bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suitability of Biofuels Production on Commercial Scale from Various Feedstocks: A Critical Review
Authors: Sarwer Asma , Hussain Murid , Al‐Muhtaseb Ala'a H. , Inayat Abrar , Rafiq Sikander , Khurram M. Shahzad , Ul‐Haq Noaman , Shah Noor Samad , Alaud Din Aamir , Ahmad Ishaq , Jamil Farrukh
Published: July 2022

The growing demand for energy resources and the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has given biofuels a lot of attention. Liquid biofuels can be a significant alternative for the transport sector. Generally, biofuels are categorized into four generations based on the feedstock. This review reports the availability, economic feasibility, and potential of biofuel feedstock in global scenario. Feedstock for first‐generation biofuel comprises edible resources impacting the food supply. Second generation biofuels are based on different residual materials and nonedible fuel crops. Cost and technological limitations for commercialization hinders this option. Microalgae are the feedstock for third generation biofuels providing the highest yield compared to the other two generations. A scale‐up to commercial level is not possible as this requires further development. Genetically modified microorganisms are used as a feedstock for fourth generation biofuel production with the highest possible yield. Third and fourth generation biofuels have potential to replace fossil fuels. This review recommends certain suggestions for sustainable biofuel production.
Optimization of the Structural Parameters of a Cyclone by Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Song Chen , Wang Jiarui , Wang Simin , Wen Jian
Published: July 2022

A mathematical model is proposed to optimize a two‐stage separation cyclone. The model combines the discrete phase model, multi‐objective genetic algorithm, and response surface model. The model was validated by experimental data with an average deviation of 9.87 %. The effects of three structural parameters on the comprehensive performance of this cyclone are discussed. By applying a central composite design method, the cyclone was optimized and three optimal designs were obtained, with an average pressure drop reduction of 6.05 %, and 2.34‐fold improvement in separation efficiency over the original design. The proposed model and results are of great significance for the further design of this type of cyclone.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Computational fluid dynamics/finite volume method—CFD/FVM
Authors: Van Hoecke Laurens , Boeye Dieter , Gonzalez‐Quiroga Arturo , Patience Gregory S. , Perreault Patrice
Published: July 2022

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applies numerical methods to solve transport phenomena problems. These include, for example, problems related to fluid flow comprising the Navier–Stokes transport equations for either compressible or incompressible fluids, together with turbulence models and continuity equations for single and multi‐component (reacting and inert) systems. The design space is first segmented into discrete volume elements (meshing). The finite volume method, the subject of this article, discretizes the equations in time and space to produce a set of non‐linear algebraic expressions that are assigned to each volume element—cell. The system of equations is solved iteratively with algorithms like the semi‐implicit method for pressure‐linked equations (SIMPLE) and the pressure implicit splitting of operators (PISO). CFD is especially useful for testing multiple design elements because it is often faster and cheaper than experiments. The downside is that this numerical method is based on models that require validation to check their accuracy. According to a bibliometric analysis, the broad research domains in chemical engineering include: (1) dynamics and CFD‐DEM, (2) fluid flow, heat transfer, and turbulence, (3) mass transfer and combustion, (4) ventilation and the environment, and (5) design and optimization. Here, we review the basic theoretical concepts of CFD and illustrate how to set up a problem in the open‐source software OpenFOAM to isomerize n‐butane to i‐butane in a notched reactor under turbulent conditions. We simulated the problem with 1000, 4000, and 16 000 cells. According to the Richardson extrapolation, the simulation underestimates the adiabatic temperature rise by 7% with 16 000 cells.
A Phase 1 Thorough QT/QTc Study of Therapeutic and Supratherapeutic Doses of Belumosudil in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Schueller Olivier , Lohmer Lauren , Xue Hongqi , Darpo Borje , Patel Jeegar
Published: July 2022

