bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multidimensional scorecard of KPIs for retrofit measures of buildings: A systematic literature review
Authors: Urbinati Andrea , Chiaroni Davide , Maccarrone Paolo , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , Frattini Federico
Published: May 2022

The debate on retrofit of buildings has flourished in recent years and it has raised the interest of a growing number of researchers and practitioners. However, current research still lacks a holistic and systemic approach for measuring building retrofitting. The paper presents the results of a systematic literature review on the current state‐of‐the‐art of retrofit measures and their related KPIs for buildings, with the aim to develop a comprehensive and integrated scorecard. In particular, the paper considers several perspectives of building retrofitting, spanning from the areas of sustainability performance to measurement systems in the building industry, and presents and discusses a multidimensional scorecard of KPIs that clusters—from an economic, environmental, and social perspective—the current state‐of‐the‐art of retrofit measures on buildings. Further avenues for research in this field are illustrated and discussed.
Microglial transcriptome diversity: The new milestone to reveal the neuroinflammation in subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Chen Junfan , Wong George Kwok Chu
Published: May 2022

The diversity of microglial transcriptome after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) was analysed for the first time. By using single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq), microglia were found with diverse microglial substates and significant subgroups were defined. Microglia subsets were found to interact with each other and crosstalk with other kinds of brain cells, which ultimately affected the neuroinflammation in SAH. Microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation has been considered to be the key factor in the evolution of brain injury after SAH, but the pathophysiological mechanisms are still unclear. Under these circumstances, the study comprehensively analysed the changes of microglial transcriptome after SAH, and explored possible modes of activating the inflammatory pathways. This study expanded and systemically laid out the understanding of microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation after SAH and provided strong theoretical support for future microglia modulation research in SAH.
Combining antiviral drugs with BET inhibitors is beneficial in combatting SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Acharya Arpan , Kutateladze Tatiana G. , Byrareddy Siddappa N.
Published: May 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 has resulted in more than 500 million cases and 6 million deaths. Several antiviral therapies and vaccines have been developed to mitigate the spread of this infection. However, new approaches are required to battle emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants containing mutations that can reduce the vaccines' efficacy. The use of a combination of antiviral drugs with inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathways has emerged as one of the promising novel approach. In this study, we have shown that SF2523, a dual activity small molecule that inhibits PI3K and BRD4, acts synergistically with the antiviral drugs remdesivir (RDV) and MU‐UNMC‐2. Our findings suggest that the mTOR pathways are necessary for SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis in human cells and that targeting PI3K/BET (bromodomain and extra‐terminal domain proteins) alone or combined with antiviral therapies is beneficial in mitigating SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants of concern (VOCs).
Reliable data exchange in vehicular delay tolerant networks using AI‐based hybrid trust management
Authors: Chourasia Vishakha , Pandey Sudhakar , Kumar Sanjay
Published: May 2022

Vehicular delay‐tolerant networks (VDTNs) play prominent part in smart transportation and smart city paradigm to diminish the drivers' risk to meet accidents and offer many infotainment and entertainment services. All the operations are carried out by exchanging data among nodes. However, due to open communication nature of VDTN, the data broadcasted by mobile nodes are quiet susceptible to security attacks. Recently, a number of protocols are proposed for open communication. However, securing such communications and establishing trust value among vehicles are major addressable issues. This is because the existing fraudulent peers can lead to catastrophic circumstances on roads. Along with securing the data carriers, the authenticity and reliability of data is also equally important. In order to identify reliable nodes and maintaining the authenticity of data being communicated, a new artificial intelligence (AI)‐based hybrid trust management framework is proposed in this article. The study particularly exploits the proximity‐based k‐nearest neighbour (kNN) classification model for selecting controlling nodes. Further, decision stump is employed to accomplish trust estimation rules, and backpropagation is used to self‐train the mobile nodes, whenever anticipated trust value is not attained. The proposed scheme maintains the integrity of vehicular nodes and efficiently handles the specified. The trust framework uses a multifaceted direct and recommended trust estimation approach to calculate the global trust values. For comparison, the performance of the proposed method was compared with other trust management approaches.
Effects of age, amyloid, sex, and APOE ε4 on the CSF proteome in normal cognition
Authors: Wesenhagen Kirsten E.J. , Gobom Johan , Bos Isabelle , Vos Stephanie J.B. , Martinez‐Lage Pablo , Popp Julius , Tsolaki Magda , Vandenberghe Rik , Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Verhey Frans , Lovestone Simon , Streffer Johannes , Dobricic Valerija , Bertram Lars ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Blennow Kaj , Pikkarainen Maria , Hallikainen Merja , Kuusisto Johanna , Laakso Markku , Soininen Hilkka , Scheltens Philip , Zetterberg Henrik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Tijms Betty M.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

It is important to understand which biological processes change with aging, and how such changes are associated with increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. We studied how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics changed with age and tested if associations depended on amyloid status, sex, and apolipoprotein E Ɛ4 genotype.

