bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of ferrocenyl‐modified MnO2/carbon‐based nanocomposite as an outstanding supercapacitor electrode material
Authors: Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza , Payami Elmira , Piriniya Ayda , Hadi Raha
Published: January 2022

A nanocomposite of carbonaceous aerogel (CA) supported by modified MnO2 nanoparticles with ferrocene (Fc) moiety (MnO2‐Fc/CA) was prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly approach in two steps. In the first step, a porous carbon‐based material was synthesized using watermelon as a starting material. Then, 5‐ferrocenylpentanoic acid was covalently grafted onto the α‐MnO2 surface through hydrothermal route, and finally, MnO2‐Fc/CA was obtained by simply physically mixing MnO2‐Fc and CA in acetone. After thorough characterization of as‐prepared nanomaterial via appropriate analyses, the MnO2‐Fc/CA nanocomposite reveals excellent electrochemical performances (Cs value: 963 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and outstanding cycling stability (~96% after 3000 CV cycles). Moreover, the constructed symmetric cell reveals a high‐energy density of 38.1 Wh kg−1 and a high‐power density of 4556 W kg−1. The final high‐performance nanocomposite is a very favorable candidate for energy storage applications.
Periconceptional folic acid use prevents both rare and common neural tube defects in China
Authors: Zhou Ying , Crider Krista S. , Yeung Lorraine F. , Rose Charles E. , Li Zhu , Berry Robert J. , Li Song , Moore Cynthia A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) encompass a variety of distinct types. We assessed if the preventive effect of folic acid (FA) varied by NTD type and infant sex.

Methods

We examined all pregnancies with NTD status confirmation from a pregnancy‐monitoring system in selected locations in northern and southern regions of China between 1993 and 1996. Women who took 400 μg of FA daily during 42 days after last menstrual period were considered FA users. We analyzed NTD prevalence by FA use status, NTD type, geographic region, and infant sex.

Results

Among 626,042 pregnancies, 700 were affected by an NTD. Among FA nonusers, 65 pregnancies (8.8 per 10,000) in the north and 51 pregnancies (1.2 per 10,000) in the south were affected by one of the two rare NTDs, that is, craniorachischisis, iniencephaly. FA use prevented occurrence of these two rare NTDs and reduced the prevalence of spina bifida (SB) by 78% (from 17.9 to 3.9 per 10,000) in the north and 51% (from 2.4 to 1.2 per 10,000) in the south. Among FA users, SB prevalence, including SB with high lesion level, was significantly reduced in both geographic regions. FA use reduced prevalence of anencephaly and encephalocele by 85% and 50%, respectively in the north, while it did not reduce the prevalence of these two NTDs in the south. There was a greater reduction in NTD prevalence in female than in male infants and fetuses.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show that FA prevents the entire spectrum of NTD types.
Development and validation of a HPLC–UV based method for the extraction and quantification of methotrexate in the skin
Authors: Giulio Luca , Padula Cristina , Pescina Silvia , Nicoli Sara , Santi Patrizia
Published: January 2022

An innovative and sensitive HPLC–UV method for the extraction and quantification of methotrexate (MTX) in skin layers was developed and validated. Owing to the physico‐chemical characteristics of the drug and the nature of the tissue, it was necessary to use folic acid (FA) as an internal standard for MTX quantification in the dermis. MTX (and FA) analysis was performed on a Phenomenex Jupiter C18 column, using a 50 mm sodium acetate buffer (pH 3.6) and methanol mixture (87:13, v/v) as mobile phase, pumped at 1 ml/min. The absorbance was monitored at 290 nm. The method was selective, linear in the range 0.11–8.49 μg/ml for extraction solvent and 0.05–8.94 μg/ml for pH 7.4 phosphate‐buffered saline, precise and accurate, with lower limits of quantitation of 0.11 μg/ml (extraction solvent) and 0.05 μg/ml (pH 7.4 phosphate‐buffered saline). The method developed is suitable for the quantification of MTX in skin layers at the end of in vitro permeation experiments; the overall mass balance was 96.5 ± 1.4%, in line with the requirements of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development guideline for the testing of the chemicals (Skin absorption: in vitro method).
Advances in Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Cycloadditions of Cyclic Carbonates, Carbamates and Lactones
Authors: You Yong , Li Qun , Zhang Yan‐Ping , Zhao Jian‐Qiang , Wang Zhen‐Hua , Yuan Wei‐Cheng
Published: January 2022

Palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative cycloadditions have emerged as highly effective methods for constructing structurally diverse carbo‐ and heterocycles because of the formation of at least two carbon‐carbon or carbon‐heteroatom bonds in a single step. It is of great interest to chemists that this type of cycloaddition reactions possesses some special advantages such as high reactivity, exclusive regioselectivity, and good functional group compatibility. Based on these qualities, palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative cycloadditions present strong ability in synthetic chemistry and have been flourished especially in the last five years. In this review, the achievements in palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative cycloadditions involving cyclic carbonates, carbamates, and lactones for accessing oxacyclo‐, azacyclo‐ and carbocyclic compounds are addressed. Mechanistic insights and some synthetic applications toward the synthesis of natural products are discussed. The challenges and opportunities of this field are also outlined.
Recognition of Oxidative Coupling of Methane Reactor Performance Patterns
Authors: Kim Mijin , Repke Jens-Uwe , Schomäcker Reinhard , Khodadadi Abbas Ali , Wozny Günter , Görke Oliver , Godini Hamid Reza
Published: January 2022

