bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Tri‐Layered Biomimetic Atelocollagen Scaffolds with Interfaces for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering
Authors: Cao Runfeng , Xu Yang , Xu Yong , Brand D. D. , Zhou Guangdong , Xiao Kaiyan , Xia Huitang , Czernuszka J. T.
Published: February 2022

The development of biomimetic scaffolds containing cartilage, calcified cartilage, and bone regeneration for precise osteochondral repair remains a challenge. Herein, a novel tri‐layered scaffold—with a top layer containing type II atelocollagen and chondroitin sulphate for cartilage regeneration, an intermediate layer with type II atelocollagen and hydroxyapatite for calcified cartilage formation, and a bottom layer with type I atelocollagen and hydroxyapatite for bone growth—that can be built using liquid‐phase cosynthesis, is described. The tri‐layered scaffolds are mechanically demonstrably superior and have a lower risk of delamination than monolayer scaffolds. This is due to higher cohesion arising from the interfaces between each layer. In vitro results show that although monolayer scaffolds can stimulate bone marrow stem cells to differentiate and form cartilage, calcified cartilage, and bone separately (detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and staining with safranin‐O and Alizarin Red S), the tri‐layered scaffolds support the regeneration of cartilage, calcified cartilage, and bone simultaneously after 2 and 4 months of implantation (detected using gross and micro‐computed tomography images, histological staining, and Avizo, a software used to detect microlevel defects in metals). This work presents data on a promising approach in devising strategies for the precise repair of osteochondral defects.
Antibacterial Sericin Cryogels Promote Hemostasis by Facilitating the Activation of Coagulation Pathway and Platelets
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Liu Huan , Qin Sumei , Yang Cheng , Lv Qiying , Wang Zheng , Wang Lin
Published: February 2022

Cryogels, with high water/blood absorption, have great potential for rapid hemostasis. In this study, a hemostatic and antibacterial sericin‐methacryloyl/Ag cryogel (SMC@Ag) based on freeze polymerization of methacryloyl‐modified sericin and in situ reduction of silver ions is developed. The combination of interconnected micropores and Ag NPs endows the cryogel with high water/blood absorption, and outstanding hemostatic and antibacterial performance. SMC@Ag shows much better hemostatic performance than the commercial gelatin sponge in rat liver injury, tail amputation, and femoral artery injury models. Furthermore, the excellent hemostatic activity of SMC@Ag is due to facilitating the coagulation pathway activation and enhancing the platelets adhesion during coagulation process. Overall, SMC@Ag cryogel with excellent hemostatic and antibacterial performance is a suitable candidate for traumatic hemorrhage and wound healing.
Tuning Two‐Electron Oxygen‐Reduction Pathways for H2O2 Electrosynthesis via Engineering Atomically Dispersed Single Metal Site Catalysts
Authors: Yang Xiaoxuan , Zeng Yachao , Alnoush Wajdi , Hou Yang , Higgins Drew , Wu Gang
Published: February 2022

The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation via the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) under ambient conditions is emerging as an alternative and green strategy to the traditional energy‐intensive anthraquinone process and unsafe direct synthesis using H2 and O2. It enables on‐site and decentralized H2O2 production using air and renewable electricity for various applications. Currently, atomically dispersed single metal site catalysts have emerged as the most promising platinum group metal (PGM)‐free electrocatalysts for the ORR. Further tuning their central metal sites, coordination environments, and local structures can be highly active and selective for H2O2 production via the 2e− ORR. Herein, recent methodologies and achievements on developing single metal site catalysts for selective O2 to H2O2 reduction are summarized. Combined with theoretical computation and advanced characterization, a structure–property correlation to guide rational catalyst design with a favorable 2e− ORR process is aimed to provide. Due to the oxidative nature of H2O2 and the derived free radicals, catalyst stability and effective solutions to improve catalyst tolerance to H2O2 are emphasized. Transferring intrinsic catalyst properties to electrode performance for viable applications always remains a grand challenge. The key performance metrics and knowledge during the electrolyzer development are, therefore, highlighted.
Engineering Macrophage Exosome Disguised Biodegradable Nanoplatform for Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Wu Tingting , Liu Ying , Cao Yu , Liu Zhihong
Published: February 2022

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) exhibits high tissue penetration and negligible radiation damage to normal tissues, and thus emerges as a promising cancer therapeutic modality for glioblastoma (GBM). However, the blood−brain barrier (BBB) and hypoxic microenvironment greatly limit the SDT efficiency. In this work, a biodegradable nanoplatform (termed as CSI) is fabricated by encapsulating catalase (CAT) into silica nanoparticles (CAT@SiO2) for tumor hypoxia relief, and then loaded with the sonosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG). Inspired by the ability of macrophages to cross the BBB, CSI is further coated with AS1411 aptamer‐modified macrophage exosomes to form CSI@Ex‐A, which possesses efficient BBB penetration and good cancer‐cell‐targeting capability. After tumor cell endocytosis, highly expressed glutathione (GSH) triggeres biodegradation of the nanoplatform and the released CAT catalyzes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce O2 to relieve tumor hypoxia. The GSH depletion and O2 self‐supplying effectively enhances the SDT efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the resulting CSI@Ex‐A exhibits good biocompatibility and long circulation time. These findings demonstrate that CSI@Ex‐A may serve as a competent nanoplatform for GBM therapy, with potential for clinical translation.
Ultrafast Spin‐Charge Conversion at SnBi2Te4/Co Topological Insulator Interfaces Probed by Terahertz Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Rongione E. , Fragkos S. , Baringthon L. , Hawecker J. , Xenogiannopoulou E. , Tsipas P. , Song C. , Mičica M. , Mangeney J. , Tignon J. , Boulier T. , Reyren N. , Lebrun R. , George J.‐M. , Le Fèvre P. , Dhillon S. , Dimoulas A. , Jaffrès H.
Published: February 2022

