bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation, Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Rhizobacteria from Arsenic Contaminated Paddy Soils in Bangladesh: An In vitro Study
Authors: Hossain M. M. , Rahman G. K. M. M. , Akanda M. A. M. , Solaiman A. R. M. , Islam M. T. , Rahman M. M.
Published: March 2021

Soil-plant–microbes relations within the plant rhizosphere are the determinants of plant and soil health, which is important for soil ecological environment for plant-microbe interactions. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are considered to encourage plant growth and development directly or indirectly in soil. PGPR can demonstrate a diversity of characteristics responsible .for influencing plant growth and development. During this study, Twenty four different bacterial isolates were isolated, and detailed morphological, biochemical, and physiological characterizations of those isolates were accomplished. This experiment was performed with the 24 bacterial isolates to see their gram stain test, KOH test, catalase activity, cellulose degradation capability, in dole acetic acid (IAA) production, and phosphate solubilization activities, and also tested for growth within the different arsenic and salt stress conditions and 37°C temperature. Results revealed that among the rhizobacterial isolates, fifteen bacterial isolates were negative and nine was positive in gram reaction, while some were showed high IAA production ability, phosphate solubility capability, and cellulose degradation capacity within the culture media. The isolates were isolated from paddy soils and a few were characterized by a yellow color, flat elevation, and gram-positive, while some were characterized because of the yellowish color with round colony shape, raised elevation, gram-negative, and every one the isolates were positive in catalase production capacity and phosphate solubilization activity which is able to increase the available phosphorus within the soil for plants and also produced indole acetic acid that may use as a hormone to be used in growth enhancement of plants. Hence, these isolates need to be tested further for their effect on arsenic dynamics at the plant rhizosphere, selection of suitable plant species for the bacterial association, bacterial effect on arsenic uptake by plants, and potentials for field applications for sustainable agriculture.
Protective effects of vitamins/antioxidants on occupational noise-induced hearing loss: A systematic review
Authors: Abbasi Milad , Pourrajab Behnaz , Tokhi Mohammad Osman
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to industrial, military, and other job -related noise exposure can cause harmful health issues to occupied workers, but may also be potentially preventable. Vitamins/antioxidant have been studied as therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or delay the risks of human diseases as well as NIHL. So, this study was conducted to systematically review the protective effects of vitamins/antioxidants on occupational NIHL.

Methods

Online databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to 12 January 2021. Based on 6336 potentially relevant records identified through the initial search in the databases, 12 full-text publications were retrieved, one of which can be viewed as two separate trials, because it has studied the effects of two different antioxidants (ginseng and NAC) on NIHL, separately.

Results

A review of the studies shows that vitamin B12, folic acid, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have a considerable protective effect on NIHL. However, these protective effects are not yet specified in different frequencies. The findings regarding the protective effects of other antioxidants are inconsistent in this field.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12, folic acid, and NAC may have a protective effect as an antioxidant on reducing occupational hearing loss. For a conclusive evidence of vitamin/antioxidant protective therapies, future studies with precise criteria for noise exposure and similar outcome parameters are required.
Highly Efficient Deep Blue Phosphorescent OLEDs Based on Tetradentate Pt(II) Complexes Containing Adamantyl Spacer Groups
Authors: Huh Jin‐Suk , Sung Min Jae , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Kim Yun‐Hi , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: March 2021

