bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience with the ketogenic diet in premature neonates
Authors: Phitsanuwong Chalongchai , Kim Jeong‐A , Schimpf Stephanie , Nordli Douglas R.
Published: November 2022

The ketogenic diet is a time‐tested, potent, nonpharmacological treatment of epilepsy. However, the use of the ketogenic diet in premature neonates with epilepsy has not been previously reported. We share our experience with the use of ketogenic diet therapy in two premature neonates. Two identical twin premature neonates with SCN2A‐related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, whose seizures were refractory to multiple anti‐seizure medications, were started on the classic ketogenic diet at the conceptual age of 35 weeks. Ketosis was achieved and maintained (range 2‐5 mmol/L of serum beta‐hydroxybutyrate level). Seizure frequency was significantly reduced (>90% reduction in both patients), and some anti‐seizure medications were able to be discontinued. Initial transient weight loss and one episode of asymptomatic hypoglycemia were observed and corrected. The ketogenic diet was found to be a safe, well‐tolerated, and effective treatment for seizures in two premature neonates. The side effects are tolerable and correctable. The ketogenic diet, therefore, is a treatment option for refractory seizures in this age group, when administered under expert guidance.
Verbal memory following weight gain in adult patients with anorexia nervosa: A longitudinal study
Authors: Terhoeven Valentin , Faschingbauer Sandra , Huber Julia , Herzog Wolfgang , Friederich Hans‐Christoph , Simon Joe J. , Nikendei Christoph
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) show a moderate deficit in overall neuropsychological functioning. Since previous studies on memory performance mainly employed cross‐sectional designs, the present study aims to investigate changes in verbal memory following weight‐gain.

Methods

Verbal memory was assessed with the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (WMS‐R; ‘logical memory’‐story‐recall‐subtest) and the California Verbal Learning Test‐II (CVLT‐II; ‘verbal learning’). Included were 31 female patients with AN (18 restricting‐, 13 purging‐subtype; average disease duration: 5.1 years; average baseline BMI: 14.4 kg/m2) and 24 medication‐free normal‐weight healthy women adjusted for age at baseline (T0). In a post‐treatment assessment of approx. 6 weeks with weight increase (T1), 18 patients with AN and 20 healthy women were assessed again. Group differences in verbal memory (i.e., WMS‐R, CVLT‐II) were assessed for the baseline comparisons with a multivariate ANOVA and longitudinal data were analysed with repeated measures (RM) ANOVAs.

Results

At baseline, patients with AN as compared to healthy women displayed deficits in logical memory. In the follow‐up assessment, patients with AN improved their logical memory significantly compared to healthy controls (p < 0.006). Furthermore, groups did not differ in verbal learning neither before nor after inpatient treatment.

Conclusions

Enhanced logical memory in patients with AN following weight‐gain is probably due to the impaired memory as compared to healthy controls at T0. A survivorship bias could explain the improved memory performance in longitudinal data in contrast to cross‐sectional studies. Patients with AN with poorer memory performance before inpatient treatment are at higher risk to drop out and need support.
White matter brain structure predicts language performance and learning success
Authors: Sánchez Stella M. , Schmidt Helmut , Gallardo Guillermo , Anwander Alfred , Brauer Jens , Friederici Angela D. , Knösche Thomas R.
Published: November 2022

Individual differences in the ability to process language have long been discussed. Much of the neural basis of these, however, is yet unknown. Here we investigated the relationship between long‐range white matter connectivity of the brain, as revealed by diffusion tractography, and the ability to process syntactically complex sentences in the participants' native language as well as the improvement thereof by multiday training. We identified specific network motifs by singular value decomposition that indeed related white matter structural connectivity to individual language processing performance. First, for two such motifs, one in the left and one in the right hemisphere, their individual prevalence significantly predicted the individual language performance, suggesting an anatomical predisposition for the individual ability to process syntactically complex sentences. Both motifs comprise a number of cortical regions, but seem to be dominated by areas known for the involvement in working memory rather than the classical language network itself. Second, we identified another left hemispheric network motif, whose change of prevalence over the training period significantly correlated with the individual change in performance, thus reflecting training induced white matter plasticity. This motif comprises diverse cortical areas including regions known for their involvement in language processing, working memory and motor functions. The present findings suggest that individual differences in language processing and learning can be explained, in part, by individual differences in the brain's white matter structure. Brain structure may be a crucial factor to be considered when discussing variations in human cognitive performance, more generally.
Effects of Medicare Part D coverage gap closure on utilization of branded and generic drugs
Authors: Liu Judith , Zhang Yuting , Kaplan Cameron M.
Published: November 2022

