bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis against Streptococcus mutans Compare with Chlorhexidine
Authors: Preethi G. , Dharan N. P Murali
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Propolis is a compound produced by bee’s which exerts antibacterial action against oral microorganisms especially streptococcus mutans. Propolis has different concentrations which exhibit different properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant.

Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of propolis was first demonstrated through disk diffusion method and broth dilution method. In the disk diffusion method, 5 grams of propolis was diluted with 50ml of ethanol in an eppendorf tube. Different concentrations of propolis (ie) 50mm, 40mm, 30mm were added to sterile discs using a micropipette and were exposed to the bacteria and the results were observed. In the broth dilution method, different concentrations of propolis 1g, 1.25g, 1.5g were taken and dissolved in ethanol. Then 5ml of sterile distilled water was added to the propolis solution. The above solution was autoclaved for 1 and half hours. It was then exposed to the bacteria for half an hour and results were observed.

Results: This study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial activity of propolis against Streptococcus mutans in comparison with 0.2% chlorhexidine. When microorganisms were exposed to propolis for 24 hours, it affected the bacterial viability. There was a complete elimination of bacteria with propolis. Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine was evaluated and a similar result was obtained. Thus when we compare the antimicrobial activity of propolis and chlorhexidine there was no significant difference with a p value of 0.01 which is statistically significant.

Conclusion: This study showed a positive inhibitory influence of propolis with respect to the Streptococcus mutans.
Intrathecal Midazolam: A Review on the Drug's Pharmacological Features, as Well as Its Therapeutic Efficacy and Side Effects
Authors: Bhuyan Deepjit , Chandak Aruna V. , Chandak Vijay , Ninave Sanjot , Verma Neeta
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Spinal anaesthesia with lignocaine was highly popular earlier for short surgical procedures as it had a predictable onset and provided dense sensory and motor blockade of moderate duration. Unfortunately, some reports of neurotoxicity had cast doubts on the intrathecal use of lignocaine. Post operative pain relief is an unresolved issue. One of the methods of providing postoperative analgesia is by prolonging the duration of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) by adding various drugs such as opioids, midazolam, clonidine, ketamine, neostigmine etc. Discovery of benzodiazepine receptors in the spinal cord triggered the use of intrathecal midazolam for analgesia.

Methodology: This review article was prepared after a thorough study of the literature using data search engine such as ‘Pubmed’. This article referred to prior Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) on Intrathecal Midazolam.

Review Findings: Midazolam is a potent short acting benzodiazepine that has been shown to have anti-nociceptive effects when administered intrathecally both in laboratory animals and in humans. Preservative free midazolam is also being used in recent times. As an additive to intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine to prolong the quality and duration of analgesia. It is said to be associated with less side effects compared to neuraxial opioids.

Conclusion: Intrathecal midazolam can be used for postoperative pain relief. It can prolong the duration of analgesia and prolonged motor and sensory block without any significant hemodynamic compromise.
Evaluation of Reliability of Various Cephalometric Angles for Assessing Sagittal Jaw Dysplasia in Different Skeletal Pattern: A Cephalometric Study
Authors: Vishwakarma Swati , Shajan Janis , Kondody Rony T. , Rajesh R. N. G. , Roy Partha Pratim , Gowda S. V. Paramesh
Published: March 2022

Objective: The study aimed to compare the reliability of different cephalometric angles like the Beta, Yen, W and Pi angles to evaluate sagittal dysplasia in various skeletal patterns and assess the correlation between the variables.

Materials and Methods: 135 pre-treatment lateral cephalograms were taken and further divided into Class I, Class II and Class III groups. Each group had equal samples of 45 (n=45), based on ANB angle using Nemoceph software. Cephalometric landmarks Pi, Yen, Beta and W angle were identified and measured. Statistical analysis was done using the ANOVA test followed by Correlation coefficient analysis.

Results: Pi angle was highly predictable for differentiating class I cases, with 91.1% accuracy. Whereas in class II cases Pi and Beta angle were found to be most predictable with 73% and 66% accuracy respectively, while in class III cases Yen angle was found to be most predictable with 88% accuracy.

Conclusion: Overall Pi angle is considered the most reliable for assessing anteroposterior jaw relationship, followed by Beta and Yen angle.
Overview and Future Perspectives on Bone 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Todaro Claudia , Torchia Mirko , Benazzo Marco , Baena Ruggero Rodriguez y , Canzi Pietro , Lupi Saturnino Marco
Published: March 2022

3D bioprinting is a prominent topic in the field of tissue engineering. The progress made in the last decade is remarkable, but the technology still shows many drawbacks and limitations due to the relatively short introduction. In this paper we summarize the major 3D bioprinting protocols such as material jetting, material extrusion, and vat polymerization, highlighting the pros and cons of each technology, then we analyze different biomaterials and various components of the bio-inks compatible with the available 3D bioprinters. The goal of this review is to examine the existing tools to produce bone scaffolds and highlight future developments in the field of Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) inside the oral cavity.
An in vitro Evaluation of Effect of Remineralising Potential of Marine Skeletal Specie Meretrixmeretrix Extract on Human Enamel
Authors: Revankar Vanita Dattatraya , Saranyan R. , Chakravarthy Yadav , Manivannan E. , Rajmohan M.
Published: March 2022

Background: To test the effectiveness of a marine skeleton specie - Meretrix meretrix (cockle shell) powder extract on human tooth enamel to remineralize a subsurface defect.

