bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring how changes to the steroidal core alter oleogelation capability in sterol: γ‐oryzanol blends
Authors: Matheson Andrew B. , Dalkas Georgios , Lloyd Gareth O. , Hart Aaliyah , Bot Arjen , den Adel Ruud , Koutsos Vasileios , Clegg Paul S. , Euston Stephen R.
Published: July 2022

Oleogels based on sterols such as β‐sitosterol blended with the sterol ester γ‐oryzanol are a very interesting class of systems, but there are aspects of their formation and structure that remain elusive. It has previously been shown that a methyl group on the C30 position of the sterol‐ester plays an important role in gelation. This work explored the effect that having C30 methyl groups on both the sterol and the sterol‐ester had on the gelation process and subsequent gel structure. Lanosterol and saponified γ‐oryzanol (which was synthesized as part of this study) were identified as materials of interest, as both feature a methyl group on the C30 position of their steroidal cores. It was observed that both sterols formed gels when blended with γ‐oryzanol, and also that lanosterol gelled sunflower oil without the addition of γ‐oryzanol. All of these gels were significantly weaker than that formed by β‐sitosterol blended with γ‐oryzanol. To explore why, molecular docking simulations along with AFM and SAXS were used to examine these gels on a broad range of length scales. The results suggest that saponified γ‐oryzanol‐γ‐oryzanol gels have a very similar structure to that of β‐sitosterol‐γ‐oryzanol gels. Lanosterol‐γ‐oryzanol gels and pure lanosterol gel, however, form with a totally different structure facilitated by the head‐to‐tail stacking motif exhibited by lanosterol. These results give further evidence that relatively slight changes to the molecular structure of gelators can result in significant differences in subsequent gel properties.
Upscale recycling of nonwoven polypropylene waste using a novel blending method
Authors: Qayyum Gill Yasir , Khurshid Mudasar , Mehmood Umer , Shafiq Irfan Muhammad , Saeed Farhan
Published: July 2022

Waste management of the nonwoven polypropylene (PP) fabric has become an emerging issue due to its increased usage. This study presents the upscale recycling of PP nonwoven fabric scrap generated during medical‐grade disposable gown manufacturing. To prepare PP and carbon black (CB) nanocomposite, a two‐step novel melt blending process is used. A maximum density of 937 kg/m3, shore D hardness of 74.45, and highest improvement in UV degradation resistance with a carbonyl index of 0.40 is recorded at 2 wt% of the CB while melt flow index is the lowest at 0.5 wt% of the CB. The results of this study revealed the peak melting point (161.81°C), thermal degradation temperature (421°C), highest flexural strength (49.16 MPa), and Izod impact strength (6.76 kJ/m2) are at 0.50 wt% of CB loading. A morphological study indicated that the highest agglomeration of CB particles was found at 2 wt% CB. The results showed that the optimum value of CB in PP nanocomposite is 0.5 wt%, at which the majority of the properties are maximized. This research might pave the way for the recycling of nonwoven PP waste fabric and provide an alternative to the exciting virgin raw materials.
Synthesis of cyclotriphosphazene‐containing imidazole as a thermally latent hardener for epoxy resins and its application in carbon fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Zhu Siyao , Zheng Tongtong , Li Fan , Wang Li , Jiang Qiuran , Wei Yi , Liu Wanshuang
Published: August 2022

In this study, a latent imidazole hardener (CPI) for epoxy resins was synthesized through the nucleophilic substitution reaction between 2‐methyl imidazolium (2MI) and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). The chemical structure of CPI was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR. Curing kinetic studies (Kissinger and Ozawa methods) manifest that epoxy systems cured by CPI show higher apparent activation energy and curing temperatures than those cured by 2MI. Compared with 2MI, CPI shows distinctly improved thermal latency toward epoxy groups at both room temperature and 80°C, owing to the steric hindrance and electron‐withdrawing effects of the introduced cyclotriphosphazene group. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and three‐point bending tests indicate that the epoxy resins cured by CPI exhibit higher glass transition temperatures and comparable flexural properties in comparison to the corresponding epoxy resins cured by 2MI. As expected, the epoxy resins cured by CPI also show improved flame retardancy ascribed to the introduction of phosphorus and nitrogen elements. Finally, the optimized CPI/epoxy system was used as the polymer matrix to fabricate carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs), and the resulting CFRCs show superior mechanical performance compared with the CFRCs based on the 2MI/epoxy system.
Regulation of NETosis and Inflammation by Cyclophilin D in Myeloperoxidase‐Positive Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Kudo Takashi , Nakazawa Daigo , Watanabe‐Kusunoki Kanako , Kanda Masatoshi , Shiratori‐Aso Satoka , Abe Nobuya , Nishio Saori , Koga Jun‐ichiro , Iwasaki Sari , Tsuji Takahiro , Fukasawa Yuichiro , Yamasaki Miwako , Watanabe Masahiko , Masuda Sakiko , Tomaru Utano , Murakami Masaaki , Aratani Yasuaki , Ishizu Akihiro , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: July 2022

Objective

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) is pathologically characterized by focal fibrinoid necrosis, in which ANCA‐mediated neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and subsequent endothelial cell necrosis occur. Cyclophilin D (CypD) plays an important role in mediation of cell necrosis and inflammation via the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. This study was undertaken to examine the role of CypD in AAV pathogenesis.

