bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Dual‐Polar Group Functionalized COFs for Accelerating Li‐Ion Transport and Dendrite‐Free Deposition in Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: An Qi , Wang Hong‐en , Zhao Genfu , Wang Shimin , Xu Lufu , Wang Han , Fu Yao , Guo Hong
Published: January 2022

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have attracted wide attentions because of their high theoretical specific capacity and low electrochemical potential. However, the growth of lithium dendrites seriously affects the practical application of LMBs. Thus, the lithium‐philic carbonyl and carboxy dual‐group‐modified covalent organic framework (COF‐COOH) is designed to coat the polypropylene (PP) separator (COF‐COOH@PP separator), realizing the regulation of ion transport and uniform lithium deposition. The plentiful and negative charge sites in the COF‐COOH can suppress the diffusion of the freely movable lithium salt anion by the electrostatic interaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the COF‐COOH possesses the function of anchoring anion and desolvation. Consequently, the Li+ transference number (0.7), ion conductivity (0.64 mS cm−1), and desolvating of Li+ are obviously improved by using the COF‐COOH@PP separator. The modified Li‐Li symmetric battery delivers stable cycle for more than 1000 h and lower voltage hysteresis (0.02 V). This dendrite‐free deposition strategy holds great promise for practical application of Li metal anodes.
Angiotensin–neprilysin inhibition and renal outcomes across the spectrum of ejection fraction in heart failure
Authors: Mc Causland Finnian R. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Claggett Brian , Packer Milton , Senni Michele , Gori Mauro , Jhund Pardeep S. , McGrath Martina M. , Rouleau Jean L. , Shi Victor , Swedberg Karl , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Zannad Faiez , Pfeffer Marc A. , Zile Michael , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: January 2022

Aims

Patients with heart failure are at higher risk of progression to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), regardless of ejection fraction (EF). We assessed the renal effects of angiotensin–neprilysin inhibition in a pooled analysis of 13 195 patients with heart failure with reduced and preserved EF.

Methods and results

We combined data from PARADIGM‐HF (EF ≤40%; n = 8399) and PARAGON‐HF (EF ≥45%; n = 4796) in a pre‐specified pooled analysis. We assessed the effect of treatment (sacubitril/valsartan vs. enalapril or valsartan) on a composite of either ≥50% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ESRD, or death from renal causes, in addition to changes in eGFR slope. We assessed whether baseline renal function or EF modified the effect of therapy on renal outcomes. At randomization, eGFR was 68 ± 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 in PARADIGM‐HF and 63 ± 19 ml/min/1.73 m2 in PARAGON‐HF. The composite renal outcome occurred in 70 of 6594 patients (1.1%) in the sacubitril/valsartan group and in 123 of 6601 patients (1.9%) in the valsartan or enalapril group (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–0.75; p < 0.001). The mean eGFR change was −1.8 (95% CI −1.9 to −1.7) ml/min/1.73 m2/year for the sacubitril/valsartan group, compared with −2.4 (95% CI −2.5 to −2.2) ml/min/1.73 m2/year for the valsartan or enalapril group. The treatment effect on the composite renal endpoint was not modified by categories of baseline eGFR (p‐interaction = 0.64), but was most pronounced in those with baseline EF between 30% and 60% (p‐interaction = 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with heart failure, sacubitril/valsartan reduced the risk of serious adverse renal outcomes and slowed decline in eGFR, compared with valsartan or enalapril, independent of baseline renal function.
η6‐Arene(halogenidoaluminato)lanthanoid(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity for Isoprene Polymerization
Authors: Hossain Md Elius , Guo Zhifang , Wang Jun , Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C. , Diether Dominic , Anwander Reiner
Published: January 2022

η6‐Arene(iodido‐/bromido‐aluminato)lanthanoid(III) complexes, [Ln(η6‐C6H5Me)(AlI4)3] [Ln=La (1), Ce (2), Nd (3), (Gd) (4); C6H5Me=toluene], [Ln(η6‐C6H3Me3‐1,3,5)(AlI4)3] [Ln=La (5), Ce (6), Pr (7), Nd (8), Sm (9), Gd (10); C6H3Me3‐1,3,5=mesitylene], and [Ln(η6‐C6H5Me)(AlBr4)3] [Ln=La (11), Nd (12), Sm (13)] were prepared by reactions of aluminium triiodide or aluminium tribromide with the corresponding lanthanoid metals and 1,2‐diiodoethane or 1,2‐dibromoethane in an arene (toluene or mesitylene) solution (molar ratio : 6 : 2 : 3). The first X‐ray crystal structures of arene(iodidoaluminato)lanthanoid(III) complexes are reported. The lanthanoid atom is coordinated by an η6‐arene and three chelating κ(I, I′)‐tetraiodidoaluminato ligands. The tetrabromidoaluminate complexes have similar structures. The precatalyst3was treated with AlR3(R=Me oriBu) to give [Nd(η6‐C6H5Me)(AlI3R)3] speciesin situ, which were then tested for catalytic activity towards isoprene polymerization. Although the resulting polyisoprene had a desirable highcis‐1,4 content, the catalyst performance was well below known best performing systems and indicates that iodidoaluminates are the least favorable of the halogenidoaluminatolanthanoid(III) complexes.
Mitigation of PFAS in U.S. Public Water Systems: Future steps for ensuring safer drinking water
Authors: Voulgaropoulos Alexis
Published: January 2022