Belumosudil is a selective Rho‐associated, coiled‐coil‐containing protein kinase‐2 inhibitor. In this crossover design thorough QT/QTc study, single therapeutic (200 mg) and supratherapeutic (1000 mg) oral doses of belumosudil, moxifloxacin (positive control), and placebo were administered to 34 subjects. Twelve‐lead electrocardiograms and serial pharmacokinetic sampling were acquired. The effect of belumosudil on the placebo‐corrected, change‐from‐baseline QTcF was small, and an effect exceeding 10 ms could be excluded across all time points with both doses. Using concentration–QTc analysis, an effect on ΔΔQTcF >10 ms can be excluded up to belumosudil concentrations of ≈12 080 ng/mL, more than 2‐fold above mean Cmax after the supratherapeutic dose. There was no clinically relevant effect on heart rate or cardiac conduction (ie, the PR and QRS intervals) for belumosudil. No differences in safety were noted between belumosudil and placebo treatment. Assay sensitivity was demonstrated by moxifloxacin's effect on the QTc interval. In conclusion, belumosudil at therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses did not have a clinically meaningful effect on electrocardiogram parameters.
Corporate social responsibility and firm performance: Green supply chain management as a mediating variable
Authors: Novitasari Maya , Wijaya Anggita Langgeng , Agustin Nindya Mariana , Gunardi Ardi , Dana Leo‐Paul
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study is to test the impact between corporate social responsibility and firm performance using green supply chain management as mediation. The type of this study is quantitative research, using purposive method sampling with 211 PROPER corporates listed in the 2015–2019 period. The study data were obtained from the Indonesia Stock exchange market. The study resulted in an indication of the positive effect of corporate social responsibility implementation on green supply chain management, the firm performance benefits positively from green supply chain management, corporate social responsibility has a positive effect on firm performance and green supply chain management can be a mediating variable between corporate social responsibility and firm performance. Corporates in Indonesia are faced with pressure from stakeholders regarding their environmental impact. This could push the application of corporate social responsibility and green supply chain management in Indonesian corporates to increase their firm performance.
Solvent‐Free Hydrogenation of Squalene Using Parts per Million Levels of Palladium Supported on Carbon Nanotubes: Shift from Batch Reactor to Continuous‐Flow System
Authors: Guicheret Boris , Vanoye Laurent , Rivera‐Cárcamo Camila , de Bellefon Claude , Serp Philippe , Philippe Régis , Favre‐Réguillon Alain
Published: July 2022

The transition from batch catalytic processes to continuous flow processes requires highly active and stable catalysts that still need to be developed. The preparation and characterization of catalysts where palladium single atoms and nanoparticles are simultaneously present on carbon nanotubes were recently reported by us. These catalysts are considerably more active than commercial or previously described catalysts for the liquid phase hydrogenation of terpenes. Herein is shown that under solvent‐free conditions, squalene (SQE) could be converted into squalane (SQA,>98 %) using only 300 ppm of Pd in less than 1.4 h at 20 bar H2and 120 °C. Catalyst stability was assessed in a lab‐scale flow reactor, and long‐term experiments led to turnover number (TON) higher than 300000 without any detectable loss in the activity. Then, the implementation of this catalyst in a commercial intensified continuous‐flow milli‐reactor pilot was achieved. High purity SQA (>98 %) could be obtained by continuous hydrogenation of solvent‐free SQE at 180 °C and 30 bar H2with a contact time below 15 min. A production capacity of 3.6 kg per day of SQA could be obtained with an effective reactor volume (VR) of 43.2 mL for this complex 3 phase reaction. Large‐scale production can now be foreseen thanks to seamless scale‐up provided by the continuous flow pilot supplier.
Regulatory T‐cell development in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Itahashi Kota , Irie Takuma , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi
Published: July 2022

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are required for maintaining self‐tolerance and preventing the development of autoimmune diseases. However, Treg cells are abundant in tumors and suppress antitumor immunity, contributing to tumor development and growth. Thus, the selective deletion of tumor‐infiltrating Treg cells is important for successful Treg cell‐targeted therapies, providing effective antitumor immunity without inducing deleterious autoimmune disorders. Advancements in sequencing technologies have exposed the diversity and heterogeneity of human Treg cells during activation and differentiation, further emphasizing the importance of understanding tumor‐infiltrating Treg cells for the development of Treg cell‐targeted therapies. This review provides an overview of the classification and function of Treg cells and summarizes recent knowledge on the activation and differentiation of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Fabrication of High‐performance Supercapacitors Using Hierarchical MnO2 Nanostructures on a Frosted Glass Surface
Authors: Kundu Suman , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: July 2022

Supercapacitors have emerged to fill the gap between batteries and capacitors. The electrodes comprising a high surface area are utilized to fabricate the supercapacitors. However, the processes involved to fabricate electrodes are often strenuous and time‐consuming. Herein, the fabrication of high‐performance supercapacitors using frosted glass as a template to grow electrodes is reported. The frosted substrates can host much higher ions owing to the numerous surface features arising from micro‐ and nano‐level roughnesses, resulting in one order higher capacitance than the plain surface. Electrodepositing MnO2 nanostructures on the frosted surface further increases the capacitance and attains the highest value of 11 mF cm−2 at 300 min of electrodeposition, which is 6.5 times higher than the electrodes without MnO2. The stacked supercapacitors are made using polyvinyl alcohol/H2SO4 gel electrolyte, and the devices exhibit superior electrochemical properties such as high scan rate stability (100 V s−1), high cut‐off frequency (333 Hz), low iR drop, high cyclic stability (93% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles), and low self‐discharge. The roughened nature of the frosted glass can be imprinted onto the surface of polydimethylsiloxane substrate to fabricate flexible and stretchable supercapacitors. The present work can pave the way for facile and low‐cost fabrication of supercapacitor electrodes.
Assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions for Covid‐19 in Greece and Cyprus
Authors: Zahariadis Nikolaos , Exadaktylos Theofanis , Sparf Jörgen , Petridou Evangelia , Kyriakidis Alexandros , Papadopoulos Ioannis
Published: July 2022

