bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Detection of β‐Lactoglobulin Allergen Using Titanium Dioxide/Carbon Nanochips/Gold Nanocomposite‐based Biosensor
Authors: Hong Shyang Pei , Mohd‐Naim Noor Faizah , Keasberry Natasha Ann , Ahmed Minhaz Uddin
Published: June 2021

A label‐free electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the ultra‐sensitive detection of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG). The novel nanocomplex of carbon nanochips, colloidal gold nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles TiO2/CNC/AuC were constructed on conducting polymer, chitosan, and were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). This nanocomplex interface was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and showed great improvement at the gold electrode surface with enhanced electrochemical performance, sensitivity and selectivity for β‐lactoglobulin. Under optimal parameters, the square wave voltammetry (SWV) response curve was determined from 0.01 pg/mL to 500 pg/mL using [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−] redox probe. The calibration plot illustrates a linear relationship between log β‐LG concentration and SWV current, with the limit of detection determined to be 0.01 pg/mL. This immunosensor displayed high sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and stability, and can be utilised for the detection of β‐LG in real food samples.
Recent advances in the rational design of 2D MXenes in energy conversion and storage systems
Authors: Sheikh Nayab , Tahir Muhammad Bilal , Fatima Nisar , Sagir Muhammad , Pervaiz Muhammad , Tahir M. Suleman
Published: June 2021

The most encouraging prospect of energy storage gadgets is batteries and supercapacitors to overcome the need for energy. The environmental problems presently captivate a huge interest in scientific awareness. The improvement of two‐dimensional (2D) profoundly effective cathode materials is the way to new research in the fields of energy transformation as well as energy storage devices. MXenes, another fascinating group of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbo‐nitrides has gained impressive consideration because of their phenomenal properties like high electrical conductivity, hydrophilic nature, magnificent thermal strength, huge interlayer separation, effectively tunable construction, and high surface area. In this review, various MXenes synthesis courses utilizing distinctive materials for example hydrofluoric acid, ammonium hydrazine, lithium fluoride, and hydrochloric acid have been discussed. Additionally, different combinations of MXenes with the leading polymers are still there and should have been investigated. Potential applications of MXenes have also been discussed in the perspective of energy harvesting. MXenes have been proved as promising candidates to resolve the energy crisis because of their pre‐eminent applications in batteries, supercapacitors, and cells. MXenes have also been used for carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen production.
1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) retards the senescence ofPteridium aquilinum var. latiusculumby regulating the cellular energy status and membrane lipid metabolism
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Li Zhen , Du Meiling , Zhang Xiuling , Tian Yaqin , Wang Jinge
Published: June 2021

1‐MCP is an ethylene inhibitor which can delay the ripening and senescence of fruits and vegetables effectively.Pteridium aquilinum var. Latiusculum(PA) is one of the wild vegetables which is famous and nutrient in China. However, the mechanism of PA preservation treated with 1‐MCP has not been reported. Consequently, the effects of postharvest 1‐MCP treatment on the changes in quality, energy metabolism, and membrane lipid metabolism of PA were investigated in this study. The results indicated that 1‐MCP treatment could effectively inhibit the decreases in firmness, titratable acid (TA) content and the increases in weight loss rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, membrane permeability, and membrane lipid metabolism‐related enzymes in PA. The cellular energy charge (EC) and the levels of ATP, ATP/ADP, and ATP/AMP, the activities of energy metabolism‐related enzymes, NAD+, and NADH were maintained, and the decreases in unsaturated fatty acids and the ratio of unsaturated‐to‐saturated fatty acids in the membrane of PA cells were effectively retarded by 1‐MCP treatment. A positive correlation was observed between cellular ATP levels and the ratio of unsaturated‐to‐saturated fatty acids, while negative correlations were observed between the ratio of unsaturated‐to‐saturated fatty acids and both lipid peroxidation and membrane permeability. These results indicated that higher levels of energy status, unsaturated‐to‐saturated fatty acid ratios, and lipid metabolism in the membrane could preserve the membrane integrity of postharvest PA and effectively extend its shelf life.
Variations on gut health and energy metabolism in pigs and humans by intake of different dietary fibers
Authors: Yang Pan , Zhao Jinbiao
Published: June 2021

Many studies have reported that dietary fibers play a crucial role in promoting intestinal health of the host, since it strengthens functions of epithelial barrier and meanwhile maintains intestinal homeostasis of the host by modulating gut microbiota and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Pig is a good animal model to study effects of dietary fiber on gut health and microbial community. This review has summarized the relevant knowledge available based on roles of various dietary fibers in gut health and energy metabolism of pigs and humans. Evidences summarized in our review indicated that modulating intestinal microbial composition and SCFA production by consuming specific dietary fibers properly could be conducive to health improvement and disease prevention of the host. However, types of dietary fiber from edible foods exert divergent impacts on gut health, energy metabolism, microbial composition, and SCFA production. Therefore, more attention should be focused on different responses of various dietary fibers intake on host metabolism and health.
New find of Houia (Arthropoda: Euchelicerata) from the Lower Devonian of Guangxi, South China
Authors: Wang Han , Lei Xiaojie , Zhang Haichun , Jarzembowski Edmund A. , Xu Honghe
Published: June 2021

