bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomal microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs: Novel mediators of drug resistance in lung cancer
Authors: Taghvimi Sina , Vakili Omid , Soltani Fard Elahe , Khatami Seyyed Hossein , Karami Neda , Taheri‐Anganeh Mortaza , Salehi Mahsa , Negahdari Babak , Ghasemi Hassan , Movahedpour Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Lung cancer therapeutic resistance, especially chemoresistance, is a key issue in the management of this malignancy. Despite the development of novel molecularly targeted drugs to promote therapeutic efficacy, 5‐year survival of lung cancer patients is still dismal. Molecular studies through the recent years have fortunately presented multiple genes and signaling pathways, which contribute to lung cancer chemoresistance, providing a better perception of the biology of tumor cells, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Among those mechanisms, transfer of extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, between cancer cells and the surrounding noncancerous ones is considered as an emerging route. Exosomes can desirably function as signaling vesicles to transmit multiple molecules from normal cells to cancer cells and their microenvironment, or vice versa. Using this ability, exosomes may affect the cancer cells' chemoresistance/chemosensitivity. Recently, noncoding RNAs (esp. microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs), as key molecules transferred by exosomes, have been reported to play a substantial role in the process of drug resistance, through modulation of various proteins and their corresponding genes. Accordingly, the current review principally aims to highlight exosomal micro‐ and long noncoding RNAs involved in lung cancer chemoresistance. Moreover, major molecular mechanisms, which connect corresponding RNA molecules to drug resistance, will briefly be addressed, for better clarifying of possible roles of exosomal noncoding RNAs in promoting the effectiveness of lung cancer therapy.
Prospective, Multi‐Center Study of the Anatomic Distribution of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Benedict Peter A. , Kravietz Adam , Achlatis Efstratios , Wang Binhuan , Zhang Yan , Kidane Joseph , Harrison Tina , Miller Jonas , Drake Virginia E. , Best Simon R. , McWhorter Andrew J. , Lin R. Jun , Rosen Clark A. , Smith Libby J. , Amin Milan R.
Published: February 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

To create a model of the anatomic distribution, recurrence, and growth patterns of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Study Design

Prospective, multi‐institutional cohort study.

Methods

Adult patients with a diagnosis of RRP evaluated between August 1, 2018 and February 1, 2021 at six participating centers were invited to enroll. At each office or operating room encounter, laryngologists recorded the location and size of RRP lesions using a 22‐region schematic. A generalized linear mixed effects model was used to compare region variations in lesion prevalence and recurrence.

Results

The cohort comprised 121 patients: 74% were male, 81% had been diagnosed with adult‐onset RRP, and a plurality (34%) had undergone 0 to 3 RRP interventions prior to enrollment. Across the study period, the odds of a lesion occurring in the glottis was significantly higher (odds ratio [OR]: 26.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.76–59.75, P < .001) compared with all other areas of the larynx and trachea. Within the true vocal folds, the membranous vocal folds had significantly higher odds (OR: 6.16; 95% CI: 2.66–14.30, P < .001) of lesion occurrence compared to the cartilaginous vocal folds. Despite these strong trends in lesion distribution, there were no differences in the odds of lesion recurrence, growth, or in the time to recurrence, between anatomic subsites.

Conclusions

RRP lesions are most likely to occur in the glottis, particularly the membranous vocal folds, compared with other regions of the larynx or trachea. However, all lesions demonstrate similar behavior with respect to recurrence, growth, and time to recurrence regardless of anatomic location.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:2403–2411, 2022
A novel 8.57‐kb deletion of the upstream region of PRKAR1A in a family with Carney complex
Authors: Ito Shin , Hashimoto Aya , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Kawamura Sadafumi , Myoen Shingo , Ogawa Maki , Sato Ikuro , Minato Takamichi , Miyabe Shingo , Nakazato Akira , Fujii Keitaro , Mochizuki Mai , Fujimori Haruna , Tamai Keiichi , Niihori Tetsuya , Aoki Yoko , Sugawara Akira , Sasano Hironobu , Shima Hiroshi , Yasuda Jun
Published: February 2022

Carney complex (CNC) is a rare hereditary syndrome that involves endocrine dysfunction and the development of various types of tumors. Chromosome 2p16 and PRKAR1A on chromosome 17 are known susceptibility loci for CNC. Here we report a mother and son with CNC caused by an 8.57‐kb deletion involving the transcription start site and non‐coding exon 1 of PRKAR1A. The proband is a 28‐year‐old male with bilateral large‐cell calcified Sertoli cell testicular tumors and pituitary adenoma. Comprehensive genomic profiling for cancer mutations using Foundation One CDx failed to detect any mutations in PRKAR1A in DNA from the testicular tumor. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism array analysis of the proband’s genomic DNA revealed a large deletion in the 5′ region of PRKAR1A. Genomic walking further delineated the region an 8.57‐kb deletion. A 1.68‐kb DNA fragment encompassed by the deleted region showed strong promoter activity in a NanoLuc luciferase reporter assay. The patient’s mother, who is suffering from recurrent cardiac myxoma, a critical sign for CNC, carried an identical deletion. The 8.57‐kb deleted region is a novel lesion for CNC and will facilitate molecular diagnosis of the disease.
Qualitative behavior and solution of a system of three‐dimensional rational difference equations
Authors: Elsayed E. M. , Alshareef A. , Alzahrani Faris
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we construct the solutions expressions for a system of three‐dimensional nonlinear difference equations