Methods

We assessed the role and mechanism of CypD in ANCA‐stimulated neutrophils in vitro by immunostaining and electron microscopy observation. We performed a comprehensive RNA‐sequencing analysis on ANCA‐treated murine neutrophils. To investigate the role of CypD in vivo, we assessed disease features in CypD‐knockout mice and wild‐type mice using 2 different murine AAV models: anti‐myeloperoxidase IgG transfer–induced AAV and spontaneous AAV.

Results

In vitro experiments showed that pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of CypD suppressed ANCA‐induced NET formation via the suppression of reactive oxygen species and cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. RNA‐sequencing analyses in ANCA‐treated murine neutrophils revealed the involvement of inflammatory responses, with CypD deficiency reducing ANCA‐induced alterations in gene expression. Furthermore, analyses of upstream regulators revealed the relevance of intracellular calcium (CypD activator) and cyclosporin (CypD inhibitor) in ANCA stimulation, indicating that the CypD‐dependent opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores is associated with ANCA‐induced neutrophil activation and NETosis. In both AAV mouse models, the genetic deletion of CypD ameliorated crescentic glomerulonephritis via the inhibition of CypD‐dependent neutrophil and endothelial necrosis.

Conclusion

CypD targeting is a novel and specific therapeutic strategy for AAV via the resolution of necrotizing vasculitis.
Next‐generation preclinical models of lung development, physiology and disease
Authors: Asadi Jozani Kimia , Kouthouridis Sonya , Hirota Jeremy Alexander , Zhang Boyang
Published: August 2022

The incidence of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary cancer is growing significantly around the world, making pulmonary disease one of the leading causes of mortality. However, the development of effective therapeutics for pulmonary diseases has been hindered by the lack of human‐mimetic physiological models that reliably emulate patient responses. Recent advances in technology and cell culture have led to the development of organoids and organ‐on‐a‐chip models that allow us to recapitulate the structure, cellular organization, and organ‐level responses of the target tissue in vitro. Here, we review the advances and milestones of lung organoid and lung‐on‐a‐chip models in the past decade and highlight their applications in mimicking pulmonary system development, physiology, disease, and regeneration. In addition, we discuss the ongoing challenges and the future prospects of integrating lung organoids and lung‐on‐a‐chip models to overcome current limitations and to enhance their physiological relevance. These human‐centric models are likely to provide important insights into pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology for drug discovery that complement and potentially replace traditional animal models.
Do no harm: A call to action on COVID‐19 and mask requirements
Authors: Patel Manali I. , Wood Emily H. , Charlot Marjory , Florez Narjust , Duron Ysabel , Jeames Sanford E. , Taparra Kekoa A. , Velazquez Manana Ana , Jain Shikha
Published: August 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has challenged physicians in all specialties over the past 2 years. Continued harms caused by policies, or lack thereof, should promote those of us in the cancer field to lead by example.
Porphyrin‐Based Nanoparticles: A Promising Phototherapy Platform
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Li Hui , Tian Zejie , Liu Xin , Guo Yu , He Jun , Wang Zhenyu , Zhou Tao , Liu Yunmei
Published: July 2022

Phototherapy, including photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, is an emerging form of non‐invasive treatment. The combination of imaging technology and phototherapy is becoming an attractive development in the treatment of cancer, as it allows for highly effective therapeutic results through image‐guided phototherapy. Porphyrins have attracted significant interest in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer due to their excellent phototherapeutic effects in phototherapy and their remarkable imaging capabilities in fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and photoacoustic imaging. However, porphyrins suffer from poor water solubility, low near‐infrared absorption and insufficient tumor accumulation. The development of nanotechnology provides an effective way to improve the bioavailability, phototherapeutic effect and imaging capability of porphyrins. This review highlights the research results of porphyrin‐based small molecule nanoparticles in phototherapy and image‐guided phototherapy in the last decade and discusses the challenges and directions for the development of porphyrin‐based small molecule nanoparticles in phototherapy.
The relationship between cholesterol metabolism and mitochondrial function in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
Authors: Li Liyang , Wang Xiangdong
Published: July 2022

With the development of lipidomics, the significance of lipid metabolism in various lung diseases has been noticed recently. Among them, cholesterol metabolism plays a crucial role in the pathological process of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Cholesterol accumulation could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as impaired respiration, imbalanced dynamics and decreased adenosine triphosphate production, while mitochondrial dysfunction, especially altered mitochondrial dynamics, could also disrupt lipid homeostasis in cells. This review focuses on cholesterol metabolism and mitochondrial function in COPD and discusses the potential mechanisms of the steroidogenic acute regulatory‐related lipid transfer domain family (STARD), especially STARD3. The review provides new insights for understanding the pathological process between STARD and mitochondria and new therapeutic targets in COPD.
Activity of AC electrokinetically immobilized horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Prüfer Mareike , Wenger Christian , Bier Frank F. , Laux Eva‐Maria , Hölzel Ralph
Published: July 2022