Methods

We included 277 cognitively intact individuals aged 46 to 89 years from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, European Medical Information Framework for Alzheimer's Disease Multimodal Biomarker Discovery, and Metabolic Syndrome in Men. In total, 1149 proteins were measured with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring/Rules‐Based Medicine, tandem mass tag mass spectrometry, and SOMAscan. We tested associations between age and protein levels in linear models and tested enrichment for Reactome pathways.

Results

Levels of 252 proteins increased with age independently of amyloid status. These proteins were associated with immune and signaling processes. Levels of 21 proteins decreased with older age exclusively in amyloid abnormal participants and these were enriched for extracellular matrix organization.

Discussion

We found amyloid‐independent and ‐dependent CSF proteome changes with older age, perhaps representing physiological aging and early AD pathology.
The association of perfectionism, health‐focused self‐concept, and erroneous beliefs with orthorexia nervosa symptoms: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Yung Jayson J. , Tabri Nassim
Published: May 2022

Objective

Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a putative eating disorder linked to perfectionism among people who eat healthily (or who want to eat healthily). However, little is known about the process by which perfectionism fosters ON symptoms. Like the Transdiagnostic Cognitive‐Behavioral Theory of Eating Disorders, we hypothesized that perfectionism among people who eat healthily (or who want to eat healthily) fosters ON symptoms indirectly by cultivating a health‐focused self‐concept (i.e., placing overriding importance on health for self‐definition and self‐worth). We also hypothesized that a health‐focused self‐concept would be associated with ON symptoms among people who have erroneous beliefs about the safety and efficacy of maladaptive healthy eating strategies.

Method

To test this moderated mediation model, a sample of people following a healthy eating diet plan and/or who believe they are leading a healthy eating lifestyle (N = 456) were recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk and completed measures that assessed perfectionism, health‐focused self‐concept, ON symptoms, and erroneous beliefs about the safety and efficacy of maladaptive healthy eating strategies. They also completed a measure of appearance‐focused self‐concept.

Results

Health‐focused and appearance‐focused self‐concepts were empirically distinct. As expected, perfectionism was indirectly and positively associated with ON symptoms via a health‐focused self‐concept. Importantly, the indirect association was only observed among participants high, but not low, in erroneous beliefs.

Discussion

The findings support the role of perfectionism in ON. The findings also advance knowledge by identifying a health‐focused self‐concept and erroneous beliefs as potential factors in the etiology and maintenance of ON.
Physicochemical Properties of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor Larva) Oil and its Hypolipidemic Effect as a Replacement for Dietary Saturated Fat in Mice
Authors: Lee Jin , Lee Hae‐In , Lee Mi‐Kyung
Published: May 2022

This study analyzes the physicochemical properties of pressed mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) oil (PMO) and evaluates the beneficial effects as a replacement for dietary saturated fat. PMO has high contents of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. PMO has a higher γ‐tocopherol content, brighter yellow color, lower ρ‐anisidine value, and total oxidation value than that of lard or olive oil. The cholesterol content of PMO is lower than that of lard. The quality and stability of PMO are better than those of olive oil and lard. After feeding the mice for 12 weeks a high‐fat diet (45% kcal from fat) by replacing the lard with PMO, the serum lipids (free fatty acid and triglyceride), LDL‐cholesterol, nonHDL‐cholesterol, atherogenic index, and insulin levels are significantly lower than those of the control group. PMO replacement reduces the hepatic lipid contents and lipid droplets compared to the control group, which is mediated by down‐regulating the gene expression of the fatty acid uptake (CD36), lipogenesis transcription factors (PPARγ and ChREBP), and lipid biosynthesis‐related enzymes (SCD1 and FAS). These results suggest that PMO is a good quality oil source with potential as a substitute lipid for saturated animal fat.

Practical applications: Although some people are anxious about consuming insects, edible insects are one of the rising alternative food sources. The study suggests that pressed mealworm oil suppresses hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis not only by plentiful unsaturated fatty acids but also by affecting the expression of genes related to free fatty acid (FFA) uptake and lipid biosynthesis. The pressed mealworm oil can be successfully used as new edible lipid food ingredients.
Synthetic mutualism in engineered E. coli mutant strains as functional basis for microbial production consortia
Authors: Müller Tobias , Schick Simon , Beck Jonathan , Sprenger Georg , Takors Ralf
Published: May 2022

