bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloid Endoplasmic Reticulum Resident Chaperone GP96 Facilitates Inflammation and Steatosis in Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Ratna Anuradha , Lim Arlene , Li Zihai , Argemi Josepmaria , Bataller Ramon , Chiosis Gabriela , Mandrekar Pranoti
Published: May 2021

Cellular stress–mediated chaperones are linked to liver macrophage activation and inflammation in alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD). In this study, we investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident stress chaperone GP96/HSP90B1/GRP94, paralog of the HSP90 family, in ALD pathogenesis. We hypothesize that ER resident chaperone, heat shock protein GP96, plays a crucial role in alcohol‐associated liver inflammation and contributes to liver injury. We show high expression of GP96/HSP90B1 and GRP78/HSPA5 in human alcohol‐associated hepatitis livers as well as in mouse ALD livers with induction of GP96 prominent in alcohol‐exposed macrophages. Myeloid‐specific GP96 deficient (M‐GP96KO) mice failed to induce alcohol‐associated liver injury. Alcohol‐fed M‐GP96KO mice exhibit significant reduction in steatosis, serum endotoxin, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines compared with wild‐type mice. Anti‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor β, as well as activating transcription factor 3 and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, markers of restorative macrophages, were higher in alcohol‐fed M‐GP96KO livers. M‐GP96KO mice exhibit protection in a model of endotoxin‐mediated liver injury in vivo, which is in agreement with reduced inflammatory responses during ex vivo lipopolysaccharide/endotoxin– stimulated bone marrow–derived macrophages from M‐GP96KO mice. Furthermore, we show that liver macrophages from alcohol‐fed M‐GP96KO mice show compensatory induction of GRP78 messenger RNA, likely due to increased splicing of X‐box binding protein‐1. Finally, we show that inhibition of GP96 using a specific pharmacological agent, PU‐WS13 or small interfering RNA, alleviates inflammatory responses in primary macrophages. Conclusion: Myeloid ER resident GP96 promotes alcohol‐induced liver damage through activation of liver macrophage inflammatory responses, alteration in lipid homeostasis, and ER stress. These findings highlight a critical role for liver macrophage ER resident chaperone GP96/HSP90B1 in ALD, and its targeted inhibition represents a promising therapeutic approach in ALD.
Water recovery rate and isotopic signature of cryogenic vacuum extracted spiked soil water following oven‐drying at different temperatures
Authors: Wen Mingyi , Si Bingcheng , Lu Yanwei , Wang Hongxiu
Published: May 2021

Extracting water from soils is often a critical step for obtaining soil water isotope information. Cryogenic vacuum extraction (CVE), the most widely used laboratory‐based removal technique, produces biased isotope composition and the mechanisms causing the biases remain uncertain. Here, we conducted spiking tests on soil samples oven‐dried at 105 and 205°C, respectively. The recovery rate and isotopic composition of the extracted water were analysed. Our results show that conventional oven‐drying (105°C) was not sufficient to liberate tightly bound water from soils but oven‐drying at temperatures above 205°C was. Part of the tightly bound water in soil was extracted by CVE, because the extraction capacity of CVE (heating at 95°C) was equivalent to oven‐drying at temperature between 105 and 205°C. Moreover, the two pretreatments yielded markedly differences in water recovery rates. And with increasing ratios of clay contents to water contents, the recovery rates of the pretreated soil at 105°C trended upward above 100%, but that of 205°C trended downward below 100%. Further, the 2H and 18O signatures of the extracted water from the soil pretreated at 205°C were both depleted relative to reference water, but the pretreatment at 105°C showed enriched 18O and depleted 2H. This suggests that oxygen isotope exchange may have occurred between tightly bound water and soil minerals, resulting in enriched 18O in water for the 105°C pretreatments. For the 205°C pretreatment, pre‐existing soil water was completely removed and relative to spiking water, isotopic signatures of the extracted water followed equilibrium fractionation law due to incomplete extraction. Therefore, our results suggested that the biased isotopic signatures of water extracted by CVE may be partially due to incomplete extraction and mixture of added water with the residual tightly bound water that pre‐exists before spiking.
Vegetation water sources in California's Sierra Nevada (USA) are young and change over time, a multi‐isotope (δ18O, δ2H, 3H) tracer approach.
Authors: Thaw Melissa , Visser Ate , Bibby Richard , Deinhart Amanda , Oerter Erik , Conklin Martha
Published: May 2021

