bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of photocatalytic performance and cytotoxic activity of green synthesized nickel ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Miri Abdolhossein , Sarani Mina , Najafidoust Ahmad , Varma Rajender S.
Published: September 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have widespread applications in magnetic storage, catalysis, and oil industries as well as medicine. Herein, nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe2O4 NPs) were synthesized using torajabin aqueous solution and were identified by powder X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and energy dispersive X‐ray, field‐emission scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the average particle size of synthesized spherical NPs was 40–60 nm while VSM analysis affirmed their ferromagnetic behavior. The cytotoxic analysis revealed a nontoxic behavior at concentrations below 200 μg/ml on colon (HT‐29) cell line. Photocatalytic activity of synthesized nickel ferrite NPs on methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B, and acid orange 7 dyes were investigated under visible light radiation wherein they could remove 81.1% of MB in 120 min. Therefore, synthesized NPs can be an appropriate option for the remediation of environmental pollutants in a short span of time without the need for extreme conditions.
Assessment of waste‐to‐energy potential of ELT management: An actual case study for Erzincan
Authors: Güngör Osman , Tozlu Alperen , Arslantürk Cihat
Published: September 2021

End‐of‐life tires (ELTs) and their decomposition are becoming a major environmental issue in the local region as a result of economic and technological challenges. Despite this, ELT management is gaining popularity as an advanced function for treating tires to obtain char, oil, and gas products using pyrolysis. The main goal of this article is to integrate data from an actual recycling plant with the activities of pyrolysis products and their physical properties in the literature. This article presents energy potentials and basic applications of pyrolysis products as well as advances in the current situation in ELT management in the world. Accordingly, an existing ELT management in Erzincan, Turkey is explained in detail by considering the available energy recovery and material treatment activities. In this plant, which has an installed power capacity of 12 MW, approximately 25 tons of pyrolytic oil, 10.7 tons of pyrolytic gas, 24 tons of carbon black and, 10.4 tons of steel are produced daily. The calorific values of carbon black and pyrolytic oil for the products leaving the pyrolysis plant are close to the values in the literature, which is promising. In the plant, the overall thermal efficiency of the system and the engine is found to be 26.34% and 51.24%, respectively. On the other hand, to supply additional power to the plant utilizing exhaust gas discharged to the atmosphere, some thermodynamic models can be developed; additionally, more rational values can be obtained through thermoeconomic and optimization.
Occurrences and Potential Sources of Halogenated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Associated with PM2.5 in Mumbai, India
Authors: Kawatsu Yoko , Masih Jamson , Ohura Takeshi
Published: September 2021

Occurrences of chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ClPAHs and BrPAHs, respectively) in fine aerosol particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter were investigated in urban and suburban sites in Mumbai, India; and the possible sources from association with indicators, such as hopanes, steranes, and trace elements are discussed. The mean concentrations of total ClPAHs and BrPAHs were 0.54 and 0.25 ng/m3 in the urban site and 0.16 and 0.02 ng/m3 in the suburban site during the campaign, respectively. The variations in total Cl-/BrPAH concentrations showed a similar trend between the urban and suburban sites, whereas the composition profiles varied in each air sample. The relationships between the concentrations among individual compounds in the urban site suggest that dominant sources of Cl-/BrPAHs could be common to PAHs but not in the suburban site. Principal component analysis using the data set of certain compounds showed that Cl-/BrPAH concentrations in urban and suburban sites are occasionally driven by specific sources of either coal combustion or traffic emissions. In contrast, most air samples during the campaign could be attributed to a mix of those sources. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:312–320. © 2021 SETAC
Online characterization of operational parameters in an SOFC system with anode‐exhaust gas recirculation by oxygen sensors
Authors: Schaefer Felix , Egger Sebastian , Steiner Dietmar , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: September 2021

In solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system with anode‐exhaust gas recirculation (AEGR), a part of the depleted anode‐exhaust gas is recirculated and mixed with fresh natural gas prior to entering the reformer, resulting in a high potential of direct current‐efficiencies of up to 65%. However, for SOFC systems, it is of crucial importance to monitor relevant characteristic parameters and keep them within safe and durable operating limits. Such characteristic parameters are oxygen‐to‐carbon‐ratio and fuel utilization, which must not exceed system‐specific thresholds. Monitoring and control of these characteristic parameters is not trivial and a challenging task due to the enhanced system complexity. The authors present an approach and studies for determination and controlling characteristic parameters in an SOFC system with AEGR based on oxygen sensors. Therefore, the oxygen sensors, being a mature and easily available technology, are aimed to be in the fuel gas path at anode inlet and outlet of an SOFC‐stack. Analytical correlations of the output value of oxygen sensors to characteristic parameters and simulative studies on the basis of a reference natural gas composition are shown. Additionally, first results of experimental studies of oxygen sensors in representative gas compositions for the anode inlet and outlet of an SOFC system with AEGR are presented.
Life‐Years & Rationing in the Covid‐19 Pandemic: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Gaurke MaryKatherine , Prusak Bernard , Jeong Kyeong Yun , Scire Emily , Sulmasy Daniel P.
Published: September 2021