The circulation and usage of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PFAS‐derived products, such as Teflon and aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF), have led to PFAS being found in organisms worldwide. PFAS are emerging chemical contaminants that are toxic and take a long time to break down in the environment. PFAS can cause adverse health effects, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown a widespread presence of PFAS in public water systems and people across the United States. The main pollution sources that contribute to PFAS in water are the chemical manufacturing industry, AFFF runoff, and landfills. With the health issues associated, and the occurrence in water systems, action should be taken to reduce PFAS in drinking water. Despite the adverse health effects associated with PFAS, the Environmental Protection Agency has not yet set enforceable limits for the chemicals in drinking water. Future actions should tackle two areas: (1) reducing the contamination at the pollution source and (2) improving the quality of PFAS contaminated drinking water. Five recommendations are suggested for key stakeholders. Contamination can be reduced by setting stricter industrial controls for waste streams, phasing out AFFF usage, and banning the majority of PFAS. Drinking water quality can be improved through setting state‐enforced maximum contaminant levels and equipping water treatment plants with adequate PFAS removal technologies. Application of these recommendations could help reduce the presence of PFAS in drinking water and ensure safer drinking water for communities across the United States.
On channel estimation and spectral efficiency for cell‐free massive MIMO with multi‐antenna access points considering spatially correlated channels
Authors: Amadid Jamal , Belhabib Abdelfettah , Khabba Asma , Zeroual Abdelouhab , Hassani Moha M'Rabet
Published: January 2022

Channel estimation (CE) and spectral efficiency (SE) are two processes that have a major influence on system performance, especially in a more practical channel scenario with spatially correlated Rayleigh fading. During this work, we address the uplink phase CE process and the SE for spatially correlated Rayleigh fading in a cell‐free (CF) massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (M‐MIMO) network and in the conventional M‐MIMO network operating under the time‐division duplex protocol. Since practical channels are correlated spatially with Rayleigh fading; thereby, this work addresses spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channels in both networks using a combination of the exponential correlation model with large‐scale variation across the array. Moreover, this work addresses the correlated and uncorrelated channels, where the correlated one is investigated using two array arrangements, namely, a uniform linear array (ULA) and a uniform planar array (UPA). For the two networks, the CE and SE are addressed using the minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator and the MMSE combining vector, respectively. We propose a novel array design for CF M‐MIMO using the Kronecker product of a ULA arrangement, where each access point has a UPA arrangement. In other words, we propose the covariance matrix generated by the UPA arrangement for CF M‐MIMO using the Kronecker product of the covariance matrix generated by the ULA arrangement for CF M‐MIMO. Numerical results are presented to validate our theoretical expressions, where we evaluate the performance of the MMSE estimator and MMSE combining vector, respectively, using the normalized mean square error metric and the quantity of information effectively transmitted per second.
Integrating Ecosystem Models with Long-Term Monitoring to Support Salmon Recovery
Authors: Doyle Eric G , Arterburn John E , Klett Ryan S
Published: January 2022

Okanogan summer-run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha holding in the Similkameen River near Oroville, Washington. Photo credit: Brian Miller, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

The Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment model (EDT) is a deterministic, life cycle-based habitat model developed to support the conservation and recovery of declining Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. and steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in the Pacific Northwest. Originally conceived in the 1990s, the current generation of EDT is proving its value as a data synthesis and analysis platform, capable of transforming complex environmental data into useful quantitative metrics to guide decision making. Here we describe the integration of EDT with long-term research, monitoring, and evaluation in the Okanogan River in the state of Washington to support the ongoing conservation and recovery of steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act. The lessons learned in this important Columbia River subbasin demonstrate the value of EDT as an adaptive management tool that is both effective and transferable. Modeling tools like EDT are one of many technological advances that will help resource managers identify priority habitats for conservation and restoration.
Hepatic interferon regulatory factor 8 expression suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression and enhances the response to anti–programmed cell death protein‐1 therapy
Authors: Wu Hongxi , Li Yan , Shi Guangjiang , Du Shijia , Wang Xiaobin , Ye Wanli , Zhang Zixuan , Chu Ya , Ma Shuqian , Wang Dajia , Li Yuan , Chen Zhen , Birnbaumer Lutz , Wang Zhuo , Yang Yong
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Therapeutic blockade of the programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint pathways has resulted in significant reactivation of T cell–mediated antitumor immunity and is a promising clinical anticancer treatment modality in several tumor types, but the durable response rate remains relatively low (15%–20%) in most patients with HCC for unknown reasons. Evidence reveals that the interferon signaling pathway plays a critical role in modulating the efficacy and sensitivity of anti–PD‐1 therapy against multiple tumor types, but the mechanisms are unclear.

