bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration properties of immune‐oncological drugs
Authors: Tavares Ana Beatriz M.L.A. , Albuquerque Eudenilson L.
Published: January 2022

Inhibition of programmed cell death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) and its counterpart ligands PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 pathways by the US‐FDA's approved monoclonal antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab has delivered breakthrough therapies against a wide range of cancers, being an important issue for clinical research. Although many structural properties of these drugs have been unveiled, only few studies were focused on their vibrational features. To fill this gap, quantum chemistry calculations are employed to depict the binding energetic modes of these antibody drugs in order to obtain their vibrational properties through a Raman scattering spectroscopy. Detailed interpretation of their harmonic vibrational wavenumbers is also presented, mainly those in the range 2,750 to 3,750 (1,200 to 1,750) cm−1 for the oncological drug pembrolizumab (nivolumab). We believe that our theoretical/computational results may be a new viable technique for improving the cancer disease therapies.
Characterization of ultrafine zein fibers incorporated with broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts by electrospinning
Authors: Radünz Marjana , Mota Camargo Taiane , dos Santos Hackbart Helen Cristina , Paes Nunes Camila Francine , Araújo Ribeiro Jardel , da Rosa Zavareze Elessandra
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower contain phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, which have several biological effects on the body. However, because they are thermolabile, many of these substances are lost in the cooking process. Electrospinning encapsulation, using zein as a preservative wall material, can expand the applications of the compounds in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The objective of this research was to characterize broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts and encapsulate them with the electrospinning technique using zein.

RESULTS

Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower extracts contain five phenolic compounds and three glucosinolates. Fibers from broccoli, kale, and cauliflower showed high encapsulation efficiency, good thermal stability, and nanometric size, especially those containing extract and zein in proportions of up to 35:65.

CONCLUSION

Fibers from broccoli, kale, and cauliflower containing extract and zein in proportions of up to 35:65 have the potential for effective nutraceutical application for the control of non‐communicable chronic diseases or application in food packaging. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigation into creep‐to‐rupture of SIMP steel in stagnant LBE at 300–450°C
Authors: Liao Qing , Li Bingsheng , Ge Fangfang , Wang Renda , Zhang Hongpeng , Krsjak Vladimir , Sheng Yanbin
Published: January 2022

Ferritic/martensitic steel was chosen as a primary candidate structural material for China Initiative Accelerator Driven System (CiADS) which started in 2015. A new kind of tempered martensitic steel, Steel of Institute of Modern Physics (SIMP), was designed to meet the requirements of the special operating environment. Structural materials suffer from liquid Pb‐Bi corrosion and liquid metal wetting at 450°C. Liquid metal wetting can seriously affect the mechanical properties of structural materials due to the decrease in surface energy and transition from martensitic laths to ferritic grains. Creep‐to‐rupture of SIMP steel was explored in stagnant liquid Pb‐Bi eutectic at 450°C. The possible reasons for creep‐to‐rupture are discussed. The results of the present study provide a new insight into challenges related to the application of SIMP steel in CiADS.
Printable Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Versatile Platforms for Immobilization of Functional Biomolecules
Authors: de León Alberto S. , de la Mata María , Delgado Francisco J. , Molina Sergio I.
Published: January 2022

A series of novel nanocomposites containing graphene oxide (GO) suitable for stereolithography is presented. Different loads of GO are tested, identifying that these materials can be printed with concentrations up to 2.5 wt% GO, presenting improved mechanical properties for concentrations below 1.0 wt% GO. In this range, the nanocomposites exhibit higher strength and toughness when compared to the pristine resin. Microscopic analyses of the material demonstrate that this can be correlated with the good compatibility of GO with the resin, which favors its homogeneous dispersion in the form of flexible nanoplates. After manufacturing, the availability of GO to participate in surface modification reactions with chitosan (CHI) and an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is evaluated. CHI and ALP are well‐known to act as biological cues in biorecognition processes, evidencing that these nanocomposites are suitable as platforms for selective immobilization of functional biomolecules.
Neuroimaging Pearls from theMDSCongress Video Challenge. Part 1: Genetic Disorders
Authors: Olszewska Diana A. , Rawal Sapna , Fearon Conor , Alcaide‐Leon Paula , Stell Rick , Paramanandan Vijayashankar , Lynch Tim , Jawad Tania , Vittal Padmaja , Barton Brandon , Miyajima Hiroaki , Kono Satoshi , Kandadai Rukmini Mridula , Borgohain Rupam , Lang Anthony E.
Published: January 2022

We selected several “imaging pearls” presented during the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Video Challenge for this review. While the event, as implicated by its name, was video‐centered, we would like to emphasize the important role of imaging in making the correct diagnosis. We divided this anthology into two parts: genetic and acquired disorders. Genetic cases described herein were organized by the inheritance pattern and the focus was put on the imaging findings and differential diagnoses. Despite the overlapping phenotypes, certain described disorders have pathognomonic MRI brain findings that would provide either the “spot” diagnosis or result in further investigations leading to the diagnosis. Despite this, the diagnosis is often challenging with a broad differential diagnosis, and hallmark findings may be present for only a limited time.
Stereoelectronic interactions: A booster for 4JHF transmission
Authors: Soares João Vitor , Dal Poggetto Guilherme , Viesser Renan V. , Couto Uenifer R. , Tormena Cláudio F.
Published: January 2022