Tetradentate Pt(II) complexes are promising emitters for deep blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their emission energy and high photoluminescence efficiency. However, to obtain a pure blue color, spectral red‐shifts, and additional emission peaks at longer wavelengths, originating from strong intermolecular interactions between parallel Pt(II) complexes, must be avoided. Herein, a new class of deep‐blue emitting tetradentate Pt(II) complexes consisting of a non‐planar ligand and a bulky adamantyl group is reported. The six‐membered metallacycle structure renders the Pt(II) complex non‐planar. In addition, the bulky adamantyl groups increase intermolecular distances and decrease red‐shifts in the emission originating from strong dipole–dipole interactions. Therefore, these Pt(II) complexes exhibit little change in emission color with increasing dopant concentration. OLEDs incorporating these new Pt(II) complexes as emitters exhibit deep blue emission with a Commission International de L'Eclairage (CIE) y under 0.13 and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 22.6%, which is one of the highest observed for deep blue (CIE y < 0.15) phosphorescent OLEDs using Pt(II) complexes. These results provide a new approach for designing Pt(II) complexes for high efficiency deep blue OLEDs.
Bioinspired Ultrathin Piecewise Controllable Soft Robots
Authors: Li Dengfeng , Wang Song , He Jiahui , Zeng Hao , Yao Kuanming , Gao Zhan , Wu Mengge , Liu Yiming , Wang Lidai , Xie Zhaoqian , Yu Xinge
Published: March 2021

In nature, animals or plants often use soft organs to move and hunt. Research works on bioinspired materials and devices have attracted more and more interest as which show the potential for future intelligent robots. As key components of soft robots, biomimetic soft actuators are adapted to greater requirements for convenient, accurate, and programmable controlling robots. Here, a class of materials and processing routes of ultrathin actuators are reported for bioinspired piecewise controllable soft robots, where the actuators associate with thermal‐responsible soft silicone thin film with thickness as thin as 45 µm and electrically driven by well mechanical designed metallic thin film electrodes. Multiple electrodes in the robots in charge of individual segments control allow the soft robots exhibiting similar functionalities of animals or plants (for example, imitating the tongue of a reptile, such as chameleon to hunt moving preys, and mimicking vines to tightly wind around objects). These bionic results in the soft robots demonstrate their advantages in precise and flexible operation, which provides a good reference for the future research of intelligent soft actuators and robots.
Film Formation Control for High Performance Dion–Jacobson 2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yang Tinghuan , Ren Xiaodong , Zhang Lu , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: March 2021

Dion–Jacobson (DJ) 2D hybrid perovskite semiconductors offer improved environmental stability and higher structural diversity in comparison with their 3D analogous. However, lacking of controlled perovskite crystallization makes it a challenge to achieve high charge transport for photovoltaic devices. Here, a detailed understanding of effects on film formation during different solution‐casting processes for the DJ perovskite (PDMA)(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 ( = 4, PDMA refers to 1,4‐phenylenedimethanammonium) in the final film structure and photovoltaic outcomes is presented. Faster removal of solvent from solution via hot‐casting or antisolvent dripping results in a more uniform thickness distribution of quantum wells. This eventually enhances carrier transport greatly along perpendicular direction and increases power conversion efficiencies. A high efficiency of 15.81% is achieved for the hot‐casting devices, which is also the highest for aromatic spacer‐based DJ perovskite solar cells. This work helps to better understand the control of film formation during solution‐casting for high performance solar cells.
Piperidine‐Mediated [3+2] Cyclization of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes and β‐Nitrostyrenes: Access to Polysubsituted Cyclopentenes with High Diastereoselectivity
Authors: Xin Junhu , Dai Chenlu , Zhang Yue , Wang Cunde
Published: March 2021

Piperidine‐mediated [3+2] cyclization of cyclopropane‐1,1‐dicarbonitriles and β‐nitrostyrenes was developed to generate highly diastereoselective polysubstituted cyclopent‐2‐ene‐1‐carboxamides with good yields. The approach involved cascade ring‐opening, cyclization, an amido bond formation from cyano group and adjacent cis‐cyano/aryl configuration, thus provided a new insight into the donor‐acceptor cyclopropane chemistry for the synthesis of complex cyclic compounds.
Perioperative Care of Patients Diagnosed With Twin‐to‐Twin Transfusion Syndrome Undergoing Laparoscopic‐Assisted Fetoscopic Placental Laser Photocoagulation
Authors: Cunningham Thomas , Anthony Canedo Danny , Ibanez Danielle , Arroyo Papel Liezel , Dungo Nerissa , Cordero Amber , Graves Krisanne
Published: March 2021

Twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition that results in unbalanced blood flow between two fetuses. Patients diagnosed with TTTS can experience maternal or fetal morbidity and mortality. Depending on the severity of TTTS, laser ablation of placental anastomoses may be the most effective treatment. The preferred treatment method requires percutaneous entry to the uterus; however, some patient circumstances (eg, placenta location) require a laparoscopic‐assisted procedure. During the preoperative appointments, clinicians assess the condition of the fetuses and patients may participate in genetic counseling. Intraoperative care involves an interdisciplinary team that may include a pediatric general surgeon, maternal‐fetal medicine specialists, an RN circulator, a scrub person, and an anesthesia professional. Perioperative nurses should have knowledge of the pathophysiology of TTTS, including its natural progression. They also should understand preoperative and intraoperative patient care requirements to provide safe and effective care for patients undergoing laparoscopic‐assisted fetoscopic placental laser photocoagulation procedures.
Addressing reproductive stochasticity and grazing impacts in the restoration of a canopy‐forming brown alga by implementing mitigation solutions
Authors: Savonitto Gilda , De La Fuente Gina , Tordoni Enrico , Ciriaco Saul , Srijemsi Marina , Bacaro Giovanni , Chiantore Mariachiara , Falace Annalisa
Published: March 2021

The worldwide decline of marine forests, due to human impacts and climate change, emphasizes the need to develop and implement effective and sustainable solutions to restore these endangered habitats and to re‐establish the services they provide.

In this study, the ex situ restoration of Gongolaria barbata (=Treptacantha barbata), a Mediterranean subtidal habitat‐forming species of brown seaweed, was for the first time implemented in a marine protected area in the Adriatic Sea. Two restoration efforts were performed in 2019. The first was started in winter, after a marine heatwave that triggered early fertility, and the second in spring, when the species usually reproduces.

This study aimed to evaluate: (i) the disruptive effects of a thermal anomaly on the reproductive biology and performance in culture of G. barbata; and (ii) the impact of the grazing pressure on juveniles after the outplanting.

The first cultivation was more productive than the second, in terms of zygote release and germling growth. To mitigate the low efficiency of the second culture and to avoid prolonged highly demanding maintenance in the mesocosms, the cultivation period was extended outdoors using a structure suspended in the water column.

The modular frames conceived for outplanting G. barbata proved to be effective because of their easy operability and low cost. Controlling for herbivorous fish had significant positive effects on both juvenile survival and growth.

The outcomes highlighted that an unpredictable climatic event and fish grazing were major threats that impaired the restoration process of G. barbata. These stressors should be considered when developing plans to implement effective large‐scale restoration of canopy‐forming macroalgae.
A New Compound for Sequential Sensing of Picric Acid and Aliphatic Amines: Physicochemical Details and Construction of Molecular Logic Gates
Authors: Ghosh Ashutosh , Seth Sourav Kanti , Ghosh Arnab , Pattanayak Pradip , Mallick Arabinda , Purkayastha Pradipta
Published: March 2021

Picric acid (PA) at low concentration is a serious water pollutant. Alongside, aliphatic amines (AAs) add to the queue to pollute surface water. Plenty of reports are available to sense PA with an ultralow limit of detection (LOD). However, only a handful of works are testified to detect AAs. A new fluorescent donor‐acceptor compound has been synthesized with inherent intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) character that enables selective and sensitive colorimetric quantitative detection of PA and AAs with low LODs in non‐aqueous as well as aqueous solutions. The synthesized compound is based on a hemicyanine skeleton containing two pyridenylmethylamino groups at the donor and a benzothiazole moiety at the acceptor ends. The detailed mechanisms and reaction dynamics are explained spectroscopically along with computational support. The fluorescence property of the detecting compound changes due to protonation of its pyridinyl centers by PA leading to quenching of fluorescence and subsequently de‐protonation by AAs to revive the signal. We have further designed logic circuits from the acquired optical responses by sequential interactions.
A Base‐Mediated Approach Towards Dihydrofuro[2,3‐b]Benzofurans from 2‐Nitrobenzofurans and 1,3‐Dicarbonyls
Authors: Singh Gurdeep , Pandey Rajat , Kurup Adarsh S. , Anand Ramasamy Vijaya
Published: March 2021