Approach and Results

Using Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis based on HCC databases, we found that deceased expression of interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 8 in HCC, among all the nine IRF members that regulate interferon signals, was associated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis identified the interferon‐gamma and PD‐1 signaling signatures as the top suppressed pathways in patients with IRF8‐low HCC. Contrarily, overexpression of IRF8 in HCC cells significantly enhanced antitumor effects in immune‐competent mice, modulating infiltration of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and T cell exhaustion in tumor microenvironment. We further demonstrated that IRF8 regulated recruitment of TAMs by inhibiting the expression of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20). Mechanically, IRF8‐mediated repression of c‐fos transcription resulted in decreased expression of CCL20, rather than directly bound to CCL20 promoter region. Importantly, adeno‐associated virus 8–mediated hepatic IRF8 rescue significantly suppressed HCC progression and enhanced the response to anti–PD‐1 therapy.

Conclusions

This work identified IRF8 as an important prognostic biomarker in patients with HCC that predicted the response and sensitivity to anti–PD‐1 therapy and uncovered it as a therapeutic target for enhancing the efficacy of immune therapy.
Canopy Homolog 2 contributes to liver oncogenesis by promoting unfolded protein response–dependent destabilization of tumor protein P53
Authors: Hong Feng , Lin Ching Ying , Yan Jingyue , Dong Yizhou , Ouyang Yuli , Kim Doyeon , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Bei , Sun Shaoli , Gu Wei , Li Zihai
Published: January 2022

Backgroud and Aims

Abnormalities in the tumor protein P53 (p53) gene and overexpression of mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2), a negative regulator of p53, are commonly observed in cancers. p53 destabilization is regulated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) in cancer. However, the mechanisms remain enigmatic. Canopy homolog 2 (CNPY2) is a key UPR initiator that primarily involved in ER stress and is highly expressed in the liver, but its functional role in regulating liver carcinogenesis is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of CNPY2 in hepartocarcinogenesis through URP‐dependent p53 destabilization.

Approach and Results

Here, we showed that CNPY2 expression is up‐regulated in HCC and negatively correlated with survival rate in liver cancer patients. Deletion of Cnpy2 obliterates diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐induced HCC in mice. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that CNPY2 binds and prevents ribosome proteins from inhibiting MDM2 and enhances the UPR activity of protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and inositol‐requiring transmembrane kinase endoribonuclease‐1α, leading to p53 destabilization and cell‐cycle progression. In addition, transcriptome analyses uncovered that CNPY2 is also required for DEN‐induced expression of oncogenes, including c‐Jun and fibroblast growth factor 21. Intratumoral injection of nanoparticle‐based CRISPR single‐guide RNA/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 mRNA against Cnpy2 has antitumor effects in HCC.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that CNPY2 is crucial for liver oncogenesis through UPR‐dependent repression of p53 and activation of oncogenes, providing insights into the design of a therapeutic target for HCC.
Contextual features in the developing hippocampus: A representational similarity analysis
Authors: Kazemi Alireza , Coughlin Christine A. , DeMaster Dana M. , Ghetti Simona
Published: January 2022

Functional divisions of labor in support of memory have been reported along the anterior–posterior axis of the hippocampus. However, little is known about how the developing hippocampus represents associative memories along this axis. The present research employed representational similarity analysis to ask whether developmental differences exist in the extent to which the anterior versus the posterior hippocampus represent features of the context and associative memories. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected during the retrieval phase of an associative recognition task from 8‐year‐olds, 10‐year‐olds, and adults (N = 58). Participants were asked to retrieve pairs of items, which were presented either in the same location as during encoding or in a flipped location. In the anterior hippocampus and only for adults, pattern similarity between the two studied pair conditions was greater than pattern similarity between studied pairs presented in the same location and novel pairs. In contrast, this difference was not significant in the posterior hippocampus. Older, but not younger, children showed a similar, albeit attenuated, similarity pattern to that of adults, but measures of patterns similarity predicted associative recognition across ages. In addition, exploratory analyses showed that similarity patterns in the adult posterior, but not anterior, hippocampus tracked the order of the runs. Overall, the results suggest functional and developmental dissociations in processing different contextual features, with the anterior hippocampus responding to salient and rapid‐changing features and the posterior hippocampus responding to slower‐changing features of the context.
Bronchoalveolar lavage of ventilator‐associated pneumonia patients for antibiotic resistance and susceptibility test
Authors: Ahmadinejad Mojtaba , Mohammadzadeh Sanaz , Pak Haleh , Hashemiyazdi Seyedehhamideh , Soltanian Ali , Rahimi Mahsa , Ahmadinejad Izadmehr
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia is highly prevalent nosocomial infection among patients under mechanical ventilation. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is effective in identifying the type of pathogen involved and determine the course of antibiotic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different pathogens involved in ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) and associated antibiotic resistance and sensitivity pattern.

Methods

In this descriptive cross‐sectional study, patients admitted to the intensive care unit under mechanical ventilation at Shahid Madani Educational and Medical Center in Karaj during 2018 and 2020 were included. BAL samples were obtained from the patients. Demographic data, duration of hospitalization, duration of mechanical ventilation, and antibiotic susceptibility and resistance tests were recorded for all the patients.