In this article, we statistically examine the effectiveness of non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented by the national governments of Greece and Cyprus during 2020 to (a) limit the spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, and (b) mitigate the economic fallout brought about by the Covid‐19 pandemic. Applying a modified health belief model, we hypothesize that behavioral outcomes at the policy level are a function of NPIs, perceived severity, and social context. We employ a Prais‐Winsten estimation in 2‐week averages and report panel‐corrected standard errors to find that NPIs have clear, yet differential, effects on public health and the economy in terms of statistical significance and time lags. The study provides a critical framework to inform future interventions during emerging pandemics.
Synthesis of luminescent graphene quantum dots from biomass waste materials for energy‐related applications—An overview
Authors: Kharangarh Poonam R. , Ravindra Nuggehalli M. , Singh Gurmeet , Umapathy Siva
Published: July 2022

A review of the current developments in the synthesis of graphene fragments of porous carbon material by utilizing green precursors in the form of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and their applications in energy storage devices such as supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells is presented in this study. Two different approaches, including top‐down and bottom‐up, are discussed. The experimental approaches include hydrothermal or solvothermal method, microwave‐assisted method, electrochemical oxidation, controllable synthesis, oxidative cleavage, and carbonization from small molecules or polymers. The advantages and disadvantages of the green synthesis of GQDs are discussed. Current challenges and prospective applications of GQDs in energy‐related areas are presented. A brief outlook is provided for addressing the problems for further advancement of GQDs. It is anticipated that the results discussed in this study will lead to a better understanding of GQDs as well as their significant roles in developing innovative strategies and applications.
Direct chemical induction of hepatocyte‐like cells with capacity for liver repopulation
Authors: Bai Yunfei , Yang Zhenghao , Xu Xiaochan , Ding Wanqiu , Qi Juntian , Liu Feng , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhou Bin , Zhang Wenpeng , Zhuang Xiaomei , Li Guanglu , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

Cell fate can be directly reprogrammed from accessible cell types (e.g., fibroblasts) into functional cell types by exposure to small molecule stimuli. However, no chemical reprogramming method has been reported to date that successfully generates functional hepatocyte‐like cells that can repopulate liver tissue, casting doubt over the feasibility of chemical reprogramming approaches to obtain desirable cell types for therapeutic applications.

Approach and Results:

Here, through chemical induction of phenotypic plasticity, we provide a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the direct chemical reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into functional hepatocyte‐like cells using exposure to small molecule cocktails in culture medium to successively stimulate endogenous expression of master transcription factors associated with hepatocyte development, such as hepatocyte nuclear factor 4a, nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group I, member 2, and nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 4. RNA sequencing analysis, metabolic assays, and in vivo physiological experiments show that chemically induced hepatocytes (CiHeps) exhibit comparable activity and function to primary hepatocytes, especially in liver repopulation to rescue liver failure in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase−/−recombination activating gene 2−/−interleukin 2 receptor, gamma chain−/− mice in vivo. Single‐cell RNA‐seq further revealed that gastrointestinal‐like and keratinocyte‐like cells were induced along with CiHeps, resembling the activation of an intestinal program within hepatic reprogramming as described in transgenic approaches.

Conclusions

Our findings show that direct chemical reprogramming can generate hepatocyte‐like cells with high‐quality physiological properties, providing a paradigm for establishing hepatocyte identity in fibroblasts and demonstrating the potential for chemical reprogramming in organ/tissue repair and regeneration therapies.
Electroacupuncture promotes nerve regeneration and functional recovery in rats with spinal cord contusion through the coordinate interaction of CD4 and BDNF
Authors: Zhang Bao‐Lei , Guo Xi‐Liang
Published: July 2022

To explore the effect of electroacupuncture on spinal cord injury (SCI) involving immune‐related factors and regeneration‐related factors in rats. The model of spinal cord contusion was established by PCI 3000 instrument. Two types of acupuncture points were selected for electroacupuncture treatment on rats. The rats were tested once a week, and the fiber remodeling was detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on spinal scar samples. Using Python to write code, statistical analysis and bioinformatics analysis of the correlation between transcriptome sequencing data and fiber reconstruction results are carried out. Lastly, the expression of CD4 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in spinal cord scar was verified by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Electroacupuncture exhibited a positive effect on the recovery of motor function in rats after SCI. Bioinformatics analysis found a direct interaction between CD4 and BDNF. Transcriptome sequencing and PCR results verified that electroacupuncture significantly reduced the expression of CD4, and increased significantly the expression of BDNF, simultaneously corresponding to nerve regeneration in rats with SCI. Our results showed that electroacupuncture intervention in SCI rats improves neural behavior via inhibiting the expression of CD4 and increasing the expression of BDNF.
Banking performance and institutional quality: Evidence from dynamic panel data analysis
Authors: Kumar Ameet , Ahmed Khalid , Bhayo Mujeeb‐u‐Rehman , Kalhoro Muhammad Ramzan
Published: July 2022