A pseudo‐homogeneous model, considering the axial and radial heat and mass transfer characteristics of an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) packed‐bed catalytic reactor, was utilized to represent its thermal reaction performance in a wide range of variation of the operating conditions investigated in this research. This is another step towards distinguishing the direct contribution of the catalytic reactions and indirect contribution of the reactor's structural characteristics on the overall OCM reactor performance, as well as towards developing a thoroughly representative reaction scheme and a well‐estimated set of kinetic parameters. The results of an extensive experimentation were also utilized to support this model‐based analysis.
Elevated microsatellite instability at selected tetranucleotide (EMAST) repeats in gastric cancer: a distinct microsatellite instability type with potential clinical impact?
Authors: Herz Anna‐Lina , Wisser Sarah , Kohlruss Meike , Slotta‐Huspenina Julia , Jesinghaus Moritz , Grosser Bianca , Steiger Katja , Novotny Alexander , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Schmidt Thomas , Gaida Matthias M , Weichert Wilko , Keller Gisela
Published: January 2022

We investigated the clinical impact of elevated microsatellite instability at selected tetranucleotide (EMAST) repeats in the context of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) in gastric/gastro‐oesophageal adenocarcinomas. We analysed 583 resected tumours (272 without and 311 after CTx) and 142 tumour biopsies before CTx. If at least two or three of the five tetranucleotide repeat markers tested showed instability, the tumours were defined as EMAST (2+) or EMAST (3+), respectively. Expression of mismatch repair proteins including MSH3 was analysed using immunohistochemistry. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positivity were determined using standard assays. EMAST (2+) and (3+) were detected in 17.8 and 11.5% of the tumours, respectively. The frequency of EMAST (2+) or (3+) in MSI‐high (MSI‐H) tumours was 96.2 or 92.5%, respectively, demonstrating a high overlap with this molecular subtype, and the association of EMAST and MSI status was significant (each overall p < 0.001). EMAST (2+ or 3+) alone in MSI‐H and EBV‐negative tumours demonstrated only a statistically significant association of EMAST (2+) positivity and negative lymph node status (42.3% in EMAST (2+) and 28.8% in EMAST negative, p = 0.045). EMAST alone by neither definition was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) of the patients. The median OS for EMAST (2+) patients was 40.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.4–63.6) compared with 38.7 months (95% CI 26.3–51.1) for the EMAST‐negative group (p = 0.880). The median OS for EMAST (3+) patients was 46.7 months (95% CI 18.2–75.2) and 38.7 months (95% CI 26.2–51.2) for the negative group (p = 0.879). No statistically significant association with response to neoadjuvant CTx was observed (p = 0.992 and p = 0.433 for EMAST (2+) and (3+), respectively). In conclusion, our results demonstrate a nearly complete intersection between MSI‐H and EMAST and they indicate that EMAST alone is not a distinct instability type associated with noticeable clinico‐pathological characteristics of gastric carcinoma patients.
C(sp3)−H Arylation Promoted by a Heterogeneous Palladium‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complex in Batch and Continuous Flow
Authors: Ferlin Francesco , Anastasiou Ioannis , Salameh Nihad , Miyakoshi Takeru , Baudoin Olivier , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: January 2022

A heterogeneous reusable palladium(II)‐bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) catalyst was prepared and shown to catalyze the intramolecular C(sp3)−H activation/cyclization of N‐alkyl‐2‐bromoanilines furnishing indolines. This new catalytic system was based on a bis‐imidazolium ligand immobilized on a spaced cross‐linked polystyrene support. The iodide ligands on the catalyst played a central role in the efficiency of the process occurring through a “release and catch” mechanism. The heterogeneous nature of the catalyst was further exploited in the design of a continuous‐flow protocol that allowed a more efficient recovery and reuse of the catalyst, as well as a very fast and safe procedure.
Pulmonary epithelial‐myoepithelial carcinoma (P‐EMC) with focal high grade transformation: Molecular and cytologic findings
Authors: Charles River , Murray Sarah , Gray Eric , Hu Jingjing
Published: January 2022

Background

Pulmonary epithelial‐myoepithelial carcinoma (P‐EMC) is a rare type of salivary gland tumor of the lung. Diagnosis from preoperative biopsies or fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology specimens is difficult given the rarity of the tumor and overlapping cytomorphology with other entities. These tumors generally have a good prognosis, however prior reports of recurrence and metastasis to lymph nodes have been reported. Further, little is known about the malignant potential of high grade transformation. The molecular characteristics of this entity are unknown, with only a few case reports commenting on molecular findings. Here, we report a case of P‐EMC with focal high grade transformation. We present its diagnostic pitfalls on cytology specimens, surgical pathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular findings.

