bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysregulated circulating microRNA‐126 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: linkage with acute exacerbation risk, severity degree, and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Wang Congying , Feng Dong , Dong Shanfeng , He Ruilian , Fan Bosheng
Published: January 2022

Background

MicroRNA‐126 (miR‐126) is engaged in respiratory diseases via regulating airway tissue injury and pulmonary inflammation, while its relation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not reported. The study aimed to evaluate the value of miR‐126 for estimating COPD acute exacerbation risk and its relation to disease severity and inflammatory cytokines in COPD patients.

Methods

This study was a case–control study. Seventy acute exacerbation COPD (AECOPD) patients, 70 stable COPD (SCOPD) patients, and 70 healthy controls (HCs) were consecutively recruited. Plasma miR‐126 expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) in COPD patients were further determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

MiR‐126 was higher in AECOPD patients compared to SCOPD patients and HCs (both Padj < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed miR‐126 distinguished AECOPD patients from SCOPD patients (area under curve (AUC): 0.805, 95%CI: 0.733–0.877) and HCs (AUC: 0.884, 95%CI: 0.829–0.939) and also distinguished SCOPD from HCs (AUC = 0.656, 95%CI: 0.566–0.747). MiR‐126 positively related to GOLD stage in both AECOPD patients (p < 0.001) and SCOPD patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, miR‐126 positively linked with TNF‐α (p < 0.001), IL‐1β (p = 0.002), IL‐6 (p = 0.009), and IL‐17 (p < 0.001) levels in AECOPD patients; but miR‐126 only positively related to TNF‐α and IL‐17 levels (all p < 0.050), instead of IL‐1β or IL‐6 level (all p > 0.050) in SCOPD patients and HCs.

Conclusion

Dysregulated circulating miR‐126 not only relates to COPD susceptibility and its acute exacerbation risk but also links with disease severity and inflammatory cytokines in COPD patients.
Extracellular vesicles produced by the human commensal gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron affect host immune pathways in a cell‐type specific manner that are altered in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gul Lejla , Modos Dezso , Fonseca Sonia , Madgwick Matthew , Thomas John P. , Sudhakar Padhmanand , Booth Catherine , Stentz Régis , Carding Simon R. , Korcsmaros Tamas
Published: January 2022

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbours a complex microbial community, which contributes to its homeostasis. A disrupted microbiome can cause GI‐related diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), therefore identifying host‐microbe interactions is crucial for better understanding gut health. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), released into the gut lumen, can cross the mucus layer and access underlying immune cells. To study BEV‐host interactions, we examined the influence of BEVs generated by the gut commensal bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, on host immune cells. Single‐cell RNA sequencing data and host‐microbe protein‐protein interaction networks were used to predict the effect of BEVs on dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes focusing on the Toll‐like receptor (TLR) pathway. We identified biological processes affected in each immune cell type and cell‐type specific processes including myeloid cell differentiation. TLR pathway analysis highlighted that BEV targets differ among cells and between the same cells in healthy versus disease (ulcerative colitis) conditions. The in silico findings were validated in BEV‐monocyte co‐cultures demonstrating the requirement for TLR4 and Toll‐interleukin‐1 receptor domain‐containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) in BEV‐elicited NF‐kB activation. This study demonstrates that both cell‐type and health status influence BEV‐host communication. The results and the pipeline could facilitate BEV‐based therapies for the treatment of IBD.
The incidence and clinical features of familial pancreatic cancer in Korea
Authors: Kim Minseob , Kim Hongbeom , Han Youngmin , Sohn Heeju , Lee Mirang , Kang Yoon Hyung , Kim Hyeong Seok , Kwon Wooil , Jang Jin‐Young
Published: January 2022

Background

A history of familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) increases the incidence of pancreatic cancer (PC) among first‐degree relatives. We aimed to determine the incidence of FPC and analyze its clinical characteristics.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2014, 1159 patients with PC were included in the study. We evaluated the incidence of FPC, clinicopathological features, and survival prognosis between FPC and non‐FPC patients. We further analyzed the clinical outcomes of 389 patients with PC who underwent curative‐intent surgery.

Results

Familial pancreatic cancer incidence was 3.1% (n = 36) among all patients with PC (n = 1159). FPC was diagnosed at an advanced clinical stage compared to non‐FPC (P = .041). The tested variables and 5‐year survival rate (5YSR) between FPC and non‐FPC after propensity score matching had no differences (5YSR: 4.6% vs 2.6%, P = .834). Among PC patients who underwent curative‐intent surgery (n = 389), FPC incidence was 1.8% (n = 7). FPC patients were older than non‐FPC patients (75.3 ± 4.7 years vs 64.0 ± 9.9 years, P < .001). 5YSR tended to differ between FPC and non‐FPC (14.3% vs 22.5%, P = .07) groups.