Prominent bioethicists have promoted the preservation of life‐years as a rationing strategy in response to the Covid‐19 pandemic. Yet the philosophical justification for maximizing life‐years is underdeveloped and has a complex history that is not reflected in recent literature. In this article, we offer a critical investigation of the use of life‐years, arguing that evidence of public support for the life‐years approach is thin and that organ transplantation protocols (heavily cited in pandemic‐response protocols) do not provide a precedent for seeking to save the most life‐years. We point out that many state emergency‐response plans ultimately rejected or severely attenuated the meaning of saving the most life‐years, and we argue that philosophical arguments in support of rationing by life‐years are remarkably wanting. We conclude by offering a fair alternative that adheres to the standard duties of beneficence, respect for persons, and justice.
Ventilator Allocation Protocols: Sophisticated Bioethics for an Unworkable Strategy
Authors: Truog Robert D.
Published: September 2021

I was a member of the Massachusetts advisory working group that wrote the Commonwealth's crisis standards of care guidance for the Covid‐19 pandemic, and I was proud of the work we did, thinking carefully about whether age should matter and whether priority should be given to essential workers if there was a scarcity of medical resources, about whether protocols should address issues of structural racism, and so forth. But as a critical care physician, I have concluded that, no matter how sophisticated the ethical analysis, the fundamental approach we proposed was flawed and virtually impossible to implement. All the existing allocation protocols that states developed are based on the assumption that clinicians will be faced with the task of selecting which patients will be offered a ventilator from among a population of patients who are each in need of one. The protocols then assign patients a priority category, and the protocols specify “tie‐breaking” criteria to be used when necessary. The problem with this approach for ventilator allocation is that it has no relationship whatsoever to what happens in the real world.
Brain‐wide inferiority and equivalence tests in fMRI group analyses: Selected applications
Authors: Gerchen Martin Fungisai , Kirsch Peter , Feld Gordon Benedikt
Published: September 2021

Null hypothesis significance testing is the major statistical procedure in fMRI, but provides only a rather limited picture of the effects in a data set. When sample size and power is low relying only on strict significance testing may lead to a host of false negative findings. In contrast, with very large data sets virtually every voxel might become significant. It is thus desirable to complement significance testing with procedures like inferiority and equivalence tests that allow to formally compare effect sizes within and between data sets and offer novel approaches to obtain insight into fMRI data. The major component of these tests are estimates of standardized effect sizes and their confidence intervals. Here, we show how Hedges' g, the bias corrected version of Cohen's d, and its confidence interval can be obtained from SPM t maps. We then demonstrate how these values can be used to evaluate whether nonsignificant effects are really statistically smaller than significant effects to obtain “regions of undecidability” within a data set, and to test for the replicability and lateralization of effects. This method allows the analysis of fMRI data beyond point estimates enabling researchers to take measurement uncertainty into account when interpreting their findings.
Cohort‐based leadership development for high‐potential employees: A model for programmatic design
Authors: Bialek Tani K. , Hagen Marcia S.
Published: September 2021

Leadership development is a top priority for many organizations and a critical driver of success. This qualitative case study research examined ways participation in a cohort‐based LDP contributed to HiPo employee's leadership development for the purpose of talent management, including an examination of which programmatic components help promote participant growth. This study illustrates the importance of, and methods to support, better leadership development outcomes for HiPos to improve talent management efforts. This research utilized a method for qualitative analysis and was conducted using a constant comparative method, requiring new findings and interpretations be compared with those previously found during analysis. Data included end‐of‐program graduate evaluations, semi‐structured interviews, and manager evaluation surveys. Findings support the importance of 360‐feedback and peer coaching as part of HiPo employee development. Each of these simultaneously improves self‐awareness, human capital, networking, and participant well‐being; the resulting model provides an illustration of the relationships found.
Genome‐wide association studies of survival in 1520 cancer patients treated with bevacizumab‐containing regimens
Authors: Quintanilha Julia C. F. , Wang Jin , Sibley Alexander B. , Xu Wei , Espin‐Garcia Osvaldo , Jiang Chen , Etheridge Amy S. , Ratain Mark J. , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Bertagnolli Monica , Kindler Hedy L. , Dickler Maura N. , Venook Alan , Liu Geoffrey , Owzar Kouros , Lin Danyu , Innocenti Federico
Published: September 2021

