bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart process development: Application of machine‐learning and integrated process modeling for inclusion body purification processes
Authors: Walther Cornelia , Voigtmann Martin , Bruna Elena , Abusnina Ali , Tscheließnig Anne‐Luise , Allmer Michael , Schuchnigg Hermann , Brocard Cécile , Föttinger‐Vacha Alexandra , Klima Georg
Published: March 2022

The development of a biopharmaceutical production process usually occurs sequentially, and tedious optimization of each individual unit operation is very time‐consuming. Here, the conditions established as optimal for one‐step serve as input for the following step. Yet, this strategy does not consider potential interactions between a priori distant process steps and therefore cannot guarantee for optimal overall process performance. To overcome these limitations, we established a smart approach to develop and utilize integrated process models using machine learning techniques and genetic algorithms. We evaluated the application of the data‐driven models to explore potential efficiency increases and compared them to a conventional development approach for one of our development products. First, we developed a data‐driven integrated process model using gradient boosting machines and Gaussian processes as machine learning techniques and a genetic algorithm as recommendation engine for two downstream unit operations, namely solubilization and refolding. Through projection of the results into our large‐scale facility, we predicted a twofold increase in productivity. Second, we extended the model to a three‐step model by including the capture chromatography. Here, depending on the selected baseline‐process chosen for comparison, we obtained between 50% and 100% increase in productivity. These data show the successful application of machine learning techniques and optimization algorithms for downstream process development. Finally, our results highlight the importance of considering integrated process models for the whole process chain, including all unit operations.
In Situ Growth of Ultrathin NiO Nanosheet‐Arrays on MOF‐Derived Porous Co3O4 Scaffolds as High‐Performance Cathode for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhou Chenming , Cao Xiaoman , Sun Zhijia , Yingwei  , Zhang Qingguo
Published: March 2022

The ever‐increasing market for portable and wearable electronic devices creates a demand for high‐efficiency electrochemical energy storage devices with excellent flexibility. Herein, MOF‐derived porous Co3O4 scaffolds as the core, ultrathin NiO nanosheet‐arrays as the shell, well‐aligned core‐shell structured Co3O4@NiO were constructed on carbon cloth (CC/Co3O4@NiO) via facile chemical bath methods. Composition, morphological structure, and electrochemical performance of the hybrid nanomaterials were analyzed in detail. Benefiting from the MOF‐derived porous Co3O4 core, the NiO shell with large specific surface area, and close conductive linkages between the core and shell, CC/Co3O4@NiO presents an outstanding areal capacitance of 3015.1 mF cm−2 (1206 F g−1) at 5 mA cm−2 and an exceptional rate performance. Additionally, the flexible SASC device assembled with the CC/Co3O4@NiO cathode possesses an ultra‐high volumetric energy density of 3.11 mWh cm−3 at a volumetric power density of 116 mW cm−3 with a satisfactory cycling stability (90.1 % of after 10000 cycles). These values are superior to the great majority of the state‐of‐the‐art flexible electrochemical capacitors. Thereby, the core‐shell structured CC/Co3O4@NiO is a promising candidate material for energy storage devices, and this work can provide a reference for the structural design and constructing of electrode materials.
A Graphene‐Supported Copper Complex as Site‐Isolated Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhao Yue , Wang Shan , Zhu Lin‐Jun , Sun Meng‐Jiao , Zhang Teng , Cao Rong
Published: March 2022

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 has been recognized as one of the best strategies to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels and achieve a carbon‐neutral economy. We report here a copper complex, Cu(salan)2, as an efficient CO2 reduction catalyst in basic aqueous media. Cu(salan)2 exhibited different catalytic behaviors in nanocrystalline and graphene‐supported forms. As nanocrystals, the complex did not show high catalytic activity and gradually decomposed into Cu2O upon electrolysis. However, when dispersed on a graphene matrix, Cu(salan)2 exhibited a moderate‐to‐high CO selectivity and remained stable in long‐term electrolysis. This work shows that site‐isolation by dispersion of a molecular catalyst is an effective way to increase the catalyst stability and tune the product selectivity for CO2RR electrocatalysis.
Plasma and CSF NfL are differentially associated with biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration in a community‐based sample of 70‐year‐olds
Authors: Dittrich Anna , Ashton Nicholas J. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Simrén Joel , Geiger Fiona , Zettergren Anna , Shams Sara , Machado Alejandra , Westman Eric , Schöll Michael , Skoog Ingmar , Kern Silke
Published: March 2022

