bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multifunctional Nanoplatform Based on Graphene Quantum Dots‐Cobalt Ferrite for Monitoring of Drug Delivery and Fluorescence/Magnetic Resonance Bimodal Cellular Imaging
Authors: Teng Yun , Yuan Shuai , Shi Jue , Pong Philip W. T.
Published: July 2022

A novel multifunctional nanoplatform based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs)‐cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) is demonstrated for monitoring of the drug delivery and fluorescence/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) bimodal cellular imaging. The nanoplatform is fabricated by assembling the GQDs onto the surface of magnetic CoFe2O4@SiO2 (CFO@SiO2) via covalent binding, subsequently conjugated with folic acid (FA). Then anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) is loaded on the GQD‐CFO/SiO2/FA with a capacity of 65.4 wt%. The DOX/GQD‐CFO@SiO2/FA can be used for monitoring of drug release by detecting the Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) signals, with the GQDs serve as the drug carrier and the donor in FRET model. Herein, the monitoring of drug delivery is explored via the corresponding changes in FRET. The reduced brightness of T2‐weighted MRI images indicates the potential of GQD‐CFO@SiO2/FA to be applied as the negative contrast agent. The fluorescence/MRI bimodal cellular imaging can facilitate the transportation of drug delivery. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assay confirms the desirable biocompatibility of GQD‐CFO@SiO2/FA nanoplatform, and DOX/GQD‐CFO@SiO2/FA exhibits notable cytotoxicity to HeLa cells. These results demonstrate the significantly increased therapeutic efficiency of this nanoplatform. Thus, the novel GQD‐CFO@SiO2/FA can be a promising multifunctional nanoplatform with monitoring of drug delivery and fluorescence/MRI bimodal cellular imaging.
‘In most supermarkets food does not cost £3 per day …’ The impact of the school food voucher scheme during COVID‐19
Authors: Lalli Gurpinder Singh
Published: July 2022

Households with children eligible for Free School Meals are at risk of food insecurity. This paper reports on a rapid‐response study that investigated the impact of the school food voucher scheme during the COVID‐19 crisis on young people, families and schools. It pays close attention to the reliance of the state on the goodwill of society and its citizens in feeding those most in need. The Capabilities Approach is used to highlight factors that inhibited and restricted the use of the vouchers to produce the capability of having good nutrition for children in need of Free School Meals. The approach moves towards creating a society where children and young people are able to lead a life of their own choice and contribute to key policy decisions. This qualitative study funded by the British Education Research Association was conducted between September 2020 and March 2021. The study posed two research questions: (1) how have schools responded to COVID‐19 in relation to food during holiday provision; and (2) what have families identified as barriers to accessing the school food voucher scheme? Data collection involved online interviews with young people, schools and organisations (i.e. public health, director from the food industry. etc.). The findings highlight the difficulties with accessing and using the school food voucher and implications for future policy directions. Owing to this being a small‐scale study, it is not generalisable to the wider population but does highlight localised issues.
Paediatric BCOR‐associated sarcomas with a novel long spliced internal tandem duplication of BCOR exon 15
Authors: Goh Jian Yuan , Kuick Chik Hong , Sugiura Masahiro , Aw Sze Jet , Zhao Manli , Tang Hongfeng , Gunaratne Sandini , Zhu Fucun , Cai Lin , Teh Bin Tean , Thorner Paul S , Chang Kenneth Tou En
Published: July 2022

Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) and primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumour of infancy (PMMTI) are paediatric sarcomas that most commonly harbour internal tandem duplications (ITDs) of exon 15 of the BCOR gene, in the range of 87–114 base pairs (bp). Some cases, instead, have BCOR‐CCNB3 or YWHAE‐NUTM2 gene fusions. About 10% of cases lack any of these genetic alterations when tested by standard methods. Two cases of CCSK and one PMMTI lacking the aforementioned mutations were analysed using Archer FusionPlex technology. Two related BCOR exon 15 RNA transcripts with ITDs of lengths 388 and 96 bp were detected in each case; only the 388 bp transcript was identified when genomic DNA was sequenced. In silico analysis of this transcript revealed acceptor and donor splice sites indicating that, at the RNA level, the 388‐bp transcript was likely spliced to form the 96‐bp transcript. The results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing using primers targeting the ITD breakpoint. This novel and unusually long ITD segment is difficult to identify by DNA sequencing using typical primer design strategies flanking entire duplicated segments because it exceeds the typical read lengths of most sequencing platforms as well as the usual fragment lengths obtained from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded material. As diagnosis of CCSK and PMMTI may be challenging by morphology and immunohistochemistry alone, it is important to identify mutations in these cases. Knowledge of this novel BCOR ITD is important in relation to primer design for detection by sequencing, and using RNA versus DNA for sequencing.
PROTOCOL: Group‐based community interventions to support the social reintegration of marginalised adults with mental illness
Authors: Dalgaard Nina T. , Flensborg Jensen Maya C. , Bengtsen Elizabeth , Krassel Karl F. , Vembye Mikkel H.
Published: July 2022