In addition, we prove some properties of the proposed system such as boundedness and periodicity of the positive solutions and the global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium points. Finally, we present some numerical examples in order to illustrate the theoretical results.
Development of mobile health–based self‐management support for patients with lung cancer: A stepwise approach
Authors: Ni Xiaosha , Lou Yan , Hu Wenyi , Wang Hemei , Xu Hong , Li Shuaini , Zhou Yunxian , Ni Yisha
Published: February 2022

Aim

To develop self‐management support platform on mobile for Chinese patients with lung cancer.

Design

A stepwise approach with combination of methods.

Methods

Literature review was carried out to construct preliminary framework and develop detailed content for self‐management modules. A semistructured interview was conducted to elicit preference in the content and platform of self‐management modules with 15 patients with lung cancer. Delphi study was performed to evaluate and improve the content of modules with 13 experts. A pilot study was conducted to test the mobile health–based self‐management support modules with 13 patients with lung cancer.

Results

A social network software‐based WeChat public account “Symptom Self‐Management” for patients with lung cancer was developed and preliminarily tested with positive feedback. Three modules were designed and presented, including symptom management (cancer‐related fatigue, cough, dyspnoea, pain, nausea and vomiting), emotion management and role management.

Conclusion

This study showed that patients with lung cancer have diversified supportive care needs after discharge. A bottom‐up and stepwise approach to develop mobile health–based self‐management support tool has shown to be feasible and valuable. Theory guidance, user requirement exploration, evidence‐based information and expert evaluation are key elements of the process.

Implications for Practice

The WeChat Public Account “Symptom Self‐Management” could be used as sustainable platform to support patients with lung cancer in dealing with common challenges. It provides professional information, self‐assessment tools, self‐management skills and peer‐support platform. Information presented in both text and audio forms enables patients' easy access to the platform.
Exercise interventions for weight management during pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum among normal weight women and women with overweight and obesity: An updated systematic review
Authors: Hanley Stephanie J. , Sibbick Elise , Varley Ian , Sale Craig , Elliott‐Sale Kirsty J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Given the increased occurrence of pre‐gravid obesity in recent years, and the implications of maternal obesity for maternal and offspring health, it is evident that there is a continued need to investigate antenatal and postnatal weight management strategies and to provide evidence‐based advice for exercise‐based interventions. Given the small number of studies (n = 5) included in an original systematic review by our group in 2015, it was important to add to the dataset by assessing data published since 2015, in order to provide a more in‐depth view of current knowledge.

Objective

To provide an updated systematic review on studies employing exercise interventions for weight management in pregnant and postpartum women.

Methods

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of an exercise intervention on gestational weight gain and postpartum weight management in normal weight women, and women with overweight and obesity was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science were searched for studies published between September 2013 and June 2021. No restrictions were set on type, intensity, duration, or frequency of exercise intervention. Only studies that targeted body weight or mass as a primary outcome were included.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in this review: 11 during and two following pregnancy. Exercise significantly reduced gestational weight gain in five of the pregnancy studies and induced significant weight loss in one of the postpartum studies. Across studies, there were large disparities in exercise modality, frequency, and duration, although moderate intensity exercise was consistently employed.

Conclusions

Some studies showed positive effects of exercise on weight management during and following pregnancy. While there is still no consensus on effective exercise intervention approaches, it is crucial that physical activity, of any safe form, is recommended to encourage healthy weight management during this time.
Factors associated with postoperative hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy in childhood
Authors: Spinelli Claudio , Ghionzoli Marco , Bertocchini Alessia , Sanna Beatrice , Plessi Carlotta , Strambi Silvia , De Napoli Luigi , Frustaci Gianluca , Materazzi Gabriele , Antonelli Alessandro , Morganti Riccardo , Gennari Fabrizio , Inserra Alessandro , Bisogno Gianni , Gamba Piergiorgio , Ferrari Andrea , Massimino Maura
Published: February 2022

Background

Postoperative hypocalcemia is a frequent complication after thyroidectomy. Hypoparathyroidism may develop as transient (TtHP), with normalization within six months from surgery, or permanent (PtHP) if the patient requires replacement therapy. We analyzed factors associated with the development of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and in detail PtHP following thyroid surgery in a pediatric population.

Procedure

A retrospective multicenter study analyzing 326 patients was carried out. We recorded gender, age, tumor size, thyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node dissection (central/lateral compartment, unilateral/bilateral), parathyroid autotransplantation, and histology. Additionally, calcium levels were acquired postoperatively.

