bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Cytotoxic Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride/ Potassium Iodide Agent on Human Peripheral Lymphocytes
Authors: Özüdoğru Semanur , Akbaba Giray Buğra , Coşkun Fikret Özgür
Published: March 2022

Aim: To investigate cytotoxicity effect of different concentrations of Silver Diamine Fluoride/Potassium Iodide agent on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the effects of SDF (0.38%, 3.8% and 38%) and KI (4%, 58.3%) on cell viability on human lymphocytes after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h of incubation.

Results: MTT test results demonstrated that cell viability decreased as concentrations of SDF increased. 0.38 % SDF was observed to induce the highest cell death after 72 h of contact. At 3.8 % and 38 %, SDF were found to be cytotoxic on human lymphocytes at all application periods.  KI solutions at 4 %, 58.3 % concentrations did not show cytotoxicity effect at 24 h exposure, conversely, which resulted in cell proliferation, while moderate cytotoxicity was observed at incubation periods for 48 h and 72 h.

Conclusion: SDF was found to be cytotoxic to human peripheral lymphocytes at all three concentrations and at all exposure times.  KI solutions showed cell proliferation in the first 24 hours, which is important in determining the protocol for the use of this solution in clinical procedures, especially in dentistry.
Association of Inflammatory Markers with Metabolic Syndrome among Pre & Post-menopausal Women
Authors: Shaikh Khalida , Khowaja Shabnam Aijaz , Marvee . , Pathan Ghulam Nabi , Memon Bilal Razaque , Memon Areeba
Published: March 2022

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) comprises of an array of clinical, physiological, metabolic and biochemical disturbances; associated with a systemic inflammatory response. The debilitating condition entails high morbidity and mortality and thus it is important to identify and resolve it timely; a goal which may be achieved with the help of biomarkers. Fibrinogen and hsCRP; highly sensitive C-reactive protein, are found to be increased in acute inflammations. The raised quantity is indicative of underlying inflammatory states and thus may be relevant to MetS.

Objectives: To determine the association of inflammatory markers with metabolic syndrome among pre & post-menopausal women.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was carried out on a sample of 278 women (aged at or above 25 years) presenting to the Outpatient Department of General Medicine and the Obstetrics – Gynecology at Liaquat University Hospital (Hyderabad) from 01-02-2020 to 01-10-2020. Data was collected using a structured interview-based proforma which include information about biodata and sociodemographic details of research participants and biochemical analysis (CRP, DLC and fibrinogen and insulin measurement).

Results: In this study a cumulative MetS prevalence was found out to be around 60% (63.7% as per IDF criteria and (57.6% as per ATP-III classifications). Women with MetS had higher levels of CRP and fibrinogen. Women with high fibrinogen levels and CRP suffered with more type of metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusion: The findings of this studies showed that with total body fat and fat percentage, body mass-index, have a positive association with the studied inflammatory markers (CRP and fibrinogen).
Intestinal Obstruction Etiology, Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Elmisbah Haider Osman Ibn Idris , Alonezy Abdulazez Aweed Mehdy , Alanazi Sulaiman Turki Arfaj , Alanazi Sultan Nawi Arfaj
Published: March 2022

Bowel obstruction is a leading cause of illness and mortality in the United States. Mechanical intrinsic luminal blockage or extrinsic compression are the causes of bowel obstruction. A full blood count and a metabolic panel must be performed on patients with suspected blockage in the laboratory. Patients with simple emesis may develop hypokalemic, hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Dryness is associated with higher blood urea nitrogen levels, as well as increased haemoglobin and hematocrit levels. It's possible that your white blood cell count will rise. When the forward movement of intestinal contents is interrupted, acute intestinal blockage occurs. This disruption can occur anywhere throughout the gastrointestinal tract's length. The treatment of intestinal blockage focuses on reversing the physiologic changes caused by the obstruction, bowel rest, and eliminating the obstruction's source. The goal of this study is to learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of intestinal blockage.
Role of Fast Gas Chromatography in Food Analysis
Authors: Micalizzi Giuseppe , Dugo Paola , Tranchida Peter Q. , Mondello Luigi
Published: March 2022

Fast gas chromatography (GC) has taken relevant position in separation science. The term fast GC clearly indicates an analytical approach characterized by the best resolving power in the last amount of time. Numerous approaches have been developed and applied to achieve high‐speed analysis in food field. Nevertheless, interest in the development and implementation of fast GC methodologies continues to increment. For a successful application, it is necessary to take in mind some key theoretical and practical concepts. Great attention has been dedicated to basic principles as well as different fast GC approaches. In such respect, the strong and weak points of micro‐bore and short capillary column, vacuum‐outlet conditions, and resistive heating have been discussed in detail. Finally, fast GC applications in food sector, grouped in fast GC analysis (3–15 min), very fast GC analysis (1–3 min), and ultra‐fast GC analysis (<1 min) have been reported.
Composite‐observer‐based adaptive robust control of electrical‐optical gyro‐stabilized platform with largely unknown modeling uncertainties and partial state feedback
Authors: Yang Yang , Wu Yuefei , Yang Fengbo
Published: March 2022