Spin‐to‐charge conversion (SCC) involving topological surface states (TSS) is one of the most promising routes for highly efficient spintronic devices for terahertz (THz) emission. Here, the THz generation generally occurs mainly via SCC consisting in efficient dynamical spin injection into spin‐locked TSS. In this work, sizable THz emission from a nanometric thick topological insulator (TI)/ferromagnetic junction—SnBi2Te4/Co—specifically designed to avoid bulk band crossing with the TSS at the Fermi level, unlike its parent material Bi2Te3 is demonstrated. THz emission time domain spectroscopy (TDS) is used to indicate the TSS contribution to the SCC by investigating the TI thickness and angular dependence of the THz emission. This work illustrates THz emission TDS as a powerful tool alongside angular resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) methods to investigate the interfacial spintronic properties of TI/ferromagnet bilayers.
Estimating mortality from coal workers' pneumoconiosis among Medicare beneficiaries with pneumoconiosis using binary regressions for spatially sparse data
Authors: Paul Rajib , Adeyemi Oluwaseun , Arif Ahmed A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is an occupational lung disease due to inhalation of coal dust. We estimated mortality from CWP and other pneumoconioses among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

We used the 5% Medicare Limited Claims Data Set, 2011–2014, to identify patients diagnosed with ICD‐9‐CM 500 (CWP) through 505 (Asbestosis, Pneumoconiosis due to other silica or silicates, Pneumoconiosis due to other inorganic dust, Pneumonopathy due to inhalation of other dust, and Pneumoconiosis, unspecified) codes. We applied binary regression models with spatial random effects to determine the association between CWP and mortality. Our inferences are based on Bayesian spatial hierarchical models, and model fitting was performed using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) algorithm in R/RStudio software.

Results

The median age of the sample was 76 years. In a sample of 8531 Medicare beneficiaries, 2568 died. Medicare beneficiaries with CWP had 25% higher odds of death (adjusted OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.46) than those with other types of pneumoconiosis. The number of comorbid conditions elevated the odds of death by 10% (adjusted OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.10).

Conclusion

CWP increases the likelihood of death among Medicare beneficiaries. Healthcare professionals should make concerted efforts to monitor patients with CWP to prevent premature mortality.
A Nuclear‐Targeted AIE Photosensitizer for Enzyme Inhibition and Photosensitization in Cancer Cell Ablation
Authors: Wang Kang‐Nan , Liu Liu‐Yi , Mao Duo , Hou Ming‐Xuan , Tan Cai‐Ping , Mao Zong‐Wan , Liu Bin
Published: February 2022

The nucleus is considered the ideal target for anti‐tumor therapy because DNA and some enzymes in the nucleus are the main causes of cell canceration and malignant proliferation. However, nuclear target drugs with good biosafety and high efficiency in cancer treatment are rare. Herein, a nuclear‐targeted material MeTPAE with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics was developed based on a triphenylamine structure skeleton. MeTPAE can not only interact with histone deacetylases (HDACs) to inhibit cell proliferation but also damage telomere and nucleic acids precisely through photodynamic treatment (PDT). The cocktail strategy of MeTPAE caused obvious cell cycle arrest and showed excellent PDT anti‐tumor activity, which offered new opportunities for the effective treatment of malignant tumors.
Versatile Construction of Biomimetic Nanosensors for Electrochemical Monitoring of Intracellular Glutathione
Authors: Wu Wen‐Tao , Chen Xi , Jiao Yu‐Ting , Fan Wen‐Ting , Liu Yan‐Ling , Huang Wei‐Hua
Published: February 2022

The current strategies for nanoelectrode functionalization usually involve sophisticated modification procedures, uncontrollable and unstable modifier assembly, as well as a limited variety of modifiers. To address this issue, we propose a versatile strategy for large‐scale synthesis of biomimetic molecular catalysts (BMCs) modified nanowires (NWs) to construct functionalized electrochemical nanosensors. This design protocol employs an easy, controllable and stable assembly of diverse BMCs‐poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) composites on conductive NWs. The intrinsic catalytic activity of BMCs combined with outstanding electron transfer ability of conductive polymer enables the nanosensors to sensitively and selectively detect various biomolecules. Further application of sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine functionalized nanosensors achieves real‐time electrochemical monitoring of intracellular glutathione levels and its redox homeostasis in single living cells for the first time.
MOF‐Hosted Enzymes for Continuous Flow Catalysis in Aqueous and Organic Solvents
Authors: Greifenstein Raphael , Ballweg Tim , Hashem Tawheed , Gottwald Eric , Achauer David , Kirschhöfer Frank , Nusser Michael , Brenner‐Weiß Gerald , Sedghamiz Elaheh , Wenzel Wolfgang , Mittmann Esther , Rabe Kersten S. , Niemeyer Christof M. , Franzreb Matthias , Wöll Christof
Published: February 2022