A straight‐forward approach for the synthesis of a dihydrofuro[2,3‐b]benzofuran derivatives has been achieved through a base‐mediated Michael addition of 1,3‐dicarbonyls to 2‐nitrobenzofurans followed by intramolecular cyclization. A variety of 1,3‐dicarbonyls, including cyclic as well as trifluoromethylated ones, have been subjected to react with 2‐nitrobenzofurans under optimal conditions, and the respective dihydrofuro[2,3‐b]benzofurans could be accessed in moderate to excellent yields.
Embodying the least‐adult role
Authors: Garratt Lindsey
Published: March 2021

The aim of this article is to emphasise physicality and embodiment in child‐centred research, fieldwork and intellectual activity. It will argue that research is not a separate form of action, placing the researcher in a position of epistemological privilege, but an embodied capacity developed through practical activity. This will be explored through an examination of the ‘least‐adult’ positionality. Drawing from a large ethnographic study of primary schools in Dublin, Ireland, this article contends that the body must be put at the centre of the research process. I introduce the conceptualisation of the ‘passive’ and ‘active’ body, as key components for the relational context of fieldwork. Moreover, through an engagement with phenomenology, it is argued here that knowledge production is an embodied capacity developed through a sensuous relationship with the field.
Engineered pro‐peptide enhances the catalytic activity of keratinase to improve the conversion ability of feather waste
Authors: Peng Zheng , Zhang Juan , Song Yang , Guo Rong , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: March 2021

Keratinase is an attractive industrial enzyme that can specifically catalyze keratin waste to obtain value‐added products. A challenge to the application of keratinase is improving catalytic capacity to achieve efficient hydrolysis. In this study, we effectively expressed the keratinase gene from Bacillus licheniformis BBE11‐1 in Bacillus subtilis WB600 based on pro‐peptide engineering. Partial deletion of the pro‐peptide sequence and the substitution of amino acid at the pro‐peptide cleavage site (P1) suggested that the “chaperone effect” and “cleavage efficiency” of the pro‐peptide determine the activity of the mature enzyme. Subsequently, seven target sites that can increase the activity of the mature enzyme by 16%‐66% were obtained through the multiple sequence alignment of pro‐peptides and site‐directed mutation. We further performed combinatorial mutations at six sites based on the design principle of three‐codon saturation mutations and obtained mutant 2‐D12 (236.8 KU/mg) with a mature enzyme activity of 186% of the original (127.6 KU/mg). Finally, continuous fermentation was carried out in a 5‐L bioreactor for 22 h, and the activity of the 2‐D12 mature enzyme was increased to 391.6 KU/mg. Most importantly, 2‐D12 could degrade more than 90% of feather waste into amino acids and peptides within 12 h with the aid of sulfite.
Elevated TAB182 enhances the radioresistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through G2‐M checkpoint modulation
Authors: Cao Yuandong , Gao Aidi , Li Xiaoqing , Min Han , He Chao , Sun Xinchen , Ding Wei‐Qun , Zhou Jundong
Published: March 2021

Background

Radiotherapy is one of the main strategies for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, treatment failure often occurs due to the emergence of radioresistance. In this study, we report a key regulator of radiation sensitivity, termed TAB182 that may become an ideal biomarker and therapeutic target to overcome radioresistance.