In nature, microorganisms often reside in symbiotic co‐existence providing nutrition, stability, and protection for each partner by applying “division of labor.” This principle may also be used for the overproduction of targeted compounds in bioprocesses. It requires the engineering of a synthetic co‐culture with distributed tasks for each partner. Thereby, the competition on precursors, redox cofactors, and energy—which occurs in a single host—is prevented. Current applications often focus on unidirectional interactions, that is, the product of partner A is used for the completion of biosynthesis by partner B. Here, we present a synthetically engineered Escherichia coli co‐culture of two engineered mutant strains marked by the essential interaction of the partners which is achieved by implemented auxotrophies. The tryptophan auxotrophic strain E. coli ANT‐3, only requiring small amounts of the aromatic amino acid, provides the auxotrophic anthranilate for the tryptophan producer E. coli TRP‐3. The latter produces a surplus of tryptophan which is used to showcase the suitability of the co‐culture to access related products in future applications. Co‐culture characterization revealed that the microbial consortium is remarkably functionally stable for a broad range of inoculation ratios. The range of robust and functional interaction may even be extended by proper glucose feeding which was shown in a two‐compartment bioreactor setting with filtrate exchange. This system even enables the use of the co‐culture in a parallel two‐level temperature setting which opens the door to access temperature sensitive products via heterologous production in E. coli in a continuous manner.
Parameter optimization for Pivot hysteresis model for reinforced concrete columns with different failure modes
Authors: Ling Yu‐Che , Mogili Srinivas , Hwang Shyh‐Jiann
Published: May 2022

Reliable hysteretic modeling is essential for the evaluation of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Also, tall buildings and other structures of high importance require reasonably accurate seismic nonlinear time‐domain analysis for design, which includes load–displacement behavior and hysteretic modeling. However, the hysteretic behavior of RC members is very complex and challenging to predict. Currently, the Pivot hysteresis model is used to predict the hysteretic response of members with parameters α and β representing the unloading stiffness and pinching, respectively, determined using the geometric and reinforcement details in column members. However, the hysteretic response is fairly different for flexure and shear failure modes and must be accounted for to derive accurate hysteretic predictions. In this paper, an effort has been made to improve the existing approach for columns by deriving α and β separately for flexure and shear modes of failure. The chosen variables to control α and β are axial load ratio (ALR), longitudinal and transverse reinforcement indices. Equations for α and β were calibrated through optimization of energy dissipation from 113 column specimens subjected to cyclic loading, using an advanced optimization algorithm known as Simulated Annealing. The proposed formulations can improve the accuracy of the Pivot hysteresis model for column members by capturing pinching and stiffness degradation more reasonably under different failure modes. The proposed approach can aid design engineers in performing a more reliable and accurate analysis of complex structures.
Evolution of blowouts in artificial foredunes on Pingtan Island, China
Authors: Zhang Shaoyun , Qiu Xing , Fu Shuyi , Fu Jingjing , Chen Shouxu , Tian Wei , Huang Dequan , Dong Yuxiang
Published: May 2022

The appearance of a blowout can be an obvious sign of accelerated coastline retreat or dune erosion and in response to serious coastal erosion, an increasing number of artificial foredunes are being built. However, over time, numerous blowouts have also developed on artificial foredunes. To our knowledge, no studies have been reported on the evolution of blowouts in artificial foredunes, and in response we explore the aerodynamics and morphodynamics of artificial blowouts at different stages, by conducting field experiments on the Changjiang Ao coast of Pingtan Island, China. Where a foredune was built on an artificial clay structure, with topography and wind fields around three blowouts in different developmental stages measured, preliminary results revealed that: (1) the blowout morphology and airflow patterns show distinct seasonal changes; (2) the development of blowouts in artificial foredunes involves five stages, in contrast to the four stages observed in natural foredunes; and (3) blowout development is controlled by a two‐way feedback between aeolian processes and blowout morphological development, and the artificial structure can interfere with this feedback mechanism by altering the path of blowout development. The findings enhance our understanding of geomorphic process–response systems in artificial foredunes and provide a reference for coastal management and dune stabilization policy and practice.
Transforming the Utility Operating Model to Enable DERs
Authors: Uyeno Sam , Hagerman Shelly , Vangala Shreyas
Published: May 2022

As a growing number of electric utilities across the United States are tasked with delivering clean energy, distributed energy resources (DERs) are poised to play a pivotal role in making this transition cost‐effective and equitable while keeping the electric grid safe and reliable. DERs can range from larger, utility‐sited applications—such as energy storage in utility substations or community solar—to smaller, customer‐sited applications, such as rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) or smart devices enrolled in utility demand response programs. Key emerging roles for DERs in grid operations include the balancing of intermittent renewables (e.g., bulk solar PV and wind generation), managing changes in electric power demand through cost‐effective and flexible approaches (e.g., charging electric vehicles from on‐site renewable sources), and significantly contributing to utility clean energy and resiliency objectives.
Reflecting upon Innovation
Authors: de Ramos Kevin Monte
Published: May 2022

As an innovation columnist, this author frequently has conversations with entrepreneurs and industry leaders who shape our energy future. A common feature among these individuals is that they are typically passionate and articulate advocates for the adoption of the technologies they favor. This characteristic is what drives their success through even the most troubling of times. As their successes accumulate and their technologies become embedded and conform to modern‐day industry standards of practice, these individuals never lose the innate characteristic to push for further adoption of their technologies, often the incremental introduction of features and refinements to enter emergent market niches.
Identification of differential metabolites using untargeted metabolomics between gestational diabetes and normal pregnant women
Authors: Peng Mei Lin , Zhang Zheng , Zhou Minqi , He Chao , Xiao Lin , Yin Heng , Zhao Kai
Published: May 2022

Objective

To study the metabonomics differences between pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the third trimester and those in a group without GDM by screening a group of highly efficient and sensitive markers for GDM and validating previously published early metabolic markers of GDM.