Neurofilament light protein (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma (P) are suggested to be interchangeable markers of neurodegeneration. However, evidence is scarce from community‐based samples. NfL was examined in a small‐scale sample of 287 individuals from the Gothenburg H70 Birth cohort 1944 study, using linear models in relation to CSF and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration. CSF‐NfL and P‐NfL present distinct associations with biomarker evidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and neurodegeneration. P‐NfL was associated with several markers that are characteristic of AD, including smaller hippocampal volumes, amyloid beta (Aβ)42, Aβ42/40, and Aβ42/t‐tau (total tau). CSF‐NfL demonstrated associations with measures of synaptic and neurodegeneration, including t‐tau, phosphorylated tau (p‐tau), and neurogranin. Our findings suggest that P‐NfL and CSF‐NfL may exert different effects on markers of neurodegeneration in a small‐scale community‐based sample of 70‐year‐olds.
Review of Peak Shaving Features of the Power Box
Authors: Kamarulazam Fathiah , Bashir Shahid , Subramaniam Ramesh , Kasi Ramesh , Ashok Sharma Sachin Sharma
Published: March 2022

In this review article, a considerable discussion and details on peak shaving strategies involving incorporation of the electric vehicles to the grid, integration of energy storage system, demand‐side management, and renewable energy sources have been presented. Three types of peak shaving using energy storage systems, such as the battery energy storage system, supercapacitor energy storage system, and flywheel energy storage system, have been explained with the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches. In one of these studies, the integration of a renewable photovoltaic source with battery energy storage in peak shaving has successfully produced an annual savings of $155 675.00. The introduction to the cost–benefit and sustainable second‐life batteries energy storage and their relationship with electric vehicles is also described. Another study involving electric vehicles BYD e6, which have the cheapest energy storage cost of 0.1208 $ kWh−1 and participated the most in peak shaving, obtains the most significant individual net income compared to other vehicles. Different demand‐side management practices and their advantages are thoroughly discussed. Finally, this article also includes the challenges, importance, perspectives, future work suggestions, and improvements on peak shaving performance, such as implying the smart grid energy storage technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 7.
Traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and phytochemical constituents of the genus Syzygium: A review
Authors: Uddin A. B. M. Neshar , Hossain Farhad , Reza A. S. M. Ali , Nasrin Mst. Samima , Alam A. H. M. Khurshid
Published: March 2022

The genus Syzygium comprises 1200–1800 species that belong to the family of Myrtaceae. Moreover, plants that are belonged to this genus are being used in the traditional system of medicine in Asian countries, especially in China, India, and Bangladesh. The aim of this review is to describe the scientific works and to provide organized information on the available traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of mostly available species of the genus Syzygium in Bangladesh. The information related to genus Syzygium was analytically composed from the scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Research Gate link, published books, and conference proceedings. Bioactive compounds such as flavanone derivatives, ellagic acid derivatives and other polyphenolics, and terpenoids are reported from several species of the genus Syzygium. However, many members of the species of the genus Syzygium need further comprehensive studies regarding phytochemical constituents and mechanism‐based pharmacological activities.
Transmembrane protein 119 is neither a specific nor a reliable marker for microglia
Authors: Vankriekelsvenne Elise , Chrzanowski Uta , Manzhula Katerina , Greiner Theresa , Wree Andreas , Hawlitschka Alexander , Llovera Gemma , Zhan Jiangshan , Joost Sarah , Schmitz Christoph , Ponsaerts Peter , Amor Sandra , Nutma Erik , Kipp Markus , Kaddatz Hannes
Published: March 2022

Microglia are the resident innate immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma. To determine the impact of microglia on disease development and progression in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, it is essential to distinguish microglia from peripheral macrophages/monocytes, which are eventually equally recruited. It has been suggested that transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119) serves as a reliable microglia marker that discriminates resident microglia from blood‐derived macrophages in the human and murine brain. Here, we investigated the validity of TMEM119 as a microglia marker in four in vivo models (cuprizone intoxication, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), permanent filament middle cerebral artery occlusion (fMCAo), and intracerebral 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) injections) as well as post mortem multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissues. In all applied animal models and post mortem MS tissues, we found increased densities of ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1+ (IBA1+) cells, paralleled by a significant decrease in TMEM119 expression. In addition, other cell types in peripheral tissues (i.e., follicular dendritic cells and brown adipose tissue) were also found to express TMEM119. In summary, this study demonstrates that TMEM119 is not exclusively expressed by microglia nor does it label all microglia, especially under cellular stress conditions. Since novel transgenic lines have been developed to label microglia using the TMEM119 promotor, downregulation of TMEM119 expression might interfere with the results and should, thus, be considered when working with these transgenic mouse models.
Activated and nonactivated MSCs increase survival in humanized mice after acute liver injury through alcohol binging
Authors: Hernandez Juan Carlos , Yeh Da‐Wei , Marh Joel , Choi Hye Yeon , Kim Julia , Chopra Shefali , Ding Li , Thornton Matthew , Grubbs Brendan , Makowka Leonard , Sher Linda , Machida Keigo
Published: March 2022