The Affordable Care Act included a provision to gradually eliminate the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap between 2011 and 2020, which substantially lower medication costs in the gap. Using 2007–2016 Medicare claims data, we estimate how filling the gap affects individuals' out‐of‐pocket spending and medication use, separately for branded and generic drugs. One important difficulty in estimating the policy impact is that around the same time, many blockbuster drugs commonly used by the Medicare population experienced patent expiration and began to see generic entry. Because generic entries affected different therapeutic classes at different times, we run difference‐in‐differences models by therapeutic category at the beneficiary‐month level to isolate the effect of the gap closure from that of generic entry. Overall, we find that filling the gap substantially reduced out‐of‐pocket spending and increased the use of branded drugs, which had larger discount rates during the analysis period. Beneficiaries reaching the gap, at older ages, or with comorbidities experienced larger reduction in out‐of‐pocket spending. We show that without accounting for generic entry, the effect of filling the coverage gap on medication use is underestimated for branded drugs and overestimated for generic drugs.
Comparison of visfatin levels in patients with breast cancer and endometrial cancer with healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghaneialvar Hori , Shiri Samira , Kenarkoohi Azra , Fallah Vastani Zahra , Ahmadi Alireza , Khorshidi Ali , Khooz Roghayeh
Published: November 2022

Background and aims

Endometrial cancer (EC) and breast cancer (BC) are prevalent in women. Visfatin is an adipokine that, in addition to being involved in metabolism and inflammation, may also be interested in carcinogenesis. Visfatin measurement in cancer patients has shown that visfatin levels in cancer patients differed from those in healthy subjects. Various studies have shown that the level of visfatin is increased in people within EC and BC, and this difference has a significant relationship with prognosis.

Methods

A comprehensive search of related articles from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar database was done by November 2021. Eligible articles measured visfatin levels in patients with breast cancer and EC. After selecting the eligible studies, the data were extracted and analyzed using the random effect method.

Results

Given the effect size and the confidence interval obtained, the total level of visfatin in cancer patients was different from that in healthy individuals, and this difference was statistically significant. However, the difference in visfatin levels in patients with breast cancer was much more significant than in patients with EC compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Due to the significant increase in visfatin levels in these patients, visfatin may be a potential prognostic factor in breast and ECs. Visfatin levels in cancer patients differed from those in healthy subjects, and this difference was also statistically significant (p‐values = 0.00). Visfatin levels also differed between breast cancer patients and healthy individuals, which was statistically significant (p‐values = 0.00). The difference in visfatin levels between patients with EC and healthy subjects was statistically significant (p‐values = 0.047).
How to improve information technology strategic planning effectiveness using balanced scorecard, risk and maturity analysis, case study health information technology? A qualitative study
Authors: Moinzad Hossein , Akbarzadeh Mohammad H.
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Although many health strategic plans have been developed by scholars and organizations, they still suffer from a limited view. Since most health‐related strategies in the future will depend on information technology (IT), as the main driver of today's industry, technology, and society, IT merits attention in health strategic plans. While the majority of the health strategic plan developed based on the interviews and questioner and these plans didn't consider the role of IT in their actions, this research will develop a framework to integrate risk and maturity analysis with the strategic planning process in health information technology strategic plan.

Methods

The present research introduces an integrated framework based on a balanced scorecard (BSC) and control objectives for information and related technologies (COBIT). Also, The American Productivity & Quality Centre framework and COBIT were employed in this model to define the processes and activities of health IT (HIT) organizations. The organization's maturity and risk are analyzed in terms of information and management criteria using BSC, COBIT, and the analytical hierarchy process.

Results

Later this model was implemented in a Remote Health care System to improve the strategic management process for this technology. Using this framework, 17 business goals have been developed and presented for the case. Also, the total related risk was 48% and the maturity level was at 1/18. The results are presented as decision‐making parameters and strategies for successful IT implementation.

Conclusion

The presented framework provides deeper insight for the decision‐maker through integrating risk and maturity analysis in the HIT strategic planning process. The results are presented as decision‐making parameters and strategies for successful IT implementation. These strategies help investors decide about resource allocation based on the risk‐taking capability, certainty, and uncertainty results of the plan.
The potential link between Covid‐19 and multiple myeloma: A new saga
Authors: Al‐Kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Mohammed Ali A , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: November 2022

Background

Covid‐19 is considered a primary respiratory disease‐causing viral pneumonia and, in severe cases, leads to acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition, though, extra‐pulmonary manifestations of Covid‐19 have been shown. Furthermore, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection may coexist with several malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

This critical literature review aimed to find the potential association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and MM in Covid‐19 patients with underlying MM. Narrative literature and databases search revealed that ARDS is developed in both MM and Covid‐19 due to hypercalcemia and proteasome dysfunction.

Results

Notably, the expression of angiogenic factors and glutamine deficiency could link Covid‐19 severity and MM in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications. MM and Covid‐19 share thrombosis as a typical complication; unlike thrombosis in Covid‐19, which reflects disease severity, thrombosis does not reflect disease severity in MM. In both conditions, thromboprophylaxis is essential to prevent pulmonary thrombosis and other thromboembolic disorders. Moreover, Covid‐19 may exacerbate the development of acute kidney injury and neurological complications in MM patients.