Results

We analyzed pediatric patients ≤18 years who underwent thyroidectomy clustered into age groups (≤15 or > 15). Patients’ mean follow‐up was 5.8 years (1‐11 years). Postoperative hypoparathyroidism occurred in 36 (11.0%): 20 cases (6.13%) developed PtHP. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism was more frequent in younger patients (P = 0.014), in larger tumors (P < 0.001), in case of extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.037), and in central compartment (P = 0.020) and bilateral lymph node dissection (P = 0.030). PtHP was more frequent in older patients (P = 0.014), in case of thyroiditis (P < 0.001), and extrathyroidal extension (P < 0.001). Concerning the first postoperative calcium level measurement, in the postoperative hypoparathyroidism group, we registered a 8.17 mg/dL value with 14% pre/postoperative decrease (ΔCa), whereas in PtHP patient group calcium level was 7.91 mg/dL with 16.7% ΔCa.

Conclusions

The risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism is related to younger age, tumor size, central compartment and bilateral lymph node dissection, extrathyroidal extension, and decrease in postoperative calcium levels. The risk of PtHP is related to older age, thyroiditis, extrathyroidal extension, and decrease in postoperative calcium levels.
The determination of monosaccharide in different years Qingzhuan Dark Tea polysaccharide by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Miao Xiao‐Lei , Ma Hui‐Min , Ke Qin‐Hao , Wang Shi‐Yue , Zhou Hong‐Fu , Zheng Min
Published: February 2022

Aim

To establish a fast, sensitive and accurate high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method for determining the monosaccharide content of Qingzhuan Dark Tea polysaccharides in different years (2 years, 5 years and 11 years).

Methods

The optimised chromatographic conditions were achieved on a C18 column (5.0 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm inner diameter). The mobile phase flow rate was 0.9 mL/min and the column temperature was set to 27°C. The aqueous phase A (5 mM aqueous ammonium acetate) and organic phase B (acetonitrile) were used to elute the target analyses isocratically (0–60 min: 18% B). The mass spectrometer detector was equipped with an electron spray ionisation (ESI)source, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used for the determination of 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone (PMP) derived monosaccharides.

Results

We carried out a comprehensive methodological validation of PMP derived monosaccharides, including linearity, precision, stability and repeatability. Nine monosaccharides (rhamnose, mannose, ribose, glucose, galacturonic acid, xylose, galactose, fucose and arabinose) of Qingzhuan Dark Tea polysaccharides were identified, in which ribose and fucose were reported for the first time. The results showed the contents of these nine monosaccharides differed significantly among different years.

Conclusions

The validated method is reliable, accurate, repeatable and can be applied to quality assessment of these monosaccharides.
Heat stress changes mineral nutrient concentrations inChenopodium quinoaseed
Authors: Tovar Jose C. , Berry Jeffrey C. , Quillatupa Carlos , Castillo S. Elizabeth , Acosta‐Gamboa Lucia , Fahlgren Noah , Gehan Malia A.
Published: February 2022

Quinoa is a popular seed crop, often consumed for its high nutritional quality. We studied how heat stress in the roots or the shoots of quinoa plants affected the concentrations of 20 elements (aluminum, arsenic, boron, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, phosphorous, rubidium, sulfur, selenium, strontium, and zinc) in quinoa seed. Elemental concentrations in quinoa seed were significantly changed after an 11‐day heat treatment during anthesis. The type of panicle (main, secondary, and tertiary) sampled and the type of heat treatment (root only, shoot only, or whole plants) significantly affected elemental profiles in quinoa seed. Plants were also divided into five sections from top to bottom to assess the effect of panicle position on seed elemental profiles. Plant section had an effect on the concentrations of arsenic, iron, and sodium under control conditions and on copper with heat treatment. Overall, the time of panicle development in relation to the time of heat exposure had the largest effect on seed elemental concentrations. Interestingly, the quinoa plants were exposed to heat only during anthesis of the main panicle, but the elemental concentrations of seeds produced after heat treatment ended were still significantly changed, indicating that heat stress has long‐lasting effects on quinoa plants. These findings demonstrate how the nutritional quality of quinoa seeds can be changed significantly even by relatively short heat spells.
Registration of ‘Ho 05‐961’ sugarcane
Authors: Todd J. R. , Hale A. L. , Pan Y.‐B. , Tew T. L. , White W. H. , Dufrene E. O. , Duet M. J. , Verdun D. L. , Spaunhorst D. J. , Dalley C. D. , Grisham M. P. , Wilson B. E. , Gravois K. A. , Jackson W. R.
Published: February 2022