Methods: The study included 5 freshly extracted human 3rd molar teeth that were sectioned at the cement-enamel junction (CEJ). Later, each tooth coronal region was separated into four pieces of enamel blocks, yielding twenty blocks that were demineralized and categorised as follows: Cockle shell powder extract from Group I-subsurface demineralization. Group II: subsurface demineralization + clinpro application for a thirty-day period in artificial saliva. The samples were evaluated using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, micro hardness testing, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy for atomic analysis. The data was analysed using a one-way ANOVA and the Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test.

Results: In the cockle shell, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy revealed calcium concentrations of 98.3 percent and 0.21 percent, respectively. Group II (Clinpro) has the greatest potential for speeding up the remineralization process, followed by Group I: CSEP (Cockle shell extract powder). Quantitative volumes of Ca weight percent and P weight percent are statistically bigger for both groups, according to the results of atomic evaluation. The remineralisation efficiency of Group II (Clinpro) was higher than that of Group A. (mussel shell extract).

Conclusion: Enamel subsurface flaws can be remineralized using marine shells with a higher calcium content.
A Multifunctional Flexible Composite Film with Excellent Multi‐Source Driven Thermal Management, Electromagnetic Interference Shielding, and Fire Safety Performance, Inspired by a “Brick–Mortar” Sandwich Structure
Authors: Gong Shang , Sheng Xinxin , Li Xiaolong , Sheng Mengjie , Wu Hao , Lu Xiang , Qu Jinping
Published: March 2022

The rapid development of portable flexible electronic devices means a multifunctional composite film with excellent thermal management capability, high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and a strong fire safety performance is urgently required. In this paper, inspired by a “brick–mortar” sandwich structure, phase change capsules (PCCs) and MXene nanosheets are prepared. Subsequently, a one‐step vacuum‐assisted filtration method is used to fabricate a multifunctional flexible PCC/MXene/polyvinyl alcohol (PMP) phase change composite film with high light‐to‐thermal conversion efficiency, Joule heating generation, fire safety, and EMI shielding effects. The superior preparation technology endows the film with multi‐source driven thermal management capabilities and excellent EMI shielding effectiveness values (43.13 dB). In addition, the PMP film exhibits good flexibility and high enthalpy (136.8 J g−1). Surprisingly, the PMP film's excellent fire safety properties improve its reliability and safety. In summary, the simple preparation technique and outstanding overall performance of the PMP films provide broad application prospects in advanced thermal management and EMI shielding in wearable products.
GeSn Waveguide Photodetectors with Vertical p–i–n Heterostructure for Integrated Photonics in the 2 μm Wavelength Band
Authors: Liu Cheng-Hsun , Bansal Radhika , Wu Chen-Wei , Jheng Yue-Tong , Chang Guo-En
Published: March 2022

The 2 μm wavelength band (1800–2100 nm) emerges as a promising candidate for next‐generation optical communication. As a result, silicon photonic platforms acquire great interest since they offer the ultimate minimization of photonic systems for 2 μm band applications. However, the large bandgap and indirectness of the band structure of the conventional SiGe alloy prevent their utilization for efficient photodetection in the 2 μm wavelength band. To overcome this drawback, complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible GeSn waveguide photodetectors (WGPDs) with a vertical p–i–n heterojunction configuration that can operate in the 2 μm wavelength band is demonstrated. The proposed photodetector incorporates 5.28% Sn into the GeSn active layer, which redshifts the photodetection range to 2090 nm. In addition, the longer light–matter interaction length and good optical confinement of the proposed GeSn WGPD enhance the optical responses significantly. As a result, the proposed GeSn WGPD achieves a responsivity up to 0.52 A W−1 and a detectivity up to 7.9 × 108 cm Hz½ W−1 in the 2 μm wavelength band at room temperature. These promising results indicate that the developed GeSn WGPDs are promising candidates for integrated photonics in the 2 μm wavelength band.
Acrylonitrile‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks Enable Fast Stimulus‐Responsive Fluorescence with High Quantum Yield via Fluorine Chemistry
Authors: Yang Meijia , Fang Long , Li Jing , Yuan Zhongke , Yu Dingshan , Chen Xudong
Published: March 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as potential light‐emitting polymers for optoelectronic and optical devices, but their smart responsiveness to environmental stimuli has seldom been explored particularly for alkene‐linked conjugated COFs, which limits their application scope in “smart” systems. Herein, fluorine chemistry coupled with acrylonitrile linkage is introduced as a “one‐stone‐three‐bird” strategy to produce a smart COF with rapid pH‐responsive absorption and fluorescence, high fluorescence quantum yield (QY), and good crystallinity. In addition to increased crystallinity, the newly designed fluorinated acrylonitrile‐linked COF (TF‐COF) produces 20% enhancement in fluorescence QY and more rapid responsiveness of absorption and fluorescence under acid–base induction compared to the nonfluorinated counterpart. Impressively, the yielded QY reaches 33.6% in solid states and 41.0% in tetrahydrofuran dispersion, surpassing most existing COF materials. The synergy effect of fluorine chemistry induced charge redistribution and acrylonitrile linkage enabled reversible C═C bonds contributes to the rapid responsiveness, high fluorescence QY, and good crystallinity. The developed TF‐COF can be utilized as a responsive phosphor to endow image encryption with high coloration and good reversibility, and as an encryption data carrier via simple handwriting.
Artificial Intelligence‐Enabled Sensing Technologies in the 5G/Internet of Things Era: From Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality to the Digital Twin
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Wen Feng , Sun Zhongda , Guo Xinge , He Tianyiyi , Lee Chengkuo
Published: March 2022

