bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advance of microfluidic constriction channel system of measuring single‐cell cortical tension/specific capacitance of membrane and conductivity of cytoplasm
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Ke , Sun Xiaohao , Chen Deyong , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian
Published: November 2021

This paper reported a microfluidic platform which realized the characterization of inherent single‐cell biomechanical and bioelectrical parameters simultaneously. Individual cells traveled through a constriction channel with deformation images and impedance variations captured and processed into cortical tension Tc, specific membrane capacitance Csm, and cytoplasmic conductivity σcy based on an equivalent biophysical model. These properties of thousands of individual cells of K562, Jurkat, HL‐60, HL‐60 treated with paraformaldehyde (PA)/cytochalasin D (CD)/concanavalin A (ConA), granulocytes of Donor 1, Donor 2, and Donor 3 were quantified for the first time. Leveraging Tc, Csm, and σcy, (1) high accuracies of classifying wild‐type and processed HL‐60 cells (e.g., 93.5% of PA treated vs. CD treated HL‐60 cells) were realized, revealing the effectiveness of using these three biophysical parameters in cell‐type classification; (2) low accuracies of classifying normal granulocytes from three donors (e.g., 56.4% of Donor 1 vs. 2), indicating comparable parameters for normal granulocytes. In conclusion, this platform can characterize single‐cell Tc, Csm, and σcy concurrently and quantify multiple parameters in single‐cell analysis.
An unusual detection of 2‐amino‐3‐(2‐chlorobenzoyl)‐5‐ethylthiophene and 2‐methylamino‐5‐chlorobenzophenone in illicit yellow etizolam tablets marked “5617” seized in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Downey Carol , O'Donnell Audrey , McLaughlin Gavin , O'Neill Geraldine , O'Brien John , Kavanagh Pierce V.
Published: November 2021

Benzodiazepines are a class of compounds used clinically to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety and insomnia. Their potential for abuse has led to a surge in their availability on the illegal drugs market. End users often rely on markings on illicit tablets to identify their contents. However, falsified tablets mimicking genuine pharmaceutical preparations often contain ingredients that differ from what people believe they are taking. The absence of any quality control of the content, purity, or strength of fake tablets can result in adverse effects or even fatal outcomes. In recent years, drug seizures involving illicit round yellow tablets marked “5” on one side and “5617” below a scoreline on the reverse have been submitted to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) by An Garda Síochána (Irish Police) from throughout the Republic of Ireland. These findings relate to 26 different seizures; the cumulative tablet total seized was in excess of 20,000, and the total number of tablets of this description analyzed at FSI was 141. Irish users assume that the active ingredient present was diazepam. The qualitative analytical results for these tablets are reported. All tablets were found to contain 2‐methylamino‐5‐chlorobenzophenone. In addition, the tablets contained either 2‐amino‐3‐(2‐chlorobenzoyl)‐5‐ethylthiophene or etizolam or both. The constituents were present in varying relative amounts in visually similar tablets. Neither 2‐amino‐5‐chlorobenzophenone nor 2‐amino‐3‐(2‐chlorobenzoyl)‐5‐ethylthiophene had previously been found in tablets analyzed at FSI.
Nutrient variation induced by rodent disturbance in Haloxylon ammodendron as a target transfer strategy
Authors: Zhao Wenqin , Dang Hanli , Zhang Tao , Dong Jianrui , Chen Hongwei , Xiang Wenjie
Published: November 2021

Nutrients form a link between herbivores and plant. This study explored the physiological and ecological response mechanism of Haloxylon ammodendron population to rodent disturbance in Gurbantunggut Desert from the perspective of nutrient cycle. Through field investigation, we quantified rodent disturbance intensity (DI) to H. ammodendron and analyzed the ecological response mechanism of H. ammodendron population to rodent disturbance from the perspective of plant and soil nutrient cycling and changes. The results indicated that moderate rodent DI (number of effective burrows = 3–6) was the maximum limit that can be tolerated by H. ammodendron; the threshold for optimal H. ammodendron response to rodent disturbance was mild (number of burrows = 1–3). Meanwhile, the rodent disturbance caused significant nutrient enrichment (e.g., organic carbon, available phosphorus, and available potassium) in the deeper soil (at 20–40 and 40–60 cm depth) and significantly reduced the soil total salt content (p < .05). Furthermore, as the DI increased, the branches of H. ammodendron showed significantly increased soluble total sugar, crude fiber, and total nitrogen contents (p < .05) but significantly decreased crude fat and crude protein contents (p < .05); these results are related to the nutritional target transfer strategy evolved by H. ammodendron for long‐term resistance to rodent disturbance. The current study clarified the optimal disturbance model for mutually beneficial H. ammodendron–great gerbil relationship, on the basis of which the ecological response mechanism of H. ammodendron population to rodent disturbance in deserts was illustrated. The current study provides a scientific basis for the protection mechanisms of desert plants to rodent disturbance.
Daphnia magna trade‐off safety from UV radiation for food
Authors: Lee Marcus , Hansson Lars‐Anders
Published: November 2021