Methods

A cross‐sectional cohort study based on ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomics analysis of serum samples collected from 59 pregnant women with GDM and 59 pregnant women without GDM.

Results

A total of 121 metabolites were detected, and 27 were identified as differential metabolites between GDM and control. The combination of 27 metabolic peaks had area under curve (AUC) values of 0.90, 0.92, and 0.93 in the prediction models using support vector machine, partial least squares, and random forest, respectively. Finally, five metabolite biomarkers were selected to construct logistic regression models: L‐valine, hypoxanthine, eicosapentaenoic acid, 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐octadecanotriol, and choline. The AUC value of these metabolites was 0.769 between the GDM group and the control group.

Conclusions

The discovery of a group of differential metabolites in pregnant women with GDM in the third trimester and in pregnant women without GDM may facilitate the study of the pathologic mechanism of GDM; it may be possible to find an efficient and sensitive alternative GDM detection method.
HIV and malaria prevalence among pregnant women with and without pre‐eclampsia at the Atua Government Hospital in Ghana’s eastern region
Authors: Orish Verner N. , Ansong‐Boateng Jude , Puplampu Prince N. , Ibine Bolade , Azanu Wisdom , Amoh Michael Y. , Lokpo Sylvester Y. , Afeke Innocent , Alalbila Thelma Mpoku , Agordoh Percival D. , Marinkovic Aleksandra , Sanyaolu Adekunle
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the association of malaria and HIV with pre‐eclampsia by evaluating their prevalence among pregnant women.

Methods

Using a case–control study design, we randomly sampled the antenatal records of 125 pregnant women with clinician‐diagnosed pre‐eclampsia (cases) and 125 others without pre‐eclampsia (controls) who visited Atua Government Hospital in the eastern region of Ghana between June 2014 and January 2017. All selected records had available routine HIV and malaria test results and were analyzed statistically.

Results

In all 250 records, 122 (48.8%) were HIV positive and 35 (14.0%) had malaria. Of the 122 HIV‐positive pregnant women, 29 (23.8%) were cases and 93 (76.2%) were controls; of the 35 women with malaria, one was in the case group (1/35, 2.9%) and the other 34 (97.1%) were in the control. Group. Pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia had lower odds of HIV infection (odds ratio [OR] 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.19: adjusted AOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.04–0.13, P < 0.001). Similarly, pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia had lower odds of having malaria infection (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00–0.17, P = 0.025; adjusted OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00–0.01, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Women with pre‐eclampsia had lower odds of HIV and malaria infection in pregnancy.
Branding, websites and the importance of first impressions in the veterinary industry
Authors: Phillips Justin
Published: May 2022

Technology has changed consumer behaviour, and this has led to new and exciting opportunities for veterinary practices to engage with, and attract, clients. But, in order to grab their attention, an effective brand and a well‐designed website, focused on conversions that generate revenue for your practice (ie, clients booking appointments and joining health plans, ordering repeat prescriptions or leaving reviews), are key. This article discusses the things to consider when conveying a practice's story to current and prospective clients, and explains how to give your brand the audience it deserves.
Adopting change: how to keep the momentum within your team
Authors: Rayner Angela
Published: May 2022

This article considers the challenges in adopting change in practice, and introduces practical steps that can be taken to overcome them. As part of a series from RCVS Knowledge on quality improvement, this article discusses how teams can work together to make positive changes, with key strategies to maintain momentum and track progress.
Ferulic acid ameliorates acetaminophen‐induced acute liver injury by promoting AMPK‐mediated protective autophagy
Authors: Wu Jianzhi , Zhou Fei , Fan Guifang , Liu Jia , Wang Yao , Xue Xiaoyong , Lyu Xiangjun , Lin Sheng , Li Xiaojiaoyang
Published: May 2022

Acetaminophen (APAP), one of the most widely used antipyretics and analgesics, principally results in acute liver injury (ALI) in developed countries when taken overdose. Ferulic acid (FA) is a natural polyphenol compound existing in many plants that has free radical scavenging, anti‐inflammatory, and liver‐protective properties. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of FA in treating APAP‐induced ALI have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we established a mouse model of APAP‐induced ALI and used APAP‐stimulated MPHs for biochemical assessment of molecular parameters. After constructing networks and obtaining predicted targets from public databases, we further verified the putative pathways using immune‐blotting assays both in vivo and in vitro. The reign of liver necrosis, serum levels of ALT and AST, and oxidative stress in livers significantly elevated after APAP treatment, which were almost recovered back to normal levels by FA administration. In addition, FA significantly upregulated the APAP‐induced downregulation of hepatic specific markers, including HNF4a, Foxa2, and ALB. Then, the results of functional enrichment indicated the possible signaling pathways of FA against APAP challenge, mainly including AMPK, autophagy, apoptosis, and other metabolic process. Furthermore, FA markedly reversed the APAP‐induced decline of mitochondria membrane potential, increased ratio of BAX/BCL2 and CASPASE 3 expression, and promoted autophagy flux of hepatocytes by upregulating AMPK phosphorylation, which were abrogated by a specific AMPK inhibitor, compound C. Overall, the hepatoprotective effect of FA on APAP‐induced ALI might be associated with anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptosis, which were at least partly attributed to AMPK‐mediated protective autophagy.
Dual‐mode color‐changing pH sensor based on fluorescent MOF embedded photonic crystal hydrogel
Authors: Yu Tong , Wang Bin , Yu Li‐Ping
Published: May 2022

