bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collagen matrix biofunctionalized with injectable platelet‐rich fibrin for the treatment of single gingival recession: A case report
Authors: Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Rossato Amanda , Ferreira Ferraz Laís Fernanda , Bonafé Ana Carolina , Miguel Manuela Maria Viana , Nunes Marcelo Pereira
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Collagen matrices have been used as connective tissue graft (CTG) substitutes. However, they do not have the same efficacy compared to CTG. Adding biological agents may increase collagen matrices' efficacy. The present case reports the use of a biofunctionalized volume‐stable collagen matrix (VCMX) with injectable platelet‐rich fibrin (iPRF) associated with the coronally advanced flap (CAF) to treat single gingival recession (GR) defect.

Case Presentation

A Recession Type 1 (RT1 A‐) defect at maxillary left canine in a male patient was treated using a VCMX biofunctionalized with iPRF associated with CAF. No swelling or edema was observed during the first 14 days after surgery. Complete root coverage was observed (RecRed of 4.0 mm) after 6 months. Gingival thickness (GT) increased (1.0 mm) by the end of the follow‐up.

Conclusion

The present case report shows that CAF associated with VCMX+iPRF presents good clinical outcomes for single GR defect.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

This case is the first one to our knowledge to describe the biofunctionalization of VCMX with iPRF to treat single gingival recession.

What are the keys to successful management of this case?

Proper material handling.

Proper iPRF protocol execution.

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

Need of venipuncture.

Correct preparation of VCMX+iPRF.

Patient compliance.
N‐terminal Cationic Modification of Linear Pyrrole‐Imidazole Polyamide Improves Its Binding to DNA
Authors: Hatanaka Junnosuke , Hirose Yuki , Hashiya Kaori , Bando Toshikazu , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Pyrrole‐imidazole polyamides (PIPs) bind to double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) with varied sequence selectivity. We synthesized linear PIPs that can bind to narrow minor grooves of polypurine/polypyrimidine sequences and target long recognition sequences but have lower molecular weights than commonly used hairpin PIPs. We modified the N‐terminus of linear PIPs using several groups, including β‐alanine extension and acetyl capping. Melting curve analysis of dsDNA demonstrated that cationic modifications improved the binding affinity of the PIPs to the targeted dsDNA. In addition, circular dichroism assays revealed the characteristic spectra depending on the binding stoichiometry of the N‐cationic linear PIP and dsDNA (1 : 1, monomeric; 2 : 1, dimeric). Surface plasmon resonance assays confirmed the high binding affinities of linear PIPs. These findings may aid in the design of effective linear PIPs.
Gas‐phase errors affect DFT‐based electrocatalysis models of oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Almeida Michell O. , Kolb Manuel J. , Lanza Marcos R. V. , Illas Francesc , Calle‐Vallejo Federico
Published: May 2022

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Federico Calle‐Vallejo and Francesc Illas from the University of Barcelona (Spain). The cover picture shows that there are three ways of simulating the energy landscape of oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide with density functional theory: without any corrections (yellow), with O2 corrections (yellow/red), and with O2 and H2O2 corrections (red); only the latter agrees with experiments. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202200210
The Unexpected Helical Supramolecular Assembly of a Simple Achiral Acetamide Tecton Generates Selective Water Channels
Authors: Dumitrescu Dan G. , Rull‐Barull Jordi , Martin Anthony R. , Masquelez Nathalie , Polentarutti Maurizio , Heroux Annie , Demitri Nicola , Bais Giorgio , Moraru Ionut‐Tudor , Poteau Romuald , Amblard Muriel , Krajnc Andraž , Mali Gregor , Legrand Yves‐Marie , van der Lee Arie , Legrand Baptiste
Published: May 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue is the collaborative research team coordinated by Arie van der Lee at the University of Montpellier. The image depicts chiral channels with highly mobile water molecules resulting from the robust self‐organization of a simple achiral acetamide. Fully reversible release and re‐uptake of water molecules takes place near ambient conditions, with efficient water transport and a good selectivity against NaCl suggesting it to be an efficient candidate for desalination processes. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.20200383.
Primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and allergy: Clinical and therapeutic implications
Authors: Rossi Carlo Maria , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Merli Stefania , Licari Amelia , Votto Martina , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: May 2022

Primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID) are increasingly prevalent, immune‐mediated, chronic conditions which primarily affect pediatric and young adult patients, leading to substantial disease burden, and poor quality of life. EGID may either involve single portions of the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and colon) or a combination. Their strong association with allergic disorders has been recently recognized, and although their shared pathophysiological basis remains partly elusive, this feature greatly impacts the diagnostic and treatment work‐up. We herein critically discuss the current knowledge on the association of EGID and allergic disorders, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and food or drug allergy. In particular, we reviewed the literature focusing on their epidemiology, pathophysiological basis and mechanisms, and diagnostic strategies. Finally, we discuss the currently ongoing clinical trials targeting EGID and allergic diseases, including, among others the monoclonal antibodies dupilumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, and lirentelimab.
Deep malware hunter based unrivaled malware detection schema thru cache retrospective empiricism
Authors: Shelar Manoj D. , Srinivasa Rao S.
Published: May 2022

