bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bismuth Nanoparticles Anchored on Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanosheets for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Hao , Li Jiabao , Yang Jian , Wang Na , Liu Zhigang , Wang Tianyi , Su Dawei , Wang Chengyin , Wang Guoxiu
Published: October 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries are promising energy‐storage systems, but they are facing huge challenges for developing fast‐charging anode materials. Bismuth (Bi)‐based anode materials are considered as candidates for fast‐charging anodes of sodium‐ion batteries due to their excellent rate performance. Herein, we designed a two‐dimensional Bi/MXene anode material based on a hydrogen thermal reduction strategy. Benefitting from microstructure advantages, Bi/MXene anodes exhibited an excellent rate capability and superior cycle performance in Na//Bi/MXene half‐batteries and Na3V2(PO4)3/C//Bi/MXene full‐batteries. Moreover, full‐batteries can complete a charge/discharge cycle in 7 min and maintain an excellent cycle life (over 7000 cycles). The electrochemical test results showed that Bi/MXene is a promising anode material with fast charge/discharge capability for sodium‐ion batteries.
Amplified Peroxidase‐like Activity of Co2+ Using 8‐Hydroxyquinoline and Its Application for Ultrasensitive Colorimetric Detection of Clioquinol
Authors: Xu Lijun , Sai Jialin , Xue Dongguo , Zhou Lu , Pei Renjun , Liu Aihua
Published: October 2021

8‐Hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) and its derivatives display diverse bioactivities and therapeutic potentials. In this study, we unveiled that 8HQ can boost the peroxidase‐like activity of Co2+ in the presence of bicarbonate (HCO3−) in neutral pH at room temperature. With 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) (ABTS) as the substrate, the formed Co2+/8HQ/HCO3− complex shows robust catalytic activity with the turnover number (kcat) tens to hundreds of times higher than that of Co3O4 and other Co2+ complexes in terms of per cobalt ion. This system was used to design colorimetric sensors for ultrasensitive detection of 8HQ‐based drugs by activating the activity of Co2+. Take detecting clioquinol as an example, a detection limit of 2.4 nM clioquinol with a linear range from 0.01 to 0.2 μM was obtained. This work not only revealed a new kind of ligand that activated the activity of Co2+, but also provided a facile, low‐cost, ultrasensitive, easy‐to‐use, and universal strategy for sensing various 8HQ‐based drugs. Further development of this catalytic system might be beneficial to overcome drug resistance by combined medication.
A Mitochondria‐targeted AIEgen Labelled with18F for Breast Cancer Cell Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Yu Kaiwu , Zhou Rui , Xu Yangyang , Zhong Yan , Qian Shufang , Zhang Honghai , Shi Haibin , He Qinggang , Mao Zhengwei , Zhang Haoke , Wei Yen , Zhang Hong , Tian Mei
Published: October 2021

A lack of efficient diagnostic tools for early and noninvasive diagnosis of breast cancer has restricted the clinical treatment effect. This problem might be addressed by the combination of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorescence imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) with the dual advantages of high resolution and easy operation, and unlimited penetration and high sensitivity. Here, a mitochondria‐targeted AIE luminogen (AIEgen) radiolabeled with18F was developed through a two‐step radiochemical reaction by virtue of a prosthetic group. The obtained18/19F‐Bz‐CP imaging probe was examined by in vitro cell uptake and cell proliferation inhibition in two breast cancer cell lines, showing that the probe can efficiently target and locate in the mitochondria through the analysis of fluorescence imaging and PET simultaneously. Additionally, the probe can induce cancer cell apoptosis with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 4.8 μM for MCF‐7 cells and 7.2 μM for T47D cells, indicating its potential application for breast cancer therapy.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Monolayer Films Precisely Controlled by LB Technology to Realize Low‐Energy Consumption and High‐Stability Ternary Data‐Storage Devices
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Li Hua , Cao Huan , Zhang Qijian , Wang Guan , Yuan Junwei , Lu Jianmei
Published: October 2021

Organic semiconductor devices with low energy consumption and excellent stability are highly desirable. Controlling the intermolecular alignment orientation by designing the molecular structure or optimization of the film preparation process is an alternative way to achieve this goal. In this paper, a new idea was proposed to realize the formation of an aligned monomolecular layer and multimolecular layer thin films on the electrode substrate by controlling the surface pressure of molecular layer on the liquid surface by LB technology. An amphiphilic π‐conjugated D−A molecule was synthesized, and the influence of spin coating and LB technology on intermolecular ordered stacking in the film and the electrical memory performance were investigated. The results demonstrated that the film fabricated by LB technology has some advantages compared with that fabricated by spin‐coating method, such as higher crystallinity, lower surface roughness and better‐organized monomolecular and multimolecular layer, which significantly promoted the performance of the electrical memory device with lower power consumption and longer stability.
Reliability of self‐report versus the capacity to consent to treatment instrument to make medical decisions in brain metastasis and other metastatic cancers
Authors: Fowler Mackenzie E. , Marotta Dario A. , Kennedy Richard E. , Gerstenecker Adam , Gammon Meredith , Triebel Kristen
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the ability of persons with metastatic cancer to self‐assess their medical decision‐making capacity (MDC). To investigate this, we compared an objective measure of MDC with self‐ratings and evaluated predictors of agreement.