Results

Among 335 patients included in the study, 215 (64.2%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 55.06 ± 14.90 years. The most common pathogens reported were Acinetobacter baumannii (40%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (13.4%). The mean age of the patients, gender, duration of mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospitalization were not associated with the type of pathogen, P > .05, respectively.

Conclusion

BAL of these patients indicated that various pathogens are responsible for VAP, and can vary from patient to patient. Antibiotic resistance and susceptibility pattern of these pathogens vary and therefore is important in determining the course of the treatment.
The impact of product and labour market reform on growth: Evidence for OECD countries based on local projections
Authors: de Haan Jakob , Wiese Rasmus
Published: January 2022

We examine the impact of labour and product market reforms on economic growth in 25 OECD countries between 1985 and 2013, and tests whether this impact is conditioned by the fiscal policy stance. Our local projection results suggest that controlling for endogeneity of reforms (by the Augmented Inverse Probability Weighted estimator) and fiscal policy is crucial. Our results show that product market reforms mostly cause slight negative growth, except when implemented during periods of neutral fiscal policy. Labour market reforms hurt growth under tight and neutral fiscal policy, but are conducive to economic growth if introduced during periods of expansionary fiscal policy.
Real estate agents' influence on housing search
Authors: Hong Seung‐Hyun
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates different mechanisms for real estate agents’ influence in housing search. Using residential listing data, I find descriptive evidence suggesting an important role of agents’ influence in the listing stage, during which agents may influence home sellers to set lower initial listing prices. To quantify the impact of this mechanism, I develop a structural model for the home seller's problem particularly in the listing stage, while accounting for other mechanisms. The estimated model shows that agents' influence in the listing stage is consequential, explaining about 60% of the difference in sales price premiums between agent‐owned and client‐owned listings.
Three dimensional confocal photoacoustic dermoscopy with an autofocusing sono‐opto probe
Authors: Ma Haigang , Wang Zhiyang , Zuo Chao , Huang Qinghua
Published: January 2022

Photoacoustic dermoscopy (PAD) is uniquely positioned for the diagnosis and assessment of dermatological conditions because of its ability to visualize optical absorption contrast in vivo in three dimensions. In this Letter, we developed a 3D confocal PAD (3D‐CPAD) equipped with an autofocusing sono‐opto probe to facilitate the reconstruction of high‐spatial‐resolution imaging of skin with multilaminate structures in depth direction. The autofocusing sono‐opto probe integrated a 10‐mm electrowetting‐based varifocal lens to automatically control the acoustic and optical confocal length, and an annular ultrasonic detector with a mid‐frequency of ~32.8 MHz is coaxially configured for receiving photoacoustic signals. Using this sono‐opto probe, the acoustic and optical confocal length‐shifting range from ~7 to 43 mm with high image contrast and spatial resolution in the 3D image reconstruction. Autofocusing property tests and 3D human skin in vivo imaging were carried out to demonstrate the imaging capability of the 3D‐CPAD for potential clinical foreground in noninvasive biopsies of skin disease.
Dual effect of nifedipine on pregnant human myometrium contractility: Implication of TRPC1
Authors: Yart Lucile , Frieden Maud , Konig Stéphane , Cohen Marie , Martinez de Tejada Begoña
Published: January 2022

Nifedipine, an L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel (L‐VGCC) blocker, is one of the most used tocolytics to treat preterm labor. In clinical practice, nifedipine efficiently decreases uterine contractions, but its efficacy is limited over time, and repeated or maintained nifedipine‐based tocolysis appears to be ineffective in preventing preterm birth. We aimed to understand why nifedipine has short‐lasting efficiency for the inhibition of uterine contractions. We used ex vivo term pregnant human myometrial strips treated with cumulative doses of nifedipine. We observed that nifedipine inhibited spontaneous myometrial contractions in tissues with high and regular spontaneous contractions. By contrast, nifedipine appeared to increase contractions in tissues with low and/or irregular spontaneous contractions. To investigate the molecular mechanisms activated by nifedipine in myometrial cells, we used the pregnant human myometrial cell line PHM1‐41 that does not express L‐VGCC. The in vitro measurement of intracellular Ca2+ showed that high doses of nifedipine induced an important intracellular Ca2+ entry in myometrial cells. The inhibition or downregulation of the genes encoding for store‐operated Ca2+ entry channels from the Orai and transient receptor potential‐canonical (TRPC) families in PHM1‐41 cells highlighted the implication of TRPC1 in nifedipine‐induced Ca2+ entry. In addition, the use of 2‐APB in combination with nifedipine on human myometrial strips tends to confirm that the pro‐contractile effect induced by nifedipine on myometrial tissues may involve the activation of TRPC channels.
Drug–Drug Interactions in People Living With HIV at Risk of Hepatic and Renal Impairment: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cottura Nicolas , Kinvig Hannah , Grañana‐Castillo Sandra , Wood Adam , Siccardi Marco
Published: January 2022