Malware development has been tremendous in recent decades, posing a severe threat to modern systems and Internet security. Conventional approaches to malware detection focus solely on data stored on hard disc drives. To prevent detection, the attackers put harmful material in volatile memory and attack sensitive confidential data. Furthermore, static signature‐based malware detection approaches require a recognized malware signature database to detect the malware. These efforts, however, failed because the malware rapidly modified its signature and easily evaded detection by packaging, obfuscating, or encrypting. As a consequence, it is vital to extract appropriate memory characteristics and let the deep learning classifier that learns the features improve malware detection accuracy. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a Deep Malware Hunter Based Unrivaled Malware Detection Scheme that skillfully detects known and unknown malware without harming the device. In this way, our Unrivaled Malware Detection Scheme efficiently extracts the necessary features through sharp inspection and classifies the malware correctly and benignly at an early stage before it attacks the device. Thus the proposed framework efficiently provides an accuracy of 99% detection rate in the malware hunter method.
Single‐cell profiling guided combination therapy of c‐Fos and histone deacetylase inhibitors in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Krämer Oliver H. , Schneider Günter
Published: May 2022

In this commentary on Wang, Wu, Xia, and colleagues, Clinical Translational Medicine, 2022, we sum up and discuss recent evidence on the regulation and relevance of the transcription factor c‐FOS in diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells that are treated with epigenetic erasers of the histone deacetylase inhibitor family.
Core‐SOL simulations of high‐power JET‐ILW pulses fuelled with gas and/or with pellets
Authors: Telesca Giuseppe , Chomiczewska Agata , Frigione Domenico , Garzotti Luca , Huber Alexander , Ivanova‐Stanik Irena , Kowalska‐Strzeciwilk Ewa , Lomas Peter , Perez von Thun Christian , Rimini Fernanda , Van Eester Dirk , Zagórski Roman ,   JET Contributors
Published: May 2022

Experimental analysis of two couples of pulses in the range of input power of 26–32 MW, shows that addition of pellet throughput to high gas dosing pulses does not modify the plasma energy, but leads to better conditions as far as the tungsten concentration and core radiation are concerned. Significantly decreasing the gas dosing with addition of high pellet throughput causes the increase of plasma energy, but the W concentration increases from 5.2 × 10−5 to 6.9 × 10−5 and the core radiation from 7.5 to 11 MW. From the numerical results of the self‐consistent core‐SOL COREDIV code two mechanisms appear to be responsible for the observed different W concentrations: the core residence time of W, which is related to the energy and particle confinement time, and the divertor impurity screening efficiency, dependent on the electron density and on the perpendicular transport coefficient in the SOL.
An evaluation of public initiatives to change behaviours that affect water quality
Authors: Grilli Gianluca , Curtis John
Published: May 2022

Pollution and environmental depletion are often caused by human behaviours, where if behaviours were modified, environmental pressure could be substantially reduced. Many public programmes aim to influence people to change their unsustainable behaviours but few undertake ex post evaluations of behavioural change programmes. This paper undertakes an evaluation of a 5‐year programme to understand whether community engagement activities lead to more sustainable practices. Using a treatment and control experiment, the research investigates whether programme participants are representative of the wider population, whether participation leads to sustainable practices, whether pro‐environmental behaviours are sustained over time, and the relative effectiveness of different types of events on individual behaviours. Overall, results suggest that water engagement event participants are more likely to adopt sustainable behaviours, however attendees only represent a small cohort of the wider population, which possibly hinders a wider adoption of good practices. With respect to individual behaviours, different outcomes were detected for different behaviours, which suggests that not all behaviours were equally amenable to change. When comparing the impact of different events, events that are focused on building community ties were more successful than events with simple provision of information. Finally, new pro‐environmental behaviours tend to be abandoned after a period of time, therefore re‐engagement at regular time intervals is advised.
Sex differences in efficacy of pharmacological therapies in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Danielson Cecilia , Lileikyte Gabriele , Ouwerkerk Wouter , S.P. Lam Carolyn , Erlinge David , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine
Published: May 2022

Aims

Recent studies have suggested potential sex differences in treatment response to pharmacological therapies in heart failure (HF). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies comparing treatment effects between men and women with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) using established guideline‐directed medical therapy and other emerging pharmacological treatments.

