bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Immune Features of Neutrophil and Neutrophil Immune Deviation Induced by Human SARS-COV-2 Infections
Authors: Shnawa Ibrahim M. S.
Published: September 2022

Current published scientific works on human neutrophils have shown them to be heterogeneous in their immune functions. Activated neutrophil perform both up regulation and down regulation processes on other immune cells finalized by either tissue protection or tissue damage in virus human diseases. The objectives of the present opinion were to; I - make a show case analysis for the immune activities of neutrophil compartment both in children and adults with coviod-19 illness and ii - to deduce the possible existence of immune deviation mechanisms in this disease .The absolute numbers of circulating neutrophils in childhood and adulthood patients with sars-cov-2 infection were correlated with the infection severity .It was apparent that there was inhibition of T cell mediated immune responses with an elevated sars-cov-2 anti-spike antibodies in continuum with activated immature neutrophil phenotypes that might be induced by the virus antigens and can either preserve or damage the affected tissue. The antibody may directly inhibit T cells or activate neutrophil phenotype to inhibit T cell responses. The features of this immune deviation are; i – Conditional, ii – reversible, iii – associated with active functional state, iv – the virus antigen induced chemokine that orchestrate neutrophil and induce hyper-cytokinemia, v – acquisition of molecular surface markers variation and appearance of inhibitory markers, vi – the neutrophil/lymphocyte ration dis-proportionated, vii – activation consequences leaves tissue pathology at most, and viii – The inflammatory circuit stages may serve drug target identification and development. Thus the opinion suggest that the absolute number of circulating neutrophils is correlated with disease severity and the existence of neutrophil immune deviation in covid-19 human disease.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Francis Jenny K. R. , Weerakoon Sitara M. , Lucas Serena L. , Mathew Matthew S. , Durante Julia C. , Kelly Nancy , Tiro Jasmin A.
Published: September 2022

This cross-sectional study compares human papillomavirus vaccinations by age and season before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cell‐Derived Vesicles for Nanoparticles' Coating: Biomimetic Approaches for Enhanced Blood Circulation and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Rodrigues Carolina F. , Fernandes Natanael , de Melo‐Diogo Duarte , Correia Ilídio J. , Moreira André F.
Published: September 2022

Cancer nanomedicines are designed to encapsulate different therapeutic agents, prevent their premature release, and deliver them specifically to cancer cells, due to their ability to preferentially accumulate in tumor tissue. However, after intravenous administration, nanoparticles immediately interact with biological components that facilitate their recognition by the immune system, being rapidly removed from circulation. Reports show that less than 1% of the administered nanoparticles effectively reach the tumor site. This suboptimal pharmacokinetic profile is pointed out as one of the main factors for the nanoparticles' suboptimal therapeutic effectiveness and poor translation to the clinic. Therefore, an extended blood circulation time may be crucial to increase the nanoparticles' chances of being accumulated in the tumor and promote a site‐specific delivery of therapeutic agents. For that purpose, the understanding of the forces that govern the nanoparticles' interaction with biological components and the impact of the physicochemical properties on the in vivo fate will allow the development of novel and more effective nanomedicines. Therefore, in this review, the nano–bio interactions are summarized. Moreover, the application of cell‐derived vesicles for extending the blood circulation time and tumor accumulation is reviewed, focusing on the advantages and shortcomings of each cell source.
Rapid Regeneration of a Neoartery with Elastic Lamellae
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Mithieux Suzanne M. , Vindin Howard , Wang Yiwei , Zhang Miao , Liu Linyang , Zbinden Jacob , Blum Kevin M. , Yi Tai , Matsuzaki Yuichi , Oveissi Farshad , Akdemir Reyda , Lockley Karen M. , Zhang Lingyue , Ma Ke , Guan Juan , Waterhouse Anna , Pham Nguyen T. H. , Hawkett Brian S. , Shinoka Toshiharu , Breuer Christopher K. , Weiss Anthony S.
Published: September 2022

Native arteries contain a distinctive intima‐media composed of organized elastin and an adventitia containing mature collagen fibrils. In contrast, implanted biodegradable small‐diameter vascular grafts do not present spatially regenerated, organized elastin. The elastin‐containing structures within the intima‐media region encompass the elastic lamellae (EL) and internal elastic lamina (IEL) and are crucial for normal arterial function. Here, the development of a novel electrospun small‐diameter vascular graft that facilitates de novo formation of a structurally appropriate elastin‐containing intima‐media region following implantation is described. The graft comprises a non‐porous microstructure characterized by tropoelastin fibers that are embedded in a PGS matrix. After implantation in mouse abdominal aorta, the graft develops distinct cell and extracellular matrix profiles that approximate the native adventitia and intima‐media by 8 weeks. Within the newly formed intima‐media region there are circumferentially aligned smooth muscle cell layers that alternate with multiple EL similar to that found in the arterial wall. By 8 months, the developed adventitia region contains mature collagen fibrils and the neoartery presents a distinct IEL with thickness comparable to that in mouse abdominal aorta. It is proposed that this new class of material can generate the critically required, organized elastin needed for arterial regeneration.
Janus Helical Ribbon Structure of Ordered Nanowire Films for Flexible Solar Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhao Bin , Wang Rui , He Zhen , Wang Jin‐Long , Hu Mingke , Li Xin‐Lin , Pei Gang , Liu Jian‐Wei , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: September 2022