Case presentation

A 72 year old female presented with an incidentally detected lung mass. A chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a left hilar mass measuring 4.1 cm with endobronchial extension into the left upper lobe. On the initial endobronchial core needle biopsy and cytology FNA, the tumor was misinterpreted as squamous cell carcinoma. The patient subsequently underwent a left pneumonectomy along with mediastinal lymph node dissection. Final surgical pathology of the resection specimen indicated a P‐EMC with focal high grade transformation. The patient is disease‐free 1 year post‐surgery.

Conclusions

Due to the rarity of P‐EMC, insufficient sampling and histologic heterogeneity, diagnosis of P‐EMC on preoperative core needle biopsy or FNA specimen is difficult. Herein, we present a rare case of P‐EMC, with a pre‐operative FNA cytology specimen that consisted of tumor cells with dense cytoplasm and moderate cytologic atypia, strong positive staining pattern of p40, that was misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Follow up surgical resection showed P‐EMC with focal high grade transformation. Salivary gland EMCs with high grade transformation have previously been reported to have a worse prognosis, however, little is known about the malignant potential in the lung. Next generation sequencing (NGS) using a 397‐gene solid tumor panel identified variants in DNMT3A, APC, STAT3 in both low and high grade components, while KDM5C was present only in the high grade transformation.
Salt dissolution tectonism and origin of lacustrine carbonate beds: Mn‐Fe‐calcite and Mn‐siderite micro‐spherulite fabrics of the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation, Athabasca Oil Sands deposit, western Canada
Authors: Broughton Paul L.
Published: January 2022

Several lacustrine carbonate beds, each a metre‐thick interval of densely packed Mn‐rich sideritic micro‐spherulites or Mn‐rich ferroan calcite micro‐spherulites, are recorded for the first time within strata of the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation of the northern Athabasca Oil Sands deposit, western Canada. A lower McMurray lacustrine carbonate deposit is characterised by a metre‐thick bed fabric of Mn‐rich siderite micro‐spherulites. The middle and upper interval McMurray beds developed fabrics of Mn2+‐rich ferroan calcite micro‐spherulites. These carbonate beds represent saline lacustrine depositional environments that resulted from the lake bottom sediments ingressed from below by Mn2+‐Fe2+‐rich carbonate‐saturated brines. These up‐section migrations of Devonian formation water were sourced from dissolution trends developed in limestone and halite‐anhydrite beds of the underlying Devonian Prairie Evaporite during Cordilleran deformation of the Alberta Basin foreland. These brines ascended to the overlying McMurray Formation sediments along dissolution‐collapse structures such as breccia pipes, sinkholes and margins of differentially subsided Upper Devonian fault blocks. The up‐section migration of a sulphate‐saturated Fe2+ and Mn2+‐rich brine resulted in the ingress of a lower McMurray lacustrine bottom sediment at a site associated with the development of a peat mire terrain. Microbial redox of the lake bottom sediment resulted in a carbonate bed of micro‐spherulitic fabrics of Mn‐rich siderite interwoven with pyrite laminae. Subsequent salt dissolution events and up‐section migrations of Devonian brine during deposition of the middle and upper McMurray intervals resulted in similar carbonate‐saturated but sulphate‐poor chemistry. These saline flows also ingressed lacustrine bottom sediments below, and resulted in limestone beds of densely packed spherulitic fabrics of Mn‐ferroan calcite, not siderite. These deposits provide insight into largely unknown dispositions of voluminous brine resulting from salt dissolution trends below the Athabasca Oil Sands and further our understanding of controversial McMurray depositional processes.
Global koff‐rates of polyclonal T‐cell populations merge subclonal avidities and predict functionality
Authors: Lückemeier Philipp , Molter Katherine L. , Jarosch Sebastian , Huppertz Patrick , Purcarea Anna , Effenberger Manuel J. P. , Nauerth Magdalena , D'Ippolito Elvira , Schober Kilian , Busch Dirk H.
Published: January 2022

The avidity of TCRs for peptide‐major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs) is a governing factor in how T cells respond to antigen. TCR avidity is generally linked to T‐cell functionality and there is growing evidence for distinct roles of low and high avidity T cells in different phases of immune responses. While physiological immune responses and many therapeutic T‐cell products targeting infections or cancers consist of polyclonal T‐cell populations with a wide range of individual avidities, the role of T‐cell avidity is usually investigated only in monoclonal experimental settings. In this report, we induced polyclonal T‐cell responses with a wide range of avidities toward a model epitope by altered peptide ligands, and benchmarked global avidity of physiological polyclonal populations by investigation of TCR‐pMHC koff‐rates. We then investigated how varying sizes and avidities of monoclonal subpopulations translate into global koff‐rates. Global koff‐rates integrate subclonal avidities in a predictably weighted manner and robustly correlate with the functionality of murine polyclonal T‐cell populations in vitro and in vivo. Surveying the full avidity spectrum is essential to accurately assess polyclonal immune responses and inform the design of polyclonal T‐cell therapeutics.
Embryonic Exposure to Thiamethoxam Reduces Survival and Alters Neurobehavior of Fathead Minnows
Authors: Victoria Shayla , Duffy Sara , Harrahy Elisabeth , King-Heiden Tisha
Published: January 2022