Conclusion

Familial pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, and FPC that has undergone resection is associated with older age or worse prognosis. A prospective nationwide pedigree registration system was required.
Cerotegument microstructure of whip spiders (Amblypygi: Euamblypygi Weygoldt, 1996) reveals characters for systematics from family to species level
Authors: Seiter Michael , Schwaha Thomas , Prendini Lorenzo , Gorb Stanislav N. , Wolff Jonas O.
Published: January 2022

Like other arthropods, whip spiders of the arachnid order Amblypygi Thorell, 1883 protect themselves against external environmental influences. In this taxon, in addition to the epicuticle, the outermost layer of the exoskeleton, a cement layer (cerotegument) with superhydrophobic properties is deposited over certain body parts. Due to the high level of interspecific variation, the cerotegument structure and the morphology of its associated gland openings have been suggested to be informative for whip spider systematics. The first comparative study of the cerotegument is presented herein, based on a survey across 4 families, 16 genera, and 62 species of Euamblypygi Weygoldt, 1996, the suborder comprising all extant whip spiders except the rare monotypic family Paracharontidae Weygoldt, 1996. Results confirmed that the morphology of the colloidal particles and their assembly on cement globules differ considerably among taxa, but that the level of variation differs among lineages. Interspecific variation in cerotegument ultrastructure was highest among species of Neoamblypygi Weygoldt, 1996, making it an informative character in this clade. Evolutionary trends and intraspecific variation in the structure of the amblypygid cerotegument are briefly discussed.
Immunological and virological aspects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and hepatitis C virus
Authors: León Fabiola Justina Fumero , da Silva Lucas Lima , Santos Alanna Calheiros , Duarte da Costa Vanessa , Miguel Juliana Custódio , Marques Julia Trece , Nascimento Giselle Prado , Ferreira da Silva Elisangela , Lewis‐Ximenez Lia Laura , Villar Livia Melo , de Paula Vanessa Salete
Published: January 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection can generate a systemic inflammatory response, characterized by a cytokine storm and associated with an exaggerated release of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and IL‐17, all of which can affect the liver. Here, we aimed to evaluate the cytokine profiles of patients suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID)‐19 and/or hepatitis. We subjected 87 patients to serology and/or polymerase chain reaction analysis for the hepatitis C virus. They were also tested for TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐17 using commercial immunoassay kits. The test results of the COVID‐19/hepatitis C patients (n = 8) were compared with that of the negative controls (n = 28), hepatitis C patients (n = 29), and COVID‐19 patients (n = 22). All COVID‐19 patients (mono‐ and coinfected) expressed high levels of cytokines. The COVID‐19/hepatitis patients exhibited higher levels of IL‐6 (6.33 ± 3.9 pg/ml) and IL‐17 (102.23 ± 2.7 pg/ml); however, TNF‐α values were lower (68.08 ± 15.88 pg/ml), as compared with that of the hepatitis patients (p < 0.001), and lower than that of the COVID‐19 patients and exceptionally for TNF‐α (p < 0.05). These data highlight the importance of monitoring patients with hepatitis and COVID‐19.
Digital soil assessment in support of a soil information system for monitoring salinization and sodification in agricultural areas
Authors: Omuto Christian Thine , Vargas Ronald Rojas , Elmobarak Abdelmagid Ali , Mapeshoane Botle Esther , Koetlisi Koetlisi Andreas , Ahmadzai Hameedullah , Abdalla Mohamed Nuha
Published: January 2022

Salinization and sodification are types of degradation associated with the accumulation of salts and alkaline materials in the soil. They gradually advance unnoticed till severe degradation appears if not properly controlled. Relevant soil information is not routinely kept by many countries thus contributing to their advancement particularly in agricultural areas where their impacts have huge consequences on food security. We developed a 3‐step protocol to detect salinization and sodification advancement at different spatial scales and support soil information system development. The first step establishes an indicator database focusing on measured soil Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, Exchangeable Sodium Percent (ESP), and a suit of environmental covariates. The second step outlines data harmonization strategies and classification of salinization and sodification problems. It also incorporates digital soil mapping for spatial information on salinization or sodification. The third step has time‐series modelling of salinization and sodification using mixed‐effects approach to improve hotspot detection in agricultural areas. The protocol was tested in Afghanistan, Sudan, and Lesotho using time‐series data between 2001 and 2018. It successfully identified salt and soda accumulation at different soil depths with more than 80% accuracy on holdout samples. In Sudan and Afghanistan, it identified topsoils as more prone to salinization than the subsoils and consequently depicted more salt accumulation in topsoils than subsoils in agricultural areas. In Lesotho, it identified emerging subsoil sodification. The protocol has potential for supporting the development of soil information on salinization and sodification which is currently lacking at many national and regional levels.
A Biomimetic Composite Bilayer Dressing Composed of Alginate and Fibroin for Enhancing Full‐Thickness Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Yiyu , Su Long , Hou Yuanjing , Lin Fei , Xu Chao , Xue Yanling , Shi Jian , Wang Xinyu
Published: January 2022