Despite the advancement of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), drug–drug interactions (DDIs) remain a relevant clinical issue for people living with HIV receiving ART. Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can be victims and perpetrators of DDIs, and a detailed investigation during drug discovery and development is required to determine whether dose adjustments are necessary or coadministrations are contraindicated. Maintaining therapeutic ARV plasma concentrations is essential for successful ART, and changes resulting from potential DDIs could lead to toxicity, treatment failure, or the emergence of ARV‐resistant HIV. The challenges surrounding DDI management are complex in special populations of people living with HIV, and often lack evidence‐based guidance as a result of their underrepresentation in clinical investigations. Specifically, the prevalence of hepatic and renal impairment in people living with HIV are between five and 10 times greater than in people who are HIV‐negative, with each condition constituting approximately 15% of non‐AIDS‐related mortality. Therapeutic strategies tend to revolve around the treatment of risk factors that lead to hepatic and renal impairment, such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. These strategies result in a diverse range of potential DDIs with ART. The purpose of this review was 2‐fold. First, to summarize current pharmacokinetic DDIs and their mechanisms between ARVs and co‐medications used for the prevention and treatment of hepatic and renal impairment in people living with HIV. Second, to identify existing knowledge gaps surrounding DDIs related to these special populations and suggest areas and techniques to focus upon in future research efforts.
Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity of novel sorafenib derivatives
Authors: Hou Mi , Zou Ya‐Yu , Fan Si‐Li , Li Xiao‐Qin , Shao Li‐Hui , Li Zhu‐Rui , Chen Dan‐Ping , Wang Zhen‐Chao , Ouyang Gui‐Ping
Published: January 2022

New series of 18 compounds were synthesized using sorafenib derivatives as parent structure and p‐aminoacetophenone as raw materials. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of 1H, 13C NMR and HRMS (Supporting Information). Their antitumor activities against human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549 (A549), prostate cancer cells PC‐3 (PC‐3), human chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562), and human liver cancer cells (HepG2) in vitro were evaluated, using Sorafenib as a positive control drug. Bioactivity assays indicated that these compounds showed good antitumor activities toward tested four cancer cell lines. In particular, compound 7n showed potent inhibitory activity with IC50 of 7.39 ± 1.51 μM toward K562. The mechanism and the apoptosis inducing effect of 7n against k562 cell line were studied. The results showed that compound 7n blocked K562 cells in G2/M phase to induce cell apoptosis with a concentration and time‐dependent manner.
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping of Brain Iron Relating to Cognitive Impairment in Hypertension
Authors: Qin Ziji , Wu Wenjun , Liu Dingxi , Zheng Chuansheng , Kang Jiamin , Zhou Hongyan , Meng Xueni , Haacke E. Mark , Wang Lixia
Published: January 2022

Background

Hypertension (HTN) might impair cognition. Brain iron deposition correlates with cognitive impairment. The relationship between brain iron and cognition in HTN patients is less clear.

Purpose

To measure brain susceptibility in HTN patients using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and to explore the relationship between brain iron and cognition.

Study Type

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Subjects

Sixty HTN patients (35 with mild cognitive impairment [MCI] and 25 without MCI) and 24 age, gender, and education matched controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; strategically acquired gradient echo (STAGE) imaging protocol for QSM analysis.

Assessment

All subjects underwent Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scoring of visuospatial/executive, naming, attention, abstraction, language, delayed memory, and orientation functions. HTN patients were divided into two groups (with and without MCI) depending on the MoCA score. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually demarcated on the STAGE images by three independent radiologists and susceptibility were determined for bilateral frontal white matter, parietal white matter, occipital white matter, caudate nucleus (CN), putamen (PU), globus pallidus (GP), thalamus (TH), red nucleus (RN), substantia nigra (SN), and dentate nucleus (DN).

Statistical Tests

Analysis of variance with post‐hoc least significant difference (LSD) tests and Pearson correlation coefficients (r). A P‐value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The susceptibility was significantly different in CN, PU, and DN among the three groups. The susceptibility of right CN and left PU were correlated with MoCA scores (r = −0.429 and r = −0.389, respectively). The susceptibility of left PU was also correlated with delayed memory scores (r = −0.664). The susceptibility of left and right GP were correlated with naming scores (r = −0.494 and r = −0.446, respectively) and the susceptibility of left DN were correlated with visuospatial/executive scores (r = 0.479).