Thiamethoxam is a commonly used neonicotinoid insecticide that acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist. Although vertebrates are less sensitive to neonicotinoid insecticides than invertebrates, some neonicotinoids have been shown to cause neurobehavioral changes in larval fishes. In the present study, we examine the neurobehavioral toxicity of acute and chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of thiamethoxam in fathead minnows at two different life stages. Whereas acute exposure of embryos to thiamethoxam does not appear to stimulate spontaneous contractions within 1 min, chronic exposure of embryos to 1.57 µg or more thiamethoxam/L caused increased mortality as well as a subtle increase in spontaneous contraction frequency (SCF), which was negatively correlated with early hatching success. Chronic exposure of embryos to 155 µg thiamethoxam/L impaired predator escape response, and chronic exposure to 0.02–14.61 µg thiamethoxam/L impaired foraging efficiency of some fish. Fathead minnows exposed to thiamethoxam beginning post hatch did not experience changes to measured health or neurobehavioral indicators. Taken together, our findings indicate that embryonic life stages are more sensitive to thiamethoxam exposure than later larval life stages. Because early exposure to thiamethoxam can cause deficits in predatory escape behaviors and may impair foraging success, further study of the potential direct and nondirect impacts of thiamethoxam on wild fish populations is warranted. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1276–1285. © 2022 SETAC

Abstract

Thiamethoxam causes neurobehavioral toxicity in fathead minnow larvae.
The vascular risk factors and vascular neuropathology in subjects with autopsy‐confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Chao , Gan Jinghuan , Yang Yaqi , Meng Qingbo , Han Jiuyan , Ji Yong
Published: January 2022

Background

The frequency of vascular risk factors (VRFs) and the relationship between vascular pathology and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disease remains incompletely understood.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of VRFs and vascular pathology and explore the relationship between vascular pathology and cognitive function in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Methods

This study included 363 autopsy‐confirmed DLB and 753 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database. We used chi‐squared test and analysis of variance to compare the VRFs and related factors in DLB and AD. Multinomial logistic regression and Spearman's correlation test were used to examine the relationship between vascular pathology and cognitive function.

Results

No significant differences of VRFs were identified between DLB and AD. Alzheimer's disease patients had higher rates of microinfarcts (23.5% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.005) and moderate to severe amyloid angiopathy (45.9% vs. 36.1%, p = 0.002). In DLB patients, only cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) pathology was negatively correlated with memory domain (r = −0.263, p < 0.001) and language (r = −0.112,p = 0.034). The rates of APOE ε4 allele carriers (60.0% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.004) and CAA pathology (45.9% vs.23.4%, p < 0.001) were much higher in the group with an intermediate likelihood of DLB than in the group with a high likelihood. There was a negative correlation between CAA pathology and memory (logical memory) in the group with an intermediate likelihood of DLB.

Conclusion

No difference of VRFs was identified between autopsy‐confirmed DLB and AD. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy was shown to be an important pathology in DLB, which specifically correlated with memory and language. The groups with high and intermediate likelihood of DLB differed in terms of CAA pathology, and CAA pathology may play an important role in the development of DLB.
Aspirin use and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B with or without cirrhosis
Authors: Jang Heejoon , Lee Yun Bin , Moon Hyemi , Chung Jong‐Won , Nam Joon Yeul , Cho Eun Ju , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Kim Yoon Jun , Lee Juneyoung , Yoon Jung‐Hwan
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Studies on differential effect of aspirin therapy on HCC risk across the spectrum of liver diseases are lacking. We investigated the association between aspirin use and risks of HCC, liver‐associated death, and major bleeding in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with or without cirrhosis.

Approach and Results

We identified 329,635 eligible adults with CHB from 2007 through 2017, using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, including patients who received aspirin for ≥90 consecutive days (n = 20,200) and patients who never received antiplatelet therapy (n = 309,435). Risks of HCC, liver‐associated mortality, and major bleeding were estimated in a propensity‐score–matched cohort (19,003 pairs), accounting for competing risks. With a median follow‐up of 6.7 years, 10‐year cumulative incidence of HCC was 9.5% in the aspirin‐treated group and 11.3% in the untreated group (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78–0.92). However, among patients with cirrhosis (2479 pairs), an association of aspirin use with HCC risk was not evident (aSHR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.85–1.18). Cirrhosis status had a significant effect on the association between aspirin use and HCC risk (pinteraction
, n = 0.04). Aspirin use was also associated with lower liver‐associated mortality (aSHR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71–0.90). Moreover, aspirin use was not associated with major bleeding risk (aSHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.99–1.21).

Conclusions

Aspirin use was associated with reduced risks of HCC and liver‐associated mortality in adults with CHB. Cirrhosis status had a substantial effect on the association between aspirin use and HCC risk.
Improved sparse representation algorithm for optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Miao Hanyuan , Zhou Xiaohong , Wang Wei , Jiang Weiliang , Jin Tao
Published: January 2022