The ability of the liver to regenerate after injury makes it an ideal organ to study for potential therapeutic interventions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess self‐renewal and differentiation properties, as well as anti‐inflammatory properties that make them an ideal candidate for therapy of acute liver injury. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the potential for reversal of hepatic injury using human umbilical cord–derived MSCs. Secondary aims include comparison of various methods of administration as well as comparison of activated versus nonactivated human umbilical cord stem cells. To induce liver injury, humanized mice were fed high‐cholesterol high‐fat liquid diet with alcohol binge drinking. Mice were then treated with either umbilical cord MSCs, activated umbilical cord MSCs, or a placebo and followed for survival. Blood samples were obtained at the end of the binge drinking and at the time of death to measure alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Histology of all mouse livers was reported at time of death. Activated MSCs that were injected intravenously, intraperitoneally, or both routes had superior survival compared with nonactivated MSCs and with placebo‐treated mice. AST and ALT levels were elevated in all mice before treatment and improved in the mice treated with stem cells. Conclusion: Activated stem cells resulted in marked improvement in survival and in recovery of hepatic chemistries. Activated umbilical cord MSCs should be considered an important area of investigation in acute liver injury.
Research advances in the clinical application of esketamine
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Xi , Zhang Nai‐Xin , Liu De‐Xing , Ding Jun , Zhang Yi‐Nan , Zhu Zhao‐Qiong
Published: March 2022

Esketamine is dextrorotatory ketamine, which is an enantiomer of ketamine. Compared with ketamine, it has the advantages of a fast metabolism, fewer side effects, and strong pharmacological effects, so it is more suitable for clinical use. Esketamine has a powerful analgesic effect and has little effect on breathing. It has a wide range of applications in the fields of pediatric anesthesia, conscious sedation anesthesia, and emergency analgesia. In addition, it is also used for pain that is difficult to relieve with conventional drugs and to prevent postoperative pain. Various routes of administration are also suitable for patients who need short‐term analgesia and sedation. As a drug, esketamine inevitably brings some side effects when it is used clinically. In this article, by introducing the mechanism of action and pharmacological characteristics of esketamine, its clinical application is reviewed, and it provides a reference for the more reasonable and safe clinical application of esketamine.
Abdominal wall endometriosis: Report of 83 cases
Authors: Benedetto Chiara , Cacozza Daniel , de Sousa Costa Daniela , Coloma Cruz Arantxa , Tessmann Zomer Monica , Cosma Stefano , Trippia Carlos Henrique , Santos Cavalcanti Teresa Cristina , Alves Castro Gustavo Rodrigues , Kondo William
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical course and management of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE).

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out from January 2010 to December 2020, at Vita‐Nações Hospitals, Curitiba, Brazil, in order to evaluate data of patients undergoing surgery for the excision of AWE.

Results

83 women with AWE were included in the study. Umbilical scar endometriosis was found in 26 patients (31.3%), being primary in 20 cases (76.9%) and secondary to a laparoscopic procedure in 6 cases (23.1%). 2 patients had secondary implants outside the umbilicus after laparoscopic surgery. Secondary implant after cesarian section in 55 patients (66.3%). Diagnosis was made by ultrasound in 65 patients (78.3%) and by MRI in the remaining 18 (21.7%). Complete excision of the nodule was carried out and no case of recurrence was registered up to now.

Conclusions

Painful abdominal mass presenting in women, especially with a previous history of abdominal and pelvic surgery, should be suspected of AWE. It occurs most often secondary to obstetric or gynecological surgeries and seems to be related to iatrogenic transfer of the endometrial tissue at the level of the surgical scar.

Cesarean scar endometriosis is the most common presentation. Surgical excision including the surrounding fibrotic tissue should be performed.
Prediction of successful labor induction with very unfavorable cervix: A comparison of six scores
Authors: Tollon Pauline , Blanc‐Petitjean Pauline , Drumez Elodie , Ghesquière Louise , Le Ray Camille , Garabedian Charles
Published: March 2022

Objective

To compare the ability of six scoring systems to predict successful labor induction with cervical ripening among women with a Bishop score <3.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from a prospective, multicenter observational Methods of Induction of Labor and Perinatal Outcomes (MEDIP) cohort study in 94 obstetrical French units. We included women with a Bishop score <3 before cervical ripening. We compared six scores: Bishop, simplified Bishop, modified Bishop, simplified Bishop including parity, Hughey, and Levine scores. Vaginal delivery defined successful labor induction. The ability of each score to predict successful labor induction was evaluated by comparing their area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Among the 600 eligible women in this study, 408 (68%) delivered vaginally. Body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters; mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 24.7 ± 5.5 vs 26.0 ± 5.7; P = 0.01) and nulliparity (48.8% vs 85.4%; P < 0.001) were lower in the successful induction group, whereas height was higher (mean ± SD: 165.3 ± 6.0 cm vs 163.7 ± 6.0 cm; P = 0.002). The simplified Bishop including parity, Hughey, and Levine scores had the highest AUC (0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–0.73; 0.68, 95% CI 0.64–0.74; and 0.69, 95% CI 0.65–0.74, respectively).