In this article, a desired compensation version of the output feedback controller (DOFCESO) without using velocity measurement signal is proposed for precise tracking control of the three‐axis electrical‐optical gyro‐stabilized platform in the presence of largely unknown matched and mismatched modeling uncertainties. The proposed controller takes into account not only the system parametric deviations as well as the unmeasurable signal and external disturbances. To further handle the unmeasurable signal and the external disturbances, the composite extended state observer and nonlinear disturbance observer are constructed simultaneously via integrating adaptive nonlinear feedback tracking control design. To address the uncertainties arising from parametric deviations and external disturbances, the parameter adaptation mechanism is incorporated into the composite observer design to estimates of both the unmeasurable signal and the mismatched disturbance in the adaptive backstepping design. The tracking differentiator design is introduced here to estimate the derivative of the virtual control, leading to a much simpler control structure and reduced implementation costs. Furthermore, the proposed controller guarantees final tracking accuracy in the presence of time‐invariant modeling uncertainties and preserves the performance results of both control methods while overcoming their practical performance limitations. Extensive comparative experimental results are obtained to verify the high‐performance nature of the proposed control strategy.
Tri‐Layered and Gel‐Like Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Anisotropic Features for Engineering Heart Valve Leaflets
Authors: Wu Shaohua , Li Yiran , Zhang Caidan , Tao Litao , Kuss Mitchell , Lim Jung Yul , Butcher Jonathan , Duan Bin
Published: March 2022

3D heterogeneous and anisotropic scaffolds that approximate native heart valve tissues are indispensable for the successful construction of tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs). In this study, novel tri‐layered and gel‐like nanofibrous scaffolds, consisting of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) and poly(aspartic acid) (PASP), are fabricated by a combination of positive/negative conjugate electrospinning and bioactive hydrogel post‐processing. The nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds present tri‐layered structures, resulting in anisotropic mechanical properties that are comparable with native heart valve leaflets. Biological tests show that nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds with high PASP ratios significantly promote the proliferation and collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) secretions of human aortic valvular interstitial cells (HAVICs), compared to PLGA scaffolds. Importantly, the nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds are found to effectively inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of HAVICs. Two types of porcine VICs, from young and adult age groups, are further seeded onto the PLGA‐PASP scaffolds. The adult VICs secrete higher amounts of collagens and GAGs and undergo a significantly higher level of osteogenic differentiation than young VICs. RNA sequencing analysis indicates that age has a pivotal effect on the VIC behaviors. This study provides important guidance and a reference for the design and development of 3D tri‐layered, gel‐like nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds for TEHV applications.
16.52% Efficiency All‐Polymer Solar Cells with High Tolerance of the Photoactive Layer Thickness
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Sun Chenkai , Angunawela Indunil , Meng Lei , Qin Shucheng , Zhou Liuyang , Li Shaman , Zhuo Hongmei , Yang Guang , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Ade Harald , Li Yongfang
Published: March 2022

All‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) have drawn growing attention and achieved tremendous progress recently, but their power conversion efficiency (PCE) still lags behind small‐molecule‐acceptor (SMA)‐based PSCs due to the relative difficulty on morphology control of polymer photoactive blends. Here, low‐cost PTQ10 is introduced as a second polymer donor (a third component) into the PM6:PY‐IT blend to finely tune the energy‐level matching and microscopic morphology of the polymer blend photoactive layer. The addition of PTQ10 decreases the π–π stacking distance, and increases the π–π stacking coherence length and the ordered face‐on molecular packing orientation, which improves the charge separation and transport in the photoactive layer. Moreover, the deeper highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of the PTQ10 polymer donor than PM6 leads to higher open‐circuit voltage of the ternary all‐PSCs. As a result, a PCE of 16.52% is achieved for ternary all‐PSCs, which is one of the highest PCEs for all‐PSCs. In addition, the ternary devices exhibit a high tolerance of the photoactive layer thickness with high PCEs of 15.27% and 13.91% at photoactive layer thickness of ≈205 and ≈306 nm, respectively, which are the highest PCEs so far for all‐PSCs with a thick photoactive layer.
A Robust Memristor Based on Epitaxial Vertically Aligned Nanostructured BaTiO3−CeO2 Films on Silicon
Authors: Yan Xiaobing , He Haidong , Liu Gongjie , Zhao Zhen , Pei Yifei , Liu Pan , Zhao Jianhui , Zhou Zhenyu , Wang Kaiyang , Yan Hongwei
Published: March 2022