Sierra Nevada forests transpire a significant amount of California's water resources, sparking interest in applying forest management to improve California's water supply. Determining the source water of evapotranspiration enables forest managers to make informed decisions. To this end, a significant interest in critical zone science is to develop new methods to work across time scales to predict subsurface water storage and use. In this study, forest vegetation accessed young water and switched sources depending on availability, suggesting that forest drought vulnerability may depend on the range of water sources available (rain, snowmelt and deeply stored water). This finding also suggests that changes in transpiration rates may have immediate effects on water sources in close proximity to vegetation, and delayed effects on storage and runoff. New δ18O, δ2H and 3H data were used to track precipitation, runoff, evapotranspiration and storage through the critical zone seasonally, including seasons where evapotranspiration and snowmelt were in phase (winter snowmelt) and out of phase (seasonally dry summer). The main source of this headwater catchment's runoff is derived from its meadow saturated zone water, which was dominated by snowmelt. Water that originated as snowmelt contributed to transpiration, unless other sources, such as recent rain, became available. In cases where xylem δ18O and δ2H signatures matched those of deeper saturated zone water, 3H data showed that xylem water was distinctly younger than the deep saturated zone water. During 2016, which experienced relatively normal snowpack in winter and seasonally dry summer conditions, mean summer saturated zone water and vegetation water were similar in δ18O, −12.4 ± 0.04 ‰ and − 12.5 ± 0.3 ‰, respectively, but were distinctly different in 3H, 5.5 ± 0.2 pCi/L and 13.7 ± 1.1 pCi/L, respectively. While δ18O shows that vegetation and meadow saturated zone water have similar origins, 3H shows they have dissimilar ages.
Multimodal medical image fusion using L0 gradient smoothing with sparse representation
Authors: Sunderlin Shibu D. , Suja Priyadharsini S.
Published: May 2021

Multimodal medical image fusion technique is an important and essential coalescing technique for the medical images with different modalities. The fused medical image carries more useful information than two or more relevant individual medical images of modality. To enhance, preserve edge and feature information and to remove noise of the source images a novel medical image fusion method has been developed with multiscale edge preserving decomposition L0 smoothing with sparse representation (SR) in nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain. The NSCT‐based image fusion method provides richer information in the spatial and spectral domains simultaneously. In this method, initially, L0 gradient smoothing filter is applied in two different modal clinical images separately to decompose the source images into two layers such as low frequency layer (LFL) and high frequency layer (HFL) which preserves the information and improves quality. To maintain the curve edges and the energy of the source medical images, the LFLs of different modal images are combined by using the NSCT ‐ SR fusion rule also to protect the detailed information of input medical images and reduce redundant information, the HFLs are combined by max‐absolute combination rule. By combining the reconstructed LFL and HFL, the resultant fused image is obtained. The experimental results show that the proposed work can provide better results than current methodologies in terms of both visual consistency and quantitative analysis.
Maternal depressive symptoms, poverty, and young motherhood increase the odds of early depressive and anxiety disorders for children born prematurely
Authors: Weiss Sandra J. , Leung Cherry
Published: May 2021

Children born preterm, compared to term, are at risk for behavioral problems. However, the prevalence and predictors of internalizing disorders among children born preterm are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders at 2 years of age among children born preterm and determine the extent to which poverty, maternal depressive symptoms, or young motherhood increase the likelihood of these disorders. Mothers and their infants (N = 105) were recruited from two neonatal intensive care units affiliated with a major U.S. university. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition scale scores from the Preschool Child Behavior Checklist were used to measure primary variables. We examined mothers’ family satisfaction and quality of caregiving as well as children's degree of prematurity, morbidity, gender, cognitive functioning, and motor function as covariates. Fifteen percent of children met criteria for an anxiety disorder and another 15% for depression. Maternal depressive symptoms increased the odds of children developing both anxiety and depression, whereas young motherhood was associated with child anxiety and poverty with child depression. Results indicate the need for mental health assessment of children born preterm during their first 2 years of life and the importance of early therapeutic and tangible support to vulnerable mothers and children.
Copper/dapsone cuvalented Fe3O4@SiO2‐propyl nanocomposite as a highly active and magnetically recoverable Lewis acid catalyst for the novel synthesis of bis‐dapsone derived acridines
Authors: Fekri Leila Zare , Zadeh Leila Hassan
Published: May 2021

Copper/dapsone cuvalented Fe3O4@SiO2‐propyl nanocomposite (Fe3O4@SiO2‐propyl@dapsone/Cu) was prepared using cheap compounds in simple immobilization methodology. This nanocompound was identified by X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR, VSM, TEM, FE‐SEM, and TGA analyses and was found to be effective and green nanocomposite for the multicomponent reaction of aldehydes, dimedone, and dapsone. The catalyst is magnetically recoverable in the presence of an enormous magnetic bar and recycled for six rounds, without any obvious decrease in the efficiency of the catalyst. Moreover, it has been observed that this new class of dihydropyridines can be easily synthesized in this avenue in good yield and short reaction times.
Perceptions of smoking cessation and a novel psychosocial intervention for quitting among individuals with psychosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Moe Aubrey M. , Keller‐Hamilton Brittney , Lee Angela , Breitborde Nicholas J. K. , Ferketich Amy K.
Published: May 2021