Research on diel vertical migration (DVM) is generally conducted at the population level, whereas few studies have focused on how individual animals behaviorally respond to threats when also having access to foraging opportunities. We utilized a 3D tracking platform to record the swimming behavior of Daphnia magna exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the presence or absence of a food patch. We analyzed the vertical position of individuals before and during UVR exposure and found that the presence of food reduced the average swimming depth during both sections of the trial. Since UVR is a strong driver of zooplankton behavior, our results highlight that biotic factors, such as food patches, have profound effects on both the amplitude and the frequency of avoidance behavior. In a broader context, the trade‐off between threats and food adds to our understanding of the strength and variance of behavioral responses to threats, including DVM.
The aboveground and belowground growth characteristics of juvenile conifers in the southwestern United States
Authors: Pirtel N. L. , Hubbard R. M. , Bradford J. B. , Kolb T. E. , Litvak M. E. , Abella S. R. , Porter S. L. , Petrie M. D.
Published: November 2021

Juvenile tree survival will play an important role in the persistence of coniferous forests and woodlands in the southwestern United States (SWUS). Vulnerability to climatic and environmental stress declines as trees grow, such that larger, more deeply rooted juveniles are less likely to experience mortality. It is unclear how juvenile conifers partition the aboveground and belowground components of early growth, if growth differs between species and ecosystem types, and what environmental factors influence juvenile carbon allocation above‐ or belowground. We developed a novel data set for four juvenile conifer groups (junipers, piñon pines, ponderosa pines, firs; 1121 juveniles sampled, 221 destructively) in three height classes (<150 mm, 150–300 mm, and 300+ mm), across 25 SWUS sites. We compared growth characteristics across groups and height classes and related differences to climatic and environmental factors. As tree height increased from <150 mm to 300+ mm, belowground growth increased, root:shoot ratio declined, and specific leaf area declined for all conifers except firs. Maximum rooting depth was shallower than previous estimates (<˜400 mm). Lower elevation juveniles were frequently located in sheltered microsites that provided high shading, whereas mid‐ and higher elevation juveniles were frequently unsheltered. Across all forest and woodland sites, herbaceous cover was positively correlated with aboveground growth. At study locations comprised of multiple sites, differences in aboveground growth were best explained by ecosystem type (piñon pine‐juniper woodland, ponderosa pine forest, mixed‐conifer forest) and local environmental variation. Our results indicate generally more belowground early growth and more aboveground later growth, but specific allocation patterns varied among ecosystem (greater proportional shoot growth at lower and mid‐elevations compared with higher elevations). Juvenile conifers had similar magnitudes of proportional growth across conifer groups, displaying limited capacity to acclimate growth to differences in climate that control ecosystem type. If juvenile conifers also do not acclimate physiologically to their environment, our findings suggest that local environmental variation will play a primary role in regulating forest and woodland persistence and modify the effects of climate change in the SWUS.
Driving governance beyond ecological modernization: REDD+ and the Amazon Fund
Authors: Bidone Francisco
Published: November 2021

This investigation focuses on the design and formulation of the Brazilian Amazon Fund—perhaps the boldest REDD+ oriented initiative to date. Study draws its hypothesis from the understanding that the Amazon Fund operated until recently based on a nuanced integration of two current trends in environmental governance: (i) institutionalization of ecological modernization theories and (ii) establishment of multilevel, multi‐stakeholder governance. To visualize such integration, this work deploys discourse analysis and text‐mining techniques to the Amazon Fund's policy documents. Overall findings suggest the ecological modernization agenda is predominant within the Amazon Fund. The following discussion articulates with environmental studies' critical scholarship to debate the dominance of ecological modernism as it is claimed to inherently narrow the scope of perspectives, knowledge, and values integrated into sustainability policies. Whereas the opposite should occur, considering multi‐stakeholder environmental governance mechanisms propose to incorporate a plurality of legitimate perspectives and knowledge basis. In these terms, innovative approaches that envision “win‐win” solutions for environmental policy may eventually rest in endorsing alternative framings about nature and society that move away from the constrained paradigms of efficiency within ecological modernization theories and discourse. The relevance of this work lays in the debate that acknowledges the importance of driving environmental governance mechanisms in tropical developing countries to new viable alternatives. In broader terms, the importance of this debate emerges in the proposal of changes that move government, business, and civil society away from usual policies (and interests) underpinning policies for land use and the forest sector.
Integrating sex and gender in studies of cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Dewidar Omar , Podinic Irina , Barbeau Victoria , Patel Dilan , Antequera Alba , Birnie David , Welch Vivian , Wells George A.
Published: November 2021

Aims

To examine the prevalence, temporal changes, and impact of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV) policy on sex and gender reporting and analysis in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) cohort studies.

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for cohort studies reporting the effectiveness and safety of CRT in heart failure patients from January 2000 to June 2020, with no language restrictions. Segmented regression analysis was used for policy analysis. We included 253 studies. Fourteen per cent considered sex in the study design. Outcome data disaggregated by sex were only reported in 17% of the studies. Of the studies with statistical models (n = 173), 57% were adjusted for sex. Sixty‐eight per cent of those reported an effect size for sex on the outcome. Sex‐stratified analyses were conducted in 13% of the studies. Temporal analysis shows an increase in sex reporting in background, statistical models, study design, and discussion. Besides statistical models, NIH SABV policy analysis showed no significant change in the reporting of sex in study sections. Gender was not reported or analysed in any study.

