases according to the PRISMA guideline was conducted from January 1, 2013 (ie, date of our last search) to May 22, 2021, and included controlled clinical exercise trials with (i) individuals aged ≥45 years, (ii) cohorts without therapies/diseases related to fractures, (iii) observation periods of ≥3 months, and (iv) the number of low-trauma fractures listed separately for the exercise (EG) and control (CG) groups. We included 20 intervention studies with 21 EGs and 20 CGs comprising a pooled number of participant-years of n = 11.836 in the EG and n = 11.275 in the CG. The mixed-effects conditional Poisson regression revealed significant effects of exercise on low-trauma overall incidence (rate) ratio (IR 0.67, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.51–0.87) and major osteoporotic fractures IR (0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.92). Heterogeneity between the trials was moderate for low-trauma overall (I2 = 40%) and negligible (I2 < 1%) for major osteoporotic fractures. Supervision of the exercise program plays a significant role in the reductions of overall and major osteoporotic fractures with IR about twice as favorable in the predominately supervised (IR 0.44; 95% CI 0.27–0.73 and 0.38; 0.19–0.76) versus the predominately non-supervised exercise trials (IR 0.83; 95% CI 0.60–1.14 and 0.82; 0.64–1.05). In summary, the present study provides evidence for the positive effect of exercise on low-trauma overall and major osteoporotic fractures in middle aged to older adults. Supervision of the exercise program is a crucial aspect in exercise programs on fracture reduction. Thus, home-based exercise protocols should increasingly implement online classes to ensure widely consistent supervision and monitoring of the exercise program. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Protective effects of fargesin on cadmium‐induced lung injury through regulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Ma Rui , Wang Juan
Published: August 2022

Fragesin, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to exert anti‐inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to figure out the possible effectiveness of the fargesin, and to invest the mechanisms by which it works in the cadmium‐induced lung injury in mice. Fargesin was given 1 h before cadmium treatment for 7 days. Then, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested to test inflammatory cells and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. Lung histopathological changes, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activation were measured. Fargesin dose‐dependently reduced inflammatory cells and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in BALF, improved lung histopathological injury, and inhibited lung wet/dry ratio and MPO activity. Furthermore, fargesin inhibited cadmium‐induced NF‐κB activation. In addition, fargesin was found to increase AhR expression. In conclusion, fargesin attenuates cadmium‐induced lung injury may be via activating AhR, which subsequently suppressing the inflammatory response.
Methoxy‐activated indole‐7‐carbohydrazides; synthesis, antioxidant, and anticancer properties
Authors: Kandemir Hakan , İzgi Samet , Cınar Irfan , Cebeci Fatma , Dirican Ebubekir , Saglam Mehmet F. , Sengul Ibrahim F.
Published: August 2022

Indole has been known as a key heterocyclic motif in the development of new structures for both chemical and biological properties. In this current study, a new range of indole‐7‐carbohydrazides has been successfully synthesized starting from the readily available 3‐phenyl and 2,3‐diphenyl 4,6‐dimethoxyindoles. The structures of the novel compounds were confirmed by utilizing1H NMR,13C NMR, FT‐IR, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and single crystal X‐ ray diffraction techniques. In addition, the indole‐7‐carbohydrazides showed promising antioxidant results in preliminary screens. Some of the new compounds generated from dimethoxy indoles were also screened for their anticancer activity against SH‐SHY5Y (human neuroblastoma), AGS (human gastric adenocarcinoma), and MDA‐MB‐231 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines. The results revealed that the compound12was the promising candidate, showing cytotoxic effects on both neuroblastoma, stomach, and breast cancer cells.
Ultrarapid and ultrasensitive detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in COVID‐19 patients via a 3D‐printed nanomaterial‐based biosensing platform
Authors: Ali Md. Azahar , Zhang George Fei , Hu Chunshan , Yuan Bin , Jahan Sanjida , Kitsios Georgios D. , Morris Alison , Gao Shou‐Jiang , Panat Rahul
Published: August 2022