An improved sparse representation algorithm is proposed for reducing speckle noise in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. To reduce the dictionary training time, the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm (OMP) is replaced by a piecewise orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm (ST‐OMP), and a threshold standard is set to train multiple atoms simultaneously to improve the tracking efficiency. Normal, diabetic macular edema, and fundus neovascularization membrane retina OCT images were tested using the proposed algorithm and other denoising algorithms. The results show that the proposed algorithm exhibits an excellent denoising ability. The details and edge information in the OCT images were well preserved by the proposed algorithm. Meanwhile, the image processing time was reduced by half with the proposed algorithm compared with the traditional K‐SVD algorithm.
Towards the development of a curriculum to train behavior analysts to provide services via telehealth
Authors: Neely Leslie , Tsami Loukia , Graber Jessica , Lerman Dorothea C.
Published: January 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in behavior analysts' use of telehealth services. Nonetheless, no research has evaluated the skills or training needed for therapists to provide these services effectively. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a curriculum for providing high‐quality, parent‐training telehealth services. Four in‐service Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) who received brief behavioral skills training on this curriculum reached 100% fidelity within four sessions. The skills generalized to a novel family and maintained nearly 1 year after the training. All participants rated the training as highly acceptable and effective. The independent ratings of 4 in‐service BCBAs, blinded to the study conditions, also supported the social validity of the outcomes. This curriculum may be considered an initial step towards development of competency for interventionists providing ABA services via telehealth. Further research is warranted as demand for telehealth services continues to grow.
Biocompatible polymeric blend for pH driven delivery of cytarabine: Effect of feed contents on swelling and release kinetics
Authors: Batool Nighat , Sarfraz Rai Muhammad , Mahmood Asif , Zafar Nadiah , Minhas Muhammad Usman , Hussain Zahid , Rehman Umaira
Published: January 2022

Purpose of this study was to prepare chitosan/tamarind crosslinked poly (methacrylic acid) hydrogels for pH responsive delivery of cytarabine by using aqueous free radical polymerization technique. Polymers were chemically cross‐linked with monomer (methacrylic acid) using methylene bisacrylamide as cross‐linking agent and ammonium per sulphate as a reaction initiator in aqueous medium. Developed hydrogels were characterized for morphology, physical existence, drug loading (%), compositional and structural analysis, thermal behavior and stability, drug release analysis (pH 1.2 and pH 7.4), and in vivo release kinetics. pH sensitive behavior was established by observing swelling and release behavior at different pH values (1.2 and 7.4). Biocompatibility of network was evaluated through acute oral toxicity studies in rabbits. Results revealed that cytarabine was efficiently loaded in prepared hydrogels with an entrapment efficiency of 54.67%–108.59%. Highest swelling ratio of 38.67 was noticed at pH 7.4. Maximum pH sensitive behavior was seen at pH 7.4 showing maximum drug release up to 94.51%. All developed formulations followed zero order release as confirmed from regression coefficient (R2 = 0.9912–0.9991). In‐vivo studies confirmed enhanced bioavailability of cytarabine. Histopathological examination and hemocompatibility studies proved that developed hydrogel system was safe, biocompatible, nonhemolytic in nature exhibiting no symptoms of dermal, ocular toxicities, and no changes in biochemical parameters of blood and histology of key organs. So, developed hydrogel system can be employed as an excellent drug delivery device where controlled drug delivery is desired.
Inhibition of focal adhesion turnover prevents osteoblastic differentiation through β‐catenin mediated transduction of pro‐osteogenic substrate
Authors: Juhl Otto J. , Merife Anna‐Blessing , Zhang Yue , Donahue Henry J.
Published: January 2022

The mechanism by which substrate surface characteristics are transduced by osteoblastic cells and their progenitors is not fully known. Data from previous studies by our group suggest the involvement of β‐catenin in the mechanism by which substrate surface characteristics are transduced. This focal adhesion and β‐catenin mediated mechanism functions through the liberation of β‐catenin from focal adhesion complexes in response to pro‐osteogenic substrate (POS) characteristics. After liberation, β‐catenin translocates and facilitates upregulation of genes associated with osteogenesis. It is not known whether the observed correlation between focal adhesion turnover and β‐catenin translocation directly results from focal adhesion turnover. In this study we inhibited focal adhesion turnover using a focal adhesion kinase inhibitor PF‐573228. We found that inhibition of focal adhesion turnover resulted in an abrogation of the more rapid translocation and increased transcriptional activity of β‐catenin induced by POS. In addition, inhibition of focal adhesion turnover mitigated the increase in osteoblastic differentiation induced by a POS as measured by alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity and osteogenic gene and protein expression. Together, these data, coupled with previous findings, suggest that the observed β‐catenin translocation is a result of focal adhesion turnover, providing evidence for a focal adhesion initiated, β‐catenin mediated mechanism of substrate surface signal transduction.
Effects of a collagen hyaluronic acid silk‐fibroin patch with the electroconductive element polyaniline on left ventricular remodeling in an infarct heart model
Authors: Leite Fernanda Gomes , Marana Juliana Fonzar , de Sá Luiza Fernandes Tavares , Alves de Almeida Thais Francine Ribeiro , do Carmo Helison Rafael Pereira , Chaud Marco Vinícius , Grotto Denise , Silveira‐Filho Lindemberg da Mota
Published: January 2022