Houia is a possible annectent form between horseshoe crabs and eurypterids (sea scorpions). However, fossils are rare, previously only known from a single locality. Here, we report a new species of this genus, Houia guangxiensis sp. nov., from the Lower Devonian Cangwu Formation of Guangxi Province, South China. This discovery extends the geographical distribution of Houia from the Yangtze to the Cathaysia Block, supporting the living age of this genus in the Early Devonian (Lochkovian–Emsian). It not only adds to the record of this rare ‘intermediate’ form but also suggests potential relationships of shallow‐water species in the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks.
Policy considerations for scaling up access to HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis for adolescent girls and young women: Examples from Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda
Authors: Lane Jeff , Brezak Audrey , Patel Pragna , Verani Andre R. , Benech Irene , Katz Aaron
Published: June 2021

Adolescent girls and young women (aged 15–24 years; AGYW) continue to carry a disproportionate burden of HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) helps reduce the risk of acquiring HIV for persons at substantial risk, including AGYW. As countries plan for the rollout of PrEP across sub‐Saharan Africa, PrEP policies and programs could address the unique needs of AGYW. The purpose of this analysis was to identify policy considerations to improve AGYW access to PrEP. After reviewing the literature, we identified 13 policy considerations that policymakers and stakeholders could evaluate when developing or reviewing PrEP‐related policies. We sorted these considerations into five categories, which together comprise an AGYW Access to PrEP Framework: AGYW‐friendly delivery systems, clinical eligibility and adherence support, legal barriers and facilitators, affordability, and community and AGYW outreach. We also reviewed policies in three countries (Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda) to explore how PrEP‐related policies addressed these considerations. Some of these policies addressed some of the 13 policy considerations, but none of the policies directly addressed the unique needs of AGYW for accessing PrEP. To improve access to PrEP for AGYW, country policies could include specific components that address these 13 considerations. To reach AGYW effectively, each country could use the 13 considerations we have identified to analyze current policies to identify existing programmatic barriers to AGYW accessing HIV services and address these barriers in PrEP‐related policies.
A neglected population: Sexual and reproductive issues among adolescent and young Venezuelan migrant women at the northwestern border of Brazil
Authors: Soeiro Rachel E. , Rocha Leila , Surita Fernanda G. , Bahamondes Luis , Costa Maria L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Adolescent and young women (10–24 years old) are a neglected group in humanitarian settings and their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are habitually ignored. Our study aims to assess main SRH issues affecting migrant Venezuelan adolescents and young women in Boa Vista, Roraima at the northwestern border of Venezuela‐Brazil.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with a self‐responded questionnaire with information about SRH was conducted in 153 Venezuelan adolescent and young migrant women at Boa Vista, from January 18 to 23, 2021. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Mean age was 17.7 years and two‐thirds were under 20 years old. The majority (84%) were living on the streets. Most of them (54%) reported that they had at least one previous childbirth, 10% were pregnant at the time of the interview, 30% of them were not attending prenatal care. The main SRH concern was contraception (35%); however, 75% of those interviewed who went to a healthcare service were unable to obtain the method of their choice and for 91% no other contraceptive was offered.

Conclusion

Migrant Venezuelan adolescents and young women in Boa Vista have their SRH needs overlooked. Efforts to address these SRH needs, especially during the pandemic, require urgent attention.
Deep‐skin multiphoton microscopy in vivo excited at 1600 nm: A comparative investigation with silicone oil and deuterium dioxide immersion
Authors: Wang Ke , Pan Yi , Tong Shen , Chen Xinlin , Lu Yuan , Qiu Ping
Published: June 2021

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) excited at the 1700‐nm window has enabled deep‐tissue penetration in biological tissue, especially brain. MPM of skin may also benefit from this deep‐penetration capability. Skin is a layered structure with varying refractive index (from 1.34 to 1.5). Consequently, proper immersion medium should be selected when imaging with high numerical aperture objective lens. To provide guidelines for immersion medium selection for skin MPM, here we demonstrate comparative experimental investigation of deep‐skin MPM excited at 1600 nm in vivo, using both silicone oil and deuterium dioxide (D2O) immersion. We specifically characterize imaging depths, signal levels and spatial resolution. Our results show that both immersion media give similar performance in imaging depth and spatial resolution, while signal levels are slightly better with silicone oil immersion. We also demonstrate that local injection of fluorescent beads into the skin is a viable technique for spatial resolution characterization in vivo.
Kinase inhibitor screening reveals aurora‐a kinase is a potential therapeutic and prognostic biomarker of gastric cancer
Authors: Mesquita Felipe P. , Lucena da Silva Emerson , Souza Pedro F. N. , Lima Luina B. , Amaral Jackson L. , Zuercher William , Albuquerque Louise M. , Rabenhorst Silvia H. B. , Moreira‐Nunes Caroline A. , Amaral de Moraes Maria E. , Montenegro Raquel C.
Published: June 2021

Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer in the world, and poor prognosis with treatment failure is widely reported in the literature. In this context, kinases have been considered a relevant choice for targeted therapy in gastric cancer. Here, we explore the antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of the AURKA inhibitor and the prognostic and therapeutic value as a biomarker of gastric cancer. A total of 145 kinase inhibitors were screened to evaluate the cytotoxic or cytostatic effects in the gastric cancer cell line. Using the Alamar Blue assay, flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and observation of caspase 3/7 activity and cell migration, we investigated the antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antimigratory effects of the AURKA inhibitor. Moreover, AURKA overexpression was evaluated in the gastric cell lines and the gastric tumor tissue. Out of the 145 inhibitors, two presented the highest antiproliferative effect. Both molecules can induce apoptosis by the caspases 3/7 pathway in addition to inhibiting cancer cell migration, mainly the AURKA inhibitor. Moreover, molecular docking analysis revealed that GW779439X interacts in the active site of the AURKA enzyme with similar energy as a well‐described inhibitor. Our study identified AURKA overexpression in the gastric cancer cell line and gastric tumor tissue, revealing that its overexpression in patients with cancer is correlated with low survival. Therefore, it is feasible to suggest AURKA as a potential marker of gastric cancer, besides providing robust information for diagnosis and estimated survival of patients. AURKA can be considered a new molecular target used in the prognosis and therapy of gastric cancer.
Experimental study of a reverse osmosis pilot plant for reuse of refinery wastewater
Authors: Costamagna Paola , Rosellini Silvia , Lavarone Alice , Scarsi Giovanni , Saturno Ezio , Mantelli Valter
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The possibility of reusing treated refinery wastewater in the cooling water system (CWS) of the refinery itself is investigated. The contaminant levels in the treated wastewater typically fluctuate around or slightly above the threshold values for recycling to the CWS and this motivates the need for an additional purification unit. To this end, the performance of reverse osmosis (RO) is experimentally investigated through a flat‐sheet RO pilot plant installed directly in the refinery (on the treated wastewater streamline).

RESULTS

In the pilot plant, two different RO membranes are tested: seawater (SWM) and brackish water (BWM) membranes. In both cases, the permeate water at the outlet of the RO pilot plant had conductivity below 100 μS cm–1, total hardness (TH) below 8 ppm, chemical oxygen demand (COD) below 45 ppm, Fe below 0.04 ppm, and total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) below 1.1 ppm. The concentration of hydrocarbons (HCs) is a few ppm in the treated wastewater both at the inlet of the RO pilot plant and in the RO permeate. All these data are well below the thresholds for reuse in the CWS. The results were stable and no evidence of degradation was found over the experimentation period (3 days and 6 days, respectively, for the SWMs and the BWMs).

CONCLUSION

The RO permeate water can be reused in the CWS of the refinery. The proposed reuse strategy is expected to make a significant reduction (20–25 t h–1) in refinery primary water withdrawal possible. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Integrative Machine Learning Prediction of Prostate Biopsy Results From Negative Multiparametric MRI
Authors: Zheng Haoxin , Miao Qi , Liu Yongkai , Raman Steven S. , Scalzo Fabien , Sung Kyunghyun
Published: June 2021

Background

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is commonly recommended as a triage test prior to any prostate biopsy. However, there exists limited consensus on which patients with a negative prostate mpMRI could avoid prostate biopsy.

Purpose

To identify which patient could safely avoid prostate biopsy when the prostate mpMRI is negative, via a radiomics‐based machine learning approach.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Three hundred thirty patients with negative prostate 3T mpMRI between January 2016 and December 2018 were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/T2‐weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) imaging (T2WI) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Assessment

The integrative machine learning (iML) model was trained to predict negative prostate biopsy results, utilizing both radiomics and clinical features. The final study cohort comprised 330 consecutive patients with negative mpMRI (PI‐RADS < 3) who underwent systematic transrectal ultrasound‐guided (TRUS) or MR‐ultrasound fusion (MRUS) biopsy within 6 months. A secondary analysis of biopsy naïve subcohort (n = 227) was also conducted.

Statistical Tests

The Mann–Whitney U test and Chi‐Squared test were utilized to evaluate the significance of difference of clinical features between prostate biopsy positive and negative groups. The model performance was validated using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV) and measured by AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

Overall, 306/330 (NPV 92.7%) of the final study cohort patients had negative biopsies, and 207/227 (NPV 91.2%) of the biopsy naïve subcohort patients had negative biopsies. Our iML model achieved NPVs of 98.3% and 98.0% for the study cohort and subcohort, respectively, superior to prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD)‐based risk assessment with NPVs of 94.9% and 93.9%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

The proposed iML model achieved high performance in predicting negative prostate biopsy results for patients with negative mpMRI. With improved NPVs, the proposed model can be used to stratify patients who in whom we might obviate biopsies, thus reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Renal stone detection using a low kilo‐voltage paediatric CT protocol – a porcine phantom study
Authors: Mussmann Bo , Hardy Maryann , Jung Helene , Ding Ming , Osther Palle J. , Fransen Maja Lynge , Greisen Pernille Wied , Graumann Ole
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Reducing tube voltage is an effective dose saving method in computed tomography (CT) assuming tube current is not concurrently increased. Recent innovations in scanner technology now enable CT tube voltage reduction to 70 kV thereby increasing opportunities for dose reduction in paediatric patients, but it is unclear if the increased image noise associated with 70 kV impacts on ability to visualise renal stones accurately. The purpose was to assess detectability of nephrolithiasis using a bespoke paediatric phantom and low kV, non‐contrast CT and to assess inter‐observer agreement.