With the development of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT), the era of big data‐driven product design is booming. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) is also emerging and evolving by recent breakthroughs in computing power and software architectures. In this regard, the digital twin, analyzing various sensor data with the help of AI algorithms, has become a cutting‐edge technology that connects the physical and virtual worlds, in which the various sensors are highly desirable to collect environmental information. However, although existing sensor technologies, including cameras, microphones, inertial measurement units, etc., are widely used as sensing elements for various applications, high‐power consumption and battery replacement of them is still a problem. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as self‐powered sensors supply a feasible platform for realizing self‐sustainable and low‐power systems. Herein, the recent progress on TENG‐based intelligent systems, that is, wearable electronics, robot‐related systems, and smart homes, followed by prospective future development enabled by sensor fusion technology, is focused on. Finally, how to apply artificial intelligence to the design of intelligent sensor systems for the 5G and IoT era is discussed.
Histidine‐Mediated Ion Specific Effects Enable Salt Tolerance of a Pore‐Forming Marine Antimicrobial Peptide
Authors: Xian Wujing , Hennefarth Matthew R. , Lee Michelle W. , Do Tran , Lee Ernest Y. , Alexandrova Anastassia N. , Wong Gerard C. L.
Published: March 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) preferentially permeate prokaryotic membranes via electrostatic binding and membrane remodeling. Such action is drastically suppressed by high salt due to increased electrostatic screening, thus it is puzzling how marine AMPs can possibly work. We examine as a model system, piscidin‐1, a histidine‐rich marine AMP, and show that ion‐histidine interactions play unanticipated roles in membrane remodeling at high salt: Histidines can simultaneously hydrogen‐bond to a phosphate and coordinate with an alkali metal ion to neutralize phosphate charge, thereby facilitating multidentate bonds to lipid headgroups in order to generate saddle‐splay curvature, a prerequisite to pore formation. A comparison among Na+, K+, and Cs+ indicates that histidine‐mediated salt tolerance is ion specific. We conclude that histidine plays a unique role in enabling protein/peptide‐membrane interactions that occur in marine or other high‐salt environment.
A Noncovalent π‐Stacked Porous Organic Molecular Framework for Selective Separation of Aromatics and Cyclic Aliphatics
Authors: Chen Cheng , Guan Haiyan , Li Hengbo , Zhou Yunzhe , Huang Yougui , Wei Wei , Hong Maochun , Wu Mingyan
Published: March 2022

Selective separation using porous adsorbents is an energy‐efficient alternative to traditional separation techniques. Stacked porous organic molecular frameworks (POMFs) capable of noncovalent π⋅⋅⋅π interactions are emerging as a new kind of adsorbents that facilitate green separation. Here we report a robust porous molecular crystal (TAPM‐1), which is stabilized by multiple intermolecular π⋅⋅⋅π interactions. With its long‐range π‐stacking, TAPM‐1 has excellent hydrophobicity, thermostability, recyclability, and high selectivity for aromatics over the corresponding cyclic aliphatics. This enables TAPM‐1 to serve as the stationary phase in the high‐resolution gas chromatographic separation of benzene and cyclohexane or toluene and methylcyclohexane.
Strong Circularly‐Polarized Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from a Feasibly Separable Scaffold of Bidibenzo[b,d]furan with Locked Axial Chirality
Authors: Huang Wenbin , Fu Chunya , Liang Zhiwei , Zhou Kang , He Zikai
Published: March 2022

Novel accessible scaffold featuring circularly‐polarized room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is attractive but challenging. Herein, we report a new feasibly separable bidibenzo[b,d]furan compound with strong circularly‐polarized RTP when doping into the rigid polymer matrix. The simple silica‐gel column can separate the absolute chiralR‐isomer with excellent chiroptical properties. The experimental data reveal that the treated films exhibit an RTP efficiency of 14.8 %, a largest dissymmetric factor of 0.12, and a longest lifetime of 0.56 s under ambient conditions. It is found that reducing the nonradiative decays boosts the intrinsic circularly‐polarized RTP emission. The impressive results indicate that the locked axial chirality skeleton endows the potential of achieving superior circularly‐polarized emission for the small organic optoelectronic molecules.
Enhancing Circulation and Tumor Accumulation of Carboplatin via an Erythrocyte‐Anchored Prodrug Strategy
Authors: Yao Houzong , Wang Zhigang , Wang Na , Deng Zhiqin , Liu Gongyuan , Zhou Jianghong , Chen Shu , Shi Jiahai , Zhu Guangyu
Published: March 2022