Full‐thickness skin wound dressings are critically important for acute cutaneous wound healing. In this study, a bilayer sheet originating from biological macromolecules, mimicking skin hierarchy structure is developed. This sheet is composed of a steady silk fibroin (SF)/sodium alginate (SA) composite scaffold as the bottom regenerative layer and a SA film as the protective top layer. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the thickness of the top layer is ≈25 µm and is tightly adhered to the composite scaffold layer with interconnected pores (≈150 µm). The bilayer sheets are displayed suitable water uptake capacity and high stability in water. The mass retention percentage of the bilayer sheets is ≈50% during three weeks of PBS degradation in vitro. The tensile strength of the bilayer sheets is significantly increased from 13.41 ± 3.75 kPa (single scaffold) to 59.81 ± 5.98 kPa. The composite scaffolds are more conducive to the growth and proliferation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. The experiment results in vivo are demonstrated superior and faster epithelialization and dermal regeneration in the wound treated with bilayer sheets because the sheets are accelerated wound closure, reduced the inflammatory response, and promoted protein synthesis in the extracellular matrix and blood vessel ingrowth.
Transient and gradient analyses of depolarization criteria. Valuable tools in chloride‐induced rebar corrosion monitoring
Authors: Zausinger Christoph , Osterminski Kai , Gehlen Christoph
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study is to elucidate suitable methods of corrosion monitoring for chloride‐induced rebar corrosion in cracked concrete. Depolarization gradients and transients provide evidence for the electrode kinetics at the steel–concrete interface and the geometry of the macrocell. In the present study, a set of cracked, short‐term chloride‐exposed, reinforced concrete specimens is investigated in terms of their corrosion activity. Primarily, the depolarization behavior was observed by short‐term high‐frequency measurements, allowing for cost‐effective measurement campaigns and robust results. All measurement intervals are split apart via a gradient analysis to enable a congruent, numerical transient analysis. Since the geometry of macrocells in rebar corrosion follows the model of a series of ohmic resistances with a parallel connection of a diffusion‐controlled capacitor and an ohmic resistance, the transient of each depolarization curve with unit time in seconds provides evidence for the present electrode kinetics and macrocell geometry. According to the time, which is consumed until a certain state of depolarization is reached, transient modeling can be used to predict corrosion activity as a function of chloride ingress.
Photoresponsive Self‐Healing Epoxy Composites with Azobenzene Grafted Mesoporous Silica for Controlled Release and Visualization
Authors: He Junjie , Zhou Zhongqun , Chen Shenye , Yu Caili , Zhang Faai
Published: January 2022

The substantial progress made in extrinsic self‐healing has been limited to microcapsules containing heat‐active polymerizable monomers. Fabrication of self‐healing microvascular and nanoparticle systems that are responsive to light is, therefore, an important task. In this study, using azobenzene‐grafted mesoporous SBA‐15 (Azo‐SBA) as the functional nanocontainer to adsorb a photoactive repair agent (glycidyl methacrylate, GMA)(GMA@Azo‐SBA), a facile yet feasible strategy is demonstrated to prepare photoresponsive self‐healing epoxy composites. The resulting composite integrates the controllable fixation and release of the repair agent driven by the isomerization of azobenzene and photo‐induced self‐healing properties under UV irradiation. The hydrogenated epoxy resin composite, incorporated with isophorone diamine (IPDA) as the curing agent and 2 wt.% GMA@Azo‐SBA and 4 wt.% photoinitiator, exhibits desirable self‐healing properties; the microcracks of the composite can be completely repaired after self‐healing for 15 min. In addition, the pyrene‐modified GMA monomer with fluorescence characteristics as a fluorescent probe is further employed to successfully visualize the fixation and release process of the repair agent under UV irradiation.
Design, realization, and characterization of a novel diamond detector prototype for FLASH radiotherapy dosimetry
Authors: Marinelli Marco , Felici Giuseppe , Galante Federica , Gasparini Alessia , Giuliano Lucia , Heinrich Sophie , Pacitti Matteo , Prestopino Giuseppe , Vanreusel Verdi , Verellen Dirk , Verona Claudio , Verona Rinati Gianluca
Published: January 2022

Purpose

FLASH radiotherapy (RT) is an emerging technique in which beams with ultra‐high dose rates (UH‐DR) and dose per pulse (UH‐DPP) are used. Commercially available active real‐time dosimeters have been shown to be unsuitable in such conditions, due to severe response nonlinearities. In the present study, a novel diamond‐based Schottky diode detector was specifically designed and realized to match the stringent requirements of FLASH‐RT.

Methods

A systematic investigation of the main features affecting the diamond response in UH‐DPP conditions was carried out. Several diamond Schottky diode detector prototypes with different layouts were produced at Rome Tor Vergata University in cooperation with PTW‐Freiburg. Such devices were tested under electron UH‐DPP beams. The linearity of the prototypes was investigated up to DPPs of about 26 Gy/pulse and dose rates of approximately 1 kGy/s. In addition, percentage depth dose (PDD) measurements were performed in different irradiation conditions. Radiochromic films were used for reference dosimetry.

Results

The response linearity of the diamond prototypes was shown to be strongly affected by the size of their active volume as well as by their series resistance. By properly tuning the design layout, the detector response was found to be linear up to at least 20 Gy/pulse, well into the UH‐DPP range conditions. PDD measurements were performed by three different linac applicators, characterized by DPP values at the point of maximum dose of 3.5, 17.2, and 20.6 Gy/pulse, respectively. The very good superimposition of three curves confirmed the diamond response linearity. It is worth mentioning that UH‐DPP irradiation conditions may lead to instantaneous detector currents as high as several mA, thus possibly exceeding the electrometer specifications. This issue was properly addressed in the case of the PTW UNIDOS electrometers.