Methods

Forty‐two renal stones of different size and chemical composition were inserted into porcine kidneys and positioned in a bespoke, water‐filled phantom mimicking a 9‐year‐old child weighing approximately 33kg. The phantom was scanned using 120 and 70 kV CT protocols, and the detectability of the stones was assessed by three radiologists. Absolute agreement and Fleiss’ kappa regarding detectability were assessed.

Results

The mean diameter of renal stones as measured physically was 4.24 mm ranging from 1 to 11 mm. Four stones were missed by at least one observer. One observer had a sensitivity of 93 and 95% at 70 and 120 kV, respectively, while the sensitivity for observers 2 and 3 was 98% at both kV levels. Specificity was 100% across readers and kV levels. Absolute agreement between the readers at 70 kV was 92% (kappa = 0.86) and 98% (kappa = 0.96) at 120 kV indicating a strong agreement at both kV levels.

Conclusions

The results suggest that lowering the kV does not affect the detection rate of renal stones and may be a useful dose reduction strategy for assessment of nephrolithiasis in children.
Energy conserving ring cluster‐based routing protocol for wireless sensor network: A hybrid based model
Authors: Sumesh JayaMohanan Jayasree , Maheswaran Chella Perumal
Published: June 2021

The recent advancement in WSNs has drawn its attentive toward number of researchers as it is supportive to the wide range of applications. During the routing mechanism in WSN, the tiny sensors powered with batteries can be expired soon. Number of solutions have been proceeded so far to resolve this issue, and the ring routing protocol is one among them. The ring routing protocol is an energy‐proficient mobile sink routing protocol that can be easily accessible and configures based on the virtual ring composition. Moreover, ring routing is a hierarchical routing protocol with a mobile sink in WSN that uses greedy geographic routing. In this research work, an energy‐aware ring routing protocol is developed based on the defined multi‐objective. Initially, the ring is constructed with a pre‐defined radius and the normal nodes now send data to the sink node via the constructed ring structure. More particularly, the nodes near the sink deplete faster than the other nodes and introduce overhead in terms of “energy consumption and packet delays.” When a ring node tends to exhaust, then its neighbor switches its role automatically, and this selection of the normal node as the ring node is accomplished optimally on the basis of the defined multi‐objectives like energy , distance between the ring node and the regular node and distance between network centers to regular node . As optimization has a key role in selecting the neighbors as the ring nodes, a new optimization model referred to as Moth Integrated Firefly Algorithm (MIFA) is introduced in this research work. The performance of the proposed model is compared over other conventional models with respect to throughput, energy dissipation, and transmission delay as well.
Electric field analysis, polarization, excitation wavelength dependence, and novel applications of tip‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Pienpinijtham Prompong , Kitahama Yasutaka , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: June 2021

Tip‐enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) has received significant interest as a new nano‐vibrational spectroscopy technique, which can be used to obtain site‐specific molecular information. TERS instruments have made remarkable progress, and the application of TERS has been expanding to nanomaterials, liquid samples, biological materials, and electrochemistry. Furthermore, molecular structures with imaging can be explored even at subnanometer resolution. This review consists of two parts: basic studies on the reproducibility of TERS and novel applications of TERS. In the former part, we report the electric field analysis, polarization, and excitation wavelength dependence of TERS. These studies are very important for understanding the characteristic features of TERS. In the latter part, we introduce two examples of TERS applications to nanomaterials, epitaxial graphene, and graphene oxide and two examples of liquid TERS that use chemically modified tips: nanoscale pH measurement and enantiomeric discrimination using TERS. Finally, we discuss the perspective of TERS.
The Assembly of the Mixture of Two Ionic Surfactants in Polyols Media at Variable Temperatures: Combined Conductivity and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Alam Md. Masud , Mahbub Shamim , Alfakeer M. , Hoque Md. Anamul , Mustafa Syed Khalid , Ahmad M. Ayaz , Kabir Shariff E.
Published: June 2021

Herein, the aggregation phenomena of the two cationic amphiphiles, the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB), has been investigated in the presence of monosaccharide (glucose) and disaccharide (maltose) at varying compositions and temperatures. The critical micelle concentration (cmc), degree of ionization (g), and several thermodynamic properties have been estimated applying the conductivity measurement technique. To explore the consequence of additives on the mixed micellization of TTAB + CTAB, glucose as monosaccharide having two concentrations (1% & 5% (w/w) glucose) and maltose as disaccharide containing single concentration (1% (w/w)) have been employed. Together with the mixture of TTAB and CTAB, investigation of the physicochemical parameters of pure amphiphiles in glucose and maltose solutions was quantified. The efficiency of the additives in depressing the cmc values followed the order: 1 (w/w) % maltose >5 (w/w) % glucose >1% (w/w) glucose. The ideal cmc (cmcid), activity coefficients, and β values suggested the synergistic attraction (attractive force) between these two surfactants. By utilizing the Rubingh model, the evaluated micellar mole fractions of CTAB (α1) coupled with the ideal mole fraction () imply the increase of the contribution of CTAB in the mixed micellization with rising the α1 values. The values of the negative excess free energy () implied the stability of the mixed micelle formed. The changes in standard enthalpy (ΔH°m) and changes in standard entropy (ΔS°m) of micellization reveal the presence of different modes of interactions like electrostatic, ion‐dipole, H‐bonding, and hydrophobic interactions among the studied components.
Mini‐LED backlight units on glass for 75‐inch 8K resolution liquid crystal display
Authors: Xiao Juncheng , Fei Jiayang , Zheng Feng , Liu Quansheng , Huo Wenxue , Li Ji , Mei Wenlin , Xu Hongyuan , Zhang Shengdong
Published: June 2021