Germline variants might predict cancer progression. Bevacizumab improves overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced cancers. No biomarkers are available to identify patients that benefit from bevacizumab. A meta‐analysis of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) was conducted in 1,520 patients from Phase III trials (CALGB 80303, 40503, 80405 and ICON7), where bevacizumab was randomized to treatment without bevacizumab. We aimed to identify genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with survival independently of bevacizumab treatment or through interaction with bevacizumab. A cause‐specific Cox model was used to test the SNP‐OS association in both arms combined (prognostic), and the effect of SNPs‐bevacizumab interaction on OS (predictive) in each study. The SNP effects across studies were combined using inverse variance. Findings were tested for replication in advanced colorectal and ovarian cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA). In the GWAS meta‐analysis, patients with rs680949 in PRUNE2 experienced shorter OS compared to patients without it (P = 1.02 × 10−7, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33‐1.86), as well as in TCGA (P = .0219, HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.07‐2.35). In the GWAS meta‐analysis, patients with rs16852804 in BARD1 experienced shorter OS compared to patients without it (P = 1.40 × 10−5, HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.25‐1.82) as well as in TCGA (P = 1.39 × 10−4, HR = 3.09, 95% CI 1.73‐5.51). Patients with rs3795897 in AGAP1 experienced shorter OS in the bevacizumab arm compared to the nonbevacizumab arm (P = 1.43 × 10−5). The largest GWAS meta‐analysis of bevacizumab treated patients identified PRUNE2 and BARD1 (tumor suppressor genes) as prognostic genes of colorectal and ovarian cancer, respectively, and AGAP1 as a potentially predictive gene that interacts with bevacizumab with respect to patient survival.
Identification of a compound heterozygous missense mutation in LAMA2 gene from a patient with merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A
Authors: Khorrami Afshin , Goleij Pouya , Karamad Vahidreza , Taheri Elham , Shadman Behrouz , Emami Parisa , Jahangirzadeh Gholamreza , Hajazimian Saba , Isazadeh Alireza , Baradaran Behzad , Heidari Mansour
Published: September 2021

Background

Merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is occurred by mutations in LAMA2 gene that encodes the laminin α2 chain (merosin). MDC1A is a predominant subtype of congenital muscular dystrophy. Herein, we identified two missense mutations in LAMA2 gene in compound heterozygous status in an Iranian patient with MDC1A using whole‐exome sequencing (WES).

Methods

In the present study, we evaluated genetic alterations in an Iranian 35‐month‐old boy with MDC1A and his healthy family using WES method. The identified mutations further confirmed by Sanger sequencing method. Finally, in silico analysis was conducted to further evaluation of molecular function of the identified genetic variants.

Results

We identified two potentially pathogenic missense mutations in compound heterozygous state (c.7681G>A p.Gly2561Ser and c.4840A>G p.Asn1614Asp) in LAMA2 gene as contributing to the MDC1A phenotype. The healthy parents of our proband are single heterozygous for identified mutations. These variants were found to be pathogenic by in silico analysis.

Conclusions

In general, we successfully identified LAMA2 gene mutations in an Iranian patient with MDC1A using WES. The identified mutations in LAMA2 gene can be useful in genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and predicting prognosis of MDC1A.
The role of BDNF exon I region methylation in the treatment of depression with sertraline and its clinical diagnostic value
Authors: Xing Yuhua , Sun Ting , Li Guangxue , Xu Guoan , Cheng Jia , Gao Shugui
Published: September 2021

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered to be one of the best candidate genes for depression. However, whether sertraline treatment affects the methylation level of this gene remains unknown.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients with depression and 51 healthy controls were included in the study. The methylation level of BDNF exon I was determined in blood samples from these subjects. The Hamilton Depression Scale was used to evaluate the depression status of patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism detection was used for genotyping, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of the methylation level of this locus in patients with depression.

Results

There was a significant difference in the methylation level of BDNF exon I between the control and depression groups. No effect of sertraline monotherapy on BDNF methylation was found in subjects with depression. Moreover, no interaction was found between BDNF genotype and the per cent methylation of BDNF exon I. However, methylation at this site was positively correlated with diurnal variation and retardation scores. Blood homocysteine concentrations were significantly reduced by sertraline treatment. No influence of genotype on serum BDNF concentration was found in subjects with depression. The ROC curve showed that methylation of BDNF exon I may be used to distinguish patients from healthy people, to a certain extent.

Conclusion

Methylation of BDNF exon I may be used as a biomarker of depression and may be a therapeutic target for previously untreated depression.
Gender congruence and mental health problems among Chinese transgender and gender non‐conforming individuals: A process model involving rumination and stigma consciousness
Authors: Wu Qinglu , Ji Yuan , Lin Xiuyun , Yang Hengyu , Chi Peilian
Published: September 2021

Objective

The present study examined the roles of gender identity rumination and stigma consciousness in the relationship between gender congruence (comfort with one's gender identity and external appearance) and mental health problems (anxiety and depression).

Methods

Three hundred and fourteen Chinese individuals identified as transgender and gender non‐conforming (TGNC) individuals were recruited through the Internet and answered an online questionnaire (Mage = 24.34 years, standard deviation = 5.80).

Results

Gender congruence was associated with anxiety and depression through three indirect pathways: rumination, stigma consciousness, and sequentially through rumination and stigma consciousness.