Conclusions

There is a need to improve the study design, analysis, and completeness of reporting of sex in CRT cohort studies. Inadequate sex integration in study design and analysis may potentially hinder progress in understanding sex disparities in CRT. Deficiencies in the integration of sex in studies could be overcome by implementing guidance that already exists.
Performance of non‐invasive myocardial work to predict the first hospitalization for de novo heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Paolisso Pasquale , Gallinoro Emanuele , Mileva Niya , Moya Ana , Fabbricatore Davide , Esposito Giuseppe , De Colle Cristina , Beles Monika , Spapen Jerrold , Heggermont Ward , Collet Carlos , Van Camp Guy , Vanderheyden Marc , Barbato Emanuele , Bartunek Jozef , Penicka Martin
Published: November 2021

Aims

Non‐invasive myocardial work (MW) is a validated index of left ventricular (LV) systolic performance, incorporating afterload and myocardial metabolism. The role of MW in predicting the first hospitalization for de novo heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is still unknown. We aim to investigate the diagnostic performance of MW to predict the first de novo HFpEF hospitalization in ambulatory individuals with preserved LV ejection fraction.

Methods and results

Twenty‐nine patients with transthoracic echocardiography performed at least 6 months before the first HFpEF hospitalization were compared with 29 matched controls. MW was derived as the area of pressure–strain loop using speckle‐tracking and brachial artery blood pressure. Global work index, global constructive work, global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) were collected. First HFpEF hospitalization and its combination with cardiovascular death [major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)] and all‐cause of death [major adverse events (MAE)] were assessed. At baseline, future HFpEF patients showed lower global work index, global constructive work, GWE, and higher GWW than controls (all P < 0.05). At admission vs. baseline, GWE significantly decreased, and GWW increased in the HFpEF group (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the controls over time. GWW, with a cut‐off of 170 mmHg%, showed the largest area under the curve (AUC) to predict first HFpEF hospitalization [AUC = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.91, P < 0.001], MACE (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.90, P < 0.001), and MAE (AUC = 0.79, 95% CI 0.62–0.88, P = 0.001). GWW > 170 mmHg% was associated with a 4‐fold increase of MACE (HR = 4.5, 95% CI 1.59–13.12, P = 0.005) and a 3‐fold higher risk of MAE (HR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.24–6.6, P = 0.014).

Conclusions

In ambulatory patients with preserved LV ejection fraction and risk factors, GWW showed high accuracy to predict the first HFpEF hospitalization and its combination with mortality. The GWW routine assessment may be clinically helpful in patients with dyspnoea.
The Importance of Swelling Effects on Cathode Density and Electrochemical Performance of Lithium−Sulfur Battery Cathodes Produced via Dry Processing
Authors: Schmidt Florian , Ehrling Sebastian , Schönherr Kay , Dörfler Susanne , Abendroth Thomas , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: November 2021

Lithium−sulfur batteries are promising candidates to satisfy the growing demand for high gravimetric, as well as high volumetric energy density batteries, due to their abundant and cost‐efficient raw‐materials. Consequently, this cell system has become an active subject of academic and industrial research. Therefore, new records for gravimetric, as well as volumetric energy densities have been reported in recent years. To further increase the volumetric energy density of the cells, the electrodes are often densified. Hence, the influence of the cathode density on the performance of lithium−sulfur batteries is still not fully understood. Herein, dry‐processed (DRYtraec) sulfur carbon cathodes with varying electrode densities are tested with ether‐based electrolytes under lean electrolyte (5 μL mg(s)−1) conditions. The electrochemical evaluation reveals that the density does not influence the performance of the cathodes at coin‐cell level as their density is altered upon electrolyte contact due to swelling. To monitor this, dynamic swelling experiments via confocal microscopy are conducted. Subsequently, the findings are transferred to investigate the influence of cathode swelling on the volumetric energy density. The influence of cathode swelling on the volumetric energy density of pouch cells is calculated based on the cathodes investigated at coin‐cell level.
Amorphous C,N Codoping Cobalt Phosphates Simply Fabricated via a Mild Host–Guest Strategy as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Guo Zheng-Han , Yue Cuiyu , Ou Kai-Qin , Wu Li-Fu , Lv Qiu-Yu , Lin Jie-Ying , Chen Pei-Ru , Liu Jie-Hua , Huang Sai , Li Jin-Kun , Song Jun-Ling
Published: November 2021