Solar thermoelectric devices play a significant role in addressing the problem of global warming, owing to their unique features of converting both waste heat and solar energy directly into electricity. Herein, a flexible 3D Janus helical ribbon architecture is designed, starting from well‐aligned tellurium (Te) nanowire film, using an in situ redox process reacting with Ag+ and Cu2+ resulting in n‐type, p‐type, and photothermal sides in one film. Remarkably, the device shows all‐day electricity generation and large temperature gradient by coupling the cold side with a passive radiative cooling technique and the hot side with a selective solar absorption technique, showing a temperature gradient of 29.5 K, which is much higher than previously reported devices under a low solar radiation of only 614 W m−2. Especially, the device can still generate electricity even at night. The present strategy offers a new way for heat management by efficiently utilizing solar energy and the cold of the universe.
Pd–Sb Rhombohedra with an Unconventional Rhombohedral Phase as a Trifunctional Electrocatalyst
Authors: Xu Bingyan , Liu Tianyang , Liang Xiaocong , Dou Wenjie , Geng Hongbo , Yu Zhiyang , Li Yafei , Zhang Ying , Shao Qi , Fan Jingmin , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: September 2022

Crystal phase engineering is an important strategy for designing noble‐metal‐based catalysts with optimized activity and stability. From the thermodynamic point of view, it remains a great challenge to synthesize unconventional phases of noble metals. Here, a new class of Pd‐based nanostructure with unconventional rhombohedral Pd20Sb7 phase is successfully synthesized. Benefiting from the high proportion of the unique exposed Pd20Sb7 (003) surface, Pd20Sb7 rhombohedra display much enhanced ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) and oxygen reduction reaction performance compared with commercial Pd/C. Moreover, Pd20Sb7 rhombohedra are also demonstrated as an effective air cathode in non‐aqueous Li–air batteries with an overpotential of only 0.24 V. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the unique exposed facets of Pd20Sb7 rhombohedra can not only reduce the excessive adsorption of CH3CO* to CH3COOH on Pd for promoting EOR process, but also weaken CO binding and CO poisoning. This work provides a new class of unconventional intermetallic nanomaterials with enhanced electrocatalytic activity.
Ultrahigh Energy Storage Density in Glassy Ferroelectric Thin Films under Low Electric Field
Authors: Sun Yunlong , Zhang Le , Huang Qianwei , Chen Zibin , Wang Dong , Seyfouri Mohammad Moein , Chang Shery L. Y. , Wang Yu , Zhang Qi , Liao Xiaozhou , Li Sean , Zhang Shujun , Wang Danyang
Published: September 2022

The current approach to achieving superior energy storage density in dielectrics is to increase their breakdown strength, which often incurs heat generation and unexpected insulation failures, greatly deteriorating the stability and lifetime of devices. Here, a strategy is proposed for enhancing recoverable energy storage density (Wr) while maintaining a high energy storage efficiency (η) in glassy ferroelectrics by creating super tetragonal (super‐T) nanostructures around morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) rather than exploiting the intensely strong electric fields. Accordingly, a giant Wr of ≈86 J cm−3 concomitant with a high η of ≈81% is acquired under a moderate electric field (1.7 MV cm−1) in thin films having MPB composition, namely, 0.94(Bi, Na)TiO3‐0.06BaTiO3 (BNBT), where the local super‐T polar clusters (tetragonality ≈1.25) are stabilized by interphase strain. To the knowledge of the authors, the Wr of the engineered BNBT thin films represents a new record among all the oxide perovskites under a similar strength of electric field to date. The phase field simulation results ascertain that the improved Wr is attributed to the local strain heterogeneity and the large spontaneous polarization primarily is originated from the super‐T polar clusters. The findings in this work present a genuine opportunity to develop ultrahigh‐energy‐density thin‐film capacitors for low‐electric‐field‐driven nano/microelectronics.
Re‐Emergence of Poliovirus in the United States: Considerations and Implications
Authors: Russo Grace B. , Goyal Tarini , Tyler Kenneth , Thakur Kiran T.
Published: September 2022

The first case of paralytic poliomyelitis in nearly a decade in the US was discovered in a 20‐year‐old unvaccinated man from Rockland County, New York, in July 2022, who developed acute flaccid myelitis. The isolated virus from stool sampling was found to be a circulating vaccine‐derived poliovirus type 2, derived from the oral polio vaccine. Since the discovery of this case, local wastewater surveillance has revealed evidence of circulating vaccine‐derived poliovirus type 2 in local counties, as well as in New York City, representing community transmission. In the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, routine vaccination administration has declined globally, with increasing numbers of communities not vaccinated for poliovirus. Now, with evidence of local community transmission, the clinical implication for at‐risk unvaccinated individuals is significant. Here, we review the epidemiological origin of this discovered strain of poliovirus, national and international methods of surveillance for poliovirus, and neurological features of poliovirus. We also highlight the opportunities and challenges involved in monitoring suspected cases, as well as the unique role neurologists might play in national and global poliomyelitis surveillance. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:725–728
Influence of secondary flow channels on heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in curved microchannel
Authors: Mamidi Nitin Kumar , Balasubramanian Karthik , Kumar Kupireddi Kiran , V. P. Chandramohan , Sahu Yash Kishor kumar , Mahesh Pallikonda
Published: September 2022