Individuals diagnosed with psychosis have high rates of smoking‐related morbidity and early mortality. Only a small proportion of these smokers will attempt to quit, and many existing cessation interventions have limited effectiveness. To explore the unique and potentially unmet cessation needs of individuals with psychosis, we sought first‐person experiences with smoking cessation and reactions to a proposed intervention. Twenty‐four smokers with psychosis participated in focus group interviews. Multiple participants reported previous quit attempts using pharmacotherapy or behavioral methods, but few indicated they had previously tried cessation counseling. Though some individuals reported modest success with cessation, most participants tended to express negative perceptions of many available cessation approaches. When informed about the development of a novel smoking cessation intervention, participants had mixed but generally positive perceptions. Smokers diagnosed with psychosis are interested in sustained, individualized delivery of cessation services as part of their broader mental health care.
Biperiden Challenge Model in Healthy Elderly as Proof‐of‐Pharmacology Tool: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Bakker Charlotte , van Esdonk Michiel J. , Stuurman Rik (F). E. , Borghans Laura G.J.M. , de Kam Marieke L. , van Gerven Joop M.A. , Groeneveld Geert Jan
Published: May 2021

Selective M1muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists are being developed as symptomatic treatment for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders that lead to cognitive dysfunction. Demonstrating cognition‐enhancing effects in early‐phase clinical development in healthy subjects is difficult. A challenge with the M1mAChR antagonist biperiden could be used to demonstrate procognitive and pharmacological effects of selective M1mAChR agonists. The aim of this study was to develop such a model. To this end, 12 healthy elderly subjects participated in a randomized, placebo‐controlled, 3‐way crossover study investigating tolerability, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of 2 and 4 mg biperiden. Repeated PD assessments were performed using neurocognitive tasks and electrophysiological measurements. A population PK‐PD model was developed. Four milligrams of biperiden showed significant impairment of sustained attention (−2.1 percentage point in adaptive tracking [95%CI, −3.043 to −1.148], verbal memory (2‐3 fewer words recalled [95%CI, −5.9 to −0.2]) and working memory (up to a 50‐millisecond increase in the n‐back task reaction time [95%CI, 21.854‐77.882]) compared with placebo. The PK data were best fitted by a 2‐compartment model and showed high interoccasion and intersubject variability. Population PK‐PD analysis quantified significant concentration‐effect relationships for the n‐back reaction time, n‐back accuracy, and adaptive tracking. In conclusion, biperiden caused M1mAChR‐related dose‐ and concentration‐dependent temporary declines in cognitive functioning. Therefore a biperiden pharmacological challenge model can be used for proof‐of‐pharmacology studies and to demonstrate cognition‐enhancing effects of new cholinergic compounds that are being developed.
Diagnostic value of the sonographic whirlpool sign in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Adu‐Bredu Theophilus Kofi , Arkorful Joseph , Appiah‐Denkyira Kwame , Wiafe Yaw Amo
Published: May 2021

In this review, we investigated the diagnostic value of the sonographic “whirlpool sign” in identifying ovarian torsion. This was done by performing a search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google scholar. Additional search for the grey literature was made in EThOS.bl.uk, explore.bl.uk, opengrey.eu, greylit.org, and clinicaltrials.org. A total of eight studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of whirlpool sign were extracted from the studies and computed into the Metadisc statistical software for pooled analysis. The whirlpool sign showed a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ovarian torsion.
Understanding methane emission from stored animal manure: A review to guide model development
Authors: Dalby Frederik R. , Hafner Sasha D. , Petersen Søren O. , VanderZaag Andrew C. , Habtewold Jemaneh , Dunfield Kari , Chantigny Martin H. , Sommer Sven G.
Published: May 2021

National inventories of methane (CH4) emission from manure management are based on guidelines from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change using country‐specific emission factors. These calculations must be simple and, consequently, the effects of management practices and environmental conditions are only crudely represented in the calculations. The intention of this review is to develop a detailed understanding necessary for developing accurate models for calculating CH4 emission from liquid manure, with particular focus on the microbiological conversion of organic matter to CH4. Themes discussed are (a) the liquid manure environment; (b) methane production processes from a modeling perspective; (c) development and adaptation of methanogenic communities; (d) mass and electron conservation; (e) steps limiting CH4 production; (f) inhibition of methanogens; (g) temperature effects on CH4 production; and (h) limits of existing estimation approaches. We conclude that a model must include calculation of microbial response to variations in manure temperature, substrate availability and age, and management system, because these variables substantially affect CH4 production. Methane production can be reduced by manipulating key variables through management procedures, and the effects may be taken into account by including a microbial component in the model. When developing new calculation procedures, it is important to include reasonably accurate algorithms of microbial adaptation. This review presents concepts for these calculations and ideas for how these may be carried out. A need for better quantification of hydrolysis kinetics is identified, and the importance of short‐ and long‐term microbial adaptation is highlighted.
Detection of actionable mutations in archived cytological bile specimens
Authors: Ohyama Hiroshi , Hirotsu Yosuke , Amemiya Kenji , Oyama Toshio , Iimuro Yuji , Kojima Yuichiro , Mikata Rintaro , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Kato Naoya , Omata Masao
Published: May 2021

Background/Purpose

There are limitations in obtaining sufficient pancreaticobiliary tumor tissue for genomic profiling of tumors. Herein, we investigated whether archived cytological specimen (ACS) is suitable for genomic profiling to identify oncogenic and drug‐matched mutations.