It is crucial to develop efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for practical application. Herein, for the first time, Co‐based phosphate ((H2en)0.5CoPO4)) as a precursor with unique CoO4 tetrahedra and diprotonated ethanediamine template (H2en) is simply and rapidly prepared, and the amorphous cobalt phosphate can be obtained via a mild calcination of this host–guest material. Furthermore, the optimal calcined electrocatalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 284 mV at 10 mA cm−2 toward OER and 0.78 V of half‐wave potential for ORR in 1.0 m KOH electrolyte. Furthermore, this bifunctional electrocatalyst as the cathode of zinc–air batteries displays a high‐power density of 178 mW cm−2 and specific capacitance of 754.5 mAh g−1, accompanied by good cycling stability (for 50 h of operation). This work offers a new strategy to design heteroatom doping electrocatalysts using this host–guest method under a mild and environmental condition.
Neuropsychological and clinical findings of Cognitive Remediation Therapy feasibility randomised controlled trial in young people with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Giombini Lucia , Nesbitt Sophie , Kusosa Rutendo , Fabian Cleo , Sharia Teo , Easter Abigail , Tchanturia Kate
Published: November 2021

Objective

Randomised controlled trial (RCT) in adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) showed that Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) enhances cognitive flexibility, abstract thinking and quality‐of‐life. Despite inconsistent findings, CRT has the potential as an adjunct treatment for young people (YP) with AN. A feasibility RCT was conducted in an inpatient setting. The study will also consider the effect of CRT in YP with AN and autistic symptoms.

Methods

Participants were randomly allocated to the Immediate or Delayed condition to receive individual CRT sessions, in addition to standard treatment. A repeated measures design was conducted.

Results

Eighty participants were recruited. The neuropsychological measures were feasible for evaluating individual CRT in YP. Significant improvements in set‐shifting and central coherence were found, with no main effect between immediate and delayed condition. Significant interactions were found between the condition, and autism spectrum condition (ASC) and No‐ASC subgroup, with significant positive impact of CRT on set‐shifting in the No‐ASC subgroup. There was some evidence that for the No‐ASC subgroup, CRT was more effective if delivered at the start of the treatment; and for the ASC subgroup, that CRT was more effective if delivered at the later stage of treatment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the overall positive effect of CRT in set‐shifting and central coherence alongside standard treatment. They also indicate the importance of screening for the presence of ASC which could require tailored CRT.
Effect of the staggered impeller on reducing unsteady pressure pulsations of a centrifugal pump
Authors: Jiang Junxian , Zhang Ning , Liu Xiaokai , Gao Bo , Cao Puyu
Published: November 2021

The emitted noise and vibration induced by the unsteady flow of the centrifugal pump are always focused during its running, which is also associated with the high amplitude pressure pulsations. How to reduce pressure pulsations remains a crucial problem for the researcher considering low noise design of the centrifugal pump. In the current research, a special staggered impeller is proposed to reduce intense pressure pulsations of a centrifugal pump with ns = 69 based on alleviating rotor‐stator interaction. The numerical simulation method is conducted to illustrate the influence of staggered impeller on the pump performance and pressure pulsations, and three typical flow rates (0.8ФN–1.2ФN) are simulated. Results show that the staggered impeller will lead to the pump head increasing, and at the design working condition, the increment reaches about 3% compared with the original impeller. Meanwhile, the pump efficiency is little affected by the staggered impeller, which is almost identical with the original impeller. From comparison of pressure spectra at 20 monitoring points around the impeller outlet, it is validated that the staggered impeller contributes significantly to decreasing pressure pulsations at the concerned working conditions. At the blade passing frequency, the averaged reduction of 20 points reaches 89% by using the staggered impeller at 1.0ФN. The reduction reaches to 90%, 80% at 0.8ФN, 1.2ФN, respectively. Caused by the rib within the staggered impeller, the internal flow field in the blade channel will be affected. Finally, it is concluded that the proposed staggered impeller surely has a significant effect on alleviating intense pressure pulsation of the model pump and does not obviously alter the global performance of the pump, which is very promising during the low noise pump design considering its feasibility for manufacturing.
Estimating impacts of wildfire and climate variability on streamflow in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Guo Yuhan , Zhang Lu , Zhang Yongqiang , Wang Zhonggen , Zheng Hong Xing
Published: November 2021

Wildfires are common in Australia and can cause vegetation loss and affect hydrological processes such as interception, evapotranspiration, soil water storage and streamflow. This study investigates wildfire impacts on catchment mean annual streamflow for 14 Australian catchments that have been severely impacted by the 2009 Victoria wildfire, the second‐worst wildfire disaster in Australia. A statistical approach based on sensitivity coefficients was used for quantifying the climate variability impacts on streamflow and the time trend analysis method was used to estimate the annual streamflow changes due to wildfire respectively. Our results show that wildfire has caused a noticeable increase in mean annual streamflow in the catchments with a burnt area above 70% for an immediate post‐wildfire period (2009–2015) and the wildfire impact on streamflow is evidently larger than the climate change impact in the majority of burnt catchments. Furthermore, the wildfire impact on mean annual streamflow strongly increases with the burnt percentage area, indicated by R2 = 0.73 between the two. The results also illustrate that catchments with high burnt percentage areas can have more potential to gain increased streamflow due to wildfires compared with that due to climate variability and can have significant streamflow change after wildfires above the 70% threshold of burnt area. These results provide evidence for evaluating large‐scale wildfire impact on streamflow at small to medium‐sized catchments, and guidance for process‐based hydrological models for simulating wildfire impacts on hydrological processes for the immediate period after the wildfire.
Obstetric consequences of a false‐positive diagnosis of large‐for‐gestational‐age fetus
Authors: Papaccio Marta , Fichera Anna , Nava Alessia , Zatti Sonia , Gerosa Vera , Ferrari Federico , Sartori Enrico , Prefumo Federico , Fratelli Nicola
Published: November 2021

Objective

To compare delivery outcomes between true‐positive (TP) and false‐positive (FP) large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) fetuses, appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) fetuses, and false‐negative (FN) LGA fetuses.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at risk for macrosomia without contraindication to vaginal delivery, receiving an ultrasound scan at 34–37 weeks of pregnancy.

