bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutathione Depletion‐Induced Activation of Dimersomes for Potentiating the Ferroptosis and Immunotherapy of “Cold” Tumor
Authors: Zhou Zhanwei , Liang Huan , Yang Ruoxi , Yang Ying , Dong Jingwen , Di Yongxiang , Sun Minjie
Published: March 2022

The abundant glutathione (GSH) in “cold” tumors weakens ferroptosis therapy and the immune response. Inspired by lipids, we fabricated cinnamaldehyde dimers (CDC) into lipid‐like materials to form dimersomes capable of depleting GSH and delivering therapeutics to potentiate the ferroptosis and immunotherapy of breast cancer. The dimersomes exhibited superior storage stability for over one year. After reaching the tumor, they quickly underwent breakage in the cytosol owing to the conjugation of hydrophilic GSH on CDC by Michael addition, which not only triggered the drug release and fluorescence switch “ON”, but also led to the depletion of intracellular GSH. Ferroptosis was significantly enhanced after combination with sorafenib (SRF) and elicited a robust immune response in vivo by promoting the maturation of dendritic cells and the priming of CD8+ T cells. As a result, the CDC@SRF dimersomes cured breast cancer in all the mice after four doses of administration.
Antibacterial metabolites from an unexplored strain of marine fungiEmericellopsis minimaand determination of the probable mode of action againstStaphylococcus aureusand methicillin‐resistantS. aureus
Authors: Agrawal Shivankar , Dufossé Laurent , Deshmukh Sunil Kumar
Published: March 2022

Increasing prevalence of drug resistance has led researchers to focus on discovering new antibacterial agents derived from the marine biome. Although ample studies have investigated marine fungi for their bioactive metabolites with hopeful prospects in drug discovery. The present study was aimed to isolate/ identify potential antimethicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureuscompounds producing marine fungal strain from the Indian marine environment. The effective anti‐MRSA compound was produced by a marine fungal strain designated as D6. The D6 strain exhibited 99% similarity toEmericellopsis minimabased on 18S rRNA gene analysis. The culture conditions ofE. minimaD6 were optimized using nutritional and environmental parameters for enhanced anti‐MRSA compound production. The agar well diffusion assay was used to determine the inhibition zone diameter of the crude extract againstS. aureusand methicillin‐resistantS. aureus, whereas the broth microdilution method was used to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) active fraction. MIC values of the ethyl acetate fraction ranged from 0.8 to 1 mg/mL. SEM analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction induces deep craters in methicillin‐resistantS. aureus. Further, GC‐MS analysis confirmed the occurrence of a total of 15 major compounds in active ethyl acetate fraction. Some of the major antibacterial compounds included cyclopentanol, isothiazole, benzoic acid, pyrrolo[1,2‐a] pyrazine‐1,4‐dione, and hexahydro. These findings suggest that the marine fungi ofE. minimacan be a valuable candidate for prospecting antibiotics and an alternative complementary strategy for drug‐resistant bacterial infections.
Carboxymethyl chitosan prolongs adenovirus‐mediated expression of IL‐10 and ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in a mouse model
Authors: Gou Yannian , Weng Yaguang , Chen Qian , Wu Jinghong , Wang Hao , Zhong Jiamin , Bi Yang , Cao Daigui , Zhao Piao , Dong Xiangyu , Guo Meichun , Wagstaff William , Hendren‐Santiago Bryce , Chen Connie , Youssef Andrew , Haydon Rex C. , Luu Hue H. , Reid Russell R. , Shen Le , He Tong‐Chuan , Fan Jiaming
Published: March 2022

Effective and safe liver‐directed gene therapy has great promise in treating a broad range of liver diseases. While adenoviral (Ad) vectors have been widely used for efficacious in vivo gene delivery, their translational utilities are severely limited due to the short duration of transgene expression and solicitation of host immune response. Used as a promising polymeric vehicle for drug release and nucleic acid delivery, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) is biocompatible, biodegradable, anti‐microbial, inexpensive, and easy accessible. Here, by exploiting its biocompatibility, controlled release capability and anti‐inflammatory activity, we investigated whether CMC can overcome the shortcomings of Ad‐mediated gene delivery, hence improving the prospect of Ad applications in gene therapy. We demonstrated that in the presence of optimal concentrations of CMC, Ad‐mediated transgene expression lasted up to 50 days after subcutaneous injection, and at least 7 days after intrahepatic injection. Histologic evaluation and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CMC effectively alleviated Ad‐induced host immune response. In our proof‐of‐principle experiment using the CCl4‐induced experimental mouse model of chronic liver damage, we demonstrated that repeated intrahepatic administrations of Ad‐IL10 mixed with CMC effectively mitigated the development of hepatic fibrosis. Collectively, these results indicate that CMC can improve the prospect of Ad‐mediated gene therapy by diminishing the host immune response while allowing readministration and sustained transgene expression.
The double injection technique to improve visualization of severe coronary lesions with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Rivero Fernando , Marco Valeria , Biccirè Flavio Giuseppe , Budassi Simone , Cuesta Javier , del Val David , Bastante Teresa , de la Fuente Hortensia , Prati Francesco , Alfonso Fernando
Published: March 2022

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high‐resolution imaging modality that provides a precise evaluation of coronary anatomy. However, the presence of severe coronary lesions can prevent the required adequate distal contrast flushing resultting in inadequate blood clearance and poor image quality or complete blood shadowing of the underlying vessel wall.