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The main objective is to explore the general efficacy of group‐based community interventions aimed at supporting marginalised adults with mental illness and related problems on outcomes such as problem behaviour, subjective well‐being, homelessness, poverty and employment. Furthermore, the objective is to explore the potential advantages/disadvantages of using a group‐based versus an individual intervention when targeting specific problems or when using specific types of interventions.
Rechargeable Manganese Dioxide−Zinc Batteries: A Review Focusing on Challenges and Optimization Strategies under Alkaline and Mild Acidic Electrolyte Media
Authors: Debnath Subhrajyoti , Maiti Apurba , Naskar Pappu , Banerjee Anjan
Published: July 2022

Herein, we have reviewed the recent developments of rechargeable manganese dioxide−zinc (MnO2−Zn) batteries under both alkaline and mild acidic electrolyte systems. The evolution pathway of MnO2−Zn system from Leclanché cell to alkaline primary batteries and from primary to secondary batteries is chronologically depicted. Several adverse phenomena are associated with the reversibility of metallic zinc negative electrode under alkaline (pH 14) electrolyte mediums, and these may include zinc dendrite formation, passivation of electrode surface, shape change of the electrode, zincate crossover through separator and hydrogen evolution upon charging. The MnO2positive electrode also experiences few performance degrading issues under alkaline mediums; like generation of electrochemically inert phases (Mn3O4and ZnMn2O4) in the electrode upon deep‐discharge and Mn‐dissolution in the electrolyte. The mitigation measures of these challenges are well documented and systematically analysed. On the invention of zinc‐ion batteries, the MnO2−Zn secondary batteries are assembled under mild acidic (pH 4–6) electrolytes, and eventually, several adverse effects of alkaline systems are drastically nullified. However, recent scientific and technical efforts are coined to address the challenges of large‐scale MnO2−Zn batteries in mild acidic mediums, and formulate the optimization strategies. This review culminates with a few smart designs of MnO2−Zn batteries, whereas, truly path‐breaking concepts are associated with. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first review that covers the entire spectrum of MnO2−Zn system in both alkaline and mild acidic mediums, along with evolution pathways.
Pharmacokinetics of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium for Suspension (200 mg/28.5 mg) in Healthy Subjects: Sample Add Stabilizer Study and Food Effects
Authors: Xu Su‐Mei , Qin Fei , Zhang Yong‐Dong , Xu Ping‐Sheng
Published: July 2022

The present study compares the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium suspension (200 mg/28.5 mg) during fasting and postprandial conditions, and the sample adds a stabilizer study. Two randomized, crossover trials were conducted in an open‐label, single‐center study (a fasting trial and a postprandial trial). In each part of the study, the subjects were randomly assigned to receive either test or reference products (200 mg/28.5 mg) in a 1:1:1 ratio, followed by the alternative products after a 7‐day washout period. Plasma amoxicillin and clavulanic acid concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. WinNonlin software was used to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters (noncompartmental model). The formulations were considered bioequivalent if the geometric means of area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were within the predetermined bioequivalence range established by average bioequivalence (ABE) or reference‐scaled ABE. Tolerability was assessed throughout the study. The postprandial trial and the fasting study each had 12 volunteers. Under fasting and postprandial conditions, the 90%CI for the ratio of geometric means of amoxicillin of Cmax, AUC from time 0 to the last measurable concentration, and AUC from time 0 to infinity were within the ABE acceptance limits (80%‐125%); the geometric means of clavulanic acid of Cmax (critbound, –0.03; point estimate, 1.07) were within the reference‐scaled ABE acceptance limits, and the AUC from time 0 to the last measurable concentration and AUC from time 0 to infinity were within the ABE acceptance limits (80%–125%). Time to maximum concentration of amoxicillin was delayed 1.0 hour with high‐fat meals compared to fasting conditions. Meantime, high‐fat meals decreased the exposure of clavulanic acid by nearly 40%. No serious adverse events were found among the subjects. The bioequivalence of test and reference amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for suspension was validated in this study under fasting and postprandial conditions.
Pharmacogenomic Clinical Decision Support: A Scoping Review
Authors: Smith D. Max , Wake Dyson T. , Dunnenberger Henry M.
Published: July 2022

Clinical decision support (CDS) is often cited as an essential part of pharmacogenomics (PGx) implementations. A multitude of strategies are available; however, it is unclear which strategies are effective and which metrics are used to quantify clinical utility. The objective of this scoping review was to aggregate previous studies into a cohesive depiction of the current state of PGx CDS implementations and identify areas for future research on PGx CDS. Articles were included if they (i) described electronic CDS tools for PGx and (ii) reported metrics related to PGx CDS. Twenty of 3,449 articles were included and provided data on PGx CDS metrics from 15 institutions, with 93% of programs located at academic medical centers. The most common tools in CDS implementations were interruptive post‐test alerts. Metrics for clinical response and alert response ranged from 12–73% and 21–98%, respectively. Few data were found on changes in metrics over time and measures that drove the evolution of CDS systems. Relatively few data were available regarding support of optimal approaches for PGx CDS. Post‐test alerts were the most widely studied approach, and their effectiveness varied greatly. Further research on the usability, effectiveness, and optimization of CDS tools is needed.
Cytomorphological and immunohistochemical features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in serous fluids
Authors: Nie Xiao‐Yu , Wang Qian , Wang Shou‐Mei , Xu Yi , Pan Yun‐Cui , Zhang Xin , Hu Ai‐Yan , Zhang Shu‐Hui
Published: July 2022

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents the most common primary pancreatic malignancy. An understanding of the cytomorphologic features of conventional ductal adenocarcinoma and its variants is important to ensure accurate diagnoses.

