bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful repair of a postcardiac surgery ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Contrafouris Constantinos , Samanidis George , Katsilouli Spyridoula , Nenekidis Ioannis , Roussakis Antonios , Perreas Konstantinos , Chatzis Andrew
Published: May 2022

We present the case of a 67‐year‐old asymptomatic man with a history of coronary artery bypass surgery and a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta treated with a low‐risk alternate procedure. At 1‐year follow‐up, the cardiac computed tomography was not detected residual aneurysm in ascending aorta.
Horizontal stenting via retrograde route for recurrent ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm after clipping: A case report and literature review
Authors: Fuga Michiyasu , Tanaka Toshihide , Tachi Rintaro , Nogami Ryo , Teshigawara Akihiko , Ishibashi Toshihiro , Hasegawa Yuzuru , Murayama Yuichi
Published: May 2022

Treatment of recurrent ruptured aneurysms incorporating a branch vessel arising from the dome is challenging. Here, we attempted horizontal stent‐assisted coil embolization via a retrograde route from the contralateral internal carotid artery to treat a small ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm incorporating a fetal variant posterior cerebral artery after clipping.
E. coli bacterial meningitis after transrectal prostate biopsy under antibiotic prophylaxis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Vandewalle Tom , Vander Eeckt Kathy , Deconinck Steven , Weyne Emmanuel , Verpoort Pieter , Ost Dieter
Published: May 2022

Prostate biopsy, a frequently performed procedure, is not harmless. In rare cases, life‐threatening complications occur. We document a potential lethal bacterial meningitis after transrectal biopsy. In addition to our overview of all previously documented cases, we highlight the evidence of prevention of infectious complications when performing a prostate biopsy.
Constructing Ion‐Selective Coating Layer with Lithium Ion Conductor LLZO and Binder Li‐Nafion for Separator Used in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Huang Boyang , Hua Haiming , Lai Pengbin , Shen Xiu , Li Ruiyang , He Zheng , Zhang Peng , Zhao Jinbao
Published: May 2022

In the study of lithium‐sulfur batteries, the shuttle effect of polysulfide ions is widely regarded as the most critical factor in the battery performance deterioration. In this article, with the strategy of ion‐selection, a method of preparing a coating layer with solid‐phase conduction for a separator was used to suppress such an effect. The coating layer was based on calcined ceramic Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and formed through a simple coating method to be thin but dense. The gap between particles was filled with lithiated Nafion (Li‐Nafion) which could block polysulfide ions through coulombic interactions of sulfonate groups and allowed the lithium ion conduction. The properties of compactness and the ion‐selection formed a double barrier effect, manifested as the fact that the estimated lithium ion transport number achieved 0.79. Correspondingly, the lithium‐sulfur batteries assembled with the ion‐selective conduction separators had better lithium deposition behavior and exhibit brilliant cycling performances and capacity retention.
Selective Detection of Mg2+ for Sensing Applications in Drinking Water
Authors: Paderni Daniele , Macedi Eleonora , Lvova Larisa , Ambrosi Gianluca , Formica Mauro , Giorgi Luca , Paolesse Roberto , Fusi Vieri
Published: May 2022

A new series of ligands containing the 2‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐ naphthyl)‐4‐methylbenzoxazole (HNBO) fluorophore showed selectivity for Mg2+ ions, without the interference of Ca2+. The most promising representative L3 resulted the best performing sensor for Mg2+ both in solution and embedded in an all‐solid‐state optode, especially towards real samples of drinkable water.
Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Core‐Functionalised Naphthalene Diimides by Using a Vibratory Ball Mill: Suzuki, Sonogashira and Buchwald–Hartwig Reactions
Authors: Panther Lydia A. , Guest Daniel P. , McGown Andrew , Emerit Hugo , Tareque Raysa Khan , Jose Arathy , Dadswell Chris M. , Coles Simon J. , Tizzard Graham J. , González‐Méndez Ramón , Goodall Charles A. I. , Bagley Mark C. , Spencer John , Greenland Barnaby W.
Published: May 2022

Solvent‐free synthesis by using a vibratory ball mill (VBM) offers the chance to access new chemical reactivity, whilst reducing solvent waste and minimising reaction times. Herein, we report the core functionalisation of N,N’‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐2,6‐dibromo‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid (Br2‐NDI) by using Suzuki, Sonogashira and Buchwald–Hartwig coupling reactions. The products of these reactions are important building blocks in many areas of organic electronics including organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) and organic photovoltaic cells (OPVCs). The reactions proceed in as little as 1 h, use commercially available palladium sources (frequently Pd(OAc)2) and are tolerant to air and atmospheric moisture. Furthermore, the real‐world potential of this green VBM protocol is demonstrated by the double Suzuki coupling of a monobromo(NDI) residue to a bis(thiophene) pinacol ester. The resulting dimeric NDI species has been demonstrated to behave as an electron acceptor in functioning OPVCs.
Azole‐Directed Cobalt‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Alkenes
Authors: Jin Yue , Zou Yashi , Hu Yanhua , Han Yunxi , Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhang Wanbin
Published: May 2022