Methods

We constructed a pancreaticobiliary cancer panel for targeted sequencing covering 60 significantly mutated genes (280 220 bp). Eighty DNA samples (19 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded [FFPE] tissues and 61 ACS) from 44 patients with pancreaticobiliary disease were analyzed. We compared genomic profiles of 19 FFPE and 29 ACS from 19 patients with malignancies (Validation Cohort). We tested 32 ACS from 25 patients (15 malignant and 10 benign) for the ability to discriminate between malignant and benign disorders (Testing Cohort). We explored whether actionable and drug‐matched mutations (Validation and Testing Cohorts) could be identified from ACS.

Results

Oncogenic mutations observed in ACS were identical to those identified in FFPE specimens (76% consistency). Genomic profiling using only ACS discriminated between malignant and benign disorders with 93% accuracy, 91% sensitivity, and 100% specificity. Actionable and drug‐matched mutations were identified in 74% and 32% of ACS, respectively, and in 79% and 21% in FFPE samples, respectively.

Conclusion

Archived cytological specimen may be used to discriminate malignancy and to detect drug‐matched mutations in patients with advanced pancreaticobiliary cancer.
Book Review: H3 Leadership: Be humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick
Authors: Martinez Brianna M.
Published: May 2021

It is often said that leaders are created, not born. In this book, Brad Lomenick, a well‐known speaker, leader, and consultant provides individuals with different habits that leaders should instill in their daily lives to promote self‐growth, self‐discovery, and success. Lomenick discusses the importance of realizing that the leadership process is not just about one person, but about the organization as a whole. It is a job for the selfless.
Quantification of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Using Diffusion Imaging With Phase Contrast
Authors: Ohno Naoki , Miyati Tosiaki , Sugita Fumiki , Nanbu Genki , Makino Yuki , Alperin Noam , Gabata Toshifumi , Kobayashi Satoshi
Published: May 2021

Background

The perfusion‐related diffusion coefficient obtained from triexponential diffusion analysis is closely correlated with regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), as assessed by arterial spin labeling (ASL) methods. However, this provides only a semiquantitative measure of rCBF, thereby making absolute rCBF quantification challenging.

Purpose

To obtain rCBF in a noninvasive manner using a novel diffusion imaging method with phase contrast (DPC), in which the total CBF from phase‐contrast (PC) MRI was utilized to convert perfusion‐related diffusion coefficients to rCBF values.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Eleven healthy volunteers (nine men and two women; mean age, 23.9 years) participated in this study.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T, single‐shot diffusion echo‐planar imaging with multiple b‐values (0–3000 s/mm2), PC‐MRI, pulsed continuous ASL, and 3D T1‐weighted fast field echo.

Assessment

rCBF and its correlations in the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) were compared between DPC and ASL methods. rCBF in the GM and WM and the GM/WM ratio were compared with the literature values obtained using [15O]‐water positron emission tomography (15O‐H2O PET).

Statistical Tests

Spearman's correlation coefficient and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test were used. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A significant positive correlation between DPC and ASL in terms of rCBF was observed in GM (R = 0.9), whereas the correlation between the two methods was poor in WM (R = 0.09). The rCBF in GM and WM and the GM/WM ratio obtained using DPC were consistent with the literature values assessed using 15O‐H2O PET. The rCBF value obtained using DPC was significantly higher in the GM and WM than that using ASL.

Data Conclusion

DPC enabled noninvasive quantification of rCBF.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1.
Fluoroscopic placement of nasojejunal feeding tubes in COVID‐19 patients in the prone position
Authors: Kolbeinsson Hordur Mar , Veldkamp James , Paauw James D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused an increase in patients requiring enteral feeding access while undergoing proning for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We investigated the safety and feasibility of fluoroscopy‐guided nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tube placement in the prone position.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent fluoroscopic placement of NJ feeding tubes at a single institution between March 2020 and December 2020. Primary end points were success rate and number of attempts. Chi‐squared and Fischer exact tests were used to compare prone and supine groups.

Results

A total of 210 patients were included in the study: 53 patients received NJ feeding tubes while prone and 157 while supine. All but one patient in the prone group had ARDS secondary to COVID‐19, whereas 47 (30.3%) had COVID‐19 in the supine group. The rate of successful placement was 94.3% in the prone group and 100% in the supine group. Mean number of attempts was 1.1 (SD, ±0.4) in the prone and 1.0 (SD, ±0.1) in the supine group (P = .14). Prone patients had a longer median fluoroscopy time (69 s, interquartile range [IQR] = 92; vs 48 s, IQR = 43; P < .001) and received a higher radiation dose during the procedure (47 mGy, IQR = 50; vs 25 mGy, IQR = 33; P = .004). No procedural complications were reported.