Conclusion

In women with a very unfavorable cervix, scores that include parity predict successful labor induction more accurately, such as simplified Bishop including parity, Hughey, or Levine scores.
Vitamin D Supplementation for 12 Months in Older Adults Alters Regulators of Bone Metabolism but Does Not Change Wnt Signaling Pathway Markers
Authors: Christodoulou Marilena , Aspray Terence J , Piec Isabelle , Washbourne Christopher , Tang Jonathan CY , Fraser William D , Schoenmakers Inez ,   the VDOP Trial Group
Published: March 2022

Vitamin D status and supplementation regulates bone metabolism and may modulate Wnt signaling. We studied the response of hormonal regulators of bone metabolism, markers of Wnt signaling and bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in a randomized vitamin D intervention trial (12,000 IU, 24,000 IU, 48,000 IU/mo for 1 year; men and women aged >70 years; n = 379; ISRCTN35648481). Associations with total and free 25(OH)D concentrations were analyzed by linear regression. Baseline vitamin D status was (mean ± SD) 25(OH)D: 40.0 ± 20.1 nmol/L. Supplementation dose‐dependently increased total and free 25(OH)D concentrations and decreased plasma phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (all p < 0.05). The procollagen 1 intact N‐terminal (PINP)/C‐terminal telopeptide (CTX) ratio, C‐terminal fibroblast growth factor‐23 (cFGF23), and intact FGF23 (iFGF23) significantly increased with no between‐group differences, whereas Klotho was unchanged. 1,25(OH)2D and PINP significantly increased in the 24 IU and 48,000 IU groups. Sclerostin (SOST), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), BMD, BMC, and CTX remained unchanged. Subgroup analyses with baseline 25(OH)D <25 nmol/L (n = 94) provided similar results. Baseline total and free 25(OH)D concentrations were positively associated with 1,25(OH)2D, 24,25(OH)2D (p < 0.001), vitamin D binding protein (DBP) (p < 0.05), BMD, and BMC (p < 0.05). Associations with PTH (p <0.001), cFGF23 (p < 0.01), and BAP (p < 0.05) were negative. After supplementation, total and free 25(OH)D concentrations remained positively associated only with 24,25(OH)2D (p < 0.001) and DBP (p < 0.001) and negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p < 0.01). PTH and SOST were significantly associated only with free 25(OH)D. There were no significant relationships with BMD and BMC after supplementation. The decrease in PTH and increase in PINP/CTX ratio suggest a protective effect of supplementation on bone metabolism, although no significant effect on BMD or pronounced changes in regulators of Wnt signaling were found. The increase in FGF23 warrants caution because of its negative association with skeletal and cardiovascular health. Associations of total and free 25(OH)D with biomarkers were similar and known positive associations between vitamin D status and BMD were confirmed. The change in associations after supplementation might suggest a threshold effect. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Interpersonal problems and cooperative behavior in patients suffering from prolonged grief disorder as compared to bereaved healthy controls
Authors: Harrison Octavia , Windmann Sabine , Rosner Rita , Steil Regina
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Interpersonal factors, such as impairments in social interaction or lack of social support, have an important share when it comes to the development, maintenance, and progression of various mental disorders.

Methods

Individuals suffering from prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and matched bereaved healthy controls (n = 54) underwent a thorough diagnostic procedure, further completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP‐D‐32), and participated in a finitely iterated prisoner's dilemma (FIPD).

Results

Individuals suffering from PGD reported significantly more interpersonal problems. Both groups behaved differently in the FIPD with healthy controls being more carefully, adapting their behavior more flexible, whereas PGD patients displayed a lower responsiveness, which may indicate an inability to adapt to changes in relationships.

Conclusion

We conclude that interpersonal problems appear to be a relevant feature of PGD. Future studies need to clarify the causal relation behind this link, and should also include measures of attachment, social support, and disconnectedness.
Use of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Evaluate the Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on CYP3A4‐Mediated Metabolism of Saxagliptin
Authors: Butrovich Morgan A. , Tang Weifeng , Boulton David W. , Nolin Thomas D. , Sharma Pradeep
Published: March 2022

