bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sick of attention: The effect of a stress‐related disease on juvenile green sea turtle behaviour in the face of intense and prolonged tourism
Authors: Zerr Kaitlyn M. , Imlay Tara L. , Horn Andrew G. , Slater Kathy Y.
Published: February 2022

Anthropogenic activities are increasingly linked to emerging diseases that cause mortality across many taxa. Human interference arising from ecotourism, in particular, can increase the stress levels of wild populations and promote the spread of disease. In Akumal Bay, Mexico, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are increasingly infected with fibropapillomatosis (FP), an infectious disease associated with stress‐induced immunosuppression linked to high human density, which is particularly high in this area because of the increasing number of tourists visiting all year round.

To examine whether FP might be associated with behavioural indicators of stress and varying levels of tourist pressure, the behaviour of turtles and the number of tourists were observed through 20‐minute focal sampling periods from May to August 2017. Disease presence and tourist pressure were related to several aspects of turtle behaviour, specifically feeding, resting, vertical movements (i.e. surfacing and diving), and evasive responses.

Turtles that had visible FP engaged in fewer feeding periods, vertical movements, and evasive responses. Additionally, with increasing tourist pressure, all turtles spent less time engaging in vertical movements and had more evasive responses. These results suggest that the presence of FP affects green sea turtle behaviour, potentially increasing their exposure to tourists.

Sick and healthy turtles appear to react differently to tourists, suggesting that FP changes behavioural responses to tourist pressure. Future management strategies should consider regulating tourist pressure on sick animals to reduce the incidence and progression of FP and other wildlife diseases by limiting access to critical habitats and enforcing code‐of‐conduct compliance from visiting tourists.
Enzyme‐Instructed Self‐Assembly of Peptides: From Concept to Representative Applications
Authors: Kim Beom Jin
Published: February 2022

Enzyme‐instructed self‐assembly, integrating enzymatic reaction and molecular self‐assembly, has drawn noticeable attention over the last decade with the intension of being used in valuable applications. Recent advances in the field make it possible to spatiotemporally control peptide self‐assembly in cellular milieu, broadening the potential applications of peptide assemblies to cancer therapy and subcellular delivery. In this review, the concept of enzyme‐instructed self‐assembly of peptide, containing enzymatic trigger and spatiotemporal control, is described. Representative applications in cells are also discussed, followed by an outlook on the field of enzyme‐instructed self‐assembly.
A Combined Lithium Intercalation and Plating Mechanism Using Conductive Carbon‐Fiber Electrodes
Authors: Zijian Zhao Tommy , Dose Wesley M. , De Volder Michael F. L.
Published: February 2022

Lithium‐metal anodes (LMAs) are desirable for next‐generation rechargeable batteries because of their high energy density. However, in practical applications they are hindered by inhomogeneous and uncontrolled lithium‐dendrite deposition during cycling. Herein, we propose a dual charge storage mechanism, using freestanding carbon‐fiber paper (CFP) with carbon fillers electrode. These CFP electrodes are manufactured at an industrial scale and act both as a host for lithium (Li) intercalation and as a conductive and porous 3D scaffold for Li plating/stripping. The CFP electrode exhibits excellent long‐term cycling stability, as evidenced by Coulombic efficiencies of over 99.5 % on the 250th cycle in CFP|Li half‐cells with a lithiation capacity of 1.5 mA h cm−2 and current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. We also demonstrate that the CFPs are sufficiently electrically conductive to operate in small pouch cells without metal foil current collectors, further improving the energy density of the proposed electrodes.
Bayes and Darwin: How replicator populations implement Bayesian computations
Authors: Czégel Dániel , Giaffar Hamza , Tenenbaum Joshua B. , Szathmáry Eörs
Published: February 2022

Bayesian learning theory and evolutionary theory both formalize adaptive competition dynamics in possibly high‐dimensional, varying, and noisy environments. What do they have in common and how do they differ? In this paper, we discuss structural and dynamical analogies and their limits, both at a computational and an algorithmic‐mechanical level. We point out mathematical equivalences between their basic dynamical equations, generalizing the isomorphism between Bayesian update and replicator dynamics. We discuss how these mechanisms provide analogous answers to the challenge of adapting to stochastically changing environments at multiple timescales. We elucidate an algorithmic equivalence between a sampling approximation, particle filters, and the Wright‐Fisher model of population genetics. These equivalences suggest that the frequency distribution of types in replicator populations optimally encodes regularities of a stochastic environment to predict future environments, without invoking the known mechanisms of multilevel selection and evolvability. A unified view of the theories of learning and evolution comes in sight.
Energy/entropy partition of force at DNA stretching
Authors: Bleha Tomas , Cifra Peter
Published: February 2022