Results

In all, 430 pregnancies were included: 155 TP LGA, 87 FP LGA, 177 AGA and 11 FN LGA newborns. Cesarean section rate during labor was significantly higher in FP LGA than in AGA (19% vs. 8.7%) but not significantly different between FP LGA and TP LGA (19% vs. 32.4%). Median birth weight z score was significantly higher in TP LGA (1.9) compared with the FP LGA and AGA (0.91 and 0.84, respectively), whereas no significant differences were found between FP LGA and AGA. Admission to a neonatal intensive care unit was significantly more frequent in TP LGA than AGA, whereas shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, and third‐ to fourth‐degree perineal tears were similar between the different groups.

Conclusion

A false‐positive diagnosis of LGA fetus is associated with a significant increase of cesarean section during labor. Therefore, a suspicious ultrasound may result in reduction of the clinical threshold for the diagnosis of abnormal labor.
Brain tumor segmentation and multiview multiscale‐based radiomic model for patient's overall survival prediction
Authors: Fiaz Kiran , Madni Tahir Mustafa , Anwar Fozia , Janjua Uzair Iqbal , Rafi Asra , Abid Mian Muhammad Naeem , Sultana Nasira
Published: November 2021

A brain tumor is the most common primary brain malignancy. Delaying in brain tumor diagnosis is a primary cause of death in affected individuals. Therefore, early diagnosis of a brain tumor is essential for treatment planning and prognosis. In this study, the multilevel dilated convolutional neural network (MLDCNN) model is used for brain tumor segmentation. MLDCNN model is implemented independently for five MLDC blocks with a different combination of dilation rates to analyze their impact on brain tumor segmentation. For each segmentation model, overall survival time prediction is performed independently. An automated system is proposed for the overall survival time prediction of patients suffering from a brain tumor. First, shape and multiscale texture‐based features are extracted from LoG filtered and wavelet decomposed images of the magnetic resonance imaging scans. The proposed model utilizes 3D information by extracting radiomic features from axial, coronal, and sagittal views. These features are reduced using an extra tree classifier to avoid overfitting. Random forest algorithms are applied on selected feature sets to predict overall survival time in days. Extensive experimentation is performed for the segmentation and survival time prediction on the publicly available BraTS2019 and BraTS 2020 datasets. Results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieved the least mean squared error value in the survival time prediction task.
Microscopic focus on ependymal cells of the spinal cord of the one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): Histological, immunohistochemical, and transmission microscopic study
Authors: Roshdy Karam , Morsy Kareem , Abumandour Mohamed M. A.
Published: November 2021

The current study was designed to give a complete microscopic description of the ependymal cells of the one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) using histological, immunohistochemical, and transmission microscopic descriptions of the ependymal cells of the fresh 35 spinal cord samples immediately after their slaughtering. In our findings, the central canal of the spinal cord was lined by multilayered stratified cuboidal or columnar ependymal cells. The ependymal cells had an irregular striated border at their free surface. The ependymal cells do not exhibit a basement membrane. The simple oval nucleus was occupied a large part of the cell with spherical mitochondria. The apical surface of the ependymal cells possesses long cilia; each cilium was bounded by an evagination of the luminal plasma membrane. Some ependymal cells had minute finger‐like projections on their luminal plasma membrane. In the perinuclear zone of ependymal cells, many cristiform mitochondria, free ribosomes, and Golgi complexes usually occur. Vacuoles with homogenous and clear fluid were observed. The lateral surface of the adjacent ependymal cells exhibits several tight junctions represented by zonulae occludens and adherens. There were many desmosomes between the neighboring ependymal cells. A perinuclear whorl of filaments fills the lateral part of these ependymal cells. The ependymal cells revealed a clear immunohistochemical reaction with proliferating cell nuclear antigen and nestin stain. There were no obvious differences between the different segments of the spinal cord. Our data concluded that the ependymal cells display clear differences in anatomy as well as ultrastructure that may reflect their distinct functional activity.
Multiferroic behavior of the functionalized surface of a flexible substrate by deposition of Bi2O3 and Fe2O3
Authors: Ramazanov Shikhgasan , Sobola Dinara , Ţălu Ştefan , Orudzev Farid , Arman Ali , Kaspar Pavel , Dallaev Rashid , Ramazanov Guseyn
Published: November 2021

