bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Temperature and Strain Measurements at a Cryogenic Plate‐Fin Heat Exchanger Test Rig
Authors: Fritsch Philipp , Hoffmann Rainer , Flüggen Rainer , Woitalka Alexander , Haider Patrick , Rehfeldt Sebastian , Klein Harald
Published: September 2021

A large cryogenic test rig was built to investigate dynamic operation of plate‐fin heat exchangers, which is needed for flexible operation of air separation units. This paper presents results from distributed temperature and strain measurements that were conducted during a dynamic test scenario. Results show that strong temperature gradients appear in all spatial directions of the heat exchangers, resulting in locally varying strains. It is shown that spatially dissolved, dynamic strain measurements are possible using optical fibers. Results from the test rig will help to properly instrument heat exchangers in research and in the field and provide important information for design and operation of plate‐fin heat exchangers in dynamic processes.
Preoperative systemic chemotherapy alters the histopathological growth patterns of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Nierop Pieter MH , Höppener Diederik J , Buisman Florian E , van der Stok Eric P , Galjart Boris , Balachandran Vinod P , Jarnagin William R , Kingham T Peter , Shia Jinru , Mauer Murielle , Nordlinger Bernard , Julié Catherine , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Doukas Michail , Vermeulen Peter B , Grünhagen Dirk J , D'Angelica Michael I , Verhoef Cornelis
Published: September 2021

Histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) are a reliable, reproducible, and strong prognostic biomarker that can be assessed on haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections of resected colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Assessment estimates the relative fraction of the tumour–liver interface for each of the three growth patterns; the desmoplastic HGP reflects good prognosis. Whether preoperative chemotherapy affects the HGP is currently unclear. The present international multicentre study evaluates this in an original cohort of 877 consecutive patients treated in the Netherlands, an external validation cohort of 1,203 consecutive patients treated in the USA, and a post hoc analysis from the phase III randomised controlled European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 40983 trial (n = 70). All patients underwent resection of CRLM with or without preoperative systemic chemotherapy. Trial patients were randomised between perioperative chemotherapy and resection or resection alone. HGPs were determined according to consensus guidelines and compared for preoperative treatment status. Data from three separate tumour regression grading systems were available for the trial cohort. These were correlated with HGP stratified for treatment arm. In the original cohort, the average presence of desmoplastic HGP was 43% for chemo‐naïve versus 67% for preoperatively treated patients (p < 0.001). A significant association between chemotherapy and desmoplastic HGP was found on multivariable analysis (β [95% confidence interval, CI]: 24.57 [18.28–30.87], p < 0.001). In the validation cohort, the average presence of desmoplastic HGP was 40% for chemo‐naïve versus 63% for preoperatively treated patients (p < 0.001). This association remained on multivariable analysis (β [95% CI]: 24.18 [18.70–29.66], p < 0.001). In the EORTC 40983 trial, the average desmoplastic HGP presence was 33% in the resection arm versus 61% in the chemotherapy arm (p = 0.005). Chemotherapy was independently associated with an increase in desmoplastic HGP (β [95% CI]: 23.29 [1.78–44.79], p = 0.022). All three tumour regression gradings were significantly associated with the desmoplastic HGP in the chemotherapy arm (all p < 0.04). None were associated in the resection arm (all p > 0.11). Preoperative chemotherapy induces histopathological changes that alter the HGP of CRLM.
The cumulative incidence of cisplatin‐induced hearing loss in young children is higher and develops at an early stage during therapy compared with older children based on 2052 audiological assessments
Authors: Meijer Annelot J. M. , Li Kathy H. , Brooks Beth , Clemens Eva , Ross Colin J. , Rassekh Sharad R. , Hoetink Alex E. , van Grotel Martine , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Carleton Bruce C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Ototoxicity is a common adverse event of cisplatin treatment. The authors investigated the development of cisplatin‐induced hearing loss (CIHL) over time in children with cancer by age and examined the influence of other clinical characteristics on the course of CIHL.

Methods

Data from Canadian patients with childhood cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Hearing loss was graded according to International Society of Pediatric Oncology criteria. The Kaplan‐Meier method was applied to estimate the cumulative incidence of CIHL for the total cohort and according to age. Cox regression models were used to explore the effects of independent variables on CIHL development up to 3 years after the start of therapy.

Results

In total, 368 patients with 2052 audiological assessments were included. Three years after initiating therapy, the cumulative incidence of CIHL was highest in patients aged ≤5 years (75%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 66%‐84%), with a rapid increase observed to 27% (95% CI, 21%‐35%) at 3 months and to 61% (95% CI, 53%‐69%) at 1 year, compared with patients aged >5 years (48%; 95% CI, 37%‐62%; P < .001). The total cumulative dose of cisplatin at 3 months (per 100 mg/m2 increase: hazard ratio [HR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.41) vincristine (HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.89‐4.36) and the total duration of concomitantly administered antibiotics (>30 days: HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.17‐2.95) further influenced CIHL development over time.