We compute by molecular simulation the energy/entropic partition of the force in a stretched double‐stranded (ds)DNA molecule that is not yet available from the single‐molecule measurements. Simulation using the coarse‐grained wormlike chain (WLC) model predicts a gradual decrease in the internal (bending) energy of DNA at stretching. The ensuing negative energy contribution to force fU is outweighed by the positive entropy contribution fS. The ratio fU/f, used to assess the polymer elasticity, is about −1 at the moderate extension of DNA. At the high extension, the extra energy expenses due to the contour length elongation make the ratio fU/f less negative. The simulation findings of the hybrid energy/entropy nature of DNA elasticity at weak and moderate forces are supported by computations using the thermoelastic method mimicking the polymer experiments in bulk. It is contended that the observation of the negative energy elasticity in DNA can be generalized to other semiflexible polymers described by the WLC model.
Thermal quantitative sensory testing as a screening tool for cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Potockova Veronika , Mala Sarka , Hoskovcova Lucie , Capek Vaclav , Nedelka Tomas , Riedlbauchova Lucie , Baumgartner Daniel , Mensova Livie , Mazanec Radim
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Electrophysiological diagnosis of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is based on the evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs). CARTs are relatively time consuming and must be performed under standardized conditions. This study aimed to determine whether thermal quantitative sensory testing (TQST) can be used as a screening tool to identify patients with diabetes at a higher risk of CAN.

Methods

Eighty‐five patients with diabetes and 49 healthy controls were included in the study. Neurological examination, CARTs, TQST, biochemical analyses, and neuropathy symptom questionnaires were performed.

Results

CAN was diagnosed in 46 patients with diabetes (54%). CAN‐positive patients with diabetes had significantly higher warm detection thresholds (WDT) and significantly lower cold detection thresholds (CDT) in all tested regions (thenar, tibia, and the dorsum of the foot). CDT on the dorsum < 21.8°C in combination with CDT on the tibia < 23.15°C showed the best diagnostic ability in CAN prediction, with 97.4 % specificity, 60.9% sensitivity, 96.6% positive predictive value, and 67.3% negative predictive value.

Conclusion

TQST can be used as a screening tool for CAN before CART.
Toward wide‐temperature electrolyte for lithium–ion batteries
Authors: Chen Long , Wu Honglun , Ai Xinping , Cao Yuliang , Chen Zhongxue
Published: February 2022

Lithium–ion battery (LIB) suffers from safety risks and narrow operational temperature range in despite the rapid drop in cost over the past decade. Subjected to the limited materials choices, it is not feasible to modify the cathode and anode to improve the battery's wide‐temperature performance, hence, optimizing the design of the electrolyte system has currently become the most feasible and economical way to broaden the operating temperature range of LIBs. Considering urgent demands for wide‐temperature LIBs and achieved enormously excited results about wide‐temperature electrolytes in recent years, a review about this topic and scope is timely and important at present. In this study, we first examine the physicochemical properties of current commercial electrolytes with emphasis on the variations of key parameters along with the temperature. After that, we give comprehensive overview of the employed strategies for separately improving the electrochemical performance of electrolytes toward low‐temperature, high‐temperature, and wide‐temperature applications. Furthermore, recent progress of ionic liquids and solid‐state electrolytes that are capable of working within wide temperature range is also summarized. We hope this review will provide deep understanding of the design principles of wide‐temperature electrolyte, and inspire more endeavors to conquer the practicability issue of LIBs in extreme environments.
XELOX doublet regimen versus EOX triplet regimen as first‐line treatment for advanced gastric cancer: An open‐labeled, multicenter, randomized, prospective phase III trial (EXELOX)
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Dong , Huang Ming‐Zhu , Wang Yu‐Sheng , Feng Wan‐Jing , Chen Zhi‐Yu , He Yi‐Fu , Zhang Xiao‐Wei , Liu Xin , Wang Chen‐Chen , Zhang Wen , Ying Jie‐Er , Wu Jun , Yang Lei , Qin Yan‐Ru , Luo Jian‐Feng , Zhao Xiao‐Ying , Li Wen‐Hua , Zhang Zhe , Qiu Li‐Xin , Geng Qi‐Rong , Zou Jian‐Ling , Zhang Jie‐Yun , Zheng Hong , Song Xue‐Feng , Wu Shu‐Sheng , Zhang Cheng‐Yan , Gong Zhe , Liu Qin‐Qin , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Xu Qi , Wang Qi , Ji Jian‐Mei , Zhao Jian , Guo Wei‐Jian
Published: February 2022

Background

There is no consensus on whether triplet regimen is better than doublet regimen in the first‐line treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC). We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin plus capecitabine (XELOX) and epirubicin, oxaliplatin, plus capecitabine (EOX) regimens in treating AGC.

Methods

This phase III trial enrolled previously untreated patients with AGC who were randomly assigned to receive the XELOX or EOX regimen. The primary endpoint was non‐inferiority in progression‐free survival (PFS) for XELOX as compared with EOX on an intention‐to‐treat basis.

Results

Between April 10, 2015 and August 20, 2020, 448 AGC patients were randomized to receive XELOX (n = 222) or EOX (n = 226). The median PFS (mPFS) was 5.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.5‐6.0 months) in the XELOX arm and 5.5 months (95% CI = 5.0‐6.0 months) in the EOX arm (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.989, 95% CI = 0.812‐1.203; Pnon‐inferiority = 0.003). There was no significant difference in median overall survival (mOS) (12.0 vs. 12.0 months, P = 0.384) or objective response rate (37.4% vs. 45.1%, P = 0.291) between the two groups. In patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and liver metastasis, the EOX arm had a significantly longer mOS (P = 0.021) and a trend of longer mPFS (P = 0.073) than the XELOX arm. The rate of grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) was 42.2% (90/213) in the XELOX arm and 72.5% (156/215) in the EOX arm (P = 0.001). The global health‐related quality of life (QoL) score was significantly higher in the XELOX arm than in the EOX arm during chemotherapy.