Fully exploiting the potential of enzymes in cell‐free biocatalysis requires stabilization of the catalytically active proteins and their integration into efficient reactor systems. Although in recent years initial steps towards the immobilization of such biomolecules in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been taken, these demonstrations have been limited to batch experiments and to aqueous conditions. Here we demonstrate a MOF‐based continuous flow enzyme reactor system, with high productivity and stability, which is also suitable for organic solvents. Under aqueous conditions, the stability of the enzyme was increased 30‐fold, and the space–time yield exceeded that obtained with other enzyme immobilization strategies by an order of magnitude. Importantly, the infiltration of the proteins into the MOF did not require additional functionalization, thus allowing for time‐ and cost‐efficient fabrication of the biocatalysts using label‐free enzymes.
Molecular‐Level Insights into the Notorious CO Poisoning of Platinum Catalyst
Authors: Chen Wenyao , Cao Junbo , Fu Wenzhao , Zhang Jing , Qian Gang , Yang Jia , Chen De , Zhou Xinggui , Yuan Weikang , Duan Xuezhi
Published: February 2022

Carbon monoxide (CO) is notorious for its strong adsorption to poison platinum group metal catalysts in the chemical industry. Here, we conceptually distinguish and quantify the effects of the occupancy and energy of d electrons, emerging as the two vital factors in d‐band theory, for CO poisoning of Pt nanocatalysts. The stepwise defunctionalization of carbon support is adopted to fine‐tune the 5d electronic structure of supported Pt nanoparticles. Excluding other promotional mechanisms, the increase of Pt 5d band energy strengthens the competitive adsorption of hydrogen against CO for the preferential oxidation of CO, affording the scaling relationship between Pt 5d band energy and CO/H2 adsorption energy difference. The decrease of Pt 5d band occupancy lowers CO site coverage to promote its association with oxygen for the total oxidation of CO, giving the scaling relationship between Pt 5d occupancy and activation energy. The above insights outline a molecular‐level understanding of CO poisoning.
A protocol for the generation of Arachis hypogaea composite plants: A valuable tool for the functional study of mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Nanjareddy Kalpana , Zepeda‐Jazo Isaac , Arthikala Manoj‐Kumar
Published: February 2022

Premise

Agrobacterium rhizogenes–induced hairy root systems are one of the most preferred and versatile systems for the functional characterization of genes. The use of hairy root systems is a rapid and convenient alternative for studying root biology, biotic and abiotic stresses, and root symbiosis in in vitro recalcitrant legume species such as Arachis hypogaea.

Methods and Results

We present a rapid, simplified method for the generation of composite A. hypogaea plants with transgenic hairy roots. We demonstrate a technique of hairy root induction mediated by A. rhizogenes from young A. hypogaea shoots. The efficacy of the system for producing transgenic roots is demonstrated using an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression vector. Furthermore, the application of the system for studying root branching is shown using the auxin‐responsive marker DR5 promoter fused to β‐glucuronidase (GUS). Finally, the success of the hairy root system for root symbiotic studies is illustrated by inoculating hairy roots with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Conclusions

In this study, we have developed a rapid, efficient, and cost‐effective composite plant protocol for A. hypogaea that is particularly effective for root‐related studies and for the validation of candidate genes in A. hypogaea during mycorrhizal symbiosis.
Production of bio‐polyurethane (BPU) foams from greenhouse/agricultural wastes, and their biodegradability
Authors: Li Hongwei , Kognou Aristide Laurel Mokale , Jiang Zi‐Hua , Qin Wensheng , Xu Chunbao Charles
Published: February 2022

The exploration of effective utilization of greenhouse wastes is challenging. This paper demonstrates a hydrothermal treatment approach involving the co‐liquefaction of greenhouse wastes with agricultural residue in a mixed solvent of water and ethanol in the presence of a base catalyst, to convert greenhouse wastes and corn stalk into bio‐oil/bio‐polyol at a very high yield of 57.2%, accompanied by a very low yield of solid residue. This bio‐oil (hydroxyl number: 305 mg KOH/g) was successfully used as bio‐polyol to substitute up to 50% petroleum‐based polyol for the preparation of bio‐polyurethane (BPU) foams. The biodegradability of the BPU foams was also studied by incubation with Dyella sp. for a period of 8 weeks. The weight loss, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of foam samples were collected and analyzed. The BPU foams exhibited much better biodegradability than the petroleum‐based polyurethane (PU) foam. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Impact of landscape design on the greenhouse gas emissions of shrub willow bioenergy buffers in a US Midwest corn‐production landscape
Authors: Canter Christina E. , Zolton Kaitlyn , Cacho Jules F. , Negri M. Cristina , Zumpf Colleen R. , Quinn John J.
Published: February 2022

