bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porphyrin induced structural destabilization of a parallel DNA G‐quadruplex in human MRP1 gene promoter
Authors: Joshi Savita , Singh Anju , Kukreti Shrikant
Published: January 2022

Porphyrins are among the first ligands that have been tested for their quadruplex binding and stabilization potential. We report the differential interaction of the positional cationic porphyrin isomers TMPyP3 and TMPyP4 with a parallel G‐quadruplex (GQ) formed by 33‐mer (TP) regulatory sequence present in the promoter region of the human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) transporter gene. This GQ element encompasses the three evolutionary conserved SP1 transcription factor binding sites. Taking into account that SP1 binds to a non‐canonical GQ motif with higher affinity than to a canonical duplex DNA consensus motif, it is suggestive that GQ distortion by cationic porphyrin will have important implications in the regulation of MRP1 expression. Herein, we employed biophysical analysis using circular dichroism, visible absorption, UV‐thermal melting and steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy, reporting destabilization of MRP1 GQ by cationic porphyrins. Results suggest that TMPyP4 and TMPyP3 interact with GQ with a binding affinity of 106 to 107 M−1. Thermodynamic analysis indicated a significant decrease in melting temperature of GQ (ΔTm of 15.5°C‐23.5°C), in the presence of 2 times excess of porphyrins. This study provides the biophysical evidence indicating the destabilisation of a parallel DNA G‐quadruplex by cationic porphyrins.
Climate change impacts on tropical cyclones of the Arabian Sea: Projections and uncertainty investigations
Authors: Ranji Zahra , Zarifsanayei Amin Reza , Cartwright Nick , Soltanpour Mohsen
Published: January 2022

This study investigates some of the uncertainties sources associated with the pseudo global warming (PGW) approach which was employed to project future patterns of tropical cyclones (TCs) over the Arabian Sea (AS). First, the climate variables controlling the patterns of tropical cyclones were extracted from reanalysis datasets of ERA5, ERAI, CFSR, and NCEP/NCAR. Then, each dataset was evaluated against long‐term measurements to identify the best‐performing reanalysis dataset. ERA5 showed the best performance for most of the variables. Outputs of 20 CMIP5 global climate models (GCMs) were then evaluated against the ERA5 data resulting in an ensemble of the best performing GCMs. A PGW framework was then used to project the changes in patterns of three significant historical cyclones: Gonu, Phet, and Ashobaa. In doing so, the signals of future climate variables were extracted from the GCMs ensemble to modify the initial and boundary conditions of the WRF model which was previously tuned for reproducing the historical TCs. Different tests were conducted to address the sources of uncertainty in the PGW approach, including the selection of the climate variables contributing to the computation of the signals, the selection of GCMs, and the spatial variation of signals. A considerable sensitivity of the projected track and intensity of TCs to the choice of GCMs was observed, acknowledging the importance of GCMs evaluation before calculating the signals. Moreover, it was found that among all variables, signals of sea surface temperature and air temperature have major effects on the cyclone's track and intensity. Apart from that, when the signals were applied to the domain of the WRF model uniformly, compared to applying spatially varying signals, different tracks and intensities for future TCs were also observed. Overall, the findings of this paper challenge the reliability of the projected changes in TCs patterns obtained from PGW.
Knee joint biomechanics during gait improve from 3 to 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Neal Kelsey , Williams Jack R. , Alfayyadh Abdulmajeed , Capin Jacob J. , Khandha Ashutosh , Manal Kurt , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Buchanan Thomas S.
Published: January 2022

Gait alterations after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are commonly reported and have been linked to posttraumatic osteoarthritis development. While knee gait alterations have been studied at several time points after ACLR, little is known about how these biomechanical variables change earlier than 6 months after surgery, nor is much known about how they differ over the entire stance phase of gait. The purpose of this study was to examine knee gait biomechanical variables over their entire movement pattern through stance at both 3 and 6 months after ACLR and to study the progression of interlimb asymmetry between the two postoperative time points. Thirty‐five individuals underwent motion analysis during overground walking 3 (3.2 ± 0.5) and 6 (6.4 ± 0.7) months after ACLR. Knee biomechanical variables were compared between limbs and across time points through 100% of stance using statistical parametric mapping; this included a 2 × 2 (Limb × Time) repeated measures analysis of variance and two‐tailed t‐tests. Smaller knee joint angles, moments, extensor forces, and medial compartment forces were present in the involved versus uninvolved limb. Interlimb asymmetries were present at both time points but were less prevalent at 6 months. The uninvolved limb's biomechanical variables stayed relatively consistent over time, while the involved limb's trended toward that of the uninvolved limb. Statement of Clinical Significance: Interventions to correct asymmetrical gait patterns after ACLR may need to occur early after surgery and may need to focus on multiple parts of stance phase.
Outcomes and technical modifications of vascularized lymph node transplantation from the lateral thoracic region for treatment of lymphedema
Authors: Coroneos Christopher J. , Asaad Malke , Wong Franklin C. , Hall Melissa S. , Chen Dawn N. , Hanasono Matthew M. , Schaverien Mark V.
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

This study evaluates clinical outcomes of vascularized lymph node transplantation (VLNT) from the lateral thoracic region and technical modifications.