Conclusion

Gender congruence is an intrapersonal resource that reduces mental health problems through its positive impacts on the TGNC identity process. A more consistent feeling of gender, a lower level of rumination, and a reduced level of consciousness about stigma could be potential working points for interventions in the TGNC community to help alleviate their mental health problems.
Nanobioremediation: A sustainable approach towards the degradation of sodium dodecyl sulfate in the environment and simulated conditions
Authors: Yadav Virendra K. , Khan Samreen H. , Choudhary Nisha , Tirth Vineet , Kumar Pankaj , Ravi Raman K. , Modi Shreya , Khayal Areeba , Shah Maulin P. , Sharma Purva , Godha Meena
Published: September 2021

Nanotechnology has gained huge importance in the field of environmental clean‐up today. Due to their remarkable and unique properties, it has shown potential application for the remediation of several pesticides and textile dyes. Recently it has shown positive results for the remediation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). One of the highly exploited surfactants in detergent preparation is anionic surfactants. The SDS selected for the present study is an example of anionic linear alkyl sulfate. It is utilized extensively in industrial washing, which results in the high effluent level of this contaminant and ubiquitously toxic to the environment. The present review is based on the research depicting the adverse effects of SDS in general and possible strategies to minimizing its effects by bacterial degradation which are capable of exploiting the SDS as an only source of carbon. Moreover, it has also highlighted that how nanotechnology can play a role in the remediation of such recalcitrant pesticides.
Alkalic dextranase produced by marine bacterium Cellulosimicrobium sp. PX02 and its application
Authors: Ning Zhe , Dong Dongxue , Tian Xiaopeng , Zu Hangtian , Tian Xueqing , Lyu Mingsheng , Wang Shujun
Published: September 2021

The enzyme dextranase is widely used in the sugar and food industries, as well as in the medical field. Most land‐derived dextranases are produced by fungi and have the disadvantages of long production cycles, low tolerance to environmental conditions, and low safety. The use of marine bacteria to produce dextranases may overcome these problems. In this study, a dextranase‐producing bacterium was isolated from the Rizhao seacoast of Shandong, China. The bacterium, denoted as PX02, was identified as Cellulosimicrobium sp. and its growing conditions and the production and properties of its dextranase were investigated. The dextranase had a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa, maximum activity at 40°C and pH 7.5, with a stability range of up to 45°C and pH 7.0–9.0. High‐performance liquid chromatography showed that the dextranase hydrolyzed dextranT20 to isomaltotriose, maltopentaose, and isomaltooligosaccharides. Hydrolysis by dextranase produced excellent antioxidant effects, suggesting its potential use in the health food industry. Investigation of the action of the dextranase on Streptococcus mutans biofilm and scanning electron microscopy showed that it to be effective both for removing and inhibiting the formation of biofilms, suggesting its potential application in the dental industry.
Paraspinal muscle morphology and composition in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A histological analysis
Authors: Shahidi Bahar , Yoo Andrew , Farnsworth Christine , Newton Peter O. , Ward Samuel R.
Published: September 2021

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a condition resulting in spinal deformity and tissue adaptation of the paraspinal muscles. Although prior studies have demonstrated asymmetries in fiber type and other energetic features of muscle on the concave side of the curve, muscle morphology, architecture, and composition have not been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare differences in paraspinal muscle microarchitecture and composition between concave and convex sides of a scoliotic curve in individuals with AIS.

Methods

Paraspinal muscle biopsies were obtained at the apex of the scoliotic curve in 29 individuals with AIS undergoing surgical deformity correction. Histological assays were performed to quantify fiber size, evidence of muscle degeneration and regeneration, and tissue composition (proportion of muscle, collagen, and fat). Differences between contralateral muscle samples were compared using two‐tailed paired Student's t tests, and relationships between clinical characteristics (age and curve severity) and muscle characteristics were investigated using Pearson correlations.

Results

Muscle fibers were significantly larger on the convex side of the curve apex (P = .001), but were lower than literature‐based norms for healthy paraspinal muscle. There were no differences in amount of degeneration/regeneration (P = .490) or the proportion of muscle and collagen (P > .350) between the concave and convex sides, but high levels of collagen were observed. There was a trend toward higher fat content on the concave side (P = .074). Larger fiber size asymmetries were associated with greater age (r = .43, P = .046), and trended toward an association with greater curve severity (r = .40, P = .069).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that although muscle fibers are larger on the convex side of the scoliotic curve in AIS, muscles on both sides are atrophic compared to non‐scoliotic individuals, and demonstrate levels of collagen similar to severe degenerative spinal pathologies. These findings provide insight into biological maladaptations occurring in paraspinal muscle in the presence of AIS.
Severe acute otitis media and mastoiditis caused by group A beta‐hemolytic streptococcus
Authors: Laakso Juha T. , Rissanen Valtteri , Ruotsalainen Eeva , Korpi Jarkko , Laulajainen‐Hongisto Anu , Sivonen Ville , Sinkkonen Saku T.
Published: September 2021

Objective

To describe the characteristics, diagnostics, treatment, and outcome of severe acute otitis media (AOM) and acute mastoiditis (AM) caused by group A beta‐hemolytic streptococcus (GAS).

Study design

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The yearly incidence of inpatient care‐needing GAS AOM/AM patients in our hospital catchment area between 2002 and 2018 was investigated. A detailed analysis was performed for cases treated during the last GAS epidemic in 2017‐2018. Anamnesis, signs and symptoms, pure‐tone audiometry results, treatment, complications, and outcome were collected from medical charts. Patients responded to an otology‐specific health‐related quality of life survey (EOS‐16) 1.5 to 3 years after their treatment.

Results

The number of GAS infections peaks at approximately 7‐year intervals. During 2017 and 2018, altogether 37 patients (29 adults and 8 children) were hospitalized due to GAS AOM/AM. AM was diagnosed in 14 (38%) patients. The disease progression was typically very rapid. At presentation, all patients had severe ear pain, 68% tympanic membrane perforation and discharge, 43% fever, and 43% vertigo. In pure‐tone audiometry, there was usually a marked mixed hearing loss at presentation. There was a significant recovery in both air and bone conduction thresholds; the pure tone average improvement from presentation was 32.3 ± 14.8 dB. Rapid strep tests (RST) proved to be more sensitive than bacterial culture in identifying GAS as a cause of AOM/AM.

Conclusion

GAS AOM/AM has a rapid onset. Hearing loss usually includes a sensorineural component, which is usually reversible with adequate treatment. RST seems to be useful in detecting GAS from middle ear discharge.

Level of Evidence

4.
HeaLED: Assessment of skin healing under light‐emitting diode (LED) exposure—A randomized controlled study versus placebo
Authors: Le Duff Florence , Fontas Eric , Guardoli Davide , Lacour Jean‐Philippe , Passeron Thierry
Published: September 2021

Background

Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) in the visible or near‐infrared spectrum have been reported to promote wound healing. However, despite being frequently proposed in daily clinical practice, the efficacy of photobiomodulation treatment after a laser procedure relies on very limited clinical data.

Objective

To compare the relative efficacy of LED versus placebo treatment in decreasing erythema and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after a fractional CO2 session.

Methods

We conducted an open prospective intraindividual randomized controlled study with 10 healthy volunteers. An ablative fractional laser was performed on the seven forearm areas. Three consecutive daily sessions of LED (590, 630, and 850 nm [two tested irradiances each] and placebo) were applied after randomization. Physical measures (colorimetry, TEWL), photography, and clinical evaluation were performed on Days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 21. The main criterion of evaluation was the variation of parameter a* (erythema) at 72 hours for each LED parameter compared to placebo treatment.

Results

No significant differences in the variation of the parameter a* or any of the other studied parameters were found for the different LEDs compared to the placebo area.

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation failed to improve healing after laser ablation compared to placebo.
A Mesenchymal‐Epithelial Transition Factor‐Agonistic Antibody Accelerates Cirrhotic Liver Regeneration and Improves Mouse Survival Following Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Ma Kuai , Que Weitao , Hu Xin , Guo Wen‐Zhi , Gu Er‐li , Zhong Liang , Morello Virginia , Cazzanti Manuela , Michieli Paolo , Takahara Terumi , Li Xiao‐Kang
Published: September 2021

Small‐for‐size syndrome (SFSS) is a common complication following partial liver transplantation and extended hepatectomy. SFSS is characterized by postoperative liver dysfunction caused by insufficient regenerative capacity and portal hyperperfusion and is more frequent in patients with preexisting liver disease. We explored the effect of the Mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (MET)‐agonistic antibody 71D6 on liver regeneration and functional recovery in a mouse model of SFSS. Male C57/BL6 mice were exposed to repeated carbon tetrachloride injections for 10 weeks and then randomized into 2 arms receiving 3 mg/kg 71D6 or a control immunoglobulin G (IgG). At 2 days after the randomization, the mice were subjected to 70% hepatectomy. Mouse survival was recorded up to 28 days after hepatectomy. Satellite animals were euthanized at different time points to analyze liver regeneration, fibrosis, and inflammation. Serum 71D6 administration significantly decreased mouse mortality consequent to insufficient regeneration of the cirrhotic liver. Analysis of liver specimens in satellite animals revealed that 71D6 promoted powerful activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway and accelerated liver regeneration, characterized by increased liver‐to‐body weight, augmented mitotic index, and higher serum albumin levels. Moreover, 71D6 accelerated the resolution of hepatic fibrosis as measured by picrosirius red, desmin, and α–smooth muscle actin staining, and suppressed liver infiltration by macrophages as measured by CD68 and F4/80 staining. Analysis of gene expression by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that 71D6 administration suppressed the expression of key profibrotic genes, including platelet‐derived growth factor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3, and transforming growth factor‐β1, and of key proinflammatory genes, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 3, and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5. These results suggest that activating the MET pathway via an hepatocyte growth factor–mimetic antibody may be beneficial in patients with SFSS and possibly other types of acute and chronic liver disorders.
Effect of pulse cathodic protection on corrosion mitigation and electrochemical conditions under a simulated coating disbondment on pipeline steel
Authors: Najafi Hossein , Eslami Abdoulmajid , Golozar Mohammad A. , Kavian Amin , Ahmadi Mahdi
Published: September 2021

Coating disbondments on pipeline steels are regions with high resistivity where conventional cathodic protection (CP) could not fully protect. Therefore, in an attempt to mitigate this challenge, this study investigates the effect of pulse CP on corrosion mitigation and electrochemical conditions under a simulated coating disbondment on X‐52 pipeline steel. In this regard, conventional and pulse CP of −870 mVSCE were applied to the open mouth of a simulated coating disbondment. For pulse CP, frequencies of 1, 5, and 10 kHz were used. Results showed while the conventional CP was not able to fully protect the 20 cm simulated coating disbondment, for the pulse CP with increase in frequency from 1 to 5 kHz, and from 5 to 10 kHz, improve in CP potential protection under the simulated coating disbondment was achieved. This was accompanied by considerably lower corrosion and a more uniform pH distribution under the simulated coating disbondment.
A Facile Strategy for the Preparation of Carboxymethylcellulose‐Derived Polymer Dots and Their Application to Detect Tetracyclines
Authors: Zhang Siyu , Wang Ying , Yang Guang
Published: September 2021

Developing nonconjugated fluorescent polymer dots based on cellulose materials through a simple and economical method is of high value for sensing or imaging. However, great challenges are still being suffered. Herein, strong blue‐green emission water‐soluble cellulose polymer dots (CPDs) are synthesized with excellent stability using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and citric acid (CA) as precursors via a mild reaction and facile synthesis process. Near‐spherical nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 11.3 nm and quantum yield of 11.5% are obtained. Importantly, CPDs can be utilized as an excellent fluorescent probe for the detection of tetracyclines (TCs) in aqueous solutions through fluorescence quenching via the inner filter effect. The detection limit for fluorescent CPDs for TC detection is found to be as low as 4.1 × 10‐9 m, and two good linear relationships for TC concentration ranging from 51.8 × 10‐9 to 256.8 × 10‐9 m (R2 = 0.996) and 0 × 10‐6 to 15.3 × 10‐6 m (R2 = 0.997) are obtained. Finally, the fluorescent CPD fluorescent probe is successfully utilized to detect TC in real samples, including tap water, milk, and river water.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Alternating (Ultra‐High Molecular Weight) Multiblock Copolymers via a Combination of Anionic Polymerization and Polycondensation
Authors: Heck Matthias , Botha Carlo , Wilhelm Manfred , Hirschberg Valerian
Published: September 2021

This article presents a fast, straightforward synthesis approach to polymerize alternating multiblock copolymers, ultra‐high molecular weight (UHMW) (homo)polymers as well as precursors for complex macromolecular topologies such as comb or barbwire architectures. The one‐pot synthesis strategy proposed in this work is based on anionic polymerization via a bifunctional initiator and the subsequent linking of macro dianions with a bifunctional linker, additionally overcoming the limitations associated with the monomer reactivity. Thus, the synthetic route guarantees the repeating size of polymer blocks and an equal distribution of functional groups in precursors for complex topologies. Dianions of polystyrene (PS), polyisoprene‐b‐polystyrene‐b‐polyisoprene, and poly‐2‐vinylpyridine‐b‐polystyrene‐b‐poly‐2‐vinylpyridine are linked with ‐dibromo‐para‐xylene to UHMW and multiblock copolymers. Multiblock copolymers with on average up to 50 well‐defined alternating A and B blocks are accessible within 15 min.
Structural Insulation Materials from Plant Resources for Building
Authors: Thu Aung Htut , Zakharov Alexander I.
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, researchers are focusing on the methods of using recycled industrial/agricultural wastes as raw materials, which are not only economically but also environmentally useful. In the recent years, many scholars have conducted research on the rational use of rice husks (RHs) and found that RHs are rich in inorganic/organic components and used in combination with the certain building materials to produce new green composite building materials. This paper studies the method of using RH processed products and the sodium silicate solution (liquid glass) made from RH ash to produce cheap wood substitute composite materials, which can be improved the insulation performance of the wall greatly. Obtained results are determined by comparing with the properties of standard polymer composite materials such as particleboards, chipboards, and medium‐density fiberboards (MDF). The significance of the work is pointing out by solving the problem of recycling large‐tonnage agricultural waste and reproduce products with the consumer's value.
Clinical RNA sequencing confirms compound heterozygous intronic variants in RYR1 in a patient with congenital myopathy, respiratory failure, neonatal brain hemorrhage, and d‐transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Shillington Amelle , Zea Vera Alonso , Perry Tanya , Hopkin Robert , Thomas Cameron , Cooper David , Suhrie Kristen
Published: September 2021

Background

Defects in the RYR1 (OMIM#180901) gene lead to Ryanodine receptor type 1‐related myopathies (RYR1‐RM); the most common subgroup of congenital myopathies.

Methods

Congenital myopathy presents a diagnostic challenge due to the need for multiple testing modalities to identify the many different genetic etiologies. In this case, the patient remained undiagnosed after whole‐exome sequencing (WES), chromosomal microarray, methylation analysis, targeted deletion and duplication studies, and targeted repeat expansion studies. Clinical whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) was then pursued as part of a research study to identify a diagnosis.

Results

WGS identified compound heterozygous RYR1 intronic variants, RNA sequencing confirmed both variants to be pathogenic causing RYR1‐RM in a phenotype of severe congenital hypotonia with respiratory failure from birth, neonatal brain hemorrhage, and congenital heart disease involving transposition of the great arteries.

Conclusion

While there is an ongoing debate about the clinical superiority of WGS versus WES for patients with a suspected genetic condition, this scenario highlights a weakness of WES as well as the added cost and delay in diagnosis timing with having WGS follow WES or even ending further genetic testing with a negative WES. While knowledge gaps still exist for many intronic variants, transcriptome analysis provides a way of validating the resulting dysfunction caused by these variants and thus allowing for appropriate pathogenicity classification. This is the second published case report of a patient with pathogenic intronic variants in RYR1‐RM, with clinical RNA testing confirming variant pathogenicity and therefore the diagnosis suggesting that for some patients careful analysis of a patient's genome and transcriptome are required for a complete genetic evaluation. The diagnostic odyssey experienced by this patient highlights the importance of early, rapid WGS.
Reducing residual‐motion artifacts in iterative 3D CBCT reconstruction in image‐guided radiation therapy
Authors: Peterlik Igor , Strzelecki Adam , Lehmann Mathias , Messmer Philippe , Munro Peter , Paysan Pascal , Plamondon Mathieu , Seghers Dieter
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Recent evaluations of a 3D iterative cone‐beam computed tomography (iCBCT) reconstruction method available on Varian radiation treatment devices demonstrated that iCBCT provides superior image quality when compared to analytical Feldkamp‐Davis‐Kress (FDK) method. However, iCBCT employs statistical penalized likelihood (PL) that is known to be highly sensitive to inconsistencies due to physiological motion occurring during the acquisition. We propose a computationally inexpensive extension of iCBCT addressing this deficiency.

Methods: During the iterative process, the gradients of PL are modified to avoid the generation of motion‐related artifacts. To assess the impact of this modification, we propose a motion simulation generating CBCT projections of a moving anatomy together with artifact‐free images used as ground truth. Contrast‐to‐noise ratio and power spectra of difference images are computed to quantify the impact of the motion on reconstructed CBCT volumes as well as the effect of the proposed modification.

Results: Using both simulated and clinical data, it is shown that the motion of patient's abdominal wall during the acquisition results in artifacts that can be quantified as low‐frequency components in volumes reconstructed with iCBCT. Further, a quantitative evaluation demonstrates that the proposed modification of PL reduces these low‐frequency components. While preserving the advantages of PL, it effectively suppresses the propagation of motion‐related artifacts into clinically important regions, thus increasing the motion resiliency of iCBCT.

Conclusions: The proposed modified iterative reconstruction method significantly improves the quality of CBCT images of anatomies suffering from residual motion.
Efficacy of combination therapy of mid‐urethral sling and low‐dose Abobotulinumtoxin‐A injection in mixed urinary incontinence
Authors: Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Shamsi‐sisi Hooshang , Jahantabi Elham , Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh , Hashim Hashim
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To determine the outcome of combined transobturator tape sling (TOT) and low dose intradetrusor injection of Abobotulinumtoxin‐A (Abobot‐A, Dysport®) in women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

Methods

This randomized, active comparator‐controlled, parallel‐group, two‐part clinical trial was conducted on women who had positive Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) + detrusor overactivity (DO), cough‐associated DO. In Part 1, 20 women with MUI who had a failure of medical and behavioral therapies to cure MUI, randomized in two groups receiving TOT surgery alone, or in combination with Dysport® injection (n = 10 in each group), and then Part 2 was initiated as a prospective open‐label on 40 more patients. We performed cystoscopy and injected 300 U of Dysport®in 20–30 intradetrusor injection sites in each patient.

Results

The patient's symptoms in both groups decreased significantly after treatment. The symptoms were improved significantly in the combination therapy group according to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐overactive bladder (ICIQ‐OAB) questionnaire (p < .001), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐urinary Incontinence‐short form (ICIQ‐UI‐SF) (p = .041) in comparing with the TOT group. In Part 2, the mean score was 17.10 (4.75) for ICIQ‐UI‐SF and 9.22 (2.89) for ICIQ‐OAB before the treatment. Twelve weeks after the intervention, the median (interquartile range: IQR) of ICIQ‐OAB symptoms (2.0 [3.0]; p < .001) and ICIQ‐UI‐SF decreased, too (1. 0 [2.0]; p < .001). Considering improvement using Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale, 46 (92.0%) stated that they had significant subjective improvement of their symptoms.

Conclusions

Combination therapy was accompanied with a promising effect in the patients with MUI according to the results of standardized questionnaires. However, further studies with controlled arms are recommended.
Neuromuscular treatment approach for women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome improving pelvic pain and functionality
Authors: Patil Soha , Daniel Gabrielle , Vyas Rakhi , Tailor Yogita , Howell Melanie , Ahmed Tayyaba , Reutter Christian , Shrikhande Allyson
Published: September 2021

Aims

Reporting the effects of treating underlying myofascial dysfunction and neuropathic pain in women with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal study of 186 women with CPPS treated with ultrasound‐guided peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections to pelvic floor muscles alongside pelvic floor physical therapy once weekly for 6 weeks in an outpatient setting. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Functional Pelvic Pain Scale (FPPS) questionnaires quantified pain and function in the pelvis. Working, intercourse, sleeping, walking, running, lifting, bladder, and bowel were the function categories. Statistical significance was established by p value less than .05 in paired two‐sample t‐test.

Results

VAS improved by 2.14 where average VAS before treatment was 6.61 (standard deviation [SD] 2.45; p < .05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.26–6.96) and average VAS after treatment was 4.47 (SD 2.71; p < .05, 95% CI = 4.08–4.86). Total FPPS decreased by 3.38 from 11.26 (SD 6.51; p < .05, 95% CI = 10.32–12.19) before treatment to 7.88 (SD 6.22; p < .05, 95% CI = 6.99–8.78) after treatment. Working, intercourse, and sleeping accounted for the highest statistically significant improvement.

Conclusion

Findings support the success of the comprehensive treatment protocol. Patients who had persistent symptoms after a full course of pelvic floor physical therapy experienced improvements in pain levels and function once it was combined with ultrasound‐guided nerve blocks and trigger point injections, interactively treating underlying neuromuscular dysfunction.
Levocarnitine supplementation for management of hypertriglyceridemia in patients receiving parenteral nutrition
Authors: Grucz Traci M. , Crow Jessica , Sugrue David , Davis Stephanie , Gager Erin , Beattie Jessica , Shermock Kenneth M. , Jarrell Andrew S.
Published: September 2021

Background

Levocarnitine deficiency has been observed in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) and can cause or worsen hypertriglyceridemia. The objective was to characterize use of levocarnitine supplementation in PN and evaluate its effect on triglyceride levels in hospitalized adults.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐center study included patients with triglyceride levels ≥175 mg/dl while receiving PN who had a subsequent reduction in lipid injectable emulsion dose. A piecewise linear regression was used to evaluate trends in triglyceride levels before and after the intervention, defined as initiation of levocarnitine in PN for the levocarnitine group, or reduction in lipid injectable emulsion alone for the control group.

Results

Two hundred sixty‐one patients who received PN had an elevated triglyceride level and lipid injectable emulsion dose reduction, of which 97 (37.2%) received levocarnitine in PN. The median (IQR) levocarnitine dose added to PN was 8.0 (5.7–9.9) mg/kg. Triglyceride levels at 30 days post‐intervention did not differ between groups (125 vs 176 mg/dl, P = .345). The addition of levocarnitine to PN was associated with a significantly greater rate of reduction in triglyceride levels pre‐intervention to post‐intervention compared with a reduction in lipid injectable emulsion alone (–11 vs –3 mg/dl per day; 95% CI, –15 to –2; P = .012).

Conclusion

In hospitalized adults with hypertriglyceridemia who had a lipid injectable emulsion dose reduction, the addition of levocarnitine in PN was not associated with a difference in triglyceride levels at 30 days; however, a greater rate of improvement in pre‐intervention to post‐intervention triglyceride levels was observed.
Telephone nurses' perceived stress, self‐efficacy and empathy in their work with frequent callers
Authors: Skogevall Sofia , Holmström Inger K. , Kaminsky Elenor , Håkansson Eklund Jakob
Published: September 2021

Aim

To examine telephone nurses' perceived stress, self‐efficacy and empathy in their work with answering calls from frequent callers.

Design

The study is a quantitative questionnaire survey study with a comparative design.

Methods

Telephone nurses (N = 199) answered a survey containing three instruments: Perceived Stress Scale, General Self‐Efficacy Scale and Jefferson's Scale of Empathy. Correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance were performed to test the research questions.

Results

Significant negative correlations were found between stress involving calls from FCs and self‐efficacy (r = −.238), and significant negative correlations between stress involving calls from frequent callers and empathy (r = −.185). It was further revealed that telephone nurses who had worked less than 30 years scored higher on Jefferson's Scale of empathy than those who had worked more than 30 years, F(1, 183) = 4.98, η2 = 0.027.
Hierarchical MoS2/polyaniline binary hybrids with high performance for improving fire safety of epoxy resin
Authors: Feng Xiaming , Cai Wei , Wang Xin , Hu Yuan
Published: September 2021

Here we report a facile strategy to fabricate phosphoric acid doped polyaniline/molybdenum disulfide (PANI/MoS2) hybrids as high‐performance nanofillers in epoxy (EP) resin for the first time. In situ growth of PANI on the surface of two‐dimensional MoS2 template resulted in the uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion of PANI/MoS2 hybrids within EP matrix, which can be confirmed by the obvious increase (13.5°C) in glass transition temperature (Tg) of EP composites. The MoS2 nanosheets also acted as a critical component to generate synergistic effect with PANI on reducing the fire hazards of EP resin. It resulted in a remarkable removal of flammable decomposed products and a considerable reduction of toxic CO yield. The dramatical decreases in real‐time smoke density and total smoke production, and high‐graphitized char layer in condensed phase were obtained for EP composite with 5 wt% PANI/MoS2 hybrids. The multiple synergistic effects (synergistic dispersion and synergistic char formation) are believed to be the primary source for these obvious enhancements of properties of EP composites. This facile strategy may achieve the potential application of functionalized MoS2 in polymeric nanocomposites.