Methods and results

Systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials published in 1990–2021. Outcomes were all‐cause mortality and combined outcome of all‐cause mortality and/or hospitalization for HF. Of 618 articles identified, 25 articles and 100 213 patients (mean age 62 ± 1.7 years, women 23.1%, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 26.6 ± 1.3%) were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. For the outcome of all‐cause mortality, there was no evidence of treatment heterogeneity by sex for renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) [hazard ratio (HR) 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.75–0.99) in men; HR 0.97 (0.77–1.23) in women; Pinteraction = 0.288], or for beta‐blockers (BB) [HR 0.71 (0.59–0.86) in men; HR 0.87 (0.73–1.03) in women; Pinteraction = 0.345]. Similarly, for the composite outcome of death or HF hospitalization, there was no evidence of treatment heterogeneity by sex for RASi [HR 0.84 (0.77–0.93) in men; HR 0.94 (0.81–1.08) in women; Pinteraction = 0.210] or BB [HR 0.76 (0.64–0.90) in men; HR 0.72 (0.60–0.86) in women; Pinteraction = 0.650]. Results for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) from previously published meta‐analyses were included in the review. For the combined outcome of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization, no significant interaction for sex was observed for MRA (Pinteraction = 0.78) or SGLT2i (Pinteraction = 0.37). Results for emerging pharmacological treatments, such as soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators and cardiac myosin activators, were included in the review and showed consistent treatment effects between men and women.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis showed no differences between sex in treatment effect for BB and RASi. Review on previously published trials for MRA, SGLT2i, and emerging therapies presented consistent treatment effects between men and women.
Recent development of aqueous zinc‐ion battery cathodes and future challenges: Review
Authors: Fegade Umesh , Jethave Ganesh , Khan Firoz , Al‐Ahmed Amir , Karmouch Rachid , Shariq Mohammad , Inamuddin  , Ahmer Mohammad Faraz
Published: May 2022

Due to the increasing energy demand and to help integrate renewable energy into the energy mix, large‐scale energy storage has become essential. Among the different large‐scale secondary battery technologies, zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted huge attention due to their lower cost, better safety, and environmental positivity. The aqueous electrolyte in ZIBs allows the batteries to be constructed under normal atmospheric conditions and substantially reduces the assembling complexity. However, due to its low working voltage, cathode materials are often restricted, and rectifying voltage is a crucial function. Increasing the cathode voltage necessitates an increase in the electrolyte's thermodynamic stability. Additionally, the process of zinc‐ion storage should be studied in greater depth and new variants of characterization can be used to precisely understand the storage mechanism. In this regard, this article has reviewed with recent research findings addressing these issues and possible advancements made in the ZIB technology, highlighting future possibilities.
Metal‐organic frameworks and their derivatives as anode material in lithium‐ion batteries: Recent advances towards novel configurations
Authors: Kaur Rajnish , Chhabra Varun A. , Chaudhary Vikas , Vikrant Kumar , Tripathi Surya Kant , Su Yanjie , Kumar Parveen , Kim Ki‐Hyun , Deep Akash
Published: May 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have drawn extensive research interests due to their noticeably enhanced gravimetric energy density relative to other chemical batteries. The potential utility of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives has recently been recognized as highly effective anode components for LIBs because they can be tuned to select specific metal sites and/or to adjust pore sizes. In this work, their electrochemical performance as anodic materials is carefully evaluated with respect to lithium‐ions storage capacity, energy/power, stability, and flexibility. Furthermore, through the coordination of the organic linker and metal center, MOFs can benefit from enhanced catalytic activities in the design of advanced LIBs. For future research for next‐generation LIBs, scientific focus should be placed on the development of diverse features of MOF‐based composites such as core‐shell MOFs, mono/bi‐metal doped MOFs, dual organic linker‐based MOFs, MOFs@MOFs core shell structure, and dual organic ligands‐based MOF. As such, MOF‐based LIB electrode materials are expected to expand their utility with the improvement in topology and functionality in association with the dimensionality, pore size, and surface area.
Development of Pt/Au‐Co composite electrode as a highly durable and efficient electrocatalyst for methanol electro‐oxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Begum Humayra , Rahman Mohammed M. , Hasnat Mohammad A.
Published: May 2022

Pt metal is well known for exhibiting superior catalytic activity towards methanol electro‐oxidation process but, it is highly poisoned by the intermediate carbonaceous species (CO) which degrade the catalytic activity over time. In this regard, a noble trimetallic electrode was prepared by modifying an unsupported polycrystalline Pt electrode with a mixture of Au and Co through a simple, one‐step electrochemical deposition technique for investigating the methanol electro‐oxidation (MEO) process in alkaline media. Cyclic voltammetric experiment has revealed that the as‐prepared electrode exhibited more than 50% greater stability than those of polycrystalline Pt ((poly) Pt) and Pt/Au electrodes. Moreover, the ratio of forward MEO oxidation peak current and corresponding backward peak current (If/Ib) was found to be greater for Pt/Au‐Co than (poly) Pt electrode suggesting substantial resistance of the catalyst for CO adsorption. The XPS analysis has demonstrated that Co existed on the electrode surface as Co(II) oxide which is assumed to enhance the stability of Pt/Au‐Co by removing CO species. A relatively smaller Tafel slope (130 mV/dec) was also obtained with Pt/Au‐Co than that of commercially available carbon‐supported Pt catalyst and, the oxidation process was observed to follow half order kinetics concerning methanol.
A dynamic covalent polymeric antimicrobial for conquering drug‐resistant bacterial infection
Authors: Huang Fan , Cai Xiaoyao , Hou Xiaoxue , Zhang Yumin , Liu Jinjian , Yang Lijun , Liu Yong , Liu Jianfeng
Published: May 2022