Conclusion

These findings highlighted that MM patients might be a risk group for Covid‐19 severity due to underlying immunosuppression and most of those patients need specific management in the Covid‐19 era.
Binding of human ACE2 and RBD of Omicron enhanced by unique interaction patterns among SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern
Authors: Kim Seonghan , Liu Yi , Ziarnik Matthew , Seo Sangjae , Cao Yiwei , Zhang X. Frank , Im Wonpil
Published: November 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the virus causing COVID‐19, has continued to mutate and spread worldwide despite global vaccination efforts. In particular, the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa in late November 2021, has become the dominant strain worldwide. Compared to the original strain identified in Wuhan, Omicron features 50 genetic mutations, with 15 mutations in the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein, which binds to the human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for viral entry. However, it is not completely understood how these mutations alter the interaction and binding strength between the Omicron RBD and ACE2. In this study, we used a combined steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation and experimental microscale thermophoresis (MST) approach to quantify the interaction between Omicron RBD and ACE2. We report that the Omicron brings an enhanced RBD‐ACE2 interface through N501Y, Q498R, and T478K mutations; the changes further lead to unique interaction patterns, reminiscing the features of previously dominated variants, Alpha (N501Y) and Delta (L452R and T478K). Among the Q493K and Q493R, we report that Q493R shows stronger binding to ACE2 than Q493K due to increased interactions. Our MST data confirmed that the Omicron mutations in RBD are associated with a five‐fold higher binding affinity to ACE2 compared to the RBD of the original strain. In conclusion, our results could help explain the Omicron variant's prevalence in human populations, as higher interaction forces or affinity for ACE2 likely promote greater viral binding and internalization, leading to increased infectivity.
Gastrointestinal Langerhans cell histiocytosis with unifocal, single‐system involvement in adults: Cases report and literature review
Authors: Wang Li , Yang Fang , Ding Yong , Lu Lixia , Li Haili , Cui Yangyang , Lu Lu , Shen Xiaohan , Ge Rong
Published: November 2022

Background

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterized by unifocal, multifocal single‐system, or multi‐system disease that occurs in all age groups, while it primarily attacks pediatric patients. Solitary gastrointestinal (GI) LCH in adults is exceedingly rare, so we aimed to investigate GI LCH in adults with unifocal single‐system involvement and clarified the clinicopathologic characteristics of this disease.

Methods

Two cases of solitary GI LCH in adults were presented, and the clinicopathologic features of this diagnosis in the literature were reviewed.

Results

The main diagnostic feature of LCH is the morphologic identification of the characteristic Langerhans cells with prominent nuclear grooves and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, accompanied by a variable number of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasma cells. The distinctive cells expressed S100, CD1a, and langerin (CD207) on immunohistochemistry. BRAF V600E mutations were detected in the two patients.

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adults with unifocal, single‐system involvement is extremely rare. Most patients were asymptomatic and usually a small solitary polyp in GI tract can be observed under routine endoscopy. Although the overall prognosis of unifocal single‐system LCH is favorable, long‐term follow‐up is still necessary to rule out systemic disease.
Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from a teaching hospital
Authors: Li Yan‐ming , Liao Jing‐zhong , Jian Zi‐juan , Li Hong‐ling , Chen Xia , Liu Qing‐xia , Liu Pei‐lin , Wang Zhi‐qian , Liu Xuan , Yan Qun , Liu Wen‐en
Published: November 2022

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of increasing concern. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibilities of toxigenic C. difficile isolated from IBD patients and to evaluate the risk factors for CDI in IBD population.

Methods

Loose or watery stools from IBD patients were tested for glutamate dehydrogenase, C. difficile toxins A&B and anaerobic culture. Toxigenic C. difficile isolates were characterized by multi‐locus sequence typing, ribotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Results

The prevalence of CDI in IBD patients was 13.6% (43/317). The dominant sequence types (STs) were ST35 (20.9%), ST2 (18.6%) and ST37 (16.3%). The most common ribotypes (RTs) were RT 017 (18.6%), RT 012 (14.0%), and RT 220 (14.0%), whereas RT 027 and RT 078 were not detected in this study. All the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole. The multidrug resistance rate of C. difficile RT 017 was higher (p < 0.01) than that of other RT strains. Recent hospitalization, use of corticosteroids and proton pump inhibitors were related to increased risk of CDI in IBD patients; of these, recent hospitalization and proton pump inhibitors use were independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Patients with IBD have a relatively high incidence rate of CDI. C. difficile RT 017 is most frequently isolated from IBD patients in this region and warrants more attention to its high resistance rate. Clinicians should pay greater attention to CDI testing in IBD patients with diarrhea to ensure early diagnosis and initiation of effective treatment.
Cardiac Phase and Flow Compensation Effects on REnal Flow and Microstructure AnisotroPy MRI in Healthy Human Kidney
Authors: Sigmund Eric E. , Mikheev Artem , Brinkmann Inge M. , Gilani Nima , Babb James S. , Basukala Dibash , Benkert Thomas , Veraart Jelle , Chandarana Hersh
Published: November 2022

Background

Renal diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) involves microstructure and microcirculation, quantified with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and hybrid models. A better understanding of their contrast may increase specificity.