Methods

Consecutive patients that underwent lateral thoracic VLNT to treat extremity lymphedema were included. Demographic and treatment data were recorded, and outcomes data including limb volume, LDex score, and Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS), QuickDASH, and LEFS questionnaires, were collected prospectively. Consecutive patients that underwent single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) lymphoscintigraphy axillary reverse lymphatic mapping (RLM) were analyzed to characterize the physiological drainage of the normal upper extremity.

Results

A consecutive series of 32 flaps were included. At 24 months postoperatively mean reduction in limb volume excess was 47.2% (±11.6; p = 0.0085), LDex score was 63.1% (±8.5; p < 0.001), and LLIS score was 65.1% (±7.4; p < 0.001). Preoperatively 14/31 patients (45.2%) reported cellulitis, and postoperatively there were no episodes at up to 24 months (p < 0.001). No patient developed donor extremity lymphedema at mean 18.6 (±8.3) months follow‐up. SPECT/CT‐RLM of 182 normal axillae demonstrated that the sentinel lymph node(s) of the upper extremity was consistently anatomically located in the upper outer quadrant of the axilla (97%).

Conclusions

VLNT from the lateral thoracic region is effective and versatile for the treatment of lymphedema with a low donor site complication rate.
Parenting‐related trauma exposure among parents of children with intellectual and developmental disorders: Development and validation of the Parenting Trauma Checklist
Authors: Xiong Ting , McGrath Patrick J. , Yakovenko Igor , Thomson Donna , Kaltenbach Elisa
Published: January 2022

Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDDs) often encounter parenting‐related traumatic events. Trauma exposure is a risk factor for mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little is known regarding the types of traumatic events that parents commonly experience and how to best assess parenting‐related trauma exposure. To address this gap, we developed the Parenting Trauma Checklist (PTC) and tested its psychometric properties. The PTC was created based on an extensive literature review and consultation with stakeholders, which led to the creation of a 17‐item instrument. Participants (N = 424) were Canadian parents of children with IDDs who completed an online test battery that included the PTC and several questionnaires to assess PTSD symptoms, global mental and physical health, lifetime trauma exposure, and functional impairment, which were included to test the validity of the new instrument. The PTC demonstrated good construct validity. Ninety four percent of the sample reported parenting‐related trauma exposure. Parents reported having experienced an average of 5.79 parenting‐related traumatic events, with seeing their child undergo a medical procedure the most frequently endorsed event (68.6%). Experiencing more parenting‐related traumatic events was positively associated with higher PTSD symptom levels, r = .35, p < .001. The PTC is a promising instrument that can be used to examine parenting‐related trauma exposure. The measure can be used as a screening tool to detect parents’ risk of traumatic stress disorders, evaluate traumatic experiences, and assess whether trauma‐focused treatment is warranted.
Vertical and horizontal soil stresses beneath a modern combine harvester: Measurements and modelling
Authors: Ding Zhao , Munkholm Lars J. , ten Damme Loraine , Lamandé Mathieu
Published: January 2022

Vehicle traffic‐induced subsoil compaction has negative influences on soil functions and ecosystems, which may cause the degradation of farmland. Rubber tracks are recommended for use on modern large agricultural vehicles due to its low ground pressure as compared to tyres. However, few studies have discussed the potential of the rubber tracks to reduce subsoil stress. In this study, we investigated the magnitude and distribution of soil stress below a rubber track and a tyre for a range of traffic velocities. The vertical and horizontal soil stresses were measured under the centrelines of the rubber track and tyre paths at a depth of 0.35 m by transducers buried in the soil. The SoilFlex model was adopted to simulate soil stress in the soil profile. Vertical stress was distributed with one peak under the tyre and multiple peaks under the rubber track. Horizontal stress exhibited one peak before and one peak after the passing of the axle. The maximum vertical and horizontal stresses were approximately 3.4‐ and 2.0‐times higher, respectively, under the tyre than under the rubber track, indicating greater effectiveness of the rubber track in reducing the vertical stress than reducing horizontal stress. Both vertical and horizontal stresses presented a downward trend as the vehicle velocity increased.
Consistent effects of vegetation patch type on soil microbial communities across three successional stages in a desert ecosystem
Authors: Yu Jie , Yin Qiang , Niu Jianming , Yan Zhijian , Wang Hui , Wang Yuqing , Chen Dima
Published: January 2022