Increasing bacterial drug resistance to antibiotics has posed a major threat to contemporary public health, which resulted in a large number of people suffering from serious infections and ending up dying without any effective therapies every year. Here, a dynamic covalent polymeric antimicrobial, based on phenylboronic acid (PBA)‐installed micellar nanocarriers incorporating clinical vancomycin and curcumin, is developed to overcome drug‐resistant bacterial infections. The formation of this antimicrobial is facilitated by reversible dynamic covalent interactions between PBA moieties in polymeric micelles and diols in vancomycin, which impart favorable stability in blood circulation and excellent acid‐responsiveness in the infection microenvironment. Moreover, the structurally similar aromatic vancomycin and curcumin molecules can afford π–π stacking interaction to realize simultaneous delivery and release of payloads. In comparison with monotherapy, this dynamic covalent polymeric antimicrobial demonstrated more significant eradication of drug‐resistant bacteria in vitro and in vivo due to the synergism of the two drugs. Furthermore, the achieved combination therapy shows satisfied biocompatibility without unwanted toxicity. Considering various antibiotics contain diol and aromatic structures, this simple and robust strategy can become a universal platform to combat the ever‐threatening drug‐resistant infectious diseases.
Functional nucleic acid engineered double‐barreled nanopores for measuring sodium to potassium ratio at single‐cell level
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Mei , Liu Fang‐Qing , Wang Bing , Yu Si‐Yuan , Xu Yi‐Tong , Zhao Wei‐Wei , Jiang Dechen , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Juan
Published: May 2022

The use of double‐barreled nanopipette (θ‐nanopipette) to electrically sample, manipulate, or detect biomaterials has recently seen strong growth in single‐cell studies, driven by the potential of the nanodevices and applications that they may enable. Considering the pivotal roles of Na/K ratio (RNa/K) at cellular level, herein we describe an engineered θ‐nanopipette for measuring single‐cell RNa/K. The two independently addressable nanopores, located within one nanotip, allow respective customization of functional nucleic acids but simultaneous deciphering of Na and K levels inside a single cell of a non‐Faradic manner. Two ionic current rectification signals, corresponding to the Na‐ and K‐specific smart DNA responses, could be easily used to derive the RNa/K. The applicability of this nanotool is validated by practical probing intracellular RNa/K during the drug‐induced primary stage of apoptotic volume decrease. Especially, the RNa/K has been shown by our nanotool to be different in cell lines with different metastatic potential. This work is expected to contribute to futuristic study of single‐cell RNa/K in various physiological and pathological processes.
The impact of wood dust on pulmonary function and blood immunoglobulin E, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C‐ reactive protein: A cross‐sectional study among sawmill workers in Tangail, Bangladesh
Authors: Mogal Md. Roman , Islam Md. Didarul , Hasan Md. Ikbal , Junayed Asadullah , Sompa Sagarika Adhikary , Mahmod Md. Rashel , Akter Aklima , Abedin Md. Zainul , Sikder Md. Asaduzzaman
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Occupational exposure to wood dust leads to lung function abnormalities that are prominent causes of morbidity and disability of sawmill workers. The adverse respiratory effects of wood dust in sawmills have not been studied thoroughly in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the effect of wood dust on the respiratory health of sawmill workers compared to controls as well as to determine the association of wood dust‐exposing effects with inflammatory blood biomarkers, such as immunoglobulin E (IgE), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C‐reactive protein (CRP).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 100 sawmill workers from 25 distinct sawmills in various areas of Tangail, Bangladesh as well as 100 healthy volunteers who were adopted as a control group. Questionaries' survey and pulmonary function tests were performed face to face. Furthermore, after performing lung function tests, blood was drawn for further IgE, ESR, and CRP analyses.

Results

Respiratory symptoms including breathlessness (32%), coughing (39%), sneezing (43%), chest tightness (30%), and itching (40%) were significantly higher in sawmill workers compared with control. Besides, sawmill workers' exposure to wood dust revealed a significantly lower level of spirometry parameters (forced vital capacity ​​​​​[FVC], FVC (%), forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], FEV1 (%), peak expiratory flow [PEF], PEF (%), FEV1/FVC (%), FEF25, FEF75, and FEF2575) compared with control and these spirometry parameters decreased with the increasing length of service. Moreover, a significantly higher level of IgE was observed in sawmill workers (290.90 ± 39.49) than in the control (120.95 ± 23.00). The high level of IgE suggests that the lower pulmonary function may be linked to allergic responses to wood dust among sawmill workers.