The short circulatory half‐lives and low tumor accumulation of carboplatin greatly limit the drug's efficacy in vivo. Herein, we address these challenges by using a prodrug strategy and present the rational design of a novel platinum(IV) anticancer prodrug that can hitchhike on erythrocytes. This prodrug, designated as ERY1‐PtIV, can bind to erythrocytes efficiently and stably, possessing a circulatory half‐life 18.5 times longer than that of carboplatin in mice. This elongated circulatory half‐life enables platinum to accumulate at levels 7.7 times higher than with carboplatin, with steady levels in the tumors. As a consequence, the ERY1‐PtIV prodrug is proved to exhibit significantly enhanced antitumor activity and reduced side effects compared with carboplatin. Collectively, our novel approach highlights an efficient strategy to utilize intrinsic erythrocytes as auto‐binding carriers to enhance the tumor accumulation and subsequent antitumor efficacy of platinum drugs.
Selection of DNA Aptamers for Sensing Uric Acid in Simulated Tears
Authors: Liu Yibo , Liu Juewen
Published: March 2022

Uric acid is a biomarker for a range of diseases and hyperuricemia is the cause of many diseases including gout. While most biosensors for detecting uric acid relied on enzymatic reactions, in this work a library‐immobilization method was used to obtain DNA aptamers for uric acid. After 18 rounds of selection, two representative aptamers were obtained with a Kd around 1.2 μM measured by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Based on their difference in binding to xanthine, which differs from uric acid by only one oxygen atom, these two aptamers have different binding orientations to uric acid. ITC also indicated that the UA‐1 aptamer specifically required a high concentration of Na+ for binding, which cannot be replaced by Li+, K+ or Mg2+. Combined ITC and fluorescence spectroscopy data indicated the need of three Na+ ions, which explained the requirement of a high Na+ concentration. The UA‐1 aptamer was engineered into a fluorescent biosensor based on the strand‐displacement reaction, resulting in a limit of detection of 90 nM uric acid. This sensor was also tested in simulated tears with a limit of detection of 350 nM uric acid.
Maternal exposure to glyphosate‐based herbicide promotes changes in the muscle structure of C57BL/6 mice offspring
Authors: Barbosa Ariadne , Zazula Matheus Felipe , Oliveira Mylena Campos de , Teleken Jakeline Liara , Costa Rose Meire , Bonfleur Maria Lucia , Torrejais Marcia Miranda
Published: March 2022

Glyphosate (GBH) is a worldwide consumption pesticide and is used in the formulation of Roundup®, one of the most commercialized herbicides in the world. Maternal exposure to this herbicide can promote changes and adaptations in the offspring; however, the effects on skeletal muscle are poorly understood. In this sense, the present study sought to evaluate the effect of exposure to GBH on the characteristics of the soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. C57BL/6 pregnant female mice were divided into two groups: control (CTL) receiving water and glyphosate (GBH; n = 6) receiving 0.5% glyphosate. Male puppies were designated according to the group to which the mothers belonged, such as CTL‐F1 and GBH‐F1 and then euthanized at 150 days of age. There was a reduction in body weight and nasoanal length of animals exposed to GBH, while there was an increase in EDL weight, reduction in the proportion of fibers and number of nuclei, and an increase in the connective tissue of the SOL. The animals exposed to GBH presented higher values of body characteristics, mainly adiposity gain, while they presented a reduction in neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), and an increase in fibrosis in the SOL muscle, while there was a reduction in the number of nuclei, and an increase in the weight of the EDL muscle. These findings indicate that glyphosate can promote changes in the offspring's body growth, the deposition of adipose panicles and its effects on muscle can lead to changes in the structure and functioning of this tissue.
Vanadium‐catalyzed Oxidative Conversion of Primary Aromatic Alcohols into Amides and Nitriles with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Zhao Yanbin , Du Zhongtian , Guo Bairui , Shen Xiaoyu , Li Shaojie , Wang Taoyu , Liang Changhai
Published: March 2022

Amides or nitriles are important building blocks because of the widespread occurrence in chemistry and biology. The development of green and efficient catalytic approaches to introduce nitrogen functionality is highly desired. Herein, a vanadium‐based material V‐N‐C‐700 was prepared via a simple and convenient method and employed for liquid‐phase catalytic ammoxidation of alcohols with molecular oxygen. By using V‐N‐C‐700/2‐picolinic acid, primary aromatic alcohols was smoothly converted into the amides and nitriles in the presence of urea. The corresponding aldehydes are the key intermediates, and 2‐picolinic acid could significantly enhance oxidation of alcohols into aldehydes. The amides were formed simultaneously along with nitriles, rather than only from nitriles via successive hydration. This work further expands non‐noble metal catalysts for the preparation of amides and nitriles.
Pharmacological evaluation of the effects of enzymatically liberated fish oil on eosinophilic inflammation in animal models
Authors: Currie Crawford , Framroze Bomi , Singh Dave , Sharma Deepali , Bjerknes Christian , Hermansen Erland
Published: March 2022