With the exploration of ferroelectric materials, researchers have a strong desire to explore the next generation of non‐volatile ferroelectric memory with silicon‐based epitaxy, high‐density storage, and algebraic operations. Herein, a silicon‐based memristor with an epitaxial vertically aligned nanostructures BaTiO3–CeO2 film based on La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/SrTiO3/Si substrate is reported. The ferroelectric polarization reversal is optimized through the continuous exploring of growth temperature, and the epitaxial structure is obtained, thus it improves the resistance characteristic, the multi‐value storage function of five states is achieved, and the robust endurance characteristic can reach 109 cycles. In the synapse plasticity modulated by pulse voltage process, the function of the spiking‐time‐dependent plasticity and paired‐pulse facilitation is simulated successfully. More importantly, the algebraic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are realized by using fast speed pulse of the width ≈50 ns. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network is constructed for identifying the CIFAR‐10 dataset, to simulate the performance of the device; the online and offline learning recognition rate reach 90.03% and 92.55%, respectively. Overall, this study paves the way for memristors with silicon‐based epitaxial ferroelectric films to realize multi‐value storage, algebraic operations, and neural computing chip applications.
Mesoporous Single Crystals with Fe‐Rich Skin for Ultralow Overpotential in Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhao Yongzhi , Liu Luan , Qin Wanjun , Liu Sijia , Tu Juping , Qin Yunpu , Liu Jianfang , Wu Haoyang , Zhang Deyin , Chu Aimin , Jia Baorui , Qu Xuanhui , Qin Mingli
Published: March 2022

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key reaction in water splitting and metal–air batteries, and transition metal hydroxides have demonstrated the most electrocatalytic efficiency. Making the hydroxides thinner for more surface commonly fails to increase the active site number, because the real active sites are the edges. Up to now, the overpotentials of most state‐of‐the‐art OER electrocatalysts at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 (η10) are still larger than 200 mV. Herein, a novel design of mesoporous single crystal (MSC) with an Fe‐rich skin to boost the OER is shown. The edges around the mesopores provide lots of real active sites and the Fe modification on these sites further improves the intrinsic activity. As a result, an ultralow η10 of 185 mV is achieved, and the turnover frequency based on Fe atoms is as high as 16.9 s−1 at an overpotential of 350 mV. Moreover, the catalyst has an excellent catalytic stability, indicated by a negligible current drop after 10 000 cyclic voltammetry cycles. The catalyst enables Zn–air batteries to run stably over 270 h with a low charge voltage of 1.89 V. This work shows that MSC materials can provide new opportunities for the design of electrocatalysts.
Accurately Localizing Multiple Nanoparticles in a Multishelled Matrix Through Shell‐to‐Core Evolution for Maximizing Energy‐Storage Capability
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Jiangyan , Bi Ruyi , Yang Nailiang , Wan Jiawei , Jiang Hongyu , Gu Lin , Du Jiang , Cao Anmin , Gao Wei , Wang Dan
Published: March 2022

Robust and fast lithium energy storage with a high energy density is highly desired to accelerate the market adoption of electric vehicles. To realize such a goal requires the development of electrode materials with a high capacity, however, such electrode materials suffer from huge volume expansion and induced short cycling life. Here, using tin (Sn) as an example, an ideal structure is designed to effectively solve these problems by separately localizing multiple Sn nanoparticles in a nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow multishelled structure with duplicated layers for carbon shell (Sn NPs@NxC HoMS‐DL). The fabricated composite can promote ion and electron diffusion owing to the conductive network formed by connected multiple shells and cores, effectively buffer the volume expansion, and maintain a stable electrode–electrolyte interface. Despite the challenging fabrication, such a structure is realized through an innovative and facile synthesis strategy of “in situ evolution of shell to core”, which is applicable for diverse low‐melting‐point materials. As expected, such a structure enables the high‐capacity electrode material to realize nearly its theoretical lithium‐storage capability: the developed Sn NPs@NxC HoMS‐DL electrode maintains 96% of its theoretical capacity after 2000 cycles at 2C.
A Tumor Microenvironments‐Adapted Polypeptide Hydrogel/Nanogel Composite Boosts Antitumor Molecularly Targeted Inhibition and Immunoactivation
Authors: Li Zhongmin , Xu Weiguo , Yang Jiazhen , Wang Juan , Wang Jialiang , Zhu Ge , Li Di , Ding Jianxun , Sun Tianmeng
Published: March 2022

Various macro/microscopic biomaterials have been developed for controlled drug delivery in the combination therapy of malignancies. However, uncertain loading ratio, release sequence, and spatiotemporal distribution of drugs hinder their synergistic therapeutic effects and clinical applications. In this work, a tumor microenvironments‐adapted composite consisting of a thermosensitive hydrogel and a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive nanogel is developed for precisely sequential drug release to enhance molecularly targeted therapy and amplify immune activation. LY3200882 (LY), a selective transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) inhibitor, is encapsulated in the ROS‐responsive nanogel and dispersed uniformly with regorafenib (REG) in a thermosensitive hydrogel (Gel/(REG+NG/LY)). After in situ administration, REG is preferentially released from the hydrogel to inhibit tumor growth and promote ROS generation, which triggers the subsequent on‐demand release of LY from the nanogel. LY contributes to preventing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and immune escape of tumor cells induced by elevated TGF‐β. In subcutaneous and orthotopic colorectal tumor bearing mouse models, Gel/(REG+NG/LY) effectively inhibits tumor growth and liver metastases by increasing the tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells, reducing the recruitment of tumor‐associated macrophages and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and promoting the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 type, indicating the significant potential in improving the prognosis of advanced cancer patients.
An Epitaxial Ferroelectric ScAlN/GaN Heterostructure Memory
Authors: Wang Ding , Wang Ping , Mondal Shubham , Mohanty Subhajit , Ma Tao , Ahmadi Elaheh , Mi Zetian
Published: March 2022