Purpose

To measure modulation of DWI with cardiac phase and flow‐compensated (FC) diffusion gradient waveforms.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Six healthy volunteers (ages: 22–48 years, five females), water phantom.

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, prototype DWI sequence with 2D echo‐planar imaging, and bipolar (BP) or FC gradients. 2D Half‐Fourier Single‐shot Turbo‐spin‐Echo (HASTE). Multiple‐phase 2D spoiled gradient‐echo phase contrast (PC) MRI.

Assessment

BP and FC water signal decays were qualitatively compared. Renal arteries and velocities were visualized on PC‐MRI. Systolic (peak velocity), diastolic (end stable velocity), and pre‐systolic (before peak velocity) phases were identified. Following mutual information‐based retrospective self‐registration of DWI within each kidney, and Marchenko‐Pastur Principal Component Analysis (MPPCA) denoising, combined IVIM‐DTI analysis estimated mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), and eigenvalues (λi) from tissue diffusivity (Dt), perfusion fraction (fp), and pseudodiffusivity (Dp, Dp,axial, Dp,radial), for each tissue (cortex/medulla, segmented on b0/FA respectively), phase, and waveform (BP, FC). Monte Carlo water diffusion simulations aided data interpretation.

Statistical Tests

Mixed model regression probed differences between tissue types and pulse sequences. Univariate general linear model analysis probed variations among cardiac phases. Spearman correlations were measured between diffusion metrics and renal artery velocities. Statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Water BP and FC signal decays showed no differences. Significant pulse sequence dependence occurred for λ1, λ3, FA, Dp, fp, Dp,axial, Dp,radial in cortex and medulla, and medullary λ2. Significant cortex/medulla differences occurred with BP for all metrics except MD (systole [P = 0.224]; diastole [P = 0.556]). Significant phase dependence occurred for Dp, Dp,axial, Dp,radial for BP and medullary λ1, λ2, λ3, MD for FC. FA correlated significantly with velocity. Monte Carlo simulations indicated medullary measurements were consistent with a 34 μm tubule diameter.

Data Conclusion

Cardiac gating and flow compensation modulate of measurements of renal diffusion.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Prepandemic viral community‐acquired pneumonia: Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of nasopharyngeal swabs and performance of clinical severity scores
Authors: Berastegui‐Cabrera Judith , Aguilar‐Guisado Manuela , Crespo‐Rivas Juan Carlos , López‐Verdugo Macarena , Merino Laura , Escoresca‐Ortega Ana , Calero‐Acuña Carmen , Carrasco‐Hernández Laura , Toral‐Marín Javier Ignacio , Abad‐Arranz María , Ramírez‐Duque Nieves , Barón‐Franco Bosco , Pachón Jerónimo , Álvarez‐Marín Rocío , Sánchez‐Céspedes Javier
Published: November 2022