Conclusion

This study suggested that exposure to wood dust can cause impairment of respiratory function along with high IgE levels.
Pericardial effusion among children: Retrospective analysis of the etiology and short‐term outcome in a referral center in the south of Iran
Authors: Mehdizadegan Nima , Mohammadi Hamid , Amoozgar Hamid , Pournajaf Samira , Edraki Mohammad Reza , Naghshzan Amir , Yazdani Mohammad Nima
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

We reinvestigated the causes, symptoms, and management of childhood pericardial effusion (PE) and its gradual changes during recent years in a referral pediatric cardiology center in the south of Iran.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the profile of PE patients who were under 18 years old from 2015 to 2020. The patient's demographic, clinical, and paraclinical information was extracted and analyzed using SPSS software.

Result

In general, 150 out of 63,736 admitted patients (0.23% of the total pediatric admissions) were diagnosed with PE (male/female 1:1.17). The median age was 3.25 years (range:\ 2 days to 18 years; interquartile range: 9.5), and 50% of them were under 3 years of age. 32.6% had moderate to severe PE. Most patients presented with acute symptoms (68%) and respiratory problems, as the most common symptoms (30.6%). Tamponade signs were presented in 2% (n = 3) of the patients, and 80.7% (n = 121) were in a stable hemodynamic condition. In total, renal failure (22%) and parapneumonic effusion were the leading etiologies. Viral (7%) and bacterial (5%) pericarditis were the seventh and eighth causes; however, in severe cases, renal failure (22%) and bacterial pericarditis (14%) were dominant. In total, 14.1% (n = 21) of the patients needed pericardiocentesis that increased to 78.3% (n = 18) in severe cases. Only 6% had persistent PE for more than 3 months.

Conclusion

Childhood PE is mostly a result of renal failure and noninfectious causes. True pericarditis cases are not common, except in severe cases. It is more common in less than 3‐year‐old patients, and chronicity is rare. Severe cases had a high chance of pericardiocentesis, but other cases were mainly managed by treatment of the underlying causes.
Retracted: COVID‐19 mortality and its predictors in the elderly: A systematic review
Authors: Dadras Omid , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Karimi Amirali , Shamsabadi Ahmadreza , Qaderi Kowsar , Ramezani Maryam , Mirghaderi Seyed Peyman , Mahdiabadi Sara , Vahedi Farzin , Saeidi Solmaz , Shojaei Alireza , Mehrtak Mohammad , Azar Shiva A. , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Voltarelli Fabrício A.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Older people have higher rates of comorbidities and may experience more severe inflammatory responses; therefore, are at higher risk of death. Herein, we aimed to systematically review the mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients and its predictors in this age group.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct using relevant keywords. Retrieved records underwent a two‐step screening process consisting of title/abstract and full‐text screenings to identify the eligible studies.

Results

Summarizing findings of 35 studies demonstrated that older patients have higher mortality rates compared to the younger population. A review of articles revealed that increasing age, body mass index, a male gender, dementia, impairment or dependency in daily activities, presence of consolidations on chest X‐ray, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and lower oxygen saturation at admission were risk factors for death. High d‐dimer levels, 25‐hydroxy vitamin D serum deficiencies, high C‐reactive protein (≥5 mg/L) levels plus any other abnormalities of lymphocyte, higher blood urea nitrogen or lactate dehydrogenase, and higher platelet count were predictors of poor prognosis and mortality in the elderly. Studies have also shown that previous treatment with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, pharmacological treatments of respiratory disorders, antibiotics, corticosteroids, vitamin K antagonist, antihistamines, azithromycin, Itolizumab (an anti‐CD6 monoclonal antibody) in combination with other antivirals reduces COVID‐19 worsening and mortality. Vaccination against seasonal influenza might also reduce COVID‐19 mortality.

Conclusion

Overall, a critical consideration is necessary for the care and management of COVID‐19 in the aged population considering the drastic contrasts in manifestation and prognosis compared to other age groups. Mortality from COVID‐19 is independently associated with the patient's age. Elderly patients with COVID‐19 are more vulnerable to poor outcomes. Thus, strict preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and aggressive therapeutic/nontherapeutic care are of great importance to reduce acute respiratory distress syndrome and severe complications in older people.
Assessment of the maternal death surveillance and response implementation process in Burkina Faso
Authors: Yameogo Wambi M.E. , Nadine Ghilat Paré/Belem W. , Millogo Tieba , Kouanda Seni , Ouédraogo Charlemagne M.R.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) implementation process in two health districts in Burkina Faso and identify factors that have affected implementation.

Methods

We conducted a case study in two health districts selected by purposive sampling according to location (rural or urban) during the period 2015–2016. Data gathering consisted of semi‐structured interviews with several health personnel involved in the implementation process.

Results

Identification and notification of deaths varied depending on the facility. Maternal death review sessions were irregular, and the completion rate was lower in urban areas The community component has not yet been implemented and review of newborn deaths is not yet standard practice. Follow‐up and implementation of the review recommendations were inadequate.