Long‐range proton‐fluorine coupling constants (nJHF) are helpful for the structure elucidation of fluorinated molecules. However, their magnitude and sign can change with the relative position of coupled nuclei and the presence of substituents. Here, trans‐4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐fluorocyclohexanone was used as a model compound for the study of the transmission of 4JHF. In this compound, the 4JH6axF was measured to be +5.1 Hz, which is five times larger than the remaining 4JHF in the same molecule (4JH4F = +1.0 Hz and 4JH6eqF = +1.0 Hz). Through a combination of experimental data, natural bond orbital (NBO) and natural J‐coupling (NJC) analyses, we observed that stereoelectronic interactions involving the π system of the carbonyl group are involved in the transmission pathway for the 4JH6axF. Interactions containing the π system as an electron acceptor (e.g., σC6H6ax → π*C═O and σCF → π*C═O) increase the value of the 4JH6axF, while the interaction of the π system as an electron donor (e.g., πC═O → σ*CF) decreases it. Additionally, the carbonyl group was shown not to be part of the transmission pathway of the diequatorial 4JH6eqF coupling in cis‐4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐fluorocyclohexanone, revealing that there is a crucial symmetry requirement that must be fulfilled for the π system to influence the value of the 4JHF in these systems.
BMI in early adulthood is associated with severe COVID‐19 later in life: A prospective cohort study of 1.5 million Swedish men
Authors: Robertson Josefina , Adiels Martin , Lissner Lauren , Mehlig Kirsten , af Geijerstam Agnes , Lindgren Martin , Gisslén Magnus , Ekblom Bak Elin , Rosengren Annika , Åberg Maria
Published: January 2022

Objective

Overweight and obesity have been identified as risk factors for severe COVID‐19; however, prospective cohort studies investigating the association between overweight early in life and severity of COVID‐19 are lacking.

Methods

This study included 1,551,670 Swedish men, born between 1950 and 1987, with BMI registered at age 18 years. They were followed until January 9, 2021. COVID‐19 cases and comorbidities were identified through the National Patient, Intensive Care, and Cause of Death registries. Outcomes included the following: 1) hospitalization; 2) intensive care unit admission; and 3) death.

Results

The study found 4,315 cases (mean age = 56.4 years [SD 8.8]) of patients hospitalized because of COVID‐19, of which 729 were admitted to an intensive care unit, and altogether there were 224 deaths. The risk for hospital admission increased with higher values of BMI at age 18 years, despite adjustment for comorbidities, from an odds ratio (OR) of 1.19 (95% CI: 1.08‐1.31) at BMI = 22.5 to 25 to an OR of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.39‐2.02) at BMI ≥ 30, compared with BMI = 18.5 to 20. ORs for intensive care unit admission were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.13‐1.84) at BMI = 22.5 to 25 and 2.61 (95% CI: 1.73‐3.93) at BMI ≥ 30.

Conclusions

Higher BMI in early adulthood was associated with severe COVID‐19 many years later, with a risk increase starting already at BMI ≥ 22.5. This underlines the necessity of preventive actions against overweight in youth to offer protection against coming viral pandemics.
Preferred‐handed helical conformation in organic–inorganic hybrid block copolymers with well‐controlled stereoregularity
Authors: Kometani Satoshi , Kato Tomoki , Manabe Kei , Seko Tamio , Chang Yu‐Ning , Luo Huai‐Rou , Agata Yoshihiro , Ohta Noboru , Hayakawa Teruaki , Fujii Syuji , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Li Ming‐Chia , Hirai Tomoyasu
Published: January 2022

A novel block copolymer containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) features a well‐controlled stereoregularity, that is, isotactic polymethacrylate‐functionalized POSS‐b‐polymethyl methacrylate (it‐PMAPOSS‐b‐PMMA), was prepared via controlled‐anionic polymerization. The stereoregularity of each segment in the it‐PMAPOSS‐b‐PMMA is evaluated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which reveals an isotactic configuration in both the PMAPOSS and PMMA segments. The secondary structure of it‐PMAPOSS‐b‐PMMA in a mixture with a small chiral dopant is clarified with electronic circular dichroism and vibrational circular dichroism measurements. By adding a chiral dopant, a controlled preferential helical conformation of the unilateral segment in achiral it‐PMAPOSS‐b‐PMMA is achieved.
Enhanced Polychromatic Luminescence of Bionic Peptidyl Nanoparticles Driven by Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Huang Meimei , Kong Jia , Zhang Jiaxing , Wang Zixuan , Hao Dongzhao , Zhang Jiaojiao , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: January 2022