Microchannel‐assisted cooling technologies have found extremely suitable for compact heat exchangers surpassing conventional fan‐assisted heat sink solutions. Though extensive research was done on straight channels, research on curved microchannel is scant. In the present study, hydraulic flow characteristics and cooling performance of curved microchannel with secondary flow (CMCSF) with four different oblique angles are investigated numerically and compared with conventional curved microchannel (CCMC). A 3D conjugate heat transfer analysis is performed for four CMCSFs and CCMC using commercial software ANSYS Fluent with Reynolds number (Re) ranging between 125 and 325. A part of fluid from main channel is diverted into the secondary channels, leading to re‐initialization of boundary layers. Also, this diverted flow that is fed into adjacent main channels consecutively results in better fluid mixing. Owing to these two phenomena, there is a huge enhancement in heat dissipation through the channel. The results revealed a Nusselt number increment of up to 80.12% for CMCSF in comparison with CCMC. Moreover, the average wall temperature was recorded lowest for CMCSF with oblique angle 30°, which is 8.83°C lower in comparison with CCMC for same Re. For the entire range of Re considered, the overall performance of all CMCSFs was found better than CCMC with maximum performance factor of 1.62 being achieved with secondary channel orientation of 24°.
Proteomics Landscape Mapping of Organ‐Resolved Behçet's Disease Using In‐Depth Plasma Proteomics for Identifying Hyaluronic Binding Protein 2 Expression Associated With Vascular Involvement
Authors: Cheng Linlin , Wang Dongxue , Wang Zhimian , Li Haolong , Wang Guibin , Wu Ziyan , Xu Meng , Yan Songxin , Zhan Haoting , Wang Hongye , Zhang Xiaomei , Liang Te , Wei Chundi , Zhang Fengchun , Zheng Wenjie , Yu Xiaobo , Li Yongzhe
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to elucidate the pathogenesis and heterogeneity of Behçet's disease (BD) involving different organs using in‐depth proteomics to identify the biomarkers for clinical assessment and treatment of patients with BD.

Methods

We measured the expression levels of proteins in plasma samples from 98 patients with BD and from 31 healthy controls using our in‐depth proteomics platform with a data‐independent acquisition mass spectrometer and antibody microarray. We performed bioinformatics analyses of the biologic processes and signaling pathways that were changed in the BD group and constructed a proteomics landscape of organ‐resolved BD pathogenesis. We then validated the biomarkers of disease severity and the vascular subset in an independent cohort of 108 BD patients and 29 healthy controls using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The BD group had 220 differentially expressed proteins, which discriminated between BD patients (88.6%) and healthy controls (95.5%). The bioinformatics analyses revealed different biologic processes associated with BD pathogeneses, including complement activation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and leukocyte‐mediated immunity. Furthermore, the constructed proteomics landscape of organ‐resolved BD identified proteomics features of BD associated with different organs and protein targets that could be used for the development of therapeutic treatment. Hyaluronic binding protein 2, tenascin, and serpin A3 were validated as potential biomarkers for the clinical assessment of vascular BD and treatment targets.

Conclusion

Our results provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of organ‐resolved BD in terms of proteomics characteristics and potential biomarkers for clinical assessment and potential therapies for vascular BD.
De Novo Gain‐Of‐Function Variations in LYN Associated With an Early‐Onset Systemic Autoinflammatory Disorder
Authors: Louvrier Camille , El Khouri Elma , Grall Lerosey Martine , Quartier Pierre , Guerrot Anne‐Marie , Bader Meunier Brigitte , Chican Julie , Mohammad Malaïka , Assrawi Eman , Daskalopoulou Aphrodite , Arenas Garcia Angela , Copin Bruno , Piterboth William , Dastot Le Moal Florence , Karabina Sonia A. , Amselem Serge , Giurgea Irina
Published: September 2022

Objective

To identify the molecular basis of a severe systemic autoinflammatory disorder (SAID) and define its main phenotypic features, and to functionally assess the sequence variations identified in LYN, a gene encoding a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase.

Methods

We used targeted next‐generation sequencing and in vitro functional studies of Lyn phosphorylation state and Lyn‐dependent NF‐κB activity after expression of recombinant Lyn isoforms carrying different sequence variations.

Results

We identified a de novo LYN variation (p.Tyr508His) in a patient presenting since birth with recurrent fever, chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, arthralgia, increased inflammatory biomarkers, and elevated plasma cytokine levels. We studied the consequences on Lyn phosphorylation state of the p.Tyr508His variation and of the 2 LYN variations reported so far (p.Tyr508Phe and p.Tyr508*), and found that all 3 variations prevent phosphorylation of residue 508 and lead to autophosphorylation of Tyr397. Additionally, these 3 LYN variations activate the NF‐κB pathway. These results show a gain‐of‐function effect of the variations involving Tyr508 on Lyn activity.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the pathogenicity of the first 3 LYN variations identified in SAID patients and delineates the phenotypic spectrum of a disease entity characterized by severe, early‐onset, systemic inflammatory disease affecting neonates with no family history of SAID. All 3 LYN variations affect the same tyrosine residue located in the C‐terminus of Lyn, thereby demonstrating the critical role of this residue in the proper regulation of Lyn activity in humans.
“Preparing them for the profession”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of anatomy educators coping with complexity in the United Kingdom curriculum
Authors: Kirkness Karen B. , Bazira Peter J. , Finn Gabrielle M. , Nizza Isabella E.
Published: September 2022