Conclusions

The results of the present study clearly demonstrate the feasibility of a diamond detector for FLASH‐RT applications.
A quartic trigonometric tension B‐spline finite element method for solving Gardner equation
Authors: Hepson Ozlem Ersoy
Published: January 2022

The collocation method is established for getting solution of the Gardner equation (GE). The GE is fully integrated by way of the Crank–Nicolson method for time variable and collocation method for spatial variable. Trial function of the collocation method is set up using combination of quartic trigonometric tension (QTT) B‐splines. Convergence analysis of suggested method is investigated. Performance of the QTT B‐splines is searched by studying three test problems: propagation of bell shape solitary wave, interaction of two positive bell shape solitary wave and wave generation.
Oncostatin M is overexpressed in NASH‐related hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes cancer cell invasiveness and angiogenesis
Authors: Di Maira Giovanni , Foglia Beatrice , Napione Lucia , Turato Cristian , Maggiora Marina , Sutti Salvatore , Novo Erica , Alvaro Maria , Autelli Riccardo , Colombatto Sebastiano , Bussolino Federico , Carucci Patrizia , Gaia Silvia , Rosso Chiara , Biasiolo Alessandra , Pontisso Patrizia , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Albano Emanuele , Marra Fabio , Parola Maurizio , Cannito Stefania
Published: January 2022

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine of the interleukin (IL)‐6 family that contributes to the progression of chronic liver disease. Here we investigated the role of OSM in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The role of OSM was investigated in (1) selected cohorts of NAFLD/NASH HCC patients, (2) liver cancer cells exposed to human recombinant OSM or stably transfected to overexpress human OSM, (3) murine HCC xenografts, and (4) a murine NASH‐related model of hepatic carcinogenesis. OSM was found to be selectively overexpressed in HCC cells of NAFLD/NASH patients, depending on tumor grade. OSM serum levels, barely detectable in patients with simple steatosis or NASH, were increased in patients with cirrhosis and more evident in those carrying HCC. In this latter group, OSM serum levels were significantly higher in the subjects with intermediate/advanced HCCs and correlated with poor survival. Cell culture experiments indicated that OSM upregulation in hepatic cancer cells contributes to HCC progression by inducing epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and increased invasiveness of cancer cells as well as by inducing angiogenesis, which is of critical relevance. In murine xenografts, OSM overexpression was associated with slower tumor growth but an increased rate of lung metastases. Overexpression of OSM and its positive correlation with the angiogenic switch were also confirmed in a murine model of NAFLD/NASH‐related hepatocarcinogenesis. Consistent with this, analysis of liver specimens from human NASH‐related HCCs with vascular invasion showed that OSM was expressed by liver cancer cells invading hepatic vessels. In conclusion, OSM upregulation appears to be a specific feature of HCC arising on a NAFLD/NASH background, and it correlates with clinical parameters and disease outcome. Our data highlight a novel pro‐carcinogenic contribution for OSM in NAFLD/NASH, suggesting a role of this factor as a prognostic marker and a putative potential target for therapy. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Recently introducedWolbachiareduces bacterial species richness and reshapes bacterial community structure inNilaparvata lugens
Authors: Li Tong‐Pu , Zhou Chun‐Ying , Gong Jun‐Tao , Xi Zhiyong , Hong Xiao‐Yue
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Wolbachiahas been developed as an effective tool to suppress insect pests and arbovirus transmission. Recently, the brown planthopperNilaparvata lugens, a serious agricultural pest, has been successfully transinfected withWolbachia wStri strain fromLaodelphax striatellus. However, before conducting the field experiments, the impacts ofwStri on the bacterial microbiota inN. lugensand how it differs from nativeWolbachia wLug strain have not been clarified.

RESULTS

Here, we found thatwStri reduced bacterial diversity and shaped bacterial community structure more thanwLug in both developmental stage and different adult tissues. Overall, the relative abundance ofWolbachiawas negatively correlated with bacterial diversity, but the bacterial diversity gradually decreased only when the relative abundance ofWolbachiawas higher than 60%. Further analysis found thatwStri reduced species richness of other bacteria but not their evenness.wStri infection also affected many bacterial functions (e.g., amino acid metabolism & signaling and cellular processes) in the developmental stages, with a stronger effect thanwLug in nymphs. Moreover, althoughWolbachiaoccupied a high relative abundance in infected individuals,Acinetobacterwas consistently a core part of microbiome.