The azole‐directed cobalt‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of alkenes has been developed with high efficiency. With this approach, chiral pyrazole compounds were obtained in quantitative yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) under mild conditions, and the hydrogenation was conducted on a gram scale with up to 2000 TON. Several useful applications were demonstrated including the convenient introduction of β‐chirality to a drug intermediate containing an azole ring.
Automated Knowledge‐Based Design for Additive Manufacturing: A Case Study with Flow Manifolds
Authors: Biedermann Manuel , Beutler Patrick , Meboldt Mirko
Published: May 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables novel process equipment devices. However, the manual 3D design of complex part geometries is frequently challenging as designers need to fulfill functional requirements and consider the restrictions of AM. One promising approach is to automatically generate the design of parts. This work aims to introduce such an automated design approach to practitioners in the area of process engineering. The work describes the basic steps required to develop an automated, knowledge‐based design tool for AM and demonstrates the approach using a case study on flow manifolds.
Advances in the Analysis of Pharmaceuticals by Using Graphene‐Based Sensors
Authors: Lai Wing‐Fu , Reddy Obireddy Sreekanth , Zhang Haotian , Zhang Dahong , Wong Wing‐Tak
Published: May 2022

Safe and effective use of drugs relies on proper pharmaceutical analysis. Graphene has been extensively used to construct sensors for this purpose. Over the years, a large variety of pharmaceutical sensors have been developed from graphene or its derivatives. This article reviews the current status of sensor development from graphene and its derivatives, and discusses the use of graphene‐based sensors in pharmaceutical analysis. It is hoped that this article offers not only a snapshot of recent advances in the fabrication and use of graphene‐based sensors, but also provides insights into future engineering and optimization of the sensors for effective pharmaceutical analysis.
The effect of different cleansing methods for removing temporary cement on the tensile bond force of permanently cemented implant‐supported metal copings: An in vitro study
Authors: Ebadian Behnaz , Jowkar Mohammad , Davoudi Amin , Fathi Amirhossein , Ziaei Mohsen , Berg Einar
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Complete cleaning of temporary cement before permanent cementation of cement‐retained implant‐supported prosthesis (CISP) when recementing the crown is critical. This study evaluated the effect of different cleaning methods for removing traces of temporary cement on the final tensile bond force (TBF) of CISP recemented with resin cement.

Materials and Methods

Seventy computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing metal implant‐supported copings were prepared and distributed into seven groups (N = 10). Copings of six groups (60 samples) were cemented with temporary cement with eugenol and subjected to 5000 thermocycling. After debonding by a universal testing machine, the internal surfaces of the copings were cleaned using one of the six following methods: 1‐an ultrasonic water bath (UW), 2‐sandblasting, then washing with water (SW), 3‐sandblasting and an ultrasonic water bath (SUW), 4‐an ultrasonic isopropyl alcohol bath (UA), 5‐sandblasting, then washing with isopropyl alcohol (SA) or 6‐sandblasting and an ultrasonic isopropyl alcohol bath (SUA). Then the subjects were subsequently cemented by dual‐cure self‐adhesive resin cement. In the seventh group (control, N = 10), the copings were cemented by dual‐cure self‐adhesive resin cement without the temporization phase. The TBF was tested using a universal testing machine with a cross‐head speed of 1 mm/min. Two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post‐hoc Tamhane tests were used for statistical analysis at a significance level of α = .05.

Results

The maximum mean of TBF value was observed in SUA group (845 ± 203 N), and the minimum was observed in the temporary cement group (49 ± 20 N). All groups which were cleaned with isopropyl alcohol showed significantly higher TBF values compared with those cleaned with water.