Biodegradable cardiac patches have been able to induce improvement in left ventricular (LV) remodeling. A novel scaffold patch made with collagen and silk‐fibroin (COL‐SF) was further associated to polyaniline (PANi) to increase conductivity. Thus, this study investigated the safety of the association of PANi to a patch, and the improvement in LV remodeling in a myocardial infarct (MI) rat model. Wistar rats underwent MI induction. MI was confirmed with echocardiographic and after 2 weeks, animals (n = 10/group) were randomized into: (a) COL‐SF hyaluronic acid patch, (b) PANi hyaluronic acid patch, (c) MI Control (just repeat thoracotomy). Healthy animals were also followed. Echocardiography was performed at pre‐treatment, and at 2‐, 4‐, and 8‐weeks post‐treatment. Hearts underwent hemodynamic evaluation on Langendorff apparatus and histology for LV thickness and percent of infarct size. Liver, kidneys, and blood samples were evaluated for biochemical, hematological, oxidative stress, and histology. There was a tendency of lower %infarct size in patched animals. LV thickness was higher in the patched animals than controls. Functional echocardiographic indices %Fractional shortening and %LV ejection fraction decreased in the MI control group, but not in the patched animals. PANi presented higher %LVEF versus MI control. PANi presented higher liver transaminases; no morphological changes were observed in histology. Elevation of antioxidant markers was observed. COL‐SF and PANi patches were able to induce better remodeling features compared to MI controls on %infarct size and LV thickness and have not presented echocardiographic worsening. Polyaniline may present a slight improvement on LV remodeling, despite associated to signs of hepatotoxicity and pro‐oxidant effect.
Training and educational programs that support geriatric dental care in rural settings: A scoping review
Authors: Chandel Tejasvita , Alulaiyan Mohammed , Farraj Malik , Riedy Christine A. , Barrow Jane R. , Brennan Leonard , Thompson Lisa , Bass Michelle B. , Chamut Steffany
Published: January 2022

Purpose/Objectives

Access to dental care for older adults is challenging, especially for those living in rural areas. People living in rural areas are less likely to visit the dentist, have greater oral health needs, and face significant oral health disparities. Given the projected increase in the older adult population, the aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review (SR) to identify the current landscape of geriatric dental training in rural healthcare settings.

Methods

Four guiding concepts (i.e., dental workforce, education/training, rural setting, and older adult population) were searched in PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), Dental and Oral Sciences Source (EBSCO), and ERIC (EBSCO) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. EndNote and Covidence were used for de‐duplication algorithms and title/abstract screening.

Results

Seventy‐nine citations were identified for the final full‐text review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ten articles were eligible for data extraction as applicable to the research question. Three themes emerged from the review: geriatric dentistry inclusion within dental school curricula, clinical training at rural/remote locations, and improving geriatric oral health knowledge through interprofessional training.

Conclusion

This SR highlights the limited number of currently trained geriatric dentists, as well as, the paucity of dental programs/curricula offered to produce competent dental geriatricians with an advanced skill set for practicing in rural settings. Our review indicates the need to expand the dental workforce, curricula, and training to better position dentists to serve the older and underserved population in rural and remote areas.
Single‐center observation of direct impact of the Tokyo 2020 Games on ambulance emergency response
Authors: Harada Taku , Watanabe Dan , Yazawa Haruka , Hiroshige Juichi
Published: January 2022

The burden of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games on the local emergency medical system was limited. In addition to the Games were held without spectators, this was due to advance preparation by various organizations and the efforts of local staff, including primary care physicians.
Multi‐Planar, Multi‐Contrast and Multi‐Time Point Analysis Tool (MOCHA) for Intracranial Vessel Wall Characterization
Authors: Guo Yin , Canton Gador , Chen Li , Sun Jie , Geleri Duygu Baylam , Balu Niranjan , Xu Dongxiang , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Yuan Chun
Published: January 2022

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) intracranial vessel wall (IVW) magnetic resonance imaging can reliably image intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). However, an integrated, streamlined, and optimized workflow for IVW analysis to provide qualitative and quantitative measurements is lacking.

Purpose

To propose and evaluate an image analysis pipeline (MOCHA) that can register multicontrast and multitime point 3D IVW for multiplanar review and quantitative plaque characterization.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 11 subjects with ICAD (68 ± 10 years old, 6 males).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T, 3D time‐of‐flight gradient echo sequence and T1‐ and proton density‐weighted fast spin echo sequences.

Assessment

Each participant underwent two IVW sessions within 2 weeks. Scan and rescan IVW images were preprocessed using MOCHA. The presence of atherosclerotic lesions was identified in different intracranial arterial segments by two readers (GC and JS, 12 years of vascular MR imaging experience each) following an established review protocol to reach consensus on each of the reviews. For all locations with identified plaques, plaque length, lumen and vessel wall areas, maximum and mean wall thickness values, normalized wall index and contrast enhancement ratio were measured.

Statistical Tests

Percent agreement and Cohen's κ were used to test scan–rescan reproducibility of detecting plaques using MOCHA. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were used to evaluate scan–rescan reproducibility for plaque morphologic and enhancement measurements.

Results

In 150 paired intracranial vessel segments, the overall agreement in plaque detection was 92.7% (κ = 0.822). The ICCs (all ICCs > 0.90) and Bland–Altman plots (no bias observed) indicated excellent scan–rescan reproducibility for all morphologic and enhancement measurements.