Objectives

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel “double injection technique” (DIT) to overcome the limitations of the conventional technique (CT) in patients with severely stenotic lesions.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with severe angiographic lesions were sequentially imaged before intervention with OCT with the CT and then with DIT. A total of 5125 OCT frames were carefully matched and analyzed by an independent central core lab. A semiquantitative image quality score was used to grade the number of quadrants (0–4) with vessel wall visualization.

Results

Optimal OCT visualization (Grades 3–4) significantly improved by the DIT (68% vs. 38% of frames, p < 0.001). The DIT also improved the mean score (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8; p < 0.05; mean improvement of 1.1 ± 0.5 per patient). There were no complications associated with the DIT.

Conclusion

The DIT significantly improved preintervention image quality of OCT in severe coronary lesions.
Not all pseudoaneurysms are femoral—A transcaval transcatheter aortic valve replacement rare complication
Authors: Mano Tânia B. , Ramos Rúben , Cacela Duarte , Patrício Lino
Published: March 2022

We report a case of a 73‐year‐old male with multiple comorbidities, including postpoliomyelitis severe scoliosis, referred to our tertiary center due to a severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, considered high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Due to unsuitable femoral and subclavian accesses, the patient underwent a transcaval transcatheter AVR (TAVR) procedure, complicated by the development of an iatrogenic infrarenal aortic pseudoaneurysm with aortocaval fistula. Scoliosis can cause varying anatomic relationships between retroperitoneal vessels and intervertebral disk spaces, which increase the difficulty of the procedure and consequently lead to this vascular complication. Although most aortocaval fistulas close spontaneously after 1 year, the risk of pseudoaneurysm rupture in this critical area was crucial in the decision of a new successful percutaneous aortic stent intervention.
How Cation Substitutions Affect the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on La2−xSrxNi1−yFeyO4
Authors: Whittingham Alexander W. H. , Liu Xinran , Smith Rodney D. L.
Published: March 2022

The atomic proximity of two disparate structural motifs in interleaved structures such as that adopted by La2NiO4, which alternates rock salt and perovskite motifs, offers potential synergistic effects and increased tunability for electrocatalyst behavior. Structural and voltammetric analysis of the intersecting composition series LaSrNi1−yFeyO4+δ and La2−xSrxNi0.7Fe0.3O4+δ show that tuning different cation sites uniquely affects structure and behavior. Correlations between X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy results reveal that structural changes in the a‐b plane are uniformly matched by the c‐axis following La−Sr exchange, while Ni−Fe exchange distorts the structure by expanding the crystal c‐axis and generating oxygen defects with a distinct signature in Raman spectra. Correlations between rotating ring‐disk electrode voltammetry results and structural parameters show that only Fe substitution has a direct effect on the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction. We link systematic changes observed for onset of electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction, Tafel slope, and selectivity to distortions in the B‐site environments. This analysis demonstrates that correlational analysis linking electrochemical behavior parameters to multiple structural characterization techniques is an effective means to probe the effect of individual compositional substitution on electrocatalytic behavior.
Tracking Passivation and Cation Flux at Incipient Solid‐Electrolyte Interphases on Multi‐Layer Graphene using High Resolution Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Zeng Yunxiong , Gossage Zachary T. , Sarbapalli Dipobrato , Hui Jingshu , Rodríguez‐López Joaquín
Published: March 2022

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a dynamic, electronically insulating film that forms on the negative electrode of Li+ batteries (LIBs) and enables ion movement to/from the interface while preventing electrolyte breakdown. However, there is limited comparative understanding of LIB SEIs with respect to those formed on Na+ and K+ electrolytes for emerging battery concepts. We used scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for the in situ interfacial analysis of incipient SEIs in Li+, K+ and Na+ electrolytes formed on multi‐layer graphene. Feedback images using 300 nm SECM probes and ion‐sensitive measurements indicated a superior passivation and highest cation flux for a Li+‐SEI in contrast to Na+ and K+‐SEIs. Ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated significant fluoride formation for only Li+ and Na+‐SEIs, enabling correlation to in situ SECM measurements. While SEI chemistry remains complex, these electroanalytical methods reveal links between chemical variables and the interfacial properties of materials for energy storage.
Effect of Pitch Coating on SiOx Alloy/Spherical Artificial Graphite Composites as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Im Ui‐Su , Hyeon Yun Jae , Ung Hwang Jin , Jun Ahn Won , Kim Myungjae , Sun Im Ji
Published: March 2022