The objectives of this work were to assess the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs for viral community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and the performance of pneumonia severity index (PSI) and CURB‐65 severity scores in the viral CAP in adults. A prospective observational cohort study of consecutive 341 hospitalized adults with CAP was performed between January 2018 and March 2020. Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms/signs, analytical data, severity scores, antimicrobials, and outcomes were recorded. Blood, NP swabs, sputum, and urine samples were collected at admission and assayed by multiplex real time‐PCR, bacterial cultures, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila antigens detection, to determine the etiologies and quantify the viral load. The etiology was identified in 174 (51.0%) patients, and in 85 (24.9%) it was viral, the most frequent rhinovirus and influenza virus. The sensitivity of viral detection in sputum (50.7%) was higher than in NP swabs (20.9%). Compared with sputum, the positive predictive value and specificity of NP swabs for viral diagnosis were 95.8% and 96.9%, respectively. Performance of PSI and CURB‐65 scores in all CAP with etiologic diagnosis were as expected, with mortality associated with higher values, but they were not associated with mortality in patients with viral pneumonia. NP swabs have lower sensitivity but high specificity for the diagnosis of viral CAP in adults compared with sputum, reinforcing the use NP swabs for the diagnostic etiology work‐up. The PSI and CURB‐65 scores did not predict mortality in the viral CAP, suggesting that they need to be updated scores based on the identification of the etiological agent.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children evaluated in an ambulatory setting during Delta and Omicron time periods
Authors: Smith Hana , Mahon Allison , Moss Angela , Rao Suchitra
Published: November 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants and re‐emergence of other respiratory viruses highlight the need to understand the presentation of and factors associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 in pediatric populations over time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms, and epidemiological risk factors associated with ambulatory SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children and determine if factors differ by variant type. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of outpatient children undergoing SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction testing between November 2020 and January 2022. Test‐positive were compared with test‐negative children to evaluate symptoms, exposure risk, demographics, and comparisons between Omicron, Delta, and pre‐Delta time periods. Among 2264 encounters, 361 (15.9%) were positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. The cohort was predominantly Hispanic (51%), 5–11 years (44%), and 53% male; 5% had received two coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine doses. Factors associated with a positive test include loss of taste/smell (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.71, [95% confidence interval, CI: 2.99–15.08]), new cough (aOR: 2.38, [95% CI: 1.69–3.36]), headache (aOR: 1.90, [95% CI: 1.28–2.81), fever (aOR: 1.83, [95% CI: 1.29–2.60]), contact with a positive case (aOR: 5.12, [95% CI: 3.75–6.97]), or household contact (aOR: 2.66, [95% CI: 1.96–3.62]). Among positive children, loss of taste/smell was more predominant during the Delta versus Omicron and pre‐Delta periods (12% vs. 2% and 3%, respectively, p = 0.0017), cough predominated during Delta/Omicron periods more than the pre‐Delta period (69% and 65% vs. 41%, p = 0.0002), and there were more asymptomatic children in the pre‐Delta period (30% vs. 18% and 10%, p = 0.0023). These findings demonstrate that the presentation of COVID‐19 in children and most susceptible age groups has changed over time.
Nitrification inhibition by polyphenols from invasive Fallopia japonica under copper stress
Authors: Girardi Johanna P. , Korz Sven , Muñoz Katherine , Jamin Jellian , Schmitz Daniel , Rösch Verena , Riess Kai , Schützenmeister Klaus , Jungkunst Hermann F. , Brunn Melanie
Published: November 2022

Background

The invasive plant species Fallopia japonica is suspected to use polyphenols as a novel weapon to inhibit nitrification in soil. Both specific polyphenols and their entry pathways are yet to be determined. As plants may increase the production of polyphenols under copper (Cu) stress, an additive effect can be expected in contaminated (riparian) areas.

Aims

This study aimed to identify the entry pathways of total and specific polyphenols in F. japonica and to test whether polyphenols inhibit nitrification with Cu contamination.

Methods

Combining F. japonica and a Cu gradient in a 2‐year mesocosm experiment, total polyphenol, emodin, and resveratrol concentrations were analyzed in the plant (roots, root exudates, vital and senescent leaves) and soil (rhizosphere, non‐rooted soil) representing different entry pathways. We measured the potential nitrification rate (PNR) under stress caused by F. japonica and Cu as well as the response of PNR under resveratrol and emodin addition.

Results

Emodin and resveratrol were detected in all plant tissues. Emodin concentrations significantly increased in senescent leaves under Cu stress, while no Cu effect was observed for resveratrol or total polyphenols. Resveratrol decreased the PNR. The stressors had neither a synergistic nor additive effect. Nitrification inhibition was lower in the rhizosphere compared to the non‐rooted soil, suggesting that F. japonica reduced nitrate availability for co‐occurring plants.

Conclusions

Joint occurrence of F. japonica and Cu did not amplify the PNR inhibition over the individual effect. Our study emphasizes the effectiveness of F. japonica in inhibiting the PNR in invaded riparian ecosystems with potentially negative effects on biodiversity.
Highly Stretchable, Self‐Healing, and Low Temperature Resistant Double Network Hydrogel Ionic Conductor as Flexible Sensor and Quasi‐Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Ma Xudong , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of flexible energy storage and wearable strain sensing, conductive hydrogels are attracting attention as electrolyte materials for flexible strain sensors and flexible supercapacitors due to their excellent flexibility and wetting properties. In this work, antifreezing hydrogels with high stretchability, adhesion, and conductivity are designed and prepared by introducing phosphoric acid solutions into polyacrylamide and chitosan systems. The multifunctional hydrogel samples prepared by this method can be used as both quasi‐solid electrolytes and wearable strain sensors. The hydrogel‐based supercapacitor shows a charge/discharge efficiency of 99.67% and a capacitance retention of 98.85% after 10 000 cycles charge/discharge tests at −30 °C. The tiny characteristic heartbeat wave forms are detected by the hydrogel as a flexible strain sensor. It is foreseeable that PCP multifunctional hydrogel can be a promising flexible material for a new generation of flexible sensors and flexible energy storage devices in a certain range of temperatures.
Spectrum completion and inverse Sturm–Liouville problems
Authors: Kravchenko Vladislav V.
Published: November 2022