CONCLUSION

These results showed the significant impacts of recently introducedwStri on bacterial microbiota inN. lugens, with the effects differing from nativewLug. This study will aid in understanding the relationship betweenWolbachia, its host and the host’s microbiota, and provide a reference for future field experiments.
A workflow for the joint modeling of longitudinal and event data in the development of therapeutics: Tools, statistical methods, and diagnostics
Authors: Zhudenkov Kirill , Gavrilov Sergey , Sofronova Alina , Stepanov Oleg , Kudryashova Nataliya , Helmlinger Gabriel , Peskov Kirill
Published: January 2022

Clinical trials investigate treatment endpoints that usually include measurements of pharmacodynamic and efficacy biomarkers in early‐phase studies and patient‐reported outcomes as well as event risks or rates in late‐phase studies. In recent years, a systematic trend in clinical trial data analytics and modeling has been observed, where retrospective data are integrated into a quantitative framework to prospectively support analyses of interim data and design of ongoing and future studies of novel therapeutics. Joint modeling is an advanced statistical methodology that allows for the investigation of clinical trial outcomes by quantifying the association between baseline and/or longitudinal biomarkers and event risk. Using an exemplar data set from non‐small cell lung cancer studies, we propose and test a workflow for joint modeling. It allows a modeling scientist to comprehensively explore the data, build survival models, investigate goodness‐of‐fit, and subsequently perform outcome predictions using interim biomarker data from an ongoing study. The workflow illustrates a full process, from data exploration to predictive simulations, for selected multivariate linear and nonlinear mixed‐effects models and software tools in an integrative and exhaustive manner.
Hollow Cobalt Oxide/Carbon Hybrids Aid Metabolic Encoding for Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus during Pregnancy
Authors: Wang You , Shu Weikang , Lin Sihan , Wu Jiayue , Jiang Meng , Li Shumin , Liu Chao , Li Rongxin , Pei Congcong , Ding Yajie , Wan Jingjing , Di Wen
Published: January 2022

A noninvasive, easy operation, and accurate diagnostic protocol is highly demanded to assess systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity during pregnancy, promising real‐time activity monitoring during the whole gestational period to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, machine learning of serum metabolic fingerprints (SMFs) is developed to assess the SLE activity for pregnant women. The SMFs are directly extracted through a hollow‐cobalt oxide/carbon (Co3O4/C)‐composite‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometer (LDI MS) platform. The Co3O4/C composite owns enhanced light absorption, size‐selective trapping, and better charge–hole separation, enabling improved ionization efficiency and selectivity for LDI MS detection toward small molecules. Metabolic fingerprints are collected from ≈0.1 µL serum within 1 s without enrichment and encoded by the optimized elastic net algorithm. The averaged area under the curve (AUC) value in the differentiation of active SLE from inactive SLE and healthy controls reaches 0.985 and 0.990, respectively. Further, a simplified panel based on four identified metabolites is built to distinguish SLE flares in pregnant women with the highest AUC value of 0.875 for the blind test. This work sets an accurate and practical protocol for SLE activity assessment during pregnancy, promoting precision diagnosis of disease status transitions in clinics.
Tuning d‐Band Center of Pt by PtCo‐PtSn Heterostructure for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance
Authors: Chen Jinli , Qian Guangfu , Chu Bingxian , Jiang Zexing , Tan Kexin , Luo Lin , Li Bin , Yin Shibin
Published: January 2022

The development of efficient and stable Pt‐based catalysts is significant but challenging for fuel cells. Herein, Sn and Co elements are introduced into Pt to form PtCo‐PtSn/C heterostructure for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Electrochemical results indicate that it has remarkable ORR intrinsic activity with a high mass activity (1,158 mA mg–1 Pt) at 0.9 V in HClO4 solution, which is 2.18‐, 6.81‐, and 9.98‐fold higher than that of PtCo/C, PtSn/C, and Pt/C. More importantly, the catalytic activity attenuation for PtCo‐PtSn/C is only 27.4% after 30 000 potential cycles, showing high stability. Furthermore, theoretical calculations reveal that the enhancement is attributed to charge transfer and the unique structure of PtCo‐PtSn/C heterostructure, which regulate the d‐band center of Pt and prevent non‐noble metals from further dissolution. This work thus opens a way to design and prepare highly efficient Pt‐based alloy catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
Evolution of Viscosity and Structure Property during Aluminothermic Reduction of Vanadium‐Enriched Slag
Authors: Zhang Lingxi , Chen Min , Sun Xiaolei
Published: January 2022

Aluminum dross is a promising reductant for extracting vanadium to enable the direct production of ferrovanadium alloy in pre‐reduced vanadium‐rich slag (PVS). The evolution of the viscosity of PVS is measured with various A/M ratios (w(Al2O3)/w(FeO + Cr2O3 + MnO + V2O3 + Al2O3)), representing different reduction stages. The compositions and structural properties of the melts are analyzed using X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that with an increase in the mass ratio of Al2O3 to (FeO+Cr2O3+MnO+V2O3+Al2O3) in the slag transformed from a solid–liquid mixture to a single liquid phase at 1873 K. When A/M increases from 0.29 to 0.53, Q0 and Q1 polymerize into Q2, resulting in a slow increase in viscosity from 0.091 to 0.158 Pa s. As A/M further increased to 1.00, Q0 disappeared, Q3 appeared, and the fraction of Al–O–Si increased to 37.7%, indicating that the simple aluminosilicate structural units are polymerized into complex structural units. Meanwhile, the viscosity increases to 0.338 Pa s. Al2O3 acts as a network former and strengthens the degree of polymerization of the melt. The variation ranges of the apparent activation energy, structural complexity, and the average number of non‐bridging oxygen are 139.23–215.12 kJ mol−1, 0.57–2.97, and 2.16–1.05, respectively.
Facile construction of flame‐retardant, heat‐insulating agar/polyvinyl alcohol composite aerogels via in situ formation of magnesium hydroxide and palygorskite‐assisted strategy
Authors: Guo Xin , Qiang Xiaohu , Chen Guoli , Su Hongxi , Ouyang Chengwei , Chen Sijie , Huang Dajian
Published: January 2022