Electrically switchable bistable conductance that occurs in ferroelectric materials has attracted growing interest due to its promising applications in data storage and in‐memory computing. Sc‐alloyed III‐nitrides have emerged as a new class of ferroelectrics, which not only enable seamless integration with III‐nitride technology but also provide an alternative solution for CMOS back end of line integration. In this paper, the resistive switching behavior and memory effect in an ultrawide‐bandgap, high Curie temperature, fully epitaxial ferroelectric ScAlN/GaN heterostructure is reported for the first time. The structure exhibits robust ON and OFF states that last for months at room temperature with rectifying ratios of 60–210, and further shows stable operation at high temperatures (≈670 K) that are close to or even above the Curie temperature of most conventional ferroelectrics. Detailed studies suggest that the underlying mechanism is directly related to a ferroelectric field effect induced charge reconstruction at the hetero‐interface. The robust resistive switching landscape and the electrical polarization engineering capability in the polar heterostructure, together with the promise to integrate with both silicon and GaN technologies, can pave the way for next‐generation memristors and further enable a broad range of multifunctional and cross‐field applications.
The Importance of Surface Oxygen for Lithiation and Morphology Evolution during Calcination of High‐Nickel NMC Cathodes
Authors: Wolfman Mark , Wang Xiaoping , Garcia Juan C. , Barai Pallab , Stubbs Joanne E. , Eng Peter J. , Kahvecioglu Ozge , Kinnibrugh Tiffany L. , Madsen Kenneth E. , Iddir Hakim , Srinivasan Venkat , Fister Tim T.
Published: March 2022

Nanoscale morphology has a direct impact on the performance of materials for electrochemical energy storage. Despite this importance, little is known about the evolution of primary particle morphology nor its effect on chemical pathways during synthesis. In this study, operando characterization is combined with atomic‐scale and continuum simulations to clarify the relationship between morphology of cathode primary particles and their lithiation during calcination of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC‐811). This combined approach reveals a key role for surface oxygen adsorption in facilitating the lithiation reaction by promoting metal diffusion and oxidation, and simultaneously providing surface sites for lithium insertion. Furthermore, oxygen surface termination is shown to increase the activation energy for sintering, leading to smaller primary particle sizes at intermediate temperatures. Smaller particles provide both shorter diffusion lengths for lithium incorporation and increased surface site density for lithium insertion. These insights provide a foundation for more tailored syntheses of cathode materials with optimized performance characteristics.
Comparison between robotic‐assisted and laparoscopic sphincter‐preserving operations for ultra‐low rectal cancer
Authors: Kojima Tadahiro , Hino Hitoshi , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Yamaoka Yusuke , Manabe Shoichi , Kato Shunichiro , Hanaoka Marie
Published: March 2022

Aim

Sphincter‐preserving operations for ultra‐low rectal cancer include low anterior and intersphincteric resection. In low anterior resection, the distal rectum is divided by a transabdominal approach, which is technically demanding. In intersphincteric resection, a perineal approach is used. We aimed to evaluate whether robotic‐assisted surgery is technically superior to laparoscopic surgery for ultra‐low rectal cancer. We compared the frequency of low anterior resection in cases of sphincter‐preserving operations.

Method

We investigated 183 patients who underwent sphincter‐preserving robotic‐assisted or laparoscopic surgery for ultra‐low rectal cancer (lower border within 5 cm of the anal verge) between April 2010 and March 2020. The frequency of low anterior resection was compared between laparoscopic and robotic‐assisted surgeries. The clinicopathological factors associated with an increase in performing low anterior resection were analyzed by multivariate analyses.

Results

Overall, 41 (22.4%) and 142 (77.6%) patients underwent laparoscopic and robotic‐assisted surgery, respectively. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. Low anterior resection was done significantly more frequently in robotic‐assisted surgery (67.6%) than in laparoscopic surgery (48.8%) (P = 0.04). Multivariate analyses showed that tumor distance from the anal verge (P < 0.01) and robotic‐assisted surgery (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with an increase in the performance of low anterior resection. The rate of postoperative complications or pathological results was similar between the groups.