Data Conclusion

Findings from this study demonstrate that MOCHA provides high scan–rescan reproducibility for identification and quantification of atherosclerosis along multiple intracranial arterial segments and highlight its potential use in characterizing plaque composition and monitoring plaque development.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Deep‐learning‐based denoising approach to enhance Raman spectroscopy in mass‐produced graphene
Authors: Machado Lucas Resende Pellegrinelli , Silva Mariana Oliveira Santos , Campos João Luiz Elias , Silva Diego Lopez , Cançado Luiz Gustavo , Vilela Neto Omar Paranaiba
Published: January 2022

The inherently weak signal present in Raman spectroscopy makes spectral resolution susceptible to noise. Hence, efficient denoising techniques for post‐processing of spectral data are required. We introduce two efficient approaches to remove noise from graphene Raman spectra, based on deep neural network architectures using supervised and unsupervised learning. We compared the performance of these approaches with three traditional noise removal methods. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of deep‐learning models in the denoising task, which is crucial in interpreting characterization data of mass‐produced graphene. Overall, our supervised approach outperforms all considered baselines, as well as the unsupervised method, providing significant improvement in noise reduction.
Intraoperative risk factors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation
Authors: Berkowitz Rachel J. , Engoren Milo C. , Mentz Graciela , Sharma Pratima , Kumar Sathish S. , Davis Ryan , Kheterpal Sachin , Sonnenday Christopher J. , Douville Nicholas J.
Published: January 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications of liver transplantation (LT). We examined the impact of intraoperative management on risk for AKI following LT. In this retrospective observational study, we linked data from the electronic health record with standardized transplant outcomes. Our primary outcome was stage 2 or 3 AKI as defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines within the first 7 days of LT. We used logistic regression models to test the hypothesis that the addition of intraoperative variables, including inotropic/vasopressor administration, transfusion requirements, and hemodynamic markers improves our ability to predict AKI following LT. We also examined the impact of postoperative AKI on mortality. Of the 598 adult primary LT recipients included in our study, 43% (n = 255) were diagnosed with AKI within the first 7 postoperative days. Several preoperative and intraoperative variables including (1) electrolyte/acid‐base balance disorder (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 253.6 or 276.x and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes E22.2 or E87.x, where x is any digit; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.917, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.280–2.869; p = 0.002); (2) preoperative anemia (aOR, 2.612; 95% CI, 1.405–4.854; p = 0.002); (3) low serum albumin (aOR, 0.576; 95% CI, 0.410–0.808; p = 0.001), increased potassium value during reperfusion (aOR, 1.513; 95% CI, 1.103–2.077; p = 0.01), and lactate during reperfusion (aOR, 1.081; 95% CI, 1.003–1.166; p = 0.04) were associated with posttransplant AKI. New dialysis requirement within the first 7 days postoperatively predicted the posttransplant mortality. Our study identified significant association between several potentially modifiable variables with posttransplant AKI. The addition of intraoperative data did not improve overall model discrimination.
Cerium oxide nanoparticles administration during machine perfusion of discarded human livers: A pilot study
Authors: Del Turco Serena , Cappello Valentina , Tapeinos Christos , Moscardini Aldo , Sabatino Laura , Battaglini Matteo , Melandro Fabio , Torri Francesco , Martinelli Caterina , Babboni Serena , Silvestrini Beatrice , Morganti Riccardo , Gemmi Mauro , De Simone Paolo , Martins Paulo N. , Crocetti Laura , Peris Adriano , Campani Daniela , Basta Giuseppina , Ciofani Gianni , Ghinolfi Davide
Published: January 2022

The combined approach of ex situ normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) and nanotechnology represents a strategy to mitigate ischemia/reperfusion injury in liver transplantation (LT). We evaluated the uptake, distribution, and efficacy of antioxidant cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) during normothermic perfusion of discarded human livers. A total of 9 discarded human liver grafts were randomized in 2 groups and underwent 4 h of NMP: 5 grafts were treated with nanoceria conjugated with albumin (Alb‐NC; 50 µg/ml) and compared with 4 untreated grafts. The intracellular uptake of nanoceria was analyzed by electron microscopy (EM) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The antioxidant activity of Alb‐NC was assayed in liver biopsies by glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) assay, telomere length, and 4977‐bp common mitochondrial DNA deletion (mtDNA4977 deletion). The cytokine profile was evaluated in perfusate samples. EM and ICP‐MS confirmed Alb‐NC internalization, rescue of mitochondrial phenotype, decrease of lipid droplet peroxidation, and lipofuscin granules in the treated grafts. Alb‐NC exerted an antioxidant activity by increasing GSH levels (percentage change: +94% ± 25%; p = 0.01), SOD (+17% ± 4%; p = 0.02), and CAT activity (51% ± 23%; p = 0.03), reducing the occurrence of mtDNA4977 deletion (−67.2% ± 11%; p = 0.03), but did not affect cytokine release. Alb‐NC during ex situ perfusion decreased oxidative stress, upregulating graft antioxidant defense. They could be a tool to improve quality grafts during NMP and represent an antioxidant strategy aimed at protecting the graft against reperfusion injury during LT.
Living in a bottle: Bacteria from sediment‐associated Mediterranean waste and potential growth on polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Vidal‐Verdú Àngela , Latorre‐Pérez Adriel , Molina‐Menor Esther , Baixeras Joaquin , Peretó Juli , Porcar Manuel
Published: January 2022