This study aims to pioneer in investigating the role of two major components of governance (i.e., corruption and political stability) in banking performance in the case of 21 emerging countries. Using time‐series data from 2010 to 2017 with annual frequency, this study uses a comprehensive measure that assesses banking performance called capital‐adequacy, asset‐quality, management‐efficiency, earnings and liquidity (CAMEL). However, for empirical analysis, this study utilises the dynamic panel data modelling technique, that is, System‐GMM and Pooled‐OLS and margins plot, for robust and policy‐oriented outcomes. We find that higher corruption and political instability negatively affect asset quality, earnings, and management efficiency and positively affect the banks' liquidity. More interestingly, higher corruption is more harmful than lower political stability. It negatively affects the banking performance directly and intensifies the impact of the lower stability on banking performance. This study has implications for regulators, bankers, and investors.
Substance use confounds associations between peer victimization and aggression in adolescence with mental disorders in adulthood: A prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Sarala Marian , Miettunen Jouko , Alakokkare Anni‐Emilia , Mustonen Antti , Scott James G. , Thomas Hannah J. , Hurtig Tuula , Niemelä Solja
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Peer victimization and aggression in adolescence are associated with later mental health morbidity. However, studies examining this association have not controlled for adolescent substance use. We aimed to study the associations between peer victimization, peer aggression, and mental disorders in adulthood, adjusting for substance use in adolescence.

Methods

Participants were from the prospective Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Data were available for 6682 individuals (70.8% of the original sample). Peer victimization and peer aggression were assessed with items from the Achenbach Youth Self Report at ages 15−16 years. Outcomes were nonorganic psychosis, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, substance use disorder, and any mental disorder (a none‐vs‐any indicator) at age 33 years collected from nationwide health care, insurance, and pension registers. Family structure, alcohol intoxication frequency, daily smoking, illicit drug use, and baseline psychopathology using Youth Self‐Report total score, and parental mental disorders were considered as confounding factors.

Results

In multivariable analyses, the association between peer victimization and psychosis (Hazard ratio [HR]: 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2−6.9, p = .020) and mood disorder (HR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2−2.4, p = .012) in females remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Other associations between female and male peer victimization or aggression and the studied outcomes attenuated after adjustments.

Conclusions

Some associations between peer victimization and aggression and later mental health morbidity are explained by adolescent substance use. For females, substance use does not account for the increased risk of psychosis and mood disorder in those who experience peer victimization.
Differential Blood Counts Do Not Consistently Predict Clinical Measurements of Bone Mineral Density and Microarchitecture at Homeostasis
Authors: Schyrr Frederica , Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Hans Didier , Lamy Olivier , Naveiras Olaia
Published: July 2022

The hematopoietic stem cell niche constitutes a complex bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. Osteoporosis is characterized by both reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitectural deterioration, constituting the most frequent alteration of the BM microenvironment. It is unclear to which extent modifications of the BM microenvironment, including in the context of osteoporosis, influence blood cell production. We aimed to describe the association between lumbar spine and total hip BMD and microarchitecture (assessed by trabecular bone score [TBS]) and differential blood counts. Data were collected at two time points from 803 (first assessment) and 901 (second assessment) postmenopausal women participating in the CoLaus/OsteoLaus cohort, a population‐based sample in Lausanne, Switzerland. Participants with other active disease or treatment that could influence hematopoiesis or osteoporosis were excluded. Bivariate and multivariate associations between each peripheral blood cell count and BMD or TBS were performed. Additionally, participants in the highest BMD and TBS tertiles were compared with participants in the lowest BMD and TBS tertiles. At first assessment, only neutrophils were significantly different in the lowest BMD and TBS tertile (3.18 ± 0.09 versus 3.47 ± 0.08 G/L, p = 0.028). At the second assessment, leucocytes (5.90 ± 0.11 versus 5.56 ± 0.10 G/L, p = 0.033), lymphocytes (1.87 ± 0.04 versus 1.72 ± 0.04 G/L p = 0.033), and monocytes (0.49 ± 0.01 versus 0.46 ± 0.1 G/L, p = 0.033) were significantly different. Power analysis did not identify quasi‐significant associations missed due to sample size. Although significant associations between blood counts and BMD or TBS were found, none was consistent across bone measurements or assessments. This study suggests that, at homeostasis and in postmenopausal women, there is no clinically significant association between the osteoporotic microenvironment and blood production output as measured by differential blood counts. In the context of conflicting reports on the relationship between osteoporosis and hematopoiesis, our study represents the first prospective two time‐point analysis of a large, homogenous cohort at steady state. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Telomere Length and Risk of Incident Fracture and Arthroplasty: Findings From UK Biobank
Authors: Curtis Elizabeth M. , Codd Veryan , Nelson Christopher , D'Angelo Stefania , Wang Qingning , Allara Elias , Kaptoge Stephen , Matthews Paul M. , Tobias Jonathan H. , Danesh John , Cooper Cyrus , Samani Nilesh J. , Harvey Nicholas C.
Published: July 2022