Conclusion

Compared with laparoscopic surgery, robotic‐assisted surgery significantly increased the frequency of low anterior resection in sphincter‐preserving operations for ultra‐low rectal cancer. Robotic‐assisted surgery has technical superiority over laparoscopic surgery for ultra‐low rectal cancer treatment.
What do we know about the experiences of migrant care workers in Australia? A scoping study
Authors: Overgaard Charlotte , Withers Matt , Mcdermott Jakob
Published: March 2022

Migrant workers comprise a significant and growing segment of Australia's non‐professional frontline care workforce. In this article, we offer a scoping study of existing research to investigate what is known about the experiences of migrant workers employed in non‐professional care occupations in Australia. Through a systematic approach, which includes six discrete stages (Arksey and O‘Malley, 2005), we find a growing and substantial literature on migrants working in non‐professional care occupations in Australia. However, we also find that only a small number of studies are concerned with the experiences of migrant workers themselves. This article thematically maps out existing knowledge about these workers—including pathways in and out of paid care work, (under)utilisation of skills, cultural meanings attached to paid care work, experiences at work such as racism and language barriers, and finally how care work is situated in relation to workers’ private lives. We conclude by identifying major gaps in the literature and outlining important avenues for future research.
Tai Chi enhances cognitive training effects on delaying cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Li Binyin , Tang Huidong , He Guiying , Jin Zhijia , He Yixi , Huang Pei , He Naying , Chen Shengdi
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Cognitive training and physical exercise have shown positive effects on delaying progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia.

Methods

We explored the enhancing effect from Tai Chi when it was provided with cognitive training for MCI. In the first 12 months, the cognitive training group (CT) had cognitive training, and the mixed group (MixT) had additional Tai Chi training. In the second 12 months, training was only provided for a subgroup of MixT.

Results

In the first 12 months, MixT and CT groups were benefited from training. Compared to the CT group, MixT had additional positive effects with reference to baseline. In addition, Compared to short‐time training, prolonged mixed training further delayed decline in global cognition and memory. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed more increased regional activity in both CT and MixT.

Discussion

Tai Chi enhanced cognitive training effects in MCI. Moreover, Tai Chi and cognitive mixed training showed effects on delaying cognitive decline.
Green lubricants production from Nile tilapia waste and prediction of physical properties through molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Moreira Denise Ramos , Ferreira Elano Nery , Neto João Francisco Câmara , Bezerra Lucas Lima , Monteiro Norberto de Kássio Vieira , do Valle Camila Peixoto , Arruda Tathilene Bezerra Mota Gomes , de Lima Neto Pedro , Rodrigues Jailson Silva , Rodrigues Francisco Eduardo Arruda , Petzhold César Liberato , Maier Martin E. , Ricardo Nágila Maria Pontes Silva
Published: March 2022

Fish farming is a worldwide growing activity and a large amount of residues is produced in this process. The present work describes a cleaner and sustainable way to produce new lubricants from fish waste oil. Oil extracted from the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) viscera was utilized as raw material to produce basic oil for lubricants. The products were synthesized by esterification with polyols, trimethylolpropane (TMP) and pentaerythritol (PE), using p‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TSA) as catalyst. The synthesized esters were characterized by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Computational methods were used to predict the physical characteristics of the material. In addition, the main physicochemical properties were evaluated, as well as the thermal behavior and toxicity of the products against Artemia salina. The synthesized esters showed high viscosity indexes (VI > 150) and viscosities that fit the degree of application ISO‐46 and 150. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that at room temperature the lubricants Tilapia fatty acid ‐ trimethylolpropane ester (T‐TMPE) and Tilapia fatty acid ‐ pentaerythritol ester (T‐PEE) are in liquid and gel states, respectively, confirming the experimental data. The products did not present toxicity against A. salina. In this research, we reinforce the potential of using tilapia oil from waste to produce green lubricants as a strategy to reduce damage to the environment, as well as the use of computational methods that collaborate to predict physical properties of lubricants.
Expert Perspective: Management of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Patel Naomi J. , Stone John H.
Published: March 2022

The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitides (AAV) comprise a major subset of diseases that cause destructive inflammation of small and medium‐sized blood vessels. Although these conditions have a predilection for pulmonary and renal involvement, they are in fact protean diseases that can involve essentially any organ system. AAV is among the most difficult rheumatic diseases to diagnose and treat. Therapy for AAV has evolved over the past two decades. Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, is now the preferred agent for remission induction in conjunction with a reduced‐dose glucocorticoid taper. Rituximab is also often a key therapy for remission maintenance. Glucocorticoid toxicity reduction has become a major priority for treatment regimens. Avacopan, an important new adjunct to remission induction therapy, may reduce glucocorticoid use and its resulting toxicity. The role of avacopan as a remission maintenance agent requires further study. The duration of immunosuppression following remission is guided by a number of factors, including the patient's overall clinical state, the degree of damage from previous disease activity, the tolerability of remission maintenance medications, and SARS–CoV‐2 vaccination and immunity status. Certain features, including history of previous relapse, the presence of ANCA directed against proteinase 3, and a diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis, favor prolonged remission maintenance therapy. The interval between rituximab doses can usually be lengthened over time during the maintenance phase.
The impact of asynchronous online anatomy teaching and smaller learning groups in the anatomy laboratory on medical students’ performance during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chang Ming‐Fong , Liao Meng‐Lin , Lue June‐Horng , Yeh Chi‐Chuan
Published: March 2022