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is an AC electrokinetic effect mainly used to manipulate cells. Smaller particles, like virions, antibodies, enzymes, and even dye molecules can be immobilized by DEP as well. In principle, it was shown that enzymes are active after immobilization by DEP, but no quantification of the retained activity was reported so far. In this study, the activity of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is quantified after immobilization by DEP. For this, HRP is immobilized on regular arrays of titanium nitride ring electrodes of 500 nm diameter and 20 nm widths. The activity of HRP on the electrode chip is measured with a limit of detection of 60 fg HRP by observing the enzymatic turnover of Amplex Red and H2O2to fluorescent resorufin by fluorescence microscopy. The initial activity of the permanently immobilized HRP equals up to 45% of the activity that can be expected for an ideal monolayer of HRP molecules on all electrodes of the array. Localization of the immobilizate on the electrodes is accomplished by staining with the fluorescent product of the enzyme reaction. The high residual activity of enzymes after AC field induced immobilization shows the method's suitability for biosensing and research applications.
Impacts of phase change materials on performance of operational peak load shifting strategies in a sample building in hot‐arid climate
Authors: Mohkam Mahdi , Mohammadi S. M. Hojjat , Arababadia Reza , Jahanshahi Javaran Ebrahim
Published: July 2022

Buildings consume around 32% of the produced energy, worldwide and around 19% of the greenhouse gas emissions are related to them. It makes the buildings one of the largest energy consumers and one of the major sources of greenhouse gases emission. HVAC systems are one of the largest consumers of energy in buildings. In hot arid climates, cooling systems used in buildings impose a large pressure on the power grid, which may lead into blackouts. In order to address this problem, several approaches have been examined. Thermal energy storage, in particular, latent heat storage using phase change materials (PCM) has been notably considered in construction applications because of high energy storage densities. In this paper, the effect of using PCMs on energy consumption and peak load demand of a sample building is studied. Besides, impacts of precooling as a peak load shifting strategy is also investigated in presence of PCMs on the energy consumption of the sample building. The study was carried out for the weather condition of Kerman, Iran and the simulation is performed by TRNSYS software. Three types of phase change materials were investigated for two different scenarios. The simulation was performed at two stages and two modes for each stage which each mode had its own set point temperature. The application of PCMs was considered at the first stage and precooling added to the simulation at the second stage. The results of the first stage showed that employing PCMs in the studied building reduces the cooling load up to 13%. With precooling, the cooling load reduction was up to 16%. At all stages peak loads decreased with maximum 14% at the first stage and 42.5% at the second stage. It has been showed that the solid–liquid phase change temperature of the PCMs close to the selected room temperature, have significant impact on the performance of PCMs for reducing the energy consumption of the sample building compared to the other thermal properties. Due to the low electricity prices in Iran, despite the high amounts in load reduction achieved by each strategy, the cost savings during hot months of the year was not significant.
Adsorption of phosphates from agricultural wastewater using fish scales and Hami‐melon peels
Authors: Veeravalli Preetham , Vengala Jagadish , Dharek Manish S.
Published: July 2022

Water pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues facing the world, including India. The present study mainly focuses on removal of major pollutant from agriculture wastewater that is responsible for eutrophication in water, that is, phosphates. Fish scales and Hami‐melon peels were used as adsorbents in this investigation. Numerous studies are carried out for how effective adsorbents are at removing the pollutant phosphate. Equilibrium studies, thermodynamic studies, kinetic studies, and isotherm studies are all variations of these types of investigations. According to investigations, both the adsorbents of 0.2% concentration at 165 rpm with pH 6 and a constant temperature of 30°C can successfully remove 95%–97% of phosphate. The initial concentration of the pollutant was also varied from 30 to 70 ppm and the pH is varied from 3 to 9 which showed the maximum adsorption occurred in the range of 5–7. Additionally, contact time varied at an intervals of 10 min to determine the optimum contact time and was found to be 140 min. The uptake capacities 24.15 mg/g for fish scales as adsorbent whereas 23.94 mg/g for Hami melon peels as adsorbent. The isotherm studies showed that Langmuir isotherm fits well where second order kinetics is suited based on kinetic studies. The thermodynamic studies showed that fish scales and Hami melon peels are suitable to remove phosphates since the adsorption occurred is spontaneous and the reaction is endothermic in nature.
The influence of the water flow lens system on the operating characteristics of monocrystalline and amorphous Si‐solar cells for outdoor and indoor use: The photovoltaic improvement
Authors: Validžić Ivana , Lojpur Vesna , Mitrić Miodrag
Published: August 2022