Natural polymer aerogel is a candidate material with broad application prospects in the field of building insulation because of its lightweight, low thermal conductivity, and biodegradability. However, poor mechanical properties and easy combustion greatly limit its development. In this work, magnesium hydroxide (MH) was synthesized in situ in the agar (AG)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites using magnesium oxide as raw material. Furthermore, the one‐dimensional rod‐like nanoclay palygorskite (Pal) was introduced into the composites. A series of composite aerogels with different ratios of MH and Pal were prepared by a simple freeze‐drying process, and their microstructure, mechanical properties, water resistance, thermal stability, thermal insulation, and flame‐retardant properties were investigated. Cone calorimeter tests showed that MH/Pal synergistic flame retardant had excellent performance in reducing heat release rate and suppressing smoke. The AG/PVA/MH/Pal composite samples had a limiting oxygen index of 37.5% and achieved V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 test. In addition, the introduction of MH and Pal has enabled the AG/PVA composite aerogels to exhibit superior mechanical, thermal insulation, and water stability properties.
Survey of Salmonellae occurrence in meat‐producing rabbitries in Switzerland
Authors: Schädler Julia , Schwarz Julia , Peter‐Egli Judith , Schüpbach‐Regula Gertraud , Wiederkehr Danja , Albini Sarah
Published: January 2022

Background

An outbreak of salmonellosis due to Salmonella Typhimurium was detected coincidentally in a Swiss meat rabbitry, given that surveillance of Salmonella in rabbits is not mandatory in Switzerland.

Methods

To assess the extent of potentially subclinical Salmonella carriage in meat rabbits, faecal pool samples of 50 farms (90% of Swiss commercial rabbitries) with ground covering litter and group housing were bacteriologically tested. Additionally, 236 rabbits showing clinical signs compatible with intestinal diseases, such as salmonellosis, were examined postmortem and analysed bacteriologically. Salmonella isolates were serotyped and analysed by whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

Salmonella Typhimurium was detected in three commercial farms (6.0% of all tested farms). The affected farms were directly linked to the animal trade and Salmonella isolates were shown to be identical by WGS.

Conclusion

There is no increased hazard for Salmonella carriage in the animal welfare‐friendly Swiss husbandry systems in general, despite risk factors such as ground covering litter.
Homo Amans in the Economy: A Utopia?
Authors: Opdebeeck Hendrik
Published: January 2022

A Homo amans oriented transition economy is not a utopia. In essence, the transitional economy we so urgently need today concretely involves assigning an inter-cultural and inter-religious interpretation to responsibility within the economy. This means providing a response (transition) to social-economic questions based on a form of trust (transcendence). Effectively, this means responding to a form of trust or admiration that has been received. It involves concrete attitudes emerging from reasonable rationality within the economy. An economy in which the Homo amans takes the Homo economicus by the hand, becomes, step by step, a responsible economy. In its turn, a responsible economy corresponds to the ethics of virtue, which connects the rational to the reasonable. As a virtue, responsibility is that positive characteristic of trust that focuses on providing the proper response to the social-economic questions that we encounter. In this chapter we therefore call for concrete, here-and-now economic changes throughout the world. Instead of a u-topia or a dys-topia we can witness today the emergence of what we refer to as a ‘u-globia’. It therefore does not involve a polarization between Homo economicus and Homo amans, or between the economy and ethics.
Personal Leadership: How to Change What Cannot Be Changed: A Response to Wesley Wildman’s Out with the Old, In with the New?
Authors: van Saane Joke
Published: January 2022

In agreement with Wildman’s statement about the structural failures in human functioning caused by individualism and cognitive errors, a new concept is introduced. This is needed because of the risk of generalizing with easy solutions, in so doing neglecting the basic human drives of self-enhancement, connectedness, and mastery. It is better that we acknowledge our individualism and failing cognitions, because this acknowledgment creates room for change. Here, the concept of personal leadership is introduced. Change can start with ourselves as the real game changers. The opportunities for personal leadership are based upon spirituality and spiritual concepts: self-knowledge, self-confidence, norms and values, openness, learning, and imagination.
Natural Goodness
Authors: Krebs Dennis L.
Published: January 2022

Although the theory of evolution might seem to imply that all animals must be selfish by nature, this is not the case because social animals can propagate their selfish genes in psychologically unselfish ways. To understand the moral aspect of human nature, we must understand the adaptive functions that moral traits served in early human environments. I argue that the central function of morality is to uphold adaptive systems of cooperation. Even though some cooperative strategies are susceptible to exploitation by selfish strategies, there are several ways in which the kind of cooperative behavioral strategies that people consider moral can evolve. Primitive psychological sources of moral behavior, such as moral emotions, and advanced sources, such as perspective-taking and moral reasoning, evolve and develop throughout the life span in a Russian Doll manner. Although the original function of perspective-taking and moral reasoning may have been to help early humans advance their interests in strategic social interactions, these processes may now motivate people to behave in moral ways. We are evolved to be as good as our early ancestors had to be to reap the benefits of sociality and cooperation.
What Is the Nature of Christian Love? Homo Amans and Revolutionary Altruism
Authors: Klein Rebekka A.
Published: January 2022