Conclusions

In young children, the cumulative incidence of CIHL is higher compared with that in older children and develops early during therapy. The course of CIHL is further influenced by the total cumulative dose of cisplatin and other ototoxic (co‐)medication. These results highlight the need for audiological monitoring at each cisplatin cycle.
The Batchelor Spectrum of Passive Scalar Turbulence in Stochastic Fluid Mechanics at Fixed Reynolds Number
Authors: Bedrossian Jacob , Blumenthal Alex , Punshon‐Smith Samuel
Published: September 2021

In 1959 Batchelor predicted that the stationary statistics of passive scalars advected in fluids with small diffusivity k should display a power spectrum along an inertial range contained in the viscous‐convective range of the fluid model. This prediction has been extensively tested, both experimentally and numerically, and is a core prediction of passive scalar turbulence.

In this article we provide a rigorous proof of a version of Batchelor's prediction in the limit when the scalar is subjected to a spatially smooth, white‐in‐time stochastic source and is advected by the 2D Navier‐Stokes equations or 3D hyperviscous Navier‐Stokes equations in forced by sufficiently regular, nondegenerate stochastic forcing. Although our results hold for fluids at arbitrary Reynolds number, this value is fixed throughout. Our results rely on the quantitative understanding of Lagrangian chaos and passive scalar mixing established in our recent works. Additionally, in the limit, we obtain statistically stationary, weak solutions in to the stochastically forced advection problem without diffusivity. These solutions are almost‐surely not locally integrable distributions with nonvanishing average anomalous flux and satisfy the Batchelor spectrum at all sufficiently small scales. We also prove an Onsager‐type criticality result that shows that no such dissipative, weak solutions with a little more regularity can exist. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Panel Optimization for High‐Dimensional Immunophenotyping Assays Using Full‐Spectrum Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ferrer‐Font Laura , Small Sam J. , Lewer Brittany , Pilkington Katherine R. , Johnston Laura K. , Park Lily M. , Lannigan Joanne , Jaimes Maria C. , Price Kylie M.
Published: September 2021

Technological advancements in fluorescence flow cytometry and an ever‐expanding understanding of the complexity of the immune system have led to the development of large flow cytometry panels reaching up to 43 colors at the single‐cell level. However, as panel size and complexity increase, so too does the detail involved in designing and optimizing successful high‐quality panels fit for downstream high‐dimensional data analysis. In contrast to conventional flow cytometers, full‐spectrum flow cytometers measure the entire emission spectrum of each fluorophore across all lasers. This allows for fluorophores with very similar emission maxima but unique overall spectral fingerprints to be used in conjunction, enabling relatively straightforward design of larger panels. Although a protocol for best practices in full‐spectrum flow cytometry panel design has been published, there is still a knowledge gap in going from the theoretically designed panel to the necessary steps required for panel optimization. Here, we aim to guide users through the theory of optimizing a high‐dimensional full‐spectrum flow cytometry panel for immunophenotyping using comprehensive step‐by‐step protocols. These protocols can also be used to troubleshoot panels when issues arise. A practical application of this approach is exemplified with a 24‐color panel designed for identification of conventional T‐cell subsets in human peripheral blood. © 2021 Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Cytek Biosciences. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation and evaluation of optimal spectral reference controls

Support Protocol 1: Antibody titration

Support Protocol 2: Changing instrument settings

Basic Protocol 2: Unmixing evaluation of fully stained sample

Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of marker resolution

Support Protocol 3: Managing heterogeneous autofluorescence

Basic Protocol 4: Assessment of data quality using expert gating and dimensionality reduction algorithms
Synthesis of Azido and Triazolyl Purine Ribonucleosides
Authors: Līpiņš Dāgs Dāvis , Jeminejs Andris , Novosjolova Irina , Bizdēna Ērika , Turks Māris
Published: September 2021

Here, we describe detailed synthetic protocols for preparation of 6‐amino/thio‐2‐triazolylpurine ribonucleosides. First, 9‐(2′,3′,5′‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐2,6‐diazido‐9H‐purine, to be used as a key starting material, is synthesized in an SNAr reaction with NaN3 starting from commercially available 9‐(2′,3′,5′‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐2,6‐dichloro‐9H‐purine. Next, 2,6‐bis‐triazolylpurine ribonucleoside is obtained in a CuAAC reaction between diazidopurine derivative and phenyl acetylene, and used in SNAr reactions with N‐ and S‐nucleophiles. In these reactions, the triazolyl ring at the purine C6 position acts as a good leaving group. Cleavage of acetyl protecting groups from the ribosyl moiety is achieved in presence of piperidine. In the SNAr reaction with amino acid derivatives, the acetyl groups remain intact. Moreover, 9‐(2′,3′,5′‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐2,6‐diazido‐9H‐purine is selectively reduced at the C6 position using a CuSO4·5H2O/sodium ascorbate system. This provides a straightforward approach for synthesis of 9‐(2′,3′,5′‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐6‐amino‐2‐azido‐9H‐purine. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of 6‐amino‐2‐triazolylpurine ribonucleosides

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of 6‐thio‐2‐triazolylpurine ribonucleosides

Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of 6‐amino‐2‐azidopurine ribonucleoside
The influence of CEO profile on corporate social responsibility companies. A qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Villalba‐Ríos Paula , Barroso‐Castro Carmen , Vecino‐Gravel Julio Darío
Published: September 2021

This paper, anchored in the principles of the upper echelons theory, strives to ascertain which CEO profiles configure high corporate social responsibility companies (CSR) among the best‐performing companies worldwide. In addition, it considers the legal system that embeds the company. Based on a 5‐year dataset (2015–2019), fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was employed to ascertain the presence of CEO profiles related to the company's CSR, linking CEO characteristics and company CSR. The results show that CEOs promoted from outside the company, holding an engineering degree and an MBA, have ample experience and have been in the position for a long time, leading organisations within systems based on civil law, configure the best CSR companies. This multi‐attribute approach to the study of CEOs could provide many fruitful lines of future research in the field of CSR.
MXene Quantum Dots/Copper Nanocomposites for Synergistically Enhanced N2 Electroreduction
Authors: Cheng Yonghua , Li Xingchuan , Shen Peng , Guo Yali , Chu Ke
Published: September 2021

Electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) represents an appealing solution for sustainable ammonia production, whereas exploring high‐efficiency NRR catalysts is highly desired but extremely challenging. Herein, we combine Ti3C2Tx‐MXene quantum dots (MQDs) with porous Cu nanosheets to design a novel heterostructured MQDs/Cu as an effective and durable NRR catalyst. Impressively, MQDs/Cu showed a synergistically enhanced NRR activity with an NH3 yield of 78.5 μg h−1 mg−1 (−0.5 V) and a Faradaic efficiency of 21.3% (−0.4 V), far superior to pure MQDs and Cu, and outperforming the majority of the state‐of‐the‐art NRR catalysts. Density function theory computations demonstrated that the synergy of MQDs and Cu enabled the creation of interfacial Cu‐Ti dimer as dual‐active‐centers to strongly activate the absorbed N2 and promote the *N2H formation, consequently resulting in the much reduced energy barriers and greatly enhanced NRR performance.
Sympathetic activation in heart failure with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction: the role of aetiology
Authors: Urbancsek Réka , Csanádi Zoltán , Forgács Ildikó Noémi , Papp Tímea Bianka , Boczán Judit , Barta Judit , Jenei Csaba , Nagy László , Rudas László
Published: September 2021

Aim

While sympathetic overactivity in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; EF < 40%) is well‐documented, it is ill‐defined in patients with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF; EF 40–49%). Furthermore, the significance of ischaemic versus non‐ischaemic aetiology in sympathetic activation is also unclear and has yet to be studied in HF. Our goal was to compare muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in HFmrEF and HFrEF patients and in healthy subjects, as well as to elucidate the influence of the underlying disease.

Methods and results

Twenty‐three HFrEF (age 58 ± 10 years), 33 HFmrEF patients (age 61 ± 10 years), including 11 subjects with non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy in each HF groups and 10 healthy controls (age 55 ± 10 years), were studied. MSNA—detected by peroneal microneurography, continuous arterial pressure, and ECG—was recorded. MSNA frequency (burst/min) and incidence (burst/100 cycles) were calculated. Association with the patients' characteristics were assessed, and aetiology‐based comparisons were performed. Burst frequency demonstrated a significant stepwise increase in both HFmrEF (41 ± 11 burst/min) and HFrEF (58 ± 17 burst/min, P < 0.001) patients as compared with controls (27 ± 9; P < 0.001 for both HF groups). Similarly, burst incidences were 66 ± 17, 82 ± 15, and 36 ± 10 burst/100 cycles in HFmrEF, HFrEF patients, and in healthy controls, respectively (P < 0.001 for all). Burst frequencies in HF patients showed significant correlation with NT‐proBNP levels, and significant inverse correlations with the subjects' mean RR intervals, stroke volumes, pulse pressures, and EF.

Conclusions

Muscle sympathetic nerve activity parameters indicated significant sympathetic activation in both HFmrEF and HFrEF patients as compared with healthy controls with no difference in relation to ischaemic versus non‐ischaemic aetiology.
Extended follow‐up after wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator period: the PROLONG‐II study
Authors: Mueller‐Leisse Johanna , Brunn Johanna , Zormpas Christos , Hohmann Stephan , Hillmann Henrike Aenne Katrin , Eiringhaus Jörg , Bauersachs Johann , Veltmann Christian , Duncker David
Published: September 2021

Aim

The wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator (WCD) is used for temporary protection from sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure with reduced ejection fraction before considering an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD). However, the prognostic significance of the WCD remains controversial due to conflicting evidence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prognosis of patients receiving life‐saving WCD shocks.

Methods and results

All patients receiving a WCD at Hannover Medical School for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction between 2012 and 2017 were included. Data were acquired at baseline, at 3 months and at last available follow‐up (FU). Three hundred and fifty‐three patients were included (69% male; age 56 ± 15 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 25 ± 8%). FU after the WCD was 2.8 ± 1.5 years with a maximum of 6.8 years. Daily WCD wear time was 22 ± 4 h. Fourteen patients (4%) received appropriate WCD shocks. Two patients (0.6%) died during the WCD period. Thirty patients (9%) died during extended FU. Mean estimated survival after the WCD was similar between patients with and without WCD shocks. Patients without an ICD recommendation after WCD prescription did not experience SCD during FU.