Conclusion

Fluoroscopy‐guided NJ feeding tube placement in prone patients is feasible and safe. Patient positioning should not delay obtaining postpyloric feeding access.
Initial development and validation of a novel nutrition risk, sarcopenia, and frailty assessment tool in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: The NUTRIC‐SF score
Authors: Lee Zheng‐Yii , Hasan M. Shahnaz , Day Andrew G. , Ng Ching Choe , Ong Su Ping , Yap Cindy Sing Ling , Engkasan Julia Patrick , Barakatun‐Nisak Mohd Yusof , Heyland Daren K.
Published: May 2021

Background

Nutrition risk, sarcopenia, and frailty are interrelated. They may be due to suboptimal or prevented by optimal nutrition intake. The combination of nutrition risk (modified nutrition risk in the critically ill [mNUTRIC]), sarcopenia (SARC‐F combined with calf circumference [SARC‐CALF]), and frailty (clinical frailty scale [CFS]) in a single score may better predict adverse outcomes and prioritize resources for optimal nutrition in the intensive care unit (ICU)

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a single‐center prospective observational study that enrolled mechanically ventilated adults with expected ≥96 h of ICU stay. SARC‐F and CFS questionnaires were administered to patient's next‐of‐kin and mNUTRIC were calculated. Right calf circumference was measured. Nutrition data were collected from nursing record. The high‐risk scores (mNUTRIC ≥ 5, SARC‐CALF > 10, or CFS ≥ 4) of these variables were combined to become the nutrition risk, sarcopenia, and frailty (NUTRIC‐SF) score (range: 0–3).

Results

Eighty‐eight patients were analyzed. Increasing mNUTRIC was independently associated with 60‐day mortality, whereas increasing SARC‐CALF and CFS showed a strong trend towards a higher 60‐day mortality. Discriminative ability of NUTRIC‐SF for 60‐day mortality is better than its component (C‐statistics, 0.722; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.677–0.868). Every increment of 300 kcal/day and 30 g/day is associated with a trend towards higher rate of discharge alive for high (≥2; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.453 [95% CI, 0.991–2.130] for energy; 1.503 [0.936–2.413] for protein) but not low (<2) NUTRIC‐SF score.

Conclusion

NUTRIC‐SF may be a clinically relevant risk stratification tool in the ICU.
Overexpression of PD‐L1 in gingival basal keratinocytes reduces periodontal inflammation in a ligature‐induced periodontitis model
Authors: Wongtim Keeratika , Ikeda Eri , Ohno Tatsukuni , Nagai Shigenori , Okuhara Shigeru , Kure Keitetsu , Azuma Miyuki
Published: May 2021

Background

The immune checkpoint programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1): PD‐1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing tissue damages by excessive immune responses. PD‐L1 is physiologically expressed and upregulated in keratinocytes (KCs) in the oral cavity. We here investigated the contribution of PD‐L1 that was overexpressed in gingival basal KCs in a ligature‐induced periodontitis model.

Methods

Wild‐type (WT) BALB/c and K14/PD‐L1 transgenic (tg) mice, in which PD‐L1 was overexpressed in basal KCs under control of the keratin 14 promoter, were used. To induce periodontitis, a 9‐0 silk ligature was placed around the upper right second molar, and lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis was applied on the suture. Gingival tissues were collected on day 7, after which histological analyses were performed, including by hematoxylin and eosin and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphate staining (TRAP) and quantitative PCR for proinflammatory cytokines and bone metabolism‐related genes. Alveolar bone loss at 7 weeks after ligature placement was assessed by micro‐computed tomography analysis.

Results

PD‐L1 was overexpressed in the basal KCs of all gingival epithelia in K14/PD‐L1tg mice. Early ligature‐induced periodontal inflammation, as assessed based on histological changes, elevation of proinflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α) expression, periodontal ligament degeneration, and osteoclastogenesis as assessed by Rankl and Opg expression and TRAP+ cells, was markedly impaired in K14/PD‐L1tg mice. Alveolar bone resorption at a late time point was also clearly minimized in K14/PD‐L1tg mice.

Conclusion

Overexpression of PD‐L1 in gingival basal keratinocytes in K14/PD‐L1tg mice reduces periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in a ligature‐induced periodontitis model.
Polarized and non‐polarized Raman spectroscopy of ZnO crystals: Method for determination of crystal growth and crystal plane orientation for nanomaterials
Authors: Thyr Jakob , Österlund Lars , Edvinsson Tomas
Published: May 2021

Analysis and determination of crystal orientation and exposed surface facets remain a challenge in nanomaterial science. In this work, we show that polarized and non‐polarized Raman spectroscopy can be useful tools to determine crystal plane orientation and conveniently be applied to spatial dimensions limited only by the diffraction limit of the excitation laser. The methodology is exemplified for wurtzite structured ZnO. Three different crystal facets, (0001), (1
00), and (11
0), of ZnO are investigated with angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy. The polarization direction dependences of the main Raman peaks are characterized and related to the experimental vibrational modes in the crystal lattice and corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations using two different hybrid functionals. By exploiting the symmetry of the modes and differences in Raman intensity of the optically activated phonons, a simple model is derived for determining the relation between the polar and non‐polar crystal orientation. The results are generalized to allow peak intensity ratio analysis using Raman spectroscopy with a non‐polarized light source, making it compatible with Raman mapping, as well as to include a critical discussion on the ability to determine the crystal plane orientation and exposed crystal facets using this model for nanodimensional ZnO and equivalent models for other nanomaterials. As the approach allows for use of non‐polarized light sources, near‐field excitations and local plasmons can in an extension be utilized for the determination of crystal orientation and exposed planes in dimensions much smaller than the diffraction limit.
Bursting‐bubble flow microextraction combined with gas chromatography to analyze organophosphorus pesticides in aqueous samples
Authors: Tazarv Maryam , Faraji Hakim , Moghimi Ali , Azizinejad Fariborz
Published: May 2021