Active matrix (AM) mini‐LED backlight units (BLUs) based on amorphous silicon (a‐Si) thin‐film transistor (TFT) on a glass substrate for 75‐inch 8K liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are developed, with each consisting of 5184 local dimming (LD) zones. The 75‐inch 8K LCDs perform a high dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and high typical brightness of more than 1000 nits with 10% capable screen area. In addition, the LCDs show an excellent high dynamic range (HDR) and a real black state, which are comparable to that of other high‐end displays (dual cells and organic light‐emitting diode displays [OLEDs]). Also, the mini‐LED BLUs feature a low fabrication cost.
Complete and partial replacement of the inferior vena cava with autologous peritoneum in cancer surgery
Authors: Balzan Silvio M. P. , Gava Vinicius G. , Magalhaes Marcelo A. , Rieger Alexandre , Roman Luiz I. , dos Santos Caroline , Marins Morgana P. , Rabaioli Bruna , Raupp Isabela T. , Kunzler Vanessa B.
Published: June 2021

Resection of the inferior vena cava may be required in the courses of oncological surgeries for the tumors originating from or invading it. Management of the remaining defect depends on the extension of the resection. Partial or complete replacement of the inferior vena cava, with a patch or interposition graft, may be required. Standard techniques for the reconstruction with a prosthetic material or the autologous veins can be associated with the prosthetic graft infection, high cost, long‐standing anticoagulation, technical difficulties, and/or need for extra incisions. The use of the autologous peritoneum represents an easy and inexpensive alternative for the partial and complete inferior vena cava reconstructions.
Sclerotherapy Versus Cautery/Laser Treatment for Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Woodard Troy D. , Yappel‐Sinkko Kathleen B. , Wang Xiaofeng , McCrae Keith R. , Parambil Joseph G.
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Surgical interventions for epistaxis management in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) demonstrate short‐term success and require repeated procedures for disease control. Although electrocautery and/or laser photocoagulation (C ± L) are most frequently performed, sodium tetradecyl sclerotherapy (STS) is emerging as a promising newer treatment. We hypothesized that in a 24‐month time period, STS would require fewer treatments than C ± L to maintain epistaxis severity within the mild range.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 67 patients with HHT with moderate and severe epistaxis that were treated periodically with C ± L (34 patients) versus STS (33 patients). The primary outcome was the number of procedures needed to maintain the epistaxis severity score (ESS) as mild. Secondary outcomes assessed for differences in postoperative complications, hemoglobin levels, iron stores, hematologic support, and quality‐of‐life (QoL) scores.

Results

To maintain ESS in the mild range, 1.6 STS procedures (range, 1–4) were performed versus 3.6 C ± L procedures (range, 1–8) (P = .003). Significant postoperative differences included reduction in nasal crusting (3% vs. 32%, P = .001), foul odor (3% vs. 35%, P < .001), and septal perforation (3% vs. 29%, P = .006) after STS. There were no significant differences between the two treatments in hemoglobin levels, iron stores, hematologic support, or QoL scores.

Conclusion

STS is able to attain satisfactory epistaxis control with significantly fewer procedures and lower postoperative complications than C ± L. STS should be considered as the initial surgical intervention for epistaxis in patients with HHT.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:920–925, 2022
Drag reduction mechanism of vapour‐assisted liquid membrane lubrication on texture surface with elevated temperature
Authors: Chen Cheng , Lu Yan , Xue Chao
Published: June 2021

In this study, a vapour‐assisted drag reduction mechanism of texture surface with elevated temperature is explored. The computational fluid dynamics simulation is performed to understand the vapour membrane generated by the coupled effect of elevated temperature and surface texture. Simulation results indicated that elevated temperature may help generate the vapour membrane which can isolate the liquid water from the solid surface, thereby reducing friction. Meanwhile the introduction of surface micro‐texture has dramatic positive effect in vapour volume fraction, vapour thickness and the average velocity of outflow. It was found that introducing the micro‐texture to the elevated surface has dramatic positive effect in reducing frictional drag, the groove formed by the micro‐texture can store vapour and form a vapour vortex inside, which may have a certain driving effect on the fluid.
A Review of pH‐Responsive Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles for RNAi‐Based Therapeutics
Authors: Wang Lu , Yan Yunfeng
Published: June 2021