The inappropriate activation of eosinophils is a well‐recognized driver of various human inflammatory diseases including asthma, chronic rhinitis, and various gastrointestinal diseases, including eosinophilic esophagitis. Steroids, both topical and systemic, remain a cornerstone of treatment and can be highly effective. However, some individuals suffer side effects, unresolved symptoms, or both. OmeGo, an enzymatically liberated fish oil, has demonstrated anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well the reduction of the activation, migration, and survival of eosinophils. Two animal models of eosinophilic inflammation were used to further assess OmeGo's profile. A house dust mite model of induced asthma showed a significant reduction in eosinophilic lung inflammation compared to the negative control, linoleic acid. The CRTH2 antagonist fevipiprant showed a similar eosinophilic inhibitory profile to OmeGo. In contrast, cod liver oil had no impact on any measure of inflammation. A guinea pig model of mild intraperitoneal eosinophilia showed a significant reduction in eosinophil activity by OmeGo, assessed by chemotaxis and chemokinesis. Apolipoprotein A‐IV, an endogenous human protein with anti‐inflammatory actions, showed a similar but numerically lower effect. OmeGo therefore combines a consistent antieosinophilic action with the known anti‐inflammatory effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Proof‐of‐concept studies in asthma are warranted.
Inheritance and maintenance of small RNA‐mediated epigenetic effects
Authors: Quarato Piergiuseppe , Singh Meetali , Bourdon Loan , Cecere Germano
Published: March 2022

Heritable traits are predominantly encoded within genomic DNA, but it is now appreciated that epigenetic information is also inherited through DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small RNAs. Several examples of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of traits have been documented in plants and animals. These include even the inheritance of traits acquired through the soma during the life of an organism, implicating the transfer of epigenetic information via the germline to the next generation. Small RNAs appear to play a significant role in carrying epigenetic information across generations. This review focuses on how epigenetic information in the form of small RNAs is transmitted from the germline to the embryos through the gametes. We also consider how inherited epigenetic information is maintained across generations in a small RNA‐dependent and independent manner. Finally, we discuss how epigenetic traits acquired from the soma can be inherited through small RNAs.
Stochastic parcel tracking in an Euler–Lagrange compartment model for fast simulation of fermentation processes
Authors: Haringa Cees , Tang Wenjun , Noorman Henk J.
Published: March 2022

The compartment model (CM) is a well‐known approach for computationally affordable, spatially resolved hydrodynamic modeling of unit operations. Recent implementations use flow profiles based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and several authors included microbial kinetics to simulate gradients in bioreactors. However, these studies relied on black‐box kinetics that do not account for intracellular changes and cell population dynamics in response to heterogeneous environments. In this paper, we report the implementation of a Lagrangian reaction model, where the microbial phase is tracked as a set of biomass‐parcels, each linked with an intracellular composition vector and a structured reaction model describing their intracellular response to extracellular variations. A stochastic parcel tracking approach is adopted, in contrast to the resolved trajectories used in CFD implementations. A penicillin production process is used as a case study. We show good performance of the model compared with full CFD simulations, both regarding the extracellular gradients and intracellular pool response, using the mixing time as a matching criterion and taking into account that the mixing time is sensitive to the number of compartments. The sensitivity of the model output towards some of the inputs is explored. The coarsest representative CM requires a few minutes to solve 80 h of flow time, compared with approximately 2 weeks for a full Euler–Lagrange CFD simulation of the same case. This alleviates one of the major bottlenecks for the application of such CFD simulations towards the analysis and optimization of industrial fermentation processes.
Neoadjuvant treatment of sintilimab plus hypofractionated radiotherapy for MSI‐H/dMMR rectal cancer: A prospective, multicenter, phase Ib study
Authors: Li Xiaofen , Fang Chao , Wang Xin , Yu Yongyang , Wang Ziqiang , Qiu Meng
Published: March 2022

Background

Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery is the standard treatment strategy for local advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, the efficacy of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy is limited, especially for patients with DNA mismatch repair‐deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H) rectal cancer. Considering the amazing therapeutic effect of immune check point inhibitors for metastatic colorectal cancer, we conduct this multicenter, phase Ib study to investigate the safety and efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 antibody, sintilimab combined with hypofractionated radiotherapy in MSI‐H/dMMR rectal cancer patients.

Methods

Patients with MSI‐H/dMMR LARC will receive hypofractionated radiotherapy (5 Gy × 5) and three cycles of sintilimab 200 mg IV every 2 weeks. Radical surgery will be performed 6–8 weeks after radiotherapy. The primary endpoint is adverse reaction after neoadjuvant treatment and perioperative complications. Secondary endpoints include pathological response rate, complete resection rate, and quality of life.

Discussion

This is the first study to investigate the safety and effectiveness of neoadjuvant radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for MSI‐H/dMMR LARC. It is expected that this study will propose a brand new and effective treatment strategy for MSI‐H/dMMR LARC.
Do the relationships between age and the personality of psychotherapists differ from expected trajectories? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Demisch Anja Maja , Kuchinke Lars
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Large‐scale panel data suggest that older people tend to be less neurotic, extraverted and open‐minded, but more agreeable and conscientious. In this study, the relationships between age and the Big Five dimensions were examined for 324 German psychotherapists.