Owing to their good biocompatibility, flexible structure, and ease of assembling, peptide nanomaterials have become one of the excellent candidates for the construction of fluorescent molecules and attracted much attention in the field of biomedicine. Inspired by green fluorescent protein and its mutants, a series of dipeptide derivatives are designed. The dipeptides aggregate into nanoparticles and bind together by intermolecular forces to produce multicolor fluorescence. Aromatic stacking and hydrogen bond networks may cause the residues on the side chains of dipeptides to form charge transfer configurations with cyclopentadiene in the nanoparticles. In particular, the ferrocene‐phenylalanine histidine (Fc–FH) dipeptide assembly contains abundant hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen atoms in hydrogen bonds can shuttle between donor and acceptor groups, causing changes in electron configuration to reduce bandgap energy, resulting in an obvious redshift of the emission spectrum and effectively extending the fluorescence spectrum to the visible light range. The stable fluorescence of ferrocene‐diphenylalanine, ferrocene‐phenylalanine tyrosine, and Fc–FH dipeptides can be detected in the visible light range and used for cell imaging, which shows great potential applications in the field of bioimaging.
Design, synthesis, and fungicidal activity of novel N‐substituted piperazine‐containing phenylpyridines against cucumber downy mildew
Authors: Xu Ying , Wang Hongtao , Du Xiaohua
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Cucumber downy mildew (CDM) is a severe plant disease and affects the yield of cucumber production worldwide. As the resistance toward conventional fungicides is emerging as a ubiquitous issue, it is urgent to discover efficient fungicides with unique structures.

RESULTS

In this study, a series of novel phenylpyridine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Bioassays revealed that most of these compounds possessed excellent fungicidal activities against CDM. Among the phenylpyridine compounds, 2‐(4‐(4‐(tert‐butyl)benzyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)‐6‐phenylnicotinonitrile (C8) [half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 4.40 mg L−1] displayed the highest activity, which was better than those of the commercial fungicides, such as azoxystrobin (EC50 = 42.77 mg L−1) and flumorph (EC50 = 41.94 mg L−1). Furthermore, the molecular electrostatic potential of high‐activity compound C8 indicated that nitrogen atom of the cyano group on the pyridine ring was in the negative region and may easily form hydrogen bonds and allow for electrostatic interactions with potential receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the novel N‐substituted piperazine‐containing phenylpyridine derivatives could be further developed as a candidate compound to control CDM.
Lossy Frequency‐Selective Surface Metamaterials Based on Silicon Slice with Broadband Microwave Absorption at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Qiao Mengke , Li Xiangcheng , Liao Zhangqi , Chen Pingan , Zhu Yingli
Published: January 2022

A broadband metamaterial absorber (MA) with high‐temperature resistance is designed and fabricated using a regular octagonal ring‐cross structure as a frequency‐selective surface (FSS). A high‐temperature conductive paste and SiO2 are used as the FSS raw materials and middle layer, respectively. Simulation and experimental results show that the absorber reaches a reflection loss below −5 dB at the 5.17–18 GHz range with normal incidence at room temperature. The measured values are in good agreement with the simulation results. At 800 °C, the absorption bandwidth expands to 13.3 GHz (4.72–18 GHz). The equivalent impedance of the absorber is obtained using an inversion method to qualitatively explain its working mechanism. The electric energy density, magnetic energy density, and surface current at the resonance frequency provide an intuitive understanding of the power loss of the structure. Comprehensive analysis illustrates that the main absorption mechanisms of the high‐temperature broadband MA (HBMA) are ohmic and resonance losses.
Effect of nanocurcumin supplementation on the severity of symptoms and length of hospital stay in patients with COVID‐19: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Honarkar Shafie Elaheh , Taheri Fateme , Alijani Neda , Okhovvat Ahmad Reza , Goudarzi Razieh , Borumandnia Nasrin , Aghaghazvini Leila , Rezayat Seyed Mahdi , Jamalimoghadamsiahkali Saeidreza , Hosseinzadeh‐Attar Mohammad Javad
Published: January 2022

It has been more than a year since the outbreak of COVID‐19, and it is still the most critical issue of the healthcare system. Discovering effective strategies to treat infected patients is necessary to decrease the mortality rate. This study aimed to determine the effects of nanocurcumin on the severity of symptoms and length of hospital stay (LOS) in COVID‐19 patients. Forty‐eight COVID‐19 patients were randomly assigned into nanocurcumin (n = 24) and placebo (n = 24) groups receiving 160 mg/day nanocurcumin or placebo capsules for 6 days. Mean differences of O2 saturation were significantly higher in patients who received nanocurcumin supplements (p = 0.02). Also, nanocurcumin treatment significantly reduced the scores of domains 3 and 4 and the total score of Wisconsin Upper Respiratory System Survey (WURSS‐24), indicating milder symptoms in the treatment group (p = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.01 respectively). Besides, the LOS in curcumin groups was lower than in the placebo group, although the difference was not statistically significant (6.31 ± 5.26 vs. 8.87 ± 8.12 days; p = 0.416). CBC/differentiate, hs‐CRP level and the pulmonary involvement in CT scan were not different between the two groups. As nanocurcumin can be effective in increasing O2 saturation and reducing the severity of symptoms in COVID‐19 patients, it could probably be used as a complementary agent to accelerate the recovery of patients.
Nintedanib—A case of treating concurrent idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Dabholkar Shakti , Gao Bo , Chuong Brian
Published: January 2022

Treating advanced lung cancer in patients with pulmonary fibrosis can be challenging due to increased risks of drug‐induced and radiation‐induced pneumonitis. We present the case of a 78‐year‐old female with stage IIIB lung adenocarcinoma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Following partial response to platinum‐based chemotherapy, she was started on maintenance pemetrexed, but this was stopped due to bone marrow suppression and kidney injury. She received no further chemotherapy. Nintedanib was subsequently commenced for treatment of IPF. Remarkably, progress imaging at 2 years showed further regression of her lung adenocarcinoma, with stability of IPF. Nintedanib is a multi‐target tyrosine kinase inhibitor with anti‐cancer effects due to inhibition of angiogenesis. Nintedanib with chemotherapy has shown improvements in survival in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This case report and literature review discuss the effectiveness of nintedanib in treating patients with concurrent IPF and NSCLC, in particular for patients poorly tolerant of conventional chemotherapy.
Retracted: Officers' foreign language training in educational and information environment of the Higher Military Educational Institution
Authors: Osodlo Vasyl , Rakhmanov Vitalii , Krykun Viktoriia , Tarasenko Nataliya , Aristarkhova Marharyta
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a blended learning method on the development of foreign language communicative competence of the officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the educational and information environment of a Higher Military Educational Institution. The foreign language training was carried out at 11 military educational institutions. Nineteen foreign language teachers were enrolled who conducted face‐to‐face training in an online virtual class and used the Moodle platform of the National Defence University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovskyi for distance learning. Such a combination of the components (face‐to‐face and distance learning) provided the opportunity for them to implement effectively the case study and project‐based learning activities in an online virtual class and to use simultaneously the information and communication tools of an educational and information environment. In the study, a ‘pre‐test–post‐test’ experimental research design was used. The data collection tool was a proficiency language test according to NATO STANAG 6001 requirements. A difference between the two stages in favour of the results gained after conducting the investigation was revealed. Therefore, it is stated that integrating information and communication technology tools in foreign language training will have positive effects on both the teachers and officers to help them be aware of the modern tools of the information and educational environment.
The Teaching and Learning Toolkit: Communicating research evidence to inform decision‐making for policy and practice in education
Authors: Higgins Steve , Katsipataki Maria , Villanueva Aguilera Alaidde Berenice , Dobson Emma , Gascoine Louise , Rajab Taha , Kalambouka Afroditi , Reardon Jonathan , Stafford Jade , Uwimpuhwe Germaine
Published: January 2022

This article compares and contrasts two versions of the Education Endowment Foundation's (EEF) Teaching and Learning Toolkit (‘Toolkit’), a web‐based summary of international evidence on teaching 3–18 year‐olds. The Toolkit has localised versions in six different languages in Australia, Cameroon, Chile, Jordan and Spain. The initial Toolkit, created in 2011 with funding from the Sutton Trust and updated since then with funding from EEF, drew upon over 250 meta‐analyses across 30 areas of education research. An updated version, drawing on a database of over 2500 single studies from these meta‐analyses was launched in Autumn 2021. This change was motivated by increased interest in evidence‐use in education, and a desire to engage in more rigorous synthesis of primary studies. The article presents the rationale for these changes, outlines the methods adopted to populate and analyse the Toolkit database and presents results from this analysis. Findings indicate that although the broad picture of the relative benefits of the different approaches is similar, a more fine‐grained analysis is possible. This deeper synthesis can provide more specific guidance about what has been successful in the different areas of the Toolkit in research studies and offers opportunities for further refinement and improvement. This increased specificity, however, comes at the cost of greater complexity in the findings and the implications for policy and practice, and it increases the challenge of ensuring findings are both accurate and accessible. A final section reflects on the challenges of summarising evidence from research to inform decision‐making in education.
Tumor‐Selective Biodegradation‐Regulated Photothermal H2S Donor for Redox Dyshomeostasis‐ and Glycolysis Disorder‐Enhanced Theranostics
Authors: Wang Yi , Qian Min , Du Yilin , Zhou Jianglu , Huo Taotao , Guo Wei , Akhtar Muhammad , Huang Rongqin
Published: January 2022

H2S‐mediated tumor therapy has received great attention due to its unique physiological activity and synergistical enhancement, but suffers from limited H2S donors with promised biosafety to regulate the H2S delivery and subsequently the elusive pathway to augment the combined therapy. Herein, a PEGylated porous molybdenum disulfide nanoflower (MSP) with abundant defects is facilely synthesized for tumor‐targeted theranostics. MSP possesses good water‐dispersity and high photothermal ability, which is used for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy. Interestingly, MSP is selectively degraded upon exposure to superfluous glutathione (GSH) within tumor cells, the mechanism of which is investigated, as a reduction‐coordination reaction. This special degradation induces redox dyshomeostasis via GSH depletion for reactive oxygen species‐accumulated chemodynamic therapy. Meanwhile, the selective biodegradation of MSP regulates a sustained H2S release within tumor and achieves a targeted H2S gas therapy via enhancing the glycolysis to acidify the tumor cells (glycolysis disorder). Synergistically, these performances are further enhanced via near‐infrared photothermal heating, where excellent therapeutic outcomes with good biosafety are accomplished in vitro and in vivo. These characteristics, together with the unique biodegradation and no obvious side‐effects of the nanoparticles, suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for precise tumor treatments.
Materials and Interface Designs of Waterproof Field‐Effect Transistor Arrays for Detection of Neurological Biomarkers
Authors: Dong Yan , Chen Shulin , Liu Tzu‐Li , Li Jinghua
Published: January 2022

The continuous, real‐time, and concurrent detection of multiple biomarkers in bodily fluids is of high significance for advanced healthcare. While active, semiconductor‐based biochemical sensing platforms provide levels of functionality exceeding those of their conventional passive counterparts, the stability of the active biosensors in the liquid environment for continuous operation remains a challenging topic. This work reports the development of a class of flexible and waterproof field‐effect transistor arrays for multiplexed biochemical sensing. In this design, monolithic, ultrathin, dense, and low defect nanomembranes consisting of monocrystalline Si and thermally grown SiO2 simultaneously serve as high‐performance backplane electronics for signal transduction and stable biofluid barriers with high structural integrity due to the high formation temperature. Coupling the waterproof transistors with various ion‐selective membranes through the gate electrode allows for sensitive and selective detection of multiple ions as biomarkers for traumatic brain injury. The study also demonstrates a similar encapsulation structure which enables the design of waterproof amperometric sensors based on this materials strategy and integration scheme. Overall, key advantages in flexibility, stability, and multifunctionality highlight the potential of using such electronic sensing platforms for concurrent, continuous detection of various neurological biomarkers, proving a promising approach for early diagnosis and intervention of chronic diseases.
Single‐Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Temporal Diversity and Dynamics of Cardiac Immunity after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jin Kaiyu , Gao Shan , Yang Penghui , Guo Rongfang , Li Dan , Zhang Yunsha , Lu Xiaoyan , Fan Guanwei , Fan Xiaohui
Published: January 2022

Myocardial infarction (MI) is strongly associated with the temporal regulation of cardiac immunity. However, a variety of current clinical trials have failed because of the lack of post‐MI immunomodulating/anti‐inflammatory targets. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis of the cardiac Cd45+ immune cell at 0, 3, 7, and 14 d after injury in a mouse left anterior descending coronary artery ligation model is performed. Major immune cell populations, distinct subsets, and dynamic changes are identified. Macrophages (Mø) are most abundant, peaking at 3 d after infarction. Mø‐5 and Mø‐6 are the predominant infiltrated subsets at this time point, with strong expression of inflammatory factors. Further analysis demonstrates that suppressing these sets attenuated pathological MI progression by preventing subsequent leukocyte extravasation and adverse remodeling. Abundant apoptotic neutrophils and a profibrotic macrophage subset on days 7 and 14, respectively, are also detected. These results provide a basis for developing cell type‐ and time‐specific interventions in MI.
Beyond instructional practices: Characterizing learning environments that support students in explaining chemical phenomena
Authors: Ralph Vanessa R. , Scharlott Leah J. , Schwarz Cara E. , Becker Nicole M. , Stowe Ryan L.
Published: January 2022

Many conversations surrounding improvement of large‐enrollment college science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) courses focus primarily (or solely) on changing instructional practices. By reducing dynamic, complex learning environments to collections of teaching methods, we neglect other meaningful parts of a course ecosystem (e.g., curriculum, assessments). Here, we advocate extending STEM education reform conversations beyond “active versus passive learning.” We argue communities of researchers and instructors would be better served if what we teach and assess was discussed alongside how we teach. To enable nuanced conversations about the characteristics of learning environments that support students in explaining phenomena, we defined a model of college STEM learning environments which attends to the intellectual work emphasized and rewarded on exams (i.e., assessment emphasis), what is taught in whole‐class meetings (i.e., instructional emphasis), and how those meetings are enacted (i.e., instructional practices). We subsequently characterized three distinct chemistry courses and qualitatively examined the characteristics of chemistry learning environments that effectively supported students in explaining why a beaker of water warms as a white solid dissolves. Furthermore, we quantitatively investigated the extent to which measures of incoming preparation explained variance in students’ explanations relative to enrollment in each learning environment. Our findings demonstrate that learning environments that effectively supported learners in explaining dissolution emphasized how and why salts dissolve in‐class and on assessments. Changing teaching methods in an otherwise traditionally structured course (i.e., a course organized by topics that primarily assesses math and recall) did not appear to impact the sophistication of students’ explanations. Additionally, we observed that learning environment enrollment explained substantially more of the variance observed in students’ explanations than measures of precollege math preparation. This finding suggests that emphasizing and rewarding the construction of causal accounts for phenomena in‐class and on assessments may support more equitable achievement.
Immunogenic and antigenic analysis of recombinant NSP1 and NSP11 of PRRS virus
Authors: Contreras‐Luna María Josefina , Fragoso‐Gonzalez Gladis , Segura‐Velázquez René Alvaro , Cervantes‐Torres Jacquelynne Brenda , Alonso‐Morales Rogelio , Ramírez‐Martínez Luis Alfonso , Ayón‐Núñez Dolores Adriana , Bobes Raúl José , Sánchez‐ Betancourt José Ivan
Published: January 2022

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an enveloped RNA virus in the order Nidovirales, familyArteriviridae, genusBetaarterivirus. Antibodies against nonstructural proteins (NSPs) from this virus can be found in pigs starting 4 days postinfection and they remain detectable for several months.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and antigenic properties of recombinant proteins NSP1 and NSP11 expressed inEscherichia colicells, as well as to assess the neutralization activity that they elicit.

Methods

We obtained the completeORF‐1genes coding for NSP1 and NSP11 from PRRSV using the VR‐2332 strain. Cloning was performed with the pET23a(+) vector with a histidine tag (His6), linearized by restriction enzyme digestion; the expression of the NSP1 and NSP11 clones was induced in OverExpress C41(DE3) chemically competent cells. Recombinant proteins were used to generate hyperimmune sera and we perform serological assays to confirm neutralizing antibodies.

Results

The expressed recombinant NSP1 and NSP11 were found to be immunogenic when injected in pigs, as well as demonstrated higher specificity in recognition of antigen in field sera from pigs positive infected with PRRSV. Furthermore, both NSP1 and NSP11 recombinant proteins elicited PRRSV neutralizing antibodies.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated the immune humoral response to NSP 1 and NSP11, and neutralizing‐antibody response to PRRSV VR2332 strain in sera from hyperimmunized pigs.
Der vermeintliche Siegeszug der Digitalisierung
Authors: Lünich Marco
Published: January 2022

„Der Siegeszug der Digitalisierung ist nicht aufzuhalten.“ So oder so ähnlich liest man es derzeit häufig in Einleitungen von studentischen Hausarbeiten, hört es in den Medien (Breitkopf, 2015) oder aus der Industrie (Siemens, 2017) und in etlichen Büchern, die sich dem vermeintlichen Siegeszug in Vergangenheit, Gegenwart und Zukunft widmen (Barrat, 2013; Kurzweil, 2005; Nassehi, 2019; Rid, 2017; Tegmark, 2018). Selbstredend kommen alle, die den Satz auf seinen Wahrheitsgehalt prüfen, schnell zu dem Ergebnis, dass er in dieser Bestimmtheit ohne gewisse Einschränkungen oder Relativierungen gar nicht geäußert werden könne.
Big Data und Wissen über Gesellschaft – die Quantifizierung des Sozialen
Authors: Lünich Marco
Published: January 2022

Auch wenn der erwartete Nutzen im Rahmen der Bedeutung des Wissens bereits durchgeklungen ist, muss die Verbindung der zentralen Elemente der vorliegenden Untersuchung, des Erkenntnis- und Nutzengewinns, vor dem Hintergrund der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung digitaler Datenverwertung erläutert und veranschaulicht werden. So ist an dieser Stelle zunächst die Bedeutung von Wissen mit Fokus auf Big Data vor aktuellen gesellschaftlichen Entwicklungen und hiermit verbundenen Nutzenerwartungen zu erörtern. Diese Nutzenerwartungen sollen hierbei mit Blick auf datenverarbeitende Wissensanwendungen anhand zweier Ebenen verdeutlicht werden: der Nutzen für das Individuum und der Nutzen für die Gesellschaft.
Fragen nach der Ausprägung eines Glaubens an Big Data und dessen Einfluss auf Einstellungen zum Einsatz von KI-Anwendungen
Authors: Lünich Marco
Published: January 2022

Die Auswirkungen der gesellschaftlichen Perspektive auf die digitalisierte Welt verdienen es, umfassend analysiert und kritisiert zu werden. Über ihre positiven und negativen Auswirkungen lässt sich jedoch nur diskutieren, wenn man kollektive Wahrnehmungen zunächst tatsächlich aufzeigen kann. Es bedarf daher zuallererst einer empirischen Bestandsaufnahme der Ausprägung und Reichweite jener zuvor skizzierten Elemente einer kognitiven Erwartungshaltung, die als ausgeprägter Glaube an daten-induzierte Erkenntnis und Nutzen bestehen soll.
Ausgewählte narrative Vermittlungsvorkommen von Erzählungen zur imagefördernden (Selbst)Darstellung
Authors: Ackermann Ulrike
Published: January 2022

Im Sinne des einführenden Zitats behandle ich in diesem Kapitel, auf welche Art und Weise Personen auf verschiedenen Internetplattformen Erzählungen gestalten, die im Zuge einer imagefördernden (S)D von Unternehmen entstehen. Hierzu bündle ich ausgewählte und wiederkehrende Realisierungsmöglichkeiten anhand bestimmter Gemeinsamkeiten. Ich fasse die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten unter dem Überbegriff narratives Vermittlungsvorkommen. Präziser gesagt, drückt der Terminus ,Vermittlung‘ aus, dass etwas weitergegeben, kommuniziert wird, während der Begriff ,Vorkommen‘ auf konkrete multimodale Realisierungsmöglichkeiten verweist.
Retropharyngeale Tendinitis
Authors: Mair Olivia , Gempt Jens , Renz Martin , Biberthaler Peter , Hanschen Marc
Published: January 2022

Atraumatische Nackenschmerzen sind ein häufiger Vorstellungsgrund für Patienten in der Notaufnahme. Für die behandelnden Ärzte ist dabei der Ausschluss möglicherweise lebensbedrohlicher Erkrankungen, wie Spondylodiszitis, retropharyngealer Abszess oder Meningitis, oft eine große Herausforderung. In dieser Kasuistik wird der seltene Fall der retropharyngealen Tendinitis vorgestellt, einer wenig bekannten und dadurch sicherlich unterdiagnostizierten Entität. Sie ist charakterisiert durch einen stark reduzierten Bewegungsumfang der HWS, erhöhte Infektparameter und einen pathognomonischen MRT-Befund.

Zusätzlich zur Fallpräsentation soll im Rahmen eines kurzen Reviews die Charakteristik der retropharyngealen Tendinitis noch genauer dargestellt werden. So ist es das Ziel dieser Arbeit, die behandelnden Ärzte für dieses Krankheitsbild zu sensibilisieren, um in Zukunft falsche bzw. unnötige Therapien zu vermeiden.
Vergleich der katheterassoziierten Lebensqualität bei externen Harnableitungen: Nephrostomie vs. suprapubischer Katheter
Authors: Wiedemann A. , Weinhofer M. , Stein J. , Linné C. , Kirschner-Hermanns R. , Schorn A. , Wagner A. , Moll V. , Unger U. , Salem J. , Liebald T. , Bannowsky A. , Wirz S. , Brammen E. , Heppner H.-J.
Published: January 2022

Einleitung

Die katheterbezogene Lebensqualität (LQ) bei Nephrostomieträgern wurde bisher noch nie systematisch untersucht. Dies sollte nun erstmalig vergleichend mit einer ebenfalls externen Urinableitung, dem suprapubischen Katheter, geschehen.

Methodik

Das die katheterbezogene LQ untersuchende Assessment nach Mary Wilde wurde bei Patienten mit perkutaner Nephrostomie (PCN) in lebenslanger Intention und minimaler Liegedauer von 3 Monaten vorgelegt.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigte sich insgesamt bei 66 Patienten (davon 42 mit unilateraler PCN) mit einem Punktwert von median 4,0 auf einer Skala von 0–5 eine nur moderat eingeschränkte katheterbezogene LQ. Diese wurde insgesamt und in allen Domänen schlechter als bei Patienten mit suprapubischem Katheter (SPK) bewertet, bei denen sich ein Score von 4,3 im Median fand. Signifikant waren die Unterschiede in den Einzelitems „Gefühl der Erniedrigung“, „Konflikte mit ärztlichem oder pflegerischem Personal“, „Angst vor schmerzhaften Katheterwechseln“, „Gefühl als kranke Person“, „Behinderungen in Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens“ und „Besorgnis, nicht alles tun zu können, was ich mag“. Ebenso ergaben sich bei PCN-Trägern signifikant häufiger Angst vor Katheterlecks und Uringeruch. Die Anzahl der einliegenden PCN und die Grunderkrankung spielten für die Beurteilung der LQ keine Rolle.

Schlussfolgerung

Erstmals wurde die katheterassoziierte LQ, die sich bei PCN-Trägern nur moderat eingeschränkt fand, mit einem validierten Assessment quantitativ eingeordnet. Die Angabe der Betroffenen, sich als „krank“ und in der Ausübung von Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens „behindert“ zu fühlen und die Angst vor Urinleckagen und schmerzhaften Wechseln sollten Ansporn für eine sorgfältige Indikationsstellung und technisch korrekte Katheterwechsel sein.
Self-limiting COVID‐19-associated Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease with heart involvement: case-based review
Authors: Masiak Anna , Lass Amanda , Kowalski Jacek , Hajduk Adam , Zdrojewski Zbigniew
Published: January 2022

Background

The association between COVID-19 infection and the development of autoimmune diseases is currently unknown, but there are already reports presenting induction of different autoantibodies by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Kikuchi-Fuimoto disease (KFD) as a form of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis of unknown origin.

Objective

Here we present a rare case of KFD with heart involvement after COVID-19 infection. To our best knowledge only a few cases of COVID-19-associated KFD were published so far. Based on presented case, we summarize the clinical course of KFD and its association with autoimmune diseases, as well we discuss the potential causes of perimyocarditis in this case.

Methods

We reviewed the literature regarding cases of “Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD)” and “COVID-19” and then “KFD” and “heart” or “myocarditis” by searching medical journal databases written in English in PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results

Only two cases of KFD after COVID infection have been described so far.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 infection can also be a new, potential causative agent of developing KFD.
Capturing the experiences of patients with inherited optic neuropathies: a systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and qualitative studies
Authors: Chen Benson S. , Galus Tomasz , Archer Stephanie , Tadić Valerija , Horton Mike , Pesudovs Konrad , Braithwaite Tasanee , Yu-Wai-Man Patrick
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To identify and comprehensively evaluate studies capturing the experience of individuals affected by an inherited optic neuropathy (ION), focusing on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and qualitative studies where the health status and quality of life (QoL) of these individuals have been explored.

Methods

Systematic review of five databases using a search strategy combining four concepts: (1) ION; (2) QoL and health status; (3) PROMs; and (4) qualitative research. Studies assessing the impact of ION on any QoL domain using a PROM or qualitative methodology were included and appraised, using criteria based on the COSMIN checklist (for PROM studies) and the CASP checklist (for qualitative studies).

Results

Of 1326 unique articles identified, six studies were included. Five PROMs were identified: Visual Function Index (VF-14); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); a novel graphical online assessment tool (NGOAT) for reporting emotional response to vision loss; a new PROM informed by the DSM-V Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder; and an interpersonal and career ‘impact rating’ PROM. The psychometric performance of included PROMs were poorly described. Qualitative studies found that vision loss resulted in psychosocial losses including loss of social and communication skills and loss of independence and freedom. Factors that modified the response to vision loss were also identified.