The operating characteristics of a commercial monocrystalline and amorphous Si‐solar cell for outdoor and indoor applications with and without the use of the water flow lens (WFL) system are explored and reported. The cells are tested in indoor conditions with halogen and tungsten lamps, and additionally, in outdoor sun radiation. Changes in the spectra, investigation of the influence of higher and lower lighting, and indirect cooling of the solar cell are possibilities in the application of the used WFL system. After achieving the highest level of development and improvement for the Si‐solar cell, as well as approaching theoretical maximum efficiency, it is obvious that efficiency gains can be made by better understanding additional light effects. Measurements made on monocrystalline Si‐solar cells revealed that in the “focal point position” where intensity increases (above standard testing conditions [STC]), independently of indoor or outdoor lighting, huge improvements in ISC and VOC were observed. It was found that the ratios of the short‐circuit current (ISC) and the input light energy (Pinput) are 5.2 and 24.8 for artificial light and 4.9 and 17.6 for outdoor light, without and with the use of the WFL system, respectively. The same trend after applying the WFL system was observed for the amorphous Si cell, except those oscillations were more pronounced at lower light intensities (far lower than STC), as expected. The ratios of ISC and Pinput are in the range of 5.1–5.3 and 10.5–26.5 without and with the use of the WFL system.
Case volume regionalization and volume‐based outcome differences in cutaneous head and neck melanoma
Authors: Roman Kelsey M. , Torabi Sina J. , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Kuan Edward C. , Tjoa Tjoson , Haidar Yarah M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Hospital volume has emerged as a prognostic factor in oncology but is not currently known whether volume is associated with improved outcomes for cutaneous head and neck (HN) melanoma.

Methods

A total of 556 079 cutaneous melanoma cases reported by the 2004–2016 National Cancer Database were separated into two cohorts (HN and non‐HN) and facilities within each cohort were classified by case volume. Analysis employed chi‐square, analysis of variance, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Only 41 facilities (3.1% of 1326) treating HN melanoma and 50 facilities (3.7% of 1344) treating non‐HN melanoma were classified as high‐volume facilities (HVFs). The estimated 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 62.7% (standard error [SE]: 0.4%) for patients with HN at low‐volume facilities (LVFs), 69.3% (SE: 0.4%) at IVFs, and 71.8% (SE 0.4%) at HVFs (p < 0.001). Differences in OS remained significant between HVFs versus LVFs after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

Volume is independently associated with OS and improved surgical outcomes for HN melanoma.
Untargeted plasma metabolomics for risk prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective study in two Chinese cohorts
Authors: Hang Dong , Yang Xiaolin , Lu JiaYi , Shen Chong , Dai Juncheng , Lu Xiangfeng , Jin Guangfu , Hu Zhibin , Gu Dongfeng , Ma Hongxia , Shen Hongbing
Published: July 2022

Characterization of metabolic perturbation prior to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may deepen the understanding of causal pathways and identify novel biomarkers for early prevention. We conducted two 1:1 matched nested case‐control studies (108 and 55 pairs) to examine the association of plasma metabolome (profiled using LC‐MS) with the risk of HCC based on two prospective cohorts in China. Differential metabolites were identified by pairedttests and orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to classify metabolites into modules for identifying biological pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. We assessed the risk predictivity of metabolites using multivariable logistic regression models. Among 612 named metabolites, 44 differential metabolites were identified between cases and controls, including 12 androgenic/progestin steroid hormones, 8 bile acids, 10 amino acids, 6 phospholipids, and 8 others. These metabolites were associated with HCC in the multivariable logistic regression analyses, with odds ratios ranging from 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11‐0.35) to 5.09 (95% CI: 2.73‐9.50). WGCNA including 612 metabolites showed 8 significant modules related to HCC risk, including those representing metabolic pathways of androgen and progestin, primary and secondary bile acids, and amino acids. A combination of 18 metabolites of independent effects showed the potential to predict HCC risk, with an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82‐0.92) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80‐0.93) in the training and validation sets, respectively. In conclusion, we identified a panel of plasma metabolites that could be implicated in hepatocellular carcinogenesis and have the potential to predict HCC risk.
Impact of BRCA1/2 cascade testing on anxiety, depression, and cancer worry levels among unaffected relatives in a multiethnic Asian cohort
Authors: Padmanabhan Heamanthaa , Mariapun Shivaani , Lee Sheau‐Yee , Hassan Nur Tiara , Lee Daphne Shin‐Chi , Meiser Bettina , Wong Siu‐Wan , Lee Yong‐Quan , Yip Cheng‐Har , Teo Soo‐Hwang , Thong Meow‐Keong , Taib Nur Aishah Mohd , Yoon Sook‐Yee
Published: August 2022