Due to the Covid‐19 pandemic, National Taiwan University anatomy teachers adopted asynchronous online video teaching and reduced the size of anatomy laboratory groups in April 2020. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of these changes on medical students’ learning. Before Covid‐19, the performance of the 2019–2020 cohort was significantly better than that of the 2018–2019 cohort. However, the implementation of modified teaching strategies significantly lowered the laboratory midterm score of the 2019–2020 cohort in the second semester. Conversely, the final laboratory examination score of the 2019–2020 cohort was significantly higher than that of the 2018–2019 cohort. Through correlation analysis, lecture and laboratory examination scores were highly correlated. Additionally, the difference in lecture and laboratory z‐scores between two cohorts, the Likert scale survey and free‐text feedback of the 2019–2020 cohort, were conducted to show the impact of modified teaching strategies. There were several important findings in this study. First, the change in teaching strategies may temporarily negatively influence medical students to learn anatomy. Besides, analyzing the performance of laboratory assessments could be a complementary strategy to evaluate online assessments. Applying lecture examination scores to predict laboratory performance was a feasible way to identify students who may have difficulty in learning practical dissection. Finally, reducing group size together with reduced peer discussion may have a negative effect on learning cadaver dissection for students with low academic performance. These findings should be taken into consideration when anatomy teachers apply new teaching strategies in anatomy courses.
Output feedback adaptive RISE control for uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Yang Guichao , Zhu Tao , Yang Fengbo , Cui Longfei , Wang Hua
Published: March 2022

In this article, committed to extending the robust integral of the sign of the error (RISE) feedback control to the working condition of output feedback, a novel output feedback controller with a continuously bounded control input which combines the adaptive control and integral robust feedback will be proposed for trajectory tracking of a family of nonlinear systems subject to modeling uncertainties. A novel adaptive state observer (ASO) with disturbance rejection performance is creatively constructed to derive real‐time estimation of the unmeasured state signals. Moreover, a projection‐type adaption law is integrated to handle parameter uncertainties and an integral robust term is employed to deal with external disturbances. It is shown that asymptotic estimation performance and meanwhile asymptotic tracking result can eventually be derived. Simulation validations are implemented to demonstrate the high tracking performance of the presented controller. Notably, the synthesized control algorithm can be readily extended to the Euler–Lagrange systems. Typically, it can be extended to practical electromechanical equipment such as three‐dimensional vector forming robots to improve the real‐time forming accuracy.
Blockchain for the circular economy: Theorizing blockchain's role in the transition to a circular economy through an empirical investigation
Authors: Böhmecke‐Schwafert Moritz , Wehinger Marie , Teigland Robin
Published: March 2022

Blockchain is increasingly lauded as an enabler of the transition to a circular economy. While there is considerable conceptual research and some empirical studies on this phenomenon, scholars have yet to develop a theoretical model of blockchain's role in this transition. Grounded in the sustainability transition literature, this paper addresses this gap through the following research question: What role does blockchain play in the transition to a circular economy? Following an abductive approach, we conducted interviews with ground‐level experts implementing blockchain innovations for the circular economy across Europe and the United States. Through a thematic analysis, we derived a theoretical model of the relationships among (1) drivers and barriers of the transition to a circular economy, (2) blockchain innovation for the circular economy, (3) technical challenges of blockchain, and (4) the circular economy. While blockchain plays a moderating role, interviewees considered it only an infrastructural resource rather than a panacea.
Tumor marker response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among patients with cancer
Authors: Gunn Alexander H. , Tashie Carolyn , Wolf Steven , Troy Jesse D. , Zafar Yousuf
Published: March 2022

Background

Inflammatory responses from benign conditions can cause non‐cancer‐related elevations in tumor markers. The severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) induces a distinct viral inflammatory response, resulting in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Clinical data suggest carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9), and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) levels might rise in patients with COVID‐19. However, available data excludes cancer patients, so little is known about the effect of COVID‐19 on tumor markers among cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a case series and identified patients with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR test, diagnosis of a solid tumor malignancy, and a CEA, CA 19–9, CA 125, or CA 27–29 laboratory test. Cancer patients with documented COVID‐19 infection and at least one pre‐ and two post‐infection tumor marker measurements were included. We abstracted the electronic health record for demographics, cancer diagnosis, treatment, evidence of cancer progression, date and severity of COVID‐19 infection, and tumor marker values.

Results

Seven patients were identified with a temporary elevation of tumor marker values during the post‐COVID‐19 period. Elevation in tumor marker occurred within 56 days of COVID‐19 infection for all patients. Tumor markers subsequently decreased at the second time point in the post‐infectious period among all patients.