SiOx‐based anodes are attracting intensive attention with the increasing demand for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Since the theoretical capacity of SiOx is superior to that of graphite and its volume deformation is more stable than that of silicon, tremendous efforts are applied to design various SiOx‐based anode materials. However, industrially utilizing SiOx‐based anodes is still insufficient owing to volume deformation, low initial coulombic efficiency and poor cycle life. Thus, this work develops a pitch‐coated SiOx/graphite (P@SiOx@G) composite constructed with the optimal ratio between SiOx and graphite under the collaborative auxiliary of pitch coating to serve as a buffer against volume deformation and to improve the discharge rate performance. The electrode thicknesses of P@SiOx‐10@G‐900 increases by approximately 18.6 % from 43.32 μm to 51.36 μm after 70 cycles, respectively. However, in SiOx@G, the electrode experiences delamination due to volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation of SiOx. Notably, P@SiOx‐10@G‐1100 shows an outstanding initial coulombic efficiency of 86.4 % and a high capacity retention rate (at 200 mA g−1 after 100 cycles) of approximately 96 %. This result is mainly due to the uniform and thin solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the SiOx/graphite composite.
Ni‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of 2‐Iodoglycals and 2‐Iodoribals with Grignard Reagents: A Route to 2‐C‐Glycosides and 2’‐C‐Nucleosides
Authors: Polák Peter , Cossy Janine
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of 2‐C‐glycals and 2‐C‐ribals was achieved in good yields using a nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling between 2‐iodoglycals and 2‐iodoribal respectively and Grignard reagents. The prepared 2‐C‐glycals and ribals were then transformed into 2‐C‐2‐deoxyglycosides, 2‐C‐diglycosides and 2’‐C‐2’‐deoxynucleosides. The developed method was applied to the synthesis of a 2‐chloroadenine

2’‐deoxyribonucleoside – a structural analogue of cladribine (Mavenclad®, Leustatin®) and clofarabine (Clolar®, Evoltra®), two compounds used in the treatment of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis and hairy cell leukemia.
Enantioselective Organophotocatalytic Telescoped Synthesis of a Chiral Privileged Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Authors: Herbrik Fabian , Sanz Miguel , Puglisi Alessandra , Rossi Sergio , Benaglia Maurizio
Published: March 2022

The continuous flow, enantioselective, organophotoredox catalytic asymmetric alkylation of aldehydes was studied, by using a homemade, custom‐designed photoreactor for reactions under cryogenic conditions. Going from microfluidic conditions up to a 10 mL mesofluidic reactor, an increase of productivity by almost 18000 % compared to the batch reaction was demonstrated. Finally, for the first time, a stereoselective photoredox organocatalytic continuous flow reaction in a fully telescoped process for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)synthesis was successfully achieved. The final process consists of four units of operation: visible light‐driven asymmetric catalytic benzylation under continuous flow, inline continuous work‐up, neutralisation and a final oxidative amidation step afforded the pharmaceutically active molecule in 95 % e.e.
Coupling of Heteroaryl Halides with Chlorodifluoroacetamides and Chlorodifluoroacetate by Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Gao Xing , Min Qiao‐Qiao , Gu Yucheng , Berthon Guillaume , Zhang Xingang
Published: March 2022

A nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of heteroaryl halides with chlorodifluoroacetamides and chlorodifluoroacetate has been developed. The combination of NiCl2 ⋅ DME with 4,4′‐diNon‐bpy, co‐ligand PPh3, and additive LiCl renders the catalytic system efficient for the synthesis of medicinal interest heteroaryldifluoroacetamides. The application of the method leads to short and highly efficient synthesis of biologically active molecules, providing a facile route for applications in medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry.
Ideal‐Typical Utility Infrastructure at Chemical Sites – Definition, Operation and Defossilization
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Prenzel Marco , Klasing Freerk , Franck Rüdiger , Lützow Julian , Perrey Karen , Faatz Rainer , Trautmann Juliane , Reimer Andreas , Kirschbaum Stefan
Published: March 2022

The defossilization of the electricity and heat supply in the chemical industry poses a significant challenge. In particular, the intended feed‐in of volatile renewable electricity into the chemical processes may conflict with the need for a constant, secure and affordable electricity and heat supply for chemical plants. Adapted concepts for the operation of the cogeneration plant, which is located at the chemical site, play a central role. The present work defines a so‐called ideal‐typical utility infrastructure (iUI). The iUI is a means to exemplarily investigate the operational behavior of utility infrastructures and furthermore to identify defossilization options for process steam and electricity supply at chemical sites.
Wettbewerb für das ChemCar 2022 gestartet
Authors: Woppowa Ljuba
Published: March 2022

Das Team Spring O2′clock der RWTH Aachen hatte mit einer ausgefeilten Kombination von Chemie und Mechanik den 16. ChemCar‐Wettbewerb des VDI gewonnen. Einreichungen für den 17. ChemCar‐Wettbewerb 2022 sind bis 1. April 2022 möglich.
Der digitale Rundgang durch die Anlage
Authors: Schulze Tania , Hylla Eike
Published: March 2022