Cascade testing for families with BRCA pathogenic variants is important to identify relatives who are carriers. These relatives can benefit from appropriate risk management and preventative strategies arising from an inherited increased risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, melanoma, and pancreatic cancers. Cascade testing has the potential to enable cost‐effective cancer control even in low‐ and middle‐income settings, but few studies have hitherto evaluated the psychosocial impact of cascade testing in an Asian population, where the cultural and religious beliefs around inheritance and destiny have previously been shown to influence perception and attitudes toward screening. In this study, we evaluated the short‐ and long‐term psychosocial impact of genetic testing among unaffected relatives of probands identified through the Malaysian Breast Cancer Genetics Study and the Malaysian Ovarian Cancer Study, using validated questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Cancer Worry Scale) administered at baseline, and 1‐month and 2‐year post‐disclosure of results. Of the 305 unaffected relatives from 98 independent families who were offered cascade testing, 256 (84%) completed predictive testing and family history of cancers was the only factor significantly associated with uptake of predictive testing. We found that the levels of anxiety, depression, and cancer worry among unaffected relatives decreased significantly after result disclosure and remained low 2‐year post‐result disclosure. Younger relatives and relatives of Malay descent had higher cancer worry at both baseline and after result disclosure compared to those of Chinese and Indian descent, whereas relatives of Indian descent and those with family history of cancers had higher anxiety and depression levels post‐result disclosure. Taken together, the results from this Asian cohort highlight the differences in psychosocial needs in different communities and inform the development of culture‐specific genetic counseling strategies.
Soft tissue augmentation with a volume‐stable collagen matrix or an autogenous connective tissue graft at implant sites: Five‐year results of a randomized controlled trial post implant loading
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Gasser Thomas J. W. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Strauss Franz J. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: July 2022

Background

Interventions to augment the mucosal thickness around dental implants are indicated to optimize esthetics and maintain peri‐implant health. However, there is a lack of clinical data on the long‐term performance of soft tissue substitutes, such as volume‐stable collagen matrix (VCMX), compared to autogenous grafts, such as subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs). This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess 5‐year data on clinical and radiographic outcomes at implant sites previously augmented with VCMX or SCTG.

Methods

Twenty patients were randomly assigned for soft tissue augmentation with VCMX or SCTG at single implant sites. Following abutment connection, final restorations were inserted (baseline; BL) and patients were reexamined up to 5 years (FU‐5). Measurements included clinical data, marginal bone levels, mucosal thickness, and ridge contour changes. Nonparametric tests and estimates were applied for the statistical analysis.

Results

The median buccal mucosal thickness increased by 0.3 mm (Q1: –0.8; Q3: 1.0) in the VCMX group (P = 0.656) and 0.3 mm (Q1: 0.0; Q3: 1.0) in the SCTG group (P = 0.188) between BL and FU‐5 (intergroup P = 0.752), while the ridge contour decreased by a median of –0.3 mm (–0.9; –0.1) (P = 0.078) for VCMX and –0.3 mm (–0.4; –0.2) (P = 0.039) for SCTG (intergroup P = 0.817). Peri‐implant health was maintained in both groups with stable clinical and radiographic outcomes and without significant differences between the treatments.

Conclusion

Despite the limited power and considerable dropout rate in the present study, soft tissue augmentation at implant sites with either VCMX or SCTG resulted in similar stable peri‐implant tissues, favorable esthetics, and clinically negligible contour changes at 5 years post loading.
Role of surface‐active materials (amphiphiles and surfactants) in the formation of nanocolloidal dispersions, and their applications
Authors: Moulik Satya Priya , Chakraborty Indranil , Rakshit Animesh Kumar
Published: July 2022

Amphiphiles and surfactants are surface‐active molecules with special properties at interfaces, and they can undergo different modes of self‐association forming colloidal entities in solution. They can also stabilize other colloidal dispersions including nanoparticles, and help the formation and protection of nanodispersions resulting from chemical reactions. In this study, we have discussed the formation, properties, and applications of such nanocolloid‐like species formed in solution by different methods with special stress on various types of surfactants. Nanoparticles show the difference in melting point, electrochemical properties, conductance, etc., from their corresponding bulk material. Classical thermodynamics is used to explain this property. The basics of such processes, their types, morphology, stability, and usefulness have been presented and discussed. The types of assemblies that arise from the self‐associations of the amphiphiles, and surfactants under different conditions (i.e., micelles, reverse micelles, vesicles, liposomes, niosomes, etc.) have been also presented. Examples of their types, morphologies, transformations, and applications in relation to the stability, and functions of nanodispersions or nanocolloids are exemplified with multiple illustrations from earlier as well as recent research. The use of biosurfactants and block copolymers is also discussed. The stabilization of nanoparticles by “capping” has been discussed in some detail. A short account of the hydrothermal and solvothermal processes of synthesis of nanomaterials using amphiphiles as templates has been also presented. The multiple applications of amphiphile‐mediated nanoscience have been briefly presented and discussed.
Tropical surface gold mining: A review of ecological impacts and restoration strategies
Authors: Timsina Shrabya , Hardy Nora G. , Woodbury David J. , Ashton Mark S. , Cook‐Patton Susan C. , Pasternack Rachel , Martin Meredith P.
Published: July 2022