Conclusions

Patients with WCD shocks showed a favourable survival. Patients without an ICD recommendation after WCD prescription had no SCD during FU. These findings support the practice of careful risk stratification before considering an ICD and the use of the WCD for temporary protection from SCD.
Advances in Understanding Carbon Composite Catalysts Based on Cathode for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Huiyu , Zhang Xiuling , Liu Yuanfeng , Wang Jiaona , Lin Xiaoqiu , Li Congju
Published: September 2021

Single‐chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with a simple structure and superior performance have been extensively studied. However, due to the sluggish kinetics of the cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the power generation of MFCs is greatly constrained. It is highly desirable to explore efficient cathode catalysts for reducing the overpotential to improve the electrochemical performance of MFCs. To date, a considerable number of carbon‐based composites have exhibited comparable power generation capacity to Pt in MFCs, showing the great potential in the development of remarkable performance and low‐cost cathode ORR catalysts. Herein, recent achievements of carbon‐based composites of air‐cathodes based on single‐chamber MFCs are summarized, mainly focusing on the selection of carbon‐based materials, composite synthesis methods, and structural regulation on the nanoscale. The key factors affecting the ORR in composites are also discussed. The crucial challenges of MFCs that still need to be resolved are further summed up before practical applications and scale‐up fabrication. Particularly, this review focuses on the design strategies and preparation methods of functional carbon‐based composites to boost the performance of MFCs, aiming to provide some scientific directions to develop advanced materials for MFCs in the future.
Ni/CeO2 catalysts for low‐temperature CO2 methanation: Identifying effect of support morphology and oxygen vacancy
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Tengfei , Wang Fang , Zhu Quanhong , Liu Qing
Published: September 2021

In order to investigate the effect of support morphology and oxygen vacancy on the low temperature catalytic activity of Ni‐based catalyst for CO2 methanation, three Ni/CeO2 catalysts were prepared by impregnation method, in which CeO2 materials with different morphology of flowerlike, nanowire, and bulk were used. The characterization results showed that the morphology of CeO2 exhibited a significant effect on the preferential exposed crystal planes, which led to the change of oxygen vacancy concentration and metal dispersion, resulting in the enhancement of catalytic activity at low temperature. Among all catalysts, the nanowire‐like Ni/CeO2 catalyst (Ni/W) showed the highest CO2 conversion due to its enhanced oxygen vacancy concentration and CO2 adsorption capacity of the catalyst. In situ DRIFTS experiment showed that the intermediate product of Ni/W catalyst reaction route was formate. In a 100 h–400°C–lifetime test, Ni/W catalyst also showed excellent long‐term stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unraveling the relationship between high‐performance work systems and firm performance: A mediation analysis
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Xiaoping , Lawler John J.
Published: September 2021

Drawing upon the resource‐based view and economic cost perspective, we examined the effect of firms' use of high‐performance work systems (HPWS) on two firm performance outcomes—firm financial performance (FFP) and firm innovation and improvement (FII), indirectly through firm capacity for learning and transforming external knowledge and technologies (CLT). Our results confirmed that HPWS positively related to both FFP and FII through firm CLT. HPWS was found to have a linear association with CLT but an inverted U‐shape relationship with FFP. We also revealed a three‐factor structure of firm HPWS: motivation to perform, skills to enhance, and opportunity to engage. The supplementary analysis demonstrated a lack of significant three‐way interaction between these three HPWS factors. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Groundwater–surface water interactions in a river estuary and the importance of geomorphology: Insights from hydraulic, thermal and geophysical observations
Authors: Zamora Peter B. , Cardenas M. Bayani , Cook Perran L. M.
Published: September 2021

This study presents the groundwater flow and salinity dynamics along a river estuary, the Werribee River in Victoria, Australia, at local and regional scales. Along a single reach, salinity across a transverse section of the channel (~80 m long) with a point bar was monitored using time‐lapse electrical resistivity (ER) through a tidal cycle. Groundwater fluxes were concurrently estimated by monitoring groundwater levels and temperature profiles. Regional porewater salinity distribution was mapped using 6‐km long longitudinal ER surveys during summer and winter. The time‐lapse ER across the channel revealed a static electrically resistive zone on the side of the channel with a pronounced cut bank. Upward groundwater flux and steep vertical temperature gradients with colder temperatures deeper within the sediment suggested a stable zone of fresh groundwater discharge along this cut bank area. Generally, less resistive zones were observed at the shallow portion of the inner meander bank and at the channel center. Subsurface temperatures close to surface water values, vertical head gradients indicating both upward and downward groundwater flux, and higher porewater salinity closer to that of estuary water suggest strong hyporheic circulation in these zones. The longitudinal surveys revealed higher ER values along deep and sinuous segments and low ER values in shallow and straighter reaches in both summer and winter; these patterns are consistent with the local channel‐scale observations. This study highlights the interacting effects of channel morphology, broad groundwater–surface water interaction, and hyporheic exchange on porewater salinity dynamics underneath and adjacent to a river estuary.
Tailor‐Made Auxiliaries for Polar Growth from Melts
Authors: Kahr Bart , Shtukenberg Alexander G. , Yang Jingxiang , Ward Michael D.
Published: September 2021