Conclusions

Cleaning of the inner surface of metal copings after debonding with sandblasting and isopropyl alcohol results in the highest value of TBF by eliminating the effect of remaining eugenol and removing traces of temporary cements.
A novel zero voltage transition boost converter and artificial neural network‐based estimation of converter efficiency
Authors: Ting Naim Suleyman , Aslay Fulya , Sahin Yakup
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a novel zero voltage transition (ZVT) boost converter is proposed, and the overall efficiency of the converter is predicted with an artificial neural network (ANN) model. In the proposed converter, the main switch is turned on by ZVT and turned off by zero voltage switching (ZVS). Also, the other semiconductor elements operate by soft switching (SS). Besides, the proposed snubber cell has the bidirectional direct power transfer feature. The theoretical analyzes of the converter are verified by an prototype having 50 VDC input voltage, 100 VDC output voltage, 250 W output power, and 100 kHz switching frequency. The overall efficiency of the converter in hard switching (HS) condition is increased from 87.2% to 95.4% thanks to proposed snubber cell. Moreover, the efficiency of converter at HS operation is estimated with ANN. For this estimation, 110 efficiency values are obtained based on the different switching frequency and the output power values. When the actual efficiency measurements and the estimation results obtained with the ANN model are compared, it is seen that the results overlap and is obtained very close result to the truth by ANN. Thus, owing to the ANN model, the semiconductor power elements will not need to be operated at high frequencies and overheating, and the damaging to the elements will be prevented. Finally, the efficiency curve measurement of the converter takes long time in the experimental study when it takes highly short time as a few minutes in the estimation with ANN.
Native mycorrhizal fungi improve milkweed growth, latex, and establishment while some commercial fungi may inhibit them
Authors: Koziol Liz , Schultz Peggy A. , Parsons Sheena , Bever James D.
Published: May 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are root symbionts that can facilitate plant growth and influence plant communities by altering plant interactions with herbivores. Therefore, AM fungi could be critical for the conservation of certain rare plants and herbivores. For example, North American milkweed species are crucial hosts for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Understanding how mycorrhizal composition affects milkweeds will have direct impacts on the conservation and restoration of both increasingly threatened guilds. We present data from three studies on the effect of AM fungal composition on milkweed growth, latex production, and establishment. First, we grew seven milkweed species with and without a mixture of native mycorrhizal fungi. We assessed how important fungal composition is to milkweed growth and latex production by growing four milkweed species with seven fungal compositions, as single‐species inoculations with four native fungi, a mixture of native fungi, a single commercial fungus of presumably non‐native origin, and noninoculated controls. Finally, we assessed the field establishment of two milkweed species with and without native mycorrhizal inoculation. Milkweed species grew 98% larger and produced 82% more latex after inoculation with native mycorrhizae. Milkweeds were strongly affected by fungal composition; milkweeds were inhibited by commercial fungi (average of −14% growth) and showed variable but positive responses to native fungal species (average of +3% to +38% biomass). Finally, we found that restoration establishment was dependent on inoculation with native fungi and milkweed species. Overall, our findings indicate that some milkweed species (i.e., Asclepias syriaca and A. incarnata) are not responsive to mycorrhizal fungal presence or sensitive to mycorrhizal composition while others are, including endangered species (A. meadii) and species of high conservation value (A. tuberosa). We conclude that the reintroduction of native AM fungi could improve the establishment of desirable milkweed species and should be considered within strategies for plantings for monarch conservation.
Optimization of Mechanical Extraction by Response Surface Methodology and Oil Yield Characterization from Single‐Grain Castor Seed
Authors: Yang Liu , Chen Huan , Hu Miao , Song Shaoyun , Zhang Yonglin
Published: May 2022

The application of castor oil in various fields and the development potential in renewable energy have attracted large attention, and castor oil extraction has become a research focus. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between important parameters during single grain extrusion and to obtain the maximum oil yield. Mechanical compression tests are conducted by a texture analyzer. Response surface methodology is used to optimize the process variables. A four‐factor three‐level Box–Behnken design is used to generate factor combinations. A quadratic mathematical model between each variable and oil yield is developed. The significance of each interaction term is assessed by analysis of variance. The model's oil yield prediction accuracy is verified by tests. The highest oil yield of 30.18% is obtained under strain 94.97%, speed 0.1 mm s−1, dwell time 480 s, and drying at 20 °C. The determination coefficients (R2 = 0.9885; R2Adj = 0.8979; R2Pre = 0.8782) indicate the fitted quadratic mathematical model has a good correlation between experimental and predicted values. Lack of fit (0.9998) term is not significant and indicates the model reliability. Predicted oil yield value (30.18%) is close to experimental testing value (31.47%), which further demonstrates the mathematical model reliability.

Practical applications: The extracted castor oil can be used for industrial research such as biodiesel. Castor seed is rich in oil content. Optimization of process parameters can improve oil recovery rate of castor seed. The developed model in this study provides a basic reference for improvement equipment related to the oil extraction.
Ni/g‐C3N4 Photocatalysis: Aerobic Oxidative Coupling Reaction Leading to Amidation of Aldehydes with Amines and C−N, C−O, and C−C Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Akrami Zahra , Hosseini‐Sarvari Mona
Published: May 2022

Dual nickel/carbon nitride (Ni/g‐C3N4) photocatalyst was employed for the synthesis a wide range of amide derivatives by cross‐coupling reaction of benzamides with aryl halides. Also, oxidative amidation of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes with primary and secondary amines has been investigated. The synthesis of various derivatives of esters was performed based on the cross‐coupling reaction between carboxylic acids with aryl halides. Surprisingly, decarboxylation of carboxylic acid derivatives occurred under ambient conditions for the synthesis of biaryl derivatives. The reactions were run solvent‐free or in environmental benignant solvents, with recyclable photocatalysts under irradiation.
Inhomogeneous packed bed burner for improving the utilization of low‐concentration methane
Authors: Zhang Bingqian , Dai Huaming , Dai Hongchao , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: May 2022

Homogeneous packed bed was usually assumed in the study of porous media combustion. However, the absolute homogeneous structure was impossible in the actual application. In this article, an experimental system was established to study the inhomogeneity of porous media with different diameters and materials of pellets. The effects on the burner temperature, pollutant emissions and start‐up characteristics were investigated. Results indicate that the mixed pellets of the three‐diameter and four‐diameter combinations improved the flame temperature and moved the flame location to the downstream. The CO emission decreased with the increasing of inlet velocity significantly, but the NOx emission increased. For the mixing of zirconia and alumina pellets, the flame temperature was increased and the flame location was close to the outlet with more zirconia pellets. In addition, an orange submerged flame appeared finally compared with the blue flame during the initial ignition of the gas at the surface.
Seizure‐related injuries in people with epilepsy: A cohort study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Asiri Safiyyah , Al‐Otaibi Ali , Al Hameed Majed , Hamhom Abdulrahim , Alenizi Asmaa , Eskandrani Alaa , AlKhrisi Munirah , Aldosari Mubarak M.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Patients with epilepsy have a high risk of accidents and injuries, resulting in minimized physical activity and social withdrawal. Therefore, we surveyed the prevalence and the types of injuries that patients with epilepsy may endure, and the factors that may increase the risk of injuries.