Conclusion

Implementation of the MDSR system in Burkina Faso remains in progress. Improvements are needed in notification of deaths occurring at community level, monitoring and evaluation, and integration of newborn deaths into the process.
Synergistic effects of fluid shear stress and adhesion morphology on the apoptosis and osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jiao Fei , Xu Jiayi , Zhao Yang , Ye Chongyang , Sun Qing , Liu Chenglin , Huo Bo
Published: May 2022

Mechanical microenvironments, such as characteristics defining mechanical environments and fluid flow play an important role in steering the fate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the synergistic effect of adhesion morphology and fluid flow on the biological behavior of MSCs is seldom investigated. In this article, 0.5 or 0.8 Pa fluid shear stress (FSS) was applied to the MSCs on micropatterned substrates, and the apoptosis and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs were measured by double fluorescent staining. Results showed that the cellular adhesion patterns with low circularity and large area are beneficial to the osteogenic differentiation of individual MSCs. Meanwhile, FSS facilitated osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, as shown by the expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and collagen I. In addition, nuclear transfer of Yes‐associated protein, a transcriptional regulator in MSCs, was enhanced after being exposed to FSS. These results demonstrated the synergistic effects of FSS and adhesion morphology in directing the fate of MSCs, and these effects may be adopted to design bio‐functional substrates for cell transplantation in tissue engineering.
Personal perspective on the work of Edith J. Chu and Jui Hsin Wang, and their influence on my research of the heme‐O2 complex and heme d1
Authors: Chang Chi Kwong
Published: May 2022

In the first half of the 20th century, the best‐known Chinese woman chemist was Professor Edith Ju‐Hwa Chu (朱汝華). In the 1960–1970s, the world's most prestigious Chinese‐born chemist was Jui Hsin Wang (王瑞駪), Eugene Higgins Professor at Yale and later, Einstein Professor at SUNY Buffalo. They both studied under Chao‐Lun Tseng—the founding editor of this journal—and both made important contributions to the field of porphyrin and heme. This review profiles these two chemists, their work, and the challenges they faced, with an emphasis on the circumstances leading to their best‐known accomplishments. The remainder of the article describes two advances—the discovery of reversible O2‐binding heme and the unusual structure of d1 heme—influenced by Chu's and Wang's pioneering work, which became milestones in the author's own research and in this field of study.
Function and regulation of GPX4 in the development and progression of fibrotic disease
Authors: Li Zhaobing , Zhu Zigui , Liu Yulu , Liu Yannan , Zhao Hong
Published: May 2022

Fibrosis is a common feature of fibrotic diseases that poses a serious threat to global health due to high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. There exist some chemical compounds and biomolecules associated with the development of fibrosis, including cytokines, hormones, and enzymes. Among them, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), as a selenoprotein antioxidant enzyme, is widely found in the embryo, testis, brain, liver, heart, and photoreceptor cells. Moreover, it is shown that GPX4 elicits diverse biological functions by suppressing phospholipid hydroperoxide at the expense of decreased glutathione (GSH), including loss of neurons, autophagy, cell repair, inflammation, ferroptosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Interestingly, these processes are intimately related to the occurrence of fibrotic disease. Recently, GPX4 has been reported to exhibit a decline in fibrotic disease and inhibit fibrosis, suggesting that alterations of GPX4 can change the course or dictate the outcome of fibrotic disease. In this review, we summarize the role and underlying mechanisms of GPX4 in fibrosis diseases such as lung fibrosis, liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and myelofibrosis.
Pituitary Effects of Metformin in Men With Early‐Onset Androgenic Alopecia
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Kowalcze Karolina , Okopień Bogusław
Published: May 2022

Males with early‐onset androgenic alopecia are characterized by elevated androgen levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the presence of this condition modulates the impact of metformin on pituitary hormone production. This study compared 2 groups of young men with prediabetes, matched for age, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity: 23 subjects with early‐onset male‐pattern baldness (group 1) and 25 individuals with normal hair growth (group 2). Throughout the study, both groups were treated with metformin for 6 months. Circulating levels of glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, gonadotropins, thyrotropin, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and androgens were determined at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. At entry, luteinizing hormone (LH), the LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone ratio, total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were higher in group 1 than in group 2. The effect of metformin on fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, and glycated hemoglobin was more pronounced in group 2 than in group 1. Only in group 1, metformin reduced LH levels and the LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone ratio. Metformin did not affect plasma levels of the remaining hormones. In untreated men with androgenic alopecia (group 3, n = 22), glucose homeostasis markers and hormone levels remained similar throughout the study period. The obtained results suggest that the impact of metformin on gonadotroph secretory function is stronger in men with early‐onset androgenic alopecia than in men with normal hair growth. Metformin treatment may protect men with early‐onset androgenic alopecia against the development of gonadotroph hyperplasia and/or focal testicular changes.
Stray capacitances calculation and harmonic measurement of capacitor voltage transformer
Authors: Zhu Tiechao , Shao Zhenguo , Nie Yixiong
Published: May 2022