We investigated independent associations between telomere length and risk of fracture and arthroplasty in UK Biobank participants. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was measured in baseline samples using a validated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. We used, in men and women separately, Cox proportional hazards models to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) for incident fracture (any, osteoporotic) or arthroplasty (hip or knee) over 1,186,410 person-years of follow-up. Covariates included age, white cell count, ethnicity, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, and menopause (women). In further analyses we adjusted for either estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) from heel quantitative ultrasound, handgrip strength, gait speed, total fat mass (bioimpedance), or blood biomarkers, all measured at baseline (2006–2010). We studied 59,500 women and 51,895 men, mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 56.4 ± 8.0 and 57.0 ± 8.3 years, respectively. During follow-up there were 5619 fractures; 5285 hip and 4261 knee arthroplasties. In confounder-adjusted models, longer LTL was associated with reduced risk of incident knee arthroplasty in both men (HR/SD 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.97) and women (0.92; 95% CI, 0.88–0.96), and hip arthroplasty in men (0.91; 95% CI, 0.87–0.95), but not women (0.98; 95% CI, 0.94–1.01). Longer LTL was weakly associated with reduced risk of any incident fracture in women (HR/SD 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93–1.00) with less evidence in men (0.98; 95% CI, 0.93–1.02). Associations with incident outcomes were not materially altered by adjustment for heel eBMD, grip strength, gait speed, fat mass, or blood biomarker measures. In this, the largest study to date, longer LTL was associated with lower risk of incident knee or hip arthroplasty, but only weakly associated with lower risk of fracture. The relative risks were low at a population level, but our findings suggest that common factors acting on the myeloid and musculoskeletal systems might influence later life musculoskeletal outcomes. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Genetic variants associated with metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease in western China
Authors: Liao Shenling , An Kang , Liu Zhi , He He , An Zhenmei , Su Qiaoli , Li Shuangqing
Published: July 2022

Introduction

We aimed to confirm the association between some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in western China.

Methods

A total of 286 cases and 250 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. All samples were genotyped for patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409, transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) rs58542926, membrane‐bound O‐acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) rs641738, glucokinase regulator (GCKR) rs1260326 and rs780094, and GATA zinc finger domain containing 2A (GATAD2A) rs4808199. Using logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the association between MAFLD and each SNP under different models. Multiple linear regression was used to find the association between SNPs and laboratory characteristics. Multifactor dimensionality reduction was applied to test SNP–SNP interactions.

Results

The recessive model and additive model of PNPLA3 rs738409 variant were related to MAFLD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.791 and 1.377, respectively, p = 0.038 and 0.027, respectively). However, after Benjamini‐Hochberg adjustment for multiple tests, all associations were no longer statistically significant. PNPLA3 rs738409 correlated with AST levels. GCKR rs780094 and rs1260326 negatively correlated with serum glucose but positively correlated with triglycerides in MAFLD. Based on MDR analysis, the best single‐locus and multilocus models for MAFLD risk were rs738409 and six‐locus models, respectively.

Conclusions

In the Han population in western China, no association was found between these SNPs and the risk of MAFLD. PNPLA3 rs738409 was associated with aspartate aminotransferase levels in MAFLD patients. GCKR variants were associated with increased triglyceride levels and reduced serum fasting glucose in patients with MAFLD.
Effective removal of methylene blue dye by a novel 4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐methacrylic acid cryogel: kinetic, isotherm, and breakthrough studies
Authors: Megbenu Harry Kwaku , Tauanov Zhandos , Daulbayev Chingis , Poulopoulos Stavros G. , Baimenov Alzhan
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Industrial streams are the source of increasing amounts of textile dye pollution every year. Among the various adsorbents that have been tested for the removal of dyes, synthetic macroporous polymers are a promising choice due to their developed structure, the presence of active functional groups, and the possibility of regeneration and reuse for several cycles. In this work, a 4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐methacrylic acid based cryogel (4‐VP‐MAAc) was synthesized at ‐12 °C by the free‐radical polymerization technique, it was characterized using a set of complimentary methods, and then applied for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from water solutions.

RESULTS

The adsorption of MB was enhanced at pH values higher than 7 due to the presence of anionic functional groups. The maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity achieved by 4‐VP‐MAAc was 703.6 mg/g at pH 8. Several kinetics, equilibrium, pH studies, and fixed‐bed column experiments were completed in ultra‐pure water to evaluate the performance and the mechanism of interaction of positively‐charged dye with the polymer. Among the kinetic models applied, the pseudo‐second order model best fit the experimental observations. The Langmuir model efficiently described the adsorption of MB onto the prepared cryogel, thus indicating monolayer adsorption. The ion exchange of the Na+ ions present in the structure of the cryogel with dye was found to be the main removal mechanism accompanied with a complexation reaction. No loss of adsorption capacity was observed in four successive adsorption/desorption cycles of 4‐VP‐MAAc use.