Conclusions

This non‐inferiority trial demonstrated that the doublet regimen was as effective as the triplet regimen and had a better safety profile and QoL as a first‐line treatment for AGC patients. However, the triplet regimen might have a survival advantage in patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and liver metastasis.
Synthesis, Antifungal Activity and 3D‐QSAR Study of Novel Anisaldehyde‐Derived Amide‐Thiourea Compounds
Authors: Li Rong , Cen Bo , Duan Wengui , Lin Guishan
Published: February 2022

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is an important target enzyme for designing agricultural chemical fungicides. In order to explore novel natural product‐based antifungal agents, twenty‐one unreported anisaldehyde‐derived amide‐thiourea compounds were designed and synthesized using the principle of active splicing, and structurally confirmed by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, ESI‐MS, FT‐IR, and element analysis. In vitro antifungal activity of the target compounds was evaluated by the agar dilution method. The results showed that some target compounds exhibited better or comparable antifungal activity than that of the commercial fungicide chlorothalonil, in which compounds 5c, 5o, and 5r displayed excellent antifungal activity of 92.6 %, 92.6 % and 99.1 % against P. piricola, respectively, better than that of the positive control. In addition, 3D‐QSAR analysis was carried out by the CoMFA method to reveal the relationship between the structures of the target compounds and their inhibitory activities. The simulative binding mode of the target compounds and SDH was also studied by molecular docking.
Rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis in a post‐COVID‐19 diabetic patient: Rare case from Iran
Authors: Fakhar Mahdi , Sharifpour Ali , Zakariaei Zakaria , Banimostafavi Elham Sadat , Soleymani Mostafa , Davoodi Lotfollah
Published: February 2022

Rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a progressive and life‐threatening disease that is caused by a fungal infection. Every uncontrolled diabetic patient with a skin lesion on their head and neck, sinusitis symptoms, headache, and orbital edema should be evaluated for mucormycosis.
Distinct Bimetallic Cooperativity Among Water Reduction Catalysts Containing [CoIIICoIII], [NiIINiII], and [ZnIIZnII] Cores
Authors: Morgan Fredricka , Schaugaard Richard , Anderson Dennis , Schlegel H. Bernhard , Verani Cláudio N.
Published: February 2022

Three binuclear species [LCoIII2(μ‐Pz)2](ClO4)3 (1), [LNiII2(CH3OH)2Cl2]ClO4 (2), and [LZnII2Cl2]PF6 (3) supported by the deprotonated form of the ligand 2,6‐bis[bis(2‐pyridylmethyl) amino‐methyl]‐4‐methylphenol were synthesized, structurally characterized as solids and in solution, and had their electrochemical and spectroscopic behavior established. Species 1–3 had their water reduction ability studied aiming to interrogate the possible cooperative catalytic activity between two neighboring metal centers. Species 1 and 2 reduced H2O to H2 effectively at an applied potential of −1.6 VAg/AgCl, yielding turnover numbers of 2,820 and 2,290, respectively, after 30 minutes. Species 3 lacked activity and was used as a negative control to eliminate the possibility of ligand‐based catalysis. Pre‐ and post‐catalytic data gave evidence of the molecular nature of the process within the timeframe of the experiments. Species 1 showed structural, rather than electronic cooperativity, while species 2 displayed no obvious cooperativity. DFT methods complemented the experimental results determining plausible mechanisms.
Wavelength Orthogonal Photodynamic Networks
Authors: Truong Vinh X. , Ehrmann Katharina , Seifermann Maximilian , Levkin Pavel A. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: February 2022

The ability of light to remotely control the properties of soft matter materials in a dynamic fashion has fascinated material scientists and photochemists for decades. However, only recently has our ability to map photochemical reactivity in a finely wavelength resolved fashion allowed for different colors of light to independently control the material properties of polymer networks with high precision, driven by monochromatic irradiation enabling orthogonal reaction control. The current concept article highlights the progress in visible light‐induced photochemistry and explores how it has enabled the design of polymer networks with dynamically adjustable properties. We will explore current applications ranging from dynamic hydrogel design to the light‐driven adaptation of 3D printed structures on the macro‐ and micro‐scale. While the alternation of mechanical properties via remote control is largely reality for soft matter materials, we herein propose the next frontiers for adaptive properties, including remote switching between conductive and non‐conductive properties, hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, fluorescent or non‐fluorescent, and cell adhesive vs. cell repellent properties.
Synthesis of Intramolecular P/Al‐Based Frustrated Lewis Pairs via Aluminum‐Tin‐Exchange and their Reactivity toward CO2
Authors: Federmann Patrick , Müller Robert , Beckmann Fabian , Lau Caroline , Cula Beatrice , Kaupp Martin , Limberg Christian
Published: February 2022