Durch den Einsatz einer mobilen Webapplikation kann die Dokumentation von Instandhaltung und Wartung digital stattfinden. Das erleichtert Prozesse im Schichtbetrieb und motiviert Mitarbeiter.
Ich sehe das, was Du siehst ‐ mit der Datenbrille
Authors: Schnathmann Regina
Published: March 2022

Flexibel reagiert: Als eine geplante Inbetriebnahme vor Ort auf Grund der Reisebeschränkungen durch die Corona‐Pandemie nicht durchgeführt werden konnte, stellte die BEUMER Group die Weichen auf Remote‐Commissioning – die Inbetriebnahme aus der Ferne. Das Pilotprojekt mit einer Verpackungslinie lief erfolgreich und bewahrte den Kunden vor möglichen Lieferengpässen und Marktverlusten.
Promoting remote workers' psychological health: Effective management practices during the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Bouchard Laurence , Meunier Sophie
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to identify specific management practices that promote the psychological health of remote workers in the context of the COVID‐19 crisis. A two‐round Delphi study was conducted among 28 teleworkers and 22 managers. A list of 60 specific management practices was presented and participants had to identify whether each one could be used in the current remote working context and, if so, how useful it was to promote psychological health at work. Results indicate that most specific management practices usually used in a face‐to‐face setting can also be used in a remote context (85%). Practices that show consideration, establishing work structure, and allowing flexibility were also identified as the most useful to promote remote workers' psychological health during the pandemic. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge about specific management practices, remote working, and crisis management. It also suggests specific practices that managers can adopt to promote the psychological health of their employees during a period of crisis, even while managing from a distance.
Visual and photographic assessment of wine color
Authors: Fairchild Mark D.
Published: March 2022

This article presents a color chart explicitly designed for the visual color assessment of wines as a part of more comprehensive hedonistic or analytical tasting systems. The chart is based on visual, colorimetric, and in situ evaluations of existent wine color and the techniques for its assessment in wine sensory evaluation. The system is specified in Munsell coordinates and corresponding sRGB values. Its derivation and use is described and a photographic system for measurement‐based implementation of the system is introduced.
Sulfonylureas and the Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias Among People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Authors: Islam Nehal , Ayele Henok T. , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Douros Antonios , Filion Kristian B.
Published: March 2022

Previous studies have suggested an association between sulfonylureas and an increased risk of cardiovascular death among patients with type 2 diabetes. A potential mechanism involves sulfonylurea‐induced ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). We conducted a systematic review of observational studies to determine whether the use of sulfonylureas, compared with the use of other antihyperglycemic drugs, is associated with the risk of VA (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and premature ventricular complexes), cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death among patients with type 2 diabetes. Two independent reviewers searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to July 2021 for observational studies comparing sulfonylureas vs. other antihyperglycemic therapies or intraclass comparisons of sulfonylureas. Our systematic review included 17 studies (1,607,612 patients). Per Risk Of Bias In Non‐randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS)‐I, there were few high‐quality studies (2 studies at moderate risk of bias; 4 at serious risk; and 11 at critical risk). All studies at a moderate or serious risk of bias reporting comparisons with other therapies were consistent with an increased risk of VA. Sulfonylureas were associated with a higher risk of arrhythmia vs. dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–1.80) and of VA vs. metformin (aHR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10–2.13). One moderate quality study reported inconsistent results for a composite of cardiac arrest/VA in analyses of US Medicaid claims and Optum claims data. Our systematic review suggests that, among higher‐quality observational studies, sulfonylureas are associated with an increased risk of VA. However, we identified few methodologically rigorous studies, underscoring the need for additional real‐world studies.
The effect of different levels of urea and planting density on the phytochemical characteristics, alkaloids, and yield of the medicinal plant jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.)
Authors: Izadi Zahra , Biabani Abbas , Sabouri Hossein , Bahreininejad Babak
Published: March 2022