Given a finite set of eigenvalues of a regular Sturm–Liouville problem for the equation
, the potential
of which is unknown. We show the possibility to compute more eigenvalues without any additional information on the potential
. Moreover, considering the Sturm–Liouville problem with the boundary conditions
and
, where
are some constants, we complete its spectrum without additional information neither on the potential
nor on the constants
and
. The eigenvalues are computed with a uniform absolute accuracy. Based on this result, we propose a new method for numerical solution of the inverse Sturm–Liouville problem of recovering the potential from two spectra. The method includes the completion of the spectra in the first step and reduction to a system of linear algebraic equations in the second. The potential
is recovered from the first component of the solution vector. The approach is based on special Neumann series of Bessel functions representations for solutions of Sturm–Liouville equations possessing remarkable properties and leads to an efficient numerical algorithm for solving inverse Sturm–Liouville problems.
Integrating biodiversity conservation and local community perspectives in China through human dimensions research
Authors: Ma Heidi , Zhang Di , Xiao Lingyun , Wang Yifu , Zhang Lu , Thompson Carolyn , Chen Jingyu , Dowell Simon D. , Axmacher Jan Christoph , Lü Zhi , Turvey Samuel T.
Published: November 2022

Biodiversity in China coexists alongside large ethnically diverse rural human populations within linked ‘biocultural’ social–ecological systems. Cumulative and changing local anthropogenic pressures linked to human population growth and economic development are driving unsustainable resource exploitation, habitat loss and extensive species declines. However, these pressures vary between species and systems, and efforts to conserve regional biodiversity may also have unintended negative impacts on local communities and their long‐term relationship with nature.

Based on our extensive experience working across China's diverse but vulnerable biocultural landscapes, we showcase a series of case studies that illustrate the differing interactions between biodiversity and local community use of natural resources, and the differing consequences of conservation management on local livelihoods.

We highlight that some social–ecological relationships in China can maintain and support biodiversity, and we advocate for management underpinned by interdisciplinary conservation research that engages local communities, associated with robust evidence‐based assessment and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective monitoring and optimization of impacts.

We frame a series of steps required to understand and mitigate local pressures on threatened species in China and identify potential ‘win–win’ approaches for the regional maintenance of biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable livelihoods, with directions proposed for future research, engagement and management.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Adaptive strategy biases in engineered ecosystems: Implications for plant community dynamics and the provisioning of ecosystem services to people
Authors: Krauss Lauren , Rippy Megan A.
Published: November 2022

Plant communities in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) such as biofilters play an integral role in ecosystem services provisioning, such that many design manuals now feature plant lists that guide vegetation selection.

This study looks at the implications of those lists for biofilter plant communities and their services, focusing on (1) how plants are selected across US climate zones, (2) whether selected plants exhibit adaptive strategy biases (i.e. towards competitive, stress tolerant or ruderal strategies that might impact ecosystem services provisioning) and (3) whether human‐induced selection or natural climatic processes underly any biases revealed.

Our results suggest that biofilter plant strategies are significantly biased towards stress tolerance or competitiveness (depending on the climate zone) and away from ruderalness relative to the broader pool of native and wetland‐adapted native species.

Competitive bias was evident in humid‐continental climates and stress‐tolerant bias in hot coastal/arid climates, with some degree of anti‐ruderal bias present across all zones.

These biases are correlated with human concerns related to water availability and climate (water conservation;p < 0.05, irrigation;p < 0.1, climate extremes;p < 0.1). They do not appear to reflect strict climatological limits (i.e. limits that are independent of preferences or design constraints imposed by people) because they are not also evident for native plants.

The benefits and costs of relaxing these biases are discussed, focusing on the implications for water quality, hydrologic, and cultural services provisioning and the dynamicity of GSI ecosystems, particularly their capacity to self‐repair, a prerequisite for the development of self‐sustaining GSI.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Differential ultracentrifugation enables deep plasma proteomics through enrichment of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kverneland Anders H. , Østergaard Ole , Emdal Kristina Bennet , Svane Inge Marie , Olsen Jesper Velgaard
Published: November 2022

Human plasma is a rich source of biomedical information and biomarkers. However, the enormous dynamic range of plasma proteins limits its accessibility to mass spectrometric (MS) analysis. Here, we show that enrichment of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by ultracentrifugation increases plasma proteome depth by an order of magnitude. With this approach, more than two thousand proteins are routinely and reproducibly quantified by label‐free quantification and data independent acquisition (DIA) in single‐shot liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry runs of less than one hour. We present an optimized plasma proteomics workflow that enables high‐throughput with very short chromatographic gradients analyzing hundred samples per day with deep proteome coverage, especially when including a study‐specific spectral library generated by repeated injection and gas‐phase fractionation of pooled samples. Finally, we test the workflow on clinical biobank samples from malignant melanoma patients in immunotherapy to demonstrate the improved proteome coverage supporting the potential for future biomarker discovery.
The set‐up and evaluation of fine‐scale data assimilation for the urban climate of Amsterdam
Authors: Koopmans Sytse , van Haren Ronald , Theeuwes Natalie , Ronda Reinder , Uijlenhoet Remko , Holtslag Albert A. M. , Steeneveld Gert‐Jan
Published: November 2022