Tailor‐made auxiliaries are generally less stereochemically discriminating of crystals grown from the melt than crystals grown from solution. However, it is possible to make supramolecular inferences using well‐chosen additives in the manner taught to us by Lahav and Leiserowitz. Spherulites manifesting needle‐like growth and small angle branching grow frequently from supercooled melts under high crystallization driving forces, along one principal crystallographic direction. If this direction is polar, it is important to establish its absolute sense as a basis for understanding growth at the interface between crystals and melt. This assignment, for polycrystalline ensembles, is beyond the capabilities of X‐ray crystallography. Two examples of this discrimination are described with tailor‐made additives, one for the β form of resorcinol and another for form I of L‐malic acid. Assigning the absolute sense of a polar axis with molecular additives is a problem that resembles both the science and style of previous experiments from the Weizmann Institute.
Epi‐illumination dark‐field microscopy enables direct visualization of unlabeled small organisms with high spatial and temporal resolution
Authors: Shi Ruijie , Chen Xiangyang , Huo Jing , Guo Siyue , Smith Zachary J. , Chu Kaiqin
Published: September 2021

Dark‐field microscopy is known to offer both high resolution and direct visualization of thin samples. However, its performance and optimization on thick samples is under‐explored and so far, only meso‐scale information from whole organisms has been demonstrated. In this work, we carefully investigate the difference between trans‐ and epi‐illumination configurations. Our findings suggest that the epi‐illumination configuration is superior in both contrast and fidelity compared to trans‐illumination, while having the added advantage of experimental simplicity and an “open top” for experimental intervention. Guided by the theoretical analysis, we constructed an epi‐illumination dark‐field microscope with measured lateral and axial resolutions of 260 nm and 520 nm, respectively. Subcellular structures in whole organisms were directly visualized without the need for image reconstruction, and further confirmed via simultaneous fluorescence imaging. With an imaging speed of 20 to 50 fps, we visualize fast dynamic processes such as cell division and pharyngeal pumping in Caenorhabditis elegans.
VitaminD: A Critical Regulator of Intestinal Physiology
Authors: Christakos Sylvia
Published: September 2021

Calcium is required for the functioning of numerous biological processes and is essential for skeletal health. The major source of new calcium is from the diet. The central role of vitamin D in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis is to increase the absorption of ingested calcium from the intestine. The critical importance of vitamin D in this process is noted in the causal link between vitamin D deficiency and rickets, as well as in studies using genetically modified mice including mice deficient in the vitamin D receptor (Vdrnull mice) or in the cytochrome P‐450 enzyme, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3‐1α‐ hydroxylase (CYP27B1) that converts 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3to the hormonally active form of vitamin D, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] (Cyp27b1null mice). When these mice are fed diets with high calcium and lactose, rickets is prevented. The studies using mouse models provide supporting evidence indicating that the major physiological function of 1,25(OH)2D3/VDR is intestinal calcium absorption. This review summarizes what is known about mechanisms involved in vitamin D‐regulated intestinal calcium absorption. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D does not affect a single entity, but that a complex network of calcium‐regulating components is involved in the process of 1,25(OH)2D3‐mediated active intestinal calcium absorption. In addition, numerous 1,25(OH)2D3actions in the intestine have been described independent of calcium absorption. Although the translatability to humans requires further definition, an overview is presented that provides compelling evidence from the laboratory of 1,25(OH)2D3intestinal effects, which include the regulation of adhesion molecules to enhance barrier function, the regulation of intestinal stem cell function, cellular homeostasis of other divalent cations, the regulation of drug metabolizing enzymes, and anti‐inflammatory effects. © 2021 The Author.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia in 695 pedigrees from southeastern China: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Huang Hailong , Chen Meihuan , Chen Lingji , Zhang Min , Wang Yan , Lin Na , Xu Liangpu
Published: September 2021