Efforts to integrate the basic sciences into the ever‐changing curriculum are a trending area of research in health professions education. Low‐stakes, high‐frequency assessment methods such as the progress test are now widely implemented in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland as a means of furthering curricular integration toward contemporary goals of competency and professional identity formation. The anatomy educator's experience vis‐à‐vis these curricular changes is not well understood. This study aimed to explore how anatomy educators make sense of the shifting demands of their role. The interviews were semi‐structured, particularly concerned with the phenomenon of teachers adapting to the complexity of their learning environment. The study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to focus on the lived experiences of participants coping with the phenomena in question: how do anatomy educators make sense of the learning environment in the United Kingdom? Interviews were transcribed verbatim and interpreted inductively, identifying four key themes: confidence through connectedness, variations in appraisals of curricular integration, managing expectations to perform in paradoxical situations, and the emergence of innovative teaching. Results point to the learning environment as a complex system and highlight the importance of feeling support from and connection to colleagues, enabling individual educators to develop confidence, meet the top‐down demands of changing curricula, and experience personal identity development and uncertainty tolerance within their role. This IPA study offers insight into the lived experiences of anatomy educators whose experiential interpretations of a complex and changing curriculum can uniquely inform stakeholders in health professions education.
Die Forschungsinfrastruktur des SFB TRR 277 AMC Additive Fertigung im Bauwesen
Authors: Kloft Harald , Dörfler Kathrin , Bährens Meike , Dielemans Gido , Diller Johannes , Dörrie Robin , Gantner Stefan , Hensel Jonas , Keune Anna , Lowke Dirk , Mai Inka , Mainka Jeldrik , Placzek Gerrit , Saile Bettina , Scharf‐Wildenhain Ronny , Schwerdtner Patrick , Kock Sebastian , Siebert Dorina , Talke Daniel , Wenzler David
Published: September 2022

Die globalen Herausforderungen unserer Zeit sind der Klimawandel, das Bevölkerungswachstum und die Reduzierung des Ressourcenverbrauchs. Für das Bauwesen bedeutet dies, in den kommenden Jahrzehnten mehr zu bauen und gleichzeitig den Ressourcenverbrauch zu verringern und weniger Emissionen auszustoßen. Die handwerklich organisierte Bauindustrie ist weder technologisch noch personell darauf vorbereitet, diese Herausforderungen ökonomisch und ökologisch zu bewältigen. Hier setzt der Sonderforschungsbereich TRR 277 Additive Manufacturing in Construction (AMC) der beiden Universitäten TU Braunschweig und TU München mit seiner Grundlagenforschung an. Der AMC betrachtet die additive Fertigung als eine digitale Schlüsseltechnologie für das Bauwesen, denn diese vereint die Vorteile von automatisierter und individualisierter Fertigung. Bei der additiven Fertigung werden die Bauteile ohne Formenbau schichtweise aufgebaut. Dies schafft grundlegend neue Anforderungen an Werkstoffe, Verfahrenstechniken sowie an Design und Konstruktion und kann nur in hochgradig interdisziplinären Teams von Wissenschaftler:innen aus den Bereichen des Bauwesens und des Maschinenbaus erforscht werden. Die Basis für die werkstoffübergreifende Erforschung unterschiedlicher additiver Fertigungstechnologien für die Anwendung im Bauwesen stellt die über viele Jahre systematisch aufgebaute Forschungsinfrastruktur im Bereich der digitalen Baufabrikation dar. An seinen beiden Standorten, der TU Braunschweig und der TU München, kann der AMC auf innovativste Forschungseinrichtungen zurückgreifen. Darunter befinden sich sowohl DFG‐geförderte Forschungsgroßgeräte wie das Digital Building Fabrication Laboratory (DBFL) und das RoboCoop3D als auch eine Vielzahl eigenfinanzierter innovativer Forschungsgeräte an beiden Standorten. Die AMC‐Forschungsinfrastruktur wird im Laufe des Forschungsprojekts stetig ausgebaut und erweitert. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die bestehende sowie die in Anschaffung und Planung befindliche Forschungsinfrastruktur vor.
En bloc radical cystectomy: An overview of the technique and oncological results
Authors: Kjøbli Eirik , Salvesen Øyvind , Langørgen Sverre , Størkersen Øystein , Wibe Arne , Arum Carl‐Jørgen
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To reduce recurrence after radical cystectomy (RC), we developed a technique based on the principles of the circumferential resection margin used during total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, namely, en bloc radical cystectomy (EbRC).

Patients and methods

The study included all patients in Mid‐Norway (population of 739 k) with high‐grade superficial or muscle invasive bladder cancer considered for radical treatment according to European guidelines, from January 2012 to August 2021, except for three patients receiving trimodal therapy. One hundred forty‐five patients were treated with EbRC and 188 patients with standard RC (stdRC). There were no exclusion criteria. Both groups included open and robot‐assisted techniques. EbRC entails cystectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection. The technique focuses on systematic uninterrupted mobilisation of all lymphatic tissue from the circumferential resection margin towards the bladder pedicles, and resecting the tissue en bloc with the bladder.