Materials and Methods

By applying qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemical staining, the expression of TAB182 was detected in patient tissues. We next assessed the influence of TAB182 downregulation to radiosensitivity using clonogenic survival assay and γ‐H2A.X foci analysis in TE‐1, TE‐10, and radioresistant TE‐1R cell lines after ionizing radiation. To unveil the mechanism underlying, TAB182 interacting proteins were identified by mass spectrometry following co‐immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, flow cytometry and western blot assay were applied to validate the identified proteins.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the expression of TAB182 is higher in cancer tissues than normal tissues and elevated expression of TAB182 correlates with poor outcomes of postoperative radiotherapy. Downregulation of TAB182 sensitized cancer cells to ionizing radiation, particularly in radioresistant TE‐1R cells that spontaneously overexpress TAB182. Mechanically, TAB182 interacts with FHL2 to induce G2‐M arrest through wiring the CHK2/CDC25C/CDC2 signaling pathway. Finally, overexpression of shRNA‐resistant TAB182 restored the checkpoint and radioresistance.

Conclusion

TAB182 potentiates the radioresistance of ESCC cells by modulating the G2‐M checkpoint through its interaction with FHL2. Thus, TAB182 may become an ideal biomarker and therapeutic target of ESCC radiotherapy.
Erector spinae plane block in laparoscopic nephrectomy as a cause of involuntary hemodynamic instability: A case report
Authors: Coviello Antonio , Golino Ludovica , Maresca Alfredo , Vargas Maria , Servillo Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

The Ultrasound‐guided erector spinae plane block (US‐ESPB), used as an anesthesiological block for opioid‐sparing approach and for postoperative analgesia, could represent an involuntary cause of hemodynamic instability. This hemodynamic instability is accentuated by a greater diffusion of local anesthetic in the epidural space.
Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Aluminium‐containing Mesoporous, Spherical Silica Particles
Authors: Weissenberger Tobias , Machoke Albert G. F. , Kolle Joel M. , Avadhut Yamini S. , Hartmann Martin , Schwieger Wilhelm
Published: March 2021

A one‐pot synthesis of aluminium‐containing mesoporous silica particles (Al‐MSPs) utilizing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as steric stabilization agent is reported. PVA prevents particle agglomeration even when the ionic aluminium source is present in the synthesis mixture. Silicon and aluminium sources were utilised completely, resulting in high yield and easy adjustment of the Si/Al ratio. The Al‐MSPs showed a spherical morphology, high surface area and were active for the liquid‐phase Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone to caprolactam.
Secure communication with joint resource allocation, relay and jammer selection in OFDM‐based cooperative networks
Authors: Liu Qi , Xu Ding
Published: March 2021

This paper considers an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based cooperative network, where a source node communicates with a destination node with the help of multiple intermediate nodes, in the presence of an eavesdropper. Each intermediate node is assumed to be able to act as a relay or a jammer to improve the physical layer security. The problem of joint subcarrier allocation, power allocation, and mode selection to maximize the sum secrecy rate is investigated. We first reformulate the problem of subcarrier allocation and intermediate node mode selection as a three‐sided matching game and propose an algorithm that achieves a stable matching. Then, the sum secrecy rate is further improved by proposing a heuristic algorithm to switch the modes of the intermediate nodes. Finally, an iterative power allocation algorithm is proposed. It is verified by simulation results that the proposed algorithm outperforms various benchmark algorithms such as the equal subcarrier allocation algorithm, the pure relay selection algorithm, and the random relay selection algorithm, especially when the transmit power limit is high and the number of intermediate nodes is large.
Chronic Embryo-Larval Exposure of Fathead Minnows to the Pharmaceutical Drug Metformin: Survival, Growth, and Microbiome Responses
Authors: Parrott Joanne L. , Restivo Victoria E. , Kidd Karen A. , Zhu Juliet , Shires Kallie , Clarence Stacey , Khan Hufsa , Sullivan Cheryl , Pacepavicius Grazina , Alaee Mehran
Published: March 2021