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) composed of acidic alane and basic phosphane functions, separated by a xanthene linker, can be prepared through the corresponding Me3Sn derivative and methyl aluminum compounds with elimination of Me4Sn. This way MeClAl‐, Cl2Al‐ and (C6F5)2Al‐ moieties could be introduced and the resulting FLPs are stabilized by a further equivalent of the alane precursors. In contact with the FLPs CO2 is bound via the C atom at the phosphane functions and the two O atoms at the Al centers. The residues at the latter determine the binding strength. Hence, in case of MeClAl CO2 capture occurs at higher pressure and under ambient conditions CO2 is released again, while for Cl2Al and (C6F5)2Al CO2 binding becomes irreversible. The results of DFT calculations rationalize these findings by the high thermodynamic stabilization in case of more electronegative residues, which concomitantly lead to higher barriers, and in case of (C6F5)2Al further stabilization is achieved through a low reorganization energy.
Dealing with the devil: Combined effects of destructive leadership and Dark Triad personality on revenge, happiness and psychological detachment
Authors: Syed Fauzia , Naseer Saima , Shamim Fatima
Published: February 2022

Utilizing the cognitive appraisal theory of stress and coping, we examined the combined effects of destructive leadership and Dark Triad personality on revenge and employee outcomes (happiness and psychological detachment). Adopting a time‐lagged research design (three time lags), we collected data from 288 employees from the service sector in Pakistan. Using Process technique, our findings showed that revenge mediated the destructive leadership and outcomes relationship. We also found that the impact of destructive leadership on revenge was more substantial for individuals having high Dark Triad personality. The results supported our moderated mediation hypothesis, proving that revenge mediates the relationship between destructive leadership and outcomes for individuals with a high Dark Triad Personality.
A hybrid machine learning approach integrating recurrent neural networks with subspace identification for modelling HVAC systems
Authors: Hassanpour Hesam , Mhaskar Prashant , Risbeck Michael J.
Published: February 2022

This paper addresses the problem of system identification for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems using a relatively small amount of data for the zone under consideration, by leveraging larger datasets for similar zones. To this end, a hybrid machine learning approach is developed where a pre‐trained recurrent neural network (RNN) model, trained on a large amount of data from a representative zone, is leveraged to build models for the other zones using a smaller amount of data. This is achieved by developing a hybrid model that integrates the pre‐trained RNN model with the models built using the subspace identification (SubID) technique to predict the residuals (differences between the real outputs and the predicted outputs from the pre‐trained RNN model) in the other zones. The effectiveness of the proposed hybrid approach is shown using real data collected from a multi‐zone fitness centre. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the hybrid approach over the cases where individual RNN and SubID models are directly developed using only the data from the zones in question.
Development of Novel Phosphino‐Oxazoline Ligands and Their Application in Asymmetric Alkynlylation of Benzylic Halides
Authors: Guo Rui , Sang Jiale , Xiao Haijing , Li Junxia , Zhang Guozhu
Published: February 2022

Comprehensive Summary

A new set of stereochemically diverse phosphino‐oxazoline ligands derived from simple L‐amino acids and 2‐(diphenylphosphaneyl)benzoic acid were developed. Those mono anionic tridentated N,N,P‐ligands promote the Cu‐catalyzed enantioselective radical coupling of terminal alkynes with a broad range of benzylic halides including benzo‐fused cyclic α‐halides and α‐silyl benzyl halides in high yield and excellent enantioselectivity under mild reaction conditions. With multi distinct sites for structural modification, a diverse pool of chiral N,N,P‐ligands is readily accessed, allowing for rapid optimization of the ligand structure for a specific substrate. Notably, the enantioselective alkynlylation of benzylic halides bonds in benzo‐cyclic molecules has also been realized for the first time.
Visual insights into the essence of homogeneous catalysis
Authors: Lüke Dennis , Oetken Marco
Published: February 2022

Für die schulische Auseinandersetzung mit dem Themenfeld der Katalyse stehen Lehrkräften zahlreiche Modellexperimente zur Verfügung, die vornehmlich energetische Aspekte dieses Reaktionstyps in den Blick nehmen. Doch gerade im Anfangsunterricht des Faches Chemie scheint es didaktisch sinnvoll zu sein, auch phänomenologische Zugänge zum Reaktionsweg der Katalyse zu schaffen, da dieser als Ursache herabgesetzter Aktivierungsenergien gilt. Mit dem Spurenelement Molybdän als Katalysator lassen sich Zwischenverbindungen der Katalyse visuell identifizieren, sicher isolieren und auch im Schüler:innenversuch experimentell handhaben.
Complex pBAE Nanoparticle Cell Trafficking: Tracking Both Position and Composition Using Super Resolution Microscopy
Authors: Riera Roger , Tauler Jana , Feiner‐Gracia Natàlia , Borrós Salvador , Fornaguera Cristina , Albertazzi Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