In this work, a novel pH‐responsive hybrid hydrogel namely MOF/PC hydrogel was prepared by incorporating metal–organic framework CDs@UiO‐66(OH)2 into the matrix of photonic crystal hydrogel. MOF/PC hydrogel could display colorful structure colors under visible light and emit blue fluorescence under UV light owing to the stop‐bond effect of photonic crystal and fluorescence emission capacity of CDs@UiO‐66(OH)2, respectively. Benefiting from these two optical phenomena, MOF/PC hydrogel could work as a dual‐mode color‐changing sensor, in structure color mode and fluorescence mode, for the sensing of pH. When incubating in aqueous solutions with different pH values, MOF/PC hydrogel could adjust its structure color to the corresponding one ranging from green to pink in 10 s, and this visible color‐changing can be used to determine the approximate pH values of the sample by naked eyes without any assistance of instruments. As for the fluorescence mode, the fluorescence intensity of MOF/PC hydrogel showed a good linear relationship with pH value in the range of 3.0~7.0, and it can be used to determine the pH value of aqueous solutions quantitatively. Moreover, the as‐prepared sensor is reusable and can be applied to the pH sensing of real water samples.
Virus–virus interactions of febrile respiratory syndrome among patients in China based on surveillance data from February 2011 to December 2020
Authors: Dai Yucen , Zhong Jiao , Lan Yajia , Zhao Xing
Published: May 2022

The burden of acute respiratory infections is still considerable, and virus‐virus interactions may affect their epidemics, but previous evidence is inconclusive. To quantitatively investigate the interactions among respiratory viruses at both the population and individual levels, we use data from the pathogen surveillance for febrile respiratory syndrome (FRS) in China from February 2011 to December 2020. Cases tested for influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human parainfluenza virus (PIV), human Adenovirus (AdV), human coronavirus (CoV), human bocavirus (BoV), and rhinovirus (RV) were collected. We used spearman's rank correlation coefficients and binary logistic regression models to analyze the interactions between any two of the viruses at the population and individual levels, respectively. Among 120 237 cases, 4.5% were coinfected with two or more viruses. Correlation coefficients showed seven virus pairs were positively correlated, namely: IV and RSV, PIV and AdV, PIV and CoV, PIV and BoV, PIV and RV, AdV and BoV, and CoV and RV. Regression models showed positive interactions for all virus pairs, except for the negative interaction between IV and RV (odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.81). Most of the respiratory viruses interact positively, while IV and RV interact negatively.
Au@ZrO2 core‐shell nanoparticles as a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate for organophosphorus compounds detection
Authors: Li Tong‐Jiang , Wen Bao‐Ying , Zhang Yue‐Jiao , Zhang Lin , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: May 2022

Organophosphorus (OPs) compounds have received enormous attention due to high neurotoxicity. However, the complex detection environment makes it very difficult to detect the OPs compounds at extremely low‐concentration. Therefore, it is vital to develop a high sensitive analytical method for the detection of low‐concentration OPs compounds at complex environment. Here, we proposed a novel surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on the core‐shell structure Au@ZrO2 for the detection of extremely low‐concentration OPs compounds. By using above SERS substrate, we tested different kinds of OPs compounds and obtained excellent detection results. The detection limit of methyl parathion and triazophos can reach 0.01 mg/kg. Meanwhile, under the actual system (orange peel), the detection limit of the methyl parathion and triazophos also can reach 0.5 and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the above substrate is also very effective for the detection of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a simulant for the chemical warfare agent (sarin), and the detection limit can reach 100 mg/kg. Besides, we also verified the reproducibility and stability of Au@ZrO2, which showed excellent properties. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the SERS signal intensity for 20 tests was 6.38% and the enhancement ability of Au@ZrO2 can remain stable within 30 days. These results show that the proposed Au@ZrO2 SERS substrate has great potential in the detection of OPs compounds at extremely low‐concentration in the complex detection environment.
Ethanol‐ammonium sulfate system based modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method for the determination of four neonicotinoid pesticide and metabolite residues in two canned fruits
Authors: Chen Xiaochu , Huang Minxing , Xu Zhuoyan , Gao Yufeng , Yu Goubin
Published: May 2022