Results

The 3‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was 86% for EbRC versus 67% for stdRC. The hazard ratio for overall survival in multivariable cox regression analyses after EbRC versus stdRC was 0.30 (95% CI 0.16–0.57, p ≤ 0.001). The improved outcomes persisted in propensity score‐matched analyses. There were no differences in Clavien–Dindo 3 and 4 complications (12.4% vs. 11.7%), nor 90‐day mortality (2.1% vs. 1.6%).

Conclusion

Improved oncological results with EbRC versus stdRC mirror the historical data after total mesorectal excision was initiated over 35 years ago in rectal cancer surgery. EbRC is safe and the preliminary oncological results are promising.
Crisis communications plans can help to prevent legal trouble for colleges, universities
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2022

Behind every legal issue facing your institution are communications issues that need to be addressed. The way you choose to address these issues will influence how they're perceived by others, whether such issues might become entangled in the legal process, and the potential reputational damage to your department and institution. That's according to James F. Haggerty, J.D., Crisis Communications Consultant and President and CEO of PRCG/Haggerty LLC, a strategic communications firm, and the author of Chief Crisis Officer: Structure and Leadership for Effective Communications Response and In the Court of Public Opinion: Winning Strategies for Litigation Communications. He spoke at Stetson University's National Conference on Law and Higher Education.
Know which campus alerts and notifications to deploy to ensure compliance with Clery Act requirements
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2022

Institutions of higher education often set their focus on Clery Act crime reporting and classification but fail to account for the equally important Clery Act requirements that guide policy response and action, according to Sarah Barrett, Ph.D., Director of Training and Education at the Clery Center. Barrett, along with Laura Egan, Senior Director of Programs at the Clery Center, shared best practices for Clery Act compliance during a webinar series with Rave Mobile Safety. They offered guidance for determining which type of campus alert or notification to deploy, as required by the Clery Act, along with how to determine communication action plans ahead of time to ensure compliance, and finally, how to use your Clery compliance documents and notifications to raise awareness on your campus of the important work being done to keep your campus safe.
Review recent rulings involving employee terminations
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2022

An overview of the key topics faced by campus administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Angioleiomyoma of the right forefoot
Authors: Inokuchi Ryota , Jujo Yasuyuki , Iwashita Kosui , Takao Masato
Published: September 2022

We describe a rare case of angioleiomyoma in the foot of a middle‐aged man.
Effect of Ti‐Substitution on the Properties of P3 Structure Na2/3Mn0.8Li0.2O2 Showing a Ribbon Superlattice
Authors: Linnell Stephanie F. , Jeong Kim Eun , Anh Ma Le , Naden Aaron B. , Irvine John T. S. , Younesi Reza , Duda Laurent C. , Armstrong A. Robert
Published: September 2022

Oxygen anion redox offers an effective strategy to enhance the energy density of layered oxide positive electrodes for sodium‐ and lithium‐ion batteries. However, lattice oxygen loss and irreversible structural transformations over the first cycle may result in large voltage hysteresis, thereby impeding practical application. Herein, ribbon superstructure ordering of Li/transition‐metal‐ions was applied to suppress the voltage hysteresis combined with Ti‐substitution to improve the cycling stability for P3‐Na0.67Li0.2Ti0.15Mn0.65O2. When both cation and anion redox reactions are utilized, Na0.67Li0.2Ti0.15Mn0.65O2 delivers a reversible capacity of 172 mA h g−1 after 25 cycles at 10 mA g−1 between 1.6–4.4 V vs. Na+/Na. Ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction data reveal that the ribbon superstructure is retained with negligible unit cell volume expansion/contraction upon sodiation/desodiation. The performance as a positive electrode for Li‐ion batteries was also evaluated and P3‐Na0.67Li0.2Ti0.15Mn0.65O2 delivers a reversible capacity of 180 mA h g−1 after 25 cycles at 10 mA g−1 when cycled vs. Li+/Li between 2.0–4.8 V.
Processing and properties of PSZT 95/5 ceramics with varying Ti and Nb substitution
Authors: Neuman Eric W. , Anselmo Nicholas , Meyer Amber , Grier Sophie , Diantonio Christopher B. , Rodriguez Mark A. , Torres Rose , Brane Brian , Griego James G.
Published: September 2022

Niobium doped lead‐tin‐zirconate‐titanate ceramics near the PZT 95/5 orthorhombic AFE – rhombohedral FE morphotropic phase boundary Pb1‐0.5y(Zr0.865‐xTixSn0.135)1‐yNbyO3 were prepared according to a 22+1 factorial design with x = 0.05, 0.07 and y = 0.0155, 0.0195. The ceramics were prepared by a traditional solid‐state synthesis route and sintered to near full density at 1250°C for 6 h. All compositions were ∼98% dense with no detectable secondary phases by X‐ray diffraction. The ceramics exhibited equiaxed grains with intergranular porosity, and grain size was ∼5 µm, decreasing with niobium substitution. Compositions exhibited remnant polarization values of ∼32 µC/cm2, increasing with Ti substitution. Depolarization by the hydrostatic pressure induced FE‐AFE phase transition was drastically affected by variation of the Ti and Nb substitution, increasing at a rate of 113 MPa /1% Ti and 21 MPa/1% Nb. Total depolarization output was insensitive to the change in Ti and Nb substitution, ∼32.8 µC/cm2 for the PSZT ceramics. The R3c‐R3m and R3m‐Pm3m phase transition temperatures on heating ranged from 90 to 105°C and 183 to 191°C, respectively. Ti substitution stabilized the R3c and R3m phases to higher temperatures, while Nb substitution stabilized the Pm3m phase to lower temperatures. Thermal hysteresis of the phase transitions was also observed in the ceramics, with transition temperature on cooling being as much as 10°C lower.
Accelerating Photocatalytic Activity by Tailoring Cocatalysts on Polycrystalline Tungsten(VI) Oxide Microplates
Authors: Baek So Yeon , Kim Min Kyo , Jo So Yeong , Ma Ahyeon , Abbas Syed Asad , Park Joon Yong , Nam Ki Min
Published: September 2022