Data Conclusion

QSM measured brain iron was significantly higher in CN, PU, and DN in HTN patients. Cognitive impairment was correlated with regional brain iron deposition.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Deuterium‐depleted water: A new tracer to label pulmonary surfactant lipids in adult rabbits
Authors: Simonato Manuela , Ricci Francesca , Catozzi Chiara , Storti Matteo , Giambelluca Sonia , Correani Alessio , Salomone Fabrizio , Cogo Paola , Carnielli Virgilio
Published: January 2022

Stable isotope tracing can be safely used for metabolic studies in animals and humans. The endogenous biosynthesis of lipids (lipogenesis) is a key process throughout the entire life but especially during brain and lung growth. Adequate synthesis of pulmonary surfactant lipids is indispensable for life. With this study, we report the use of deuterium‐depleted water (DDW), suitable for human consumption, as metabolic precursor for lipogenesis. We studied 13 adult rabbits for 5 days. Four rabbits drank tap water (TW) and served as controls; in four animals, DDW was substituted to drinking water, whereas five drank deuterium‐enriched water (DEW). After 5 days, a blood sample and a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample were collected. The 2H/1H (δ2H) of BAL palmitic acid (PA) desaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), the major phospholipid of pulmonary surfactant, and of plasma water was determined by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. We found that the δ2H values of DDW, DEW and TW were −984 ± 2‰, +757 ± 2‰ and −58 ± 1‰, respectively. After 5 days, plasma water values were −467 ± 87‰, +377 ± 56‰ and −53 ± 6‰, and BAL DSPC‐PA was −401 ± 27‰, −96 ± 38‰ and −249 ± 9‰ in the DDW, DEW and TW, respectively. With this preliminary study, we demonstrated the feasibility of using DDW to label pulmonary surfactant lipids. This novel approach can be used in animals and in humans, and we speculate that it could be associated with more favourable study compliance than DEW in human studies.
Dominant spatial patterns of interannual variability in summer precipitation across northern Eurasia from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models
Authors: Abe Manabu , Fujinami Hatsuki , Hiyama Tetsuya
Published: January 2022

There is a lack of studies elucidating the characteristics of interannual variability in different models, especially for northern Eurasia. Therefore, spatial patterns of interannual variability in summer precipitation over northern Eurasia across 15 models of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) were investigated using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis and cluster analysis. The spatial patterns of EOF1‐3 obtained from the models exhibited similar features across the models. The spatial pattern characteristics of the interannual variability of models were similar to those of the actual observations. However, their contribution rates and the order of magnitude of the EOFs in each model differ among models and from observations. Despite the similarity between the patterns of the EOF in the models and the observations, the atmospheric circulations causing the pattern differed in the models and actual observations, resulting in uncertainty in the models. This indicates that in the analysis of extreme events and their impact, the reproducibility and uncertainty of climate models with regard to interannual variability need to be adequately evaluated. In addition, similar to many climate models, the spatial pattern of interannual variability, which is different from any of EOF1‐3 for the observations, has been more strongly represented than the actual observations. Clarification of the factors governing the common but unsuitable variability across models may be expected to decrease the uncertainty of the models in terms of interannual variability.
Smart fracture plate for quantifying fracture healing: Preliminary efficacy in a biomechanical model
Authors: Ledet Eric H. , Caparaso Sydney M. , Stout Madelyn , Cole Keegan P. , Liddle Benjamin , Cady Nathaniel C. , Archdeacon Michael T.
Published: January 2022

The diagnosis of fracture nonunion following plate osteosynthesis is subjective and frequently ambiguous. Initially following osteosynthesis, loads applied to the bone are primarily transmitted through the plate. However, as callus stiffness increases, the callus is able to bear load proportional to its stiffness while forces through the plate decrease. The purpose of this study was to use a “smart” fracture plate to distinguish between phases of fracture healing by measuring forces transmitted through the plate. A wireless force sensor and small adapter were placed on the outside of a distal femoral locking plate. The adapter converts the slight bending of the plate under axial load into a transverse force which is measurable by the sensor. An osteotomy was created and then plated in the distal femur of biomechanical Sawbones. Specimens were loaded to simulate single‐leg stance first with the osteotomy defect empty (acute healing), then sequentially filled with silicone (early callus) and then polymethyl methacrylate (hard callus). There was a strong correlation between applied axial load and force measured by the “smart” plate. Data demonstrate statistically significant differences between each phase of healing with as little as 150 N of axial load applied to the femur. Forces measured in the plate were significantly different between acute (100%), early callus (66.4%), and hard callus (29.5%). This study demonstrates the potential of a “smart” fracture plate to distinguish between phases of healing. These objective data may enable early diagnosis of nonunion and enhance outcomes for patients.
Outcome after treatment for sebaceous carcinoma: A multicenter study
Authors: In 't Veld Eva Huis , Keizer Ronald , Post Nicoline , Versteeg Jeroen , Verdijk Robert , Naus Nicole , Relyveld Germaine , Crijns Marianne , Smith Myles , Grünhagen Dirk , Wakkee Marlies , Paridaens Dion , Zavrakidis Ioannis , Mooyaart Antien , van Akkooi Alexander , Strauss Dirk , Verhoef Cornelis , Wouters Michel , Hayes Andrew , van Houdt Winan
Published: January 2022

Background

Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare malignant tumour whereby, comprehensive long‐term data are scarce. This study aimed to assess the outcome of patients treated with resection for SC.

Methods

Patients treated at four tertiary centres were included. Cumulative incidence curves were calculated for recurrences.