CONCLUSION

This is the first time that a 4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐methacrylic acid based cryogel has been synthesized and successfully applied to remove MB from water. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Extracellular vesicles engineered to bind albumin demonstrate extended circulation time and lymph node accumulation in mouse models
Authors: Liang Xiuming , Niu Zheyu , Galli Valentina , Howe Nathalie , Zhao Ying , Wiklander Oscar P. B. , Zheng Wenyi , Wiklander Rim Jawad , Corso Giulia , Davies Christopher , Hean Justin , Kyriakopoulou Eleni , Mamand Doste R. , Amin Risul , Nordin Joel Z. , Gupta Dhanu , Andaloussi Samir EL
Published: July 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown promise as potential therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases. However, their rapid clearance after administration could be a limitation in certain therapeutic settings. To solve this, an engineering strategy is employed to decorate albumin onto the surface of the EVs through surface display of albumin binding domains (ABDs). ABDs were either included in the extracellular loops of select EV‐enriched tetraspanins (CD63, CD9 and CD81) or directly fused to the extracellular terminal of single transmembrane EV‐sorting domains, such as Lamp2B. These engineered EVs exert robust binding capacity to human serum albumins (HSA) in vitro and mouse serum albumins (MSA) after injection in mice. By binding to MSA, circulating time of EVs dramatically increases after different routes of injection in different strains of mice. Moreover, these engineered EVs show considerable lymph node (LN) and solid tumour accumulation, which can be utilized when using EVs for immunomodulation, cancer‐ and/or immunotherapy. The increased circulation time of EVs may also be important when combined with tissue‐specific targeting ligands and could provide significant benefit for their therapeutic use in a variety of disease indications.
Management of opioid use disorder and associated conditions among hospitalized adults: A Consensus Statement from the Society of Hospital Medicine
Authors: Calcaterra Susan L. , Martin Marlene , Bottner Richard , Englander Honora , Weinstein Zoe , Weimer Melissa B. , Lambert Eugene , Herzig Shoshana J.
Published: July 2022

Hospital‐based clinicians frequently care for patients with opioid withdrawal or opioid use disorder (OUD) and are well‐positioned to identify and initiate treatment for these patients. With rising numbers of hospitalizations related to opioid use and opioid‐related overdose, the Society of Hospital Medicine convened a working group to develop a Consensus Statement on the management of OUD and associated conditions among hospitalized adults. The guidance statement is intended for clinicians practicing medicine in the inpatient setting (e.g., hospitalists, primary care physicians, family physicians, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants) and is intended to apply to hospitalized adults at risk for, or diagnosed with, OUD. To develop the Consensus Statement, the working group conducted a systematic review of relevant guidelines and composed a draft statement based on extracted recommendations. Next, the working group obtained feedback on the draft statement from external experts in addiction medicine, SHM members, professional societies, harm reduction organizations and advocacy groups, and peer reviewers. The iterative development process resulted in a final Consensus Statement consisting of 18 recommendations covering the following topics: (1) identification and treatment of OUD and opioid withdrawal, (2) perioperative and acute pain management in patients with OUD, and (3) methods to optimize care transitions at hospital discharge for patients with OUD. Most recommendations in the Consensus Statement were derived from guidelines based on observational studies and expert consensus. Due to the lack of rigorous evidence supporting key aspects of OUD‐related care, the working group identified important issues necessitating future research and exploration.
Climate change projection over Mainland Southeast Asia and the Lancang‐Mekong River basin based on a set of RegCM4 simulations
Authors: Fu Yuanhai , Gao Xuejie , Xu Ying , Giorgi Filippo
Published: July 2022

We investigate the projected climate change over Mainland Southeast Asia (also known as the Indochina Peninsula) and the Lancang‐Mekong River basin, a region with complex topography and unique weather and climate systems, but limited availability of published high‐resolution regional climate model (RCM) studies. The study is based on an unprecedented ensemble of 21st century projections with the RegCM4 RCM driven by five different general circulation models (GCMs) at a grid spacing of 25 km under the representative concentration pathways RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. We focus on mean temperature and precipitation in the dry season November–March (NDJFM), the wet season May–September (MJJAS), and the whole year. Intercomparison between the RegCM4 simulations with the driving GCMs is provided to illustrate the added value of the RegCM4 experiments. RegCM4 reproduces greater and more realistic spatial detail of the present day temperature and precipitation distribution compared to the driving GCMs, but some biases are found, such as an overestimation of precipitation over high topography regions. The spatial pattern of biases shows some consistencies across the GCMs and, for NDJFM the RegCM4, although weak correlation is found between the GCM and nested RegCM4 biases. A generally lower warming is projected in the future by the RegCM4 in different seasons and the whole year. For precipitation, while prevailing increases are found in the GCM projections, large areas of decrease occur in the RegCM ones, in particular during the wet season, possibly due to the more detailed topographical representation. The change patterns of precipitation show consistencies across the GCMs and the RegCM4, especially in MJJAS. The projected changes of extreme indices indicate a general decrease/increase of extreme cold/warm events. Drought events are projected to be more frequent over the southwestern, while a general increase of heavy rain events prevails over most parts of the region.
Rhoads Research Lecture—Reflections from a clinician scientist: The power of patient voice
Authors: Winkler Marion
Published: July 2022