We characterized the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4–mediated metabolism of saxagliptin to its metabolite, 5‐hydroxysaxagliptin, using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. A PBPK model of saxagliptin and its CYP3A4 metabolite, 5‐hydroxysaxagliptin, was constructed and validated for oral doses ranging from 5 to 100 mg. The observed ratios of area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) between healthy subjects and subjects with CKD were compared with those predicted using PBPK model simulations. Simulations were performed with virtual CKD populations having decreased CYP3A4 activity (ie, 64%‐75% of the healthy subjects’ CYP3A4 abundance) and preserved CYP3A4 activity (ie, 100% of the healthy subjects’ CYP3A4 abundance). We found that simulations using decreased CYP3A4 activity generally overpredicted the ratios of saxagliptin AUC and Cmax in CKD compared with those using preserved CYP3A4 activity. Similarly, simulations using decreased CYP3A4 activity underpredicted the ratio of 5‐hydroxysaxagliptin AUC in moderate and severe CKD compared with simulations using preserved CYP3A4 activity. These findings suggest that decreased CYP3A4 activity in CKD underpredicts saxagliptin clearance compared with that observed clinically. Preserving CYP3A4 activity in CKD more closely estimates saxagliptin clearance and 5‐hydroxysaxagliptin exposure changes observed in vivo. Our findings suggest that there is no clinically meaningful impact of CKD on the metabolism of saxagliptin by CYP3A4. Since saxagliptin is not a highly sensitive substrate and validated probe for CYP3A4, this work represents a case study of a CYP3A4 substrate‐metabolite pair and is not a generalization for all CYP3A4 substrates.
Kinetics study of CWPO of phenol wastewater over Cu‐ZSM‐5/PSSF catalysts prepared by ion‐exchanged method
Authors: Wu Yanjie , Zhang Huiping , Yan Ying
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Cu‐ZSM‐5 was prepared on paper‐like sintered stainless steel fibers (PSSF) by ion‐exchange method for the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of phenol in a fixed bed reactor. The prepared Cu‐ZSM‐5/PSSF catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT‐IR), Ultraviolet–visiblespectroscopy (UV–vis) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

RESULTS

The XRD results showed that the ZSM‐5 membrane was loaded well over PSSF with good crystallinity, even after the process of ion‐exchange. The UV–vis inferred that isolated copper was the predominant species over ZSM‐5 pores of the catalyst. Then, the effects of different catalyst bed heights, reaction temperatures, and feed flow rates on catalytic performance were investigated to obtain optimum reaction conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, the catalytic reaction kinetics analysis over Cu‐ZSM‐5/PSSF catalyst were carried out with the Power‐rate Law Kinetic model. The experimental results showed that the reaction order was the first‐order reaction, and the activation energy of the oxidation reaction was Ea = 72.9 kJ/mol. The initial oxidation rate equation (−rA0 = 5.36 × 108 e−72 994/RT CA) was obtained for phenol degradation using Cu‐ZSM‐5/PSSF catalyst. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Current evidence on efficacy of COVID‐19 booster dose vaccination against the Omicron variant: A systematic review
Authors: Chenchula Santenna , Karunakaran Padmavathi , Sharma Sushil , Chavan Madhavrao
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an ongoing pandemic, which affected around 45 million confirmed cases of COVID‐19, including more than 6 million deaths. However, on November 24, 2021, the World Health Organization announced a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variant designated as the B.1.1.529, a variant of concern (VOC), and the variant has been named as “Omicron.” Available preliminary evidence suggests that, as compared with previous VOCs, it has an increased risk of infectivity. Studies have shown that protection from various vaccines effectiveness against hospitalization and death from severe COVID‐19 disease is decreasing slowly after a two‐dose schedule of COVID‐19 vaccines. In response to experiencing a new COVID‐19 variant and ongoing resurgence of cases, the importance of COVID‐19 vaccine booster dose and durability of the effect of the third dose of vaccine against COVID‐19 Omicron variant is controversial yet. To address this, we conducted a systematic literature survey on effectiveness of the third or booster dose of COVID‐19 vaccine against the Omicron variant. We have performed a systematic search in PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, and MedRXiv database, from inception to January 2022 using the MeSH terms and keywords “Corona Virus Disease‐2019 OR COVID‐19 AND Omicron AND COVID‐19 Booster Vaccine.” We have identified a total of 27 published studies. We have reviewed all the eligible available studies on the effectiveness of the COVID‐19 vaccine booster shots against the Omicron variant. This review may be helpful in accelerating the COVID‐19 booster dose vaccination.
Early and late new‐onset of atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndromes: Their differences in mortality and cardiac event
Authors: Santos Helder , Santos Mariana , Almeida Inês , Paula Sofia B. , Almeida Samuel , Chin Joana , Almeida Lurdes ,   Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Published: March 2022

Background

In a stressful situation like acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the occurrence of the first episode of atrial fibrillation is more frequent. The impact of the timing occurrence of AF new‐onset (nAF) in the setting of ACS is still debatable.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study based on the Acute Coronary Syndrome Portuguese National Registry, including 29 851 patients admitted for ACS between 1/10/2010 and 4/09/2019. The group with early nAF ‐ nAF in the first 48 h of hospitalization; and late nAF ‐ patients with nAF after the first 48 h of in‐hospital admission.

Results

New‐onset AF was identified in 1067 patients, nonetheless, just 38.1% had late nAF. The group with late nAF presented more cardiovascular comorbidities and worse left ventricular ejection fraction. Late nAF patients received more anti‐arrhythmic therapy, and early nAF had a higher beta‐block prescription. Early nAF had higher rates of in‐hospital complications, on the other hand, late nAF group exhibited more mortality and readmission at one year follow‐up. Multiple logistic regression revealed that symptoms onset to the first medical contact time, admission hemoglobin <12 g/dl, right bundle branch block at admission, and diuretic therapy during the hospitalization for ACS were predictors of late nAF in ACS.