Previous studies have evaluated the economics and ecosystem services of perennial bioenergy crops when replacing grain crops on marginal (environmentally critical and/or underproductive) lands. This study used life‐cycle analysis (LCA) to investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of perennial crops when grown in targeted landscape positions and their impact in reducing nitrogen leaching. Specifically, LCA was performed to evaluate the GHG emissions of growing shrub willow on marginal lands in the Indian Creek watershed in Illinois to assess the sustainability of strategically planted willow buffer strips. Willow was grown as a short‐rotation woody crop with a 21‐year rotation under three scenarios including a business‐as‐usual (BAU) field‐scale production with nitrogen fertilizer application and two unfertilized subfield buffer scenarios – landscape single subfield (LSSF) or landscape multiple subfields (LMSF) – grown alongside cornfields to reduce nitrate leaching. Each scenario also considers three field sizes, 2.0, 10.1, and 40.5 ha. The average annual GHG emissions from willow production and depot transportation were 0.32–0.77 Mg‐CO2e ha−1 with the lowest emissions for the LSSF scenario and highest for the BAU. The GHG emissions for the LSSF and BAU scenarios are independent of field size, whereas LMSF emissions increase with increasing field size, 0.41 Mg‐CO2e ha−1 at 2.0 ha and 0.76 Mg‐CO2e ha−1 at 40.5 ha. Emission results were most sensitive to the willow yield, followed by fertilizer application rate (BAU only), harvest fuel consumption, and transportation distance. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
An on‐premise study to investigate the effects of mixing alcohol with caffeinated beverages
Authors: Johnson Sean J. , Verster Joris C. , Alford Chris
Published: February 2022

Objective

The purpose of this on‐premise study was to determine if mixing alcohol with caffeinated mixers had an impact on objective and subjective intoxication.

Methods

The study was conducted across eight drinking occasions in the City of Bristol, UK. Participants (N = 1041) were recruited outside popular night‐time entertainment venues and interviewed regarding their alcohol consumption for that particular evening, including whether or not they had consumed caffeinated beverages with alcohol. Subjective intoxication was rated on an 11‐point scale and objective intoxication determined with a breath alcohol test. Depending on their consumption on the night of the interview, participants also reported whether they consumed alcohol mixed with caffeinated mixers or alcohol‐only on other consumption occasions.

Results

Between‐subjects analyses found that alcohol–caffeine consumers consumed more alcohol and had higher objective and subjective intoxication than those who consumed alcohol‐only. These results remained significant regardless of whether or not they mixed alcohol with caffeinated mixers or consumed alcohol‐only on the night of the interview. Within‐subject analyses revealed that alcohol–caffeine consumers drank the same or less alcohol on alcohol–caffeine occasions compared to alcohol‐only occasions.

Conclusions

These findings provide support that alcohol–caffeine use does not increase overall alcohol consumption, and may be one manifestation of a high risk‐taking personality.
Bio‐based composite granules with simultaneous biocontrol and phosphorus fertilization roles: Outcomes from a lab‐scale in vitro assessment
Authors: Favaro Camila P. , Klaic Rodrigo , Bettiol Wagner , Ribeiro Caue , Farinas Cristiane Sanchez
Published: February 2022

The use of phosphate rocks as low‐solubility phosphorus fertilizers has been promoted to reduce the environmental impacts of agriculture, but adequate nutrient uptake by plants depends on solubilization of the rock, driven by soil microorganisms. Here, investigation was made of the microbial solubilization of low‐solubility phosphate rocks, together with simultaneous bioprotective action involving the biocontrol of microorganisms. The aim was to enhance function and value by delivering two effects using a single bio‐based product, in accordance with the concept of a “bioreactor‐in‐a‐granule” system. A composite structure was developed, based on a starch matrix, comprising a combination of Trichoderma asperelloides, as a biocontrol agent, and Aspergillus niger, as an acidulant. A significant increase of up to 150% in P solubilization was achieved, indicating the positive effect of the microorganism‐composite interaction. In vitro assays showed that the ability of T. asperelloides to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum mycelial growth was maintained in the presence of A. niger. Moreover, the estimated cost of the composite granule (0.35 US$/kg of product on a dry basis) revealed competitive. The results indicated that the association of T. asperelloides and A. niger is an effective way to increase nutrient availability and to inhibit plant pathogens, opening up possibilities for the design of multifunctional bio‐based fertilizer composites.
Ferroptosis in cancer and cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhou Xiaoxue , Xie Feng , Zhang Lei , Yan Haiyan , Huang Jun , Zhang Chong , Zhou Fangfang , Chen Jun , Zhang Long
Published: February 2022

The hallmark of tumorigenesis is the successful circumvention of cell death regulation for achieving unlimited replication and immortality. Ferroptosis is a newly identified type of cell death dependent on lipid peroxidation which differs from classical programmed cell death in terms of morphology, physiology and biochemistry. The broad spectrum of injury and tumor tolerance are the main reasons for radiotherapy and chemotherapy failure. The effective rate of tumor immunotherapy as a new treatment method is less than 30%. Ferroptosis can be seen in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and tumor immunotherapy; therefore, ferroptosis activation may be a potential strategy to overcome the drug resistance mechanism of traditional cancer treatments. In this review, the characteristics and causes of cell death by lipid peroxidation in ferroptosis are briefly described. In addition, the three metabolic regulations of ferroptosis and its crosstalk with classical signaling pathways are summarized. Collectively, these findings suggest the vital role of ferroptosis in immunotherapy based on the interaction of ferroptosis with tumor immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thus, indicating the remarkable potential of ferroptosis in cancer treatment.
Game‐based learning for better decision‐making: A collision prevention training for maritime transportation engineering students
Authors: Türkistanli Taha T. , Kuleyin Barış
Published: February 2022