Methods

The clinicopathological and cytological data of serous fluids in PDAC patients were obtained from the electronic medical records and pathology database. All samples were analyzed and reclassified according to the “The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology” guidelines. Cytomorphologic features were examined with SurePath automatically prepared slides and stained using the Pap method in malignant (MAL) effusion specimens from 21 patients with PDAC. Immunocytochemical staining was conducted on 12 cell blocks from MAL PDAC effusion.

Results

A total of 137 serous fluids specimens of PDACs were included, among which 61 (44.5%), 9 (6.6%), 13 (9.5%), 52 (38.0%), and 2 (1.5%) patients were classified into malignancy, suspicious for malignancy, atypia of undetermined significance, negative for malignancy and nondiagnostic groups, respectively. The key cytologic features for the conventional type of PDAC included cohesive clusters of ductal cells in glandular crowding and disorganized “drunken honeycomb” pattern or intercalated duct‐like structure with anisonucleosis, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and concomitant “Indian‐file” configuration. Undifferentiated carcinoma was comprised of enlarged, undifferentiated, pleomorphic MAL cells. Adenosquamous carcinoma could show glandular and/or squamous differentiation. Colloid carcinoma was composed of three‐dimensional cancer cell clusters floating in thick mucin.

Conclusion

Crowding and disorganized “drunken honeycomb” pattern or intercalated duct‐like structure with anisonucleosis, may represent an important clue for diagnosing PDAC in serous fluids. Immunocytochemical staining in combination with review of medical records and cytomorphological data can serve as useful adjuncts for distinguishing between PDAC and its variants.
Power augmentation of ducted wind turbines for urban structures: Experimental, numerical, and economic approaches
Authors: Ranjbar Mohammad H. , Mashouf Hirad , Gharali Kobra , Rafiei Behnam , Al‐Haq Armughan , Nathwani Jatin
Published: July 2022

Recent development in using wind turbines for urban areas results in inserting turbines inside buildings. As buildings' walls may act as a duct for the turbine, this study focuses on a ducted wind turbine with a fixed duct geometry. A method is organized for achieving the improved generated power and the wind speed augmentation with fixed geometry of duct regardless of the type of the turbine, which is the aim of building designers. Using a porous disc (PD) instead of a wind turbine rotor makes the study cost and time effective. PDs within a duct help estimate any given duct's maximum available power extraction capability. In addition, experimental and numerical tests examine the effect of PDs solidity on the performance of diffuser augmented wind turbines and the corresponding economic analysis. Both experimental and numerical results agree that the power coefficient highly depends on the solidities of the PD. The power coefficient of a ducted PD with a solidity of 0.3 is augmented by up to 30%. Nevertheless, in some cases, employing a duct can contribute to the power reduction if the solidity exceeds a critical value. A smoke visualization technique helps vortex study. Economic assessment of a ducted turbine for three scenarios belonging to Germany and Italy shows a 15.3% decline in cost per electricity production. The payback period decreases by 3.42 years, 7.68 months, and 6.36 months for Scenarios 1, 2, and 3.
Balancing Ecosystems, Harvests, and Seafood Markets
Authors: Collie Jeremy , Schumann Sarah , Masury Kate , Uchida Hirotsugu , Collie Claire
Published: July 2022

Recognition of competition and predator–prey interactions among species has led some to promote the concept of balanced harvesting, whereby fisheries would remove a proportional, sustainable fraction of all species in the fish community. Practical implementation of such a strategy hinges on understanding the current degree of species selection in fisheries and the factors that drive this selection. This interdisciplinary study measured ecosystem–market symmetry in the New England region by tracking species composition from ecosystem production, to catch, landings, and seafood markets. Strong species selection occurred in the catch and in seafood markets but not by discarding, which suggests that that requiring full retention of all species caught may make a limited contribution to promoting ecosystem–market symmetry. Results from a group of citizen scientists indicate that higher priced species were generally more available in seafood markets and that availability diminished rapidly with distance from shore. We conclude that market-based selection may be reduced through a combination of locavore consumer education and global marketing strategies.
Potential eligibility for Aducanumab therapy in an Irish specialist cognitive service—Utilising cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and appropriate use criteria
Authors: Togher Zara , Dolphin Helena , Russell Caoimh , Ryan Marie , Kennelly Séan P. , O'Dowd Séan
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Aducanumab is a monoclonal antibody which has recently been licenced for use by the food and drug administration for treatment of patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild AD dementia. Appropriate use criteria (AUC) for Aducanumab in clinical practice are available. We look to review patients in our specialist interdisciplinary cognitive service with positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for AD for their hypothetical eligibility for Aducanumab, or a similar anti‐amyloid agent.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients with positive AD‐biomarker CSF analysis. Data available at time of CSF analysis was reviewed to determine hypothetical eligibility for Aducanumab.