Methods

Data were obtained from a cross‐sectional study of metastatic cancer patients at a large academic medical center. Across all standards of MDC, sensitivity, specificity, and reliability using Gwet's AC1 statistic were calculated using the objective measure as the gold standard. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of agreement between the measures across all MDC standards.

Results

In those with brain metastases, high sensitivity (greater than 0.7), but low specificity was observed for all standards. Poor reliability was observed across all standards. Higher age resulted in higher odds of disagreement for Standard 3 (appreciation) (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.15) and Standard 4 (reasoning) (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.10). For Standard 3, chemotherapy use and brain metastases compared to other metastases resulted in higher odds of disagreement (Chemotherapy: OR: 5.62, 95% CI: 1.37, 23.09, Brain Metastases: OR: 5.93, 95% CI: 1.28, 27.55). For Standard 5 (understanding), no predictors were associated with disagreement.

Conclusions

For less cognitively complex standards (e.g., appreciation), self‐report may be more valid and reliable than more cognitively complex standards (e.g., reasoning or understanding). However, overall, MDC self‐report in the current sample is suboptimal. Thus, the need for detailed assessment of MDC, especially when patients are older or used chemotherapy, is indicated. Other studies should be conducted to assess MDC agreement longitudinally.
Cross‐sectoral collaboration in business model innovation for sustainable development: Tensions and compromises
Authors: Stål Herman I. , Bengtsson Maria , Manzhynski Siarhei
Published: October 2021

Cross‐sectoral collaboration is argued to be vital for business model innovation for sustainability and the tension‐filled choices it involves but brings its own complexities. We therefore investigate how institutional logics and power affect the interests and dependencies of City planners and real‐estate developers involved in developing a business model for sustainable mobility. Through analyzing how partners deal with tension‐filled choices regarding business model elements, we develop a model to explain how compromises are made in partnerships characterized by conflicting interests coupled to strong interdependencies. We finish by cautioning that conflicting interests and power characteristics may delimit the potential for such cross‐sectoral collaborations to contribute to sustainable development in sectors where public actors are used to rely on their authority.
FeSe2/CoSe2 Heterostructure with an Adjusting Electronic Structure for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yan Cheng , Shan Hui , Yang Huijuan , Zhang Weihua , Wang ShengBao , Zhang Yulin , Qin Jian , Li Wenbin , Xiao Wei , Zhou Zhiyou , Li Xifei
Published: October 2021

CoSe2 has been a promising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst due to its unique electronic configuration and metal behavior. However, the OER performance of CoSe2 is obviously limited by unexposed active sites. Herein, a FeSe2/CoSe2 heterostructure electrocatalyst is designed to increase the active sites of CoSe2 and shows an excellent electrocatalytic OER performance with an overpotential of 344 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 42 mV dec−1, and an excellent stability of 60 h. The superior OER performance is ascribed to the electronic structure modulation of CoSe2 and the larger electrochemical surface area, which effectively increases the active sites for OER. This work provides a feasible way to prepare heterojunction electrocatalysts and enriches the OER electrocatalytic applications of transition metal‐based selenides.
Development and validation of a rapid LC‐MS/MS method for the detection of 182 novel psychoactive substances in whole blood
Authors: Giorgetti Arianna , Barone Rossella , Pelletti Guido , Garagnani Marco , Pascali Jennifer , Haschimi Belal , Auwärter Volker
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The analysis of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represents a challenge in forensic toxicology, due to the high number of compounds characterized by different structures and physicochemical properties both among different subclasses and within a single subclass of NPS. The aim of the present work is the development and validation of a targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for the detection of NPS in whole blood.

Materials and methods

A protein‐precipitation based LC‐MS/MS method for the detection of more than 180 NPS was developed and validated by assessing the following parameters: selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ) recovery, and matrix effect. Then, the method was applied to real forensic samples.

Results

The method allowed the identification of 132 synthetic cannabinoids, 22 synthetic opioids, and 28 substances among synthetic cathinones, stimulants, and other drugs. Validation was successfully achieved for most of the compounds. Linearity was in the range of 0.25–10 ng/ml for synthetic cannabinoids and 0.25–25 ng/ml for other drugs. Accuracy and precision were acceptable according to international guidelines. Three cases tested positive for fentanyl and ketamine, in the setting of emergency room administration.

Conclusions

The present methodology represents a fast, not expensive, wide‐panel method for the analysis of more than 180 NPS by LC‐MS/MS, which can be profitably applied both in a clinical context and in postmortem toxicology.
A CRISPR/Cas9 zebrafish lamin A/C mutant model of muscular laminopathy
Authors: Nicolas Hannah A. , Hua Khang , Quigley Hailey , Ivare Joshua , Tesson Frédérique , Akimenko Marie‐Andrée
Published: October 2021

Background

Lamin A/C gene (LMNA) mutations frequently cause cardiac and/or skeletal muscle diseases called striated muscle laminopathies. We created a zebrafish muscular laminopathy model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to target the zebrafish lmna gene.