In this study, the structure–activity relationship of the WO3 photocatalyst and the role of cocatalysts deposited on the WO3 surface were analyzed. Investigation of the phase transformation of WO3 microplates revealed that amorphous WO3 was progressively crystallized into monoclinic WO3 during consecutive thermal treatments. The obtained WO3 microplates were used for the photocatalytic decomposition of organic dyes under simulated solar light irradiation to understand the effect of the crystal structure on the photocatalytic activity. The crystal phase of the WO3 microplates with a monoclinic structure was optimal for the photocatalytic reaction. However, the effects of the crystal phase and the surface area of the WO3 sample were very small, and a deposited metal cocatalyst was essential for achieving photocatalytic activity. The detailed mechanisms and influence of cocatalysts on the WO3 surface were discussed.
Generation of Human Ventral Midbrain Organoids Derived from Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Sozzi Edoardo , Nilsson Fredrik , Kajtez Janko , Parmar Malin , Fiorenzano Alessandro
Published: September 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and is caused by the degeneration and loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral midbrain (VM). The focal and progressive degeneration of DA neurons in the VM makes PD a particularly attractive target for cell‐based therapies. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer unprecedented opportunities to model the development and functional properties of human DA neurons in a dish. The use of human in vitro models based on hPSCs has empowered studies of VM development and provided access to neurons expressing a particular disease‐specific phenotype. Currently, hPSC differentiation is most routinely carried out in monolayer cultures, which do not properly recapitulate cell‐cell interactions and the structural complexity of the brain. Moreover, 2D cultures are challenging to maintain long term, as the cells tend to detach from the plate and lose their functional characteristics. This precludes the possibility of mimicking later phases of DA neurogenesis and recreating the complexity of functional neural circuitries. Here, we describe protocols showing how to maintain hPSCs in an undifferentiated state and how to then drive these hPSCs into 3D regionalized VM organoids. After long‐term culture, these VM organoids exhibit mature and post‐mitotic molecular features, including neuromelanin pigments similar to those released in primate VMs. We also report a protocol describing how to efficiently perform immunohistochemistry and how to detect neuromelanin‐containing DA neurons in VM organoids. Together, these protocols provide a 3D in vitro platform that can be used to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying DA neuron function and disease and may serve as a powerful tool for designing more targeted disease‐modifying therapies. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 October 2024. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Human pluripotent stem cell culture

Basic Protocol 2: hPS cell differentiation for the generation of human ventral midbrain organoids

Basic Protocol 3: Characterization of ventral midbrain organoids
Tropical–temperate comparisons in insect seed predation vary between study levels and years
Authors: Wu Wenlan , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhao Tao , Zhang Wenfu , Fang Shuai , Xu Yu , Zhang Kai
Published: September 2022

The biotic interaction hypothesis, which states the species interaction becomes stronger in the tropics, is deeply rooted in classic ecological literature and widely accepted to contribute to the latitudinal gradients of biodiversity. Tests in latitudinal insect–plant interaction have emphasized leaf‐eating insects on a single or a few plant species rather than within an entire community and mixed accumulating evidence, leaving the biotic interaction hypothesis disputed. We aimed to test the hypothesis by quantifying insect seed predation in a pair of tropical and temperate forest communities with similar elevations. We applied a consistent study design to sample predispersal seeds with systematically set seed traps in 2019–2020 and examined internally feeding insects. The intensity of seed predation was measured and further applied to tropical versus temperate comparison at two levels (cross‐species and community‐wide). Our results showed every latitudinal pattern associated with different study levels and years, that is, negative (greater granivory in the tropics in community‐wide comparison in 2020), positive (less granivory in the tropics in community‐wide and cross‐species comparison in 2019), and missing (similar level of granivory in the tropics in cross‐species comparisons in 2020). The cross‐species level analyses ignore differences among species in seed production and weaken or even lose the latitudinal trend detected by community‐wide comparisons. The between‐year discrepancy in tropical–temperate comparisons relates to the highly variable annual seed composition in the temperate forest due to mast seeding of dominant species. Our study highlights that long‐term community‐level researches across biomes are essential to assess the latitudinal biotic interaction hypothesis.
Response of eutrophication and water quality drivers on greenhouse gas emissions in lakes of China: A critical analysis
Authors: Kumar Amit , Mishra Saurabh , Bakshi Sanjeev , Upadhyay Pooja , Thakur Tarun Kumar
Published: September 2022