When the manufacturers produce capacitor voltage transformers (CVT), the function of harmonic measurement is not considered. Therefore, this paper explores methods to solve the problems of harmonic measurement from the perspective of manufacturers. Using the amplitude‐frequency characteristic curve of CVT under no‐load condition and standard environment as the benchmark, the estimation method of stray capacitance parameters in CVT based on CSO algorithm is proposed. Besides, in order to improve the accuracy of harmonic correction of CVT in different operating environments, this paper deeply studies the influence of oil temperature and industrial frequency on internal parameters and harmonic transfer characteristics of CVT. On this basis, this paper proposes a correction method of CVT harmonic transfer characteristic curves under different operating environments based on BP neural network algorithm. Finally, under the actual operating environment, calculating the amplitude‐frequency characteristic curve of CVT by utilizing the actual harmonic voltages at the secondary side of the CVT and RCVT, and comparing it with the amplitude‐frequency characteristic curve of CVT predicted by the BP neural network. The results show that the proposed methods are effective and feasible.
Bacillus aryabhattaiLAD impacts rhizosphere bacterial community structure and promotes maize plant growth
Authors: Deng Chao , Zhang Ning , Liang Xiaolong , Huang Tao , Li Bingxue
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria may significantly impact the soil microbial community and the growth of plant roots and have critical roles in soil ecosystem functioning. However, the interactions between rhizobacteria and plants are extremely complicated and remain understudied.

RESULTS

In this study, a Bacillus strain was isolated from a long‐term maize colonization soil and identified as Bacillus aryabhattai strain LAD. Laboratory tests showed that B. aryabhattai LAD had phosphate‐solubilizing and nitrogen‐fixing functions that benefit plant growth. The effects of LAD cultures on the root system development of corn seedlings and the structure of rhizosphere bacterial communities were studied. The most significant stimulations of LAD culture on plant growth were observed at a cell density of 102 CFU mL−1. Treatment with LAD culture in hydroponics caused an increase of 107%, 197%, and 25% in the shoot length, total root length, and main root thickness respectively. The LAD treatment also significantly affected the rhizosphere microbial abundance and community structure. The rhizobacterial abundance and species richness in the corn seedlings treated with LAD culture were significantly lower than those in the control group. However, the LAD‐treated samples had higher relative abundances of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria like Bacillus and Burkholderia than the control samples did, suggesting that LAD treatment may facilitate the mutualistic relation between the rhizosphere microbiome and the plant.

CONCLUSION

These results collectively demonstrated that LAD is capable of shaping the rhizosphere microbial community structure and functions as a plant growth‐promoting agent, which makes it a strong candidate for application as bio‐fertilizer in agricultural systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers
Authors: Liu Dandan , Saikam Varma , Skrada Katie A. , Merlin Didier , Iyer Suri S.
Published: May 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized as chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which includes two main subtypes, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Endoscopy combined with biopsy is the most effective way to establish IBD diagnosis and disease management. Imaging techniques have also been developed to monitor IBD. Although effective, the methods are expensive and invasive, which leads to pain and discomfort. Alternative noninvasive biomarkers are being explored as tools for IBD prognosis and disease management. This review focuses on novel biomarkers that have emerged in recent years. These serological biomarkers and microRNAs could potentially be used for disease management in IBD, thereby decreasing patient discomfort and morbidity.
Construction of three‐gene‐based prognostic signature and analysis of immune cells infiltration in children and young adults with B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Xiang Chunli , Wu Jie , Yu Liang
Published: May 2022

Background

Although B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) patients' survival has been improved dramatically, some cases still relapse. This study aimed to explore the prognosis‐related novel differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for predicting the overall survival (OS) of children and young adults (CAYAs) with B‐ALL and analyze the immune‐related factors contributing to poor prognosis.

Methods

GSE48558 and GSE79533 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and clinical sample information and mRNA‐seq from Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database were retrieved. Prognosis‐related key genes were enrolled to build a Cox proportional model using multivariate Cox regression. Five‐year OS of patients, clinical characteristic relevance and clinical independence were assessed based on the model. The mRNA levels of prognosis‐related genes were validated in our samples and the difference of immune cells composition between high‐risk and low‐risk patients were compared.

Results

One hundred and twelve DEGs between normal B cells and B‐ALL cells were identified based on GSE datasets. They were mainly participated in protein binding and HIF‐1 signaling pathway. One hundred and eighty‐nine clinical samples were enrolled in the study, both Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis showed that CYBB, BCL2A1, IFI30, and EFNB1 were associated with prognosis, CYBB, BCL2A1, and EFNB1 were used to construct prognostic risk model. Moreover, compared to clinical indicators, the three‐gene signature was an independent prognostic factor for CAYAs with B‐ALL. Finally, the mRNA levels of CYBB, BCL2A1, and EFNB1 were significantly lower in B‐ALL group as compared to controls. The high‐risk group had a significantly higher percentage of infiltrated immune cells.