Bubble‐bursting flow microextraction combined with gas chromatography as a green and sustainable microextraction method is used to determine some organophosphorus pesticide residues in water samples. The extraction process occurs at the surface of liquid–gas contact, where the analytes interact with the gas molecules in the bubble. The analytes are transferred to the surface of the sample solution by moving the gas bubbles upwards. The bursting of gas bubbles causes the analytes to disperse in the headspace. Eventually, they are collected for injection into the chromatography system. A one‐factor‐at‐one‐time approach was applied to optimize the independent variables in the proposed method. Validation studies were performed according to reliable guidelines. Under optimal conditions, the method indicated a dynamic linear range from 1.0 to 100.0 μg/L. The limit of detection and quantification of the method was 0.29–0.38 and 1.21–1.70 μg/L, respectively. The proposed method was successfully utilized to determine malathion, diazinon, profenofos, and ethion as the target analytes in various water samples with satisfactory relative recoveries ranged from 90.1 to 102.2%.
Interpersonal Trauma Exposure and Interpersonal Problems in Adolescent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Hughesdon Kathryn A. , Ford Julian D. , Briggs Ernestine C. , Seng Julia S. , Miller Alison L. , Stoddard Sarah A.
Published: May 2021

Traumatic experiences have been differentiated as interpersonal (i.e., the direct result of actions by other people) or noninterpersonal (i.e., other life‐threatening events, such as severe accidents). Interpersonal trauma exposure generally has been shown to be associated with more severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than noninterpersonal trauma exposure. Interpersonal problems also tend to be associated with trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms, but it is unclear whether a mediating association exists between trauma type, interpersonal problems, and PTSD symptoms. A clinical sample of 4,275 adolescents (age range: 12–18 years) from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Core Data Set were classified as having experienced interpersonal trauma, noninterpersonal trauma, or both. Interpersonal problems were operationalized by social problem behaviors (e.g., immature and dependent behaviors) and aggressive behaviors on the Child Behavior Checklist. The results of path analyses showed that cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure was both directly and indirectly associated with PTSD symptoms via social problem behaviors but not aggressive behaviors, total effect β = .20, 95% CI [.17, .23]. In a second model, path analyses showed that cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure was associated directly and indirectly via PTSD symptoms with social problem behaviors, total effect β = .15, 95% CI [.11, .18], and aggressive behaviors, total effect β = .13, 95% CI [.09, .17]. These findings suggest that during adolescence, interpersonal problems play an important role in the association between interpersonal trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms.
Improved Performance of Environmentally Friendly Blends of Biobased Polyethylene and Kraft Lignin Compatibilized by Reactive Extrusion with Dicumyl Peroxide
Authors: Rojas‐Lema Sandra , Ivorra‐Martinez Juan , Lascano Diego , Garcia‐Garcia Daniel , Balart Rafael
Published: May 2021

In this work, different contents (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 phr) of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) are incorporated into the bio‐based high‐density polyethylene (bioPE)/kraft lignin (KL) blends with a composition of 80 and 20 wt%, respectively with the aim of improving overall performance. The samples are obtained by reactive extrusion and injection‐molding process, and then their overall performance is assessed by tensile tests, thermal analysis, optical and surface appearance, and wettability studies. The obtained mechanical properties confirm the successful interaction between bioPE and KL due to the addition of organic peroxide, which plays a key role in compatibilization. In particular, bioPE/KL blends with 1 phr of DCP achieve an increase in elongation at break of about 300% together with a noticeable increase in the impact strength of about 29% higher than the uncompatibilized bioPE/KL blend, while the tensile modulus decreases 42%. In addition, images obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy show that the presence of DCP in the blends enhances better dispersion of KL into the bioPE matrix. The wettability analysis indicates that KL and DCP affect the hydrophobicity of the neat bioPE. Therefore, the resultant blends can be considered as potential sustainable polymers with balanced properties.
Effect of Poly(trehalose methacrylate) Molecular Weight and Concentration on the Stability and Viscosity of Insulin
Authors: Gelb Madeline B. , Maynard Heather D.
Published: May 2021