Surface gold mining severely degrades landscapes, causing deforestation, soil erosion and displacement, and toxic contamination. The prevalence of both large‐scale and artisanal, small‐scale surface gold mining in the tropics has risen over recent decades. Restoration strategies developed for less‐severe forms of degradation may not sufficiently address the unique ecological conditions of former gold mines. In this review, we summarize biophysical challenges to the restoration and reforestation of large‐ and small‐scale gold mines in the tropics and synthesize the findings of studies that test restoration strategies at these sites. Certain practices, such as the backfilling of mined pits, topsoil conservation, and the preservation of local seed sources, emerge from the literature as crucial for the timely and effective restoration of gold mines. However, because the severity of ecological degradation varies greatly within and between individual mines, and given the relatively small number (n = 42) of published tropical field studies found in our literature review, we highlight a clear need for continued research and development of restoration strategies specific to ecological conditions of former gold mines in the tropics.
3D Printable Dynamic Hydrogel: As Simple as it Gets!
Authors: Díaz Aitor , Herrada‐Manchón Helena , Nunes Juliana , Lopez Aitziber , Díaz Natividad , Grande Hans‐Jürgen , Loinaz Iraida , Fernández Manuel Alejandro , Dupin Damien
Published: July 2022

3D printing technology offers a vast range of applications for tissue engineering applications. Over the past decade a vast range of new equipment has been developed; while, 3D printable biomaterials, especially hydrogels, are investigated to fit the printability requirements. The current candidates for bioprinting often require post‐printing cross‐linking to maintain their shape. On the other hand, dynamic hydrogels are considered as the most promising candidate for this application with their extrudability and self‐healing properties. However, it proves to be very difficult to match the required rheological in a simple material. Here, this study presents for the first time the simplest formulation of a dynamic hydrogel based on thiol‐functionalized hyaluronic acid formulated with gold ions that fulfill all the requirements to be printed without the use of external stimuli, as judged by the rheological studies. The printability is also demonstrated with a 3D printer allowing for the printing of the dynamic hydrogel as it is, achieving 3D construct with a relatively good precision and up to 24 layers, corresponding to 10 mm high. This material is the simplest 3D printable hydrogel and its mixture with cells and biological compounds is expected to open a new era in 3D bioprinting.
APA poll reveals workers value employer support for MH
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2022

Observing the stress of isolation, fear of the virus, and an overwhelming news cycle brought on by the COVID‐19 pandemic, the American Psychological Assoction (APA)noted that workplace leaders have realized the need to address mental health concerns among their staff. And to bolster that observation, a new well‐being survey released this month by the APA has found that 7 in 10 workers (71%) believe their employer is more concerned about the mental health of employees now than in the past.
Net impact of government funding on nonprofit fiscal health: burden or benefit?
Authors: Thornton Jeremy , Lecy Jesse
Published: July 2022

This study examines the impact of federal grant awards on the financial health of recipient nonprofits. Although a modest body of research finds that government grants are beneficial to nonprofit fiscal health, a large Urban Institute study (2010, 2013, 2015) found that nonprofit managers receiving government grants consistently report fiscal harm due to awards that do not cover all program costs, late payments, and significant administrative burden. Those findings raise the question of whether government funding leads to net benefits or net harm for organizations given the administrative and fiscal burdens identified. This study tests that question using a large panel of federal grants to estimate the impact of government awards on three measures of nonprofit financial health. We find that government grants promote an increase in nonprofit size, improve operating margins, and increase financial reserves for recipient organizations. These benefits endure after the receipt of the award.
Advanced 3D woven profile structures and their composites for automotive applications
Authors: Behera Bijoya Kumar , Kamble Zunjarrao
Published: July 2022

The woven profiled structures and their composites are beneficial for automobiles specifically E‐vehicles due to near‐net‐shape manufacturing, snug‐fitting, and lightweight. This study reported the junction strength of 3D integrally woven, and stitched profile structures such as L, U, +, ±, T, Pi, and H produced using high‐strength polyester yarn and their composites. The junction strength of integrally woven profiles and their composites was higher than that of stitched profiles. The stitched profile composites failed at the stitch line mainly due to delamination, leading to incomplete reinforcement strength realization. However, the integrally woven profile composites fail due to fracture of yarns within the reinforcement, leading to higher junction strength.
A cohort study to assess risk of cutaneous small vessel vasculitis among users of different oral anticoagulants
Authors: Ajao Adebola , Cosgrove Austin , Eworuke Efe , Mohamoud Mohamed , Zhang Rongmei , Shapira Oren , Kolonoski Joy , Connolly John G.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV) was identified as a safety signal among patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). This study aimed to determine if CSVV risk differed among patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib) who newly initiated warfarin or a DOAC.