As the pesticide and its metabolite residues in processed fruits could become a significant route of human exposure. The work presented herein focuses on developing a feasible quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method with improved extraction and cleanup system for the determination of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin (a metabolite of thiamethoxam) in canned fruits. The low toxic solvent ethanol was used to extract the analytes, and ammonium sulfate was used to promote phase separation. Moreover, the carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotube acted as the clean‐up sorbent for the removal of high solubility impurities. The proposed method was validated with fortified real samples at different concentration levels (20–200 μg/kg). Recoveries obtained from three spiked levels (20, 50, and 200 μg/kg) ranged from 74.9 to 86.4% with relative standard deviations of the intra‐day and inter‐day in the range of 0.8–5.5 and 2.0–7.1%, respectively. The limits of detection ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 and 0.2 to 0.6 μg/kg for orange and peach, respectively. The results demonstrated that the proposed method could be considered appropriate, and comparatively lower toxic for the analysis of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in canned fruit.
Using electronic medical record diagnostic codes to identify veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Moshier Samantha J. , Harper Kelly , Keane Terence M. , Marx Brian P.
Published: May 2022

Researchers studying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often use diagnostic codes within electronic medical records (EMRs) to identify individuals with the disorder. This study evaluated the performance of algorithms for defining PTSD based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code use within EMR data. We used data from a registry of U.S. veterans for whom both structured interview data and Veterans Health Administration EMR data were available. Using interview‐diagnosed PTSD as the reference criterion, we calculated diagnostic accuracy statistics for algorithms that required the presence of at least one and up to seven encounters in which a PTSD diagnosis was present in EMR data within any clinical source, mental health clinic, or specialty PTSD clinic. We evaluated algorithm accuracy in the total sample (N = 1,343; 64.1% with PTSD), within a subsample constrained to lower PTSD prevalence (n = 712; 32.3% with PTSD), and as a function of demographic characteristics. Algorithm accuracy was influenced by PTSD prevalence. Results indicated that higher thresholds for the operationalization of PTSD may be justified among samples in which PTSD prevalence is lower. Requiring three PTSD diagnoses from a mental health clinic or four diagnoses from any clinical source may be a suitable minimum standard for identifying individuals with PTSD in EMRs; however, accuracy may be optimized by requiring additional diagnoses. The performance of many algorithms differed as a function of educational attainment and age, suggesting that samples of individuals with PTSD developed based on EMR ICD codes may skew toward including older, less‐educated veterans.
Application of a vertical ‘electric sieve’ to mitigate and prevent salinization in coastal soil
Authors: Li Yue Hua , Zhao Lin , Huang Meng Lu , Chen Liang , Jin Song
Published: May 2022

This study explored the applications of a vertical electrokinetic system (V‐EK), which consists of multilayer electrodes positioned in shallow soil to form an ‘electric sieve’ to mitigate and prevent soil salinization caused by salts rising from saline groundwater in coastal areas. The experiments were conducted in column reactors in the laboratory. Compared to the control column, the level of ions in the surface soil was significantly reduced after the V‐EK treatment, particularly for the column with voltages at 10 V and 20 V. At a voltage of 20 V, Na+ was detected at a range of 0.06–0.08 mg g−1 in the surface soil; this is a >99% reduction compared to the controls. Similar efficacy was observed for Cl− in the V‐EK column. The concentrations of Cl− were detected with a range of 0.01–0.02 mg g−1 and 0.02–0.06 mg g−1 at the surface soil with a voltage of 20 V and 10 V, respectively, compared to the Cl− concentrations at 0.84–2.70 mg g−1 in the control. After the application of the vertical ‘electric sieve’, the total salt content of surface soil could be controlled at a low value (<0.25‰) at voltages of 10 V and 20 V, compared to that in the control column (4.86‰). Finally, rising of salts from the artificial saline groundwater was effectively mitigated under voltages of 10 V and 20 V. Results from this work have demonstrated that the ‘electric sieve’ can effectively mitigate and prevent salts from rising in shallow groundwater to surface soil and reduce soil salinity.
Definitive local therapy to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with distant metastasis
Authors: Borson Steven , Shuai Yongli , Branstetter Barton F. , Nilsen Marci Lee , Hughes Marion A. , Fenton Moon , Kubik Mark , Sridharan Shaum , Clump David A. , Skinner Heath D. , Johnson Jonas T. , Chiosea Simion I. , Ohr James , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Kim Seungwon , Traylor Katie S. , Ferris Robert , Zandberg Dan P.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Data on the efficacy of including definitive local therapy to the primary site for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with synchronous distant metastasis are lacking. In multiple different solid tumor types, there has been benefit when using systemic therapy followed by local consolidative therapy (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy or surgery) directed at metastases. We proposed to retrospectively evaluate patients at our institution that received definitive treatment to the primary.

Methods

Single institution retrospective study evaluating 40 patients with metastatic HNSCC treated with definitive surgery (55%) or chemoradiation (45%) to the primary site from 2000 to 2020. The major endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) for the total population and multiple sub‐groups. Some variables were evaluated with multiple covariates Cox model.

Results

The median PFS was 8.6 months (95% CI, 6.4–11.6), and OS was 14.2 months (95% CI, 10.9–27.5). In 28% of patients that received induction therapy, there was a twofold increase in median overall survival to 27.5 months. In the 33% of patients that received anti‐PD‐1 mAb as part of their treatment course, the median OS was significantly increased to 41.7 months (95% CI, 8.7‐NR) versus 12.1 months (95% CI, 8.4–14.4) with a 5‐year OS of 39%. Multivariate analysis for OS showed significance for age at diagnosis, use of IO, and number of metastatic sites.

Conclusion

We observed impressive survival outcomes in metastatic HNSCC patients treated with definitive local therapy to the primary site in addition to induction and/or immunotherapy. Further study is warranted.

Level of Evidence: 3.
Blockade of mIL‐6R alleviated lipopolysaccharide‐induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome by suppressing NF‐κB‐mediated Ccl2 expression and inflammasome activation
Authors: Dai Ji‐Min , Zhang Xue‐Qin , Zhang Jia‐Jia , Yang Wei‐Jie , Yang Xiang‐Min , Bian Huijie , Chen Zhi‐Nan
Published: May 2022

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is characterized by dysregulated cytokine release, immune responses and is associated with organ dysfunction. IL‐6R blockade indicates promising therapeutic effects in cytokine release storm but still remains unknown in SIRS. To address the issue, we generated the human il‐6r knock‐in mice and a defined epitope murine anti‐human membrane‐bound IL‐6R (mIL‐6R) mAb named h‐mIL‐6R mAb. We found that the h‐mIL‐6R and the commercial IL‐6R mAb Tocilizumab significantly improved the survival rate, reduced the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, transaminases and blood urea nitrogen of LPS‐induced SIRS mice. Besides, the h‐mIL‐6R mAb could also dramatically reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines in LPS‐treated THP‐1 cells in vitro. RNA‐seq analysis indicated that the h‐mIL‐6R mAb could regulate LPS‐induced activation of NF‐κB/Ccl2 and NOD‐like receptor signaling pathways. Furthermore, we found that the h‐mIL‐6R mAb could forwardly inhibit Ccl2 expression and NLRP3‐mediated pyroptosis by suppressing NF‐κB in combination with the NF‐κB inhibitor. Collectively, mIL‐6R mAbs suppressed NF‐κB/Ccl2 signaling and inflammasome activation. IL‐6R mAbs are potential alternative therapeutics for suppressing excessive cytokine release, over‐activated inflammatory responses and alleviating organ injuries in SIRS.
Social workers seek growth amid personal, workforce issues
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2022

Despite concerns about workforce shortages, increased service demand, and recruitment and retention challenges, national projections indicate that the field for social workers will continue to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of social workers will grow 12% from 2020–2030, faster than any other occupation.
Program seminar addresses workforce issues amid COVID‐19
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2022

COVID‐19 burnout. Staff shortages. Growing waitlists. Funding needs. These are just a few of the challenges and concerns facing behavioral health organizations, according to a membership survey focusing on the impact of COVID‐19 on the workforce and distributed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Facilitating the wise use of experts and evidence to inform local environmental decisions
Authors: MacLeod Catriona J. , Brandt Angela J. , Dicks Lynn V.
Published: May 2022

Using biodiversity management within New Zealand's agricultural landscape as a case study, we apply ‘boundary science’ approaches to overcome two persistent deficiencies in environmental decision‐making: ‘evidence disparity’, the discrepancy between evidence desired and evidence generated, and ‘evidence complacency’, where evidence is not sought or used, or is out of date, incomplete or biased.

Specifically, we assess how recent innovations in gathering, evaluating and communicating of evidence syntheses can: give local stakeholders from a diversity of roles and interests a voice in setting biodiversity priorities, systematically tailor global evidence to meet local needs and make wise use of local biodiversity specialists to enhance the accuracy and reliability of their judgements.

Initial case study material comprised comprehensive lists of 18 biodiversity outcome groups and 84 management actions of potential value to New Zealand farms. Of the 40 management actions that mattered most to stakeholders, 90% of actions required editing in preparation for the expert assessments. The final list of priorities encompassed 43 management actions and 11 biodiversity groups.

New Zealand evidence gaps were detected for the two actions and 10 biodiversity groups assessed, with half of these gaps plugged using global studies. Six experts then systematically evaluated this evidence to tailor its interpretation to the local context, mitigating the risks of using different evidence subsets and evaluation criteria.

The effectiveness of each action in delivering biodiversity benefits was also assessed by a panel of 10 experts using their specialist judgement to mitigate the risks of: (a) a skewed assessment derived from one or two experts; (b) overwhelming panellists with a long list of issues to debate; and (c) conflicts arising from misunderstandings about action outcomes.

The stakeholder priorities delivered useful insights, which could be used to direct and facilitate inclusive policy investments beyond our project. Auditing local studies using existing evidence synopses is recommended to help improve local conservation evidence bases. Our study highlights the crucial role that a boundary‐spanning team can play in gathering, organising, summarising and integrating datasets to address evidence disparity and complacency issues affecting local biodiversity management decisions required by global policy.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
CXCR4 mediates leukemic cell migration and survival in the testicular microenvironment
Authors: Skroblyn Tessa , Joedicke Jara J , Pfau Madlen , Krüger Kerstin , Bourquin Jean‐Pierre , Izraeli Shai , Eckert Cornelia , Höpken Uta E
Published: May 2022

The testis is the second most frequent extramedullary site of relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The mechanism for B‐cell (B) ALL cell migration towards and survival within the testis remains elusive. Here, we identified CXCL12–CXCR4 as the leading signaling axis for B‐ALL cell migration and survival in the testicular leukemic niche. We combined analysis of primary human ALL with a novel patient‐derived xenograft (PDX)‐ALL mouse model with testicular involvement. Prerequisites for leukemic cell infiltration in the testis were prepubertal age of the recipient mice, high surface expression of CXCR4 on PDX‐ALL cells, and CXCL12 secretion from the testicular stroma. Analysis of primary pediatric patient samples revealed that CXCR4 was the only chemokine receptor being robustly expressed on B‐ALL cells both at the time of diagnosis and relapse. In affected patient testes, leukemic cells localized within the interstitial space in close proximity to testicular macrophages. Mouse macrophages isolated from affected testes, in the PDX model, revealed a macrophage polarization towards a M2‐like phenotype in the presence of ALL cells. Therapeutically, blockade of CXCR4‐mediated functions using an anti‐CXCR4 antibody treatment completely abolished testicular infiltration of PDX‐ALL cells and strongly impaired the overall development of leukemia. Collectively, we identified a prepubertal condition together with high CXCR4 expression as factors affecting the leukemia permissive testicular microenvironment. We propose CXCR4 as a promising target for therapeutic prevention of testicular relapses in childhood B‐ALL. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Optical analysis of light management for finger designs in CPV systems
Authors: Liu Mengdi , Römer Udo , Ekins‐Daukes Nicholas J. , Lennon Alison
Published: May 2022

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems can achieve high energy conversion efficiencies due to their use of concentrating optics and highly efficient solar cells; however, power losses arising from the front surface reflection and metallization shading typically contribute a significant fraction to the total power loss for these devices. In flat silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, the front‐metal finger shape is often shaped to minimize shading losses. Finger shape is even more relevant for CPV cells where the current density and front metal shading are much higher. This study compares the optical performance of five light management finger designs in CPV systems with two different refractive homogenizers. The optical efficiency and loss analysis were determined using ray‐tracing simulations. It is shown that shaped, light diverting metal fingers can improve the optical efficiency in CPV systems by up to 9.9% absolute compared to rectangular fingers, corresponding to an absolute cell efficiency increase of 3.0%. Although sharp edged triangular finger structures may be challenging to fabricate, significant optical gains can still be achieved with trapezoid or rounded cap finger shapes.
Risk assessment and molecular mechanism of Fusarium incarnatum resistance to phenamacril
Authors: Mao Yushuai , Zhao Baoquan , Cao Zhiguo , Shen Jinghan , Xu Shaohua , Wu Jian , Li Tao , Wang Jianxin , Statsyuk Natalia , Shcherbakova Larisa , Zhou Mingguo , Duan Yabing
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Cucumber fruit rot (CFR) caused by Fusarium incarnatum is a devastating fungal disease in cucumber. In recent years, CFR has occurred frequently, resulting in serious yield and quality losses in China. Phenamacril exhibits a specific antifungal activity against Fusarium species. However, no data for phenamacril against F. incarnatum is available.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of 80 F. incarnatum strains to phenamacril was determined. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values ranged from 0.1134 to 0.3261 μg mL−1 with a mean EC50 value of 0.2170 ± 0.0496 μg mL−1. A total of seven resistant mutants were obtained from 450 mycelial plugs by phenamacril‐taming on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates with 10 μg mL−1 of phenamacril, and the resistant frequency was 1.56%. Phenamacril‐resistant mutants showed decreased mycelial growth, conidiation and virulence as compared with the corresponding wild‐type strains, indicating that phenamacril resistance suffered a fitness penalty in F. incarnatum. In addition, using sequence analysis, the point mutations of S217P or I424S were discovered in Fimyosin‐5 (the target of phenamacril). The site‐directed mutagenesis of the S217P, P217S, I424S and S424I substitutions were constructed to reveal the relationship between the point mutations and phenamacril resistance. The results strongly demonstrated that the mutations of S217P and I424S in Fimyosin‐5 conferred phenamacril‐resistance in F. incarnatum.

CONCLUSION

Phenamacril‐resistant mutants were easily induced and their resistance level was high. The S217P or I424S substitutions in Fimyosin‐5 conferring phenamacril resistance were detected and futherly verified by transformation assay with site‐directed mutagenesis. Thus, we proposed that the resistance development of F. incarnatum to phenamacril is high risk. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.