Instability to storage and shipping conditions and injection administration remain major challenges in treating chronic conditions with biopharmaceuticals. Herein, formulations of poly(trehalose methacrylate) (pTrMA) are successfully optimized to stabilize insulin without appreciably increasing viscosity. Polymers are synthesized (2400–29 200 Da), and added to insulin at different concentrations. pTrMA maintained >95% intact insulin against 250 rpm at 37 °C for 3 h with at least 10 mol. equiv. of 5.0 kDa, 7.5 mol. equiv. of 9.4 kDa, 5 mol. equiv. of 12.8 kDa, 1 mol. equiv. of 19.8 kDa, and 0.5 mol. equiv. of 29.2 kDa polymers, compared to 13.1% of insulin alone. The lowest pTrMA concentration formulations are more viscous than insulin alone, but the highest viscosity, U‐600 with 10 mol. equiv. of 5 kDa pTrMA, is only 1.43 cP at 25 °C. This data demonstrates that pTrMA is a promising low viscosity additive to stabilize the diabetes therapeutic insulin.
Zwitterionic Nanogels and Microgels: An Overview on Their Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Saha Pabitra , Ganguly Ritabrata , Li Xin , Das Rohan , Singha Nikhil K. , Pich Andrij
Published: May 2021

Zwitterionic polymers by virtue of their unique chemical and physical attributes have attracted researchers in recent years. The simultaneous presence of positive and negative charges in the same repeat unit renders them of various interesting properties such as superhydrophilicity, which has significantly broadened their scope for being used in different applications. Among polyzwitterions of different architectures, micro‐ and/or nano‐gels have started receiving attention only until recently. These 3D cross‐linked colloidal structures show peculiar characteristics in context to their solution properties, which are attributable either to the comonomers present or the presence of different electrolytes and biological specimens. In this review, a concise yet detailed account is provided of the different synthetic techniques and application domains of zwitterion‐based micro‐ and/or nanogels that have been explored in recent years. Here, the focus is kept solely on the “polybetaines,” which have garnered maximum research interest and remain the extensively studied polyzwitterions in literature. While their vast application potential in the biomedical sector is being detailed here, some other areas of scope such as using them as microreactors for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles or making smart membranes for water‐treatment are discussed in this minireview as well.
Language acquisition and regional innovation: Evidence from English proficiency in China
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Wanli
Published: May 2021

Language, as an instrument of human thinking and communication, plays a critical role in the process of knowledge formation and innovation cooperation. This paper investigates the impact of English proficiency on regional innovation in China. We find that English proficiency can improve the level of regional innovation, particularly for invention patents. Further channel tests show that English proficiency affects regional innovation by enhancing knowledge acquisition, knowledge creation, and knowledge absorption. Moreover, the policy shock of the 2016 college entrance exam mitigates the positive impact of English proficiency on regional innovation. English proficiency can also effectively enhance regional entrepreneurship.
Improving the performance of deep learning models using statistical features: The case study of COVID‐19 forecasting
Authors: Abbasimehr Hossein , Paki Reza , Bahrini Aram
Published: May 2021

COVID‐19 pandemic has affected all aspects of people's lives and disrupted the economy. Forecasting the number of cases infected with this virus can help authorities make accurate decisions on the interventions that must be implemented to control the pandemic. Investigation of the studies on COVID‐19 forecasting indicates that various techniques such as statistical, mathematical, and machine and deep learning have been utilized. Although deep learning models have shown promising results in this context, their performance can be improved using auxiliary features. Therefore, in this study, we propose two hybrid deep learning methods that utilize the statistical features as auxiliary inputs and associate them with their main input. Specifically, we design a hybrid method of the multihead attention mechanism and the statistical features (ATT_FE) and a combined method of convolutional neural network and the statistical features (CNN_FE) and apply them to COVID‐19 data of 10 countries with the highest number of confirmed cases. The results of experiments indicate that the hybrid models outperform their conventional counterparts in terms of performance measures. The experiments also demonstrate the superiority of the hybrid ATT_FE method over the long short‐term memory model.
A Potential Prophylactic Probiotic for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Overall Investigation of Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC25755 Attenuates LPS‐Induced Inflammation via Regulating Intestinal Immune Cells
Authors: Xiao Zhiping , Liu Lujie , Jin Yuyue , Pei Xun , Sun Wanjing , Wang Minqi
Published: May 2021

Scope

This study aims to roundly investigate whether Clostridium tyrobutyricum (Ct) alleviates inflammation via regulating immune cells in the small intestines.

Methods and Results

Mice are pre‐treated with different concentrations of Ct follow by LPS stimulation. Ct maintains the mice body weight under inflammation. In response to LPS, 107 CFU mL−1 Ct decreases the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in the duodenum, while 108 CFU mL−1 Ct reduces inflammatory cytokines expression in both duodenum and ileum and protected intestinal morphology. The small intestinal immune cells are analyzed using flow cytometry. Ct decreases the numbers of macrophages and mast cells in the intestines in response to LPS. In the duodenum, Ct enhances dentritic cells (DCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and T helper cell 17 (Th17) proportions. Ct decreases DCs and Tregs proportions, while enhances Th17 numbers in the ileum. The underlying mechanism of Ct in preventing inflammation may rely on the physiological immune cell composition of the intestines. In response to LPS, Ct may mainly stimulate Tregs via activating DCs in the duodenum while trigger Th17 cells in the ileum, thereby maintaining the intestinal homeostasis.