‘Ho 05‐961’ (Reg. no. CV‐207, PI 699490) sugarcane (interspecific hybrids of Saccharum spp.) was evaluated and selected by scientists at the USDA‐ARS, working cooperatively with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and the American Sugar Cane League, Inc. It was released to growers in Louisiana in 2012. The cultivar was tested across the crop cycle (plant cane and first and second ratoons) at 11 farm locations and compared with HoCP 96‐540, the most widely grown cultivar in Louisiana at that time. The sucrose yield (Mg ha−1) of Ho 05‐961 was equivalent to HoCP 96‐540. Ho 05‐961 had sucrose content significantly higher for each crop, indicating moderately early maturity. The cultivar is moderately resistant to smut, brown rust, and leaf scald. HoCP 05‐961 is moderately susceptible to sugarcane mosaic caused by Sorghum mosaic virus and orange rust. It is moderately resistant to the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis F., and moderately responsive to glyphosate ripener. The high sucrose content of Ho 05‐961 makes it a useful addition to current commercial sugarcane cultivars available for Louisiana.
Estimands in observational studies: Some considerations beyondICH E9(R1)
Authors: Li Heng , Wang Chenguang , Chen Wei‐Chen , Lu Nelson , Song Changhong , Tiwari Ram , Xu Yunling , Yue Lilly Q.
Published: February 2022

The document ICH E9 (R1) has brought much attention to the concept of estimand in the clinical trials community. ICH stands for International Conference for Harmonization. In this article, we draw attention to one facet of estimand that is not discussed in that document but is crucial in the context of observational studies, namely weighting for covariate balance. How weighting schemes are connected to estimand, or more specifically to one of its five attributes identified in ICH E9 (R1), the attribute of population, is illustrated using the Rubin Causal Model. Three estimands are examined from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Factors that may be considered in choosing among these estimands are discussed.
Curcumin nanoformulations: Beneficial nanomedicine against cancer
Authors: Maleki Dizaj Solmaz , Alipour Mahdieh , Dalir Abdolahinia Elaheh , Ahmadian Elham , Eftekhari Aziz , Forouhandeh Haleh , Rahbar Saadat Yalda , Sharifi Simin , Zununi Vahed Sepideh
Published: February 2022

Curcumin is a phytochemical achieved from the plant turmeric. It is extensively utilized for the treatment of several types of diseases such as cancers. Nevertheless, its efficiency has been limited because of rapid metabolism, low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and systemic elimination. Scientists have tried to solve these problems by exploring novel drug delivery systems such as lipid‐based nanoparticles (NPs) (e.g., solid lipid NPs, nanostructured lipid carriers, and liposomes), polymeric NPs, micelles, nanogels, cyclodextrin, gold, and mesoporous silica NPs. Among these, liposomes have been the most expansively studied. This review mainly focuses on the different curcumin nanoformulations and their use in cancer therapy in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Despite the development of curcumin‐containing NPs for the treatment of cancer, potentially serious side effects, including interactions with other drugs, some toxicity aspects of NPs may occur that require more high‐quality investigations to firmly establish the clinical efficacy.
Tenuifolin ameliorates chronic restraint stress‐induced cognitive impairment in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Wang Haixia , Huang Hong , Jiang Ning , Zhang Yiwen , Lv Jingwei , Liu Xinmin
Published: February 2022

The general consensus is that stress affects the central nervous system and can lead to cognitive problems. The root of Polygala tenuifolia (P. tenuifolia) is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine used for improving brain function. Tenuifolin (TEN) is the major constituent of P. tenuifolia and has a promising neuroprotective property. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alleviating effect of TEN on cognitive impairment induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) and its mechanism. Our results showed that CRS exposure resulted in impaired cognitive performance in C57BL/6J mice, as indicated by decreased responses in Y‐maze, novel objects recognition, and step‐through passive avoidance tests. TEN treated daily orally (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 30 days reversed these behavior changes. Meanwhile, TEN could significantly regulate interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 levels in the hippocampus. TEN inhibited the toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor‐kappa B‐mediated inflammation, as well as adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone levels in serum. Most importantly, we found that TEN also upregulated the expressions of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, tropomyosin kinase B, glucocorticoid receptor, glutamate receptor 1, and synapse‐associated proteins. Collectively, these data suggest that TEN has a potential improvement effect on memory loss caused by CRS.
Direct multiclass desorption electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of sleep inducers and ototoxic drugs in dried blood spots
Authors: Mainero Rocca Lucia , L’Episcopo Nunziata , Gordiani Andrea , Staderini Alessandro
Published: February 2022

Rationale

An unconventional and innovative approach for the quantitative determination of 11 ototoxic and narcoleptic drugs in whole blood is described. The multiclass method allows the inclusion of the most widespread drugs on the market (antihistamines, antidepressants, antihypertensives, anxiolytics, opioids, Z‐drugs) responsible for 10% of occupational accidents.

Methods

The developed procedure involved the use of the desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) interface for the direct analysis of dried blood spots (DBS). All the issues strictly connected to the chemical–physical characteristics of DBS and DESI (sample inhomogeneity, DBS support, DESI geometry and solvent) were carefully evaluated and innovative strategies were applied. Haematocrit was managed using a small and measured volume of blood (2 μL) with analysis of the entire DBS.