Methods

We identified enrollees aged ≥21 years diagnosed with Afib who newly initiated rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and warfarin in the Sentinel Distributed Database from October 19, 2010 to February 29, 2020. We selected and followed patients who did not have evidence of the following in the 183 days prior to initiating treatment: CSVV diagnosis, dispensing of other study drugs, select autoimmune diseases or autoimmune medications, cancer diagnoses or chemotherapeutic treatment, kidney dialysis or transplant, alternative anticoagulation indications, or an institutional (nursing home, hospice, hospital) stay on the treatment initiation date (index date) until CSVV outcome or pre‐specified censoring. We conducted 1:1 propensity score matching in six comparisons.

Results

CSVV incidence rates for DOACs and warfarin ranged from 3.3 to 5.6 per 10 000‐person years in our matched Afib population. The adjusted CSVV hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.94 (0.64, 1.39) for rivaroxaban versus warfarin; 1.17 (0.67, 2.06) for dabigatran vs. warfarin; 0.85 (0.62, 1.16) for apixaban vs. warfarin; 0.86 (0.49, 1.50) for rivaroxaban vs. dabigatran; 0.99 (0.68, 1.45) for rivaroxaban versus apixaban; and 1.70 (0.90, 3.21) for dabigatran versus apixaban.

Conclusion

We did not find significant evidence of differential CSVV risk in pair‐wise comparisons of DOACs and warfarin.
Calcium inhibits penetration of Alzheimer's Aβ1–42 monomers into the membrane
Authors: Boopathi Subramanian , Garduño‐Juárez Ramón
Published: July 2022

Calcium ion regulation plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal functions such as neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Copper (Cu2+) coordination to amyloid‐β (Aβ) has accelerated Aβ1–42 aggregation that can trigger calcium dysregulation by enhancing the influx of calcium ions by extensive perturbing integrity of the membranes. Aβ1–42 aggregation, calcium dysregulation, and membrane damage are Alzheimer disease (AD) implications. To gain a detail of calcium ions' role in the full‐length Aβ1–42 and Aβ1‐42‐Cu2+ monomers contact, the cellular membrane before their aggregation to elucidate the neurotoxicity mechanism, we carried out 2.5 μs extensive molecular dynamics simulation (MD) to rigorous explorations of the intriguing feature of the Aβ1–42 and Aβ1–42‐Cu2+ interaction with the dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayer in the presence of calcium ions. The outcome of the results compared to the same simulations without calcium ions. We surprisingly noted robust binding energies between the Aβ1–42 and membrane observed in simulations containing without calcium ions and is two and a half fold lesser in the simulation with calcium ions. Therefore, in the case of the absence of calcium ions, N‐terminal residues of Aβ1–42 deeply penetrate from the surface to the center of the bilayer; in contrast to calcium ions presence, the N‐ and C‐terminal residues are involved only in surface contacts through binding phosphate moieties. On the other hand, Aβ1–42‐Cu2+ actively participated in surface bilayer contacts in the absence of calcium ions. These contacts are prevented by forming a calcium bridge between Aβ1–42‐Cu2+ and the DMPC bilayer in the case of calcium ions presence. In a nutshell, Calcium ions do not allow Aβ1–42 penetration into the membranes nor contact of Aβ1–42‐Cu2+ with the membranes. These pieces of information imply that the calcium ions mediate the membrane perturbation via the monomer interactions but do not damage the membrane; they agree with the western blot experimental results of a higher concentration of calcium ions inhibit the membrane pore formation by Aβ peptides.
Fractionation and characterization of dissolved organic matter using solid‐phase extraction followed by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry with electrospray, atmospheric pressure photoionization, and laser desorption ionization
Authors: Hu Qiaozhuan , Ge Jinfeng , Yi Yuanbi , Ma Chao , Qi Yulin , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS) combined with different ionization techniques provides a powerful means to characterize dissolved organic matter (DOM) at the molecular level. Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) is currently the most widely utilized method for extracting the DOM, but one‐step elution using methanol does not provide a comprehensive picture of DOM. The development of efficient extraction and enrichment methods as well as characterization techniques from water samples remains a priority for DOM research, which is investigated in this study.

Methods

The DOM was extracted from lake water by SPE using one‐step elution (methanol or dichloromethane) and multistep elution (water, methanol, acetone, and dichloromethane). A combination of electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), and matrix‐free laser desorption ionization (LDI) was utilized for FT‐ICR MS analysis in both positive (+) and negative (−) ion modes.

Results

The total recovery of the multistep elution was 23.5% higher as compared to the investigated one‐step elution procedure (85% vs. 61.6%); however, a comparison of the observed molecular species and the range of diversity under different ionization techniques along with the statistical analyses showed that proper selection of solvent and ionization method was required to explore specific compounds from the sample.