Conclusion

Ct alleviates the LPS‐induce inflammation via regulating different immune cell types in the small intestines, highlighting that Ct is a potential prophylactic probiotic in intestinal diseases.
Evaluating nonlinear distortion of single and dual channel excitation of an amplifier at 24 GHz
Authors: Panigrahi Smruti Ranjan , Rönnow Daniel
Published: May 2021

Experimental characterization of an amplifier's nonlinear properties at 24 GHz is presented in single and dual‐band operation using orthogonal frequency‐division multiplex signals. A test system for characterizing an amplifier's nonlinear properties at millimeter‐wave frequencies for single and dual‐band excitation is presented. The use of standard instrument enables a feasible test system. Analytical expressions based on a statistical analysis of signals and hardware impairments were used to analyze the experimental data versus power level and found to describe well the experimental results, including inter‐ and cross‐modulation distortion. Parameters are derived that could be used in system studies.
Growth, Production, and Feeding Efficiency of Freshwater, Longarm River Prawn Macrobrachium tenellum at Different Densities in Nursery Phase Culture under Intensive Conditions
Authors: López-Huerta Jorge M. , Vega-Villasante Fernando , Ponce-Palafox Jesus T. , Badillo Zapata Daniel , Martínez Cárdenas Leonardo , Flores Alencaster Omar Alejandro
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of stocking density on growth performance, survival, feeding efficiency, and size distribution of the freshwater, longarm river prawn Macrobrachium tenellum during the nursery phase of intensive culture in a net cage–pond system. Juvenile longarm river prawns (mean weight = 0.46 g) were cultured in 12 net cages (1 m3) within two circular ponds (20.52 m3 each) at stocking densities of 50, 100, 200, and 400 prawns/m3. Final length, final body weight, weight gain, growth rate, and specific growth rate were found to be significantly better at a stocking density of 50 prawns/m3. A greater variation of sizes was observed at the density of 50 prawns/m3, with less in the highest density (400 prawns/m3). The results of the study showed that longarm river prawns in the nursery phase can be cultivated with a stocking density of 100 prawns/m3 to obtain a mean final weight of 1.6 g. This is the minimum size needed to obtain a high survival rate in the grow-out stage in ponds. However, the best growth performance and survival were registered in the densities of 50 and 100 prawns/m3.
Optimization of gas metering maintenance services: A multiobjective vehicle routing problem with a set of predefined overlapping time windows
Authors: Cassettari Lucia , Gaggero Mauro , Saccaro Stefano
Published: May 2021

Optimization of maintenance services of a company working in the gas metering sector is investigated. In particular, daily tasks of operators are optimized by exploiting the paradigm of vehicle routing problems with a set of predefined time windows that overlap one with the others and four competing objectives to take into account. First, an exact integer formulation is presented that can be solved only for a reduced number of customer sites to visit. Then, a heuristic approach is proposed to find approximate solutions with huge savings on the computational effort, also for high‐dimensional instances. Numerical results on both real and synthetic scenarios showcase the effectiveness of the approach.
Interpretive leadership skill in meaning‐making by nonprofit leaders
Authors: Lim Sungdae , Brower Ralph S. , Berlan David G.
Published: May 2021

Nonprofit leaders are instrumental in constructing and managing organizational reality. They thus need to possess skills to make meaning about various activities, interests, and organizational values, especially when mission and service contexts are in flux. Scholars recognize the sector‐distinct leadership role in social construction. Nevertheless, research has yet to articulate clearly how meaning‐making by nonprofit leaders develops leadership. This article fills this knowledge gap. We illuminate meaning‐making leadership in nonprofits. We identify interpretive leadership skill as an essential executive competency for configuring a shared reality of the nonprofit and guiding others to that reality. Interpretive leadership skill is composed of three meaning‐making capabilities: contextual astuteness, coordination capacity, and self‐reflective capacity. We theorize that interpretive leadership skill develops from the cognitive and identity development processes of the leader in social interactions. A constructive‐developmental approach to leadership underlies our theory building. Theoretical and practical utility of this conceptualization is discussed, as are directions for future research.
Effectiveness of intergenerational participation on residents with dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Li‐Chin , Lan Shao‐Huan , Hsieh Yen‐Ping , Lan Shou‐Jen
Published: May 2021

Aim

This meta‐analysis evaluated the effectiveness of intergenerational program participation for long‐term care institution residents with dementia.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Ten electronic databases were systematically searched until August 2020: CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, EBSCO, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, ProQuest, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool (JBI tool) was used for the quality appraisal of the included publications, and Review Manager 5.3 was used for the meta‐analysis.

Results

Thirteen articles were identified (1993–2015). Intergenerational program participation could improve the pleasure level and significantly reduce disengagement behaviours of residents with dementia. The intergenerational program intervention caused no apparent improvement in their quality of life, depression levels, and engagement levels.