Datura stramonium L. (jimsonweed) from the Solanaceae family is widely used in traditional medicine due to its medicinal properties. This paper investigated the effect of three levels of urea fertilizer (60, 120, and 180 kg ha–1) and three levels of planting density (6, 10, and 14 plants m−2) on the grain alkaloids, chlorophylls a and b content, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and grain and biological yields. A factorial experiment as a randomized complete block design was carried out at the Research and Education farm of Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources and Training Center in IRAN in 2018 and 2019. Significant differences were detected between urea levels and plant density for leaf chlorophyll content, carotenoids, and anthocyanins at the 1% probability. Also, hyoscyamine alkaloid levels and scopolamine content are affected by the urea levels at the 1% probability. Moreover, the relationship between phytochemical characteristics and alkaloids with the grain and biological yields in D. stramonium is investigated by path analysis. The results showed that grain yield, hyoscyamine alkaloid levels and scopolamine content is significantly improved by 6 plants m−2planting density and 180 kg ha–1 urea.
A self‐consistent mean‐field model for turbulent particle and heat transport in 2D interchange‐dominated electrostatic ExB turbulence in a sheath‐limited scrape‐off layer
Authors: Coosemans Reinart , Dekeyser Wouter , Baelmans Martine
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a self‐consistent model for the average radial turbulent transport of heat and particles in 2D anisothermal interchange‐dominated electrostatic ExB drift turbulence in sheath‐limited scrape‐off layers is presented. Diffusion models are used for the turbulent particle and heat fluxes, in which the transport coefficients scale with the square root of the turbulent kinetic energy (). The interchange drive proves to be the main source of turbulent kinetic energy, while the sheath term provides the main sink. These observations are qualitatively the same as for the isothermal case studied earlier. An analytical relation for the interchange term is derived, showing that the turbulent ExB thermal energy flux is the direct driver for through the interchange source. A series decomposition of the sheath term in the equation shows it includes a sink contribution that was also present in the isothermal case, but also a new source due to the sheath‐driven conducting‐wall (SCW) instability caused by electron temperature fluctuations. Using a simple regression model to close the total sheath term, a closed model for the turbulent transport is obtained. The interchange drive due to the ExB energy flux leads to a self‐saturation mechanism in the model, where the gradients and turbulence intensity increase until a sufficient transport level is reached to carry the power and particles across the field lines to find a balance with the sheath sink. An implementation of this model in a 1D mean‐field code approximates the profiles of the turbulence simulations with remarkable accuracy in part of the parameter space, while the error increases in parameter regimes where the relative importance of the SCW term is varied.
TRPM2‐AS promotes paclitaxel resistance in prostate cancer by regulating FOXK1 via sponging miR‐497‐5p
Authors: Shi Tao , Li Rui , Duan Peng , Guan Yongjun , Zhang Dahu , Ding Zhiyong , Ruan Xianguo
Published: March 2022

Chemoresistance seriously hinders the treatment efficiency of human cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). Multiple long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in drug resistance in PCa. We aimed to explore the function of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 2 (TRPM2) antisense RNA (TRPM2‐AS) in paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in PCa. Our results showed that TRPM2‐AS was increased in PTX‐resistant PCa cells. TRPM2‐AS knockdown accelerated cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and PTX resistance in PTX‐resistant PCa cells. MiR‐497‐5p was bound to TRPM2‐AS and its inhibition reversed the effects of TRPM2‐AS knockdown on cell progression and PTX resistance in PTX‐resistant PCa cells. FOXK1 was identified as a target of miR‐497‐5p and FOXK1 overexpression showed similar effects on cell progression and PTX resistance with miR‐497‐5p inhibition in PTX‐resistant PCa cells. In conclusion, TRPM2‐AS knockdown suppressed cell progression and PTX resistance in PTX‐resistant PCa cells by miR‐497‐5p/FOXK1 axis.
Characteristics and contributing factors of major coal bursts in longwall mines
Authors: Zhao Wusheng , Qin Changkun , Xiao Ziyi , Chen Weizhong
Published: March 2022

Coal burst has become one of the most serious hazards in longwall coal mines of many countries, and extensive studies have been conducted on the mechanism, prediction, and prevention of coal bursts. However, most of these studies focus on qualitative descriptions of burst environments and specific case analyses. Few studies have been carried out to explore knowledge through a number of past coal bursts in longwall mines. The main objective is to quantitatively analyze the current burst‐prone conditions in longwall coal mines of China and to summarize corresponding lessons. A database consisting of 54 major coal bursts was established. The characteristics and contributing factors of involved coal bursts were analyzed quantitatively, and high‐risk areas that are common in coal mines were then identified. Finally, some suggestions and lessons were proposed. This study may help for identifying controlling factors and high‐risk areas at a specific mine, and it might provide insights into the control of coal bursts in longwall coal mines.
The long‐run effects of diagnosis related group payment on hospital lengths of stay in a publicly funded health care system: Evidence from 15 years of micro data
Authors: Aragón María José , Chalkley Martin , Kreif Noémi
Published: March 2022

Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) payment systems are a common means of paying for hospital services. They reward greater activity and therefore potentially encourage more rapid treatment. This paper uses 15 years of administrative data to examine the impact of a DRG system introduced in England on hospital lengths of stay. We utilize different econometric models, exploiting within and cross jurisdiction variation, to identify policy effects, finding that the reduction of lengths of stay was greater than previously estimated and grew over time. This constitutes new and important evidence of the ability of financing reform to generate substantial and persistent change in healthcare delivery.
Outcomes after definitive surgery for mandibular osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Contrera Kevin J. , Chinn Steven B. , Weber Randal S. , Roberts Dianna , Myers Jeffery N. , Lai Stephen Y. , Lewis Carol M. , Hessel Amy C. , Gillenwater Ann M. , Mulcahy Collin F. , Yu Peirong , Hanasono Matthew M. , Fuller Clifton D. , Chambers Mark S. , Zafereo Mark E.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To analyze charges, complications, survival, and functional outcomes for definitive surgery of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN).

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of 76 patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction from 2000 to 2009.