Ship collision is a form of maritime accident that possess great threats to transportation safety, economy, and human lives. Deck watchkeeping officers who oversee the safe navigation of the ships are responsible for preventing these collision accidents. Yet, most of the collisions are directly linked to the human errors onboard. One way to reduce these human errors is to train competent navigation officers for collision avoidance situations. However, training maritime students for complex collision situations is a challenging task. This study aims to examine if game‐based learning (GBL) can help students to perform better in collision avoidance situations by providing them the necessary skills to properly identify risks, goals, and cues in collision situations. With this purpose, we developed a digital game‐based decision‐making training containing eight collisions at sea scenarios. The developed tool was then presented to maritime engineering students as supplementary training. Thirty undergraduate maritime transportation engineering students participated in the study. A pretest/posttest control group design was adopted to investigate the effects of GBL. Tests are conducted with the use of a full mission bridge simulator. Observed changes in situational awareness, decision making, navigation, and collision avoidance performance of the participants were analyzed. The results showed that the intervention group had small but significant improvements in all dimensions compared to the control group. Overall, the game‐based decision‐making training helped students to reach a better understanding of the related course material. Required efforts and challenges to develop and incorporate such training into the existing maritime curriculum are discussed.
A psychometric evaluation of the Female Sexual Function Index in women treated for breast cancer
Authors: Kieseker Genevieve A. , Anderson Debra J. , Porter‐Steele Janine , McCarthy Alexandra L.
Published: February 2022

Background

We aimed to determine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the 19‐item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in 132 sexually active women previously treated for breast cancer.

Methods

Confirmatory factor analysis explored three models: (a) second‐order six‐factor, (b) six‐factor, and (c) five‐factor models combining the desire and arousal subscales.

Results

Results revealed excellent reliability for the total score (Cronbach's α = 0.94), and domain scores (all Cronbach's αs > 0.90), and good convergent and discriminant validity. The six‐factor model provided the best fit of the models assessed, but a marginal overall fit (Tucker–Lewis index = 0.91, comparative fit index = 0.93, root mean square error of approximation = 0.09). Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) supported a four‐factor structure, revealing an arousal/orgasm factor alongside the original pain, lubrication, and satisfaction domains.

Conclusion

The arousal/orgasm factor suggests a “sexual response” construct, potentially arising from an underlying latent factor involving physical and mental stimulation in conceptualizations of arousal and orgasm in women treated for breast cancer. Finally, the EFA failed to capture an underlying desire factor, potentially due to measurement error associated with the small number of items (two) in this domain. Despite evidence that the FSFI has sound psychometric properties, our results suggest that the current conceptualizations of the FSFI might not accurately represent sexual functioning in women previously treated for breast cancer. Further research is required to elucidate the factors that influence desire, arousal, and orgasm in sexually active women in this population, and the reasons underlying sexual inactivity. Practical and theoretical implications for FSFI use in this population are discussed.
IL‐34 in hepatoblastoma cells potentially promote tumor progression via autocrine and paracrine mechanisms
Authors: Irie Tomoaki , Yoshii Daiki , Komohara Yoshihiro , Fujiwara Yukio , Kadohisa Masashi , Honda Masaki , Suzu Shinya , Matsuura Toshiharu , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Hibi Taizo
Published: February 2022

Hepatoblastoma is the most common pediatric liver tumor, but little research has been done on the role of macrophages in hepatoblastoma. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into potential roles for macrophages in hepatoblastoma. Paraffin‐embedded specimens from 56 patients who underwent surgical resection were examined with immunohistochemical staining for the macrophage‐specific markers, Iba1 and CD163. Significant differences were seen among histological subtypes. Significantly increased numbers of macrophages were detected in embryonal components compared to fetal components in the mixed epithelial type. In vitro studies using human monocyte‐derived macrophages and two hepatoblastoma cell lines (HepG2 and Huh6) were performed. Conditioned medium from these cell lines induced increased CD163 expression in macrophages. Direct co‐culture with macrophages induced tumor cell proliferation via induction of protumor cytokine secretion from macrophages. Direct co‐culture with macrophages also induced interleukin (IL)‐34 overexpression by Huh6 cells via Brd4 signaling. IL‐34 overexpression promoted tumor cell proliferation and chemoresistance. High IL‐34 and Brd4 expression was detected in embryonal components, which have potentially higher proliferation activity than fetal components. In conclusion, IL‐34 expression in embryonal components may induce macrophage chemotaxis in a paracrine manner, and tumor cell proliferation and chemoresistance in an autocrine manner. IL‐34 is a potential therapeutic target for hepatoblastoma.
Pneumomediastinum as a rare complication in an immunosuppressed patient with emphysematous cystitis
Authors: Tsakaldimis Georgios , Bousiou Zoi , Dimou‐Besikli Sotiria , Karakasis Nikolaos , Papalakis Apostolos , Giannakopoulos Stilianos , Sakellari Ioanna , Kalaitzis Christos
Published: February 2022