Methods

In this cohort study, adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy (age ≥ 7 years) and a close family member (parents/guardian) attending the outpatient epilepsy clinics at King Fahd Medical City (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) were interviewed by neurologists. They reviewed the patients' medical records and administered a structured questionnaire to identify and compare several variables, including injury frequency versus seizure type and seizure frequency, number of antiseizure medications used, medication compliance, and work and social limitations.

Results

Out of 200 patients, 86 (43%) sustained injuries during an attack of their habitual seizures. Almost half of this group showed a tendency for recurrent injuries. The most common traumas were soft tissue injury (36.5%), head injury (32%), dental injury (8.5%), burns (7%), dislocation (7%), fractures (6.5%), and submersion (2%). Two‐thirds of the patients had their injury at home. 64% of patients who had seizures for more than 10 years sustained multiple injuries (P = .003). Injury frequency was higher among patients with daily or monthly seizures (P = .03). 76% of patients who suffered injuries more than twice had generalised tonic‐clonic seizures, and genetic generalised epilepsy was encountered more in injured patients (P = .02). Also, patients on polytherapy were more likely than those on monotherapy to have an injury (P = .003).

Significance

Two‐fifths of the patients reported seizure‐related injuries. The most common were soft‐tissue injuries and head traumas, while homes were the most frequent site. In addition, longer epilepsy duration, generalized tonic‐clonic seizures, and polytherapy were associated with a higher prevalence of injuries. Therefore, injury prevention strategies should be developed for PWE, especially for those at higher risk.
Daphnia magna's Favorite Snack: Biofouled Plastics
Authors: Polhill Lucy , de Bruijn Robyn , Amaral-Zettler Linda , Praetorius Antonia , van Wezel Annemarie
Published: May 2022

The influence of biofouling on zooplankton ingestion rates of plastics in freshwater environments has received limited attention. We investigated how biofouling of microplastics in wastewater effluent and in fresh surface water influences Daphnia magna's microplastic consumption. The differences in ingestion of the biofouled as compared with the virgin microplastics were higher for the surface water by a factor of seven compared with a factor of two for the effluent. The intake of biofouled microplastics by D. magna was higher compared with virgin plastics, but the reason for this preference should be further investigated. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1977–1981. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Intraspecific Variation in the Sublethal Effects of Physically and Chemically Dispersed Crude Oil on Early Life Stages of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Scovil Allie M. , de Jourdan Benjamin P. , Speers-Roesch Ben
Published: May 2022

The offshore oil industry in Atlantic Canada necessitates a greater understanding of the potential impacts of oil exposure and spill response measures on cold-water marine species. We used a standardized scoring index to characterize sublethal developmental impacts of physically and chemically dispersed crude oil in early life stages of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and assessed intraspecific variation in the response among cod families. Cod (origin: Scotian Shelf, Canada) were laboratory-crossed to produce embryos from five specific families, which were subsequently exposed prehatch to gradient dilutions of a water-accommodated fraction (WAF) and a chemically enhanced WAF (CEWAF; prepared with Corexit 9500A) for 24 h. Postexposure, live embryos were transferred into filtered seawater and monitored to hatch; then, all live fish had sublethal endpoints assessed using the blue-sac disease (BSD) severity index. In both WAF and CEWAF groups, increasing exposure concentrations (measured as total petroleum hydrocarbons) resulted in an increased incidence of BSD symptoms (impaired swimming ability, increased degree of spinal curvature, yolk-sac edemas) in cod across all families. This positive concentration-dependent increase in BSD was similar between physically (WAF) versus chemically (CEWAF) dispersed oil exposures, indicating that dispersant addition does not exacerbate the effect of crude oil on BSD incidence in cod. Sensitivity varied between families, with some families having less BSD than others with increasing exposure concentrations. To our knowledge, our study is the first to demonstrate the occurrence in fishes of intraspecific variation among families in sublethal responses to oil and dispersant exposure. Our results suggest that sublethal effects of crude oil exposure will not be uniformly observed across cod populations and that sensitivity depends on genetic background. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1967–1976. © 2022 SETAC
Transcriptomic Points of Departure Calculated from Rainbow Trout Gill, Liver, and Gut Cell Lines Exposed to Methylmercury and Fluoxetine
Authors: Mittal Krittika , Ewald Jessica , Basu Niladri
Published: May 2022