Thin films of bismuth and iron oxides were obtained by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the surface of a flexible substrate poly(4,4′‐oxydiphenylene‐pyromellitimide) (Kapton) at a temperature of 250°C. The layer thickness was 50 nm. The samples were examined by secondary‐ion mass spectrometry, and uniform distribution of elements in the film layer was observed. Surface morphology, electrical polarization, and mechanical properties were investigated by atomic force microscope, piezoelectric force microscopy, and force modulation microscopy. The values of current in the near‐surface layer varied in the range of ±80 pA when a potential of 5 V was applied. Chemical analysis was performed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, where the formation of Bi2O3 and Fe2O3 phases, as well as intermediate phases in the Bi–Fe–O system, was observed. Magnetic measurements were carried out by a vibrating sample magnetometer that showed a ferromagnetic response. The low‐temperature method of functionalization of the Kapton surface with bismuth and iron oxides will make it possible to adapt the Bi–Fe–O system to flexible electronics.
Proteomic dissection of large extracellular vesicle surfaceome unravels interactive surface platform
Authors: Rai Alin , Fang Haoyun , Claridge Bethany , Simpson Richard J. , Greening David W
Published: November 2021

The extracellular vesicle (EV) surface proteome (surfaceome) acts as a fundamental signalling gateway by bridging intra‐ and extracellular signalling networks, dictates EVs’ capacity to communicate and interact with their environment, and is a source of potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, our understanding of surface protein composition of large EVs (L‐EVs, 100–800 nm, mean 310 nm, ATP5F1A, ATP5F1B, DHX9, GOT2, HSPA5, HSPD1, MDH2, STOML2), a major EV‐subtype that are distinct from small EVs (S‐EVs, 30–150 nm, mean 110 nm, CD44, CD63, CD81, CD82, CD9, PDCD6IP, SDCBP, TSG101) remains limited. Using a membrane impermeant derivative of biotin to capture surface proteins coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, we show that out of 4143 proteins identified in density‐gradient purified L‐EVs (1.07–1.11 g/mL, from multiple cancer cell lines), 961 proteins are surface accessible. The surface molecular diversity of L‐EVs include (i) bona fide plasma membrane anchored proteins (cluster of differentiation, transporters, receptors and GPI anchored proteins implicated in cell‐cell and cell‐ECM interactions); and (ii) membrane surface‐associated proteins (that are released by divalent ion chelator EDTA) implicated in actin cytoskeleton regulation, junction organization, glycolysis and platelet activation. Ligand‐receptor analysis of L‐EV surfaceome (e.g., ITGAV/ITGB1) uncovered interactome spanning 172 experimentally verified cognate binding partners (e.g., ANGPTL3, PLG, and VTN) with highest tissue enrichment for liver. Assessment of biotin inaccessible L‐EV proteome revealed enrichment for proteins belonging to COPI/II‐coated ER/Golgi‐derived vesicles and mitochondria. Additionally, despite common surface proteins identified in L‐EVs and S‐EVs, our data reveals surfaceome heterogeneity between the two EV‐subtype. Collectively, our study provides critical insights into diverse proteins operating at the interactive platform of L‐EVs and molecular leads for future studies seeking to decipher L‐EV heterogeneity and function.
Anesthesia of rainbow trout with citronellal: Efficacy and biochemical effects
Authors: Hoseini Seyyed Morteza , Taheri Mirghaed Ali , Pagheh Esmail , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Van Doan Hien
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the anesthetic efficacy and biochemical effects of citronellal on rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish were exposed to 200–800 µl/L citronellal to find the anesthesia induction and recovery times. The deep anesthesia stage was reached within 117–613 s, using 800–200 µl/L citronellal, respectively, and all fish recovered within 240–420 s. To assess biochemical responses, the fish were exposed to 200, 400, 600, and 800 µl/L of citronellal and blood‐sampled after deep anesthesia. The results showed that anesthesia led to significant elevations in blood erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, plasma lactate, and lactate dehydrogenase; these parameters exhibited increasing trends as citronellal concentration increased. These results along with significantly higher plasma lysozyme activity, cortisol, and glucose levels in 200 µl/L treatment suggest that an increase in citronellal concentration significantly mitigates hypoxia/stress responses in the fish. Significant elevations in plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and malondialdehyde level were observed in the 200 µl/L treatment, which suggests induction of hemolysis and oxidative stress in this treatment. There was a tendency to higher ammonia levels along with the increase in citronellal concentration, which might be due to early ammonia accumulation because of lower opercular movement in the fish. Except for blood hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume, there were no significant differences between the 600 and 800 µl/L citronellal treatments. In conclusion, high concentrations of citronellal are more suitable for trout anesthesia and blood sampling than low concentrations. Based on the present study, 600–800 µl/L citronellal is recommended for trout anesthesia.
Influence of genetic counselor medical history on specialty and psychosocial practice in North America
Authors: Amos Kaitlyn , McCarthy Veach Patricia , Wagner Chelsea , Czerwinski Jennifer , Murphy Lauren , Mork Maureen , Singletary Claire N.
Published: November 2021