Metformin is a glucose-lowering drug commonly found in municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs). The present study investigated the chronic effects of metformin in early-life stages of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Endpoints assessed were growth, survival, and deformities. The larval gut microbiome was also examined using 16 S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing to determine microbial community composition and alpha and beta diversity. Eggs and larvae were exposed to metformin measured concentrations (mean [standard deviation]) of 0.020 (0.017) μg/L (for controls) and 3.44 (0.23), 33.6 (1.6), and 269 (11) μg/L in a daily static-renewal setup, with 20 embryos per beaker. The low and middle metformin exposure concentrations represent river and MWWE concentrations of metformin. To detect small changes in growth, we used 18 replicate beakers for controls and 9 replicates for each metformin treatment. Over the 21-d exposure (5 d as embryos and 16 d posthatch [dph]), metformin did not affect survival or growth of larval fish. Hatch success, time to hatch, deformities in hatched fry, and survival were similar across all treatments. Growth (wet wt, length, and condition factor) assessed at 9 and 16 dph was also unaffected by metformin. Assessment of the microbiome showed that the larvae microbiome was dominant in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with small increases in Proteobacteria and decreases in Firmicutes with increasing exposure to metformin. No treatment effects were found for microbiome diversity measures. Control fish euthanized with the anesthetic tricaine methane sulfonate had decreased alpha diversity compared to those sampled by spinal severance. This experiment demonstrates that metformin at environmentally relevant concentrations (3.44 and 33.6 μg/L) and at 10 times MWWE concentrations (269 µg/L) does not adversely affect larval growth or gut microbiome in this ubiquitous freshwater fish species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:635–647. © 2021 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Abstract

Fathead minnows exposed to environmentally-relevant concentrations of the glucose-lowering drug metformin had no changes in hatching, deformities, survival, or growth. The larval gut microbiome was also not affected by metformin exposure.
Fire resistance of aluminium‐glazed partitions depending on their height
Authors: Sędłak Bartłomiej , Sulik Paweł , Garbacz Andrzej
Published: March 2021

The actual class of fire resistance of glazed partitions can only be determined according to a test, which meets the normative requirements. The test standards in this field determine the minimum dimensions of the test specimens (2800 × 3000 mm, width × height, in the clear opening of the furnace), on which the test should be carried out. The testing of elements with the minimum dimensions allowed by the test standard, assess the fire resistance of components with slightly larger dimensions. This, however, does not solve the real problem, which is the use of glazed partitions with fire resistance, significantly exceeding the dimensions of the sample walls verified by the tests. The aim of the research described in this article was to verify the influence of the height of glazed partitions on their fire resistance. The results of six tests of partitions with different height (from 3 up to 6 m) and the same width (3 m), made on the basis of the same glazing and the same aluminium profiles have been compared. During the fire resistance tests, the performance criteria of integrity and insulation were verified. Additionally, the deflection of the partition was measured in specific places by means of laser and draw wire sensors. Based on the presented test results, it can be argued that the height of the partition does not have a significant impact on its insulation and integrity, provided that the size of the glass panes is not increased along with the wall height, that the structure of the element is symmetrical in relation to the central vertical axis and, most importantly, that the mullions are properly stiffened.
Fast qualitY conTrol meThod foR derIved diffUsion Metrics (YTTRIUM) in big data analysis: U.K. Biobank 18,608 example
Authors: Maximov Ivan I. , van der Meer Dennis , de Lange Ann‐Marie G. , Kaufmann Tobias , Shadrin Alexey , Frei Oleksandr , Wolfers Thomas , Westlye Lars T.
Published: March 2021