Ethical and resource limitation concerns are pushing chemicals management to develop alternatives to animal testing strategies. The objective of our study was to determine whether transcriptomic point of departure (tPOD) values could be derived from studies that followed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test No. 249 (rainbow trout gill cell line), as well as from studies on trout liver and gut cells. Gill, liver, and gut cell lines were exposed to methylmercury and fluoxetine. Concentrations causing 50% cytotoxicity (LC50) were derived, the whole transcriptome was sequenced, and gene tPOD and pathway benchmark dose (BMD) values were derived from transcriptomic dose–response analysis. Differences in LC50 and transcriptomic responses across the cell lines were noted. For methylmercury, the tPODmode values were 14.5, 20.5, and 17.8 ppb for the gill, liver, and gut cells, respectively. The most sensitive pathway (pathway BMDs in parentheses) was ferroptosis in the gill (3.1 ppb) and liver (3.5 ppb), and glutathione metabolism in the gut (6.6 ppb). For fluoxetine, the tPODmode values were 109.4, 108.4, and 97.4 ppb for the gill, liver, and gut cells, respectively. The most sensitive pathway was neurotrophin signaling in the gill (147 ppb) and dopaminergic signaling in the gut (86.3 ppb). For both chemicals, the gene tPOD and pathway BMD values were lower than cytotoxic concentrations in vitro, and within 10-fold below the in vivo LC50s. By bringing together transcriptomics and dose–response analysis with an OECD test method in three cell lines, the results help to establish an in vitro method yielding tPOD values that are hypothesized to be protective of in vivo concentrations associated with adverse outcomes, and also give insights into mechanisms of action. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1982–1992. © 2022 SETAC
Trajectory of rich club properties in structural brain networks
Authors: Riedel Levin , van den Heuvel Martijn P. , Markett Sebastian
Published: May 2022

Many organizational principles of structural brain networks are established before birth and undergo considerable developmental changes afterwards. These include the topologically central hub regions and a densely connected rich club. While several studies have mapped developmental trajectories of brain connectivity and brain network organization across childhood and adolescence, comparatively little is known about subsequent development over the course of the lifespan. Here, we present a cross‐sectional analysis of structural brain network development in N = 8066 participants aged 5–80 years. Across all brain regions, structural connectivity strength followed an “inverted‐U”‐shaped trajectory with vertex in the early 30s. Connectivity strength of hub regions showed a similar trajectory and the identity of hub regions remained stable across all age groups. While connectivity strength declined with advancing age, the organization of hub regions into a rich club did not only remain intact but became more pronounced, presumingly through a selected sparing of relevant connections from age‐related connectivity loss. The stability of rich club organization in the face of overall age‐related decline is consistent with a “first come, last served” model of neurodevelopment, where the first principles to develop are the last to decline with age. Rich club organization has been shown to be highly beneficial for communicability and higher cognition. A resilient rich club might thus be protective of a functional loss in late adulthood and represent a neural reserve to sustain cognitive functioning in the aging brain.
Granule cell dispersion in two mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy and reeler mice is associated with changes in dendritic orientation and spine distribution
Authors: Puhahn‐Schmeiser Barbara , Kleemann Tobias , Jabbarli Ramazan , Bock Hans H. , Beck Jürgen , Freiman Thomas M.
Published: May 2022

Temporal lobe epilepsy is characterized by hippocampal neuronal death in CA1 and hilus. Dentate gyrus granule cells survive but show dispersion of the compact granule cell layer. This is associated with decrease of the glycoprotein Reelin, which regulates neuron migration and dendrite outgrow. Reelin‐deficient (reeler) mice show no layering, their granule cells are dispersed throughout the dentate gyrus. We studied granule cell dendritic orientation and distribution of postsynaptic spines in reeler mice and two mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy, namely the p35 knockout mice, which show Reelin‐independent neuronal migration defects, and mice with unilateral intrahippocampal kainate injection. Granule cells were Golgi‐stained and analyzed, using a computerized camera lucida system. Granule cells in naive controls exhibited a vertically oriented dendritic arbor with a small bifurcation angle if positioned proximal to the hilus and a wider dendritic bifurcation angle, if positioned distally. P35 knockout‐ and kainate‐injected mice showed a dispersed granule cell layer, granule cells showed basal dendrites with wider bifurcation angles, which lost position‐specific differences. Reeler mice lacked dendritic orientation. P35 knockout‐ and kainate‐injected mice showed increased dendritic spine density in the granule cell layer. Molecular layer dendrites showed a reduced spine density in kainate‐injected mice only, whereas in p35 knockouts no reduced spine density was seen. Reeler mice showed a homogenous high spine density. We hypothesize that granule cells migrate in temporal lobe epilepsy, develop new dendrites which show a spread of the dendritic tree, create new spines in areas proximal to mossy fiber sprouting, which is present in p35 knockout‐ and kainate‐injected mice and loose spines on distal dendrites if mossy cell death is present, as it was in kainate‐injected mice only. These results are in accordance with findings in epilepsy patients.
Retroperitoneal lipoma in pregnancy: Between surgical intervention and postpartum deferral
Authors: Hassan Bashar , Fatteh Maria , Abiad May , Khalifeh Mohamad , Chamsy Dina
Published: May 2022