Conclusion

We report temporary elevations of cancer tumor markers in the period surrounding COVID‐19 infection. To our knowledge this is the first report of this phenomenon in cancer patients and has implications for clinical management and future research.
Organizational culture and leadership in Egypt, Iran, and Turkey: The contextual constraints of society and industry
Authors: Bayraktar Secil , Karacay Gaye , Dastmalchian Ali , Kabasakal Hayat
Published: March 2022

Drawing on institutional theory, this paper aims to examine whether society and industry act as constraining factors on organizational culture and leadership preferences in three countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The sample includes 55 organizations in Egypt, Iran, and Turkey operating in the finance and food industries. The findings show that organizational culture and leadership preferences vary across different societies in the region. Moreover, some organizational culture practices differ across industries, whereas leadership preferences do not. These findings demonstrate the importance of context (mainly on society and partially on industry) on shaping organizational culture and perceived leadership effectiveness. The practical implications suggest that managers must be aware that even countries in the same region have practice differences.
Electrooxidation‐Induced C(sp3)–H/C(sp2)–H Radical‐Radical Cross‐Coupling between Xanthanes and Electron‐Rich Arenes
Authors: Liang Yuwei , Niu Linbin , Liang Xing‐An , Wang Shengchun , Wang Pengjie , Lei Aiwen
Published: March 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The arylation of C(sp3) − H bonds has been a priority research topic in organic synthesis. Minsici reactions have been the powerful methods for C(sp3) − C(sp2) bonds formation. Despite its mature development, the scopes of arenes are usually suitable for electron‐deficient heterocyclic compounds, rather than electron‐rich arenes. Herein, we report an electrooxidation‐induced alkylation of electron‐rich arenes with H2 evolution under exogenous oxidant‐free conditions, avoiding the utilization of metal catalysts. This protocol is well performed with various electron‐rich aniline derivatives and nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds. We anticipate that this electro‐oxidative C(sp3) − H arylation represents an important expansion for the classic arenes alkylation, thereby proving an attractive strategy for the developments of radical cross‐coupling chemistry.
CD24 is a surrogate for ‘immune‐cold’ phenotype in aggressive large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Higashi Morihiro , Momose Shuji , Takayanagi Natsuko , Tanaka Yuka , Anan Tomoe , Yamashita Takahisa , Kikuchi Jun , Tokuhira Michihide , Kizaki Masahiro , Tamaru Jun‐ichi
Published: March 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical regulator of the development of malignant lymphoma. Therapeutics targeting the TME, especially immune checkpoint molecules, are changing the treatment strategy for lymphoma. However, the overall response to these therapeutics for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is modest and new targets of immunotherapy are needed. To find critical immune checkpoint molecules for DLBCL, we explored the prognostic impact of immune checkpoint molecules and their ligands using publicly available datasets of gene expression profiles. In silico analysis of three independent datasets (GSE117556, GSE10846, and GSE181063) revealed that DLBCL expressing CD24 had a poor prognosis and had a high frequency of MYC aberrations. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis showed that the ‘MYC‐targets‐hallmark’ (false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.024) and ‘inflammatory‐response‐hallmark’ (FDR = 0.001) were enriched in CD24‐high and CD24‐low DLBCL, respectively. In addition, the expression of cell‐specific markers of various immune cells was higher in CD24‐low DLBCL than in CD24‐high DLBCL. CIBERSORT analysis of the datasets showed fewer macrophages in CD24‐high DLBCL than in CD24‐low DLBCL. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis of 335 cases of DLBCL showed that few TME cells were found in CD24‐high DLBCL, although statistical differences were not observed. These data indicate that CD24 expression suppresses immune cell components of the TME in DLBCL, suggesting that CD24 may be a target for cancer immunotherapy in aggressive large B‐cell lymphoma.
Cardiovascular event rate and death in high‐risk secondary prevention patient cohort in Finland: A registry study
Authors: Toppila Iiro , Ukkola‐Vuoti Liisa , Perttilä Julia , Törnwall Outi , Sinisalo Juha , Hartikainen Juha , Lehto Seppo
Published: March 2022

Background

A large number of patients are living with atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease and thus are at risk of life‐threatening CV events.

Hypothesis

This study evaluated the risk for a recurrent CV event or death in Finnish real‐world data.

Methods

Patients with an incident atherosclerotic CV event between 2012 and 2016 were included in this retrospective registry study and followed for recurrent CV events or death. The risk and risk factors of recurrent CV events or death and time from the first CV event to recurrence were assessed.

Results

A total of 48,405 patients were followed from their first CV event. The event rate was 14.34 events per 100 patient‐years. Multistate models suggested that at 5 years post index CV event, 41.5% of the patients had died or suffered a recurrent CV event. Death was the most common type of subsequent event (61.5%). After the first CV event, there were rapid increases both in recurrent CV events and deaths during the next 6 months. The subsequent CV event was usually of the same type as the first, which was of the cardiac or cerebrovascular cluster.