Results

The proposed method was fully validated in terms of limits of detection, limits of quantitation (LOQs; between 60 pg/mm2 and 1.6 ng/mm2), linearity (one order of magnitude starting from LOQs) and inter‐ and intra‐day precision (on three levels, with relative standard deviation values not exceeding 17%). Accuracy was calculated by comparison with an ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method (suitable also as a confirmatory method).

Conclusions

Results showed a surprising sensitivity, demonstrating that this procedure could be suitable for applications in various fields, e.g. forensic analysis. Moreover, as a collateral benefit, it was discovered that the method is able to analyse very light traces left on plastic and glass surfaces by detached dried blood.
A review of draft Environmental Protection Agency Method 1633: A data user's perspective
Authors: Denly Elizabeth , Morin Kristen
Published: February 2022

Currently, the availability of multilaboratory‐validated analytical methods for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is limited. Two of the more commonly known methods are the finalized United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods for the analysis of select PFAS in drinking water samples, EPA 537.1, Determination of Selected Per‐ and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances in Drinking Water by Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) (EPA 600‐R‐20‐006) and EPA 533, Determination of Per‐ And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water by Isotope Dilution Anion Exchange Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (EPA 815‐B‐19‐020) These two methods were developed specifically for drinking water samples, which generally do not have matrix interferences and are generally an easier matrix to analyze. EPA also finalized SW‐846 Method 8327, Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), which covers the analysis of select PFAS in nonpotable water matrices. However, one of the critical deficiencies in this method is the lack of the gold standard for quantitation, isotope dilution, which has become a critical necessity for the analysis of PFAS in nondrinking water matrices to accommodate for potential matrix interferences. In addition, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) Environmental Data Quality Workgroup (EDQW) has stated that SW‐846 Method 8327 should only be used as a screening method and should not be used for the collection of definitive data. The release of Draft EPA Method 1633, Analysis of Per‐and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue Samples by LC‐MS/MS (EPA 821‐D‐21‐001), for nonpotable water matrices, is a first step toward providing the laboratory community with a standardized method that can provide accurate results for PFAS in nonpotable water matrices.
A novel system based on artificial intelligence for predicting blastocyst viability and visualizing the explanation
Authors: Enatsu Noritoshi , Miyatsuka Isao , An Le My , Inubushi Miki , Enatsu Kunihiro , Otsuki Junko , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to invent and evaluate the novel artificial intelligence (AI) system named Fertility image Testing Through Embryo (FiTTE) for predicting blastocyst viability and visualizing the explanations via gradient‐based localization.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed 19 342 static blastocyst images with related inspection histories from 9961 infertile patients who underwent in vitro fertilization. Among these data, 17 984 cycles of single‐blastocyst transfer were used for training, and data from 1358 cycles were used for testing purposes.

Results

The prediction accuracy for clinical pregnancy achieved by a control model using conventional Gardner scoring system was 59.8%, and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.62. FiTTE improved the prediction accuracy by using blastocyst images to 62.7% and AUC of 0.68. Additionally, the accuracy achieved by an ensemble model using image plus clinical data was 65.2% and AUC was 0.71, representing an improvement in prediction accuracy. The visualization algorithm showed brighter colors with blastocysts that resulted in clinical pregnancy.

Conclusions

The authors invented the novel AI system, FiTTE, which could provide more precise prediction of the probability of clinical pregnancy using blastocyst images secondary to single embryo transfer than the conventional Gardner scoring assessments. FiTTE could also provide explanation of AI prediction using colored blastocyst images.
Clinical relevance of a newly developed endometrial receptivity test for patients with recurrent implantation failure in Japan
Authors: Ohara Yasuhiro , Matsubayashi Hidehiko , Suzuki Yosuke , Takaya Yukiko , Yamaguchi Kohei , Doshida Masakazu , Takeuchi Takumi , Ishikawa Tomomoto , Handa Mika , Miyake Tatsuya , Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To assess the clinical efficacy of personalized embryo transfer (pET) guided by a new endometrial receptivity test, ERPeakSM, in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

Methods

Recurrent implantation failure patients of all ages at two private Japanese clinics from April 2019 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The intervention group (n = 244) received pET in accordance with endometrial receptivity testing results and was compared to control group (n = 306) receiving standardized timing, non‐personalized embryo transfer (npET). In propensity score matching analysis, the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) were compared between groups, and a subanalysis of advanced maternal age (AMA) (≥38 years old) versus non‐AMA (<38 years old) patients was also conducted.

Results

The CPR and LBR of the pET group were significantly higher than those of the npET group (37.7% vs. 20.0%, adjusted OR: 2.64; 95%CI, 1.70–4.11, p < 0.001 and 29.9% vs. 9.7%, adjusted OR: 4.13; 95%CI, 2.40–7.13, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, in the subanalyses, the CPR and LBR of the pET group were significantly higher than those of the npET group in both the AMA non‐AMA patients.