Results

A total of 100 patients (57 males, 57%) were included with 103 SCs. The median age was 72 (range, 15–95) years with a median follow‐up of 52 (interquartile range [IQR], 24‐93) months. Most SCs were located (peri)ocular (49.5%). Of all SCs, 17 locally recurred (16.5%) with a median time to recurrence of 19 (IQR, 8–29) months. The cumulative incidence probability for recurrence was statistically higher for (peri)ocular tumours (p = 0.005), and for positive resection margins (p = 0.001). Two patients presented with lymph node metastases and additional seven patients (8.7%) developed lymph node metastases during follow‐up with a median time to metastases of 8 (IQR, 0.5–28) months. Three patients had concurrent in‐transit metastases and one patient also developed liver and bone metastases during follow‐up.

Conclusion

SC is a rare, yet locally aggressive tumour. Positive resection margins and (peri)ocular SCs are more frequently associated with local recurrence. SC infrequently presents with locoregional or distant metastases.
An efficient strategy based on two‐stage chromatography and in vitro evaluation for rapid screening and isolation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi
Authors: Hou Wanchao , Liu Chunming , Li Sainan , Zhang Yuchi , Jin Yongri , Li Xuwen , Liu Zhen , Niu Huazhou , Xia Jianli
Published: January 2022

The extraction of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi was investigated using the response surface methodology‐genetic algorithm mathematical regression model, and the extraction variables were optimized to maximize the flavonoid yield. Furthermore, a simple and efficient ultrafiltration–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and molecular docking methods were developed for the rapid screening and identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors present in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Subsequently, four major chemical constituents, namely baicalein, norwogonin, wogonin, and oroxylin A, were identified as potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. This novel approach, involving the use of ultrafiltration–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and molecular docking methods combined with stepwise flow rate counter‐current chromatography and semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, could potentially provide a powerful tool for the screening and extraction of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from complex matrices and be a useful platform for the production of bioactive and nutraceutical ingredients.
Associations among traumatic experiences, threat exposure, and mental health in Pakistani journalists
Authors: Koster Suzanna M. , Koot Hans M. , Malik Jamil A. , Sijbrandij Marit
Published: January 2022

Pakistan is considered to be relatively unsafe for journalists; however, little is known about how working in situations that involve a high risk of trauma exposure and personal threat impacts journalists’ mental health. The present study aimed to examine the associations among reporting on topics that carry a high risk of trauma exposure; work‐related personal threat exposure; and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of Pakistani journalists. Participants completed online assessments to report the extent of their exposure to trauma and threat in the last 6 months with regard to reporting on militancy, crime, bomb blasts, and natural disasters and exposure to electronic, verbal, and physical threats; stalking; kidnapping; and detention. Further, we assessed symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress using self‐report instruments. Of the 296 participants, 34.1% showed clinically significant levels of PTSD, moderately elevated levels of depression, and severely elevated levels of anxiety. Linear regression analyses demonstrated an association between PTSD symptoms and a higher frequency of reporting on natural disasters, β = 2.40, p = .004, whereas symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress were associated with a lower frequency of reporting on bomb and suicide blasts, βs = ‐.93 – 1.61, p = <.001 – .047. Ideally, these findings will raise awareness about their situation, inform prevention and intervention efforts dedicated to journalists’ mental health, and promote future research to elucidate the causal factors implicated in mental health symptoms in this population.
Accumulation of glomalin‐related soil protein benefits soil carbon sequestration: Tropical coastal forest restoration experiences
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Jian , Ma Lingling , He Xinhua , Liu Zhanfeng , Wang Faming , Chu Guowei , Tang Xuli
Published: January 2022

Many tropical coastal areas experience severe soil erosion due to heavy rainfall, especially after deforestation. Glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP), the product of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), improves soil structure and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration with vegetation restoration. Therefore, the contribution of GRSP to soil property improvement in a tropical coastal area was studied for four different restoration practices: a barren land (BL, unrestored control), a Eucalyptus exserta planted forest (EF), a mixed broadleaved forest (MF), and a secondary natural forest (SF). Results showed that vegetation restoration practices increased easily‐extractable GRSP (EE‐GRSP) and total GRSP (T‐GRSP) by 3.9–12.3‐ and 1.9–4.6‐times, respectively, compared with BL. The proportions of EE‐GRSP/SOC and T‐GRSP/SOC were 1.6%–2.0% and 6.5%–15.8%. The concentrations of GRSP, SOC, and the GRSP/SOC ratio were similar or greater under MF than under SF. 13C NMR analysis showed that the relatively easily degradable O‐alkyl‐C of SOC was significantly higher under MF than under EF and SF, while the recalcitrant aromatic‐C or alkyl‐C were highest under SF or EF, respectively. A significantly positive relationship was found between the GRSP/SOC ratio and aromatic‐C, and between GRSP and soil aggregate stability. Our study indicates that GRSP contributes to a large proportion of SOC, and benefits SOC sequestration through increasing soil aggregate stability and recalcitrant SOC. Among these artificial or naturally growing forest areas, a mixed forest restoration practice with native tree species provides a promising restoration strategy for heavily eroded land restoration, in particular improving soil aggregation and SOC sequestration.
Can promotion on WeChat official accounts improve scholarly journals' academic impact? A micro‐level correlation comparison study
Authors: Zhang Bei , Sun Jing , Zhang Huangqun , Xu Chengting
Published: January 2022