Nanomedicine emerged some decades ago with the hope to be the solution for most unmet medical needs. However, tracking materials at nanoscale is challenging to their reduced size, below the resolution limit of most conventional techniques. In this context, we propose the use of direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) to study time stability and cell trafficking after transfection of oligopeptide end‐modified poly(β‐aminoester) (OM‐pBAE) nanoparticles. We selected different combinations of cationic end oligopeptides (arginine – R; histidine – H; and lysine – K) among polymer libraries, since the oligopeptide combination demonstrated to be useful for different applications, such as vaccination and gene silencing. We demonstrate that their time evolution as well as their cell uptake and trafficking are dependent on the oligopeptide. This study opens the pave to broad mechanistic studies at nanoscale that could enable a rational selection of specific pBAE nanoparticles composition after determining their stability and cell trafficking.
Longitudinal stability of Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale—Global Rating Method dimensional ratings, score ranges and narrative ‘blandness’ in a clinical sample
Authors: Ridenour Jeremy M. , Lewis Katie C. , Siefert Caleb J. , Stein Michelle B
Published: February 2022

While understanding how internalized representations of others (i.e., object relations) change over the course of treatment is essential for treatment planning and evaluation of progress, few studies have examined the nature of these changes through repeated psychological assessments. In this study, we applied the SCORS‐G to Thematic Apperception Test narratives for 61 adult patients with complex psychiatric problems undergoing residential treatment over an 18‐month period. Over the course of treatment, patient representations of self and others became more complex, indicating improvements in mentalization. Further, an analysis of default ratings (i.e., an aspect of story ‘blandness’) suggested that certain shifts in SCORS‐G dimensional scores over time were accounted for by greater degree of scorable content across time points, rather than changes specific to the dimensions themselves. Findings from novel exploratory analyses aimed at evaluating the test–retest reliability of both default rating proportion and several emerging alternative scoring approaches (including changes in minimum, maximum and range of scores on individual dimensions) are reported. While the magnitude of change across mean dimensional scores was found to be lower compared to those previously found in outpatient populations, our results suggest that the SCORS‐G remains capable of detecting changes in mentalization capacities in individuals contending with longstanding, severe psychiatric impairment and personality‐based psychopathology. Implications for treatment, assessment and future research are discussed.
The Current Landscape and Emerging Applications for Real‐World Data in Diagnostics and Clinical Decision Support and its Impact on Regulatory Decision Making
Authors: Baumfeld Andre Elodie , Carrington Nate , Siami Flora S. , Hiatt Jo Carol , McWilliams Carly , Hiller Carolyn , Surinach Andy , Zamorano Alejandro , Pashos Chris L. , Schulz Wade L.
Published: February 2022

Real‐world data (RWD) and real‐world evidence (RWE) are becoming essential tools for informing regulatory decision making in health care and offer an opportunity for all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem to evaluate medical products throughout their lifecycle. Although considerable interest has been given to regulatory decisions supported by RWE for treatment authorization, especially in rare diseases, less attention has been given to RWD/RWE related to in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products and clinical decision support systems (CDSS). This review examines current regulatory practices in relation to IVD product development and discusses the use of CDSS in assisting clinicians to retrieve, filter, and analyze patient data in support of complex decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment. The review then explores how utilizing RWD could augment regulatory body understanding of test performance, clinical outcomes, and benefit‐risk profiles, and how RWD could be leveraged to augment CDSS and improve safety, quality, and efficiency of healthcare practices. Whereas we present examples of RWD assisting in the regulation of IVDs and CDSS, we also highlight key challenges within the current healthcare system which are impeding the potential of RWE to be fully realized. These challenges include issues such as data availability, reliability, accessibility, harmonization, and interoperability, often for reasons specific to diagnostics. Finally, we review ways that these challenges are actively being addressed and discuss how private‐public collaborations and the implementation of standardized language and protocols are working toward producing more robust RWD and RWE to support regulatory decision making.
How to Obtain High‐Quality Metaphase Spreads for Molecular Cytogenetics
Authors: Liehr Thomas , Weise Anja , Person Luisa , Padutsch Niklas , Kankel Stefanie
Published: February 2022

Interphase or metaphase nuclei can be accessed in molecular cytogenetic analyses. Metaphase spreads are routinely studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to answer clinical genetic questions. Even though metaphase quality is essential for FISH studies, there is limited ability in clinical cases to improve the quality of cytogenetic preparations. However, the quality of preps is important for the exact localization of FISH signals, which is necessary to identify individual chromosomes and chromosomal sub‐regions using inverted DAPI banding. Here we present an efficient and easy‐to‐perform variant of standard slide pretreatment before a normal FISH procedure. This method reproducibly leads to solid, “steel,” nonfuzzy, and well‐DAPI‐banded metaphases. This protocol works in blood lymphocyte and amniotic fluid‐derived fibroblasts. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Slide pretreatment for high‐quality metaphases for molecular cytogenetics.
Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of plasma cells across the spectrum of plasma cell proliferative disorders: A fresh insight with pattern‐based recognition
Authors: Das Nupur , Dahiya Meetu , Gupta Ritu , Rai Sandeep , Singh Saroj , Prajapati Vijay K. , Kumar Lalit , Sharma Atul , Sahoo Ranjit K. , Gogia Ajay
Published: February 2022

Background

The expression pattern of common antigens including cytoplasmic kappa/lambda ratio (cyKLR) was evaluated by flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCMI) to explore their relevance in discriminating normal and aberrant plasma cells (NPC and APC, respectively) across spectrum of plasma cell proliferative disorders (PCPD).