Results

Heterozygous and homozygous lmna mutants present skeletal muscle damage at 1 day post‐fertilization (dpf), and mobility impairment at 4 to 7 dpf. Cardiac structure and function analyses between 1 and 7 dpf show mild and transient defects in the lmna mutants compared to wild type (WT). Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of genes implicated in striated muscle laminopathies show a decrease in jun and nfκb2 expression in 7 dpf homozygous lmna mutants compared to WT. Homozygous lmna mutants have a 1.26‐fold protein increase in activated Erk 1/2, kinases associated with striated muscle laminopathies, compared to WT at 7 dpf. Activated Protein Kinase C alpha (Pkc α), a kinase that interacts with lamin A/C and Erk 1/2, is also upregulated in 7 dpf homozygous lmna mutants compared to WT.

Conclusions

This study presents an animal model of skeletal muscle laminopathy where heterozygous and homozygous lmna mutants exhibit prominent skeletal muscle abnormalities during the first week of development. Furthermore, this is the first animal model that potentially implicates Pkc α in muscular laminopathies.
Sexual dimorphism in an adaptive radiation: Does intersexual niche differentiation result in ecological character displacement?
Authors: Wasiljew Benjamin D. , Pfaender Jobst , Wipfler Benjamin , Gabelaia Mariam , Utama Ilham Vemandra , Wantania Letha Louisiana , Herder Fabian
Published: October 2021

Evolutionary radiations are one plausible explanation for the rich biodiversity on Earth. Adaptive radiations are the most studied form of evolutionary radiations, and ecological opportunity has been identified as one factor permitting them. Competition among individuals is supposedly highest in populations of conspecifics. Divergent modes of resource use might minimize trophic overlap, and thus intersexual competition, resulting in ecological character displacement between sexes. However, the role of intersexual differentiation in speciation processes is insufficiently studied. The few studies available suggest that intersexual niche differentiation exists in adaptive radiations, but their role within the radiation, and the extent of differentiation within the organism itself, remains largely unexplored. Here, we test the hypothesis that multiple morphological structures are affected by intersexual niche differentiation in “roundfin” Telmatherina, the first case where intersexual niche differentiation was demonstrated in an adaptive fish radiation. We show that sexes of two of the three morphospecies differ in several structural components of the head, all of these are likely adaptive. Sexual dimorphism is linked to the respective morphospecies‐specific ecology and affects several axes of variation. Trait variation translates into different feeding modes, processing types, and habitat usages that add to interspecific variation in all three morphospecies. Intrasexual selection, that is, male–male competition, may contribute to variation in some of the traits, but appears unlikely in internal structures, which are invisible to other individuals. We conclude that intersexual variation adds to the adaptive diversity of roundfins and might play a key role in minimizing intersexual competition in emerging radiations.
Simultaneous Analysis of Mono‐, Di‐, Triacylglycerols, and Fatty Acid Methyl Esters in Biodiesel by Size‐Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: da Costa Roberta Perroni Marouço , de Souza Cristiane Gimenes , dos Santos Rafael Cavalcante , de Andrade Débora França , Antonio d'Avila Luiz
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a method based on size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) for the simultaneous determination of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), monoacylglycerols (MAG), diacylglycerols (DAG), and triacylglycerols (TAG) in biodiesel. The proposed method presents good linearity. The limits of detection are 0.26% mass for FAME, 0.02% mass for MAG, 0.01% mass for DAG, and 0.02% mass for TAG. The limits of quantification are 0.78% mass for FAME, 0.06% mass for MAG, 0.01% mass for DAG, and 0.06% mass for TAG. Accuracy evaluated by recovery yielded values ranging from 98.93% to 117.67%. Precision is evaluated by repeatability (%), which is ranged from 0.03% to 13.67%. The proposed SEC method proves effective in determining the FAME, MAG, DAG, and TAG content of standard samples, and the paired t‐test shows that the results obtained were statistically similar to the gas chromatography (GC) values. The method also has some advantages over the reference GC methods, since it obtains the content for each class analyzed, irrespective of its components. Also, it does not require derivatization, which makes it easier and also quicker (15 min) than the 60 min taken by the two reference methods, and it does not need an internal standard, which makes it cheaper.

Practical Applications: Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is an efficient method for simultaneous and quantitative determination of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), monoacylglycerols (MAG), diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols (TAG). The method present itself as an alternative to reference methods (ASTM D 6584 and ABNT NBR 15764) based on gas chromatography (GC). The proposed method shows advantages compared to reference methods, once it makes possible to determine the content of each constituent class in samples, regardless of its components, what makes the peak integration easier. Beyond that, previous sample derivatization is unnecessary, what makes the method simpler, cheaper and faster (15 min) than both reference methods that demands together 60 min for analysis (ASTM D 6584 for MAG, DAGa and TAG and ABNT NBR 15764 for FAME analysis).
High‐throughput sorting of nanoliter droplets enabled by a sequentially addressable dielectrophoretic array
Authors: Loo Mun Hong , Nakagawa Yuta , Kim Soo Hyeon , Isozaki Akihiro , Goda Keisuke
Published: October 2021