Qualitative research is a scientific method that systematically examines a phenomenon with the purpose of understanding and describing human experiences, exploring meanings and patterns, and illuminating the patient's lived experience. The Rhoads Research Lecture will highlight the power of patient voice and its importance to clinicians and researchers in addressing key clinical needs that are most relevant to patients receiving nutrition support. The subjective experience of patients who are dependent on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) will be shared, including how patients view HPN, define their quality of life (QOL), and describe the meaning of food in the context of being intravenously fed. As a result of these exploratory studies, the HPN patient‐reported outcome questionnaire (HPN‐PROQ) was developed and validated. Incorporating the HPN‐PROQ in practice empowers patients to identify and communicate QOL and HPN therapy goals and clinicians to delve deeper in the provision of holistic and empathetic care.
Magnetic covalent‐organic frameworks‐based extraction followed by UHPLC‐MS/MS for determination and pharmacokinetic study of trace angoroside C in rat plasma after oral administration of Xuanbo Shuangsheng Granule
Authors: Cao Yiqing , Zhu Jinglin , Li Yang , Qin Yulin , Huang Taomin , Li Yan
Published: July 2022

The composition of the traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation is complex, while the content of each active ingredient is extremely low, which brings difficulties to the plasma concentration detection. In this study, the magnetic covalent‐organic frameworks were synthesized by a simple one‐step Schiff base reaction and applied for the specific extraction of trace angoroside C in rat plasma prior to ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry detection. The synthesized magnetic covalent‐organic frameworks have high magnetic responsiveness (35.67 emu·g–1), large surface area (110.9 m2·g–1), and strong stability. The as‐prepared material can quickly extract angoroside C from plasma with high extraction efficiency, be easily separated with a magnet afterward, and can be reused for at least five times. The established method was systematically validated showing good linearity (0.1–5 ng·ml–1), low limit of quantification (0.1 ng·ml–1), good accuracy (93.18–105.36%), and good precision (percentage relative standard deviation 3.60–10.90%). Finally, the method was used to the pharmacokinetic study of trace angoroside C in rats after oral administration of Xuanbo Shuangsheng Granule.
Does Combing O‐RADS US and CA‐125 Improve Diagnostic Accuracy in Assessing Adnexal Malignancy Risk in Women With Different Menopausal Status?
Authors: Wu Manli , Wang Qingjuan , Zhang Man , Cao Junyan , Chen Ying , Zheng Jian , Luo Liping , Su Manting , Lin Xin , Kuang Xiaohong , Zhang Xinling
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the individual and combined performances of the Ovarian‐adnexal Reporting and Data System Ultrasound (O‐RADS US) and serum cancer antigen 125 (CA‐125) in assessing adnexal malignancy risk in women with different menopausal status.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with adnexal masses scheduled for surgery based on their preoperative US and histopathology results between January 2018 and January 2020. O‐RADS were used to assess adnexal malignancy by two experienced radiologists. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to compare the accuracy of O‐RADS and a combination of O‐RADS and CA‐125. The weighted κ index was used to evaluate the inter‐reviewer agreement.

Results

Overall, the data of 443 lesions in 443 patients were included, involving 312 benign lesions and 131 malignant lesions. There were 361 premenopausal and 82 postmenopausal patients. The inter‐reviewer agreement for the two radiologists was very good (weighted κ: 0.833). Combing O‐RADS US and CA‐125 significantly increased diagnostic accuracy for classifying malignant from benign adnexal masses, compared with O‐RADS US alone (AUC: 0.97 vs 0.95, P < .001 for premenopausal population and AUC: 0.93 vs 0.85, P < .001 for postmenopausal population). The AUCs of O‐RADS with and without CA‐125 ranged from 0.50 to 0.99 for different adnexal pathology subtypes (ie, benign, borderline, Stage I–IV, and metastatic tumors).

Conclusion

The addition of CA‐125 helps improve discrimination of O‐RADS US between benign and malignant adnexal masses, especially in postmenopausal women.
Risk Factors for Poor Survival Outcomes in Parotid Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Laxague Francisco , Dzioba Agnieszka , Jasani Dhruv , Warner Andrew , Palma David A. , Lang Pencilla , Venkatesan Varagur , Read Nancy , Nichols Anthony C. , Fung Kevin , Yoo John , Mendez Adrian , MacNeil S. Danielle
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to analyze risk factors associated with poor survival outcomes for metastatic cutaneous head‐and‐neck SCC to the parotid.

Methods

All patients undergoing surgery for metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid with curative intent between 2011 and 2018, were reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Histopathological data including tumor size and histology, tumor grade, TNM stage, resection margins, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion, were analyzed. Overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and freedom from locoregional recurrence (LRR) were assessed.

Results

Ninety patients were included (mean age, 77 years; 75 men [83.3%]). A total parotidectomy was performed in 48 patients (53.3%), and 42 (46.7%) underwent a superficial parotidectomy. Seventy patients (77.8%) underwent adjuvant RT. The median follow‐up was 31 months (20–39 months). Tumor volume ≥ 50 cm3 and a shorter RT duration (<20 days) were associated with reduced OS (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01, p = 0.02 and p = 0.009, respectively), and DSS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively) on univariable and multivariable analysis, respectively. Only a shorter RT duration was associated with worse freedom from LRR on univariable and multivariable analysis, (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, with death as a competing risk, a shorter duration of RT was not significantly associated with freedom from LRR.