RNA interference (RNAi) shows great potential in the treatment of varying cancer and genetic disorders. The lack of safe and effective delivery methods is an ongoing challenge to realize the full potential of RNAi‐based therapeutics. pH‐responsive hybrid nanoparticle is a promising non‐virus platform for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery with unique properties including the robust response to the acidic microenvironment and the capability of theranostic and combined therapeutics. The mechanism of RNAi and the delivery barriers for RNAi‐based therapeutics are first discussed. Then, the general patterns of pH‐response and the typical construction of hybrid nanoparticles are demonstrated. The recent advances in pH‐responsive organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles for siRNA delivery are highlighted, in particular, how pH‐response of ionizable groups, acid‐labile bonds, and decomposition of inorganic components affect the physicochemical properties of hybrid nanoparticles and benefit the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of siRNA payloads are discussed. At last, the remaining problems and the prospects for pH‐responsive hybrid nanoparticles for siRNA delivery are analyzed.
Variation of Photoperiod Regime during the American Bullfrog Tadpole Stage: Influence on Growth and Metamorphosis
Authors: De León-Ramírez Jesús Josafat , García-Trejo Juan Fernando , Gutiérrez-Antonio Claudia , Feregrino-Pérez Ana Angélica , Martínez-Ramos Sergio Alonso , Chávez-Jaime Ruth
Published: June 2021

In culture of the American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeiana, photoperiod is a crucial factor affecting productivity success. Here, the objective was to determine the effect of three photoperiods (high light [HL] = 12 h light [L] : 12 h dark [D]; medium light [ML] = 10 h L : 14 h D; low light [LL] = 8 h L : 16 h D) with different application times on the performance of bullfrog tadpoles. Tadpoles at Gosner stage 25 were subjected to seven different treatments: the HL photoperiod for 90 d (HL90; control); ML for 45 d followed by HL for 45 d (ML45–HL45); LL for 45 d followed by HL for 45 d (LL45–HL45); ML for 60 d followed by HL for 30 d (ML60–HL30); LL for 60 d followed by HL for 30 d (LL60–HL30); LL for 30 d followed by ML and HL, each for 30 d (LL30–ML30–HL30); and ML for 30 d followed by LL and HL, each for 30 d (ML30–LL30–HL30). Response variables included growth, survival rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and metamorphosis rate. Likewise, the concentrations of thyroid hormones were established as explanatory variables. The results suggested that by implementing the ML60–HL30 treatment, a higher productive performance was obtained (growth [mean ± SD] = 7,318 ± 0.01 g; survival = 89.33 ± 1.7%; metamorphosis rate = 92.7 ± 1.1%) in relation to HL90 (growth = 7,027 ± 0.02 g; survival = 81.67 ± 2.05%; metamorphosis rate = 90.4 ± 1.7%). The information allows consideration of changes in bullfrog culture, establishing management plans inherent to the exposure times of the different photoperiods in order to obtain the highest performance.
Anthelmintic-like Activity of Leucaena leucocephala Aqueous Extract Against Gyrodactylus spp. in Naturally Infected Tilapia Fingerlings
Authors: Compean-Martínez Juan , Salazar-Ulloa Martha , Chávez-Soriano Larisa , Muñoz-Córdoba German , Son-de Fernex Elke
Published: June 2021

Aquaculture represents the fastest growing food-producing sector worldwide. However, the intensification of fish farms has led to environmental, health, and welfare challenges. The monogenean ectoparasite Gyrodactylus spp. has been considered one of the most pathogenic ectoparasites affecting fish, and no specific control strategies besides formalin baths have been established. The use of bioactive plants has been recently proposed as an alternative method to control gyrodactylid infections. Leucaena leucocephala is a tropical legume that has been found with anthelmintic activity against both internal and external parasites of cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the anthelmintic-like activity of L. leucocephala aqueous extract against Gyrodactylus spp. in hybrid tilapia Oreochromis spp. fingerlings and its effect on host health through histopathological analysis. Five concentrations of L. leucocephala aqueous extract were employed (2.00, 1.00, 0.50, 0.25, and 0.125 mg/mL) to estimate the mean effective concentration (EC50). Distilled water and formalin (1:4,000) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The aqueous extract of L. leucocephala showed a dose-dependent behavior, with an EC50 of 0.228 mg/mL. Quercetin was identified as the main phytochemical present in the extract. Postmortem analysis of fingerlings exposed to the plant extract had no treatment-associated pathological findings, thus indicating that the use of L. leucocephala baths had no negative impact that could jeopardize the lives of treated animals. After the in vivo assessment, the aqueous extract of L. leucocephala appears to be a promising alternative to control gyrodactylid infection in tilapia.
Effects of Multiple, Low-Dose Copper Sulfate Treatments on the Marsh Rams-Horn Snail
Authors: Mischke Charles C. , Wise David J. , Griffin Matt J. , Graham Rosser T. , Tiwari Ambika , Rehman Junaid U. , Ashfaq Mohammad K. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: June 2021