Deriving reliable information about the structural and functional architecture of the brain in vivo is critical for the clinical and basic neurosciences. In the new era of large population‐based datasets, when multiple brain imaging modalities and contrasts are combined in order to reveal latent brain structural patterns and associations with genetic, demographic and clinical information, automated and stringent quality control (QC) procedures are important. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a fertile imaging technique for probing and visualising brain tissue microstructure in vivo, and has been included in most standard imaging protocols in large‐scale studies. Due to its sensitivity to subject motion and technical artefacts, automated QC procedures prior to scalar diffusion metrics estimation are required in order to minimise the influence of noise and artefacts. However, the QC procedures performed on raw diffusion data cannot guarantee an absence of distorted maps among the derived diffusion metrics. Thus, robust and efficient QC methods for diffusion scalar metrics are needed. Here, we introduce Fast qualitY conTrol meThod foR derIved diffUsion Metrics (YTTRIUM), a computationally efficient QC method utilising structural similarity to evaluate diffusion map quality and mean diffusion metrics. As an example, we applied YTTRIUM in the context of tract‐based spatial statistics to assess associations between age and kurtosis imaging and white matter tract integrity maps in U.K. Biobank data (n = 18,608). To assess the influence of outliers on results obtained using machine learning (ML) approaches, we tested the effects of applying YTTRIUM on brain age prediction. We demonstrated that the proposed QC pipeline represents an efficient approach for identifying poor quality datasets and artefacts and increases the accuracy of ML based brain age prediction.
The Addition of C‐Reactive Protein and von Willebrand Factor to Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease‐Sodium Improves Prediction of Waitlist Mortality
Authors: Starlinger Patrick , Ahn Joseph C. , Mullan Aidan , Gyoeri Georg P. , Pereyra David , Alva‐Ruiz Roberto , Hackl Hubert , Reiberger Thomas , Trauner Michael , Santol Jonas , Simbrunner Benedikt , Mandorfer Mattias , Berlakovich Gabriela , Kamath Patrick S. , Heimbach Julie
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Patients with cirrhosis on the liver transplant (LT) waiting list may die or be removed because of complications of portal hypertension (PH) or infections. von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF‐Ag) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are simple, broadly available markers of these processes.

Approach and Results

We determined whether addition of vWF‐Ag and CRP to the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease‐Sodium (MELD‐Na) score improves risk stratification of patients awaiting LT. CRP and vWF‐Ag at LT listing were assessed in two independent cohorts (Medical University of Vienna [exploration cohort] and Mayo Clinic Rochester [validation cohort]). Clinical characteristics, MELD‐Na, and mortality on the waiting list were recorded. Prediction of 3‐month waiting list mortality was assessed by receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC‐AUC). In order to explore potential mechanisms underlying the prognostic utility of vWF‐Ag and CRP in this setting, we evaluated their association with PH, bacterial translocation, systemic inflammation, and circulatory dysfunction. In the exploration cohort (n = 269) vWF‐Ag and CRP both improved the predictive value of MELD‐Na for 3‐month waitlist mortality and showed the highest predictive value when combined (AUC: MELD‐Na, 0.764; MELD‐Na + CRP, 0.790; MELD‐Na + vWF, 0.803; MELD‐Na + CRP + vWF‐Ag, 0.824). Results were confirmed in an independent validation cohort (n = 129; AUC: MELD‐Na, 0.677; MELD‐Na + CRP + vWF‐Ag, 0.882). vWF‐Ag was independently associated with PH and inflammatory biomarkers, whereas CRP closely, and MELD independently, correlated with biomarkers of bacterial translocation/inflammation.