Conclusion

A shorter duration of adjuvant RT, and excised tumor volume ≥50 cm3 were predictive factors of reduced OS and DSS, and a shorter duration of RT was also associated with reduced freedom from LRR in patients with metastatic SCC to the parotid gland.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1163–1168, 2023
Causes and consequences of recent degradation of the Magdalena River basin, Colombia
Authors: Salgado Jorge , Shurin Jonathan B. , Vélez María I. , Link Andrés , Lopera‐Congote Laura , González‐Arango Catalina , Jaramillo Fernando , Åhlén Imenne , de Luna Gabriela
Published: July 2022

The Magdalena River in Colombia is one of the world's largest (discharge = 7100 m3 s−1) tropical rivers, hosting > 170 aquatic vertebrate species. However, concise synthesis of the current ecological and environmental status is lacking. By documenting the anthropogenic stressors impacting the river on time scales ranging from centuries to decades, we found that the river system is subject to the compounding impacts of climate change, river impoundment, invasive alien species (IAS), catchment deforestation, and water pollution. We show that the Magdalena is a woefully understudied ecosystem relative to its critical importance to Colombia's economy, culture, and biodiversity compared with other similarly sized tropical rivers. We emphasize the need for research on (1) IAS population and ecological dynamics, (2) river damming and its links with IAS and climate change, and (3) land‐use changes as well as identifying sources of water pollution and strategies for mitigation.
New Wide Bandgap Conjugated D‐A Copolymers Based on BDT or NDT Donor Unit and Anthra[1,2‐b:4,3,bʹ:6,7‐cʺ]trithiophene‐8‐12‐dione Acceptor for Fullerene‐Free Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Keshtov Mukhamed L. , Konstantinov Igor O. , Khokhlov Alexie R. , Ostapov Ilya E. , Godovsky Dimitri Y. , Alekseev Vladimir G. , Zou Yingping , Singhal Rahul , Singh Manish Kumar , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: July 2022

Two donor–acceptor (D‐A) copolymers, P128 and P129, containing benzodithiophene (BDT) and naphthiodithiophene (NDT) donor unit, respectively, and the alike anthra[1,2‐b:4,3,bʹ:6,7‐cʺ] trithiophene‐8‐12‐dione(A3T) as an acceptor unit, are synthesized. The P129 (NDT donor) exhibits enhanced chain planarity and linearity of backbone compared to P128 (BDT donor), which leads to a considerable increase in both the light‐harvesting ability and hole mobility. In addition to it, the incorporation of the NDT unit creates a strong modification in the morphology with a well‐mixed interpenetrating nanofibrillar network with an increased donor–acceptor interface in the P129:Y6 bulk heterojunction active layer that leads to a high short‐circuit current density and fill factor. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the improved polymer solar cells based on P128:Y6 and P129:Y6 is 6.25% and 14.55%, respectively. The negative HOMO offset (−0.02 eV) at P128/Y6 interface restricts the hole transfer from Y6 to P128 and results in low value of short‐circuit current and thereby poor PCE. Finally, the ternary PSCs are constructed with a weight ratio of 0.5:0.5 between P128 and P129 and the weight component of Y6 is kept constant and the PSC attains a PCE of 16.19%. This increase in the PCE can be attributed to the formation of semiconducting alloy based on P128 and P129 donors and the transformation of HOMO offset from negative (−0.02 eV for Y6/P128) to positive (0.04 eV for Y6/P128:P129).
Stretchable Ionic Conductors for Soft Electronics
Authors: Niu Wenwen , Liu Xiaokong
Published: July 2022

With the rapid development of soft electronics in the era of Internet of Everything (IoE), electrical conductors with stretchability, the indispensable components of soft electronics, have gained new opportunities and also faced increasing challenges. According to the principles of electrical conductivity, stretchable electrical conductors can be divided into electronic conductors and ionic conductors. Different from the stretchable electronic conductors derived from stretchable polymeric matrices integrated with electronically conductive fillers, stretchable ionic conductors are constructed by embedding mobile ions into the crosslinked polymer networks. Therefore, stretchable ionic conductors have received extensive attention and in‐depth research in the past decade, thanks to their intrinsic stretchability and electrical conductivity. This review systematically summarizes the achievements on the different categories of stretchable ionic conductors (e.g., hydrogels, ionogels, and liquid‐free ion‐conductive elastomers), in terms of their design, fabrication, properties, and applications. The advantages and limitations of the different types of stretchable ionic conductors are discussed. Outlooks are also provided to envision the remaining challenges for the further development and practical applications of stretchable ionic conductors. It is expected to arouse inspirations for the design and fabrication of new and high‐performance stretchable ionic conductors and advanced soft electronics for the IoE era.