Bolbophorus damnificus has caused epizootics in catfish aquaculture since the mid-1990s. To mitigate the losses that are associated with trematode infestations, research has focused on eradicating snails from ponds. Whole-pond treatments with 0.64–1.27 mg/L Cu have been effective in killing snails; however, Cu can be toxic to fish and may result in oxygen depletions due to its algacidal properties. Given these constraints, the potential for repeated low doses of Cu as a safe, yet effective snail treatment was investigated. Adult marsh rams-horn snails Planorbella trivolvis received four weekly doses of 0, 0.10, 0.19, 0.38, and 0.76 mg/L Cu. All of the snails died after the first treatment of 0.76 mg/L Cu. The lowest doses of 0.10 and 0.19 mg/L Cu resulted in 68% and 88% cumulative mortality, respectively. This experiment was repeated with laboratory-reared adult marsh rams-horn snails in two different laboratories, resulting in 100% mortality in the 0.38 mg/L Cu treatment. A second study evaluated the effects of repeated Cu doses on egg and juvenile snail survival. Two weekly doses of 0.19 mg/L Cu were enough to kill embryos, and all of the doses ≥0.05 mg/L Cu prevented the snails from hatching. In a pond trial, 0.51 mg/L Cu killed 100% of the adult snails after two doses. The lowest dose of 0.13 mg/L Cu killed 60% of the snails after three doses. Repeated weekly doses <0.38 mg/L Cu may reduce adult snail populations, prevent eggs from hatching, and be safer for fish than a single dose of 0.64–1.27 mg/L Cu. These data also suggest that weekly doses <0.05 mg/L Cu may suppress marsh rams-horn snail populations by limiting hatching and impeding juvenile survival.
Leg Fidgeting During Prolonged Sitting Improves Postprandial Glycemic Control in People with Obesity
Authors: Pettit‐Mee Ryan J. , Ready Sean T. , Padilla Jaume , Kanaley Jill A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Studies have shown that fidgeting augments metabolic demand and increases blood flow to the moving limbs, whereas prolonged sitting suppresses these factors and exacerbates postprandial glucose excursions. Therefore, the hypothesis of this study was that leg fidgeting during prolonged sitting would improve postprandial glycemic control.

Methods

Adults with obesity (n = 20) participated in a randomized crossover trial in which blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured during a 3‐hour sitting period following the ingestion of a glucose load (75 g). During sitting, participants either remained stationary or intermittently fidgeted both legs (2.5 minutes off and 2.5 minutes on). Accelerometer counts, oxygen consumption, and popliteal‐artery blood flow were also measured during the sitting period.

Results

As expected, fidgeting increased accelerometer counts (P < 0.01), oxygen consumption (P < 0.01), and blood flow through the popliteal artery (P < 0.05). Notably, fidgeting lowered both glucose (P < 0.01) and insulin (P < 0.05) total area under the curve (AUC) and glucose incremental AUC (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a strong negative correlation between fidgeting‐induced increases in blood flow and reduced postprandial glucose AUC within the first hour (r = −0.569, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Leg fidgeting is a simple, light‐intensity physical activity that enhances limb blood flow and can be incorporated during prolonged sitting to improve postprandial glycemic control in people with obesity.
Biomarkers for the central nervous system complications of sickle cell disease: are we there yet?
Authors: Renella Raffaele
Published: June 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD, OMIM #603903), an autosomal recessively inherited β‐hemoglobinopathy, was the first human disorder delineated at a molecular level. The putative single nucleotide mutation in the HBB gene generates an abnormal hemoglobin species, which polymerizes in deoxygenated conditions causing irreversible changes in erythrocyte shape and function. Sickling erythrocytes are in turn responsible for microvascular vaso‐occlusion, hemolysis and a systemic vasculopathy in patients. SCD has represented an attractive field for proteomic investigation since its methodological infancy. Clinically actionable biomarkers, especially for the prevention of cerebrovascular complications in children with the condition, are urgently needed and their discovery remains a major challenge. In this issue, Lance and colleagues report of their unbiased proteomic studies on samples from the participants of the landmark prospective, randomized, single‐blind SIT trial (NEJM 2014). Their results reveal numerous brain‐enriched plasma proteins specific for SCD, and for silent cerebral infarcts in this disorder, and further analyses highlight novel cellular mechanisms behind the brain damage in SCD. Although the goal of identifying reliable biomarker candidates for cerebrovascular complications could not be met, the dataset produced by the authors constitutes a significant contribution to the field and opens new horizons for further clinical and laboratory investigation.
Unveiling sugarcane defense response to Mythimna separata herbivory by a combination of transcriptome and metabolic analyses
Authors: Wang Ya‐ru , Zhang Jia‐song , Wang Ran , Hou You‐ming , Fu Hu‐aying , Xie Yuan , Gao San‐ji , Wang Jin‐da
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Sugarcane is the most important sugar crop in the world. Like other crops, sugarcane suffers from herbivorous insect attack. The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata is a devastating pest of various crops in northeast Asia and an outbreak of this pest can result in substantial yield loss for sugarcane. However, the plant defense response situation is widely acquisition in model crops, but there is little information about how sugarcane plants defend themselves against this herbivore at the molecular and biochemical levels.