Conclusions

The new ERPeakSM endometrial receptivity test is a useful alternative diagnostic tool for poor‐prognosis patients, regardless of age.
Bayesian set of best dynamic treatment regimes: Construction and sample size calculation for SMARTs with binary outcomes
Authors: Artman William J. , Johnson Brent A. , Lynch Kevin G. , McKay James R. , Ertefaie Ashkan
Published: February 2022

Sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trials (SMARTs) compare sequences of treatment decision rules called dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs). In particular, the Adaptive Treatment for Alcohol and Cocaine Dependence (ENGAGE) SMART aimed to determine the best DTRs for patients with a substance use disorder. While many authors have focused on a single pairwise comparison, addressing the main goal involves comparisons of >2 DTRs. For complex comparisons, there is a paucity of methods for binary outcomes. We fill this gap by extending the multiple comparisons with the best (MCB) methodology to the Bayesian binary outcome setting. The set of best is constructed based on simultaneous credible intervals. A substantial challenge for power analysis is the correlation between outcome estimators for distinct DTRs embedded in SMARTs due to overlapping subjects. We address this using Robins' G‐computation formula to take a weighted average of parameter draws obtained via simulation from the parameter posteriors. We use non‐informative priors and work with the exact distribution of parameters avoiding unnecessary normality assumptions and specification of the correlation matrix of DTR outcome summary statistics. We conduct simulation studies for both the construction of a set of optimal DTRs using the Bayesian MCB procedure and the sample size calculation for two common SMART designs. We illustrate our method on the ENGAGE SMART. The R package SMARTbayesR for power calculations is freely available on the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) repository. An RShiny app is available at
https://wilart.shinyapps.io/shinysmartbayesr/.
Interfacial Electron Transfer Strategy to Improve the Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis of CrP Heterostructure
Authors: Sarkar Bidushi , Parui Arko , Das Debanjan , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Nanda Karuna Kar
Published: February 2022

Though several Pt‐free hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts have been reported, their employment for industry is challenging. Here, a facile pyrolysis method to obtain phase‐pure CrP nanoparticles supported on N, P dual‐doped carbon (CrP/NPC) is reported to be tuned toward industrial HER. Interestingly, CrP/NPC exhibits excellent HER activity that requires an overpotential of 34 mV to attain a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is only 1 mV positive to commercial Pt/C and a potential of 55 mV to achieve a current density of 200 mA cm−2 which is better than Pt/C. In addition, the long‐term durability of CrP/NPC is far superior to Pt/C due to the strong interaction between CrP and C support, restricting any agglomeration or leaching. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that electronic modulation at the interface (CrP/NPC) optimizes the hydrogen adsorption energy. The Cr–Cr bridge site with required density of states near the Fermi level is found to be the active site. Overall, this report provides a practical scheme to synthesize rarely investigated CrP based materials along with a computational mechanistic guideline for electrocatalysis that can be utilized to explore other phosphides for various applications.
Tailoring the Surface and Interface Structures of Copper‐Based Catalysts for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Ethylene and Ethanol
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Bian Lei , Tian Hao , Liu Yuan , Bando Yoshio , Yamauchi Yusuke , Wang Zhong‐Li
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to valuable ethylene and ethanol offers a promising strategy to lower CO2 emissions while storing renewable electricity. Cu‐based catalysts have shown the potential for CO2‐to‐ethylene/ethanol conversion, but still suffer from low activity and selectivity. Herein, the effects of surface and interface structures in Cu‐based catalysts for CO2‐to‐ethylene/ethanol production are systematically discussed. Both reactions involve three crucial steps: formation of CO intermediate, CC coupling, and hydrodeoxygenation of C2 intermediates. For ethylene, the key step is CC coupling, which can be enhanced by tailoring the surface structures of catalyst such as step sites on facets, Cu0/Cuδ+ species and nanopores, as well as the optimized molecule–catalyst and electrolyte–catalyst interfaces further promoting the higher ethylene production. While the controllable hydrodeoxygenation of C2 intermediate is important for ethanol, which can be achieved by tuning the stability of oxygenate intermediates through the metallic cluster induced special atomic configuration and bimetallic synergy induced the double active sites on catalyst surface. Additionally, constraining CO coverage by the complex–catalyst interface and stabilizing CO bond by N‐doped carbon/Cu interface can also enhance the ethanol selectivity. The structure–performance relationships will provide the guidance for the design of Cu‐based catalysts for highly efficient reduction of CO2.
Systematic Engineering on Ni‐Based Nanocatalysts Effectively Promote Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Jiao , Wang Zuochao , Zhang Dan , Qin Yingnan , Xiong Juan , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei
Published: February 2022