Desertification is a worldwide problem caused by climate change and human activity in dryland regions. In China, approximately 27% of the land surface is desertified. In these desertified ecosystems, aboveground interactions are known to greatly affect ecological succession, but belowground soil microbial communities are relatively unstudied. It is not yet clear how these communities change with different vegetation patch types (e.g., shrub vs. grass) across successional stages in dryland ecosystems. In this study, we assessed the effects of shrub patches (dominated by Artemisia ordosica) and grass patches on soil microbial community diversity, soil environment, and soil substrates across three successional stages (mobile, semi‐mobile, and fixed dunes) in a sand dune ecosystem in the Kubuqi Desert, China. Microbial alpha diversity, as indicated by the Shannon index or operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness, was not affected by patch type but increased with successional stages. Patch type‐ or successional stage‐induced changes in soil bacterial and fungal alpha diversity were mainly associated with soil organic carbon. Unlike alpha diversity, soil microbial beta diversity was greatly affected by successional stage and patch type. The Mantel test revealed that changes in soil bacterial beta diversity were mainly associated with soil organic carbon, and changes in soil fungal beta diversity were mainly associated with soil organic carbon and soil pH. Microbial OTU richness responded more strongly to the successional stage than the microbial Shannon index, indicating that microbial OTU richness can be used as an indicator of successional status in desert ecosystems. The consistent differences in microbial beta diversity between shrub and grass patches across the three successional stages indicate that shrubs significantly influence soil microbial communities in desert ecosystems.
Gene expression profiling for metastatic risk in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Arron Sarah T. , Wysong Ashley , Hall Mary A. , Bailey Christine N. , Covington Kyle R. , Kurley Sarah J. , Goldberg Matthew S. , Kasprzak Julia M. , Somani Ally‐Khan , Ibrahim Sherrif F. , Brodland David G. , Cleaver Nathan J. , Maher Ian A. , Xia Yang , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Newman Jason G.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Over 50% of newly diagnosed cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) lesions occur in the head and neck (cSCC‐HN), and metastasis to nodal basins in this region further complicates surgical and adjuvant treatment. The current study addressed whether the 40‐gene expression profile (40‐GEP) test can predict metastatic risk in cSCC‐HN with improved accuracy and provide independent prognostic value to complement current risk assessment methods.

Study Design

Multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded primary tumor tissue and associated clinical data from patients with cSCC‐HN (n = 278) were collected from 33 independent centers. Samples were analyzed via the 40‐GEP test. Cases were staged per American Joint Committee on Cancer, Eighth Edition (AJCC8) and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) criteria after comprehensive medical record and pathology report review. Metastasis‐free survival (MFS) rates were determined, and risk factors were analyzed via Cox regression.

Results

The 40‐GEP test classified the cohort into low (Class 1, n = 126; 45.3%), moderate (Class 2A, n = 134; 48.2%), and high (Class 2B, n = 18; 6.5%) metastatic risk at 3 years postdiagnosis. Regional/distant metastasis occurred in 54 patients (19.4%). MFS rates were 92.1% (Class 1), 76.1% (Class 2A), and 44.4% (Class 2B; p < .0001). Multivariate analysis of 40‐GEP results with AJCC8 or BWH tumor stage, or clinicopathologic risk factors, demonstrated independent prognostic value of the 40‐GEP test (p < .03). Accuracy of predicting metastatic risk was also improved using 40‐GEP classification (p < .02).

Conclusions

Improved metastatic risk stratification through the 40‐GEP test could complement cSCC‐HN risk assessment for better‐informed decision‐making for treatment and surveillance and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3
Evaluation of the red & blue LED effects on cutaneous refractory wound healing in male Sprague–Dawley rat using 3 different multi‐drug resistant bacteria
Authors: Lv Yang , Chen ZengHong , Yang ZhiGuo , Yang WenYu , Chu WenWen , Tu YiQian , Xie Juan , Cao DongSheng
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is widely used in clinical therapy, and is an effective approach to resist the bacterial infection of the cutaneous wound and modulate the wound healing process. Due to the several detriments of lasers, Red & Blue LED light (RBLL) may be a more viable light source. This study is aimed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effect of RBLL light on different multi‐drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in vitro and male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat refractory MDR infection wound model in vivo.

Materials and Methods

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases ‐producing Escherichia coli (ESBLs‐Eco), and the MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR‐Pae) were employed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of the Blue LED light in vitro. Effects of RBLL on in vivo wound healing were evaluated by analyzing time to closure, wound score, semi‐quantitative test for bacterial culture, histopathological examination and Masson staining of skin tissue, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and western blot analysis (WB) of wound tissue.

Results

Blue LED light inhibited MRSA, ESBLs‐Eco, and MDR‐Pae in vitro study. In vivo, RBLL accelerated wound healing, reduced levels of pathogenic bacteria on the wound surface while increasing the blood supply to the wound surface and inhibiting the excessive inflammatory response.

Conclusion

RBLL showed a great potential gain for the treatment of MDR bacterial infected wounds, suggesting PBM therapy is an inexpensive, convenient, pain‐free, and safe therapeutic intervention for refractory MDR infection wounds.
On the global stability of an age‐structured tuberculosis transmission model with relapse
Authors: Liu Lili , Zhang Jian , Li Yazhi , Liu Xianning
Published: January 2022

We reconsider the model presented in Cao et al. (2020, doi:10.1002/mma.6156), where the global asymptotic stability (GAS) of the endemic steady state (ESS) was unresolved when ℜ0 > 1. We recompute the existence of ESS in detail, re‐establish the GAS of the disease‐free steady state (DFSS) in a simple and direct manner, and, furthermore, resolve the GAS of ESS, which was left as an open problem in the above paper. We adopt the method of Lyapunov functional with a key skill of selecting some novel appropriate kernel functions.
Toward integrating bidirectional multiband data and power transmission using double clad optical fibers for the next generation disaster resilient managing communication systems
Authors: Manimegalai Chellappan Thangappan , Kalimuthu Krishnan , Gauni Sabitha
Published: January 2022