Methods

In this prospective analysis, 791 samples from PCPD (treatment naive = 455; partially treated = 336) were evaluated for expression of CD38, CD138, CD45, CD19, CD56, CD27, CD81, CD117, Cy‐kappa, and Cy‐lambda using FCMI.

Results

Amongst the entire cohort, 20.7% (n = 164) samples displayed only APC, 21% (n = 165) only NPC and 58% (n = 462) showed coexistence of NPC and APC. Using pattern‐based recognition (PBR) for three common patterns (CD19 vs. CD56; CD27 vs. CD56 and CD19 vs. CD27), APC was separable from NPC in 93% samples. In 6.5% samples, the gating markers contributed in APC–NPC differentiation and in the remaining 0.5% CD117 and CD81 proved useful. Clonality assessment was found to be crucial to label plasma cell compartment as completely normal or aberrant in 42% cases with either all NPC or all APC. Sixty one out of 462 cases (13%) revealed cyKLR within normal reference range and in these cases; abnormal cyKLR was demonstrable only after gating APC separately based on PBR.

Conclusion

Fair discrimination between NPC and APC is achievable in all PCPD samples using eight markers (Gating: CD38, CD138, CD45; PBR:CD19, CD56, CD27; clonality: Cy‐kappa and Cy‐lambda). Thus, combined assessment of clonality and immunophenotypic aberrancies is required for accurate, reliable and precise assessment of NPC and APC compartments in PCPD.
A hybrid Harrison Hawk optimization based on differential evolution for the node localization problem in IoT networks
Authors: Baidar Lotfi , Rahmoun Abdellatif , Mihoubi Miloud , Lorenz Pascal , Birogul Serdar
Published: February 2022

Despite the close of a tumultuous 2020 and the start of 2021, connected devices will continue to shape the future of numerous industries, and businesses are confident that the Internet of Things (IoT) will play a key role in the future success of their trade. The growing Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting devices to a variety of sensors, applications, and other IoT elements to automate business processes and support human efficiencies in business and the home. WSN along with node localization algorithms can play a critical role in IoT applications. Nevertheless, in IoT applications, the context of real‐time location‐based services is gaining an overwhelming interest. To do this, several approaches are proposed in the recent literature based mainly on computational intelligence algorithms. This paper proposes a node localization algorithm based on swarm intelligence algorithms, that is, a hybrid Harris Hawks optimization based on differential evolution (HHODE).HHODE algorithm relies on Euclidian Distance as objective function to evaluate best‐fit coordinates of sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network. Moreover, several experimentations are performed depending on the network size, communication range of sensors, geographical distribution, and the beacon nodes' density to demonstrate the efficiency of the HHODE algorithm. Compared to Standard DE, HOO, PSO, and Bat Algorithm, HHODE shows higher performance with regard to node localization.
Isotope hydrology to provide insights into the behaviour of temporary wetlands as a basis for developing sustainable ecohydrological management strategies in Mediterranean regions
Authors: Mattei Alexandra , Huneau Frédéric , Garel Emilie , Sorba Laurent , Orsini Sophie , Santoni Sébastien
Published: February 2022

The lack of hydrological considerations in the existing protection statutes for small temporary wetlands has recently been pointed out as the main cause of their rapidly increasing disappearance. In the present study, we aim to demonstrate the interest of using the tools of isotope hydrology to obtain a rapid and cost effective understanding of the hydrological connectivity of Mediterranean temporary wetlands in order to define the optimal environmental conditions needed to ensure their sustainability. By combining physical and isotope measurements, we have investigated the fragile balance of direct precipitation, subsurface water and groundwater influencing the hydroperiod of a typical Mediterranean temporary pond. The use of the water stable isotopes enabled us to demonstrate (i) the major role played by groundwater and subsurface water in the flooding phase of the temporary pond; (ii) the involvement of different water reservoirs in varying proportions over time to maintain the pond filled with water: precipitation, subsurface and groundwater by using d‐excess; (iii) the main role played by evaporation in starting the drying up phase; and (iv) the connection existing between a geographically isolated wetland and the regional groundwater body. These results highlight the urgent need to consider both surface and groundwater fluxes in specific protection statutes for wetlands. To this end, we recommend the use of the water stable isotopes to provide insights into the hydrological behaviour of the wetlands in order to dispose of additional cost‐effective arbitration arguments to help ensure their sustainability. The lack of hydrological considerations in existing protection statutes for small temporary wetlands has recently been pointed out as the main cause of their disappearance. Here, by combining physical and isotopes measurements, we first highlight the main role played by groundwater in the flooding phase of the temporary pond and the involvement of different water reservoirs in varying proportions over time to maintain the pond filled. These results demonstrate the connection existing between a geographically isolated wetland and the regional groundwater and highlight the urgent need to consider both surface and groundwater fluxes in specific protection statutes for wetlands.
High‐Throughput Pb Recycling for Perovskite Solar Cells Using Biomimetic Whitlockite
Authors: Hong Jung Sug , Kim Hee Jung , Sohn Chang Hwun , Gong Oh Yeong , Choi Jin Hyuk , Cho Kang Hee , Han Gill Sang , Nam Ki Tae , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: February 2022