Conclusion

We constructed a novel three‐gene signature with independent prognostic factor for predicting 5‐year OS of CAYAs with B‐ALL. Additionally, we discovered the difference of immune cells composition between high‐risk and low‐risk groups. This study may help to customize individual treatment and improve prognosis of CAYAs with B‐ALL.
Robust reliable ℋ∞ control for offshore steel jacket platforms via memory sampled‐data strategy
Authors: Saravanakumar Ramasamy , Kazemy Ali , Cao Yang
Published: May 2022

This article deals with robust reliable
control‐based stabilization criteria for offshore steel jacket platforms (OSJPs) via memory sampled‐data control (SDC) with parameter uncertainty. By applying the memory SDC design into control input, a new stabilization criterion is derived that reduces the wave‐induced vibration of the OSJP. The looped‐functional approach is adopted to obtain sufficient conditions for the uncertain offshore platform system to resolve the stabilization of OSJP and achieve a reliable SDC design with a disturbance attenuation level
. Furthermore, free‐matrix‐based (FMB) integral inequality and linear matrix inequality techniques are used to facilitate the derivation of key results. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and significance of the proposed approach.
Development of a new advanced elastoplastic constitutive model that considers soil behavior at small strains. The EPHYSS model
Authors: Castellón Javier , Ledesma Alberto
Published: May 2022

The Elastoplastic Hysteretic Small Strain (EPHYSS) model is an advanced elastoplastic model as a result from the combination of the Hysteretic Quasi‐Hypoelastic (HQH) model that considers strain‐induced anisotropy and can reproduce the nonlinear reversible, hysteretic and dependent on recent history soil behavior, and the Cap‐Cone Hardening Soil Modified (HSMOD) model that can reproduce soil plastic behavior. EPHYSS model uses state variables that define different short and long‐term memory levels which provide it with robustness for the reproduction of soil hysteretic behavior and confers it a great versatility and adaptability to experimental results. It also corrects some inconsistencies of the Hardening Soil with Small Strain Stiffness (HS‐SS) model of Plaxis whose effects can have a considerable influence on the numerical simulations of boundary problems. The performance of EPHYSS and a comparison with the HS‐SS model is presented in some experimental and numerical tests, and in a boundary value problem of a large excavation in Barcelona.
Propagation mechanisms and parametric influence in multiple interacting hydraulic fractures: A 3‐D G/XFEM hydro‐mechanical modeling
Authors: Mukhtar Faisal M. , Shauer Nathan , Duarte C. Armando
Published: May 2022

Using a robust three‐dimensional generalized/eXtended finite element method (G/XFEM) algorithm, this paper presents a comprehensive study on multiple hydraulic fracture propagation and their interactions under different treatment conditions. Aimed at capturing the complex multiphysics behavior, the resulting nonplanar fracture footprints under mixed‐mode conditions are simulated using a formulation, which couples the solid/rock domain equations and the fluid flow within the fractures/crevices. Due to the small length scale of the fracture process zone relative to the surrounding formation size, as typically encountered in tight shale reservoirs, linear elastic fracture mechanics based on a regularized Irwin criterion is adopted to describe the fractured solid/rock response while a power law is used for the fluid flow by assuming a Newtonian fluid behavior. Equipped with the capability for mesh adaptivity and automatic time step search algorithms, the G/XFEM utilized to discretize the resulting system of coupled nonlinear equations allows the adoption of independent meshes for the background solid domain and the fracture surfaces without any matching/compatibility requirement between the two. Fracture propagation directions are decided based on the modes I, II, and III stress intensity factors that are extracted using the displacement correlation method. The presented model is first applied to a pair of misaligned fractures and then to an array of en échelon fractures for qualitative verification against a literature prediction by the boundary element method (BEM) and an observed field behavior, respectively. Next, simulation of several sets and configurations of multiple hydraulic fractures, resulting in a total of 23 parametric studies, are carried out to investigate the influences of fracture spacing, injection fluid viscosity, number of fracture clusters, and the type of remote stress conditions.
The barriers to regulating the online world: Insights from UK debates on online political advertising
Authors: Dommett Katharine , Zhu Junyan
Published: May 2022

Online political advertising has grown rapidly over the last two decades and played an important role in campaigns and elections. Arising with it are concerns around issues such as data privacy and transparency, which have sparked calls for regulation. Whilst change has begun to be implemented, in many contexts moves to regulate online political advertising have been limited. In this article, we explore one such case, asking whether attempts to regulate have been hindered by the particular characteristics of digital technology or by wider political factors. Presenting new interview data examining the experiences and perceptions of regulators, policy makers, civil servants, civil society groups and academics in the United Kingdom, we distil three barriers: political reticence, logistical challenges and conflicting policy proposals. Our findings suggest that efforts to regulate online phenomena need to apply a media and politics‐centric lens, considering how the technological traits of digital media and political factors can affect efforts to regulate.