Conclusion

The current PROMs used by individuals with ION have poor content coverage, primarily measuring activity limitation and emotional well-being, and insufficient reporting of psychometric performance. There is a need to develop a PROM for individuals ION to report their experiences of living with their condition.
Diversity in high-impact psychiatric publishing: gender parity within reach?
Authors: Gmeiner Andrea , Trimmel Melanie , Gaglia-Essletzbichler Amy , Schrank Beate , Süßenbacher-Kessler Stefanie , Amering Michaela
Published: January 2022

Gender parity and authorship diversity are declared goals in the publishing world. This study assessed the progress of authorship gender distribution over a quarter of a century and geographic diversity over the last 15 years in high-impact psychiatric journals. All articles published in 2019 in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the British Journal of Psychiatry, and JAMA Psychiatry were included and compared with data from three points in time starting in 1994. Descriptive statistics were gathered, and chi-square tests were performed. All tests were conducted as two-tailed, and p-values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Inter-rater reliability was calculated via Cohen’s kappa. In 2019 a total of 473 articles were published. Forty percent of all authors, 42.3% of first authors, and 29.4% of senior authors were female. Counting original research articles only, female first authorship reached 50.4%. In the 25-year period between 1994 and 2019, female first (p < .001), female senior (p < .001), and female overall (p < .001) authorship has increased. In the specific period between 2014 and 2019, overall female senior authorship in all articles (p = .940) as well as first (p = .101) and senior (p = .157) in original research plateaued. In non-original research articles, female first authorship was higher in 2019 compared to 2014 (p = .014), whilst female senior authorship plateaued (p = .154). Geographic diversity was low and did not change over time. Gender parity in the subcategory original research articles was reached for the first time in 2019. Senior female authorship and geographic diversity remain areas of concern that need further investigation and specific interventions.
The initial hormone receptor/HER2 subtype is the main determinator of subtype discordance in advanced breast cancer: a study of the SONABRE registry
Authors: Meegdes Marissa , Ibragimova Khava I. E. , Lobbezoo Dorien J. A. , Vriens Ingeborg J. H. , Kooreman Loes F. S. , Erdkamp Frans L. G. , Dercksen M. Wouter , Vriens Birgit E. P. J. , Aaldering Kirsten N. A. , Pepels Manon J. A. E. , van de Winkel Linda M. H. , Tol Jolien , Heijns Joan B. , van de Wouw Agnes J. , Peters Natascha A. J. B. , Hochstenbach-Waelen Ananda , Smidt Marjolein L. , Geurts Sandra M. E. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C. G.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are the main parameters in guiding systemic treatment choices in breast cancer, but can change during the disease course. This study aims to evaluate the biopsy rate and receptor subtype discordance rate in patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer (ABC).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with ABC in seven hospitals in 2007–2018 were selected from the SOutheast Netherlands Advanced BREast cancer (SONABRE) registry. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing biopsy and discordance rates.

Results

Overall, 60% of 2854 patients had a biopsy of a metastatic site at diagnosis. One of the factors associated with a reduced biopsy rate was the HR + /HER2 + primary tumor subtype (versus HR + /HER2- subtype: OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.51–0.90). Among the 748 patients with a biopsy of the primary tumor and a metastatic site, the overall receptor discordance rate was 18%. This was the highest for the HR + /HER2 + primary tumor subtype, with 55%. In 624 patients with metachronous metastases, the HR + /HER2 + subtype remained the only predictor significantly related to a higher discordance rate, irrespective of prior (neo-)adjuvant therapies (OR = 7.49; 95% CI: 3.69–15.20).

Conclusion

The HR + /HER2 + subtype has the highest discordance rate, but the lowest biopsy rate of all four receptor subtypes. Prior systemic therapy was not independently related to subtype discordance. This study highlights the importance of obtaining a biopsy of metastatic disease, especially in the HR + /HER2 + subtype to determine the most optimal treatment strategy.
The influence of corneal density and thickness on tonometry measurement with goldmann applanation, non-contact and iCare tonometry methods
Authors: Lubbad Ahmed , Oluwatoba-Popoola Irene , Haar Melanie , Framme Carsten , Bajor Anna
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of corneal density and thickness on the accuracy of tonometry readings obtained via three most used techniques.

Method

Intraocular pressures of 45 patients’ right eyes were measured using Goldmann Applanation, iCare, and non-contact tonometry methods. Corneal parameters were obtained using the Pentacam Camera System. Data obtained were analyzed using Paired t Test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression analysis, and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

The mean corneal thickness was 545.4 ± 3.93 μm. The mean corneal density of total, stromal, 0–2 mm, and 2–6 mm zones were 27.85 ± 6.23 GSU, 24.61 ± 6.05 GSU, 20.76 ± 2.96 GSU, and 20.81 ± 3.51 GSU respectively. IOP readings had a statistically significant correlation with corneal stromal thickness, as well as with total and stromal density. The stromal density, however, showed higher correlation with the three tonometry methods than did the total density (iCare:  − .482 (0.001) stromal density versus− .464 (0.001) total density, NCT: − .376 (0.011) versus − .353 (0.017), GAT: − .306 (0.041) versus − .296 (0.048)). Statistical differences were found in comparing the iCare readings with GAT (P < 0,00) and with NCT (P < 0,00), with mean differences of 1.8 mmHg ± 2.6 and 2.0 mmHg ± 2.6 respectively. GAT and NCT measurements showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that both central corneal thickness and stromal density are significant influential factors of reliable IOP readings. It is necessary to consider more corneal biomechanical properties, as well as exercise a high degree of caution in any new attempts towards adjusting an IOP-correction equation.