Droplet microfluidics has emerged as a powerful tool for a diverse range of biomedical and industrial applications such as single‐cell analysis, directed evolution, and metabolic engineering. In these applications, droplet sorting has been effective for isolating small droplets encapsulating molecules, cells, or crystals of interest. Recently, there is an increased interest in extending the applicability of droplet sorting to larger droplets to utilize their size advantage. However, sorting throughputs of large droplets have been limited, hampering their wide adoption. Here, we report our demonstration of high‐throughput fluorescence‐activated droplet sorting of 1 nL droplets using an upgraded version of the sequentially addressable dielectrophoretic array (SADA), which we reported previously. The SADA is an array of electrodes that are individually and sequentially activated/deactivated according to the speed and position of a droplet passing nearby the array. We upgraded the SADA by increasing the number of driving electrodes constituting the SADA and incorporating a slanted microchannel. By using a ten‐electrode SADA with the slanted microchannel, we achieved fluorescence‐activated droplet sorting of 1 nL droplets at a record high throughput of 1752 droplets/s, twice as high as the previously reported maximum sorting throughput of 1 nL droplets.
A comprehensive review of FET‐based pH sensors: materials, fabrication technologies, and modeling
Authors: Sinha Soumendu , Pal Tapas
Published: October 2021

The demand for miniaturized point‐of‐care chemical/biochemical sensors has driven the development of field‐effect transistors (FETs) based pH sensors over the last 50 years. This paper aims to review the fabrication technologies, device structures, sensing film materials, and modeling techniques utilized for FET‐based pH sensors. We present the governing principles of potentiometric sensors, with major focus on the working principles of ion‐sensitive FETs (ISFETs). We extensively review different sensing film materials deposited by various techniques, which is critical to the sensing performance of ISFETs. The popular fabrication technologies have been presented, with special emphasis on state‐of‐the‐art silicon‐on‐insulator based technology, which can achieve high sensitivity by utilizing the dual‐gate effect. Furthermore, recent advancements in nano‐ISFETs has been elucidated. We also discuss the adoption of unmodified complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) ISFETs using standard CMOS processes, which has enabled the fabrication of integrated ISFET arrays, which are especially suited for ion‐imaging applications. Moreover, recent developments in extended‐gate FETs has been discussed, which have gained lot of attention due to their design flexibility and ease of fabrication, which is desirable for wearable sensing applications. In addition, recently there have been efforts to utilize nonsilicon channel materials for pH‐sensing application to obtain superior performance and various channel materials have been reviewed. Finally, we have extensively reviewed the ISFET device modeling and simulation techniques using various computer‐aided design tools, which aid in sensor design and characterization.
Optimization on jet‐induced ventilation to enhance the uniformity of airflow distribution in data center
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Niu Baolian , Zhang Zhongbin , Shi Min
Published: October 2021

Improving the utilization efficiency of cold airflow in data center (DC) has already attracted widespread concern. A broad consensus has been reached that cold/hot‐aisle containment technologies can reduce the mixture of cold and hot air to weaken the overheating phenomenon of the rack in a certain extent. However, local hot spots still occur in the front racks due to lower tile flow rate at the entrance of the cold aisle, which means the thermal environment of front racks can be further improved to achieve the more uniform airflow distribution horizontally and vertically in DC. In this paper, an innovative method of airflow optimization applying jet fans in the cold aisles is proposed to make up the lower tile flow rate, adjust the flow path of cold air from the perforated tiles to racks, and balance temperature heterogeneity. In addition, inductive velocity, nozzle height, horizontal position, and attachment distance of jet fans are optimized to explore the optimal parameters. Results show that the incorporation of jet‐induced ventilation can effectively improve the cooling performance and overall thermal environment in DC, while the amount of IT equipment that exceeded the ASHRAE recommended supply air temperature (SAT) is reduced by about 38%. The jet fan with optimal parameters has a broad application space in the raised floor DC.
Novel green soybean shuidouchi fermented by Bacillus velezensis with multibioactivities
Authors: Liu Hong , Luo Shen , Liu Jun , Yan Qiaojuan , Yang Shaoqing , Jiang Zhengqiang
Published: October 2021

Soybeans are usually fermented by Bacillus subtilis to produce shuidouchi, which is a traditional fermentation soybean product in China. In the study, green soybeans were fermented by Bacillus velezensis to make a novel green soybean shuidouchi with multibioactivities. The processing conditions were optimized as follows: initial moisture content 75%, inoculum concentration 7 log CFU/g, and incubation time 24 h for prefermentation; water addition 50%, salt addition 6%, temperature 45°C, 3 days for postfermentation. The fermented green soybean shuidouchi (FGSS) showed 234.8 FU/g dry weight (DW) for the fibrinolytic activity and IC50 of 0.33 mg/ml for the anticoagulant activity. FGSS had higher contents of chemical components including 3.6 mg rutin (RE)/g DW of total flavonoids, 8.2 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g DW of total phenolics, 63.7 mg/g DW of reducing sugars, and 163.8 mg/g DW of peptides than the unfermented green soybean shuidouchi (UGSS). Moreover, it exhibited high antioxidant activities of 29.8, 85.1 μmol trolox equivalent (TE)/g DW, and 12.8 μmol Fe2+/g DW through 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) experiments. Thus, a novel green soybean shuidouchi fermented by B. velezensis owing to multibioactivities can provide a theoretical basis for the further development of functional shuidouchi.
No mission? No motivation. On hospitals' organizational form and charity care provision
Authors: Burani Nadia
Published: October 2021