Timing of retroperitoneal tumor resection in pregnancy should be guided by patient symptoms, gestational age, and radiologic features to minimize potential maternal and fetal morbidity.
A method to measure data complexity of a complicated medical data set
Authors: Juhola Martti , Joutsijoki Henry , Penttinen Kirsi , Shah Disheet , Aalto‐Setälä Katriina
Published: May 2022

In this article, we consider data complexity in the context of calcium transient signal data collected from induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes. We present a novel way to measure data complexity based on the nearest neighbour searching method. Data complexity here is seen as overlapping and mixed data classes in addition to a relatively great number of data cases. Complexity affects classification results, which were run with nearest neighbour searching, feedforward artificial neural networks and random forests for seven genetic cardiological disease classes and healthy controls. The data are obtained from individuals carrying mutations for genetic cardiac diseases with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and the diseases include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with two different founder gene mutations, dilated cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome type 1 and 2, Brugada syndrome, a severe genetic ventricular arrhythmia (CPVT) and healthy controls. The data are from calcium transients from spontaneously beating iPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes cultured in a biotechnology laboratory. When the genotype of the iPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes is the same as the donor of the tissue sample and based on the characteristics of the calcium transients, it was possible to classify the seven diseases and healthy controls with machine learning. Peak data first detected before actual pre‐processing from calcium transient signals corresponded to beats (repeating excitation–contraction coupling) of induced stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes and formed the basis of classification. During pre‐processing of the calcium transient signals, we found that such techniques among others as even strong outlier cleaning or class size balancing by generating artificial cases improved only slightly or not at all classification accuracies. Therefore, the current data set was sufficiently complicated for our data complexity study. Random forests produced the best classification accuracies, 68% for all eight classes.
Effects of magnetic field treatment of broad bean seeds and irrigation water on the growth and yield of plants
Authors: Altalib Anmar Abdulaziz , Ali Wisam Mahmood , Al‐Ogaidi Ahmed A. M. , Al‐Zubaidy Shaiyma Arif Sarhan
Published: May 2022

Techniques for the magnetic treatment of water have become one of the most common practices for improving the agricultural sector. The effects of alternating magnetic field treatment of broad bean (Luz de Otoño) seeds and irrigation water on plant growth and yield were investigated under pot conditions. The magnetic treatments included (i) magnetically treated seeds (MTS), (ii) magnetically treated irrigation water (MTIW), and (iii) no magnetic treatment of both seeds and irrigation water, which were considered controls. Dry broad bean seeds were exposed to a magnetic field induced by an electromagnet at 165 mT for 2 and 4 min. Water for irrigation was exposed to a 165 mT magnetic field. The results showed that MTS for 2 min and MTIW led to significant increases in plant growth and yield of broad bean plants in comparison with the control plants, while MTS for 4 min and MTIW affected the most seedling attributes of the plants. It was found that the pods of MTS for 2 min and MTIW emerged 6 days earlier than those of the control plants, while the pods of MTS for 4 min and MTIW emerged 5 days after those of the control plants. The most affected parameter was the number of seeds, which increased by 21% for MTS for 2 min and MTIW compared with the control. These results suggest that MTS enhance the growth and yield of broad bean plants under pot conditions.
3D‐Printed composite scaffolds based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) filled with poly(glutamic acid)‐modified cellulose nanocrystals for improved bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Averianov Ilia , Stepanova Mariia , Solomakha Olga , Gofman Iosif , Serdobintsev Mikhail , Blum Natalya , Kaftuirev Aleksander , Baulin Ivan , Nashchekina Juliya , Lavrentieva Antonina , Vinogradova Tatiana , Korzhikov‐Vlakh Viktor , Korzhikova‐Vlakh Evgenia
Published: May 2022

The manufacturing of modern scaffolds with customized geometry and personalization has become possible due to the three‐dimensional (3D) printing technique. A novel type of 3D‐printed scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) filled with nanocrystalline cellulose modified by poly(glutamic acid) (PGlu‐NCC) has been proposed in this study. The 3D printing set‐ups were optimized in order to obtain homogeneous porous scaffolds. Both polymer composites and manufactured 3D scaffolds have demonstrated mechanical properties suitable for a human trabecular bone. Compression moduli were in the range of 334–396 MPa for non‐porous PCL and PCL‐based composites, and 101–122 MPa for porous scaffolds made of the same materials. In vitro mineralization study with the use of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) revealed the larger Ca deposits on the surface of PCL/PGlu‐NCC composite scaffolds. Implantation of the developed 3D scaffolds into femur of the rabbits was carried out to observe close and delayed effects. The histological analysis showed the lowest content of immune cells and thin fibrous capsule, revealing low toxicity of the PCL/PGlu‐NCC scaffolds seeded with rabbit MSCs (rMSCs) to the surrounding tissues. The most pronounced result on the generation of new bone tissue after implantation of PCL/PGlu‐NCC + rMSCs scaffolds was detected by both microcomputed tomography and histological analysis. Around 33% and 55% of bone coverage were detected for composite 3D scaffolds with adhered rMSCs after 1 and 3 months of implantation, respectively. This achievement can be a result of synergistic effect of PGlu, which attracts calcium ions, and stem cells with osteogenic potential.
Hybrid system with stable structure of hard/soft tissue substitutes induces re‐osseointegration in a rat model of biofilm‐mediated peri‐implantitis
Authors: Xu Lianyi , Qin Xu , Mozaffari Mahmood S. , Yan Di , Sun Xiaojuan , Cao Yingguang
Published: May 2022