Pb contamination in aquatic environments causes severe pollution; therefore, harmless absorbents are required. In this study, we report a novel synthesis of whitlockite (WH, Ca18Mg2(HPO4)2(PO4)12), which is the second most abundant biomineral in human bone, and its application as a high‐performing Pb2+ absorbent. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) and WH are prepared via a simple precipitation method. The Pb2+ absorption performance and mechanism of the synthesized biominerals are investigated in aqueous solutions at neutral pH. The results demonstrate that WH exhibits an excellent Pb2+ absorption capacity of 2339 mg g−1, which is 1.68 times higher than the recorded value for HAP. Furthermore, the absorbed Pb2+ ions are recycled into high‐purity PbI2. This is employed as a precursor for the fabrication of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), resulting in a conversion efficiency of 19.00% comparable to that of commercial PbI2 powder (99.99% purity). Our approach provides an efficient way to remove Pb2+ ions from water and reuse them in the recycling of PSCs.
The nuances of “the social cure” for people who experience psychosis
Authors: Hogg Lorna I. , Smith Laura G. E. , Morrison Anthony P. , Prosser Annayah M. B. , Kurz Tim
Published: February 2022

People can derive health benefits from social group memberships. However, joining groups can be difficult for people experiencing psychosis due to the social impacts of the condition and public and internalised stigma. We interviewed a diverse group of 26 people experiencing psychosis and explored through thematic analysis their perceptions of how psychosis influenced social identity processes. Participants confirmed both the impact of psychosis on group processes and the value of group memberships for wellbeing. Empathy, understanding, and lack of judgement were perceived to be critical for group formation. Participants sought social validation in both pre‐existing and new relationships, including from others experiencing psychosis. A novel finding was the compartmentalising of the psychosis identity to facilitate periods of either greater connection or social mobility dependent on current mental state. Thus, this study suggests nuance to the application of the Social Cure for a highly stigmatised, yet fluctuating, condition such as psychosis.
What does implementing case‐centered teaching of evaluation look like in practice?
Authors: Kallemeyn Leanne M. , Roseveare Christine , Steinberg Marla , Tovey Tiffany L. S.
Published: February 2022

Rooted in the pedagogical literature, three evaluation educators, guided by a facilitator, engaged in reflective practice regarding case‐centered teaching and learning. We engaged in (D)escription, (A)nalysis, (T)heorizing, and (A)cting (DATA model) in relation to case‐centered teaching. Based on a cross‐case analysis, we identified five common actions in our teaching with cases: (1) Use case‐centered teaching in various contexts to support a variety of different learning outcomes for students from different backgrounds; (2) Choose cases intentionally; (3) Integrate student learning activities, supports, and materials; (4) Evaluate students’ learning experiences with cases; and (5) Engage in collaborative reflection to facilitate learning and improvement on instructional practices with case‐centered teaching.
Recent trends in fluorescent aptasensors for mycotoxin detection in food: Principles, constituted elements, types, and applications
Authors: Yan Xiaohai , Chen Hong , Du Gengan , Guo Qi , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli
Published: February 2022

Mycotoxins are the secondary metabolites of fungi in food and can be toxic to people. Therefore, developing simple, sensitive, and specific detection methods to detect mycotoxins in food is essential for ensuring food safety. Fluorescent aptasensors for the detection of mycotoxins in food have developed rapidly. They are simple and fast with high affinity and specificity. However, fluorescent aptasensors have not yet been applied in officially approved standards so far. This review elucidates fluorescent aptasensors for mycotoxin detection, including principles, constituted elements, types, and applications. Screening results of aptamers and each aptamer sequence used in fluorescent aptasensors are summarized to facilitate further research for later studies. We also focused on fluorescent probes, nanomaterials, and other strategies in the process of constructing fluorescent aptasensors. We then discuss current challenges and future perspectives in fluorescent aptasensors for mycotoxin detection.
Survival and disease progression following solitary locoregional recurrence after head and neck radiotherapy
Authors: Zhao Lucian , Day Andrew T. , Moon Dominic , Avkshtol Vladimir , Sumer Baran D. , Hughes Randall , Sher David J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The management of solitary locoregional recurrence (sLRR) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) previously treated with radiotherapy (RT) is challenging. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with improved outcome.

Methods

We identified patients treated with non‐sinus, mucosal HNSCC who initially received IMRT. We characterized overall survival (OS) and locoregional control (LRC). Multivariable analysis (MVA) on survival and patterns‐of‐failure were performed using Cox and Fine‐Gray competing risks analysis.

Results

We identified 90 patients with available follow‐up. In total, 67 (74%) patients received curative‐intent salvage, while 23 (26%) received palliative care. On MVA, significantly improved OS and LRC were associated with lower initial N‐classification and use of salvage total laryngectomy (TL) or neck dissection (ND).