Thalassaemia is highly prevalent in southeastern China. This 10‐year follow‐up study aimed to characterize the genotype and karyotype of thalassaemia in fetal samples derived from thalassemia carriers in Fujian province, southeastern China. A total of 476 prenatal samples from 472 couples carrying α‐thalassaemia traits and 224 samples from 223 couples carrying β‐thalassaemia traits were collected for STR analysis, detection of thalassemia genotypes and karyotyping. The common deletional α‐thalassemias and rare thalassemia genotypes were detected using Gap‐PCR assay, and the common β‐globin gene mutations were detected using PCR‐RDB assay. We detected 43.49% prevalence of α‐thalassaemia minor, 26.05% prevalence of α‐thalassaemia intermediate and major and 1.89% prevalence of rare form among the 476 prenatal samples from couples with α‐thalassaemia, and 85 fetuses with β‐thalassemia heterozygote, 16 with homozygote and 21 with double heterozygote, and a rare βIVS−2−654(C→T)/Chinese Gγ (Aγδβ)0 genotype among the 224 prenatal samples from couples with β‐thalassemia. Karyotyping showed 7 fetuses with abnormal karyotypes. Totally 153 pregnancies were terminated, and genetic diagnosis of thalassemia using fetal umbilical cord blood following induction of labor showed consistent results with prenatal diagnosis. No thalassemia phenotypes were identified in normal infants half a year after birth, and the infants with α‐thalassemia and β‐thalassemia minor had no or mild anemia symptoms, but normal development, while 15 babies with hemoglobin H disease presented moderate anemia symptoms. Our data suggest the pregestational screening of thalassemia, notably compound and rare forms of thalassemia, for couples carrying thalassemia traits.
Exploring potential serum levels of Homocysteine, interleukin‐1 beta, and apolipoprotein B 48 as new biomarkers for patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Shademan Behrouz , Nourazarian Alireza , Laghousi Delara , Karamad Vahidreza , Nikanfar Masoud
Published: September 2021

Background

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide with heterogeneous characteristics. The subtypes of stroke are due to different pathophysiological regulations and causes. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β and Homocysteine with BMI in patients with ischemic stroke (IS).

Methods

Over one hundred controls (120) and an equal number of IS patients, including 31 women and 89 men, were recruited to participate in the case‐control study conducted at Imam Reza Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) from February 2019 to March 2020. We measured serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β, and Homocysteine. Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these indices in patients and control groups.

Results

The mean serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β, and Homocysteine, were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group with a p‐value of 0.001. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for apo B48, IL −1β, hs‐CRP, and Homocysteine serum levels were 0.94, 0.98, 0.99, and 1, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of our current study show that the determination of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β, and Homocysteine can potentially be used to monitor and diagnose IS patients. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin 1β and Homocysteine and BMI in the patient group. However, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and BMI in the patient group.
Antibody‐Mediated Rejection in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Baradaran Hananeh , Dashti‐Khavidaki Simin , Taher Mohammad , Talebian Monavar , Nasiri‐Toosi Mohsen , Jafarian Ali
Published: September 2021

Antibody‐mediated rejection is a rare complication following liver transplantation, and there is a lack of a comprehensive treatment strategy to provide detailed information about the dose and duration of antibody‐mediated rejection treatment. This study describes 8 adult liver transplantation recipients who developed antibody‐mediated rejection between 2002 and 2021 in our center, as well as a review of the literature on the reported cases of antibody‐mediated rejection in liver transplantation recipients. Our center's medical records were reviewed retrospectively to extract the necessary data on patients’ characteristics, management, and outcomes. Then, a comprehensive search using Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases was conducted without time limitation until June 2021. Finally, a stepwise protocol was developed for managing acute, chronic, and recurrent antibody‐mediated rejection in patients undergoing liver transplantation, based on our own experience, reported cases in the literature, and data from kidney transplantation. By review of the literature, 24 case studies containing 64 patients were identified, and their management strategies and outcomes were evaluated. Although various combinations of corticosteroids, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and biological agents are used in the treatment of acute antibody‐mediated rejection in liver transplantation, treatment strategies should be classified according to the type, severity, and the timing of its onset. Given the importance of early treatment, rituximab and/or bortezomib should be started as soon as possible if no improvement in liver enzymes/bilirubin is observed during the initial treatment strategy using corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Take time to look at the fish: Behavioral response to acute thermal challenge in two Amazonian cichlids
Authors: Kochhann Daiani , Sarmento Carolina G. , de Oliveira Jomara C. , Queiroz Helder L. , Val Adalberto L. , Chapman Lauren J.
Published: September 2021

Critical thermal maximum (CTmax) is often used as an index of upper thermal tolerance in fishes; however, recent studies have shown that some fishes exhibit agitation or avoidance behavior well before the CTmax is reached. In this study, we quantified behavioral changes during CTmax trials in two Amazonian cichlids, Apistogramma agassizii and Mesonauta insignis. The thermal agitation temperature (Tag) was recorded as the temperature at which fish left cover and began swimming in an agitated manner, and four behaviors (duration of sheltering, digging, activity, and aquatic surface respiration [ASR]) were compared before and after Tag. Both A. agassizii and M. insignis exhibited high critical thermal maxima, 40.8°C and 41.3°C, respectively. Agitation temperature was higher in M. insignis (37.3°C) than in A. agassizii (35.4°C), indicating that A. agassizii has a lower temperature threshold at which avoidance behavior is initiated. Activity level increased and shelter use decreased with increased temperatures, and patterns were similar between the two species. Digging behavior increased after Tag in both species, but was higher in A. agassazii and may reflect its substrate‐oriented ecology. ASR (ventilating water at the surface film) was extremely rare before Tag, but increased in both cichlid species after Tag and was greater in M. insignis than in A. agassizii. This suggests that fish were experiencing physiological hypoxia at water temperatures approaching CTmax. These results demonstrate that acute thermal challenge can induce a suite of behavioral changes in fishes that may provide additional, ecologically relevant information on thermal tolerance.
Effects of temperature on metabolic scaling in silver carp
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhu Yanqiu , Zhang Pan , Xu Yuan , Zhou Jing , Zhang Jianghui , Luo Yiping
Published: September 2021