Methods

A model uncertainty and robustness approach was applied to evaluate the stability of relationships between age and the Big Five measures across a multiverse of regression analyses when controlling for job experience, gender, psychotherapeutic orientation, and occupational demands.

Results

Older psychotherapists were found to be more open and less neurotic, and conscientious. Relationships were found to be linear and were not moderated by occupational demands.

Conclusions

The observed relationships between age and psychotherapists' personality are discussed in consideration of social investment theories and a close connection between personal and professional development as a distinct feature of psychotherapeutic work. Those patterns parallel clients' preferences and likely contribute to therapy outcomes, which should be addressed in future studies in psychotherapy research.
Tetraphenylporphyrin Enters the Ring: First Example of a Complex between Highly Bulky Porphyrins and a Protein**
Authors: Shisaka Yuma , Sakakibara Erika , Suzuki Kazuto , Stanfield Joshua Kyle , Onoda Hiroki , Ueda Garyo , Hatano Miu , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Shoji Osami
Published: March 2022

Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) is a symmetrically substituted synthetic porphyrin whose properties can be readily modified, providing it with significant advantages over naturally occurring porphyrins. Herein, we report the first example of a stable complex between a native biomolecule, the haemoprotein HasA, and TPP as well as its derivatives. The X‐ray crystal structures of nine different HasA‐TPP complexes were solved at high resolutions. HasA capturing TPP derivatives was also demonstrated to inhibit growth of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mutant variants of HasA binding FeTPP were shown to possess a different mode of coordination, permitting the cyclopropanation of styrene.
Electrocatalytic Reduction of N2 to NH3 Over Defective 1T′‐WX2 (X=S, Se, Te) Monolayers
Authors: Tursun Mamutjan , Wu Chao
Published: March 2022

Defects in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can serve as active sites in catalytic reactions. In this work, by means of first‐principles calculations, the catalytic activities of WX2 (X=S, Se, Te) monolayers in the 1T′ phase with both vacancy defects (missing chalcogen atoms, XVd) and antisite defects (replacing chalcogen atoms with W atoms, XAd) were evaluated for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Results showed that all these defective catalysts had great potential toward electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis by exhibiting low limiting potentials (UL). Over 1T′‐WTe2@TeVd, 1T′‐WS2@SAd, 1T′‐WSe2@SeAd, and 1T′‐WTe2@TeAd, the corresponding UL values were −0.49, −0.21, −0.19, and −0.15 V, much smaller than that of the benchmark catalyst, the Ru (0001) surface (UL=−0.98 V). Furthermore, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was inhibited. 1T′‐WX2 monolayers with the antisite defects showed better NRR activity than those with the vacancy defects because of the smaller steric hindrance at the former. Results suggest that the steric effect at the active surface sites should be utilized to develop better catalysts.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing technologies and applications: A brief overview
Authors: Jovic Dragomirka , Liang Xue , Zeng Hua , Lin Lin , Xu Fengping , Luo Yonglun
Published: March 2022

Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) technology has become the state‐of‐the‐art approach for unravelling the heterogeneity and complexity of RNA transcripts within individual cells, as well as revealing the composition of different cell types and functions within highly organized tissues/organs/organisms. Since its first discovery in 2009, studies based on scRNA‐seq provide massive information across different fields making exciting new discoveries in better understanding the composition and interaction of cells within humans, model animals and plants. In this review, we provide a concise overview about the scRNA‐seq technology, experimental and computational procedures for transforming the biological and molecular processes into computational and statistical data. We also provide an explanation of the key technological steps in implementing the technology. We highlight a few examples on how scRNA‐seq can provide unique information for better understanding health and diseases. One important application of the scRNA‐seq technology is to build a better and high‐resolution catalogue of cells in all living organism, commonly known as atlas, which is key resource to better understand and provide a solution in treating diseases. While great promises have been demonstrated with the technology in all areas, we further highlight a few remaining challenges to be overcome and its great potentials in transforming current protocols in disease diagnosis and treatment.
The impact of Drew Noden's work on our understanding of craniofacial musculoskeletal integration
Authors: Nödl Marie‐Therese , Tsai Stephanie L. , Galloway Jenna L.
Published: March 2022

The classical anatomist Drew Noden spearheaded craniofacial research, laying the foundation for our modern molecular understanding of development, evolution, and disorders of the craniofacial skeleton. His work revealed the origin of cephalic musculature and the role of cranial neural crest (CNC) in early formation and patterning of the head musculoskeletal structures. Much of modern cranial tendon research advances a foundation of knowledge that Noden built using classical quail‐chick transplantation experiments. This elegant avian chimeric system involves grafting of donor quail cells into host chick embryos to identify the cell types they can form and their interactions with the surrounding tissues. In this review, we will give a brief background of vertebrate head formation and the impact of CNC on the patterning, development, and evolution of the head musculoskeletal attachments. Using the zebrafish as a model system, we will discuss examples of modifications of craniofacial structures in evolution with a special focus on the role of tendon and ligaments. Lastly, we will discuss pathologies in craniofacial tendons and the importance of understanding the molecular and cellular dynamics during craniofacial tendon development in human disease.
Implications of a specific storm event for understanding adjustment of urban dryland channels
Authors: Chin Anne
Published: March 2022