Rapid detection of antibodies during infection and after vaccination is critical for the control of infectious outbreaks, understanding immune response, and evaluating vaccine efficacy. In this manuscript, we evaluate a simple ultrarapid test for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in COVID‐19 patients, which gives quantitative results (i.e., antibody concentration) in 10–12 s using a previously reported nanomaterial‐based three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed biosensing platform. This platform consists of a micropillar array electrode fabricated via 3D printing of aerosolized gold nanoparticles and coated with nanoflakes of graphene and specific SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens, including spike S1, S1 receptor‐binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid (N). The sensor works on the principle of electrochemical transduction, where the change of sensor impedance is realized by the interactions between the viral proteins attached to the sensor electrode surface and the antibodies. The three sensors were used to test samples from 17 COVID‐19 patients and 3 patients without COVID‐19. Unlike other serological tests, the 3D sensors quantitatively detected antibodies at a concentration as low as picomole within 10–12 s in human plasma samples. We found that the studied COVID‐19 patients had higher concentrations of antibodies to spike proteins (RBD and S1) than to the N protein. These results demonstrate the enormous potential of the rapid antibody test platform for understanding patients' immunity, disease epidemiology and vaccine efficacy, and facilitating the control and prevention of infectious epidemics.
How the CMIP6 climate models project the historical terrestrial GPP in China
Authors: Zhang Chi , Qi Wei , Dong Jinwei , Deng Yu
Published: August 2022

Gross primary production (GPP) is an important indicator that measures the carbon uptake by vegetation through photosynthesis. How the latest climate models project GPP is critical for climate change evaluation and ecosystem prediction. This study compares the historical runs of seven climate models joining CMIP6 with an observation‐based dataset from 1980 to 2013 in China. It is found that BCC‐CSM2‐MR and MPI‐ESM1‐2‐HR from Beijing Climate Center and the Max Planck Institute give the best estimation of climatological GPP at both regional and national scales. MPI‐ESM1‐2‐HR performs much better than others in characterizing the spatial structure in regions other than the temperate continental, while CMCC‐CM2‐SR5 from Italy performs the best in the temperate monsoonal. No climate model can capture well the GPP interannual variation even over one climate zone. BCC‐CSM2‐MR is a not‐too‐bad choice as it provides the most positively and significantly correlated GPP grids with observations. Further analyses reveal that BCC‐CSM2‐MR and CMCC‐CM2‐SR5 can well capture ecosystem response to climate over regions except for the Tibetan Plateau. With the response parameters and the observational climate, the two climate models can simply rebuild the GPP variabilities as the observational. Over the Tibetan Plateau, all climate models produce spuriously too large precipitation, which turns precipitation from the most confining into no longer significantly influential to the ecosystem. It highlights the urgency to improve the modelling of the Plateau climate and the corresponding ecosystem‐climate feedbacks.
Interfacial Bionic Design and Performance Evaluation of Polyacrylonitrile Fiber@SBS Modified Binder
Authors: Xing Susu , Liu Yu , Muhammad Yaseen , He Lu , Yang Ling , Tang Xiaqing , Pei Ruinan , Zhao Zhenxia , Li Jing
Published: August 2022

The mechanical properties of fiber composites are greatly affected by the interfacial interactions between the fibers and matrix, and hence the study of interfacial properties becomes critical. This study demonstrates a simple and effective interfacial modification process using polydopamine (PDA) coating with ZnO nanorods to construct a multi‐scale bionic structure on the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, which is conducive to increasing the bonding area and enhancing the load transfer, thus boosting the mechanical properties of the modified fiber‐incorporated asphalt binder. The cone penetration test and thermogravimetric analysis show that the octopus‐inspired multiscale PAN fiber (OIM‐PAN) composite styrene butadiene styrene modified binder (SBS/MB) has better shear strength and thermal stability. Dynamic shear rheometer test shows that the deformation resistance and viscoelastic properties of the fiber composite SBS/MB are enhanced compared with SBS/MB, and the OIM‐PAN composite SBS/MB (OIM‐PAN@SBS/MB) exhibits the best deformation resistance and viscoelastic properties. Thus, it can be concluded that this interfacial modification process can significantly improve the mechanical properties of fiber–asphalt composites by introducing a third phase between the fiber and asphalt interface to achieve functionally graded material properties and enhance the load transfer between the interfaces for large‐scale applications in road engineering and construction sites.