The association between temperature and metabolic scaling varies among species, which could be due to variation in the surface area and its scaling. This study aims to examine the effect of temperature on metabolic scaling and to verify the links between metabolic scaling and surface area scaling at both the whole body and the cell levels. The routine metabolic rate (RMR), gill surface area (GSA), ventilation frequency (VF), red blood cell surface area (SRBC), and metabolic rate (MRRBC) were determined in silver carp, and their mass‐scaling exponents were analyzed at 10 and 25°C. These results showed that body mass and temperature independently affected the RMR, GSA, and VF, suggesting constant scaling exponents of RMR (0.772), GSA (0.912), and VF (−0.282) with changing temperature. The RMR at 25°C was 2.29 times higher than that at 10°C, suggesting increased metabolic demand at a higher temperature. The results showed that the RMR increased, while the scaling exponents of RMR, GSA, and VF remained unchanged with increasing temperature. These results support the view that the scaling of oxygen supply capacity importantly affects metabolic scaling. TheSRBCdid not change with either temperature or body mass. However, the MRRBCincreased by 5.48 times from 10 to 25°C but did not change with body mass. As the scaling exponents of RMR did not change between temperatures, the results indicate that no obvious link exists between the scaling of both the cell size and cell metabolic rate and the metabolic scaling of silver carp.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy‐based immunoassay detection of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles to differentiate pancreatic cancers from chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Banaei Nariman , Moshfegh Javad , Kim Byung
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with an exceptionally high mortality rate because it lacks effective early diagnosis methods. To improve the ability to diagnose PC, the identification of biomarkers that can differentiate PC patients from both normal controls (NC) and those with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is vital. This study demonstrates the detection of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as an excellent resource of diagnostic biomarkers in serum samples from NC individuals, and CP and PC patients using a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)‐based immunoassay technique. The assay uses the Au‐CD81‐EVs‐EphA2‐Au complex to capture PC tumor‐derived EVs specifically and produces highly localized regions of intense field enhancement (hot spots) concurrently. Applying a machine learning algorithm to the analysis of the expression level of EVs biomarkers in PC, CP, and NC individuals, the sensitivity and specificity were measured as 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. Measuring PC tumor‐derived EVs' expression levels in serum of PC patients, CP patients, and NC individuals suggests the great potential of using this biomarker to differentiate pancreatic cancers from chronic pancreatitis.
Assessing the sources of uncertainty in supply chain management
Authors: Vinogradova Marina , Rogulin Rodion , Ermakova Marina , Okhrimenko Igor
Published: September 2021

Supply chains are prone to unpredictable events that negatively impact their ability to function effectively. The study shows that worldwide rankings may be used to determine the uncertainty profile of the supply chain in a given country or region. Supply chain uncertainties in Kazakhstan and Russia are due to insufficient transport infrastructure, high‐level corruption, and relatively low ICT adoption. Favorable business conditions give rise to fewer uncertainties and affect supply chain management in a better way.
Intramuscular corticosteroid injections in seasonal allergic rhinitis: A systematic review
Authors: Bayoumy Ahmed B. , van Schie Felicia , Stegeman Inge , Blijleven Esther B. , van der Veen Erwin L. , de Ru Jacob A.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is an exaggerated immunological reaction to allergens (pollen) in the air. In a small subgroup of patients, SAR can be difficult to control with first‐line therapy. Intramuscular corticosteroid injections (IMCIs) are an additional treatment in this subgroup of SAR patients. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the efficacy and safety of IMCIs in SAR.

Methods

Titles and abstracts were independently screened, followed by full‐text screening based on predefined criteria. Included articles were critically appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. The primary outcome is reported as the final conclusion about efficacy that was stated in the included studies. The secondary outcome is the safety of IMCIs with regard to long lasting side‐effects.

Results

The search yielded 2139 records, of which 10 were relevant and valid for our clinical question. Critical appraisal showed high risk of bias, which was due to unclear description of methods. Four out of four placebo‐controlled, randomized controlled trials reported a significant and relevant difference in efficacy in favor of IMCIs compared with placebo. The occurrence of side‐effects was not different between IMCIs and placebo or oral corticosteroids (OCs).

Conclusion

The outcome of this systematic review on trials concerning intramuscular steroid injections, despite being based on individual studies claiming favorable outcome with their use, is “inconclusive.” This is because of the epidemiological high risk of bias in these studies that were mostly executed more than 30 years ago. The “inconclusive” rating allows for a description as an “optional therapy” for severe cases in guideline formation.
Photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing hypofractioned whole‐breast irradiation (LABRA trial)
Authors: Robijns Jolien , Lodewijckx Joy , Puts Sofie , Vanmechelen Sofie , Van Bever Leen , Claes Stefan , Pannekoeke Luc , Timmermans An , Noé Leen , Govers Mieke , Van de Werf Evelyn , Maes Annelies , Bulens Paul , Mebis Jeroen
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in breast cancer patients post‐lumpectomy undergoing hypofractionated whole‐breast irradiation (HF‐WBI) for the prevention and management of acute radiodermatitis (ARD).