During the cyclones and floods, all through the nation, the telecommunication network services were the most hit, leaving numerous individuals stripped from the ability to contact their precious ones. This paper is to demonstrate potential communications during such power blackouts. The double clad fiber is used for optically powering, transmitting and receiving the data to and from the remote antenna units by the Bidirectional method. The RoF multiband signals such as baseband, millimeter wave, and microwave, are transmitted and received bidirectionally by the single mode core, and power in outer clad to the Remote Antenna Unit. By the proposed RoF link transmission of 1 Gbps over a 100‐Km DCF with an optical power of about12.0 W is achieved.
Long‐term urological complications after conservative local treatment (surgery and brachytherapy) in children with bladder–prostate rhabdomyosarcoma: A single‐team experience
Authors: Akkary Rezkalla , Guérin Florent , Chargari Cyrus , Jochault Loic , Audry Georges , Pio Luca , Minard‐Colin Veronique , Haie‐Meder Christine , Martelli Hélène
Published: January 2022

Background

Outcome of children with bladder–prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has improved with multimodal therapies, including surgery and/or radiotherapy for local treatment. Our aim was to report long‐term urological complications after a conservative approach combining conservative surgery and brachytherapy.

Patients and methods

Eighty‐six patients, free of disease, were retrospectively reviewed. Symptoms related to urinary tract obstruction, incontinence, infection, and lithiasis were reported and graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) classification. Only symptomatic patients underwent urodynamic studies. Risk factors for complications were analyzed.

Results

There were 76 males and 10 females. The median follow‐up was 6.3 years (18 months to 24 years). Complications occurred after a median follow‐up of 5 years (0–21). Twenty‐two patients (26%) had long‐term urological complications. Urinary tract obstruction was found in 15 patients (17%) and urinary incontinence in 14 patients (16%). Recurrent urinary tract infection occurred in four patients and urinary lithiasis in four (5%). The underlying physiopathology included bladder dysfunction in 15 patients (17%), urethral stenosis in six (7%), and ureterovesical junction stenosis in five (6%). On univariate analysis, posterior bladder wall dissection (p = .001), bladder neck trigone dissection (p = .010), and partial prostatectomy (p = .023) were significantly associated with an increased risk of bladder dysfunction; on multivariate analysis, only age ≤2 years (p = .028) at operation and posterior bladder wall dissection (p = .006) were found to be significant.

Conclusion

The conservative surgical approach combined with brachytherapy for bladder–prostate RMS leads to long‐term urological complications in 26% of survivors. Optimizing brachytherapy doses for young children and establishing a clear and long‐term follow‐up protocol could help to reduce these complications.
Reading intervention targeting phonemic awareness and symbol imagery in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Boggs Jacklyn , Freeman Molly , Okhomina Victoria I. , Kang Guolian , Heitzer Andrew M. , Wang Winfred C.
Published: January 2022

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) frequently have diminished academic attainment and are particularly vulnerable to reading dysfunction. We explored the effectiveness of a multisensory reading intervention offered during the summer to children with SCD at our institution. Subjects with reading deficits were identified through parent report, clinical findings, or school meetings. Summer reading programs utilizing Phonemic Awareness and Symbol Imagery were provided. The Lindamood–Bell Auditory Conceptualization/Phonemic Awareness Test, Third Edition (LAC‐3), and the Symbol Imagery Test were used as pre‐ and postintervention examinations to measure progress. Fifteen students (median age 9.4 years, range 6–14 years, eight females, all African American) received the Phonemic Awareness intervention, two times a week for 6 weeks. The subjects showed statistically significant gains in standard scores derived from the LAC‐3 (mean change 7.9 points, p < .001), with associated improvements in age equivalency (AE) and grade equivalency (GE). Twenty‐nine students (median age 9 years, range 6–17 years, 13 females, all African American) participated in the Symbol Imagery reading program, also two times a week for 6 weeks. These students showed significant gains in overall standard scores (mean change 9.8 points, p < .001). Although results should be interpreted with caution due to small sample sizes, we found that summer reading clinics for children with SCD improved phonological processing and symbol imagery skills, potentially leading to substantial gains in reading capability.
Gibbs energies of activation for reacting systems with multiple reactant‐state and transition‐state conformations
Authors: Williams Ian H.
Published: January 2022