Ongoing urbanization highlights the need for a better understanding and high resolution modelling of the urban climate. In this study, we combine rural observations by WMO surface stations, weather radar data and urban crowd‐sourced observations with very fine‐scale modelling efforts for Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As a model, we use the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model with 3D variational data assimilation at a 100‐m resolution in the innermost model domain. In order to enable the assimilation of observations within the urban canopy, we develop a scheme to reduce urban temperature biases by adjusting urban fabric temperatures. The scheme is tested against independent urban observations for the summer month of July 2014 and specifically for a hot period and an extreme precipitation event. We find data assimilation reduces biases in temperature and wind speed. Within the city, the most significant improvement is the reduction of negative temperature biases during clear nights, which implies a better prediction of the Urban Heat Island (UHI). Concerning precipitation, the fractional skill score improves incrementally when additional observations are assimilated, and the largest impact is seen from the assimilation of weather radar observations.
Novel Bayesian CUSUM and EWMA control charts via various loss functions for monitoring processes
Authors: Jones Chelsea L. , Abdel‐Salam Abdel‐Salam G. , Mays D'Arcy
Published: November 2022

In this work, both the cumulative sum (CUSUM) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts have been reconfigured to monitor processes using a Bayesian approach. Our construction of these charts are informed by posterior and posterior predictive distributions found using three loss functions: the squared error, precautionary, and linex. We use these control charts on count data, performing a simulation study to assess chart performance. Our simulations consist of sensitivity analysis of the out‐of‐control shift size and choice of hyper‐parameters of the given distributions. Practical use of theses charts are evaluated on real data.
Finite‐time control of mobile manipulators subject to unknown/unstructured external disturbances
Authors: Galicki Miroslaw
Published: November 2022

A robust finite‐time control law is proposed for mobile manipulators with uncertain both kinematic and dynamic equations. Moreover, the following external disturbances are allowed to act on the system: unstructured forces exerted on the end‐effector, slip reaction forces affecting the platform wheels, unknown friction forces coming from joints directly driven by the actuators and undesirable unstructured forces caused by singular configurations. In order to cope with both parametric uncertainties and unknown/unstructured external disturbances, we first transform the original control problem whose non‐holonomic constraints are violated into a steering one in an extended space of generalized coordinates with extended non‐holonomic constraints of the Pfaffian form and then introduce a task space non‐singular terminal sliding manifold. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a new class of estimated extended transposed Jacobian control laws is derived which both effectively counteract the external forces and significantly reduce the slipping phenomena. A second order sliding technique is involved in our control law to eliminate undesirable chattering effect. An illustrative example of a mobile manipulator control demonstrates the advantages of the approach. Moreover, numerical comparisons with other representative controllers well‐known in the literature are also given.
Folate Receptor‐Mediated Delivery of Cas9 RNP for Enhanced Immune Checkpoint Disruption in Cancer Cells
Authors: Lin Yi , Wilk Ulrich , Pöhmerer Jana , Hörterer Elisa , Höhn Miriam , Luo Xianjin , Mai Hongcheng , Wagner Ernst , Lächelt Ulrich
Published: November 2022

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system offers great opportunities for the treatment of numerous diseases by precise modification of the genome. The functional unit of the system is represented by Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoproteins (RNP), which mediate sequence‐specific cleavage of DNA. For therapeutic applications, efficient and cell‐specific transport into target cells is essential. Here, Cas9 RNP nanocarriers are described, which are based on lipid‐modified oligoamino amides and folic acid (FolA)‐PEG to realize receptor‐mediated uptake and gene editing in cancer cells. In vitro studies confirm strongly enhanced potency of receptor‐mediated delivery, and the nanocarriers enable efficient knockout of GFP and two immune checkpoint genes, PD‐L1 and PVR, at low nanomolar concentrations. Compared with non‐targeted nanoparticles, FolA‐modified nanocarriers achieve substantially higher gene editing including dual PD‐L1/PVR gene disruption after injection into CT26 tumors in vivo. In the syngeneic mouse model, dual disruption of PD‐L1 and PVR leads to CD8+ T cell recruitment and distinct CT26 tumor growth inhibition, clearly superior to the individual knockouts alone. The reported Cas9 RNP nanocarriers represent a versatile platform for potent and receptor‐specific gene editing. In addition, the study demonstrates a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy by permanent and combined immune checkpoint disruption.
Synthesis of Ultrathin Topological Insulator β‐Ag2Te and Ag2Te/WSe2‐Based High‐Performance Photodetector
Authors: Sun Fapeng , Hong Wenting , He Xu , Jian Chuanyong , Ju Qiankun , Cai Qian , Liu Wei
Published: November 2022