Conclusion

A nontrivial number of patients with sLRR cannot undergo salvage. Among patients treated with curative intent, TL or ND were clearly associated with improved OS and LRC.
Large hospitals' outpatient diversion system in China: Following individual intention and referral
Authors: Luo Le , Zhang Yuxuan , Zhang Yumeng , Feng Chenchen , Zhang Xinli
Published: February 2022

In this study, we explored the strategies and suggestions for the outpatient diversion system of large hospitals in Chinese underdeveloped areas of primary medical care, under the consideration of balancing patients' intention and compliance with the referral system. An empirical study was conducted on the relationship among medical need, visiting intention and health‐seeking behaviour to verify the effect of intention‐system mixed outpatient diversion mode in China's large hospitals. Examination of the demographic characteristics, insurance, and residence information revealed that outpatients could be divided into three categories before the application of the referral system. Then, due to the implementation of the referral system, the willingness of some patients to seek medical treatment has changed. Consequently, the service path for outpatients could be consolidated into two categories with differentiated behavioural characteristics, which were respectively driven by personal intention and service system. According to the utility value intervention of the referral system for outpatient seeking behaviour, some measures and strategies can be explored to build a new system that combines personal connotation and system utility to realise the effective distribution and management of outpatients in large hospitals in Chinese underdeveloped areas.
Carbon footprint modelling of national health systems: Opportunities, challenges and recommendations
Authors: Booth Amy
Published: February 2022

Health care presents significant contributions towards climate change. An awareness of a health systems carbon footprint provides a quantification of its environmental impact, an understanding of carbon intensive areas to target with reduction measures and a means of mapping trends in emissions over time. Attempts at calculating the carbon footprint of national health systems are few, predominantly of developed nations, and are limited by data availability and methodological inadequacies. There is a need to mobilise countries to understand the role of health care in contributing towards climate change and for them to start engaging in ongoing calculations of their national health system carbon footprints. There is also a need to improve data availability and information systems to allow for such calculations, especially in developing countries where there may be differences in carbon hotspots. Finally, there is a need for continued improvements in the carbon footprint modelling methodology of health systems as data collection and available emission factors, especially of health care specific products and supply chain emissions, improves. Health systems need to join the global fight against climate change.
Estradiol treatment in young postmenopausal women with self‐reported cognitive complaints: Effects on cholinergic‐mediated cognitive performance
Authors: Conley Alexander C. , Albert Kimberly M. , McDonald Brenna C. , Saykin Andrew J. , Dumas Julie A. , Newhouse Paul A.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Older women are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to men. One proposed reason is that following menopause there is a decline in estrogens. Estrogens are important for cholinergic functioning and attenuate the impact of cholinergic antagonists on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. Self‐reported or subjective cognitive complaints in middle or older age may represent a harbinger of cognitive decline and those who endorse cognitive complaints appear more likely to develop future cognitive impairment. However, the response of individuals with cognitive complaints after menopause to estrogen and the relationship to cholinergic functioning has not been investigated. This study investigated the effect of estrogen treatment using 17β‐estradiol on cognitive performance following anticholinergic blockade in postmenopausal women and the relationship of this interaction with the level of self‐reported (subjective) postmenopausal cognitive complaints.

Methods

Forty postmenopausal women (aged 50–60 years) completed a 3‐month treatment regimen of either 1 mg oral estradiol or placebo. Participants then completed four challenge days in which they completed cognitive and behavioral tasks after one of four cholinergic antagonist drug conditions (oral mecamylamine (MECA), intravenous scopolamine, combined MECA and scopolamine, or PLC).

Results

Compared to PLC, the estradiol treated group performed worse on attention tasks under cholinergic challenge including the choice reaction time task and the critical flicker fusion task. In addition, participants who endorsed greater cognitive complaints showed reduced performance on the N‐back working memory task, regardless of whether they received estradiol treatment.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that estradiol treatment was unable to mitigate anticholinergic blockade in postmenopausal women with subjective cognitive complaints, and worsened performance on attention tasks. Moreover, the present study suggests that greater levels of cognitive complaints following menopause may be associated with an underlying decline in cholinergic function that may manifest as an inability to compensate during working memory tasks.
On the interplay between hillslope and drainage network flow dynamics in the catchment travel time distribution
Authors: Zarlenga Antonio , Fiori Aldo , Cvetkovic Vladimir
Published: February 2022

Travel time is a robust measure of water transport dynamics in catchments. At a given control section along a drainage network, travel time distribution results from an interplay between two main processes: (i) the transport through the hillslopes and (ii) transport through the drainage network. The main scope of this work is to quantify this interplay, specifically we aim to identify the relative impact of hillslopes and channels on the travel time at the catchment scale. A theoretical framework is developed following a bottom‐up modelling approach that combines a Boussinesq model for water flow and water travel time in hillslopes, with a geomorphological model for water transport in drainage network. Simple semi‐analytical solutions are derived for the first two moments of the travel time distribution within a flow section. We provide some relevant examples based on synthetic rainfall data, exploring the relative impacts of hillslope and channel properties. As expected, the dynamics of the hillslopes control the travel time distribution at the catchment scale. The drainage network typically introduces a lag in the average travel time exiting the hillslopes and reduces the temporal fluctuations of the mean travel time and its variance. Our theoretical model provides meaningful insights on the investigation of the dominant dynamics taking place in catchments: results suggest that hillslopes and their features are the main driver of travel time in catchments. The temporal fluctuations of the travel time moments show a non‐linear dependence with the recharge time‐series and need to be considered as time‐variant. Variability of water ages collected in a single water sample can be very large, the latter feature may have a significant effect on the water quality and on the tracer data analysis, largely governed by the contact times between water and catchment material.