Materials and Methods

A randomized, multicentric clinical trial (LABRA trial, NCT03924011) was set up at the Limburg Oncology Center, including the Jessa Hospital (Hasselt, BE) and Ziekenhuis Oost‐Limburg (Genk, BE). A total of 71 breast cancer patients planned to undergo HF‐WBI were randomized to one of the two study arms: the control group (n = 32) or the PBM group (n = 39). The PBM group received the standard institutional skincare combined with PBM (2×/week) during the complete radiotherapy (RT) course. Patients in the control group received the standard skincare combined with placebo treatment (2x/week). Patients' skin reactions were evaluated weekly during the RT treatment by using the modified version of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria.

Results

At week 3 of RT, one patient presented a grade 2 and one patient a grade 3 skin reaction in the control group, while in the PBM group, all patients still presented grade 1 ARD. At the final RT session 28% of the patients presenting grade 2–3 ARD, while in the PBM group 10% presented grade 2 and no grade 3 ARD. PBM reduced the incidence of severe ARD by 18%. However, the difference was not significant (p = 0.053).

Conclusion

Based on the LABRA trial results, PBM seems not able to reduce the incidence of severe ARD in breast cancer patients undergoing HF‐WBI. Research in a larger patient population is recommended.
A pilot feasibility study to assess vascularity and perfusion of parathyroid glands using a portable hand‐held imager
Authors: Oh Eugene , Lee Hun Chan , Kim Yoseph , Ning Bo , Lee Seung Yup , Cha Jaepyeong , Kim Wan Wook
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Intraoperative localization and preservation of parathyroid glands (PGs) are challenging during thyroid surgery. A new noninvasive technique of combined near‐infrared PG autofluorescence detection and dye‐free imaging angiography that allows intraoperative feedback has recently been introduced. The objective of this study was to evaluate this technique in real‐time.

Materials and Methods

A pilot feasibility study of a portable imaging device in four patients who underwent either thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy is presented. PG autofluorescence and vascularity/tissue perfusion were monitored using a real‐time screen display during the surgical procedure.

Results

Three lobectomies and one total thyroidectomy were performed. Among the nine PGs identified by the operating surgeon, eight PGs were confirmed using the autofluorescence device. Each PG was successfully determined to be either well‐perfused or devascularized, and devascularized PGs were autotransplanted.

Conclusions

The preliminary results suggest that the combination of PG autofluorescence detection and dye‐free angiography can potentially be used to assess PG function. With further validation studies, the effectiveness of this technique in clinical practice can be further delineated.
Emergence of Non‐Hexagonal Crystal Packing of Deswollen and Deformed Ultra‐Soft Microgels under Osmotic Pressure Control
Authors: Islam Molla R. , Nguyen Rachel , Lyon Louis Andrew
Published: September 2021

Highly solvent swollen poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) microgels are synthesized without exogenous crosslinker, making them extremely soft and deformable. These ultralow crosslinked microgels (ULC) are incubated under controlled osmotic pressure to provide a slow (and presumably thermodynamically controlled) approach to higher packing densities. It is found that ULC microgels show stable colloidal packing over a very wide range of osmotic pressures and thus packing densities. Surprising observation of co‐existence between hexagonal and square lattices is also made over the lower range of studied osmotic pressures, with microgels apparently changing shape from spheres to cubes in defects or grain boundaries. It is proposed that the unusual packing behavior observed for ULC microgels is due to the extreme softness of these particles, where deswelling causes deformation and shrinking of the particles that result in unique packing states governed by contributions to the entropy at the colloidal system, single particle and ionic levels. These observations further suggest that more detailed experimental and theoretical studies of ultra‐soft microgels are required to obtain a complete understanding of their behavior in packed and confined geometries.
A Synthetic Overview of Preparation Protocols of Nonmetallic, Contact‐Active Antimicrobial Quaternary Surfaces on Polymer Substrates
Authors: Andersen Christian , Madsen Jeppe , Daugaard Anders E.
Published: September 2021

Antibacterial surfaces have been researched for more than 30 years and remain highly desirable. In particular, there is an interest in providing antimicrobial properties to commodity plastics, because these, in their native state, are excellent substrates for pathogens to adhere and proliferate on. Therefore, efficient strategies for converting surfaces of commodity plastics into contact‐active antimicrobial surfaces are of significant interest. Many systems have been prepared and tested for their efficacy. Here, the synthetic approaches to such active surfaces are reviewed, with the restriction to only include systems with tested antibacterial properties. The review focuses on the synthetic approach to surface functionalization of the most common materials used and tested for biomedical applications, which effectively has limited the study to quaternary materials. For future developments in the field, it is evident that there is a need for development of simple methods that permit scalable production of active surfaces. Furthermore, in terms of efficacy, there is an outstanding concern of a lack of universal antimicrobial action as well as rapid deactivation of the antibacterial effect through surface fouling.