Dryland stream channels adjusting to urbanization are difficult to study without some indication of the extent and frequency of specific hydrological events. Investigations of changing channels in Fountain Hills, Arizona, urbanized since 1970, can benefit from knowledge gained from a storm event of over 55 mm rainfall in January 2016, equivalent to ~25% of annual precipitation. Morphological flow capacity was reached with this rainfall event, which had a recurrence interval of 1.4 years for a 24‐h period and 3.6 years for a 3‐day duration. This storm is typical of events that occur in less than half the years of record, occurring between zero and three times each year in the 26 years of record available. Analysis of this event assists in the calibration of measured cross‐sections, providing a useful benchmark for space‐time substitution in dryland environments where flow is ephemeral. Correspondence of the recurrence interval of the storm to somewhat frequent ‘bankfull’ channel‐forming events, despite signs of flashiness, suggests a tight coupling between rainfall and runoff and a tempered response to urbanization effects in Fountain Hills—achievable through decades of proactive planning and adaptive wash management in a master‐planned community.
Oyster broth concentrate and its major component taurine alleviate acute alcohol‐induced liver damage
Authors: Siregar Adrian S. , Nyiramana Marie Merci , Kim Eun‐Jin , Shin Eui‐Jung , Woo Min Seok , Kim Jin‐Mok , Park Si‐Hyang , Hahm Jong Ryeal , Choi Yeung Joon , Kang Dawon
Published: March 2022

Our previous study showed that oyster hydrolysate (OH) protected against the liver damage caused by a single instance of ethanol (EtOH) binge drinking. Oyster broth concentrate (OBC) was discovered in the process of searching for a different substance derived from oysters (Crassostrea gigas) with economic value. OBC is a by‐product of boiling oysters at 95°C for 3 min. In this study, we investigated the effects of OBC and its major component taurine on blood and liver tissues obtained from a single‐EtOH‐binge‐drinking mouse model. The preadministration of OBC enhanced EtOH metabolism by increasing the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and catalase. In addition, the preadministration of OBC reduced cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Ca2+ concentrations, apoptotic signals, and inflammatory mediators in liver tissues. The reduction of apoptotic and inflammatory signals by OBC resulted from the downregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress molecules and NF‐κB activity. Taurine administration showed similar effects to OBC. These results show that OBC protected against acute EtOH‐induced liver damage through the action of taurine. Our findings suggest that OBC could be an economically valuable substance and a functional food with hepatoprotective effects.
Nitrogen‐doped tin oxide electron transport layer for stable perovskite solar cells with efficiency over 23%
Authors: Mo Yanping , Wang Chao , Zheng Xuntian , Zhou Peng , Li Jing , Yu Xinxin , Yang Kaizhong , Deng Xinyu , Park Hyesung , Huang Fuzhi , Cheng Yi‐Bing
Published: March 2022

Tin oxide has made a major breakthrough in high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs) as an efficient electron transport layer by the low‐temperature chemical bath deposition method. However, tin oxide often contains pernicious defects, resulting in unsatisfactory performance. Herein, we develop high‐quality tin oxide films via a nitrogen‐doping strategy for high‐efficiency and stable planar PSCs. The aligned energy level at the interface of doped SnO2/perovskite, more excellent charge extraction and reduced nonradiative recombination contribute to the enhanced efficiency and stability. Correspondingly, the power conversion efficiency of the devices based on N‐SnO2 film increases to 23.41% from 20.55% of the devices based on the pristine SnO2. The N‐SnO2 devices show an outstanding stability retaining 97.8% of the initial efficiency after steady‐state output at a maximum power point for 600 s under standard AM1.5G continuous illumination without encapsulation, while less than 50% efficiency remains for the devices based on pristine SnO2. This simple scalable strategy has shown great promise toward highly efficient and stable PSCs.
Post natal expression of Prx1 labels appendicular restricted progenitor cell populations of multiple tissues
Authors: Bragdon Beth C. , Bennie Andrew , Molinelli Amanda , Liu Yu , Gerstenfeld Louis C.
Published: March 2022