Results

Complications occurred in 49 (65%) patients and were associated with preoperative drainage (odds ratio [OR] 4.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–19.27). The adjusted median charge was $343 000, and higher charges were associated with double flap reconstruction (OR 8.15, 95% CI 2.19–30.29) and smoking (OR 5.91, 95% CI 1.69–20.72). Improved swallow was associated with age <67 years (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.16–12.17) and preoperative swallow (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.23–9.51). Five‐year ORN‐recurrence‐free survival was 93% while overall survival was 63% and associated with pulmonary disease (HR [hazard ratio] 3.57, 95% CI 1.43–8.94).

Conclusions

Although recurrence of ORN is rare, surgical complications are common and charges are high. Poorer outcomes and higher charges are associated with preoperative factors.
A pilot study of vidofludimus calcium for treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Carey Elizabeth J. , Eaton John , Clayton Mitchell , Gossard Andrea , Iqbal Sara , Ullah Hamid , Zhang Nan , Butterfield Richard , Lindor Keith D.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium (VC) in the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This was a single‐arm open‐label pilot study with a cohort of 18 patients with PSC. Study patients received VC for a period of 6 months. The study was undertaken at two sites, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, and Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ. The primary endpoint of the study was improvement of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at the end of the study. Secondary endpoints included assessment of other liver biomarkers (bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Of 18 patients enrolled, 11 completed the 6 months of study treatment. Patients who completed treatment versus those who did not were similar other than a significantly higher direct bilirubin at baseline in the group that completed treatment (mean ± SD, 0.4 ± 0.3 versus 0.1 ± 0.1, p = 0.04). By intent to treat analysis, the primary outcome was met in 16.7% (3/18) of patients. By per‐protocol analysis, including only patients who completed treatment, normalization of ALP occurred in 27.7% (3/11) at week 24 (95% confidence interval, 6.0% to 61.0%). VC was well tolerated with no drug‐related serious adverse events. Conclusion: This proof of concept study provides support for further exploration of VC in patients with PSC.
Ni‐Catalyzed Regioselective Cyclotrimerization of Internal Esteryl Alkynes towards Polysubstituted Benzene Rings
Authors: Hou Chao , Ma Yan , Zhang Yongqi , Xu Huiling , Wu Yuanqi , Zhao Jinbo , Wang Yuchao , Liu Yu
Published: March 2022

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkynes is a core synthetic approach to benzene rings. Herein we describe an efficient system based on inexpensive nickel catalyst and phosphine ligand that facilitate cyclotrimerization of various internal esteryl alkynes. The regioselectivity of the protocol was precisely controlled, and a series of polysubstituted benzene rings mainly composed of 1,2,4‐isomers were provided.
Impact of the electromagnetic flow of an MHD Casson fluid over an oscillating porous plate
Authors: Rajaram Vijayaragavan , Varadharaj Bharathi , Jayavel Prakash
Published: March 2022

This study deals with the effect of electric force and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) of the transient state on natural convection flow past an oscillating vertical plate. In addition to this, thermal radiation and porous media are also examined in the Casson fluid flow. The Poisson‐Boltzmann equation is employed to show the electric potential character within the fluid region, which is put into a linear form by the implementation of Debye–Hückel linearization. It is possible to compute the precise solution to the governing equations using the Laplace transform approach. The expression of fluid velocity, fluid concentration, and temperature are exposed graphically, and numerical results for Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are also derived for vital pertinent flow constraints. Increasing electroosmosis parameters strongly boosts fluid velocity. The nonnegative values of the Helmholtz–Smoluchowski velocity highly induce the axial velocity and the negative value decelerates. With increasing radiation strength and Prandtl number, the fluid's temperature distribution diminishes. These more intricate electrokinetic rheological flows associated with electroosmotic separators, such as biomedical absorbers, are illuminated by these models.
Risk-based prioritization of organic substances in the Canadian National Pollutant Release Inventory using an evaluative regional-scale multimedia mass balance model
Authors: Berthiaume Alicia , Arnot Jon A. , Toose Liisa
Published: March 2022

The National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) is a Canadian inventory of facility-reported data on releases, transfers, and disposals of over 300 pollutants, but it does not contain information on chemical properties or other characteristics critical to understanding environmental and human health risks. To reconcile this gap, we use the Risk Assessment IDentification And Ranking (RAIDAR) model to integrate NPRI release data with chemical property information in a multimedia mass balance model to combine exposure estimates with toxicity hazard data yielding an estimate of risk for 198 NPRI organic substances reported in 2010–2019. The presented case study further corroborates the hypothesis that risk-based ranking gives rise to different chemical priorities versus ranking based on release quantity alone. Chemicals like propane and hexane (except n-hexane) are in the top 10 highest-ranked organic substances based on emission quantities reported to NPRI but are ranked outside the top 10 based on corresponding regional-scale risk estimates. On the contrary, dioxins and furans are ranked very low based on emissions quantities reported to NPRI but are ranked higher based on corresponding risk estimates. The results also suggest that although quantities of some NPRI organic pollutant releases change over time, the ensuing risk estimates are not always directly proportional to these changes. This can be explained by changes in mode of entry to the environment that can influence the overall fate and exposure of the same chemicals, highlighting the complex dynamics that can occur when simulating fate and risk as opposed to quantity alone. Limitations are discussed and recommendations are provided for improving the priority setting methods, including reducing the uncertainty of the NPRI data and the need for multimedia models to address point source emissions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1722–1732. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