Re‐osseointegration of an infected/contaminated dental implant poses major clinical challenges. We tested the hypothesis that the application of an antibiotic‐releasing construct, combined with hard/soft tissue replacement, increases the efficacy of reconstructive therapy. We initially fabricated semi‐flexible hybrid constructs of β‐TCP/PHBHHx, with tetracycline (TC) (TC amounts: 5%, 10%, and 15%). Thereafter, using in vitro assays, TC release profile, attachment to rat bone marrow‐derived stem cells (rBMSCs) and their viability as well as anti‐bacterial activity were determined. Thereafter, regenerative efficacies of the three hybrid constructs were assessed in a rat model of peri‐implantitis induced by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans biofilm; control animals received β‐TCP/Bio‐Gide and TC injection. Eight weeks later, maxillae were obtained for radiological, histological, and histomorphometric analyses of peri‐implant tissues. Sulcus bleeding index was chronologically recorded. Serum cytokines levels of IL‐6 and IL‐1β were also evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Substantial amounts of tetracycline, from hybrid constructs, were released for 2 weeks. The medium containing the released tetracycline did not affect the adhesion or viability of rBMSCs; however, it inhibited the proliferation of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Osteogenesis and osseointegration were more marked for the 15% hybrid construct group than the other two groups. The height of attachment and infiltration of inflammatory cells within fibrous tissue was significantly reduced in the experimental groups than the control group. Our protocol resulted in re‐osseointegration on a biofilm‐contaminated implant. Thus, an antibiotic releasing inorganic/organic construct may offer a therapeutic option to suppress infection and promote guided tissue regeneration thereby serving as an integrated multi‐layer substitute for both hard/soft tissues.
Probing structural basis for enhanced binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 P.1 variant spike protein with the human ACE2 receptor
Authors: Lata Surabhi , Akif Mohd.
Published: May 2022

The initial step of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) involves the binding of receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Each successive wave of SARS‐CoV‐2 reports emergence of many new variants, which is associated with mutations in the RBD as well as other parts of the spike protein. These mutations are reported to have enhanced affinity towards the ACE2 receptor as well as are also crucial for the virus transmission. Many computational and experimental studies have demonstrated the effect of individual mutation on the RBD‐ACE2 binding. However, the cumulative effect of mutations on the RBD and away from the RBD was not investigated in detail. We report here a comparative analysis on the structural communication and dynamics of the RBD and truncated S1 domain of spike protein in complex with the ACE2 receptor from SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type and its P.1 variant. Our integrative network and dynamics approaches highlighted a subtle conformational changes in the RBD as well as truncated S1 domain of spike protein at the protein contact level, responsible for the increased affinity with the ACE2 receptor. Moreover, our study also identified the commonalities and differences in the dynamics of the interactions between spike protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type and its P.1 variant with the ACE2 receptor. Further, our investigation yielded an understanding towards identification of the unique RBD residues crucial for the interaction with the ACE2 host receptor. Overall, the study provides an insight for designing better therapeutics against the circulating P.1 variants as well as other future variants.
Fangchinoline targets epithelial–mesenchymal transition process by modulating activation of multiple cell‐signaling pathways
Authors: Jung Young Y. , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alahmadi Tahani A. , Alharbi Sulaiman A. , Kumar Alan P. , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang S.
Published: May 2022

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process, which can promote the transition of tumor cells into other organs by weakening the cell‐cell junctions. Tumor cell invasion and metastasis arising because of EMT can determine the prognosis of cancer. EMT can be induced by several growth factors including transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), which can exert their effects by affecting several cell‐signaling pathways. Fangchinoline (FCN), a kind of bisbenzylisoquinoline, belongs to the family Menispermaceae. FCN can display substantial antitumor effects against various malignant cell lines but its possible impact on EMT has not been explored. We examined the potential impact of FCN in affecting the activation of EMT in human colon cancer cells. We evaluated the influence of FCN on EMT in colon cancer cells by using Western blot analysis and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assays. The cellular invasion and migration were observed by Boyden chamber and wound healing assays. Thereafter, the effect of the drug on proliferation and invasion was also evaluated by real‐time cell analysis. FCN suppressed the levels of TGF‐β‐induced mesenchymal markers, such as fibronectin, vimentin, MMP‐9, MMP‐2, N‐cadherin, Twist, and Snail. However, FCN markedly enhanced the expression of epithelial markers such as occludin and E‐cadherin. These results imply that FCN can potentially inhibit tumor metastasis through abrogating EMT. In addition, FCN downregulated c‐Met/PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin cell signaling pathways and mitigated tumor migration as well as invasion. Overall, our study suggests a potential novel role of FCN as an antimetastatic agent against human colon cancer cells.
Combination of C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 for early diagnosis of hyperinflammatory state and organ dysfunction in pediatric sepsis
Authors: Zeng Gongbo , Chen Dong , Zhou Renxi , Zhao Xinfeng , Ye Cuiying , Tao Huiting , Sheng Wenbin , Wu Yidong
Published: May 2022

Background

Although early diagnosis and management are critical for prognosis of pediatric sepsis, there are no specific diagnostic biomarkers for the hyperinflammatory state and organ dysfunction, important stages of sepsis.