A healthcare provider faces two decision problems. On the one hand, it chooses its organizational form: a hospital can be a for‐profit institution providing compensated care only, or it can be a nonprofit organization whose mission is enhancing access to care for uninsured, low‐income patients. On the other hand, the provider chooses which health professionals to hire, without observing their heterogeneous skills and their pro‐social motivation. These decisions are related because an increase in the percentage of revenues, that the nonprofit hospital sacrifices for charity care, might enhance the motivation of its workers and induce some of them to donate their labor, that is, to volunteer. Accordingly, this article analyzes the provider's optimal screening contracts, which are contingent on workers' ability and satisfy limited liability, and relates them to the optimal choice of its mission‐orientation. The results provide a new rationale for: the emergence of different organizational forms for hospitals, such as for‐profits and nonprofits, which complement public hospitals in the provision of health care, the heterogeneity in the degree of charity care chosen by different nonprofit hospitals.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Han Xiaotong , Li Nannan , Xiong Peixun , Jung Min Gyu , Kang Yingbo , Dou Qingyun , Liu Qing , Lee Jin Yong , Park Ho Seok
Published: October 2021

Electronically coupled metallic hybrids of layered double hydroxide nanosheets/MXene quantum dots are designed for high‐performance flexible Zn‐air batteries. (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12226)

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Impact of a clinical pharmacist in an outpatient heart transplant clinic
Authors: Prom Alyson , Ricciuti Domenica , Walter Krysta , Newman Jessica , Doligalski Christina
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Pharmacotherapy‐related prevention of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, optimal immunosuppression regimens, and metabolic management are essential for promotion of graft survival in heart transplant recipients.

Methods

Following the addition of an ambulatory clinical pharmacist to the heart transplant team at an academic medical center in January 2018, we sought to assess the impact of pharmacist integration on pharmacotherapy‐related clinical outcomes including goal blood pressure, diabetes control, appropriate statin and aspirin utilization, tacrolimus variability, and patient and graft outcomes at 1 year postheart transplant via a retrospective pre‐post analysis.

Results

Fifty‐nine heart transplant recipients were included. At 1 year, the pharmacist cohort had a higher percentage of heart transplant recipients at goal blood pressure (93.1 vs 71.4%, P = .03), on a statin (96.7 vs 67.9%, P = .004), and with fewer 1 year hospital readmissions (55 vs 28, P = .03); no significant differences in HbA1c, aspirin use, tacrolimus level variability, or patient and graft survival were observed.

Discussion

This analysis suggests that the integration of a pharmacist into the routine ambulatory care of heart transplant recipients is associated with improvement in several pharmacotherapy‐related clinical outcomes.
Establishing an internal quality control method for the stable extraction of nucleic acids of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and RT‐PCR‐based detection
Authors: Okuyama Takahiro , Ohtsuka Kouki , Ogura Wataru , Yonetani Shota , Yamasaki Satoko , Miyagi Hiroyuki , Sekiguchi Kumiko , Ohnishi Hiroaki , Watanabe Takashi
Published: October 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), is detected using real‐time RT‐PCR. However, there are limitations pertaining to quality control, particularly with respect to establishing quality control measures for extraction of viral nucleic acids. Here, we investigated the quality control measures for the various processes using an extrinsic quality control substance and quality control charts.

Methods

An extrinsic quality control substance was added to the sample, and then, real‐time RT‐PCR was performed. Samples with negative test results and the corresponding data were analyzed; a quality control chart was created and examined.

Results

Data analysis and the quality control charts indicated that SARS‐CoV‐2 could be reliably detected using real‐time RT‐PCR, even when different nucleic acid extraction methods were used or when different technicians were employed.

Conclusion

With the use of quality control substances, it is possible to achieve quality control throughout the process—from nucleic acid extraction to nucleic acid detection—even upon using varying extraction methods. Further, generating quality control charts would guarantee the stable detection of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Clients' and therapists' experiences of five general change mechanisms during an Internet‐based cognitive behavioral intervention for family caregivers
Authors: Theurer Christina , Wilz Gabriele , Lechner‐Meichsner Franziska
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Despite its efficacy, little is known about what makes Internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) effective. We, therefore, analyze participants' and therapists' experiences of Grawe's five general change mechanisms (alliance, resource activation, clarification, problem actuation, mastery) during an iCBT intervention for family dementia caregivers, and how their experiences were related to treatment outcomes.

Method

Participants (N = 30) exchanged eight weekly messages with a therapist via an Internet platform. We used the Bern Post Session Report to assess participants' and therapists' experiences of the general change mechanisms after each session.