Designing a synthesis of ultra‐small Ni‐based nanomaterials with high intrinsic activity and stability in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a major challenge. Herein, a series of noble metal doped ultra‐small size (4 nm) M‐Ni/NiO nanoparticles supported on CNT are rationally designed by a solvent‐free microwave reduction method that is fast (60 s), simple, includes no surfactants, extensive (>1 g), and has high yield (82.7%). The Ir‐Ni/NiO@CNT has superior performance with a low overpotential of 24.6 mV at 10 mA cm−2. In addition, the turnover frequency (TOF) value up to 2.51 s−1 and the exchange current density reaches 4.34 mA cm−2, indicating that the catalyst has better intrinsic catalytic activity. It is further proved by density functional theory (DFT) that the NiO surface is conducive to the adsorption of OH* in the Volmer step while the Ni is inclined to adsorb H*, which synergistically promotes the water‐splitting reaction, thereby increasing the catalytic rate of HER. It is believed that this work will provide valuable contributions and inspirations toward the large‐scale production of high‐performance Ni‐based electrocatalysts for HER.
Molecular electrostatic potential analysis: A powerful tool to interpret and predict chemical reactivity
Authors: Suresh Cherumuttathu H. , Remya Geetha S. , Anjalikrishna Puthannur K.
Published: February 2022

The molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) V(r) data derived from a reliable quantum chemical method has been widely used for the interpretation and prediction of various aspects of chemical reactivity. A rigorous mapping of the MESP topology is achieved by computing both ∇V(r) data and the elements of the Hessian matrix at the critical points where ∇V(r) = 0. In the MESP topology, intra‐ and inter‐molecular bonded regions show the characteristic (3, −1) bond critical points (BCPs) while the electron‐rich regions such as lone pair and π‐bonds show (3, +3) minimum (Vmin) CPs. The Vmin analysis provides a simple and powerful technique to characterize the electron‐rich region in a molecular system as it corresponds to the condensed information of the wave function at this point due to the nuclei and electronic distribution through the Coulomb's law. The Vmin analysis has been successfully applied to explain the phenomena related to chemical reactivity such as π‐conjugation, aromaticity, substituent effect, ligand electronic effects, trans‐influence, redox potential, activation energy, cooperativity, noncovalent interactions, and so on. The MESP parameters ∆Vmin and ∆Vn, derived for arene systems have been used as powerful measures of substituent effects while Vmin at the lone pair region of ligands has been used as a reliable electronic parameter to assess their σ‐donating ability to metal centers. Furthermore, strong predictions on the intermolecular interactive behavior of molecular systems can be made from MESP topology studies. This review summarizes the chemical reactivity applications offered by MESP topology analysis for a large variety of organic, organometallic, and inorganic molecular systems.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Interactions

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
New Pb(II)‐Ammine complexes as intermediates from the interaction of CH3NH2 with PbX2 and CH3NH3PbX3 (X=Cl, Br)
Authors: Krummer Michael , Daub Michael , Hillebrecht Harald
Published: February 2022

In continuation of our investigations of the “molten salt approach” for MAPbI3, we now report on the interaction of gaseous CH3NH2 with PbX2 (X=Cl, Br) and MAPbX3 (X=Cl, Br). We have characterized cubic [Pb(CH3NH2)6]Br2 with a close similarity to the K2PtCl6 type and partially disordered octahedra [Pb(CH3NH2)6]2+. Release of CH3NH2 yields Pb(CH3NH2)3Br2. Here Pb2+ is octahedrally coordinated by 3 CH3NH2 ligands and 3 Br− as a fac‐isomer. Charge neutrality is achieved by one terminal and two bridging Br− forming edge‐sharing dimers. For the chloride there is only a partial exchange of the halide ligands. Pb(CH3NH2)2Cl2, with a novel cubic structure, shows two different octahedra: PbCl6 and Pb(CH3NH2)3Cl3. Pb(CH3NH2)3Cl2 is closely related to Pb(CH3NH2)3Br2, i. e. Pb(CH3NH2)3Cl3 octahedra in fac‐geometry with one terminal and two bridging Cl−, but herez the polyhedra form a linear chain. In all representatives with mixed ligands the interaction with X− is significantly weaker than with CH3NH2. H‐bridges N−H⋅⋅⋅X contribute to the interaction between the Pb(CH3NH2)3X3 units. All compounds decompose in air to Pb(OH)X and MAPbX3 (X=Cl, Br).
Collaborative Decision-Making Processes for Local Innovation: The CoULL Methodology in Living Labs Approach
Authors: Cerreta Maria , Panaro Simona
Published: February 2022

The concept of the Living Lab is closely connected to the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy and of the Digital Agenda for Europe and is the subject of numerous user-centric open innovation programs and European projects supported by the European ENoLL Network. The chapter presents a new methodology, called Collaborative Urban Living Lab (CoULL), to support the Collaborative Decision-Making Processes to activate local innovation processes at the neighbourhood, city or landscape scale. Starting from the Quintuple Helix framework and the literature review on the Living Lab concept, its extension to the city and territorial context, and the related people-centred approaches have been discussed. The potentials to using them for putting open innovation into practice and developing innovative solutions for the cities have been shown. Nowadays, the built environments need to accelerate the transition to sustainable, climate-neutral, inclusive, resilient, healthy and smart prosperous. In the last few years, the Living Lab approaches have been promoted and used by local and international research and innovation agencies in collaboration with enterprises, NGOs and local governments to find solutions to the new issues. However, the Living Lab methodologies to guide the urban scale’s co-development solutions are few and need more accurate research and experimentations. In that direction, the CoULL methodology, tested in four different research projects (including the REPAiR project), has defined a suitable process for supporting the co-design, co-production and co-decision cycles of urban innovative and sustainable solutions.
Planning Wastescapes Through Collaborative Processes
Authors: Attademo Anna , Berruti Gilda
Published: February 2022