The extravesical spread of gas into the extraperitoneal space is an unusual complication of emphysematous cystitis and rarely, can reach remote areas of the body. Herein, we present the case of an immunosuppressed woman with emphysematous cystitis and extensive spread of extraperitoneal free gas up to the mediastinum.
High‐pressure synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic property of LaCo6O11
Authors: Toda Fumito , Yamada Ikuya , Kawaguchi Shogo
Published: February 2022

A novel cobalt oxide LaCo6O11 has been synthesized under high pressure of 8 GPa, and its crystal structure and magnetic property have been investigated. Rietveld analysis using synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction data demonstrates that LaCo6O11 crystallizes in the magnetoplumbite‐derived structure as well as A2+Co6O11 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba). Bond valence sum (BVS) calculation exhibits a substantial decrease in BVS of octahedral Co sites with itinerant electrons, whereas BVS at trigonal bipyramidal Co site with localized electrons is unchanged, indicating that the doped electrons are predominantly injected into the Co sites with electric conductivity. Magnetization measurement shows that the magnetic ground state of LaCo6O11 is similar to the antiferromagnetic‐like one in CaCo6O11. However, the absence of a field‐induced ferrimagnetic transition in LaCo6O11 indicates the robustness of the antiferromagnetic‐like ground state. The difference in the magnetic state under the external magnetic field between LaCo6O11 and CaCo6O11 is attributed to the suppression of the ferromagnetic RKKY interaction because of the reduction in hole carrier density by La3+ substitution for Ca2+.
Vinylcyclopropane [3+2] Cycloaddition with Acetylenic Sulfones Based on Visible Light Photocatalysis**
Authors: Luque Adriana , Groß Jonathan , Zähringer Till J. B. , Kerzig Christoph , Opatz Till
Published: February 2022

The first intermolecular visible light [3+2] cycloaddition reaction performed on a meta photocycloadduct employing acetylenic sulfones is described. The developed methodology exploits the advantages of combining UV and visible‐light in a two‐step sequence that provides a photogenerated cyclopropane which, through a strain‐release process, generates a new cyclopentane ring while significantly increasing the molecular complexity. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations indicate an energy transfer pathway for the visible light‐driven reaction step. This strategy could be extended to simpler vinylcyclopropanes.
Cardiac troponins predict mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of adjusted observational studies
Authors: Vrsalovic Mislav , Vrsalovic Presecki Ana , Aboyans Victor
Published: February 2022

Background

A significant proportion of patients (pts) with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have concomitant coronary artery disease and polyvascular involvement contributes to increased risk of death and unfavorable cardiovascular events.

Hypothesis

Cardiac troponins are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in PAD pts.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline and Scopus to identify all observational cohort studies published before June 2021 (combining terms “troponin,” “peripheral artery disease,” “peripheral arterial disease,” “intermittent claudication,” and “critical limb ischemia”) that evaluated the prognostic impact of troponin rise on admission on all‐cause mortality and/or major cardiovascular events (MACEs; composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death) in PAD pts followed up at least 6 months. A meta‐analysis was conducted using the generic inverse variance method. Heterogeneity between studies was investigated using Cochrane's Q test and I2 statistic.

Results

Eight studies were included in the final analysis (5313 pts) with a median follow‐up of 27 months (interquartile range: 12–59 months). The prevalence of troponin positivity was 5.3% (range: 4.4%–8.7%) in pts with intermittent claudication, and 62.6% (range: 33.6%–85%) in critical limb ischemia. Elevated troponins were significantly associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28–3.57; I2 = 50.97%), and MACE (HR: 2.58, 95% CI: 2.04–3.26; I2 = 4.00%) without publication bias (p = .24 and p = .10, respectively).

Conclusion

Troponin rise on admission is associated with adverse long‐term cardiovascular outcomes in symptomatic PAD.
Scaffold Hopping from Amodiaquine to Novel Nurr1 Agonist Chemotypes via Microscale Analogue Libraries
Authors: Willems Sabine , Müller Marcel , Ohrndorf Julia , Heering Jan , Proschak Ewgenij , Merk Daniel
Published: February 2022

Several lines of evidence suggest the ligand‐sensing transcription factor Nurr1 as a promising target to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Nurr1 modulators to validate and exploit this therapeutic potential are rare, however. To identify novel Nurr1 agonist chemotypes, we have employed the Nurr1 activator amodiaquine as template for microscale analogue library synthesis. The first set of analogues was based on the 7‐chloroquiolin‐4‐amine core fragment of amodiaquine and revealed superior N‐substituents compared to diethylaminomethylphenol contained in the template. A second library of analogues was subsequently prepared to replace the chloroquinolineamine scaffold. The two sets of analogues enabled a full scaffold hop from amodiaquine to a novel Nurr1 agonist sharing no structural features with the lead but comprising superior potency on Nurr1. Additionally, pharmacophore modeling based on the entire set of active and inactive analogues suggested key features for Nurr1 agonists.
International perspectives on the development, application, and evaluation of a multicancer early detection strategy
Authors: Johnson Sonali E. , Jayasekar Zurn Shalini , Anderson Benjamin O. , Vetter Beatrice N. , Katz Zachary B. , Milner Danny A.
Published: February 2022