Three distinct procedures for obtaining the effective Gibbs energies of activation from computed energies for a reaction involving multiple reactant‐state (RS) and transition‐state (TS) conformers are shown to be equivalent. If Boltzmann‐weighted average Gibbs energies for RS and TS are evaluated, then the Gibbs energy contribution from entropy of mixing of both RS and TS conformers must also be included in order to obtain the correct value for the effective Gibbs energy of activation. Application to a solvolytic reaction of 4,4′‐dimethoxybenzhydrylpyridinium cation, which is shown to satisfy the Curtin‐Hammett principle with rapid interconversion of RS conformers, demonstrates the use of each procedure for evaluation of the effective Gibbs energy of activation.
Plasma induced reactive oxygen species‐dependent cytotoxicity in glioblastoma 3D tumourspheres
Authors: Wanigasekara Janith , Barcia Carlos , Cullen Patrick J. , Tiwari Brijesh , Curtin James F.
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a pin‐to‐plate cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on U‐251 MG three‐dimensional (3D) glioblastoma spheroids under different conditions. 3D tumorspheres showed higher resistance to the CAP treatment compared to 2D monolayer cells. A single CAP treatment was able to induce cytotoxicity, while multiple CAP treatments augmented this effect. CAP was also able to induce cytotoxicity throughout the tumoursphere, and we identified that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a major role, while H2O2 plays a partial role in CAP‐induced cytotoxicity in tumourspheres. We conclude that ROS‐dependent cytotoxicity is induced uniformly throughout glioblastoma and epidermoid tumourspheres by direct CAP treatment.
Effects of early vitamin D supplementation on the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants
Authors: Ge Haiyan , Qiao Yanxia , Ge Jun , Li Junran , Hu Kena , Chen Xiaohui , Cao Xinghua , Xu Xiangshi , Wang Wenzhe
Published: January 2022

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a respiratory dysfunction caused by poor lung bronchial development, which may lead to long‐term lung disease, threatening the lives of children. Studies have shown that premature infants with low vitamin D are highly associated with BPD. In this study, we aim to obtain insights into whether early vitamin D supplementation could prevent BPD in preterm infants.

Methods

A total of 112 preterm infants were randomly divided into two groups: the control and vitamin D supplementation (VD) group. The VD group received vitamin D (800 IU/day) within 48 h at birth for consecutively 28 days. The serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and C‐reactive protein (CRP), IL6, and TNF‐α were measured using ELISA assay. The arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was measured using an i‐STAT analyzer.

Results

The occurrence of BPD was decreased in the VD group compared with the control. The decreased serum 25(OH)D3 was significantly elevated by supplementation with vitamin D. In addition, the serum inflammation factors (CRP, IL6, and TNF‐α) were significantly reduced by vitamin D supplementation.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that early vitamin D supplementation could significantly reduce BPD incidence in preterm infants. We showed that early vitamin D supplementation could significantly increase serum level of 25(OH)D3 and reduce inflammatory response thereby preventing and reducing neonatal BPD.

Limitation

Firstly, a larger sample size will be needed to be included to gain a comprehensive understanding of the protective effects of vitamin D and BPD mechanistically in preterm infants. Secondly, the pathophysiological process of BPD will need to be studied. In addition, the pathways that vitamin D is responsible for, need to be further researched.
Vancomycin therapeutic monitoring by measured trough concentration versus Bayesian‐derived area under the curve in critically ill patients with cancer
Authors: AbuSara Aseel K. , Abdelrahman Deema H. , Habash Khader I. , Al‐Shaer Mohammad H. , Le Jennifer , Nazer Lama H.
Published: January 2022

The updated vancomycin guideline and recent studies suggested that trough concentrations may result in underestimation of the actual area under the curve (AUC), leading to excessive dosing and nephrotoxicity. With limited data available on critically ill cancer patients, this study aimed to compare the two methods in this patient population. This was a 5‐year retrospective study on patients treated with vancomycin in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a comprehensive cancer center. The measured trough concentration was compared to Bayesian‐derived AUC/minimum‐inhibitory‐concentration (MIC), considering MIC as 1. Trough concentrations of 15–20 mg/L and AUC of 400–600 mg h/L were considered the targeted goal. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with an AUC below the targeted goal. During the study period, 316 patients were included. The mean age was 54 years ±16 (SD); most patients had solid tumors (75%), and 11% had neutropenia. A targeted goal AUC and trough were recorded in 128 (41%) patients and in 64 (20%) patients, respectively. Of the 128 patients with targeted goal AUC, 31 (24%) had targeted goal trough concentrations and 91 (71%) had trough concentrations below 15 mg/L. Furthermore, among the patients with targeted goal trough concentration (n = 64), 33 (52%) had higher than targeted goal AUC. Augmented renal clearance (ARC), defined as a calculated creatinine‐clearance ≥130 ml/min, was associated with an AUC below the targeted goal. In a cohort of critically ill patients with cancer, over two‐thirds of the patients with a targeted goal Bayesian AUC/MIC had trough concentrations below the targeted goal. ARC was associated with AUC below the targeted goal.
ZnO nanoparticles produced in the culture supernatant of Bacillus thuringiensis ser. israelensis affect the demographic parameters of Musca domestica using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table
Authors: Iqbal Hafsa , Fatima Ammara , Khan Hafiz Azhar Ali
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Indiscriminate use of broad‐spectrum insecticides can have deleterious effects on insects and the environment. The use of nanoparticles synthesized from microbes has recently gained importance as a safe alternative to conventional insecticides. Recently, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized using Bacillus thuringiensis have shown insecticidal potential; however, in addition to its acute toxicity, it is necessary to determine possible sublethal effects at the organismal level to understand the toxicity of a new insecticide. Bt‐derived enzymes such as nitrate reductase and other biomolecules play a vital role in the reduction of metal ions to metal nanoparticles. Here, we assessed the acute toxicity and sublethal effects of ZnO nanoparticles produced in the culture supernatant of B. thuringiensis ser. israelensis (Bti) as a reducing agent on the biological traits of Musca domestica.