Conclusions

The ACS population could be divided by the timing of nAF occurrence into the two groups with different characteristics, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes. Late nAF patients had a worse prognosis at 1 year follow‐up, however, the early nAF group had more major adverse cardiac events during the hospitalization for ACS.
Assessing US Veterans’ work role functioning: Influences of posttraumatic stress, sense of coherence, and vocational identity
Authors: Osborne Lauren K. , Wright Benjamin J. , Bullock‐Yowell Emily , Mohn Richard S. , Nicholson Bonnie C.
Published: March 2022

Veterans experience numerous psychosocial difficulties following combat including employment difficulties. This study assessed the influence of sense of coherence and vocational identity on the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and work role functioning. Results from a sample of 131 combat Veterans found significant relationships between study variables. Sense of coherence mediated the relationship between PTSS and work role functioning. An indirect relationship between PTSS and work role functioning through vocational identity was not supported. Sense of coherence did not moderate the relationship between PTSS and vocational identity. Clinical implications, limitations, and directions for future research are addressed.
Characterization of synthetic and natural gold chalcogenides by electron microprobe analysis, X‐ray powder diffraction, and Raman spectroscopic methods
Authors: Palyanova Galina , Beliaeva Tatiana , Kokh Konstantin , Seryotkin Yurii , Moroz Tatyana , Tolstykh Nadezda
Published: March 2022

Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (RS) were applied to characterize the synthetic gold chalcogenides of the Au–Te–Se–S system and natural analogs from the Gaching deposit (Central Kamchatka, Russia). The EPMA results showed that the synthetic chalcogenides have different Te/Se/S and Au/X (X = Te + Se + S) ratios: AuX2, Au3X10, and AuX. They are similar in composition to natural compounds — calaverite (AuTe2), maletoyvayamite (Au3Te6Se4), and unnamed minerals AuTe0.7Se0.3 and AuSe0.7S0.3. It was established that chalcogenides AuX, Au3X10, and AuX2 have a specific Raman spectra with characteristic peaks. The position of the peaks and the character of the spectra of the synthetic phases and their natural analogs from the Gaching deposit coincide within the limits of accuracy. Different ratios of chalcogenes Te/Se/S in compounds influence the Raman peak positions. The positions of the peaks for natural compounds AuX differ depending on the predominance of Te (AuTe0.7Se0.3) or Se (AuSe0.7S0.3). AuSe synthetic phases consist of a mixture of α‐ and β‐polymorphs. Raman spectroscopy can be used for the identification of natural gold chalcogenides worldwide, which are difficult to diagnose by other methods due to the microscopic grain sizes and close intergrowths with other ore minerals. The similarity of the Raman spectra upon changing the concentrations of Se and S suggests identical structures and possible isomorphism in the composition range of AuTe0.7Se0.3– AuTe0.7Se0.2S0.1, AuTe1.9Se0.1– AuTe1.8Se0.1S0.1, and Au3Te6Se4– Au3Te6S3Se.
Glaze characterization of the glazed pottery from the medieval workshop of Vega (Burgos, Spain)
Authors: Alonso‐Olazabal Ainhoa , Ortega Luis Angel , Zuluaga Maria Cruz , Alonso‐Fernández Carmen , Jimenez‐Echevarría Javier , Sarmiento Alfredo
Published: March 2022

Sixteen glazes on medieval (14th–16th century AD) pottery fragments from Vega pottery workshop (Burgos, Spain) were characterized to investigate the production technology. To this end, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX) were used. The studied glaze samples correspond to fragments of high‐quality glazed ware used by the wealthiest society in the city of Burgos. The most representative types of glazes, corresponding to honey‐marble, honey‐yellow, bright light green, and dark green types, were analysed. Raman spectroscopy shows lead was used as a fluxing agent in glaze production. SEM‐EDX analysis confirms the use of lead oxide and evidences that most of the samples underwent at least two firing processes. No Raman signals of crystalline phases were detected on either glaze surfaces or glaze thin‐sections. The exception is the single firing of dark green glazes, which show pseudobrookite and rutile at the clay body/glaze interface measured in thin section. No colouring crystalline phases were identified by Raman spectroscopy either. However, SEM‐EDX shows iron was the most‐used colouring agent whereas copper was used for bright light green glazes. The polymerization index (Ip) values were used to estimate the firing temperatures. The polymerization index values are typically low for lead glazes and indicate firing temperatures below 700°C.
Entrepreneurial intention among women: A case study in the Portuguese academy
Authors: Gomes Sofia , Santos Tânia , Sousa Marlene , Oliveira José Castro , Oliveira Márcio , Lopes João M.
Published: March 2022