Lakes, especially shallow lakes, contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas (GHG; particularly CO2 and CH4) emissions and have received global attention due to their high potential to contribute to global warming and future climate change. Recent studies have identified eutrophication as a critical factor in GHG emissions. However, the role of lake trophic state index (TSI) and the impact of important water quality parameters (WQP) such as pH, Chl‐a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and organic carbon on GHG emissions are still a subject of debate and an area of intense research. To further understand the relationship between GHG and lake eutrophication, datasets (GHG and WQP) from the scientific literature have been compiled, and statistical analyses of these secondary data were performed to determine the influence of eutrophication on GHG emissions. In this review, GHG emissions from Chinese lakes are quantified, and the important factors affecting these emissions are analysed systematically. The statistical analysis reveals that chlorophyll a and carbon (as TOC) are the key factors of lake eutrophication and have a significant effect on the GHG potential (mainly CH4 fluxes). In addition, the proposed mitigation measures could serve as a guide for scientists and young researchers to reduce future climatic risks.
Prevalence and characteristics of factitious hypoglycaemia in non‐diabetic patients in a department of endocrinology
Authors: Oueslati Ibtissem , Terzi Amani , Yazidi Meriem , Kamoun Elyes , Chihaoui Melika
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Factitious hypoglycaemia is defined as the surreptitious use of insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents to deliberately induce self‐harm. It represents a challenging diagnosis and misdiagnosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the associated factors of factitious hypoglycaemia in non‐diabetic patients.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, retrospective study including 70 non‐diabetic patients who were admitted for the investigation of hypoglycaemia. All patients fulfilled the Whipple triad. Epidemiological parameters, medical history, clinical and paraclinical data and the aetiology of hypoglycaemia were collected from medical records.

Results

The diagnosis of factitious hypoglycaemia was held in 11 patients (9 women and 2 men) corresponding to a prevalence of 16%. It was secondary to intentional insulin use in six patients and the ingestion of glibenclamide in five patients. The median age of the patients was 28 years (interquartile range: 21–43). Two patients with factitious hypoglycaemia had a personal history of psychiatric disorders. The other causes of hypoglycaemia were adrenal insufficiency (34%), prediabetes (24%), insulinoma (6%), iatrogenic hypoglycaemia (10%), criminal hypoglycaemia (1%) and alcohol intoxication (2%). Age ≤ 35 years (Odds Ratio = 5.6, p = .017), family history of diabetes mellitus (Odds Ratio = 1.29, p = .015), attention disorders during hypoglycaemia (Odds Ratio = 12.5, p = .017) and fasting glucose level <0.7 g/L (Odds Ratio = 5.75, p = .017) were positively associated with factitious hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

Factors significantly associated with factitious hypoglycaemia were young age, family history of diabetes and a low fasting glucose level.
Return to work in patients with head and neck cancer: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Justin , Smith Justin , Marwah Ravi , Edkins Oskar
Published: September 2022

Background

The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence of return to work (RTW) amongst head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors and to determine its impact on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and CINAHL in March 2021. Articles were included if they reported the number of patients with HNC receiving definitive treatment who were working at the time of diagnosis and returned to work.

Results

There were 21 articles deemed eligible for inclusion. Meta‐analysis suggested that 67% of patients with HNC who were employed at diagnosis RTW (95% CI 62%–73%, I2 = 97.53%). Patients who RTW were demonstrated to have lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Conclusions

Return to work is an important clinical outcome which must be considered in the survivorship care of patients with HNC.
IL-1β/NF-κB signaling inhibits IGF-1 production via let-7f-5p in dendritic epidermal T cells
Authors: Li Yashu , Wang Juan , Wang Yangping , He Weifeng , Zhang Yixin , Liu Yan
Published: September 2022

Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) are the main source of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in epidermal tissue, which promote re-epithelialization and wound healing. In refractory wounds, IL-1β has been shown to activate NF-κB and suppress IGF-1 expression in DETCs. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that IL-1β did not inhibit NF-κB binding to IGF-1 promoter, indicating that IL-1β/NF-κB may suppress IGF-1 expression by alternative mechanisms. MiRNAs negatively regulate gene expression predominantly by base pairing to the 3′ untranslation region (UTR) of target mRNAs. Let-7f-5p, miR-1a-3p, and miR-98-5p have been identified as IGF-1-specific miRNAs that can bind directly to the 3′UTR of IGF-1 mRNA and dysregulate IGF-1 mRNA and protein levels. In IL-1β-treated epidermis around wounds or DETCs in vitro, NF-κB promoted the expression of let-7f-5p, and IGF-1 expression was impeded via NF-κB/let-7f-5p pathway. As pre-let-7f-5p, let-7f-1 is located in the 3′UTR of LOC118568094, and let-7f-2 is located in the intron of HUWE1. We discovered that NF-κB p65 bound to the promoters of LOC118568094 and HUWE1 to accelerate let-7f-5p expression, but NF-κB p65 did not affect the methylation levels of LOC118568094 and HUWE1 CpG islands. Injections of Let-7f-5p antagomir into IL-1β-treated and ischemic wound margins restored IGF-1 secretion in DETCs and promoted wound healing. In conclusion, we demonstrated that NF-κB signaling pathway activated by IL-1β could increase let-7f-5p expression to inhibit IGF-1 production in DETCs and delay wound healing. And let-7f-5p antagomir utilized in wound margin could effectively promote refractory wound healing.
Impact of anticoagulation therapy on the cognitive decline and dementia in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (cognitive decline and dementia in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation [CAF] trial)
Authors: Bunch Thomas Jared , May Heidi , Cutler Michael , Woller Scott C. , Jacobs Victoria , Stevens Scott M. , Carlquist John , Knowlton Kirk U. , Muhlestein Joseph B. , Steinberg Benjamin A. , Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a risk for cognitive impairment and dementia, which is more pronounced in patients with a history of clinical stroke. Anticoagulation use and efficacy impact long‐term risk of dementia in AF patients in observational trials.