WeChat has been developed into a unique social media and an increasing number of scholarly journals in China use it to promote their content. However, the effectiveness of WeChat promotion on academic impact is still unknown. This study selected five Chinese journals and investigated papers published in 2018, looking at reading counts on WeChat official accounts and the citations recorded on China's largest scholarly repository, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI). The raw data were normalized to lower the effect of journal size and then stratified into four data sets of the top 50%, top 25%, top 10% and top 1%. The results indicate that significant positive correlations between WeChat reading counts and citations exist across the total data set and the data sets of top 50%, top 25% and top 10%. The data set of the top 1% could not be analysed due to the small number of papers. Three of the five journals and two data sets of the other two journals exhibit similar positive correlations. This study demonstrates that promotion of WeChat official accounts can influence the academic impact of individual papers, but further study is needed to clarify the exact thresholds and influential factors.
Patient selection criteria for percutaneous anterior cervical laser versus endoscopic discectomy
Authors: Hellinger Stefan , Knight Martin , Telfeian Albert E. , Lewandrowski Kai‐Uwe
Published: January 2022

Background

Percutaneous anterior laser and anterior endoscopic cervical spine surgery are associated with less approach trauma than conventional open cervical spine surgery. The literature illustrating their appropriate use corroborated with objective outcome evidence is scarce. The authors were interested in comparing the clinical outcomes following percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) versus percutaneous endoscopic disc decompression (PEDD). © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients with soft contained symptomatic cervical disc herniations and an average age of 50.5 years (range 26 ‐ 68 years; 16 males and 14 females) were prospectively enrolled in 2 groups of 15 patients to be either treated with PLDD or PEDD. All patients underwent PLDD or PEDD under local anesthesia and sedation. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Macnab criteria VAS score for arm pain. Complications and reoperations were recorded.

Results

There were significant reductions in the VAS score for arm pain from preoperative 8.4 ± 2.5 to 3.1 ± 1.2 in the PLDD group (P < 0.03), and from preoperative 8.6 ± 2.7 to 2.4 ± 1.1 (P < 0.01) in the PEDD group. In the PLDD group, Macnab outcomes were excellent in 21% of patients, good in 44%, fair in 21%, and poor in 14%. In the PEDD group, Macnab outcomes were excellent in 14% of patients, good in 32%, fair in 12%, and poor in the remaining 12%. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the PLDD and the PEDD group. There were no approach‐related or surgical complications.

Conclusions

Tissue trauma is significantly reduced with laser and endoscopic surgery techniques. PLDD and PEDD are both suitable for the specific indication of soft, symptomatic contained cervical disc herniations. The authors’ small prospective cohort study indicates that PLDD and PEDD are options for cervical decompression surgery when medical comorbidities or preferences by patients and surgeons dictate more minimally invasive strategies.
Formation and corrosion resistance of a novel Co–Ti–Mo composite chromium‐free chemical conversion coating on LY12 aluminum alloy
Authors: Qian Xuzheng , Zhao Waner , Zhan Wen , Zhang Tianyue , Pan Jingjing , Liu Yiting
Published: January 2022

A novel type of Co–Ti–Mo conversion coating (CoTiMoCC) was prepared on LY12 aluminum alloy, furthermore the optimal formula and the effect of conversion time (CTI) were studied in detail. The micromorphology and phase compositions were systematically investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the corrosion resistance was determined by dropping test, electrochemical tests, and immersion test. Results reveal that the best formula of CoTiMoCC is Co2SO4: 2.0 g/L, H2TiF6: 1.5 ml/L, and Na2MoO4: 1.0 g/L and the corresponding optimal CTI is 16 min. Significantly, the micromorphology of CoTiMoCC under the best conversion condition is relatively smooth, continuous, and dense, and the major elements on the surface are Co, Ti, Mo, Al, O, and F. The phase compositions mainly consist of CoO, Co3O4, MoO3, Mo2O5, TiO2, and Al2O3, as well as a small quantity of AlF3·3H2O and Na3AlF6. Compared with the Al alloy matrix, CoTiMoCC acquires an order of magnitude lower Icorr and thus significantly reduces its corrosion rate, which is also confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results. Further study of immersion test exhibits that the corrosion resistance of CoTiMoCC is approximately five times that of Al alloy matrix, and no obvious corrosion spots are generated on its surface.
Economic policy, regulatory policy, or soft policy: Which category of policy can effectively improve the green innovation of Chinese wind power industry?
Authors: Shi Jiarong , Jiang Zihao , Luo Biao
Published: January 2022

Although wind power is clean in general, its potential adverse impacts on ecology and environment still cannot be ignored. To improve green innovation of wind power industry, the Chinese government has issued a series of policies. With the microdata from listed Chinese wind power enterprises from 2006 to 2019, this study examines the impacts of policies on green innovation. The results indicate that economic policy, regulatory policy, and soft policy significantly improve the green innovation. Unfortunately, the incentive effect only scratches the surface. The further analysis suggests that all categories of policies contribute to the low‐quality green innovation only.