Ocean pollution is a worldwide environmental challenge that could be partially tackled through microbial applications. To shed light on the diversity and applications of the bacterial communities that inhabit the sediments trapped in artificial containers, we analyzed residues (polyethylene terephthalate [PET] bottles and aluminum cans) collected from the Mediterranean Sea by scanning electron microscopy and next generation sequencing. Moreover, we set a collection of culturable bacteria from the plastisphere that were screened for their ability to use PET as a carbon source. Our results reveal that Proteobacteria are the predominant phylum in all the samples and that Rhodobacteraceae, Woeseia, Actinomarinales, or Vibrio are also abundant in these residues. Moreover, we identified marine isolates with enhanced growth in the presence of PET: Aquimarina intermedia, Citricoccus spp., and Micrococcus spp. Our results suggest that the marine environment is a source of biotechnologically promising bacterial isolates that may use PET or PET additives as carbon sources.
A hybrid approach established upon the Müntz‐Legender functions and 2D Müntz‐Legender wavelets for fractional Sobolev equation
Authors: Hosseininia Masoumeh , Heydari Mohammad Hossein , Avazzadeh Zakieh
Published: January 2022

This article proposes a hybrid technique for finding approximation solutions of the fractional 2D Sobolev equation. In the proposed approach, the Müntz‐Legender functions and Müntz‐Legender wavelets are, respectively, utilized to approximate the solution of the problem under consideration in the time and spatial directions. By implementing the presented technique, solving the 2D fractional Sobolev equation is converted into solving a system of algebraic equations. Three examples are solved to examine the validity of the proposed method.
Improving the measurements of IP3
Authors: Yan Siyuan , Yang Xianzhen , Li Xiao , Li Fu
Published: January 2022

IP3 is an important parameter of RF amplifiers. It is available from the datasheet and calculated from the interception between the line of the output power at fundamental frequencies and that of the power of the 3rd‐order intermodulation product conventionally measured from two‐tone tests. However, the measured output power at fundamental frequency will be affected by 3rd‐order intermodulation products. In this article, the impacts from 3rd‐order intermodulation products to the fundamental tones are analyzed. As an analytic formula‐based calibration solution, simple formulas that remove corresponding nonlinear effects are suggested.
Continuous frequency and isolation reconfigurable MIMO PIFA antennas using liquid materials
Authors: An Miao , Li Yao , Zhai Huiqing , Sun Qiao
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a continuous frequency and isolation reconfigurable multiple input multiple output (MIMO) PIFA antenna loaded with a decoupled neutralization line structure is proposed. A pair of transparent boxes made of PC material was loaded between the radiation plane and the ground to provide conditions for reconfiguration. The frequency reconfigurable range is from 1.58 GHz to 1.08 GHz (frequency tuning range 37.5%) which is achieved by controlling the height of pure water from 0 mm to 9.15 mm. Pure water in the PC box will interfere with the electric field distribution near the antenna and change the effective dielectric constant of the dielectric. In the range of 1.08 ~ 1.58 GHz continuous frequency reconfigurable, the load of neutralization line makes the mutual coupling of working frequency band decreases by at least 8 dB. And the antenna prototype is measured. The simulation results are in good agreement with the measured results, which verifies the feasibility of this technology.
Investigation of image quality of MV and kV CBCT with low‐Z beams and high DQE detector
Authors: O'Connell Jericho , Bazalova‐Carter Magdalena
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To investigate cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image quality using novel combinations of kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) beams and detector materials.

Methods

MV and kV CBCT imaging was simulated using the Fastcat hybrid Monte Carlo application. CBCT imaging with various beam energies was investigated: 2.5 and 6 MV photon beams generated with carbon, aluminum, and tungsten targets and a 120 kVp x‐ray tube beam based off of a Varian Truebeam on‐board imager (OBI). Cadmium tungstate (CWO), gadolinium oxysulfide (GOS), and cesium iodide (CsI) detectors with identical pixel pitch of 0.784 mm were evaluated. Modulation transfer functions (MTF) for all detector/beam combinations were calculated. MV and kV CBCT images for each detector/beam combination of a contrast phantom containing inserts with rib and spongiosa bone, lung, and adipose tissues were simulated with an imaging dose of 7 mGy. Contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of all inserts were compared for all detector/beam combinations. CBCT images of an anthropomorphic head phantom with silver amalgam fillings were also generated.

Results

The CWO/120 kVp beam combination resulted in the highest MTF at low frequencies and the CsI detector showed the highest MTF for all other beams and at high frequencies. The CWO/120 kVp beam combination showed the highest CNR for all tissues. The unoptimized CWO/2.5 MV carbon target beam showed the highest CNR of the MV beam/detector combinations with CNR 4% and 17% worse than the optimized Truebeam CsI 120 kVp setup with a bowtie filter and antiscatter grid. Additionally, the CWO 2.5 MV setup showed qualitative reduction of metal artifacts surrounding silver amalgam fillings in an anthropomorphic head phantom.

Conclusion

This finding makes a compelling case that further optimization of this CWO carbon target setup could produce CBCT images with similar CNR to current OBI CBCT for equivalent dose with added resilience to metal artifacts.