The chapter is focused on collaborative processes through which the functions and spatial hierarchies of public or public use areas are redefined. The field of action is: on the one hand the urban metabolism, interpreted as a study of the life cycle of the city, including wastescapes; on the other, collaborative processes, aimed at defining the uses of tailored, place-based, and collective services. In this sense, the research moves from the analysis of places born for public use, but abandoned over time or never actually completed; disused places waiting to reenter the urban metabolism. Among those, there are also Italian “planning standards,” publicly designed in compliance with the quantities defined by law, and often partially used or not properly managed. The proposal of new uses and services for these contexts is based on criteria of flexibility, not fixed once and for all, not predetermined in time, but in progress in order to overcome the limits of the implementation of policies and programs of the past. These integrated processes can activate a dialogue between public institutions, privates, local associations and citizens’ groups. The research also intends to cross-reference the issue of spatial inequalities in access to spaces and services, with the evolution of the public actor from provider to service enabler, in a wider redefinition of welfare and welfare spaces concept, as an effect of global economic and financial crisis. The question needs non-sectoral responses, which take into account environmental, social, spatial issues. Welfare can no longer be provided as a self-sufficiency device: contextual services, for everyone, can be realized by recapitalizing wastescapes, co-creating “planning standards” through the recovery of degraded local contexts, collectively investing in the use and care of public, and open services. The paper will focus on: (a) the case of the former NATO area in Naples (in Bagnoli neighborhood) which is the subject of a Plan for urban renewal, adopted by the Municipality of Naples in 2020. The area, owned by a public company whose purpose is the assistance of children in the disadvantaged segment (Fondazione Campania Welfare), has been redesigned as a public facility on a metropolitan scale, within a public consultation process between the ownership, the Municipality of Naples and several local stakeholders (third sector organizations, citizens, cultural associations, etc.). As an effect of this collaborative process, the reuse of the area started before the adoption of the Plan; (b) the case of Horizon2020 research REPAiR in which the issue of circular economy applied to the recovery of wastescapes for public purposes has been investigated in living labs, working on waste perception and awareness as key factors for regenerating wastelands. The co-creation process partly resumed a strategy foreseen in 2013 by the Campania Region in the Plan of waste prevention, for the implementation of Integrated Centres for the reuse of durable goods, originally excluded by the Regional Waste Law.
Manufactured in the Peri-Urban: Regenerative Strategies for Critical Lands
Authors: Guida Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Peri-urban is an intermediate land. On the one hand, its hybrid nature makes it particularly vulnerable to speculation, indiscriminate use of soil resources, erosion of agricultural residues, and so on; on the other hand, it is difficult to control through planning instruments and policies. Starting from this background, the chapter will investigate the territories of the large Campania Plain, in the South of Italy, between Naples and Caserta. Until the middle of twentieth century, this territory was known as Campania Felix due to its agricultural vocation. Subsequently, a series of development policies and a misinterpreted concept of valorization and modernization of the territory have changed its characteristics and identity, giving many parts of it to disorder: industrial settlements, plants, logistics, landfills, and large infrastructures that clash with the residential, agricultural, or residual areas and in-between natural ones. In this context, the chapter summarizes the first results of a research project that aims to rethink the role of the large Industrial Development Areas, established in the peri-urban contexts of the plain in the province of Caserta, in Italy.
Urban Manufacturing for Circularity: Three Pathways to Move from Linear to Circular Cities
Authors: Hausleitner Birgit , Hill Adrian , Domenech Teresa , Muñoz Sanz Victor
Published: February 2022

Urban manufacturing and manufacturers play a vital role in delivering circular economy ambitions through processing materials, providing skills and technology for repair or reconditioning goods and the capacity to deliver innovative technology. The transdisciplinary approach of Cities of Making (CoM) puts forward three ways of addressing manufacturing, and by extension, circularity, within urban areas. Central to triangulate the facilitation of urban manufacturing are the perspectives of (1) material flows and technology, (2) spatial design (3) people and networks. The integration of the three pathways requires convergence while retaining the richness of the three perspectives. The challenge is to find a common language that provides a comparable, operative framework for exploring possible solutions. The CoM framework of integration followed three main principles: (1) reducing the complexity of information, (2) reducing the complexity of combinations of possible solutions, and (3), applying an accessible, applicable instrument for the solutions. The resulting pattern language is co-created in a transdisciplinary setting and is also an instrument for the transdisciplinary application. The low threshold accessible system of solutions allows actors from different disciplines to access patterns developed in the context of another discipline and laypeople who are affected or interested to co-create.