Methods

The cognitive decline and dementia in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (CAF) Trial was a randomized, prospective, open‐label vanguard clinical study with blinded endpoint assessment involving patients with moderate‐ to high‐risk (CHADS2 or CHA2DS2‐Vasc scores of ≥2) non‐valvular AF assigned to dabigatran etexilate or warfarin. The primary endpoint was incident dementia or moderate cognitive decline at 24 months.

Results

A total of 101 patients were enrolled [mean age:73.7 ± 6.0 years, male: 54(53.5%)]. Prior stroke and stroke risk factors were similar between groups. Average INR over the study was 2.41 ± 0.68 in the warfarin group. No patient experienced a stroke or developed dementia. Mini‐Mental Status Evaluation, Hachinski Ischemic scale, cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, Disability Assessment for Dementia, Quality of Life Improvement as assessed by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Scale and the Anti‐Clot Treatment Scale Quality of Life Survey scores did not vary at baseline or change over 2 years. Biomarker analysis indicated a similar efficacy of anticoagulation strategies.

Conclusion

Use of dabigatran and well‐managed warfarin therapy were associated with similar risks of stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia at 2 years, suggestive that either strategy is acceptable. The results of this Vanguard study did not support the pursuit of a larger formally powered study.
Effects of lateral instability on ankle coupled motions in vivo using 3D fluoroscopy
Authors: Lin Shang‐His , Hung Li‐Wei , Kuo Mei‐Ying , Lin Cheng‐Chung , Lu Hsin‐Yi , Weng Pei‐Ling , Fan Chia‐Ling , Kuo Chien‐Chung , Lu Tung‐Wu
Published: September 2022

Lateral ankle instability (LAI) compromises the normal kinematics of the ankle, affecting activities of daily living. In vitro kinematics of ankles with LAI during single‐plane motions are available, but the active control stability of these motions remains unclear. The current study measured the 3D ankle kinematics during unresisted single‐plane motion tests using a bi‐plane fluoroscope with a CT model‐based 2D/3D registration method in 12 patients with LAI and 14 healthy peers. The coupling of the kinematic components at the talocrural and subtalar joints was quantified by the path difference between the forward and return paths of the coupled motion. Significantly increased path differences were found in the subtalar dorsiflexion/plantarflexion and inversion/eversion components during internal/external rotation tests (p < 0.05). During inversion/eversion, significantly reduced tibiocalcaneal ranges of motion and the path differences in the talocrural and subtalar dorsiflexion/plantarflexion components were noted (p < 0.05). The current results suggest that chronic LAI had compromised control stability at the subtalar joint during internal/external rotation tests and a conservative motion control strategy with significantly reduced ranges of motion to maintain good control of out‐of‐plane motion components in response to direct challenges of the anterior talofibular ligament during inversion/eversion tests. The current results also suggest that, compared to kinematic patterns of individual components, the path difference of the coupled motion may serve as a better measure of the motion control stability of the ankle in differentiating LAI from healthy controls.
Absolute thermometry using hyperpolarized 129Xe free‐induction decay and spin‐echo chemical‐shift imaging in rats
Authors: Kern Agilo L. , Gutberlet Marcel , Rumpel Regina , Bruesch Inga , Hohlfeld Jens M. , Wacker Frank , Hensen Bennet
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To implement and test variants of chemical shift imaging (CSI) acquiring both free induction decays (FIDs) showing all dissolved‐phase compartments and spin echoes for specifically assessing Xe in lipids in order to perform precise lipid‐dissolved Xe MR thermometry in a rat model of general hypothermia.

Methods

Imaging was performed at 2.89 T. of Xe in lipids was determined in one rat by fitting exponentials to decaying signals of global spin‐echo spectra. Four rats (conventional CSI) and six rats (turbo spectroscopic imaging) were scanned at three time points with core body temperature 37/34/37C. Lorentzian functions were fit to spectra from regions of interest to determine the water‐referenced chemical shift of lipid‐dissolved Xe in the abdomen. Absolute Xe‐derived temperature was compared to values from a rectal probe.

Results

Global of Xe in lipids was determined as . Friedman tests showed significant changes of chemical shift with time for both sequence variants and both FID and spin‐echo acquisitions. Mean and SD of Xe and rectal probe temperature differences were found to be (FID) and (spin echo) for conventional CSI as well as (FID) and (spin echo) for turbo spectroscopic imaging.

Conclusion

Xe MRI using conventional CSI and turbo spectroscopic imaging of lipid‐dissolved Xe enables precise temperature measurements in the rat's abdomen using both FID and spin‐echo acquisitions with acquisition of spin echoes enabling most precise temperature measurements.