The attempt to explore human beings transdisciplinarily as beings of love can contribute to a more realistic anthropology, with an increased practical relevance for science and research. On the other hand, with its holistic orientation towards the whole person, it leads to an improper standardization of scientific research results. In order to avoid the problems associated with the holistic study of man asHomo amans, this article therefore reverses the perspective. Fundamentally, the nature of love is not discussed anthropologically on the basis of an examination of human nature and its altruism or egoism, but on the basis of the phenomenon of love in its ambivalence. Following Kierkegaard’s phenomenology of love, the article shows that love cannot be clearly distinguished from selfish acts without the reference of interpersonal relationships with a “third party.” In the Christian perspective, God is such a “third party,” who makes our fellow human beings recognizable to us as neighbors of God and enables us to behave in the spirit of love. Christian love of neighbor is therefore an example of the revolutionary, socially transformative dynamics of love.
Trust, Faith, and Social Imaginary: Prolegomena to an Anthropology of Personhood
Authors: Di Somma Emilio
Published: January 2022

Amidst the many problem that our societies are facing today, there is acknowledgment of the fact that the current economic system is unable to create and foster a just and stable society. This becomes increasingly true the more we continue to rely on the paradigm of theHomo economicus, which reveals itself as a fragile basis for a just and functioning society.

The paradigm of theHomo economicusdoes not allow us to build a workable society; but then, the first question remains, what is the fundamental feature of theHomo, what does it mean to be human? And how can we build a just and functioning society?

The theme of this work focuses on finding an answer through the paradigm of theHomo amans,that is, a paradigm in which we take into account not only human self-interest but also of those other features that are strongly linked with human life: the need for a meaning in our life, our relationship with our future and our relationship with other human beings. However, to change an anthropological paradigm, there is a necessary step that has to be addressed. To say that the paradigm ofHomo economicushas been the dominant one so far, means that we have had a society that was imbued within a specific framework of customs, values, and traditions. Our society has been developed on a set of assumptions about human behavior, and on these assumptions have been developed institutions and procedures in which wetrust.

The attitude of trust is the main topic of this essay. To develop a society on the paradigm ofHomo amansand to further develop the debate, one should ask what kind of expectation we should encourage in people, and what should the foundations for such expectations be. What, then, is the foundation of this sensible assurance? Why do we trust people and institutions? This chapter aims to analyze this fundamental requirement for the development of any kind of society: the need for trust between persons and communities.
Technological development for the reduction of out-of-plane deformation of metallic meander structures in thermoformed electronics
Authors: Madadnia Behnam , Bossuyt Frederick , Vanfleteren Jan
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a novel approach for removing out-of-plane deformation in stretched metal interconnects by adding a fractal structure to the original meander shape and using an optimized fabrication stack. In thermoformed electronics, in cases where copper is used as conductor, the twisting of meander-shaped structures caused by excessive mechanical stress can cause a non-uniform surface, delamination of the metal interconnect from the substrate, and in some cases, a short circuit to the adjacent tracks. Typically, designers of stretchable electronics use various shapes and widths of the copper interconnect to tackle this issue. Using conventional meander shapes such as horseshoes and U-shapes is not universally practical, especially when stretching is higher than 30 percent leading to significant out-of-plane buckling. Limiting this out-of-plane buckling by reducing the track width is not always applicable, as a minimum width is needed from a technology and conductivity perspective. The presented approach is inspired by computational and experimental studies of multiple meander shapes and fabrication methods. A geometry- and fabrication-based approach is presented, reducing the mechanical stress of almost all possible meander shapes by increasing the meander's path length to accommodate the metal track's produced torque during stretching. An analytical approach is provided for calculating the optimal meander parameters and the optimal fabrication stack is achieved based on simulation results. Experiments and finite element modeling for a case study show the improvement in the stress distribution and reduction of out-of-plane buckling.
Teaching Trauma in Resource‐Limited Settings: A Scoping Review of Pediatric Trauma Courses
Authors: Pinkham Laura , Botelho Fabio , Khan Minahil , Guadagno Elena , Poenaru Dan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Injury remains an important cause of death and disability globally, with 95% of all childhood injury deaths occurring in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries (LMICs). Pediatric trauma training, tailored to the resources in LMICs, represents an opportunity to improve such outcomes. We explored the nature of course offerings in pediatric trauma in resource‐limited settings.

Methods

Seven databases were interrogated up to June 12, 2020, to retrieve articles examining pediatric trauma training in LMICs, as defined by the World Bank, without language restrictions. Independent authors reviewed and selected abstracts based on set criteria. Data from included studies was extracted and analyzed. An adapted Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist designed for cohort studies was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results

After screening 3960 articles for eligibility, 16 were included for final analysis. Course delivery methods included didactic modules, simulations, clinical mentorship, small group discussion, audits, assessments, and feedback. Knowledge acquisition was primarily assessed through pre/post‐tests, clinical skills assessments, and self‐assessment questionnaires. Twelve studies detailed course content, nine of which were based on the WHO Emergency Triage, Assessment and Treatment model, which is not specific to trauma. The other three studies involved locally developed pediatric trauma‐focused training courses, including airway management, head trauma and cervical spine management, thoracic and abdominal trauma, orthopedic trauma, burn and wound management, and shock.