The NPRI is a Canadian inventory of pollutant releases, transfers, and disposals, but does not contain chemical property information or other characteristics critical to understanding environmental and human health risk. Here, we use the RAIDAR model to integrate NPRI release data with chemical property information in a multimedia mass balance model to combine exposure estimates with toxicity hazard data yielding an estimate of risk for certain NPRI organic substances. The results show that risk-based ranking of NPRI substances gives different priorities than ranking based on release quantity alone, and that while pollutant releases change over time, the ensuing risk estimates are not always directly proportional to these changes. Limitations and recommendations are discussed for improving the approach.
Interstitial lung disease induced by apalutamide therapy for castration‐resistant prostate cancer: A report of a rare case
Authors: Kirishima Fumiaki , Shigematsu Yoshinori , Kobayashi Kanao
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Apalutamide is a new second‐generation anti‐androgen agent approved in 2019 for the treatment of metastatic, castration‐sensitive, and non‐metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer. We herein report a case of apalutamide‐induced interstitial lung disease.

Case presentation

A 74‐year‐old Japanese male patient with non‐metastatic, castration‐resistant prostate cancer commenced hormonal therapy with apalutamide (240 mg/day orally) after 46 months of maximal androgen blockade therapy with bicalutamide and leuprorelin. Thirty‐five days following therapy initiation with apalutamide, he was hospitalized because of dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse bilateral interstitial infiltrates and ground‐glass opacities in the upper and lower lobes of the lungs. Following a diagnosis of drug‐induced interstitial lung disease resulting from apalutamide treatment, the treatment with apalutamide was stopped. Steroid therapy was initiated, and the dyspnea resolved.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware that apalutamide, and other drugs in general, can cause drug‐induced interstitial lung disease within 3 months.
Discriminating cell line specific features of antibiotic‐resistant strains of Escherichia coli from Raman spectra via machine learning analysis
Authors: Zahn Jessica , Germond Arno , Lundgren Alice Y. , Cicerone Marcus T.
Published: March 2022

While Raman spectroscopy can provide label‐free discrimination between highly similar biological species, the discrimination is often marginal, and optimal use of spectral information is imperative. Here, we compare two machine learning models, an artificial neural network and a support vector machine, for discriminating between Raman spectra of 11 bacterial mutants of Escherichia coli MDS42. While we find that both models discriminate the 11 bacterial strains with similarly high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, it is clear that the models form different class boundaries. By extracting strain‐specific (and function‐specific) spectral features utilized by the models, we find that both models utilize a small subset of high intensity peaks while separate subsets of lower intensity peaks are utilized by only one method or the other. This analysis highlights the need for methods to use the complete spectral information more effectively, beginning with a better understanding of the distinct information gained from each model.
Low‐density lipoprotein apheresis for recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis post renal transplant in pediatric patients
Authors: Al‐mousily Mohammad F. , Nicoara Oana , Selewski David T. , Nadig Satish , Twombley Katherine
Published: March 2022

Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis has been shown to improve remission in patients with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Here, we report a case study of two patients who failed apheresis treatment for SRNS and required transplant with subsequent recurrence of nephrotic syndrome and response to apheresis treatment. Two patients were treated with 12 sessions of LDL apheresis for SRNS without improvement and subsequently required renal transplantation. The first patient received an ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant requiring plasma exchange (PE) with subsequent recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The second patient also received a renal transplant after treatment failure and subsequently developed recurrence of nephrotic syndrome in the transplanted kidney. Both patients underwent repeat therapy with lipoprotein apheresis. The first patient underwent lipoprotein apheresis after completing PE with significant improvement in serum creatinine and urine protein creatinine ratio. Three years later, he continued to do well and remains in remission. The second patient also responded well to repeat therapy with lipoprotein apheresis and had significant improvement with a urine protein creatinine ratio of 0.8 and a serum creatinine of 0.9 mg/dL 6 months after transplant. Lipoprotein apheresis was able to result in remission of nephrotic syndrome in these patients with posttransplant recurrence of disease. This is the first report of patients not responding to treatment pretransplant but responding posttransplant. Lipoprotein apheresis should be considered in patients with recurrence of nephrotic syndrome after renal transplantation even with a history of treatment failure prior to transplantation.
Application of Raman imaging and scanning electron microscopy techniques for the advanced characterization of geological samples
Authors: Yuan Jiangyan , Su Wen , Hu Xinmeng , Li Xiaoguang , Fei Chenhui
Published: March 2022

Raman is an important tool for diagnosing minerals in geoscience. However, smaller magnification of optical microscope assembled in conventional Raman spectroscopy limits the application of Raman in sub‐micro and nano scale. Raman imaging and scanning electron microscopy (RISE) combine the advantage of scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy, which can collect the morphology, composition, and structure information in the same micro region of the geological sample in situ. In this paper, we introduce the development and working mechanism of RISE, and carried out some typical applications in different research of geoscience. The purpose of this review is to allow readers to understand the basic principles and application potential of RISE in geoscience. Finally, we briefly point out current challenges faced by this technology and some research directions in the future.