A growing interest in academic entrepreneurship has characterized the past few years. Young university students are increasingly encouraged to create their companies to boost their region's social and economic development. In this regard, women entrepreneurs have been playing a decisive role. They have been increasing in number, becoming of key importance due to their status and significance for the gender impact on entrepreneurship. This research evaluates women's entrepreneurial intention in the Portuguese academy, denoting which entrepreneurial intent is influenced by environmental factors such as closer valuation and social valuation and motivational factors such as attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. For this purpose, a quantitative methodology was used. A questionnaire was applied to 731 female students of higher education in Portugal. The analysis of the results allowed us to perceive which variables under study influenced the entrepreneurial intention. The findings will reinforce the literature, thus, contributing to strengthening the theoretical framework on entrepreneurial intentions in women and launching clues for action within public decision‐makers, universities, and civil society, allowing to adopt practices that will increase entrepreneurship in women. To our knowledge, this research is one of the few studies on female entrepreneurial intention in academia in a peripheral region of Europe such as Portugal.
To what extent are PhD students intrapreneurs? A study from a gender perspective
Authors: Baena‐Luna Pedro , Sánchez‐Torné Isadora , Pérez‐Suárez Macarena , García‐Río Esther
Published: March 2022

Research on intrapreneurial intention (INI) has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. However, some collectives like PhD students have not received the attention they deserve. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the INI of PhD students from a gender perspective. Their tendency to display innovative and risk‐taking behavior was analyzed based on a sample of 393 PhD students. The results evince significant gender differences in this regard.
Entrepreneurial activities and women empowerment in rural India between microfinance and social capital
Authors: Andriani Luca , Lal Sarika , Kalam Asif Aftab
Published: March 2022

Human development cannot occur without women's empowerment. Particularly in marginalized contexts lacking equal treatment between women and men, women's empowerment is conditioned upon their control of financial resources and activities outside their households' tasks, such as entrepreneurial activities. Such contexts have been experiencing the escalation of microfinance schemes of which women have been the main target group. While scholars generally agree on the opportunities that microcredit represents for microentrepreneurial activities, its effective impact on women entrepreneurship, and hence their empowerment, show contrasting results. We aim to contribute to this debate by conducting in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with female members of the group lending model of the microfinance institutions in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The thematic questions of the interviews address, particularly, the social resources (social capital) and economic conditions underpinning the process of empowerment among women's members of peer‐group lending schemes. We find that social capital plays a crucial role for peer‐group lending to be successful in accessing financial resources and loan repayment. However, we detect the presence of empowerment only where a woman uses the outcome of these social capital resources to pursue her entrepreneurial activities and self‐determined goals.
Access to venture capital: Does gender (still) really matter?
Authors: Nigam Nirjhar , Benetti Cristiane , Mavoori Hareesh
Published: March 2022

Entrepreneurship as an institution is characterized by big gender differences and a very low rate of women participation. The gender of the founder did significantly impact the amount of financing received from venture capitalists. The lower level of education can explain gender differences in entrepreneurial activity, especially in high growth knowledge‐intensive sectors. Women are less likely to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers than men. Despite similar attributes, female entrepreneurs are held to a different standard than male entrepreneurs in obtaining financing from venture capitalists.
Group‐type quantitative analysis of flavor compounds in ripening avocados
Authors: Ferranti Allison , Hayward Taylor
Published: March 2022

Avocados are a superfood gaining popularity in people's diet. Profiling and quantifying the volatiles associated with flavor can further help in understanding the fruit. However, this is challenging due to relatively low abundance of volatile compounds. The complex mixtures inherent to avocado flavor can result in coelutions using classical chromatographic techniques. To overcome these challenges, solid‐phase microextraction was used to extract and preconcentrate volatiles, then separated and quantified using two‐dimensional gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. This technique enhances separation power and produces well‐ordered chromatograms, allowing for templated groupings of compounds of similar chemical composition into regions. Using the flame ionization detector, an average response factor was determined and used for quantification of these templated group‐type regions, as well as individual compounds. This group‐type quantification improved the overall precision of compound classes in 50 avocados by at least a factor of 2, when compared to that of the individual components. Overall, the abundance of associated flavor groups, such as terpenes and alcohols decreased, whereas aldehyde groups remained constant throughout ripening. The combination of solid‐phase microextraction with two‐dimensional gas chromatography and group‐type quantification allows for an overall better understanding of the volatiles associated with flavor of avocados.
Highly sensitive simultaneous quantification of indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid in human plasma using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Oda Ayako , Suzuki Yosuke , Sato Banri , Sato Haruki , Tanaka Ryota , Ono Hiroyuki , Ando Tadasuke , Shin Toshitaka , Mimata Hiromitsu , Itoh Hiroki , Ohno Keiko
Published: March 2022

Indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid are uremic toxins that accumulate in renal failure and have been reported to decrease the activities of the drug‐metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 3A and the drug transporter organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B, respectively. In this study, we established and validated an assay for simultaneous quantification of indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid in human plasma. The samples were pretreated by solid‐phase extraction, and measured by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The validation results for this assay were within the acceptable limits recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration, with a lower limit of quantitation of 0.05 μg/mL for both indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid. Recovery rates of indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid corrected by internal standard were 100.7–101.9 and 100.2–101.3%, respectively. Matrix effects of indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid corrected by internal standard were 101.1–105.5 and 97.0–103.8%, respectively. The validated assay was used to analyze indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid concentrations in the plasma samples of healthy volunteers and patients with chronic kidney disease. All the measured plasma indoxyl sulfate and 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid concentrations were within the calibration ranges. This novel method may contribute to predicting the activities of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters in individual patients.
The Ocean's labile DOC supply chain
Authors: Moran Mary Ann , Ferrer‐González Frank X. , Fu He , Nowinski Brent , Olofsson Malin , Powers McKenzie A. , Schreier Jeremy E. , Schroer William F. , Smith Christa B. , Uchimiya Mario
Published: March 2022

Microbes of the surface ocean release, consume, and exchange labile metabolites at time scales of minutes to days. The details of this important step in the global carbon cycle remain poorly resolved, largely due to the methodological challenges of studying a diverse pool of metabolites that are produced and consumed nearly simultaneously. In this perspective, a new compilation of published data builds on previous studies to obtain an updated estimate of the fraction of marine net primary production that passes through the labile dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool. In agreement with previous studies, our data mining and modeling approaches hypothesize that about half of ocean net primary production is processed through the labile DOC pool. The fractional contributions from three major sources are estimated at 0.4 for living phytoplankton, 0.4 for dead and dying phytoplankton, and 0.2 for heterotrophic microbes and mesoplankton.
Chirality‐Induced Bionic Scaffolds in Bone Defects Repair—A Review
Authors: Sun Xinyue , Liu Yue , Wei Yuping , Wang Yong
Published: March 2022

Due to lack of amino sugar with aging, people will suffer from various epidemic bone diseases called “undead cancer” by the World Health Organization. The key problem in bone tissue engineering that is not completely resolved is the repair of critical large‐scale bone and cartilage defects. The chirality of the extracellular matrix plays a decisive role in the physiological activity of bone cells and the occurrence of bone tissue, but the mechanism of chirality in regulating cell adhesion and growth is still in the early stage of exploration. The application progress of chirality‐induced bionic scaffolds is reviewed here in bone defects repair based on “soft” and “hard” scaffolds. The aim is to summarize the effects of different chiral structures (l‐shaped andd‐shaped) in the process of inducing bionic scaffolds in bone defects repair. In addition, many technologies and methods as well as issues worthy of special consideration for preparing chirality‐induced bionic scaffolds are also introduced. It is expected that this work can provide inspiring ideas for designing new chirality‐induced bionic scaffolds and promote the development of chirality in bone tissue engineering.
Drug Delivery Systems for Photodynamic Therapy: The Potentiality and Versatility of Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Costa Sofia M. , Fangueiro Raul , Ferreira Diana P.
Published: March 2022

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a promising approach for the treatment of a broad range of diseases, including oncological and infectious diseases. This minimally invasive and localized therapy is based on the production of reactive oxygen species able to destroy cancer cells and inactivate pathogens by combining the use of photosensitizers (PSs), light, and molecular oxygen. To overcome the drawbacks of drug systemic administration, drug delivery systems (DDS) can be used to carrier the PSs, allowing higher therapeutic efficacy and minimal toxicological effects. Polymeric nanofibers produced by electrospinning emerged as powerful platforms for drug delivery applications. Electrospun nanofibers exhibit outstanding characteristics, such as large surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio associated with high drug loading, high porosity, flexibility, ability to incorporate and release a wide variety of therapeutic agents, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Due to the versatility of this technique, fibers with different morphologies and functionalities, including drug release profile can be produced. The possibility of scalability makes electrospinning even more attractive for the development of DDS. This review aims to explore and show an up to date of the huge potential of electrospun nanofibers as DDS for different PDT applications and discuss the opportunities and challenges in this field.
The Frontier of Plastics Recycling: Rethinking Waste as a Resource for High‐Value Applications
Authors: Mangold Hannah , von Vacano Bernhard
Published: March 2022

Following the circular economy hierarchy of reduce and reuse, recycling is the third layer to close the loops for materials and decouple their value from consumption. Polymeric materials (“plastics”) are in principle well suited for recycling, as they can be reprocessed with relatively low energy input as a material, cleaved back into their monomers or converted back to feedstock. Today, these approaches still fall short in quantitatively diverting waste towards reuse. This perspective describes the industry challenges for recycling back into high value applications of polymers, and the portfolio of existing and emerging technology solutions. Sustainable design of products and polymers, recycling technologies, appropriate business models, and enabling technologies converge at the frontier of plastics recycling, for a transformation of the industry towards circularity and greenhouse gas emission neutrality.