Conclusion

Despite being essential to decreasing pediatric trauma morbidity and mortality worldwide, educational programs in pediatric trauma are not a widespread reality in low‐and‐middle‐income countries. The development of accessible and efficient pediatric trauma education programs is critical for improving pediatric trauma quality of care.
Research progress on exosomal proteins as diagnostic markers of gastric cancer (review article)
Authors: Su Hang , Ren Weihong , Zhang Dai
Published: January 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common types of tumors and the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The diagnosis of GC is critical to its prevention and treatment. Available tumor markers are the crucial step for GC diagnosis. Recent studies have shown that proteins in exosomes are potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for GC. Exosomes, secreted by cells, are cup-shaped with a diameter of 30–150 nm under the electron microscope. They are also surrounded by lipid bilayers and are widely found in various body fluids. Exosomes contain proteins, lipids and nucleic acid. The examination of exosomal proteins has the advantages of quickness, easy sampling, and low pain and cost, as compared with the routine inspection method of GC, which may lead to marked developments in GC diagnosis. This article summarized the exosomal proteins with a diagnostic and prognostic potential in GC, as well as exosomal proteins involved in GC progression.
Utilizing multi-level concepts for multi-phase modeling
Authors: Franz Tobias , Seidl Christoph , Fischer Philipp M. , Gerndt Andreas
Published: January 2022

In model-based systems engineering projects, engineers from multiple domains collaborate by establishing a common system model. Multi-level modeling is a technique that can be used to model the development from abstract ideas to concrete implementations. However, current multi-level modeling approaches are not adequate for processes with multiple modeling phases that might have to be rearranged later. In this paper, we introduce multi-phase modeling that utilizes concepts of multi-level modeling by considering a description of the expected phase ordering per domain. Constraints aware of this context can express that certain elements are only valid in specific phases without having to determine a concrete phase ordering for a particular model. This enables using multi-phase modeling in flexible workflows, adapting to changing requirements and the definition of access rules in domain notation. We show feasibility of this multi-phase modeling by applying it to multiple real-life systems engineering projects of the aerospace domain.
Manipulation-resistant false-name-proof facility location mechanisms for complex graphs
Authors: Nehama Ilan , Todo Taiki , Yokoo Makoto
Published: January 2022

In many real-life scenarios, a group of agents needs to agree on a common action, e.g., on a location for a public facility, while there is some consistency between their preferences, e.g., all preferences are derived from a common metric space. The facility location problem models such scenarios and it is a well-studied problem in social choice. We study mechanisms for facility location on unweighted undirected graphs that are resistant to manipulations (strategy-proof, abstention-proof, and false-name-proof) by both individuals and coalitions on one hand and anonymous and efficient (Pareto-optimal) on the other. We define a new family of graphs, $$ZV$$

ZV

-line graphs, and show a general facility location mechanism for these graphs that satisfies all these desired properties. This mechanism can also be computed in polynomial time and it can equivalently be defined as the first Pareto-optimal location according to some predefined order. Our main result, the $$ZV$$

ZV

-line graphs family and the mechanism we present for it, unifies all works in the literature of false-name-proof facility location on discrete graphs including the preliminary (unpublished) works we are aware of. In particular, we show mechanisms for all graphs of at most five vertices, discrete trees, bicliques, and clique tree graphs. Finally, we discuss some generalizations and limitations of our result for facility location problems on other structures: Weighted graphs, large discrete cycles, infinite graphs; and for facility location problems concerning infinite societies.
Utility and Impact of the Implementation of Same-Day, Self-administered Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes Assessments in Routine HIV Care in two North American Clinics
Authors: Short Duncan , Fredericksen Rob J. , Crane Heidi M. , Fitzsimmons Emma , Suri Shivali , Bacon Jean , Musten Alexandra , Gough Kevin , Ramgopal Moti , Berry Jeff , McReynolds Justin , Kroch Abigail , Jacobs Brenda , Hodge Vince , Korlipara Divya , Lober William
Published: January 2022

The PROgress study assessed the value and feasibility of implementing web-based patient-reported outcomes assessments (PROs) within routine HIV care at two North American outpatient clinics. People with HIV (PWH) completed PROs on a tablet computer in clinic before their routine care visit. Data collection included PROs from 1632 unique PWH, 596 chart reviews, 200 patient questionnaires, and 16 provider/staff questionnaires. During an initial setup phase involving 200 patients, PRO results were not delivered to providers; for all subsequent patients, providers received PRO results before the consultation. Chart review demonstrated that delivery of PRO results to providers improved patient-provider communication and increased the number of complex health and behavioral issues identified, recorded, and acted on, including suicidal ideation (88% with vs 38% without PRO feedback) and anxiety (54% with vs 24% without PRO feedback). In post-visit questionnaires, PWH (82%) and providers (82%) indicated that the PRO added value to the visit.