The development and implementation of a multicancer early detection (MCED) test that is effective and affordable has the potential to change cancer care systems around the world. However, careful consideration is needed within the context of different health care settings (both low‐ and middle‐income countries and high‐income countries) to roll out an MCED test and promote equity in access.
Industry engagement: Accelerating discovery, application, and adoption through industry partnerships
Authors: Peralta Piarella , Hall Megan P. , Singh Bhan Seema , Brown Kim , Parton Marcus A. , Yeshwant Krishna , Finucane Stephanie , Keeling Peter , Ofman Joshua J.
Published: February 2022

To advance the field of early detection with blood‐based screening tests and for industry to be able to significantly contribute to progress, collaboration, transparency, and innovative health economic approaches are needed. To achieve this, gaps in the current versus ideal frameworks need to be addressed at the regulatory, reimbursement, and guidelines levels by adopting an integrative, system‐level thinking to bring these important technologies to market and to improve on cancer outcomes by finding more cancers at earlier stages.
Young adult males have worse survival than females that is largely independent of treatment received for many types of central nervous system tumors: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Moore Kristin J. , Moertel Christopher L. , Williams Lindsay A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors rank among the top 5 cancers diagnosed in young adults aged 20 to 39 years at diagnosis and show a clear male excess in incidence. It is unknown whether sex differences in survival persist across histologic types and depend on the treatment received.

Methods

From the National Cancer Database (2004‐2016), young adults (aged 20‐39 years) who had been diagnosed with CNS tumors were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated as measures of association between sex and death via Cox regression. An inverse odds weighting mediation analysis was performed with treatment received as a mediator.

Results

There were 47,560 cases (47% male). Males had worse overall survival than females for 9 of 16 histologic types, including diffuse astrocytoma, glioblastoma, and meningioma (all P < .05). Males had an increased risk of death after a brain tumor diagnosis overall (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41‐1.53) and for 8 histologies. There was a significant association between male sex and death overall that was mediated by treatment received (indirect‐effect HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.15‐1.18), but no single histology had a significant indirect effect. All histologies examined in mediation analyses had significant direct effects for sex. The excess mortality due to sex was 20% for all CNS tumors combined and 34% among males with CNS tumors.

Conclusions

Overall, treatment received may mediate a portion of the association between sex and death after a CNS tumor, but sex itself appears to be a stronger risk factor for death in this study.
Minority children experience a higher risk of death from many central nervous system tumor types even after accounting for treatment received: A National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Moore Kristin J. , Moertel Christopher L. , Williams Lindsay A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Brain tumors are the leading cause of death from disease in children. Racial/ethnic minority children have poorer outcomes than White children; however, it is not clear whether this association is mediated by treatment received.

Methods

Children (aged 0‐19 years) diagnosed with brain tumors in the National Cancer Database (2004‐2016) were identified. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between race/ethnicity (Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, or White [reference]) and death. An inverse odds weighted mediation analysis was performed with treatment received as the mediator.

Results

Among 22,469 cases, White children (69% of the sample) had significantly better overall 12.5‐year survival (P < .01). Black children (13% of the sample) and Hispanic children (14% of the sample) had an increased risk of death overall and for glioblastoma and oligodendroglioma. Compared with Whites, Asian/Pacific Islander children had a higher risk of death from choroid plexus tumors and a lower risk of death from medulloblastoma. There were no statistically significant meditating effects by treatment received, although the estimate was borderline in Hispanic children (indirect HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.18). A treatment‐independent association between race/ethnicity and death remained for Hispanic children (direct HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.33) and Black children (direct HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13‐1.45). If deaths in minorities had equaled those in White children, 5% fewer total deaths and 15% fewer minority deaths would have occurred.

Conclusions

Survival disparities exist in pediatric brain tumors and are largely independent of treatment received, but other mechanisms linked to race/ethnicity remain important.
Load Balancing Based on Closed Loop Control Theory (LBBCLCT): A Software Defined Networking (SDN) powered server load balancing system based on closed loop control theory
Authors: Malavika Rajadurai , Valarmathi Muniappan Lakshapalam
Published: February 2022

This article comprises work concerned with proposing a scheme for intercepting network traffic and directs that traffic to servers in Software defined network model. Several studies have explored the effects of average response time of user requests with different load balancing algorithms. Server load balancing is a well‐recognized issue which necessitates a better approach by doing deeper understanding of the network parameters. The implications of the mean response time of client requests are investigated in this article by having a closer look on changing the important network parameter namely probing time (time to investigate the server farm in order to gain access to server data) using the concept of closed loop control theory. Our LBBCLCT proves to be effectively distributes the user requests to the most appropriate server by timely changing the server even when the traffic exhibits inconsistency. The results reveal that LBBCLCT outperforms other methods such as round robin, LBBSRT, and SD‐WLB in terms of processing the client requests with a reduced mean server response time. LBBCLCT showed the improvement of average response time by 46.2%, 25.6%, and 43.59% over round robin, LBBSRT, and SDWLB respectively.
A practical, comprehensive guide to pain management hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Li Yiwen H. , Williams Monica N. , Jedrzejczak Mark J. , Orenstein Lauren A. V. , Singh Vinita
Published: February 2022

Background

Pain is the most impactful symptom of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and is highly correlated with patients' quality of life.