Conclusions

The incidence of recurrent CV events and all‐cause mortality was high in patients suffering from their first CV event, particularly during the first 6 months after the index event. Death was the most common subsequent event. The event rate accelerated after each additional CV event. This suggests that the acute treatment of the index event should be followed by prompt secondary prevention measures to achieve guideline‐recommended goals as soon as possible.
Boosting Pseudo‐capacitive Sodium Storage in Ultrafine Titanium Dioxide by an In‐situ Porous Forming Strategy
Authors: Wang Xuhong , Zhang Chenrui , Tai Linlin , Wu Xinxia , Yang Jun , Geng Hongbo
Published: March 2022

Due to its properties (stable, affordable and non‐toxic), titanium dioxide (TiO2) has a promising future as electrode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Its Na+ insertion/deinsertion mechanism, on the other hand, results in poor electronic conductivity and sluggish ionic diffusivity, leading to rapid capacity fading. Herein, a molten salt method is employed to creat abundant carbon pores framework, being capable of supporting plentiful ultra‐fine TiO2 adhering (U‐TiO2/C). With this unique porous structure of lots of exposed active sites, the U‐TiO2/C composite provides a faster ions transport and volume expansion buffer zone during cycling. As anode for SIBs, the U‐TiO2/C manifests splendid electrochemical performance. Specifically, the U‐TiO2/C electrode delivers a high capacity of 202.7 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and 91.4 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 160 cycles. Even with the increased current density to 10.0 A g−1, the U‐TiO2/C electrode still performs a high capacity of 69.5 mAh g−1 after 2500 cycles. Detailed kinetic analysis has been investigated to quantificationally demonstrate that the surface pseudocapacitive storage behavior plays a dominant role in the enhanced sodium storage.
Biomarkers for Predicting Abiraterone Treatment Outcome and Selecting Alternative Therapies in Castration‐Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Qin Sisi , Gao Huanyao , Kim Wootae , Zhang Huan , Gu Yayun , Kalari Krishna R. , Sinnwell Jason P. , Scholz Jodi A. , Xie Fang , Yin Ping , Yu Jia , Qin Bo , Zhuang Yongxian , Wei Lixuan , Tan Winston , Bryce Alan H. , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Wang Liewei
Published: March 2022

Approximately one‐third of patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) exhibited primary abiraterone resistance. To identify alternative treatment for abiraterone nonresponders, we performed drug discovery analyses using the L1000 database using differentially expressed genes identified in tumor biopsies and patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) tumors between abiraterone responders and nonresponders enrolled in PROMOTE trial. This approach identified 3 drugs, including topoisomerase II (TOP2) inhibitor mitoxantrone, CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, and pan‐CDK inhibitor PHA‐793887. These drugs significantly suppressed the growth of abiraterone‐resistant cell lines and PDX models. Moreover, we identified 11 genes targeted by all 3 drugs that were associated with worse outcomes in both the PROMOTE and Stand Up To Cancer cohorts. This 11‐gene panel might also function as biomarkers to select the 3 alternative therapies for this subgroup of patients with CRPC, warranting further clinical investigation.
Stepwise Protocols for Preparation and Use of Porcine Ear Skin for in Vitro Skin Permeation Studies Using Franz Diffusion Cells
Authors: Silva Izabela R. , Lima Flávia A. , Reis Eduardo C. O. , Ferreira Lucas A. M. , Goulart Gisele A. C.
Published: March 2022

The skin, the largest organ of the body, is an attractive route of topical and systemic drug administration. During the development of topical formulations, in vitro skin permeation studies using biological membranes mounted in Franz diffusion cells are a useful tool to assess the permeation of substances through the skin, and are recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Among the types of biological membranes used in such studies, porcine ear skin has been identified as the most promising, due to its similarities to human skin and its greater accessibility as compared to human skin. To standardize techniques for the preparation and use of porcine ear skin as biological membrane, here we present systematic procedures for the selection of porcine ears, their cleaning, the removal of skin from cartilage, its transformation into membranes, and its use for the in vitro assessment of the permeation of drugs from topical formulations. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Obtaining porcine ear membranes

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of membranes from porcine ear skin and use of membranes for in vitro skin permeation studies
Combining abilities of soybean progenies and bradyrhizobium strains for biological nitrogen fixation
Authors: Carvalho João Paulo Santos , Bruzi Adriano Teodoro , Moreira Fátima Maria de Souza , Silva K. B. , Mendes Villela Gabriel
Published: March 2022

We aim to study the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) ability of soybean (Glycine max) progenies and their ability for symbioses using different Bradyrhizobium strains, as well as select progenies and strains that are more efficient in BNF to guide strategies in soybean breeding. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, evaluating 24 soybean progenies and five Bradyrhizobium strains. Mean values from analysis of variance were compared by the Scott–Knot test, and partial diallel analysis was performed to estimate general and specific combining ability. Following analysis of the greenhouse experiment, 10 soybean progenies and two Bradyrhizobium strains (SEMIA 587 and INPA 03–11B) were selected to carry out a field trial experiment. Biological nitrogen fixation was affected by genotype, strain, and genotype × strain interactions. Additive effects were predominant on the traits related to BNF, indicating that recurrent selection could be an effective breeding strategy. The progenies showed higher values for the traits related to field nodulation but did not improve seed yield. The EA‐8 progeny stood out for high yield and had good results in traits related to BNF and early maturity. The INPA 03–11B strain had the best result for seed yield, indicating high potential for use as an inoculant in soybean crops.