Highlights

Raman imaging and scanning electron microscopy as potential method was proposed for the research on geosciences.

Common polymorphism and isomorphism were distinguished clearly in situ.

A new research route for tiny inclusion and organic matter in situ was developed.
Relationship between changes in symptoms and antibody titers after a single vaccination in patients with Long COVID
Authors: Tsuchida Tomoya , Hirose Masanori , Inoue Yoko , Kunishima Hiroyuki , Otsubo Takehito , Matsuda Takahide
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is spreading worldwide; there is a need to address its sequelae known as Long COVID. This study evaluated postvaccination changes in symptoms and antibody titers in patients with Long COVID. Patients visiting the outpatient department specializing in Long COVID at our hospital were enrolled. Changes in symptoms were evaluated before and 14–21 days after first vaccination. Antibody titers were measured using ARCHITECT SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG II Quant at the same time. This study included 42 patients (median age: 45 years; 17 [40.5%] men). Median pre‐ and postvaccination antibody titers were 456 and 28,963 AU/ml, respectively. Postvaccination symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, and taste and olfactory abnormalities) were relieved, worsened, and unchanged in 7 (16.7%), 9 (21.4%), and 26 (61.9%) patients, respectively. Ratios of pre‐ and postvaccination antibody titers were 53, 40, and 174 in the unchanged, relief, and worsened groups, respectively. The worsened group had the significantly highest antibody titer ratio (p = 0.02). The higher increased rate of the antibody titer in the worsened group than in the nonworsened group suggests an excessive immune response to vaccination associated with worsening of sequelae. Although patients with Long COVID should be vaccinated, additional concerns should be addressed.
Development of statistical and machine learning models to predict the occurrence of radiation fog in Japan
Authors: Negishi Momoko , Kusaka Hiroyuki
Published: March 2022

This study develops statistical and machine learning models based on discriminant analysis, logistic regression analysis, and a support vector machine (SVM) to predict the occurrence of radiation fog in Japan. The selection of a suitable set of explanatory variables for the models was made using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). The accuracies of the three models were measured and compared. To determine the optimum combination of explanatory variables, temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, sunshine, and visibility data were considered. Based on the root mean square error (RMSE) and AIC values, the best combination of variables was found to include: the presence of precipitation, mean wind speed during the night, minimum temperature during the night, the amount of temperature cooling during the night, the minimum humidity during the previous day, and visibility at 18:00. A comparison of the predictive accuracies of the three models using the selected variable combination showed that the discriminant model produced a critical success index (CSI, or threat score) of 22.5, while the logistic regression model and the SVM model both produced better CSI results—with scores of 33.8 and 38.2, respectively.
Increased cell stiffness contributes to complement‐mediated injury of choroidal endothelial cells in a monkey model of early age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Cabrera Andrea P , Stoddard Jonathan , Santiago Tierno Irene , Matisioudis Nikolaos , Agarwal Mahesh , Renner Lauren , Palegar Neha , Neuringer Martha , McGill Trevor , Ghosh Kaustabh
Published: March 2022

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the aging population. Yet no therapies exist for ~85% of all AMD patients who have the dry form that is marked by degeneration of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and underlying choroidal vasculature. As the choroidal vessels are crucial for RPE development and maintenance, understanding how they degenerate may lead to effective therapies for dry AMD. One likely causative factor for choroidal vascular loss is the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement pathway that is abundant on choroidal vessels of humans with early dry AMD. To examine this possibility, we studied the effect of complement activation on choroidal endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from a rhesus monkey model of early AMD that, we report, exhibits MAC deposition and choriocapillaris endothelial loss similar to that seen in human early AMD. Treatment of choroidal ECs from AMD eyes with complement‐competent normal human serum caused extensive actin cytoskeletal injury that was significantly less pronounced in choroidal ECs from young normal monkey eyes. We further show that ECs from AMD eyes are significantly stiffer than their younger counterparts and exhibit peripheral actin organization that is distinct from the longitudinal stress fibers in young ECs. Finally, these differences in complement susceptibility and mechanostructural properties were found to be regulated by the differential activity of the small GTPases Rac and Rho, because Rac inhibition in AMD cells led to simultaneous reduction in stiffness and complement susceptibility, while Rho inhibition in young cells exacerbated complement injury. Thus, by identifying cell stiffness and cytoskeletal regulators Rac and Rho as important determinants of complement susceptibility, the current findings offer a new mechanistic insight into choroidal vascular loss in early AMD that warrants further investigation for assessment of translational potential. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.