Methods

This narrative review incorporates literature about HS pain, management of other chronic painful conditions, and expert opinion.

Findings

HS causes complex pain with nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic components. This article draws from knowledge about other painful conditions to propose a holistic approach to helping patients with HS manage their pain including characterizing the pain type, tips for effective physician‐patient communication, and suggestions for pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic therapies.

Conclusion

Pain is one of the most impactful and debilitating symptoms of HS. Improved understanding of the mechanisms that drive pain in HS as well as disease‐specific data supporting effective strategies for managing HS pain are greatly needed.
Biased and inflexible interpretations of ambiguous social situations: Associations with eating disorder symptoms and socioemotional functioning
Authors: Bronstein Michael V. , Everaert Jonas , Kummerfeld Erich , Haynos Ann F. , Vinogradov Sophia
Published: February 2022

Background

Research indicates that difficulties across multiple socioemotional functioning domains (e.g., social emotion expression/regulation, response to social elicitors of emotion) and negatively biased interpretations of ambiguous social situations may affect eating disorder symptoms. The impact of inflexible interpretations of social situations on eating disorder symptoms is less clear. The present study therefore examined relations between inflexible and biased social interpretations, socioemotional functioning, and eating disorder symptoms.

Method

A total of 310 participants from the general population, recruited from an online crowdsourcing platform, completed measures of socioemotional functioning (e.g., rejection sensitivity, negative social exchange), eating disorder symptoms, and positive and negative interpretation bias and inflexibility on a single measurement occasion.

Results

Socioemotional functioning impairments (Pillai's trace = 0.11, p < .001), but not negative (β = .07, p = .162) or positive (β = −.01, p = .804) interpretation bias or inflexible interpretations (β = .04, p = .446), were associated with eating disorder symptoms in multiple regression models. In network analyses controlling statistically for multiple markers of socioemotional functioning, eating disorder symptoms were directly associated with negative (but not positive) interpretation bias. Inflexible interpretations were indirectly linked to symptoms via co‐dampening of positive emotions. Exploratory causal discovery analyses suggested that several socioemotional functioning variables (social anxiety, depression, negative social exchange) may cause eating disorder symptoms.

Conclusions

Consistent with cognitive‐interpersonal models of disordered eating, our results suggest that less accurate (biased, inflexible) interpretations of social information contribute to patterns of cognition (anxious anticipation of rejection) and emotion regulation (down‐regulation of positive social emotion) thought to encourage disordered eating.

Public Significance

This study suggests that less accurate interpretations of ambiguous social information encourage anxious anticipation of rejection and downregulation of positive social emotions, both of which are thought to promote eating disorder symptoms. Knowledge provided by this study about the likely relations between interpretive processes, social/emotional functioning, and eating disorder symptoms may help inform treatments for eating disorders, particularly those that attempt to modify patterns of interpretation.
Influence of phylogenetic scale on the relationships of taxonomic and phylogenetic turnovers with environment for angiosperms in China
Authors: Qian Hong , Leprieur Fabien , Jin Yi , Wang Xianli , Deng Tao
Published: February 2022

We aim to assess the influence of phylogenetic scale on the relationships of taxonomic and phylogenetic turnovers with environment for angiosperms in China. Specifically, we quantify the effects of contemporary climate on β‐diversity at different phylogenetic scales representing different evolutionary depths of angiosperms. We sampled a latitudinal gradient and a longitudinal gradient of angiosperm assemblages across China (each ≥3400 km). Species composition in each assemblage was documented. Three metrics of β‐diversity (βsim.tax measuring taxonomic β‐diversity; βsim.phy and Dpw measuring tip‐ and basal‐weighted phylogenetic β‐diversity, respectively) were quantified among assemblages at sequential depths in the evolutionary history of angiosperms from the tips to deeper branches. This was done by slicing the angiosperm phylogenetic tree at six evolutionary depths (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 million years ago). β‐diversity at each evolutionary depth was related to geographic and climatic distances between assemblages. In general, the relationship between β‐diversity and climatic distance decreased from shallow to deep evolutionary time slice for all the three metrics. The slopes of the decreasing trends for βsim.tax and βsim.phy were much steeper for the latitudinal gradient than for the longitudinal gradient. The decreasing trend of the strength of the relationship was monotonic in all cases except for Dpw across the longitudinal gradient. Geographic distance between assemblages explained little variation in β‐diversity that was not explained by climatic distance. Our study shows that the strength of the relationship between β‐diversity and climatic distance decreases conspicuously from shallow to deep evolutionary depth for the latitudinal gradient, but this decreasing trend is less steep for the longitudinal gradient than for the latitudinal gradient, which likely reflects the influence of historical processes (e.g., the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate) on β‐diversity.