Results

Treatment outcomes were associated with therapists' overall experiences of alliance, clarification, and mastery. Participants experienced more problem actuation than therapists. Only participants' and therapists' experiences of clarification over time differed.

Conclusions

Grawe's general change mechanisms are also relevant for iCBT. We recommend considering Grawe's framework when designing Internet‐based therapeutic interventions and when training therapists to deliver such interventions.
Challenges working with men: Australian therapists' perspectives
Authors: Seidler Zac E. , Wilson Michael J. , Trail Katherine , Rice Simon M. , Kealy David , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Oliffe John L.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Emerging research highlights that therapists experience difficulty engaging and retaining male clients in talk therapy. Understanding therapists' challenges when working with men can inform gender‐specific training efforts.

Methods

Open‐ended qualitative survey data were collected from a sample of 421 Australian‐based therapists. Participants described that which they find most challenging about therapeutic work with men. Responses were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were revealed: (1) men's wavering commitment and engagement; (2) males as ill‐equipped for therapy; and (3) therapists' uncertainty. Contrasting state and trait constructs, much of the men's state‐based wavering commitment and engagement was positioned as amenable to change whereas traits assigned men as ill‐equipped for therapy and unreachable.

Conclusion

These findings underscore a clear need to better target training efforts to directly respond to the needs of therapists working with men, such that all therapists are well‐equipped to meet men with gender‐sensitive therapy.
Understanding religious attachment among christians seeking spiritually integrated psychotherapies: A mixed methods study
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Stevens Laura T. , Hinkel Hannah M. , Davis Edward B. , Park Crystal L.
Published: October 2021

Objective

This mixed methods study aimed to understand ways of viewing and experiencing religious attachment among Christians in spiritually integrated psychotherapies.

Method

In total, 190 Christian‐affiliated clients completed narrative responses about religious and parental attachment along with validated measures of spiritual and psychological functioning toward the start of treatment.

Results

An inductive content analysis revealed ten ways in which clients were viewing and experiencing God. Although painful themes were expressed, clients more frequently discussed comforting themes related to religious attachment. Additional analyses demonstrated convergence with parental attachment and quantitative measures of spirituality and mental health.

Conclusion

Religious attachment appears to primarily provide a sense of strength and comfort for Christians seeking care. Findings also indicate clients view and experience God in similar ways as their parents or caregivers. As such, assessing and affirming clients' faith may facilitate positive changes in how they view and experience themselves and others in treatment.
Making meaning of community violence among adolescents: Associations between exposure, pro‐violence attitudes and psychological symptoms
Authors: Muradwij Nawal , Allwood Maureen
Published: October 2021

This study examined one type of adolescent meaning making (i.e., the development of beliefs about violence) and its association with reported mental health symptoms in a sample of youth exposed to community violence. Eighty‐seven adolescents (age 11–18; 64.4% female) from a metropolitan city in the Northeast were recruited through Craigslist and recreation center postings and data collection occurred from 2009 to 2013. Participants completed self‐reported measures of community violence exposure, attitudes toward violence, and psychological symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. Bivariate correlations, hierarchical linear regressions, and mediation analyses examined the associations between exposure, beliefs about violence, and mental health symptoms. Self‐reported pro‐violence attitudes were positively correlated with depression symptoms (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) and PTSD (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). Pro‐violence attitudes significantly mediated the relationship between community violence exposure and depression symptoms (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.003–0.061) and PTSD symptoms (95% CI = 0.046–0.260). Preliminary findings suggest that meaning making through the development of pro‐violence attitudes may not protect against symptoms of PTSD and depression among youth. Findings can inform the integration of meaning making processes into community mental health interventions for youth.
PROJECT STAR (Midwestern Prevention Project): Overview
Authors: Göçmen Aliye , Derin Nur , Metin Ahmet , Kariper İ. Afşin
Published: October 2021

The program designed to prevent substance use should be planned in multiple dimensions. One of these programs is Project Star. This study aims to evaluate the studies on the Project Star and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program. For this purpose, the keywords “Project Star” and “Midwestern Prevention Project” were scanned from databases. The results of these studies were evaluated by giving a summary of the studies included in the study. As a result, the strengths of Project Star are that it is multidimensional, focuses on early development periods, includes the individual's ecological environment, and reduces substance use in later development periods, and not having an internet‐based version. This situation has been identified as its weaknesses since its situation in other societies is unknown due to its cost and limited international applications.
Safety and efficacy of grazoprevir/elbasvir in the treatment of acute hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ji Qinghua , Chu Xudong , Zhou Yugui , Liu Xuan , Zhao Wei , Ye Wei
Published: October 2021

Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in hemodialysis patients requires extensive consideration. At present, studies regarding DAAs for acute HCV infection in such patients are limited. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of grazoprevir (GZR) plus elbasvir (EBR) treatment in acute hepatitis C (AHC) patients undergoing hemodialysis. Patients undergoing hemodialysis who had a nosocomial acute HCV infection were enrolled. All patients received GZR 100 mg/EBR 50 mg once daily for 12 weeks and were followed up for 12 weeks. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and HCV RNA levels were monitored during treatment and follow‐up periods. Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after treatment cessation and treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) were assessed. A total of 68 AHC patients were enrolled. All patients were infected with HCV genotype 1b and achieved SVR12. Decreasing ALT, AST, and TBIL were observed over time in the first 4 weeks and became steady thereafter. Forty‐eight (70.59%) patients reported at least one AEs. The most common AEs were fatigue, headache, and nausea. Two AHC patients discontinued treatment due to serious but drug‐unrelated AEs. In conclusion, GZR/EBR has a high efficacy and safety profile in hemodialysis‐dependent patients with genotype 1b AHC.
Design and implementation of an internal model controller applied to MPPT PV systems using phase‐shift full‐bridge DC–DC converter
Authors: Chaves Eric N. , Viajante Ghunter P. , de Freitas Marcos A. A. , de Oliveira Marcelo E. , Coelho Ernane A. A. , Morais Gabriel , Nielson Rafael
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the design of an internal model controller with one degree of freedom (1DOF‐IMC) that will be applied to a full‐bridge DC–DC converter driven by phase‐shift PWM. This DC–DC converter will be used in photovoltaic systems for maximum power point tracking (MPPT), with the objective of developing a single‐phase micro‐inverter connected to the grid integrated to the photovoltaic module. It will be presented the mathematical modeling of this converter to control the input voltage aiming the application in MPPT and the design of the respective controller. The proposal testing and validation strategy was performed by comparison with a PI compensator. Simulations and experimental results will be presented and the performance of both controllers are evaluated and discussed. Both control strategies were discretized with the sampling frequency at 20 kHz and implemented in a floating point using the Texas Instruments® DSC TMS320F28335.
Effect of soil P status on barley growth, P uptake, and soil microbial properties after incorporation of cover crop shoot and root residues
Authors: Christensen Julie T. , Hansen Elly M. , Kandeler Ellen , Hallama Moritz , Christensen Bent T. , Rubæk Gitte H.
Published: October 2021

Background

Cover crops (CC) introduced to reduce leaching of nitrate may also improve soil microbial properties and phosphorus (P) uptake in crops that follow. These effects may depend on soil P status and the quality of the CC residues.

Aim

Our aim was to quantify the more persistent effects of incorporation of residues of three different CC species on barley growth and P uptake and whether any response in growth and P uptake was related to soil P status and changes in soil microbial properties.

Methods

We examined the impact of soil P status, CC species, and residue fraction (shoots and/or roots) on the growth of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare) and soil microbial properties. Shoot and root residues from three contrasting CC (oats, Avena sativa; corncockle, Agrostemma githago; lupine, Lupinus angustifolius) were incubated for 2 months in soil with low and medium P status. Dry matter yield and P offtake characterized effects of CC residues on barley while phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), neutral lipid fatty acids (NLFAs), and enzyme activity characterized soil microbial properties after barley harvest.

Results

Effects of shoot residues on barley yield and P offtake appeared neutral or positive and not affected by soil P status, while the effect of root residues appeared negative for medium P soil and neutral for low P soil. With lupine shoot biomass, however, barley yield and P offtake increased in both soils. Neither CC treatments nor soil P status affected the microbial community composition (bacterial and fungal specific PLFAs). Lupine roots increased phosphomonoesterase, and lupine residues generally stimulated microbial abundance (total microbial PLFAs) compared to other CC treatments.

Conclusion

We conclude that the effect of CC residues on the following crop and soil microorganisms depends on soil P status and that lupine had the largest positive impact on barley growth.
Changes in Eustachian Tube Mucosa in Mice After Short‐Term Tobacco and E‐cigarette Smoke Exposure
Authors: Nicholas Brian D. , Kiprovski Aleksandar , Perez Diandra , Mehta Rohin , Murphy Michael K. , Li Zhenfeng , Tampio Alex
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To evaluate histologic changes in middle ear and eustachian tube (ET) mucosa of mice after exposure to tobacco or electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) smoke. To determine whether there were any mitigating effects of middle ear application of anti‐IL‐13 or the epidermal growth factor receptor antagonist AG1478 on noted changes within ET mucosa.

Study Design

Controlled animal study.

Methods

Fifty BALB/cJ mice were randomly assigned to one of five groups: A control group with no smoke exposure, two groups exposed to tobacco smoke, and two groups exposed to e‐cigarette vapor. Within the exposed groups after 4 weeks of exposure, one ear was infiltrated with a saline hydrogel and the other ear with hydrogel of either Anti‐IL‐13 or AG1478. After four more weeks of exposure, the animals were euthanized and the ETs were evaluated for mucosal changes.

Results

Compared to control animals with no smoke exposure, there were significant decreases in the numbers of goblet cells within the ET mucosa of mice exposed to tobacco smoke and e‐cigarette vapor. No significant differences in cilia, mucin, or squamous metaplasia were noted. Neither anti‐IL‐13 nor AG178 significantly altered goblet cell count in the ET mucosa of mice exposed to tobacco smoke; however, both agents significantly increased goblet cells within the ET mucosa of mice exposed to e‐cigarette vapor.