A personal or family medical history is inherently part of a genetic counselor's life story. Yet, the degree to which this history influences counselors’ clinical specialty choice and professional psychosocial practice is unexplored. A medical diagnosis may foster capacity for greater empathy, understanding, and rapport‐building self‐disclosure. Conversely, it could lead to disruptive countertransference, compassion fatigue, and eventually burnout. Research, however, has not specifically investigated this intersection. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of genetic counselors’ personal and/or family medical history on choice of practice area and self‐perceived impact on their psychosocial work within sessions. Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors were recruited to complete an online screening survey. Of the 69 survey respondents that met inclusion criteria, 23 volunteered for and completed a telephone interview. Interview questions explored counselors’ medical narratives and their consequent influence on specialty choice and clinical interaction with patients. Inductive analysis yielded nine domains within three major themes: Medical Story, Specialty Impact, and Psychosocial Influence. Participants were more likely to be attracted to a specialty possessing overlap with their medical history and attributed many of their psychosocial strengths to personal and/or family medical experiences, such as increased empathy or a more expansive scope in how they cared for patients. Many counselors, however, noted their medical history did not frequently influence their clinical practice, with most initially denying or downplaying use of self‐disclosure about their history. Contradictory to their statements, the majority gave at least one example of self‐disclosure, whether indirect, prompted, or direct. Importantly, almost all participants named or demonstrated countertransference. This study highlights that while medical history can be a valuable asset in providing care for patients, it requires a genetic counselor's diligent attentiveness and commitment to honest self‐reflection.
Erytra blood group analyser and kode technology testing of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies among convalescent patients and vaccinated individuals
Authors: Weinstock Christof , Flegel Willy A. , Srivastava Kshitij , Kaiser Sabine , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Tsamadou Chrysanthi , Ludwig Carolin , Jahrsdörfer Bernd , Bovin Nicolai V. , Henry Stephen M.
Published: November 2021

Surveillance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic requires tests to monitor antibody formation and prevalence. We detected SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies using red cells coated by Kode technology with short peptides derived from the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein (SP). Such modified red cells, called C19‐kodecytes, can be used as reagent cells in any manual or automated column agglutination assay. We investigated the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in 130 samples from COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors using standard manual technique, two FDA‐authorized enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays and a virus neutralisation assay. The sensitivity of the C19‐kodecyte assay was 88%, comparable to the anti‐SP and anti‐nucleocapsid protein (NCP) ELISAs (86% and 83%) and the virus neutralisation assay (88%). The specificity of the C19‐kodecyte assay was 90% (anti‐SP 100% and anti‐NCP 97%). Likewise, 231 samples from 73 vaccinated individuals were tested with an automated analyser, and we monitored the appearance and persistence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. The C19‐kodecyte assay is a robust tool for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody detection. Automated blood group analyser use enables large‐scale SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody testing for vaccination monitoring in population surveys.
Information technology adoption and integration into global value chains: Evidence from small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in Vietnam
Authors: Vu Nam Hoang , Bui Tuan Anh , Hoang Tram Bao , Pham Hanh My
Published: November 2021

While it is well known that the adoption of information technology facilitates the integration of enterprises into global value chains (GVCs), it is unclear how this relationship changes in different business environments. This study reveals that while the adoption of information technology facilitates micro‐, small‐, or medium‐sized enterprises which are located in an improved‐quality business environment to participate in GVCs, it does not help the micro‐sized enterprises located in a low‐quality business environment to become integrated into GVCs. Therefore, information technology policies should be complemented by policies which improve the business environment to promote smaller enterprises to be integrated into GVCs.
ADAM17/MMP inhibition prevents neutrophilia and lung injury in a mouse model of COVID-19
Authors: Lartey Nathaniel L , Valle-Reyes Salvador , Vargas-Robles Hilda , Jiménez-Camacho Karina E , Guerrero-Fonseca Idaira M , Castellanos-Martínez Ramón , Montoya-García Armando , García-Cordero Julio , Cedillo-Barrón Leticia , Nava Porfirio , Filisola-Villaseñor Jessica G , Roa-Velázquez Daniela , Zavala-Vargas Dan I , Morales-Ríos Edgar , Salinas-Lara Citlaltepetl , Vadillo Eduardo , Schnoor Michael
Published: November 2021

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by lung injury, cytokine storm, and increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Current therapies focus on reducing viral replication and inflammatory responses, but no specific treatment exists to prevent the development of severe COVID-19 in infected individuals. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, but it is also critical for maintaining the correct functionality of lung epithelium and endothelium. Coronaviruses induce activation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) and shedding of ACE2 from the cell surface resulting in exacerbated inflammatory responses. Thus, we hypothesized that ADAM17 inhibition ameliorates COVID-19-related lung inflammation. We employed a preclinical mouse model using intratracheal instillation of a combination of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (RBD-S) to mimic lung damage associated with COVID-19. Histologic analysis of inflamed mice confirmed the expected signs of lung injury including edema, fibrosis, vascular congestion, and leukocyte infiltration. Moreover, inflamed mice also showed an increased NLR as observed in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Administration of the ADAM17/MMP inhibitors apratastat and TMI-1 significantly improved lung histology and prevented leukocyte infiltration. Reduced leukocyte recruitment could be explained by reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines and lower levels of the endothelial adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Additionally, the NLR was significantly reduced by ADAM17/MMP inhibition. Thus, we propose inhibition of ADAM17/MMP as a novel promising treatment strategy in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals to prevent the progression toward severe COVID-19.
N2O emission and mineral N leaching from contrasting land‐use hillslopes as jointly affected by climate and rock fragment factors
Authors: Zhou Zhiwen , Zhu Qing , Lai Xiaoming , Liao Kaihua
Published: November 2021

Background and aims: The effects of climate factors and rock fragment content (RFC) on soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and mineral N leaching can be important in reducing N losses in different agroecosystems. This study aimed to analyze and quantify the intertwined effects of precipitation intensity, temperature, RFC, and land use on these two kinds of soil N losses.