Conclusions

For DOM species containing different heteroatoms, a combination of ESI, APPI, and LDI can offer a comprehensive profile of DOM in aquatic ecosystems. The specific molecular formulae of each ionization technique are characterized as follows: ESI— mode exhibited strong selectivity for lignin‐like and tannins‐like species with high oxygen content, as well as organosulfates. ESI+ favored lipid species and peptide/protein compounds. Unsaturated and condensed aromatic hydrocarbons with low oxygen were preferably ionized by both APPI and LDI.
Bias of stormwater infiltration measurement methods evaluated using numerical experiments
Authors: Tecca Nicholas P. , Nieber John , Gulliver John
Published: July 2022

Infiltration stormwater control measures (SCMs) have the potential to contribute towards mitigating the effects of urbanization on downstream receiving waters. Infiltration SCMs are most often successful when the in‐situ saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) is well characterized. In this paper numerical solutions of the Richards’ equation are used to quantify the bias of seven infiltration measurement methods, removing natural variability and random error from the analysis. The methods evaluated in this study include the double ring infiltrometer, Saturo infiltrometer, modified Philip–Dunne infiltrometer, Turf‐Tec IN2‐W infiltrometer, USBR 7300‐89 well permeameter, Philip–Dunne permeameter, and the Guelph permeameter. Seven homogenous, isotropic soil textures were simulated at four initial soil moistures for the seven methods, resulting in a total of 196 simulations. The dimensionless bias is defined as the “measured” Ksat determined by a given method divided by the Ksat input to the numerical experiments. The “measured” Ksat is in quotations to identify the measurement occurs in a numeric experiment rather than in a physical experiment. In sand through silt loam soils that are typical of infiltration SCMs, the simulated methods have a bias in the range of 0.7–6.2. The Turf‐Tec was the only infiltrometer that produced a bias >2.5 for these soils. Initial effective saturation had a minimal contribution to bias for most methods. Methods that rely on a one‐dimensional (1D) flow assumption consistently overestimated the Ksat. Borehole methods produced results with bias similar to surface methods. Long duration methods did not consistently produce more accurate results than short duration methods.
Enhanced biogas production and substrate degradation through the intermittent operation of modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket–static granular bed reactor series
Authors: Mariraj Mohan S. , Swathi T.
Published: July 2022

In the present study, the performance of a modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (MUASB) reactor–static granular bed reactor (SGBR) series in intermittent operation was analyzed for the treatment of synthetic wastewater. The reactor series was operated with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h. The maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and biogas production of the reactor series obtained during the intermittent operation were 99 ± 0.29% and 0.529 ± 0.03 m3/kg CODdigested, respectively. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant difference in biogas production during continuous and intermittent operations, whereas the COD removal was similar. Intermittent operation of the reactor series yielded a 56.05% increase in biogas production when compared with the continuous operation. The reactor series was maintained stable throughout the operational period. The maximum total suspended solids (TSS) removal and total nitrogen (TN) removal of the reactor series during the intermittent operation were 91.67% and 72.37%, respectively. Intermittent operation of the reactor series can be considered advantageous because of the reduced operational cost and enhanced biogas production in addition to COD removal.

Practitioner Points

Intermittent operation of MUASB–SGBR series in terms of COD removal is evaluated.

COD removal of reactor series was similar in intermittent and continuous operation.

Biogas production in intermittent operation was superior to continuous operation.

Reactor series performance is also compared with continuous operation using one‐way ANOVA.
Report on the technical discussion “Methods of detection of bullet fragments and measurement methods for the description of a reliable killing effect in simulants”
Authors: Lahrssen-Wiederholt Monika , Schafft Helmut , Pieper Gernot , Rottenberger Ingo , Höcherl Johann , Schyma Christian , Marahrens Michael , Schröder André , Ulbig Ellen
Published: July 2022

In the context of the discussion on an amendment of the Federal Hunting Act, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany has dealt with scientific principles that enable an assessment of the introduction of bullet fragments into game meat. Until now, neither standardized terms nor definitions nor standardized procedures for quantifying the effects of the introduction of corpuscular bullet fragments were available for a health assessment. With the participation of international experts, a concept was developed that could be used to test hunting rifle bullets regarding their effectiveness potential [The term effectiveness potential (in German: Wirkpotenzial) describes more than the term “effectiveness” (in German: Wirksamkeit)] and entry of bullet fragments into game or game meat. The term “killing effect” newly introduced into the discussion in the context of the efforts to amend the Federal Hunting Act was not supported by the experts, since “killing“ cannot be simulated and standardized. Other basic terms and definitions were formulated and/or interpreted. A distinction must be made between the effect of a bullet on biological tissue, the (optimal) effect of the bullet when shot in a manner appropriate for hunting, the impact on the hunted game when hit in a suitable location and the effect of the bullet, described as physical effectiveness potential. In principle, the following applies: The effectiveness potential of a bullet can be simulated and thus evaluated in test simulants/test media. Therefore, it is possible to describe hunting rifle bullets based on qualitative and quantitative parameters as well as concerning their physicochemical properties. Their effectiveness potential in game meat can thus be adequately assessed, both by the hunter and with a view to the scientific issues related to consumer health protection strategies for minimizing bullet fragments in game meat. Essential parameters required for a test procedure have been compiled in a product profile for hunting rifle bullets used to kill food-producing game species.