Results

Seventy patients had positive AD‐CSF biomarkers. Forty nine of these were seen in the Gerontology‐led service, with 21 in the neurology cohort. Average patient age was 70 years old. Forty patients (57%) met eligibility criteria for Aducanumab therapy by AUC guidelines.

Conclusion

We highlight the patients within our service who would be appropriate for Aducanumab or similar anti‐amyloid agents should licencing be granted in the European Union, and the need to develop the resources and capacity to deliver this or other emerging disease modifying AD therapies.

Clinical Trial Registration: All patients in the combined cognitive clinic provide consent re willingness to be contacted re research.
Large‐scale screening for factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin (G20210A), and MTHFR (C677T) mutations in Greek population
Authors: Raptopoulou Alkistis , Michou Vassiliki , Mourtzi Niki , Papageorgiou Efstathia G. , Voyiatzaki Chrysa , Tsilivakos Vassilis , Beloukas Apostolos , Bei Thaleia A.
Published: July 2022

Background and aims

To provide a fair estimate of the prevalence of factor V Leiden (FVL) (G1691A), prothrombin (G20210A), and MTHFR (C677T) mutations in the Greek population.

Methods

We genotyped a representative sample of 974 apparently healthy Greek adults by the method of real‐time PCR and we calculated the allele frequencies of factor V Leiden (FVL) (G1691A), prothrombin (G20210A), and MTHFR (C677T) mutations. In addition, we determined the frequency of co‐occurrence of FVL (1691A) and prothrombin (20210A), FVL (1691A) and MTHFR (677T), prothrombin (20210A) and MTHFR (677T) mutations.

Results

Τhe career frequencies of FVL (1691A), prothrombin (20210A), and MTHFR (677T) alleles were 7.5%, 4.5%, and 49.3% while the allele frequencies were 4%, 2.25%, and 39.5%, respectively. The coexistence of the allele frequencies combinations of two, FVL (1691A) and Prothrombin (20210A), FVL (1691A) and MTHFR (677T), prothrombin (20210A) and MTHFR (677T) was found in 1 (0.9%), 29 (3.5%), and 22 (3%) samples, respectively. Triple heterozygous carriers were not found.

Conclusion

Allele frequencies of the two (FVL and MTHFR) mutations are higher compared with published data. The large sample size of our study enhances the validity of our results and suggests a biological affinity of Greek population with Southern Italian populations.
Corruption and foreign bank entry denials: A cross‐country panel analysis
Authors: Lskavyan Vahe
Published: July 2022

The existing literature largely reports a negative effect of corruption on foreign direct investment (FDI) and explains it by the unwillingness of foreign investors to invest due to the high post‐entry costs and risks of corruption. However, in addition to affecting foreign investors' willingness to invest, corruption can also affect their ability to invest. This latter channel is less explored. To fill this gap, we use cross‐country panel data to analyse the relationship between corruption and foreign bank entry denials. Our fixed‐effects estimation results, as well as the following sensitivity checks show that corruption can also be an entry‐point deterrent: corrupt host countries are more likely to deny entry to foreign banks. This finding suggests that at least some foreign investors are forced rather than choose to stay out of corrupt countries. A policy implication could be that reducing the entry‐point corruption can increase foreign investment even if the post‐entry costs and risks of corruption remain unchanged.
Subsidy and product diversity in the presence of buyer power
Authors: Chen Zhiqi , Ding Hong
Published: July 2022

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of government subsidies in promoting product diversity when a downstream firm has buyer power. Using an extension of the Dixit‐Stiglitz model of monopolistic competition, we compare the effects of subsidies on the equilibrium number of differentiated products and social welfare in the case where products are sold directly to consumers versus the case where they are distributed through a monopoly retailer with buyer power. We find that a production subsidy promotes product diversity in both cases, but the mechanisms through which a subsidy raises the number of products are different. Compared with the case where products are distributed directly to consumers, retailer buyer power reduces product diversity and social welfare. Furthermore, it weakens the effectiveness of the subsidy in promoting product diversity. At any given subsidy rate the equilibrium number of products is smaller, and a rise in the subsidy rate leads to a smaller increase in the number of products.
The Uses of Engineering Notebooks Among Pre‐Engineering Students at a Hispanic‐Serving Institution
Authors: Mein Erika , Convertino Christina
Published: July 2022

In this article, we draw on sociocultural perspectives on literacy to explore the ways in which pre‐engineering students took up and made sense of engineering notebooks implemented as part of a robotics project in a first‐semester university study course at a large, public Hispanic‐Serving Institution. Through ethnographic methods, we uncovered two primary sets of uses for the notebooks: (1) recording and remembering and (2) problem solving and decision‐making. The study illustrates the ways in which entering college students, especially those from underrepresented groups who seek to become engineers, may take up opportunities to “try out” disciplinary literacies through meaningful engagement with the practices of the discipline.
Exposure to boron trioxide nanoparticles and ions cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and phenotypic alterations in Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model
Authors: Turna Demir Fatma , Demir Eşref
Published: July 2022

Boron trioxide nanoparticles (B2O3 NPs) have recently been widely used in a range of applications including electronic device technologies, acousto‐optic apparatus fields, and as nanopowder for the production of special glasses. We propose Drosophila melanogaster as a useful in vivo model system to study the genotoxic risks associated with NP exposure. In this study, we have conducted a genotoxic evaluation of B2O3 NPs (size average 55.52 ± 1.41 nm) and its ionic form in D. melanogaster. B2O3 NPs were supplied to third instar larvae at concentrations ranging from 0.1–10 mM. Toxicity, intracellular oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, ROS), phenotypic alterations, genotoxic effect (via the wing somatic mutation and recombination test, SMART), and DNA damage (via Comet assay) were the end‐points evaluated. B2O3 NPs did not cause any mutagenic/recombinogenic effects in all tested non‐toxic concentrations in Drosophila SMART. Negative data were also obtained with the ionic form. Exposure to B2O3 NPs and its ionic form (at two highest concentrations, 2.5 and 5 mM) was found to induce DNA damage in Comet assay. Additionally, ROS induction in hemocytes and phenotypic alterations were determined in the mouths and legs of Drosophila. This study is the first study reporting genotoxicity data in the somatic cells of Drosophila larvae, emphasizing the importance of D. melanogaster as a model organism in investigating the different biological effects in a concentration‐dependent manner caused by B2O3 NPs and its ionic form. The obtained in vivo results contribute to improvement the genotoxicity database on the B2O3 NPs.
A case of severe DRESS syndrome treated with therapeutic plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy
Authors: Durak Cansu , Aydemir Sezin , Varol Fatih , Aygün Fatih , Çokuğraş Haluk Cezmi
Published: July 2022

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome in children is a rare adverse drug reaction with skin rash, fever, hematologic abnormalities, and multiorgan involvement. The diagnosis is difficult because of its various clinical presentations, nonetheless is extremely important due to the mortality rate. We describe a 14‐year‐old boy who developed hypersensitivity to either teicoplanin or meropenem therapy. After failing to improve with corticosteroids, he was successfully treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). TPE should be considered in the treatment with corticosteroid‐resistant DRESS syndrome.
Research progress on serological indices and their clinical application in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Meng Shuting , Jing Longxiao , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Feng , Dong Yefeng , Dong Deping
Published: July 2022

Background

As a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of undetermined etiology, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a complex pathogenesis, which involves multiple proteins and cytokines. The 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria facilitate early diagnosis of RA with reduced specificity when compared to the 1987 ACR criteria. Hence, it is imperative to identify novel serological inflammatory indicators and targets, in order to explain the complex regulatory network of RA. The present review discusses the associations of various inflammatory factors with RA and its underlying mechanism. Besides, the review also provides a novel insight into the clinical treatment of RA.

Materials and Methods

According to the PRISMA guidelines, databases like Web of Science, Google‐Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus were systematically searched for articles from January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2022 using The following 2 keywords: "rheumatoid arthritis", "Inflammatory cytokines", "ILs", "serum amyloid protein A", "matrix metalloproteinase 3", "RANKL", "Glucose‐6‐phosphoisomerase", "Anti‐keratin antibody", "1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3".

Results

Indicators like MMPs, ILs, glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase (GPI), anti‐keratin antibody (AKA) and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) are the current hotspots in the efficacy research of RA. The present review suggests that ILs are highly expressed in the serum and synovial tissues of RA patients. By targeted inhibition of ILs with inhibitor application, precise RA treatment can be achieved.

Conclusions

Based on these results, it can be concluded that inflammatory factors have certain guiding significance in the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of RA. However, the mechanisms of interactions among them are rather complex, which deserve further exploration.
The intercorrelation among CCT6A, CDC20, CCNB1, and PLK1 expressions and their clinical value in papillary thyroid carcinoma prognostication
Authors: Peng Wei , Li Wenqiang , Zhang Xiaoyong , Cen Weili , Liu Yanan
Published: July 2022

Background

CCT6A promotes several carcinomas' growth and invasion in multiple ways, and it relates to CCNB1 and PLK1 through its interaction with CDC20 via protein–protein interaction bioinformatics. This study aimed to explore the intercorrelation among CCT6A, CDC20, CCNB1, and PLK1, and their association with tumor features and prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients.

Methods

CCT6A, CDC20, CCNB1, and PLK1 expressions in 186 tumor and 30 non‐tumor specimens from PTC patients were determined by immunohistochemical (IHC). Clinical features, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were retrieved.

Results

CCT6A, CDC20, CCNB1, and PLK1 expressions were upregulated in tumor tissues compared with non‐tumor tissues (all p < 0.001). CCT6A expression positively correlated with CDC20, CCNB1, and PLK1 expressions; besides, CDC20 expression positively associated with CCNB1 and PLK1 expressions, and CCNB1 expression was also positively related to PLK1 expression (all p < 0.05). Moreover, elevated tumor CCT6A expression was correlated with extrathyroidal invasion (p = 0.015), higher pT stage (p < 0.001), pN stage (p = 0.046), and pTNM stage (p = 0.042); while tumor CDC20, CCNB1, and PLK1 expressions only correlated with some of these indexes (most p < 0.05). Notably, CCT6A and CDC20 high expressions predicted worse DFS and OS (all p < 0.05); CCNB1 positive expression only predicted poor DFS (p = 0.044) but not OS (p = 0.152); however, PLK1 expression failed to predict these two indexes (both p > 0.05). After adjustment using multivariate Cox's regression, CCT6A expression (high vs. low) independently estimated shorter DFS (p = 0.010) and OS (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

CCT6A, CDC20, CCNB1, and PLK1 are intercorrelated, and they exhibit certain prognostic values in PTC patients.
Pockets of Peace: A mixed methods, exploratory study of neighborhoods resilient to juvenile violence
Authors: Leech Tamara G. J. , Adams Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

Social science research has focused on hot spots of adolescent violence in marginalized urban neighborhoods for nearly a century. In contrast, in this study, we explore under‐resourced urban areas that do not experience high rates of adolescent violence: “pockets of peace.” We use a mixed‐method approach to identify the sociodemographic, geographic, and criminological commonalities and differences between pockets of peace and other areas of concentrated disadvantage dealing with high rates of adolescent violence in Indianapolis, IN. More than one out of every ten of Indianapolis' areas of concentrated disadvantage meet the criteria to be labeled “pockets of peace.” Quantitative data indicate that these areas have fewer prosocial institutions and experience lower homeownership rates than comparison under‐resourced areas, and qualitative data point toward rental stability and residential longevity as potentially salient social factors within these contexts. As an alternative to using statistics to control for the context of structural disadvantage, studying pockets of peace and other “cold‐spots” of adolescent violence presents an opportunity to understand community‐level resilience within the real, lived context of structural disadvantage.
Spitting on my sources: Depression, DNA, and the ambivalent historian
Authors: Moran Rachel Louise
Published: July 2022

While writing a book on the history of postpartum depression in the United States, I became interested in an ongoing study about possible genetic markers of postpartum mental illness. I participated in the first step, an online survey. When I qualified for the next step, saliva collection, I was torn over whether or not to continue. Making this decision required reflecting on some overlapping issues: gender, medicalization, genetic research, and the political functions of DNA donation. In this perspectives essay, I explore tensions around situating myself in my historical research project.
The deciphering of the immune cells and marker signature in COVID‐19 pathogenesis: An update
Authors: Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Mahdi Roaa Salih , Bokov Dmitry Olegovich , Najm Mazin A. A. , Sobirova Guzal N. , Bafoyeva Zarnigor O. , Taifi Ahmed , Alkadir Ola Kamal A. , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Mirzaei Rasoul , Karampoor Sajad
Published: July 2022

The precise interaction between the immune system and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) is critical in deciphering the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and is also vital for developing novel therapeutic tools, including monoclonal antibodies, antivirals drugs, and vaccines. Viral infections need innate and adaptive immune reactions since the various immune components, such as neutrophils, macrophages, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and B lymphocytes, play different roles in various infections. Consequently, the characterization of innate and adaptive immune reactions toward SARS‐CoV‐2 is crucial for defining the pathogenicity of COVID‐19. In this study, we explain what is currently understood concerning the conventional immune reactions to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection to shed light on the protective and pathogenic role of immune response in this case. Also, in particular, we investigate the in‐depth roles of other immune mediators, including neutrophil elastase, serum amyloid A, and syndecan, in the immunopathogenesis of COVID‐19.
Comparison of the respiratory tract microbiome in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with different disease severity
Authors: Chen Jiali , Liu Xiong , Liu Wei , Yang Chaojie , Jia Ruizhong , Ke Yuehua , Guo Jinpeng , Jia Leili , Wang Changjun , Chen Yong
Published: July 2022

Little is known about the characteristics of respiratory tract microbiome in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) inpatients with different severity. We conducted a study that expected to clarify these characteristics as much as possible. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to characterize respiratory tract microbial communities of 69 COVID‐19 inpatients from 64 nasopharyngeal swabs and 5 sputum specimens using 16S ribosomal RNA gene V3‐V4 region sequencing. The bacterial profiles were analyzed to find potential biomarkers by the two‐step method, the combination of random forest model and the linear discriminant analysis effect size, and explore the connections with clinical characteristics by Spearman's rank test. Compared with mild COVID‐19 patients, severe patients had significantly decreased bacterial diversity (p‐values were less than 0.05 in the alpha and beta diversity) and relative lower abundance of opportunistic pathogens, including Actinomyces, Prevotella, Rothia, Streptococcus, Veillonella. Eight potential biomarkers including Treponema, Leptotrichia, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Parvimonas, Alloprevotella, Porphyromonas, Gemella, and Streptococcus were found to distinguish the mild COVID‐19 patients from the severe COVID‐19 patients. The genera of Actinomyces and Prevotella were negatively correlated with age in two groups. Intensive care unit admission, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count were significantly correlated with different genera in the two groups. In addition, there was a positive correlation between Klebsiella and white blood cell count in two groups. The respiratory tract microbiome had significant differences in COVID‐19 patients with different severity. The value of the respiratory tract microbiome as predictive biomarkers for COVID‐19 severity deserves further exploration.
Influence of endurance sports on atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes
Authors: Liu Michael B. , Lee Justin Z. , Klooster Lindsay , Buckner Petty Skye A. , Scott Luis R.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation in athletes.

Methods

We retrospectively identified endurance athletes who underwent catheter ablation at our institution (2004–2018). Endurance athletes were defined as participating in competitive athletics for at least 1500 lifetime hours in sports at the IB or IIA Bethesda classification or higher. Primary endpoints were freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 12, 24, and 36 months after the procedure. Secondary endpoints were defined as qualitative improvement in symptoms allowing athletes to return to their previous level of activity. Athletes were compared with a control group of nonathletes in a 3‐to‐1 matched analysis by age and sex.

Results

A total of 39 endurance athletes who underwent catheter ablation were identified during the study period. At 12 months, there was no difference in treatment outcomes for athletes versus nonathletes (relative risk [RR], 1.06; 95% CI, 0.92–1.22; p = .40). Freedom from atrial arrhythmias was 35% less likely in athletes than nonathletes at 24 months (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50–0.83; p < .001) and 42% less likely at 36 months (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41–0.79; p < .001). Overall, 77% of the athletes were able to return to their previous level of activity following catheter ablation.

Conclusion

Endurance athletes with atrial fibrillation appear to have higher rates of atrial arrhythmia recurrence than nonathletes after catheter ablation, with higher rates of atypical flutter. The majority of athletes were able to return to their previous level of activity after ablation.
Swallowing safety of oral liquid medications: assessment using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative framework
Authors: Steadman Kathryn J. , Weng Min‐Tz , Malouh Marwa A. , Symons Keli , Cichero Julie A. Y.
Published: July 2022

Background

This study characterises commercially available oral liquid medications in terms of thickness and textural suitability for safe swallowing by patients with dysphagia for inclusion in the fourth edition of Don't Rush to Crush (DRTC), published by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.

Aim

This study had two aims. The first was to use the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) testing methods to evaluate and document the thickness and textural properties of commercially available liquid medications in Australia to be included in the fourth edition of DRTC. The second aim was to determine the volume of oral liquids that could be mixed into medication lubricants while maintaining the lubricant's IDDSI classification.

Methods

A total of 121 different oral liquid medications were assessed for flow through a syringe and consistency on a fork according to the IDDSI framework to classify them as Level 0 (Thin), Level 1 (Slightly Thick), Level 2 (Mildly Thick), Level 3 (Moderately Thick), or Level 4 (Extremely Thick).

Results

The 121 liquid medications were classified as Level 0 (n = 47, 39%), Level 1 (n = 20, 16%) or Level 2 (n = 54, 45%). Although 18 (15%) of the liquids appeared to be thicker than Level 2 according to the IDDSI flow test, the fork drip test clearly identified them as thinner than Level 3. We considered thickening low‐volume doses using an IDDSI Level 4 medication lubricant; for 97% (n = 112) of 115 oral liquid medications it was possible to incorporate 2.5 mL within two pumps (10 g) of Gloup Forte (vanilla flavour) and retain the IDDSI Level 4 classification.

Conclusion

Commercially available oral liquids are classified as IDDSI Level 0, 1, or 2. While they present no problem to healthy people, most patients with dysphagia are unlikely to safely swallow these fluids. Evaluation of the swallowing function of dysphagic patients prior to use of oral medications is essential.
Competitive adsorption ability of aniline and pentachlorophenol with organoclay catalysts
Authors: Kuo Shu‐Lung , Ho Chin‐Lin
Published: July 2022

In this study, incorporated hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) cations to smectite via ion exchange and formed the modified smectite‐HDTMA, a kind of organoclay catalyst. Besides analyzing its physical properties, we also adopted it to conduct adsorption experiments on organic pollutants such as aniline and pentachlorophenol (PCP). In terms of the adsorption of organic pollutants, adsorption reaction reached the saturation point within 2 h and remained unchanged after reaching 8 h when smectite‐HDTMA with a pH value of 7 was used to bind aniline. Moreover, adsorption reaction reached the saturation point within 2 h and remained unchanged after reaching 24 h when smectite‐HDTMA with a pH value of 7 was used to bind PCP. This study also found that high adsorption efficiency of smectite‐HDTMA towards aniline could be achieved; there was a slow but steady increase in the adsorption capacity of smectite‐HDTMA when its equilibrium concentration reached 100 mg/L. Besides, batch adsorption experiments using two solvents showed that smectite‐HDTMA mainly bound aniline and PCP via distribution, meaning that the adsorption capacity of the smectite‐HDTMA remains the same no matter how many kinds of organic compounds are presented and that competitive adsorption does not occur.
Effects of methylene blue photodynamic therapy on oral carcinoma and leukoplakia cells
Authors: Le Mina N. , Wuertz Beverly R. , Biel Merrill A. , Thompson Rachel L. , Ondrey Frank G.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Methylene blue (MB) is a readily available and affordable substrate that can be used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The objective of this study was to determine if PDT with MB can downregulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) related to oral carcinoma.

Methods

Cell cultures of oral squamous cell carcinoma (CA‐9‐22), oral leukoplakia (MSK‐Leuk1), and immortalized keratinocytes (Rhek‐1A) were photosensitized with MB and treated with PDT. MMP‐9 gene expression was interrogated via qRT‐PCR. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to confirm the efficacy of MB PDT.

Results

MMP‐9 gene expression was found to be significantly decreased in oral carcinoma, leukoplakia, and immortalized keratinocytes with use of MB PDT.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that MB‐mediated PDT can downregulate MMPs which are critical to the invasion and metastasis of oral cancer. These results suggest that MB PDT could be a clinically significant and cost‐effective treatment for oral leukoplakia and carcinoma.

Level of Evidence

NA
MXene Saturable Absorbers in Mode‐Locked Fiber Laser
Authors: Lau Kuen Yao , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: July 2022

Being a new class of two dimensional (2D) metal carbides, borides, and nitrides, MXenes comprise one of the largest families of 2D nanomaterials that provide huge possibilities in photonics, electronics, and energy, Particularly, MXenes are discovered recently as alternatives to conventional saturable absorbers (SAs), such as carbon nanotube and graphene, which are used for short laser pulse generation. The high saturable absorption, astounding modulation depth, flexible bandgap tunability, and high electron density near Fermi level are the main features that make MXenes excellent candidate materials for SAs. Herein, this review summarizes the recent development on synthesis and characterization of the MXene, with focus on the nonlinear saturable absorption and the application of the MXene SA in mode‐locked fiber lasers. The emerging issues and challenges associated with MXene based SAs, as well as future perspectives of the reviewed topic are also discussed.
NIR Photothermal‐Responsive Shape Memory Polyurethane with Protein‐Inspired Aggregated Chymotrypsin‐Sensitive Degradable Domains
Authors: Yang Ruibo , Liu Wenkai , Song Nijia , Li Xin , Li Zhen , Luo Feng , Li Jiehua , Tan Hong
Published: July 2022

Biodegradable shape memory polymers are promising biomaterials for stents used in minimally invasive surgical procedures such as intestinal stents. Herein, a series of biodegradable shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) containing a novel phenylalanine‐derived chain extender (PHP) are synthesized. Inspired by the fact that the function of biomacromolecules such as proteins is rich and varied because of the multiple combinations of the amino acid in highly evolved biosystems, this study finds that the sequence distribution of PHP in SMPU will also have a great influence on the phase structure and degradation behavior, especially the difference of surface morphology caused by degradation. Considering that the transition temperature (Ttrans) of SMPU obtained is higher than physiological temperature, oxidized carbon black (OCB) with the ability of photothermal conversion is introduced into SMPU, which can not only endow SMPU with near‐infrared response shape recovery characteristics, but also enhance phase separation degree and mechanical properties of them. SMPU/OCB composites show excellent shape memory effect and rapid photothermal response, and they can be degraded by chymotrypsin with an adjustable degradation rate. These SMPU/OCB composites show broad potential for application as intestinal stents.
Black Crappie Influences on Walleye Natural Recruitment in Northern Wisconsin Lakes
Authors: Broda Steven P. , Feiner Zachary S. , Mrnak Joseph T. , Shaw Stephanie L. , Sass Greg G.
Published: July 2022

Walleye Sander vitreus natural recruitment has declined in northern Wisconsin lakes over time. Several factors have been implicated to explain Walleye natural recruitment declines in Wisconsin, including climate change, Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides interactions, less desirable fish communities, production overharvest, and depensatory effects on recruit survival. Previous research in other systems has suggested that White Crappie Pomoxis annularis negatively influence Walleye recruitment, but interactions between Walleye recruitment and Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus have not been examined. We evaluated trends between Black Crappie and age-0 Walleye relative abundance (catch per effort [CPE]) collected in northern Wisconsin during 1991–2017. Specifically, we tested for (1) trends in age-0 Walleye and Black Crappie CPE over time, (2) a relationship between age-0 Walleye and Black Crappie CPE, and (3) the influence of several abiotic and biotic covariates (including Black Crappie CPE) on age-0 Walleye recruitment. Age-0 Walleye CPE declined and Black Crappie CPE increased significantly during 1991–2017. Within lakes, the relationship between age-0 Walleye and Black Crappie CPE showed a threshold effect such that age-0 Walleye CPE was always low when Black Crappie CPE was high. Of the abiotic and biotic covariates tested to explain variability in the age-0 Walleye and Black Crappie CPE relationship, only Black Crappie CPE was significant. Our results suggest that Black Crappie may negatively influence Walleye natural recruitment; however, we caution that our findings only reveal a pattern and not a mechanistic explanation for negative interactions between the species. Additional research is needed to test for mechanistic interactions between Walleye and Black Crappie and to inform comanagement of these species.