Methods: The DayCent models were calibrated and validated using observed data for the representative tea garden (TG), bamboo forest (BF), and mixed forest (MF) hillslopes in the southeastern hilly region of China. The N2O emissions and mineral N leaching were then simulated under a total of 882 scenarios with the combinations of three land‐use types (TG, BF, and MF), seven precipitation intensities (PI, from 8 to 99.2 mm d−1 but the total precipitation amount maintained), seven temperature conditions (from baseline –1°C to baseline +2°C with 0.5°C increment), and six RFCs (from 0 to 50% in volume with 10% increment).

Results: The TG had the greatest soil N2O emission (1.8 and 3.3 times of BF and MF, respectively) and mineral N leaching (5.5 and 36.8 times of BF and MF, respectively). On three land‐use hillslopes, the greatest soil N2O emissions were observed in summer, while great mineral N leaching were generally observed in spring and winter. Peaks of N2O emissions were observed as the PI reached 59.8 mm d−1, while peaks of mineral N leaching were always observed when the PI reached 8.0 and 59.8 mm d−1. With temperature increasing and RFC decreasing, both types of soil N losses increased. The land use and RFC had the primary influences on both types of soil N losses compared to climate factors. Under the same RFCs, the PI had higher influence on soil N2O emission compared to temperature, while those on mineral N leaching were just opposite.

Conclusion: Findings of this study would provide scientific bases for designing strategies to reduce soil N losses on the stony‐soil hillslopes.
Inorganic Nitrogen diffusion in undisturbed volcanic soils during continuous drying–rewetting cycles
Authors: Clunes John , Deltedesco Evi , Pinochet Dante , Mentler Axel , Inselsbacher Erich , Keiblinger Katharina M.
Published: November 2021

Background and aim: The diffusion of inorganic nitrogen (N) in soils is strongly affected by their physical characteristics and hydraulic gradients, which enable them to store and transport nutrients over time and space. The objective of this research was to use the microdialysis technique to continuously monitor the diffusive fluxes of inorganic N from the physical N store towards root surfaces in two volcanic soils after soil rewetting.

Methods: Undisturbed soil samples were collected in metallic cylinders (230 cm3) at four depths (0–20, 20–40, 40–70, 70–100 cm) in two distinct volcanic soils (Andisol and Ultisol) that are used in agriculture. Diffusive N fluxes were determined during continuous drying and rewetting cycles (0 to 100 kPa) of intact undisturbed soil cores. Soil water content (SWC) at each water potential was calculated.

Results and Conclusions: Diffusive fluxes increased significantly (p < 0.001) after rewetting in both soils: 16‐fold in the Andisol, from 32.7 ± 12.1 to 541.5 ± 306.5 nmol N cm−2 h−1 (34 to 62% SWC) and 66‐fold in the Ultisol, from 65.6 ± 25.8 to 4298.7 ± 1289.9 nmol N cm−2 h−1 (31 to 58% SWC) in the upper 20 cm of the soils. In addition, diffusive fluxes decreased with depth in both soils. We found that the residence time of available in these soils strongly depended upon actual SWC and thereby the functionality of the pores in the system. We propose that the ability of the porous system to transport water throughout the soil profile is a relevant parameter within N diffusion, since it allows us to estimate the increase or decrease of diffusive fluxes as a function of the soil water content during continuous drying and rewetting cycles.
Cell sources proposed for nucleus pulposus regeneration
Authors: Williams Rebecca J. , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Snuggs Joseph Wiliam , Le Maitre Christine Lyn
Published: November 2021

Lower back pain (LBP) occurs in 80% of adults in their lifetime; resulting in LBP being one of the biggest causes of disability worldwide. Chronic LBP has been linked to the degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). The current treatments for chronic back pain only provide alleviation of symptoms through pain relief, tissue removal, or spinal fusion; none of which target regenerating the degenerate IVD. As nucleus pulposus (NP) degeneration is thought to represent a key initiation site of IVD degeneration, cell therapy that specifically targets the restoration of the NP has been reviewed here. A literature search to quantitatively assess all cell types used in NP regeneration was undertaken. With key cell sources: NP cells; annulus fibrosus cells; notochordal cells; chondrocytes; bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells; adipose‐derived stromal cells; and induced pluripotent stem cells extensively analyzed for their regenerative potential of the NP. This review highlights: accessibility; expansion capability in vitro; cell survival in an IVD environment; regenerative potential; and safety for these key potential cell sources. In conclusion, while several potential cell sources have been proposed, iPSC may provide the most promising regenerative potential.