RESULTS

Concentration–response larval bioassays using different concentrations of ZnO‐Bti‐supernatant nanoparticles revealed LC10, LC20, LC50 and LC90 values of 4.17, 6.11, 12.73 and 38.90 μg g−1 of larval diet, respectively. Exposure of M. domestica larvae to two concentrations (LC10 and LC20) resulted in a lengthened developmental time (egg to adult) and preoviposition period, and reduced fecundity, survival, longevity and oviposition period. Furthermore, population parameters including net reproductive rate, mean generation time, age‐specific survival rate, fecundity, life expectancy and reproductive values, analyzed following age‐stage and two‐sex life table theory, were significantly decreased after exposure to these concentrations of ZnO‐Bti‐supernatant nanoparticles compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

ZnO‐Bti‐supernatant nanoparticles were shown to be toxic to M. domestica. Exposure of M. domestica to low concentrations of ZnO‐Bti‐supernatant nanoparticles resulted in negative transgenerational effects on progeny production in this fly. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Spatio‐temporal patterns in degradation and restoration of gravel bars along Alpine rivers
Authors: Woellner Romy , Wagner Thomas C. , Crabot Julie , Kollmann Johannes
Published: January 2022

Braided reaches were common along near‐natural Alpine rivers, and the associated habitat dynamics supported plant and animal species specialized on early‐successional stages. The extensive riparian zones could mitigate climate change by absorbing floods and by retaining water during droughts. Human impacts largely reduced active river corridors through altered discharge and construction of dykes, while recent restoration projects aim at increasing river dynamics. The causes and consequences of Alpine river degradation are well understood, but there are only few quantitative studies on floodplain degradation and restoration. Thus, we have reconstructed historical changes of gravel bars along five Alpine rivers (Iller, Inn, Isar, Lech, and Wertach) in Southern Germany in the period 1808–2009, based on historical maps and aerial images. We found losses of >90% in gravel bar area along these rivers since the mid‐19th century. The decline was caused by a reduction of the active river corridor and by ongoing succession of the remaining open habitats. Within the past 30 years, at the Isar River, restoration measures were realized with the aim to widen the active river corridor and to recreate gravel bars. In four restored reaches, we found that 5% of the historical gravel bar area recovered, and that the proportion of restored gravel bar area was highest after intermediate flooding. We conclude that the active river corridors of German Alpine rivers are almost completely lost, and that more extensive restoration needs to be done to preserve the habitat dynamics and biodiversity of these systems, and to adapt Alpine rivers to climate change.
Health insurance benefits as a labor market friction: Evidence from a quasi‐experiment
Authors: Tsolmon Ulya , Ariely Dan
Published: January 2022

Research Summary

This study examines the propensity of small firms to provide health insurance in response to high state‐level unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, given that generous UI benefits reduce labor market frictions that constrain employee mobility. We exploit a unique data set of over 15,000 small private firms in the United States and find that when state UI benefits are high, firms will offer their employees health insurance benefits—especially when those firms rely on human capital that is difficult to replace. We find positive effects of health insurance policy on worker retention, worker productivity, and firm performance. We discuss the implications of our findings to the theory development on the relationship between exogenous labor market frictions and firms' responses to those frictions.

Managerial Summary

This study examines whether small firms that offer health insurance to their employees have better performance outcomes. Even though health insurance is a costly investment for small firms, there has been scant strategy‐ and evidence‐based guidance for managers regarding the conditions that can render investments in employee health ultimately worthwhile. The study analyzes data from 15,000 small firms in the United States and finds that offering health insurance when retaining and replacing workers by firms is more difficult. Firms that offer health insurance also have better worker retention, productivity, and profitability compared to firms that do not offer health insurance. The results suggest that investments in employee health and well‐being may provide a competitive edge to firms, especially when labor market competition for workers is high.
Fe Single‐Atom Catalyst for Efficient and Rapid Fenton‐Like Degradation of Organics and Disinfection against Bacteria
Authors: Yang Lixue , Yang Haoqi , Yin Shengyan , Wang Xiuyan , Xu Mingwei , Lu Guolong , Liu Zhenning , Sun Hang
Published: January 2022

The Fenton‐like reaction has great potential in water treatment. Herein, an efficient and reusable catalytic system is developed based on atomically dispersed Fe catalyst by anchoring Fe atoms on nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (Fe SA/NPCs). The catalyst of Fe SA/NPCs exhibits enhanced performance in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for organic pollutant degradation and bacterial inactivation. The Fe SA/NPCs + PMS system demonstrates a high turnover frequency of 39.31 min−1 in Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation as well as a strong bactericidal activity that can completely sterilize an Escherichia coli culture within 5 min. Meanwhile, the degradation activity of RhB by Fe SA/NPCs is improved up to 28 to 371‐fold in comparison with the controls. Complete degradation of RhB can be achieved in 30 s by the Fe SA/NPCs + PMS system, demonstrating an efficiency much higher than most traditional Fenton‐like processes. Experiments with different radical scavengers and density functional theory calculations have revealed that singlet oxygen (1O2) generated on the N‐coordinated single Fe atom (Fe‐N4) sites is the key reactive species for the effective and rapid pollutant degradation and bacterial inactivation. This work innovatively affords a promising single‐Fe‐atom catalyst/PMS system for applying Fenton‐like reactions in water treatment.
Crystalline‐Amorphous Ni2P4O12/NiMoOx Nanoarrays for Alkaline Water Electrolysis: Enhanced Catalytic Activity via In Situ Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Jing , Niu Siqi , Li Siwei , Du Yunchen , Xu Ping
Published: January 2022