Currently, there is no consensus whether there is a single or multiple postnatal stem cell population(s) that contribute to skeletal homeostasis and postnatal bone formation. A known population of cells that express Prx1 contributes to postnatal bone formation. Prx1 expression also connotes calvaria and appendicular tissues during embryonic development. A transgenic tamoxifen inducible Prx1 reporter mouse was used for lineage tracking, to characterize the postnatal contribution of Prx1 expressing cells in skeletal homeostasis and bone formation. Under homeostatic conditions Prx1 labeling gave rise to a transient yet rapid turnover cell population at the periosteal and endosteal surfaces, along muscle fibers, and within the medial layers of vessels both within the muscle and marrow compartments of the appendicular skeleton. Fracture and ectopic bone formation of both fore and hind limbs showed recruitment and expansion of Prx1‐derived cells in newly formed bone tissues. Prx1 labeled cells were limited or absent at axial skeletal sites during both homeostasis and after induction of bone formation. Last, Prx1‐derived cells differentiated into multiple cell lineages including vascular smooth muscle, adipose, cartilage, and bone cells. These results show that Prx1 expression retained its embryonic tissue specification and connotes a stem/progenitor cell populations of mesenchymal tissue progenitors.
Relationship Between Anifrolumab Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Efficacy in Patients With Moderate to Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chia Yen Lin , Tummala Raj , Mai Tu H. , Rouse Tomas , Streicher Katie , White Wendy I. , Morand Eric F. , Furie Richard A.
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to elucidate the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and pharmacodynamic/efficacy relationships of anifrolumab, a type I interferon receptor antibody, in patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus. Data were pooled from the randomized, 52‐week, placebo‐controlled TULIP‐1 and TULIP‐2 trials of intravenous anifrolumab (150 mg/300 mg, every 4 weeks for 48 weeks). Pharmacodynamic neutralization was measured with a 21‐gene type I interferon gene signature (21‐IFNGS) in patients with high IFNGS. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship was analyzed graphically and modeled with a nonlinear mixed‐effects model. British Isles Lupus Assessment Group–based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response rates were compared across 21‐IFNGS neutralization quartiles. Overall, 819 patients received ≥1 dose of anifrolumab or placebo, of whom 676 were IFNGS high. Over 52 weeks, higher average anifrolumab serum concentrations were associated with increased median 21‐IFNGS neutralization, which was rapid and sustained with anifrolumab 300 mg (>80%, weeks 12‐52), lower and delayed with anifrolumab 150 mg (>50%, week 52), and minimal with placebo. The proportion of patients with week 24 anifrolumab trough concentration exceeding the IC80 (3.88 μg/mL) was greater with anifrolumab 300 mg vs anifrolumab 150 mg (≈83% vs ≈27%), owing to the higher estimated median trough concentration (15.6 vs 0.2 μg/mL). BICLA response rates increased with 21‐IFNGS neutralization; more patients had a BICLA response in the highest vs lowest neutralization quartiles at week 52 (58.1% vs 37.6%). In conclusion, anifrolumab 300 mg every 4 weeks rapidly, substantially, and sustainably neutralized the 21‐IFNGS and was associated with clinical efficacy, supporting this dosing regimen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Diagnostic usefulness of cone‐beam computed tomography versus multi‐detector computed tomography for sinonasal structure evaluation
Authors: Han Miran , Kim Hyun Jun , Choi Jin Wook , Park Do‐Yang , Han Jang Gyu
Published: March 2022

Objective

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a promising imaging modality for sinonasal evaluation, with advantages of relatively low radiation dose, low cost, and quick outpatient imaging. Our study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance and image quality of CBCT with those of multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) with different slice thickness.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 60 consecutive patients who had undergone both CBCT and MDCT. MDCT images was reconstructed with 1 and 3 mm slice thickness. The quantitative image quality parameters (image noise, signal‐to‐noise ratio [SNR], and contrast‐to noise ratio [CNR] were calculated and compared between the two imaging modalities. Two observers (ENT surgeon and neuroradiologist) evaluated the presence of seven sinonasal anatomic variations in each patient and interobserver agreements were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of CBCT (0.3 mm) and MDCT (3 mm) was assessed and compared with that of high resolution MDCT (1 mm), which is considered as the gold standard.

Results

The image noise was significantly higher and SNR and CNR values were lower in the CBCT (0.3 mm) group than in the MDCT groups (1 and 3 mm). The diagnostic performance of CBCT (0.3 mm) was similar to that of MDCT (1 mm) and superior to that of MDCT (3 mm). The highest interobserver agreement was for high resolution MDCT (1 mm), followed by CBCT (0.3 mm), and MDCT (3 mm).

Conclusion

Considering its low radiation dose, low cost, and ease of clinical access, CBCT may be a useful imaging modality for as first line sinonasal evaluation and repeated follow up.

Study design: Retrospective study in a tertiary referral university center.

Level of evidence: NA.
Adaptation and Recovery of a Styrene‐Acrylic Acid Copolymer Surface to Water
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Encheva Mirela , Butt Hans‐Jürgen , Backus Ellen H. G. , Berger Rüdiger
Published: March 2022

Drops sliding down an adaptive surface lead to changes of the dynamic contact angles. Two adaptation processes play a role: 1) the adaptation of the surface upon bringing it into contact to the drop (wetting) and 2) the adaptation of the surface after the drop passed (dewetting). In order to study both processes, the authors investigate samples made from random styrene (PS)/acrylic acid (PAA) copolymers, which are exposed to water. Sum‐frequency generation spectroscopy and tilted‐plate measurements indicate that during wetting, the PS segments displace from the interface, while PAA segments are enriched. This structural adaptation of the PS/PAA random copolymer to water remains after dewetting. Annealing the adapted polymer induces reorientation of the PS segments to the surface.
An entrepreneur's dilemma: An optimal stopping rule in pivoting
Authors: Tsionas Mike G. , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: March 2022

Though pivoting is widely practiced by entrepreneurs, an optimal stopping rule in pivoting remains unexplored. Proposing an optimal foraging model and accounting for competition in exploiting an opportunity, we identify an optimal stopping rule of 30% gain‐to‐loss ratio. That is, additional gains are less feasible when 70% of the pivoting across future plausible versions of opportunities are traversed to. The findings have practical implications for entrepreneurs.