Conclusion

Short‐term tobacco smoke and e‐cigarette vapor significantly decrease goblet cell count in mouse ET mucosa. Middle ear application of both anti‐IL‐13 and AG1478 resulted in an increase in goblet cell count among mice exposed to e‐cigarette vapor, but not to tobacco smoke.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:648–654, 2022
Identification of spatial patterns and sources of heavy metals in greenhouse soils using geostatistical and positive matrix factorization (PMF) methods
Authors: Meng Min , Yang Linsheng , Yu Jiangping , Wei Binggan , Li Hairong , Cao Zhiqiang , Chen Qing , Zhang Guoyin
Published: October 2021

Greenhouse vegetable products are important dietary sources. Heavy metals in greenhouse soils are associated with food safety and public health. Therefore, heavy metals in greenhouse soils are of significant concern. This study used positive matrix factorization (PMF) and geostatistical analyses to assess possible sources and spatial distribution patterns of heavy metals in 248 greenhouse soil samples obtained from southern Hebei Province, China. The results showed that the mean arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the greenhouse soil samples were 13.5, 0.16, 74.3, 31.4, 0.03, 26.0, 156, and 98.0 mg/kg, respectively. Approximately 97.18%, 32.26%, 25.81%, 22.98%, 8.06%, 6.45%, 2.02%, and 0.40% of sample sites were contaminated with Cd, Cu, Hg, Zn, Cr, As, Pb, and Ni, respectively. The PMF indicated that Cd and Pb was mainly influenced by metal smelting activity; Cu and Zn accumulation in greenhouse soils was mainly from manure and chemical fertilizer application, while Ni, Cr, and As were strongly derived from natural sources. The spatial distribution patterns varied among metals, with Ni and Pb mainly controlled by natural factors, whereas Cd, Cu, Cr, and Zn were moderately to strongly influenced by fertilizer application. However, Pb is also affected by atmospheric deposition caused by industrial emissions. The spatial distribution of As is controlled by both natural and anthropogenic factors.
Predictors of severe dysphagia following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Petersson Kerstin , Finizia Caterina , Tuomi Lisa
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate if severe dysphagia following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) could be predicted by patient and tumor characteristics, feeding tube use, weight factors, jaw opening function, and saliva secretion.

Methods

Data was collected from 94 HNC patients 6 to 36 months post radiotherapy. Swallowing function was assessed by videofluroscopy (VFS). Severe dysphagia was defined by Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) as PAS≥5 or a total score ≤60 on the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI).

Results

Thirty‐three patients (35%) had PAS ≥5 and 19 (20%) a MDADI ≤60, that is, presented with severe dysphagia. Univariable logistic regression analysis (UVA) gave that tumor of the tonsil, overweight at time of VFS and each unit increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) predicted less risk of PAS ≥5. Dependency of feeding tube at time of VFS and each month's continued use and weight loss ≥7.5% since treatment to time of VFS predicted increased risk of PAS ≥5. Predictive variables from the UVA of PAS ≥5 (tumor of the tonsil, overweight, and total duration of feeding tube), were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. All retained power as independent predictors. UVA for MDADI showed that use of feeding tube at time of VFS predicted MDADI ≤60 with the risk increasing each month. Each increasing unit of BMI decreased risk of MDADI ≤60.

Conclusion

Long time users of feeding tube and higher weight‐loss are at risk of severe dysphagia. This makes collaboration between professionals working with dysphagia an important step in detecting severe dysphagia.

Level of Evidence: 3.
Infusion of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells After Liver Transplantation: A 5‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Vandermeulen Morgan , Mohamed‐Wais Maleyko , Erpicum Pauline , Delbouille Marie‐Hélène , Lechanteur Chantal , Briquet Alexandra , Maggipinto Gianni , Jouret François , Beguin Yves , Detry Olivier
Published: October 2021

Various properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) might be particularly of interest after liver transplantation (LT). In this article, we report the long‐term results of a prospective, controlled, and first‐in‐human phase 1 study evaluating the safety of a single MSC infusion after LT. A total of 10 LT recipients treated with standard immunosuppression received 1.5 to 3 × 106/kg third‐party unrelated MSCs on postoperative day 3 and were prospectively compared with a control group of 10 LT recipients. Primary endpoints were set to prospectively detect potentially delayed adverse effects of MSC infusion, particularly the occurrence of infections and cancers. Secondary endpoints of liver graft and patient survival, graft rejection and function, occurrence of bile duct complications, and development of donor‐specific anti–human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) against liver or MSC donors were studied. The median follow‐up was 85 months. There was no difference in overall rates of infection or cancer at 5 years of follow‐up between the 2 groups. There was also no difference in secondary endpoints. The prevalence of de novo liver DSAs related to HLA mismatches was twice as high in the MSC group compared with the control group. All of the de novo class II HLA antibodies against MSCs were linked to a shared HLA mismatch between the liver and MSCs. This study confirms the safety of a single MSC infusion after LT. The potential benefits of MSC injections in the context of organ transplantation have yet to be demonstrated by larger prospective studies. The development of anti‐HLA antibodies against an MSC donor should be further evaluated, especially in cases of shared HLA mismatches between graft and MSC donors, despite the fact that no deleterious effect has been detected.