β‐Ag2Te has attracted considerable attention in the application of electronics and optoelectronics due to its narrow bandgap, high mobility, and topological insulator properties. However, it remains a significant challenge to synthesize 2D Ag2Te because of the non‐layered structure of Ag2Te. Herein, the synthesis of large‐size, ultrathin single crystal topological insulator 2D Ag2Te via the van der Waals epitaxial method for the first time is reported. The 2D Ag2Te crystal exhibits p‐type conduction behavior with high carrier mobility of 3336 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature. Taking advantage of the high mobility and perfect electron structure of Ag2Te, the Ag2Te/WSe2 heterojunctions are fabricated via mechanical stacking and show an ultrahigh rectification ratio of 2 × 105. Ag2Te/WSe2 photodetector also exhibits self‐driven properties with a fast response speed (40 µs/60 µs) in the near‐infrared region. High responsivity (219 mA W−1) and light ON/OFF ratio of 6 × 105 are obtained under the photovoltaic mode. The overall performance of the Ag2Te/WSe2 photodetector is significantly competitive among all reported 2D photodetectors. These results indicate that 2D Ag2Te is a promising candidate for future electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Nanotechnology and photodynamic therapy from a clinical perspective
Authors: Abdel Gaber Sara A. , Fadel Maha
Published: November 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is currently applied clinically in many medical centers worldwide. The clinical outcomes are from one side satisfying and from the other side highlighting the areas of further development. Issues like hydrophobicity of the photosensitizer (PS), uncontrolled distribution and limited tissue penetration of the accompanying light sources triggered the interest of many research groups. Nanotechnology outstood among the various suggested enhancement solutions. In this review, the rationale behind using nanotechnology is discussed. Light is shed on the status of nanotechnology from approval for clinical use. Clinical studies of PS‐loaded nanoparticles are summarized and the challenges facing the progress of those systems are enumerated.
Gapless Chip‐in‐Carrier Integration and Injectable Ag/AgCl‐Epoxy Reference Electrode for Bilayer Lipid Membrane Sensor
Authors: Wakebe Hiromichi , Susumago Yuki , Fukushima Takafumi , Tanaka Tetsu
Published: November 2022

There are emerging needs for bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) sensors utilizing the vastly and highly developed molecular recognition ability of membrane proteins, especially those combined with CMOS chips. However, this type of BLM sensor has barely been studied so far mainly because of two problems: (i) the difficulty of their fabrication processes resulting from chip‐carrier discontinuity, (ii) a skill‐dependent and manual fashion to form BLMs. Here, we introduce a gapless chip‐in‐carrier integration process utilizing parylene as a gap filler and a microfluidic packaging method with an injectable Ag/AgCl‐epoxy reference electrode. These methods allow for subsequent photolithography processes and later microfluidic‐based BLM formation where the surface continuity of a microchannel is crucial. As a proof‐of‐concept device, we fabricated chip‐in‐carrier assemblies with a dummy chip coupled with a microfluidic system for BLM formation compatible with simultaneous optical observation. With this device, we validated the capability to form BLMs by microfluidic technique and characterized the configuration of a formed BLM through the observation of fluorescent localization. This chip integration and microfluidic packaging scheme can provide a solution for the full implementation of CMOS ICs with BLM sensors and broaden the possibilities of practical applications in the engineering and medical fields. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Involvement of a AS3MT/c‐Fos/p53 signaling axis in arsenic‐induced tumor in human lung cells
Authors: Sun Mingjun , Cheng Huirong , Yu Tianle , Tan Jingwen , Li Ming , Chen Qian , Gu Yun , Jiang Chenglan , Li Shuting , He Yuefeng , Wen Weihua
Published: November 2022

Arsenite methyltransferase (AS3MT) is an enzyme that catalyzes the dimethylation of arsenite (+3 oxidation state). At present, the studies on arsenic carcinogenicity mainly focus on studying the polymorphisms of AS3MT and measuring their catalytic activities. We recently showed that AS3MT was overexpressed in lung cancer patients who had not been exposed to arsenic. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of AS3MT in arsenite‐induced tumorigenesis. In this study, we showed that AS3MT protein expression was higher in the arsenic‐exposed population compared to the unexposed population. AS3MT was also overexpressed in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells exposed to arsenic (A549: 20–60 μmol/L; 16HBE: 2–6 μmol/L) for 48 h. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of AS3MT on cell proliferation and apoptosis using siRNA. The downregulation of AS3MT inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of cells. Mechanistically, AS3MT was found to specifically bind to c‐Fos, thereby inhibiting the binding of c‐Fos to c‐Jun. Additionally, the siRNA‐mediated knockdown of AS3MT enhanced the phosphorylation of Ser392 in p53 by upregulating p38 MAPK expression. This led to the activation of p53 signaling and the upregulated expression of downstream targets, such as p21, Fas, PUMA, and Bax. Together, these studies revealed that the inorganic arsenic‐mediated upregulation of AS3MT expression directly affected the proliferation and apoptosis of cells, leading to arsenic‐induced toxicity or carcinogenicity.