Water electrolysis affords a promising approach to large‐scale hydrogen yield, but its efficiency is restrained by the sluggish water dissociation kinetics. Here, an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst of in situ formed crystalline nickel metaphosphate on amorphous NiMoOx nanoarrays supported on nickel foam (c‐Ni2P4O12/a‐NiMoOx/NF) for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solution is reported. The c‐Ni2P4O12/a‐NiMoOx/NF can deliver a current density of 10 mA cm–2 at a low potential of 78 mV for HER, and a current density of 20 mA cm–2 at an overpotential of 250 mV for OER. Moreover, it only requires a small cell voltage of 1.55 V at 10 mA cm–2 for robust water splitting with outstanding long‐term durability over 84 h. Various spectroscopic studies reveal that in situ surface reconstruction is crucial for the enhanced catalytic activity, where c‐Ni2P4O12/a‐NiMoOx is transformed into c‐Ni2P4O12/a‐NiMoO4 during the HER process, and into c‐Ni2P4O12/a‐NiOOH in the OER process. This work may provide a new strategy for uncovering the catalytic mechanism of crystalline‐amorphous catalysts.
Microwave‐Positioning Assembly: Structure and Surface Optimizations for Catalysts
Authors: Xiao Shuning , Huo Mengjia , Guan Yuchuan , Cao Haiyan , Huang Qian , Chen Linglong , Li Shuangjun , Li Guisheng , Zhang Dieqing , Li Hexing
Published: January 2022

As an innovative synthesis and modification method for nanomaterials, microwave‐positioning assembly exhibits various advantages like low power consumption, oriented growth, and precise doping in preparing and modifying catalysts, mainly owing to the superhot characteristics under microwave irradiation. There are different types of microwave‐positioning assembly mechanisms accounting for the controlling design of the composition, structure, surface chemical state, interface bonding, and some other factors of the catalyst. This review summarizes the recent achievements on the research progress of microwave‐assisted synthesis and modification of new catalysts with the improved performances in various catalytic reactions. The problems and developments of this method in future catalyst design are simply prospected.
Calycosin alleviatesH2O2‐induced astrocyte injury by restricting oxidative stress through the Akt/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Cheng‐You , Day Cecilia Hsuan , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Wang Tso‐Fu , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Lai Pei‐Fang , Chen Ray‐Jade , Yao Chun‐Hsu , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: January 2022

Oxidative stress‐induced brain cell damage is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐associated neurological diseases. Further, studies show that astrocytes are an important immunocompetent cell in the brain and play a potentially significant role in various neurological diseases. Therefore, elimination of ROS overproduction might be a potential strategy for preventing and treating neurological diseases. Accumulating evidence indicates that calycosin, a main active ingredient in the Chinese herbal medicine Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici), is a potential therapeutic candidate with anti‐inflammation and/or anticancer effects. Here, we investigated the protective effect of calycosin in brain astrocytes by mimicking in vitro oxidative stress using H2O2. The results revealed that H2O2significantly induced ROS and inflammatory factor (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α and interleukin [IL]‐1β) production, whereas post‐treatment with calycosin dramatically and concentration‐dependently suppressed H2O2‐induced damage by enhancing cell viability, repressing ROS and inflammatory factor production, and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression. Additionally, we found that calycosin facilitated nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and promoted its nuclear translocation, thereby inducing the expression of antioxidant molecules (heme oxygenase [HO]‐1 and SOD) following H2O2treatment. Moreover, calycosin did not attenuated H2O2‐induced astrocyte damage and ROS production in the presence of the ML385 (a Nrf2‐specific inhibitor) and followingNrf2silencing. Furthermore, calycosin failed to increase Akt phosphorylation and mitigate H2O2‐induced astrocyte damage in the presence of the LY294002 (a selective phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor), indicating that calycosin‐mediated regulation of oxidative‐stress homeostasis involved Akt/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling. These findings demonstrated that calycosin protects against oxidative injury in brain astrocytes by regulating oxidative stress through the AKT/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate aggravates CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrosis via HMGB1/TLR4/Smad signaling
Authors: Wan Chunhua , Gu Tianye , Ling Junyi , Qin Yi , Luo Jiashan , Sun Lingli , Hua Lu , Zhao Jianya , Jiang Shengyang
Published: January 2022