Methods

We enrolled 129 children with infection into three groups: non‐sepsis infection (33), Sepsis 1.0 (hyperinflammatory state, 67), and Sepsis 3.0 (organ dysfunction, 29). Another 32 children with no infections were included as controls. Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IL‐17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐α, and IFN‐γ were assessed to diagnose the two stages, and their diagnostic capacities were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. We also examined whether combining biomarkers improved diagnostic efficiency.

Results

Significantly higher CRP, PCT, and IL‐6 levels were detected in the Sepsis 1.0 than the non‐sepsis infection group (p < 0.001). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for diagnosing Sepsis 1.0 were 0.974 (CRP), 0.913 (PCT) and 0.919 (IL‐6). A combination of any two biomarkers increased diagnostic sensitivity to ≥92.54% and specificity to 100.00%. Significantly higher PCT, IL‐8, and IL‐10 levels were found in the Sepsis 3.0 than the Sepsis 1.0 group (p ≤ 0.01), with AUCs for diagnosing Sepsis 3.0 0.807 (PCT), 0.711 (IL‐8), and 0.860 (IL‐10). Combining these three biomarkers increased diagnostic sensitivity to 96.55% and specificity to 94.03%.

Conclusion

In pediatric sepsis, combining any two of CRP, PCT, and IL‐6 can accurately diagnose the hyperinflammatory state and increase diagnostic specificity. Early diagnosis of organ dysfunction requires a combination of PCT, IL‐8, and IL‐10.
Association of novel TMEM67 variants with mild phenotypes of high gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase cholestasis and congenital hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Qiu Yi‐Ling , Wang Li , Huang Min , Lian Min , Wang Fengbin , Gong Ying , Ma Xiong , Hao Chen‐Zhi , Zhang Jing , Li Zhong‐Die , Xing Qing‐He , Cao Muqing , Wang Jian‐She
Published: May 2022

TMEM67 (mecklin or MKS3) locates in the transition zone of cilia. Dysfunction of TMEM67 disrupts cilia‐related signaling and leads to developmental defects of multiple organs in humans. Typical autosomal recessive TMEM67 defects cause partial overlapping phenotypes, including abnormalities in the brain, eyes, liver, kidneys, bones, and so forth. However, emerging reports of isolated nephronophthisis suggest the possibility of a broader phenotype spectrum. In this study, we analyzed the genetic data of cholestasis patients with no obvious extrahepatic involvement but with an unexplained high level of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). We identified five Han Chinese patients from three unrelated families with biallelic nonnull low‐frequency TMEM67 variants. All variants were predicted pathogenic in silico, of which p. Arg820Ile and p. Leu144del were previously unreported. In vitro studies revealed that the protein levels of the TMEM67 variants were significantly decreased; however, their interaction with MKS1 remained unaffected. All the patients, aged 7−39 years old, had silently progressive cholestasis with elevated GGT but had normal bilirubin levels. Histological studies of liver biopsy of patients 1, 3, and 5 showed the presence of congenital hepatic fibrosis. We conclude that variants in TMEM67 are associated with a mild phenotype of unexplained, persistent, anicteric, and high GGT cholestasis without typical symptoms of TMEM67 defects; this possibility should be considered by physicians in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Knockout of TIGAR enhances myocardial phosphofructokinase activity and preserves diastolic function in heart failure
Authors: He Xiaochen , Zeng Heng , Cantrell Aubrey C. , Williams Quinesha A. , Chen Jian‐Xiong
Published: May 2022

Hypertension is an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction. Growing evidence indicates that glucose metabolism plays an essential role in diastolic dysfunction. TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) has been shown to regulate glucose metabolism and heart failure (HF). In the present study, we investigated the role of TIGAR in diastolic function and cardiac fibrosis during pressure overload (PO)‐induced HF. WT mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), a commonly used method to induce diastolic dysfunction, exhibited diastolic dysfunction as evidenced by increased E/A ratio and E/E′ ratio when compared to its sham controls. This was accompanied by increased cardiac interstitial fibrosis. In contrast, the knockout of TIGAR attenuated PO‐induced diastolic dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis. Mechanistically, the levels of glucose transporter Glut‐1, Glut‐4, and key glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK‐1) were significantly elevated in TIGAR KO subjected to TAC as compared to that of WT mice. Knockout of TIGAR significantly increased fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate levels and phosphofructokinase activity in mouse hearts. In addition, PO resulted in a significant increase in perivascular fibrosis and endothelial activation in the WT mice, but not in the TIGAR KO mice. Our present study suggests a necessary role of TIGAR‐mediated glucose metabolism in PO‐induced cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction.