bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of fecal microbial transplant on intestinal microbial composition in short‐bowel neonatal piglets
Authors: Hinchliffe Tierah , Pauline Mirielle L. , Wizzard Pamela R. , Jovel Juan , Nation Patrick N. , Wales Paul W. , Madsen Karen L. , Turner Justine M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Short‐bowel syndrome (SBS) in neonates is associated with microbial dysbiosis due to intestinal surgery, prolonged hospitalization, enteral nutrition, and repeated antibiotic exposure. Sepsis and liver disease, leading causes of morbidity and mortality in SBS, may relate to such intestinal dysbiosis. We investigated the safety and feasibility of fecal microbial transplant (FMT) to alter intestinal microbial composition in SBS piglets.

Methods

Following a 75% distal small‐intestinal resection, piglets were fed parenteral nutrition with an elemental diet and randomized to saline (SAL; n = 12) or FMT (n = 12) treatments delivered by gastric tube on day 2 (d2). The FMT donor was a healthy adult pig. Comparisons were also made to healthy sow‐fed littermate controls (SOW; n = 6). Stool samples were collected daily, and tissue samples were collected at baseline and termination. Microbial DNA was extracted from stool and analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing.

Results

All piglets survived to the end point. On d2–d4, FMT piglets had some differences in microbiota composition compared with SAL, SOW, and donor counterparts. Between base and term, there were transitory changes to alpha and beta diversity in FMT and SAL.

Conclusion

FMT treatment in postsurgical neonatal piglets with SBS appears safe, with no increase in sepsis and no mortality. In SBS piglets, FMT induced transient changes to the intestinal microbiota. However, these changes did not persist long‐term.
Detection of calcium phosphate species in soil by confocal μ‐Raman spectroscopy#
Authors: Nkebiwe Peteh Mehdi , Sowoidnich Kay , Maiwald Martin , Sumpf Bernd , Hartmann Tobias Edward , Wanke Daniel , Müller Torsten
Published: January 2022

Background

Raman spectroscopy is a promising but largely underexplored tool for the detection of phosphates (P) in soil. Although it requires minimal sample preparation, it has been demonstrated mainly in test matrices or substrates to circumvent the typical signal interference caused by fluorescence of organic matter in actual agricultural soils.

Aims

The aim of this study was to highlight the Raman spectroscopic detection and identification of distinct calcium phosphate species amended in contrasting soil matrices—including a real arable soil.

Methods

Pure calcium dihydrogen phosphate [Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O], calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO4), and β‐tricalcium phosphate [β‐Ca3(PO4)2] were each amended in Luvos® healing earth, loess from a C‐horizon, and a loam arable soil from an Ap‐horizon at a dose of 1 mmol (10 g soil)–1. The unique Raman signature of each pure calcium phosphate species was determined by confocal μ‐Raman spectroscopy and used subsequently as a reference spectrum to identify the compound in each soil matrix. Controls without added P were also analyzed.

Results

Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O, CaHPO4, and β‐Ca3(PO4)2 were each unambiguously detected in the treated soils. Native hydroxyapatite [Ca5(PO4)3(OH)], quartz (SiO2), feldspar (NaAlSi3O8), calcite (CaCO3), and dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] were also identified, for example, in the Raman microscopic image of the control Luvos® healing earth sample. Intrinsic β‐Ca3(PO4)2 and Ca5(PO4)3(OH) present in Ap‐horizon loam were detected and distinguished from each other by a Lorentzian fitting, which deconvoluted the individual Raman signals from an unresolved peak.

Conclusions

The usefulness of confocal μ‐Raman spectroscopy to detect distinct P species present in agricultural soil could be shown as a proof of concept.
Foreign market knowledge, international opportunity recognition, and the performance of export‐manufacturing firms
Authors: Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Sambasivan Murali , Goh See Kwong
Published: January 2022

Accumulating foreign market knowledge is critically essential for international entrepreneurs operating in the export‐manufacturing industry to recognise new international opportunities. Foreign market knowledge positively improves the international opportunity recognition process to achieve superior performance of export‐manufacturing firms. Foreign institutional knowledge is the most important among three types of foreign market knowledge that international entrepreneurs should leverage to recognise new opportunities. International entrepreneurs must seek foreign market knowledge from the breadth of various sources in their quest for successful international performance.
Trust in the global value chain in the digital era
Authors: Hosseini Tabaghdehi S. Asieh , Kalatian Hossein
Published: January 2022

Trust plays a crucial role in international business interactions, customers' behaviors, and the GVC process in the digital business environment. In a digital environment, trust advances relationship development, which enhances the global value chain interactions among all stakeholders. The recent studies demonstrate declining trust in digital businesses at the international level. International businesses, including large companies, are very uncertain about their future which presents difficulties for the state of the global economic systems.
Blockchains and the disruption of the sharing economy value chains
Authors: Kolade Oluwaseun , Adepoju David , Adegbile Abiodun
Published: January 2022

Against the backdrop of debates and rising public sentiments against “Big Tech,” this paper takes a conceptual approach to explore the possibilities for blockchain technologies to disrupt the governance of the sharing economy value chains. Unlike centralized trust systems employed by multisided digital platforms, blockchains employ a decentralized, open‐source system. Data can be shared, verified, and monitored using a consensus mechanism across multiple nodes. We bring insights and discussions from the extant literature to elucidate two guiding principles of the sharing economy value chains: resource optimization and data monetization. Against this backdrop, we propose a conceptual framework that compares traditional digital platforms' governance mechanisms and value drivers with block‐chained enabled platforms, where resource optimization and data monetization are driven by decentralized platform co‐owners rather than single platform owners. We offer case illustrations to explicate this framework and how it signposts a new, disruptive model for the governance of the collaborative economy, especially in developing countries.
Gamma‐ray irradiation and microbiota transplantation to separate the effects of chemical and microbial diurnal variations on the fermentation characteristics and bacterial community of Napier grass silage
Authors: Dong Zhihao , Li Junfeng , Wang Siran , Zhao Jie , Dong Dong , Shao Tao
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

To investigate the contributions of chemical and microbial diurnal variations in fermentation characteristics and bacterial community of Napier grass silage, gamma‐ray irradiated Napier grass harvested at 07.00 h (AM), 12.00 h (M) and 17.00 h (PM) was inoculated with the microbiota derived from Napier grass harvested at AM, M and PM in a 3 (irradiated forage: AMG, MG and PMG) × 3 (microbiota: AMM, MM and PMM) design and then ensiled for 14 and 60 days.

RESULTS

Napier grass harvested at various times had different chemical compositions and epiphytic microbiota prior to ensiling. For silages inoculated with the same microbiota, the pH values, residual water soluble carbohydrates and dry matter contents increased, and lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, ethanol and volatile fatty acids contents decreased in PMG and MG silages compared to AMG silages. MM and PMM inoculum promoted lactic acid fermentation as indicated by higher lactic acid contents and lactic/acetic acid ratios in MM and PMM‐inculated silages compared to those in AMM‐inoculated silages after 60 days of ensiling. During ensiling, epiphytic microbiota affected the Chao1 index, operational taxonomic units (OTUs) number and Shannon index, as well as the abundances, of more than half of the top 10 abundant genera, whereas chemical composition did not affect any of the bacterial diversity and richness indices and only showed significant impacts on the abundances of two genera.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that chemical diurnal variation exerted an influence mainly on the extent of fermentation, whereas microbial diurnal variation affected more the bacterial community and fermentation types during Napier grass ensiling. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Utilization of chestnut shell lignin in alginate films
Authors: Sogut Ece , Seydim Atif Can
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Lignocellulosic structures obtained from agricultural wastes can re‐design sustainable packaging materials. The present study investigated the utilization of lignocellulose (LS), alkali lignin (L) and hydroxymethylated (modified) lignin (ML), separated from chestnut shells in alginate (AL) films at 100 and 200 mg g−1 (10% and 20%, w/w based on AL), as reinforcing agents. Lignin modification and concentration effects on the AL films were characterized by water vapor permeability (WVP), as well as morphological, mechanical, optical, thermal and active properties.

RESULTS

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that extracted L and LS had different structures, and the modification of L resulted in a peak shift and a decrease in peak intensities between 1250 and 800 cm−1. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity tests showed that films containing L had higher activity values (P < 0.05). WVP of the films containing ML was the lowest (P < 0.05) and the results revealed that 20% (w/w) concentration had an adverse effect on the WVP of films. The addition of L, LS and ML increased the tensile strength, elastic modulus and thermal properties (P < 0.05) compared to AL control films. With an increasing concentration, films containing L‐based structures showed higher opacity and relatively lower L* values (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results show that the addition of lignin to biopolymers is a promising method for improving the properties of biopolymers and providing functional attributes. LS had no or little effect on the film properties; however, the modification of L had the advantage of enhancing WVP and thermal properties at the same time as showing a decrease in functional properties compared to L. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
High‐throughput glycosylation analysis of intact monoclonal antibodies by mass spectrometry coupled with capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography
Authors: Naumann Lukas , Schlossbauer Patrick , Klingler Florian , Hesse Friedemann , Otte Kerstin , Neusüß Christian
Published: January 2022

The analysis of monoclonal antibodies glycosylation is a crucial quality control attribute of biopharmaceutical drugs. High throughput screening approaches for antibody glycoform analysis are required in various stages of process optimization. Here, we present high throughput screening suitable mass spectrometry‐based workflows for the analysis of intact antibody glycosylation out of cell supernatants. Capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography were coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry or Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Both separation methods offer fast separation (10–15 min) and the capability to prevent the separated cell supernatant matrix to enter the mass spectrometry by post‐separation valving. Both mass spectrometry instruments provide comparable results and both are sufficient to determine the glycosylation pattern of the five major glycoforms of the measured antibodies. However, the Orbitrap yields higher sensitivity of 25 μg/mL (CE‐nanoCEasy‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry) and 5 μg/mL (liquid chromatography‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry). Data processing was optimized for a faster processing and easier detection of low abundant glycoforms based on averaged charge‐deconvoluted mass spectra. This approach combines a non‐target glycoform analysis while yielding the same glycosylation pattern as the traditional approach based on extracted ion traces. The presented methods enable the high throughput screening of the glycosylation pattern of antibodies down to low μg/mL‐range out of cell supernatant without any sample preparation.
Rapid monitoring of high‐mannose glycans during cell culture process of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies using lectin affinity chromatography
Authors: Kim Jun , Albarghouthi Methal
Published: January 2022

We developed a simple high‐performance liquid chromatography assay to monitor high‐mannose glycans in monoclonal antibodies by monitoring terminal alpha‐mannose as a surrogate marker. Analysis of glycan data of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies by 2‐aminobenzamide assay showed a linear relationship between high mannose and terminal mannose of Fc glycans. Concanavalin A has a strong affinity to alpha‐mannose in glycans of typical therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. To show that terminal mannose binds specifically to Concanavalin A column, exoglycosidase‐treated monoclonal antibodies were serially blended with untreated monoclonal antibodies. Linear responses of terminal‐mannose binding to the column and comparable data trending with high mannose levels by 2‐aminobenzamide assay confirmed that terminal‐mannose levels measured by the Concanavalin A column can be used as a surrogate for the prediction of high‐mannose levels in monoclonal antibodies. The assay offers a simple, fast, and specific capability for the prediction of high‐mannose content in samples compared with traditional glycan profiling by 2‐aminobenzamide or mass spectrometry‐based methods. When the Concanavalin A column was coupled with protein A column for purification of antibodies from cell culture samples in a fully automated two‐dimensional analysis, high‐mannose data could be relayed to the manufacturing team in less than 30 min, allowing near‐real‐time monitoring of high‐mannose levels in the cell culture process.
Utility of Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Sialolithiasis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kang Jun Myung , Kim Sung Won , Kim So‐Hyun , Jung Jae Hoon , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We hypothesized that ultrasonography for salivary gland stone detection would have a diagnostic accuracy similar to that confirmed by sialendoscopy, sialography, or surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the diagnostic characteristics of ultrasonography in terms of submandibular and parotid stone detection compared to confirmatory methods.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane database to October 31, 2021. The risk of bias was evaluated using the QADAS‐2 tool.

Results

Ten studies involving 1393 patients were included in the analysis. The diagnostic odds ratio of ultrasonography was 162.6013 (95% confidence interval [CI] [53.9883; 489.7208] and I2 value 81.0%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.963. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 0.8992 (95% CI [0.8534; 0.9318]; I2 = 79.9%), 0.9664 (95% CI [0.9290; 0.9844], I2 = 65.6%), 0.8076 (95% CI [0.7256; 0.8694]; I2 = 80.4%), and 0.9853 (95% CI [0.9629; 0.9943]; I2 = 77.4%), respectively. However, high‐level among‐study heterogeneity (I2 ≥ 50%) was evident, attributable to the inclusion of different glands. On subgroup analysis, significant differences in the negative predictive values (parotid gland only [0.9392], submandibular gland only [0.6718], and parotid and submandibular glands [0.8105]) were apparent. We found no significant among‐study difference in the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, or diagnostic odds ratio (P > .05).

Conclusion

Ultrasonography usefully detects submandibular and parotid gland stones. Ultrasonography of the parotid gland was associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy, but further clinical studies are needed.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:1785–1791, 2022
Nature‐based solutions in soil restoration for improving agricultural productivity
Authors: Mrunalini Kancheti , Behera Biswaranjan , Jayaraman Somasundaram , Abhilash Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil , Dubey Pradeep Kumar , Swamy Gutta Narayana , Prasad Jasti Venkata Naga Satya , Rao Kondru Venkateswara , Krishnan Pandian , Pratibha Gudapaty , Srinivasa Rao Cherukumalli
Published: January 2022

Soil is a living and dynamic body, which is prone to degradation under conventional agricultural practices. Healthy soil is one of the most important pillars of sustainability as it delivers several ecosystem services along with its control on microbial activity, nutrient recycling, and decomposition. Nature‐based solutions can play an important role in restoring soil quality for enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainability. This article discusses various nature‐based options available for improving soil quality. Indigenous practices such as sheep penning, tank silt application, green manuring, and refuse from croplands and households have the potential to restore and maintain soil fertility. Biofertilizers can add nutrients (N fixers), fixe up to 300 kg N ha through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and facilitate (nutrient solubilizer and mobilizers) nutrient availability in the soil. Biochar, a commonly used product, can increase soil moisture availability by 8%–10% and aids in mitigating climate change through C‐sequestration. Biochar may have a climate change mitigation potential of 1.8 Pg CO2‐C equivalent per year. When added to the soil, it not only acts as a nutrient source; but also acts as a soil amendment. Biogas slurry, the effluent from biogas reactors, contains various nutrient elements that can enrich soil fertility. The holistic approach in a farming system, through integration of different enterprises, reduces dependence on off‐farm resources. Soil management through nature‐based options will maintain crop productivity and sustainability in the long run without any adverse effects on the environment.
Dissimulate or disseminate? A survey on the fate of negative results
Authors: Herbet Marie‐Emilia , Leonard Jérémie , Santangelo Maria Grazia , Albaret Lucie
Published: January 2022

A 34‐question survey was sent to researchers in chemistry, physics, engineering and environmental sciences, with the aim of identifying their relationship with unsuccessful research results as well as the obstacles to and incentives for their dissemination. Most of the 310 participants were affiliated with French research and teaching institutions. Conducted within the framework of the Datacc project (datacc.org) on research and data management, supported by Lyon and Grenoble Alpes University Libraries, our study fills the gap in literature on the disciplines concerned with reporting negative results in scholarly research. It shows that 81% of the researchers surveyed have already produced relevant negative results and 75% say they are willing to publish this type of data. However, only 12.5% of respondents have had the opportunity to do so in a scientific journal. This gaping contrast between intention and practice raises questions about the barriers and potential solutions.
Ultrafast MHz‐Rate Burst‐Mode Pump–Probe Laser for the FLASH FEL Facility Based on Nonlinear Compression of ps‐Level Pulses from an Yb‐Amplifier Chain
Authors: Seidel Marcus , Pressacco Federico , Akcaalan Oender , Binhammer Thomas , Darvill John , Ekanayake Nagitha , Frede Maik , Grosse‐Wortmann Uwe , Heber Michael , Heyl Christoph M. , Kutnyakhov Dmytro , Li Chen , Mohr Christian , Müller Jost , Puncken Oliver , Redlin Harald , Schirmel Nora , Schulz Sebastian , Swiderski Angad , Tavakol Hamed , Tünnermann Henrik , Vidoli Caterina , Wenthaus Lukas , Wind Nils , Winkelmann Lutz , Manschwetus Bastian , Hartl Ingmar
Published: January 2022

The Free‐Electron Laser (FEL) FLASH offers the worldwide still unique capability to study ultrafast processes with high‐flux, high‐repetition rate extreme ultraviolet, and soft X‐ray pulses. The vast majority of experiments at FLASH are of pump–probe type. Many of them rely on optical ultrafast lasers. Here, a novel FEL facility laser is reported which combines high average power output from Yb:YAG amplifiers with spectral broadening in a Herriott‐type multipass cell and subsequent pulse compression to sub‐100‐fs durations. Compared to other facility lasers employing optical parametric amplification, the new system comes with significantly improved noise figures, compactness, simplicity, and power efficiency. Like FLASH, the optical laser operates with 10‐Hz burst repetition rate. The bursts consist of 800‐μs long trains of up to 800 ultrashort pulses being synchronized to the FEL with femtosecond precision. In the experimental chamber, pulses with up to 50‐μJ energy, 60‐fs full‐width half‐maximum duration and 1‐MHz rate at 1.03‐μm wavelength are available and can be adjusted by computer‐control. Moreover, nonlinear polarization rotation is implemented to improve laser pulse contrast. First cross‐correlation measurements with the FEL at the plane‐grating monochromator photon beamline are demonstrated, exhibiting the suitability of the laser for user experiments at FLASH.
Shining light on multi‐drug resistant Candida auris: Ultraviolet‐C disinfection, wavelength sensitivity, and prevention of biofilm formation of an emerging yeast pathogen
Authors: Mariita Richard M. , Davis James H. , Lottridge Michelle M. , Randive Rajul V.
Published: January 2022

Candida auris is an emerging fungal superbug of worldwide interest. It is associated with high mortality rates and exhibits increased resistance to antifungals. Ultraviolet subtype C (UVC) light can be used to disinfect surfaces to mitigate its spread. The objectives of this study were (1) To investigate UVC disinfection performances and wavelength sensitivity of C. auris. (2) To evaluate the UVC dose required for the prevention of biofilm formation on stainless‐steel, plastic (polystyrene), and poly‐cotton fabric surfaces. C. auris was grown following standard procedures. The study utilized six different UVC LED arrays with wavelengths between 252 and 280 nm. Arrays were set at similar intensities, to obtain doses of 5–40 mJ cm−2 and similar irradiation time. Disinfection performance for each array was determined using log reduction value (LRV) and percentage reduction by comparing the controls against the irradiated treatments. Evaluation of the ability of 267 nm UVC LEDs to prevent C. auris biofilm formation was investigated using stainless‐steel, plastic coupons, and poly‐cotton fabric. Peak sensitivity to UVC disinfection was between 267 and 270 nm. With 20 mJ cm−2, the study obtained ≥LRV3. On stainless‐steel coupons, 30 mJ cm−2 was sufficient to prevent biofilm formation, while on plastic, this required 10 mJ cm−2. A dose of 60 mJ cm−2 reduced biofilms on poly‐cotton fabric significantly (R2 = 0.9750, p = 0.0002). The study may allow for the design and implementation of disinfection systems.
Adipofascial anterolateral thigh free flap in hypopharyngeal and oropharyngeal reconstruction
Authors: Xu Feng , Deng Di , Li Baofei , Li Linke , Liu Jifeng , Li Bo , Liu Jun , Chen Fei
Published: January 2022

Background

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a popular choice for head and neck reconstruction surgery, but its ungainly thickness makes it of limited value in some intracavitary reconstructions. The ALT adipofascial flap is an improved flap without skin or muscle. Here, we seek to further illustrate the ALT adipofascial flap as an alternate method of hypopharyngeal and oropharyngeal reconstruction in head and neck.

Methods

A retrospective review of 9 patients (7 men, 2 women) ranging from 28 to 67 years (mean age, 53.1 years) who underwent reconstruction with the ALT adipofascial flap after hypopharyngeal carcinoma (4 patients) or oropharyngeal carcinoma (5 patients) resections from August 2018 to December 2019 was performed. Surgical outcomes and functional resoration were assessed.

Results

The size of the flaps ranged from 6 × 4 cm2 to 6 × 12 cm2. The average flap thickness was 0.14 cm (range, 0.1–0.2 cm) and the average pedicle length was 9.8 cm (range, 7–12 cm). The postoperative course was uneventful in eight patients. Reconstruction was successful in all cases during 7–23 months of follow‐up (mean time, 14.3 months). All patients resumed oral feeding for 2–8 weeks (mean time, 4.9 weeks) and the tracheal cannula was successfully removed 0.5–4 months postsurgery (mean time, 2.4 months).

Conclusion

The ALT adipofascial flap is a viable choice for hypopharyngeal and oropharyngeal reconstructions and is thinner than the ALT flap. It could be harvested as a single‐pedicled double‐island flap for complex defect reconstruction.
Exploiting the Kronecker product structure of φ−functions in exponential integrators
Authors: Muñoz‐Matute Judit , Pardo David , Calo Victor M.
Published: January 2022

Exponential time integrators are well‐established discretization methods for time semilinear systems of ordinary differential equations. These methods use functions, which are matrix functions related to the exponential. This work introduces an algorithm to speed up the computation of the function action over vectors for two‐dimensional (2D) matrices expressed as a Kronecker sum. For that, we present an auxiliary exponential‐related matrix function that we express using Kronecker products of one‐dimensional matrices. We exploit state‐of‐the‐art implementations of functions to compute this auxiliary function's action and then recover the original action by solving a Sylvester equation system. Our approach allows us to save memory and solve exponential integrators of 2D+time problems in a fraction of the time traditional methods need. We analyze the method's performance considering different linear operators and with the nonlinear 2D+time Allen–Cahn equation.
Proteomic profiling identifies novel diagnostic biomarkers and molecular subtypes for mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney
Authors: Xu Huiya , Li Wei , Zhu Chongmei , Cheng Na , Li Xiaoxia , Hao Fengyun , Zhu Junfeng , Huang Liyun , Wang Ran , Wang Liantang , Luo Zhenhua , Wang Fen
Published: January 2022

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) is a relatively rare renal epithelial neoplasm resembling type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) morphologically and immunohistochemically. The accurate diagnosis of MTSCC remains a challenge. Here, by using proteomic profiling, we characterized MTSCC and PRCC to identify diagnostic biomarkers. We found that the MTSCC tumor proteome was significantly enriched in B‐cell‐mediated immunity when compared with the proteome of adjacent normal tissues of MTSCC or tumors of PRCC. Importantly, we identified MZB1, VCAN, and SOSTDC1 as diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish MTSCC from the solid variant of type 1 PRCC, with an AUC of 0.985 when combined. MZB1 was inversely correlated with tumor clinical stage and may play an anti‐tumor role by activating the complement system. Finally, unsupervised clustering revealed two molecular subtypes of MTSCC, displaying different morphology, expression signatures of oxidative phosphorylation, and aggravation. In summary, our analyses identified a three‐protein diagnostic panel and molecular subtypes for MTSCC. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Plasma treatment application to improve interfacial adhesion in polypropylene‐flax fabric composite laminates
Authors: Leone Giulia , D'Angelo Gennaro Antonio , Russo Pietro , Ferraro Pietro , Pagliarulo Vito
Published: January 2022

Recently, due to environmental and sustainability issues, the scientific community has been attracted to renewable natural resources, even for the development of materials intended for structural applications. This work deals with the pre‐treatment of a flax fiber fabric by exploring the effects of the exposure time to nitrogen plasma on the ultimate performance of polypropylene matrix composite laminates potentially usable for the realization of internal parts in the naval sector. Flax fabrics were treated with three different exposure times (5, 10, and 15 min) with the aim to improve the adhesion between the hydrophilic fibers and the hydrophobic matrix. At first, transverse and longitudinal wicking tests were carried out on the treated fabrics in order to evaluate the improvement of the absorption constants after the formation of reactive groups on their surface. The results collected so far in terms of fabric water uptake, tensile, and flexural properties as well as morphological aspects (SEM analysis) and damage evolution (ESPI technique), have indicated that the optimal pre‐treatment time of the reinforcing fabrics is equal to 15 min. Compared to the laminate with untreated fabrics, the specimen with flax fibers treated for 15 min displays higher tensile properties with an increase of 6.8% and 22.31% in ultimate strength and modulus, respectively. More in general, the achievements of this research might be useful to extend the current range of applications of flax fibers even in industrial fields still dominated by conventional fibers.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy in physical sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A case report
Authors: Santos Sarita , Flores Juan A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome‐CoV‐2 can present physical complications that can make the return to their daily physical activities difficult. Despite the positive results in different pathologies through musculoskeletal physiotherapy, there are few reports in post‐COVID‐19 patients. This case describes an intervention based on musculoskeletal physiotherapy in a post‐COVID‐19 adult woman with physical sequelae.

Methods

As part of an initial evaluation in a woman with physical sequelaes post‐COVID‐19, it was decided to conduct a musculoskeletal physiotherapy over a course of 5 weeks distributed in 15 visits. To evaluate her progress the joint ranges were evaluated according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the Numerical pain scale was used, the muscle strength evaluated according to the Daniel Scale, and finally the Unipodal Station Test used.

Results

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy improved the patient's physical symptoms. The patient's pain was reduced from a value of 10 to 3; the strength of the musculature increased from a value of 2 to 4; initial joint ranges were expanded from 67% to 100% in various body segments. Finally, the woman managed to stay up to 8 s in the monopodal position.

Discussion

Using musculoskeletal physical therapy and measuring progress through quantitative measurements at each visit, a post‐COVID‐19 woman was able to resume her daily physical activities. This therapy is a valuable tool to recover the musculoskeletal system that proves to be an important advance in the recovery of the quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal sequelae from COVID‐19.
Effect of myofascial release, stretching, and strengthening on upper torso posture, spinal curvatures, range of motion, strength, shoulder pain and disability, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Rao Mounica Srinivas , Pattanshetty Renu B.
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose

Breast cancer survivors are known to develop upper torso pain and stiffness including shoulder elevation and ipsilateral inclination of the trunk within a short period of time as a result of cancer adjuvant therapies correlating with the type and side of surgery. Hence, the study.

Methods

Twenty‐two breast cancer survivors at a tertiary care hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka, have participated in this pre‐post experimental study which included myofascial release (MFR), stretching, and strengthening for four sessions per week for 3 weeks that is, a total of 12 sessions. The participants were assessed at baseline and post‐intervention using photogrammetry for Posture and shoulder range of motion (ROM), flexicurve for spinal curvatures, digital inclinometer for cervical ROM, manual muscle testing and hand dynamometer for strength of the upper back, shoulder muscles and hand grip, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for shoulder impairment and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast (FACT‐B) for quality of life.

Results

The outcomes were analyzed with a p‐value set at ≤0.05. The results of the study demonstrated a substantial improvement in the posture alignment (p = 0.001), shoulder and cervical ROM (p = 0.001), upper back and shoulder muscle and hand grip strength (p = 0.001), SPADI (p = 0.001), and FACT‐B (p = 0.001) values.

Discussion

The upper torso malalignment and muscular imbalance is seen in patients who has undergone surgeries involving the chest wall and early physiotherapy intervention can benefit the patients overall physical performance and quality of life. Hence, MFR, stretching and strengthening has shown to be beneficial in improving upper torso malalignment in breast cancer survivors.

Implications of Physiotherapy Practice

The suggested techniques can be applied at a larger scale which can involve patients with head and neck cancer since the areas of intervention are identical.

CTRI (Clinical Trial Registry‐ India) Registration No.: CTRI/2021/01/030453.
Streamlining physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model design for intravenous delivery of nanoparticle drugs
Authors: Le Anh‐Dung , Wearing Helen J. , Li Dingsheng
Published: January 2022

Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling for nanoparticles elucidates the nanoparticle drug’s disposition in the body and serves a vital role in drug development and clinical studies. This paper offers a systematic and tutorial‐like approach to developing a model structure and writing distribution ordinary differential equations based on asking binary questions involving the physicochemical nature of the drug in question. Further, by synthesizing existing knowledge, we summarize pertinent aspects in PBPK modeling and create a guide for building model structure and distribution equations, optimizing nanoparticle and non‐nanoparticle specific parameters, and performing sensitivity analysis and model validation. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate a streamlined model development process for students and practitioners in the field.
Consumption of sesame seeds and sesame products has favorable effects on blood glucose levels but not on insulin resistance: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Haghshenas Niloufar , Hernández‐Ruiz Ángela , Shidfar Farzad
Published: January 2022

Sesame, with an oily seed containing oil, lignans, and proteins, is a popular plant that has demonstrated health benefits such as antioxidative, antiobesity, and antiinflammatory effects. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to summarize the effect of sesame seeds and their consumption compared to a control group on blood glucose and insulin resistance in human adults. PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EMBASE were searched to identify eligible controlled clinical trials up to February 2021. Finally, eight clinical trials were included in this study. Sesame products used in these trials were sesame oil, sesamin, and tahini, and the duration of the intervention varied from 45 days to 9 weeks. Our results showed the significant positive effects of sesame and its products on fasting blood glucose FBG (weighted mean difference, WMD: −21.31 mg/dl, 95% CI: −41.23, −1.39,p = .036) and HbA1c (WMD: −0.75, 95% CI: −1.16, −0.34,p < .001) levels but results about fasting serum insulin (WMD: 5.51 μU/ml, 95% CI: −2.31, 13.33,p = .167) and HOMA‐IR (WMD: −0.07, 95% CI: −0.33, 0.20,p = .617) were not meaningful. Sesame may be considered a beneficial agent for human glucose metabolism and can be a part of glucose‐lowering diets.
Robust active disturbance rejection control for systems with internal uncertainties: Multirotor UAV application
Authors: Chebbi Jawhar , Briere Yves
Published: January 2022

Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) has recently stood out as a viable alternative to the proportional–integral–derivative controllers. An interesting field of application of this approach is the control of multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which are inevitably subject to various force and torque disturbances. What makes ADRC attractive is the enhanced trajectory tracking and disturbance rejection capabilities that it allows while requiring minimal knowledge about the system. Although in theory, large uncertainties on the few required system parameters do not affect the stability of the ADRC's closed‐loop, they cause performance deterioration and can lead to dangerous oscillations that result in instability in practice. In this study, we design a robust ADRC for multirotor UAVs that allows maintaining the performance despite large parameter variations, without changing the initial control gains tuning. Simulation and experimental results support the theoretical findings.
Co Anchored B36 Cluster as a Novel Single Atom Catalyst for Removing Toxic CO Molecules: A Mechanistic First‐Principles Study
Authors: Khan Adnan Ali , Ullah Rahmat , Esrafili Mehdi D. , Ahmad Rashid , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: January 2022

The catalytic oxidation of toxic carbon monoxide (CO) into carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most significant reactions in heterogeneous catalysis and industrial chemistry. Hence, finding efficient and cost‐effective catalysts for CO oxidation is very critical. In this study, the electronic and catalytic properties of a Co atom incorporated B36 cluster (Co@B36) are investigated by means of first‐principles calculations. The results show that the Co atom can seriously tune the properties of the B36 cluster due to significant hybridization between the 3d states of the Co atom and the B‐2p states of the surrounding B atoms. This induces a significant positive charge on the Co atom, providing an active site for O2 and CO molecules to attack. Furthermore, the well‐known mechanisms for CO oxidation, namely the Eley‐Rideal (ER), Langmuir‐Hinshelwood (LH), termolecular Eley‐Rideal (TER), and new Eley‐Rideal (NER), are taken into account in this work. According to our findings, the LH and TER mechanisms are the most energetically efficient routes for CO oxidation; however, the favored mechanism may be depending on the relative concentrations of CO and O2 molecules in the reaction mixture. The obtained activation energies through the TER and LH mechanisms are also comparable with those reported on noble metals. The findings of this work might help in the design and manufacture of noble‐metal free single atom catalysts for the removal of harmful CO molecules from the environment.
Fundamentals of Curvilinear Ferromagnetism: Statics and Dynamics of Geometrically Curved Wires and Narrow Ribbons
Authors: Sheka Denis D. , Pylypovskyi Oleksandr V. , Volkov Oleksii M. , Yershov Kostiantyn V. , Kravchuk Volodymyr P. , Makarov Denys
Published: January 2022

Low‐dimensional magnetic architectures including wires and thin films are key enablers of prospective ultrafast and energy efficient memory, logic, and sensor devices relying on spin‐orbitronic and magnonic concepts. Curvilinear magnetism emerged as a novel approach in material science, which allows tailoring of the fundamental anisotropic and chiral responses relying on the geometrical curvature of magnetic architectures. Much attention is dedicated to magnetic wires of Möbius, helical, or DNA‐like double helical shapes, which act as prototypical objects for the exploration of the fundamentals of curvilinear magnetism. Although there is a bulk number of original publications covering fabrication, characterization, and theory of magnetic wires, there is no comprehensive review of the theoretical framework of how to describe these architectures. Here, theoretical activities on the topic of curvilinear magnetic wires and narrow nanoribbons are summarized, providing a systematic review of the emergent interactions and novel physical effects caused by the curvature. Prospective research directions of curvilinear spintronics and spin‐orbitronics are discussed, the fundamental framework for curvilinear magnonics are outlined, and mechanically flexible curvilinear architectures for soft robotics are introduced.
Physical Fields Manipulation for High‐Performance Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Zhang Cong‐Cong , Yuan Shuai , Lou Yan‐Hui , Okada Hiroyuki , Wang Zhao‐Kui
Published: January 2022

With the efforts of researchers from all over the world, metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been booming rapidly in recent years. Generally, perovskite films are sensitive to surrounding conditions and will be changed under the action of physical fields, resulting in lattice distortion, degradation, ion migration, and so on. In this review, the progress of physical fields manipulation in PSCs, including the electric field, magnetic field, light field, stress field, and thermal field are reviewed. On this basis, the influences of these fields on PSCs are summarized and prospected. Finally, challenges and prospective research directions on how to make better use of external‐fields while minimizing the unnecessary and disruptive impacts on commercial PSCs with high‐efficiency and steady output are proposed.
A new liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight‐tandem mass spectrometry method development and validation for identification and ultra‐trace level quantification of genotoxic impurity 1,3‐diacetoxy‐2‐(acetoxymethoxy) propane in valganciclovir hydrochloride active pharmaceutical ingredient
Authors: Moorthy Manchuri Krishna , Ali Shaik Mahammad , Reddy Gopireddy Venkata Subba
Published: January 2022

A new reverse phase and short run time (3.0 min) liquid chromatography–quadrupole time of flight‐tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for identification and ultra‐trace level quantification (0.83 ppm) of genotoxic impurity 1,3‐diacetoxy‐2‐(acetoxymethoxy) propane in valganciclovir hydrochloride active pharmaceutical ingredient. The method is cost effective, time saving and proficient to confirm the parent and fragment ion masses through mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry further fragmentation. An isocratic program and acquity bridged ethylene hybrid C18 reverse phase column (100 mm × 4.6 mm × 1.7 μm) was used to accomplish optimum separation between valganciclovir and 1,3‐diacetoxy‐2‐(acetoxymethoxy) propane impurity. Mobile phase‐A used was 0.1% formic acid in milli Q water and mobile phase‐B used was acetonitrile in the ration of 50:50 v/v. Diluent used was water and methanol in the ratio of 30:70 v/v. Chromatographic conditions are selected as injection volume: 3 μL, flow rate: 0.2 mL/min, oven temperature: ambient, auto sampler: 5°C and run time: 3.0 min. The retention time of 1,3‐diacetoxy‐2‐(acetoxymethoxy) propane impurity was found at 1.830 min. The detection and quantification levels found at 0.027 and 0.083 ppm. The 1,3‐diacetoxy‐2‐(acetoxymethoxy) propane impurity is linear from 0.082 to 1.236 ppm levels with regression coefficient 0.9972. The recoveries were from 93.3 to 110.0%.
Multi‐trait genomic selection can increase selection accuracy for deoxynivalenol accumulation resulting from fusarium head blight in wheat
Authors: Gaire Rupesh , de Arruda Marcio Pais , Mohammadi Mohsen , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Kolb Frederic L. , Rutkoski Jessica
Published: January 2022

Multi‐trait genomic prediction (MTGP) can improve selection accuracy for economically valuable ‘primary’ traits by incorporating data on correlated secondary traits. Resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB), a fungal disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), is evaluated using four genetically correlated traits: incidence (INC), severity (SEV), Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol content (DON). Both FDK and DON are primary traits; DON evaluation is expensive and usually requires several months for wheat breeders to get results from service laboratories performing the evaluations. We evaluated MTGP for DON using three soft red winter wheat breeding datasets: two diversity panels from the University of Illinois (IL) and Purdue University (PU) and a dataset consisting of 2019–2020 University of Illinois breeding cohorts. For DON, relative to single‐trait (ST) genomic prediction, MTGP including phenotypic data for secondary traits on both validation and training sets, resulted in 23.4 and 10.6% higher predictive abilities in IL and PU panels, respectively. The MTGP models were advantageous only when secondary traits were included in both training and validation sets. In addition, MTGP models were more accurate than ST models only when FDK was included, and once FDK was included in the model, adding additional traits hardly improved accuracy. Evaluation of MTGP models across testing cohorts indicated that MTGP could increase accuracy by more than twofold in the early stages. Overall, we show that MTGP can increase selection accuracy for resistance to DON accumulation in wheat provided FDK is evaluated on the selection candidates.
An analysis of client complaints and their effects on veterinary support staff
Authors: Rogers Charles W. , Murphy Lisa A. , Murphy Ruth A. , Malouf Kylee A. , Natsume Rachel E. , Ward Briana D. , Tansey Colleen , Nakamura Reid K.
Published: January 2022

Background

Veterinarians and support staff have been reporting the negative mental health effects from client complaints (CC). A previous study was performed evaluating these effects in veterinarians however no such study has been performed on veterinary support staff (VSS).

Objectiv

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and effects of CCs on VSS.

Methods

A cross sectional anonymous survey using a web‐based questionnaire was created evaluating the frequency, type, and effects from CC. The survey was distributed to five different VSS Facebook groups and respondents provided demographic information and reported the frequency and effects of such complaints.

Results

A total of 681 questionnaires were collected during the study period but 130 were incomplete and were excluded from analysis. This resulted in 551 completed questionnaires available for review. One hundred and ninety (34.4%) VSS reported being subject to a CC in the previous 6 months with cost of care the most common reason (78.6%). Two hundred and sixty VSS (47.2%) reported feeling depressed because of CCs made against them, 295 VSS (53.5%) stated CCs negatively affected their enjoyment of their job, and 146 (26.5%) have considered changing their career because of CCs.

Conclusions

CC have detrimental effects on VSS career satisfaction, mental health and hospital practices. Further studies are warranted to mitigate the detrimental effects of CCs.