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a widespread environmental pollutant and may cause a variety of adverse health effects. The hepatotoxicity of PFOS has attracted particular attention, given the fact that the liver has one of the highest PFOS accumulations among human tissues. In this study, we revealed that subchronic PFOS exposure may exacerbate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis in animal models. Administration with 1 mg/kg PFOS every other day for 56 days dramatically enhanced CCl4‐mediated liver injury and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Furthermore, PFOS exposure may promote the activation of high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway through inducing the secretion of HMGB1 from hepatocytes. PFOS exposure induced the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus into the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and cultured BRL‐3A cells at a starting concentration of 50 μM. This process is accompanied with concurrent flux of calcium, suggesting a link between calcium signaling and HMGB1 release following PFOS exposure. Finally, we showed that PFOS‐exposed conditional medium (PFOS‐CM) of hepatocytes may induce the translocation of Smad2/3 in HSCs in a TLR4‐dependent manner. Taken together, subchronic PFOS exposure might play a pro‐fibrotic role via a HMGB1/TLR4‐dependent Smad signaling in HSCs. Our findings for the first time uncovered an involvement of PFOS exposure in liver fibrosis via HMGB1/TLR4/Smad signaling.
Decolorization of reactive blue 13 by Sporotrichum sp. and cytotoxicity of biotreated dye solution
Authors: Karaca Hülya , Kısaoğlan Berke , Koparal A. Tansu , Kıvanç Merih
Published: January 2022

Wastewater from the textile industry contaminated with azo dyes affects the environment negatively, causes pollution, and threatens environmental balance. Among various methods for wastewater treatment, bioremediation emerges as an environmentally friendly, economical, and sustainable solution. In this study, white‐rot fungus Sporotrichum sp. was employed to decolorize reactive blue 13 (RB13). The long‐term decolorization capacity of the fungus was investigated by a sequential batch experiment under optimized conditions. The fungus showed high decolorization efficiency upon repeating usage, and its decolorization efficiency decreased from 97.4% to 87.09% after transferring to a freshly prepared medium seven times. The MTT (3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay) method using Chinese Hamster Lung V79 379A was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of treated water samples. This study revealed that Sporotrichum sp. has short‐term enzymatic and long‐term biosorption capacity on reactive blue 13 and the decolorization potential of the alive and dead cells is impressively high.

Practitioner Points

White‐rot fungus Sporotrichum sp. is able to decolorize sulfonated azo‐dye reactive blue 13 upon sequential incubation in freshly prepared dye solution.

The decolorization mechanism of the fungus is estimated to be bioadsorption.

Sporotrichum sp. can be considered for long‐term usage and immobilization applications.
Anyons and the double copy
Authors: Burger Daniel J , Emond William T. , Moynihan Nathan
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We examine the double copy structure of anyons in gauge theory and gravity. Using on-shell amplitude techniques, we construct little group covariant spinor-helicity variables describing massive particles with spin, which together with locality and unitarity enables us to derive the long-range tree-level scattering amplitudes involving anyons. We discover that classical gauge theory anyon solutions double copy to their gravitational counterparts in a non-trivial manner. Interestingly, we show that the massless double copy captures the topological structure of curved spacetime in three dimensions by introducing a non-trivial mixing of the topological graviton and the dilaton. Finally, we show that the celebrated Aharonov-Bohm phase can be derived directly from the constructed on-shell amplitude, and that it too enjoys a simple double copy to its gravitational counterpart.
Digitale Systeme zur Unterstützung von präklinischen Notfalleinsätzen
Authors: Möllenhoff Clemens , Eder Patrick Andreas , Rashid Asarnusch , Möllenhoff Christian , Römer Ingolf , Franczyk Bogdan
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Steigende Anforderungen an Dokumentation und sektorenübergreifende Kommunikation führen zu vermehrtem organisatorischem Aufwand im Notarzt- und Rettungsdienst. Die Verwendung digitaler Informationssysteme im präklinischen Einsatz kann sowohl dazu beitragen, Einsatzkräfte bei diesen Aufgaben zu unterstützen als auch neue Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für Patienten eröffnen. Die Arbeit versucht, ein möglichst umfassendes Bild der derzeitigen Verbreitung und Nutzung von Informations- und Kommunikationssystemen zur Einsatzunterstützung in Deutschland zu erstellen.

Material und Methoden

Die Querschnittsstudie wurde als deutschlandweite, explorative Online-Befragung unter Notärzten und Rettungsdienstfachpersonal von Juli bis August 2020 durchgeführt. Die anschließende Datenanalyse erfolgte durch deskriptive Statistikmethoden. Betrachtet wurden u. a. Lösungen für die digitale Dokumentation und Krankenhausvoranmeldung, für den Versorgungsnachweis und Telenotarztdienst sowie der Digitalfunk.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 821 Antwortbogen von 481 Rettungswachen aus insgesamt 382 Städten in der Auswertung berücksichtigt. Die Verfügbarkeit von 16 untersuchten Systemen variiert deutschlandweit je nach Bundesland und Anwendungsbereich. Befragte Einsatzkräfte zeigen sich gegenüber neuen Technologien und Möglichkeiten grundsätzlich offen, wenngleich die aktuelle Umsetzung als nicht zufriedenstellend bewertet wird. Herausforderungen zeigen sich v. a. hinsichtlich Verlässlichkeit, Hardware, Benutzerfreundlichkeit und Interoperabilität.

Diskussion

Eine weitreichende Digitalisierung der präklinischen Notfallmedizin wurde in Deutschland bislang nicht erreicht. Die ganzheitliche Betrachtung und vernetzte Implementierung aller am Einsatz beteiligten Systeme und Prozesse kann dazu beitragen, digitale Lösungen für die Präklinik zu verbessern und weiter zu verbreiten.