RESULTS

We combined transcriptome and metabolomic analysis to investigate the changes in gene expression and metabolic processes that occurred in sugarcane plants after continuous feeding by M. separata larvae for 12 and 24 h. We identified 13 662 genes and 55 metabolites that were differentially regulated in sugarcane plants fed on by M. separata. The genes involved in phytohormones, transcription factors, and kinase‐related were activated and metabolism compounds such as carbohydrate, amino acid, ferulic substances and glutathione were detected regulated in sugarcane defense response. Comparable analyses showed a close correspondence relationship among pathways of phenylalanine metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis in transcript and metabolite profiles. Furthermore, a bioassay experiment was conducted to test the influence of up‐regulated metabolites on M. separata growth and found chlorogenic acid had a lethal effect.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study greatly enhanced the understanding of the sugarcane‐induced defense response mechanism against herbivore infestation at the transcriptional and metabolic levels. Also make contributions to provide clues for development of green pest control method. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evolution of multiple target‐site resistance mechanisms in individual plants of glyphosate‐resistant Eleusine indica from China
Authors: Zhang Chun , Yu Chao‐Jie , Yu Qin , Guo Wen‐Lei , Zhang Tai‐Jie , Tian Xing‐Shan
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate has been used for weed control in South China in various situations for four decades, and most Eleusine indica populations are suspected to have evolved resistance to glyphosate. This research investigated underling target‐site glyphosate resistance mechanisms in six field‐collected, putative glyphosate‐resistant (R) E. indica populations.

RESULTS

The six R E. indica populations were confirmed to be low (1.8 to 2.6‐fold) to moderately (5.6‐ to 8.4‐fold) resistant to glyphosate relative to the susceptible (S) population. Sixty‐seven glyphosate‐surviving plants from the six R populations were used to examine target‐site resistance mechanisms. Target‐site 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) overexpression (OE) (plus further induction by glyphosate treatment) and gene copy number variation (CNV) occurred in 94% R plants, and among them, 16% had the P106A mutation and 49% had the heterozygous double TIPS (T102I + P106S) mutation (plus P381L). In addition, a low number of R plants (6%) only had the homologous TIPS (plus P381L) mutation. The (CT)6 insertion mutation in the EPSPS 5†‐UTR always associates with EPSPS OE and CNV. Progeny plants possessing EPSPS OE/CNV (and P106A) displayed low level (up to 4.5‐fold) glyphosate resistance. In contrast, plants homozygous for the TIPS mutation displayed higher (25‐fold) resistance to glyphosate and followed by plants heterozygous for this mutation plus EPSPS OE/CNV (12‐fold).

CONCLUSIONS

Target‐site glyphosate resistance in E. indica populations from South China is common with prevalence of EPSPS OE/induction/CNV conferring low level resistance. Individual plants acquiring both the TIPS mutation and EPSPS OE/CNV are favored due to evolutionary advantages. The role of (CT)6 insertion mutation in EPSPS CNV is worth further investigation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Digital soil science and beyond
Authors: Wadoux Alexandre M. J.‐C. , McBratney Alex B.
Published: June 2021

Digital convergence is helping us to better understand and study the soil. Fixed and mobile sensors, and wireless communication systems aided by the internet produce cheap and abundant streams of digital soil data that can readily be used for modeling and information generation. Here, we explore the ways in which digital science and technology have affected soil science. We can call this digital soil science and define it as the study of the soil aided by the tools of the digital convergence. To some degree, all of our research and teaching had been enabled, enhanced, and expanded by the digital convergence. We outline how soil science has changed using illustrations of intellectual and technical developments enabled digitally. Digital soil sensors have been widely implemented, and new tools such as cell phones and applications, or metagenomics techniques are becoming available. There are also areas in soil science for which no major obstacles in the digital technologies exist, but which have not been thoroughly investigated—for example, to devise a truly digital soil field description or for building a formal digital quantitative system of soil classification. The soil science community will need to be alert to some of the dangers brought by digital convergence such as the lack of new theory and proprietary (black‐box) soil prediction. Finally, we discuss a whole set of digital tools that will, or might, gain the stage in the immediate future and take a stab in the dark on what may lie over the horizon of digital soil science.
Web‐above‐a‐Ring (WAR) and Web‐above‐a‐Lens (WAL): Nanostructures for Highly Engineered Plasmonic‐Field Tuning and SERS Enhancement
Authors: Lee Soohyun , Lee Sungwoo , Son Jiwoong , Kim Jae‐Myoung , Lee Junghwa , Yoo Sungjae , Haddadnezhad MohammadNavid , Shin Jieun , Kim Jeongwon , Nam Jwa‐Min , Park Sungho
Published: June 2021

Synthetic strategies of web‐above‐a‐ring (WAR) and web‐above‐a‐lens (WAL) nanostructures are reported. The WAR has a controllable gap between the nanoring core and a nanoweb with nanopores for the effective confinement of electromagnetic field in the nanogap and subsequent surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of Raman dyes inside the gap with high signal reproducibility, which are attributed to the generation of circular 3D hot zones along the rim of Pt@Au nanorings with wrapping nanoweb architecture. More specifically, Pt@Au nanorings are adopted as a plasmonic core for structural rigidity and built porous nanowebs above them through a controlled combination of galvanic exchange and the Kirkendall effect. Both nanoweb and nanolens structures are also formed on Pt@Au nanoring, which is WAL. structure. Remarkably, plasmonic hot zone, nanopores, and hot lens are formed inside a single WAL nanostructure, and these structural components are orchestrated to generate stronger SERS signals.