Conclusions

The addition of vWF‐Ag and CRP—reflecting central pathophysiological mechanisms of PH, bacterial translocation, and inflammation, that are all drivers of mortality on the waiting list for LT—to the MELD‐Na score improves prediction of waitlist mortality. Using the vWFAg‐CRP‐MELD‐Na model for prioritizing organ allocation may improve prediction of waitlist mortality and decrease waitlist mortality.
Starting With Self: Identity Work and Anti‐Racist Literacy Practices
Authors: Ebarvia Tricia
Published: March 2021

Young people in literacy classes sometimes think their teachers are not listening to them. The practitioners featured in this column listen to questions posed by their students and respond to them, with the goal of enhancing English language arts instruction for a range of young people and educators.
Instructional Casualties: A Review of Transforming Literacy Education for Long‐Term English Learners: Recognizing Brilliance in the Undervalued
Authors: Mokhtari Kouider
Published: March 2021

This forum reviews a mix of resources to inform pedagogy and related educational practices that foreground representations of youth and their literacy practices within and outside of school.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG9 facilitates growth of glioma stem‐like cells via miR‐326/SOX9 axis
Authors: Wang Chao‐Jie , Chao Chu‐Rui , Zhao Wei‐Feng , Liu Hui‐Min , Feng Jiang‐Shan , Cui Yong‐Xia
Published: March 2021

Background

Glioma stem‐like cells (GSCs) are greatly responsible for the progression of glioma. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in glioma tumor progression. This study aims to explore the role and underlying mechanism of lncRNA SNHG9 in regulating GSC cell growth.

Methods

GSCs were obtained from glioma cells (U87 and U251) and referred to as GSC‐87 and GSC‐251, respectively. The interactions between miR‐326 and SNHG9 or SOX9 were analyzed using luciferase reporter assay. Cell growth of GSCs was evaluated by EdU assay and sphere formation assay.

Results

SNHG9 expression was significantly higher in GSC‐87 and GSC‐251 cells than in U87 and U251 cells. SNHG9 overexpression promoted GSC cell growth, whereas SNHG9 knockdown inhibited GSC cell growth. Mechanistically, SNHG9 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR‐326 to elevate the expression of SOX9, a direct target of miR‐326. Moreover, transfection with miR‐326 inhibitor counteracted SNHG9 knockdown‐mediated inhibition of GSC cell growth.

Conclusions

SNHG9 facilitates growth of GSCs via the miR‐326/SOX9 axis. This study provides a promising therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
Translational neuroimaging in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wiegand Tim L. T. , Sollmann Nico , Bonke Elena M. , Umeasalugo Kosisochukwu E. , Sobolewski Kristen R. , Plesnila Nikolaus , Shenton Martha E. , Lin Alexander P. , Koerte Inga K.
Published: March 2021

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common with an estimated 27.1 million cases per year. Approximately 80% of TBIs are categorized as mild TBI (mTBI) based on initial symptom presentation. While in most individuals, symptoms resolve within days to weeks, in some, symptoms become chronic. Advanced neuroimaging has the potential to characterize brain morphometric, microstructural, biochemical, and metabolic abnormalities following mTBI. However, translational studies are needed for the interpretation of neuroimaging findings in humans with respect to the underlying pathophysiological processes, and, ultimately, for developing novel and more targeted treatment options. In this review, we introduce the most commonly used animal models for the study of mTBI. We then summarize the neuroimaging findings in humans and animals after mTBI and, wherever applicable, the translational aspects of studies available today. Finally, we highlight the importance of translational approaches and outline future perspectives in the field of translational neuroimaging in mTBI.
T1ρ and T2 mapping detect acute ischemic injury in a piglet model of Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease
Authors: Johnson Casey P. , Tóth Ferenc , Carlson Cathy S. , Armstrong Alexandra R. , Zbýň Štefan , Wu Baolin , Ellermann Jutta M. , Kim Harry K. W.
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the sensitivity of T1ρ and T2 relaxation time mapping to detect acute ischemic injury to the secondary ossification center (SOC) and epiphyseal cartilage of the femoral head in a piglet model of Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease. Six piglets underwent surgery to induce global right femoral head ischemia and were euthanized 48 h later. Fresh operated and contralateral‐control femoral heads were imaged ex vivo with T1, T2, and T1ρ mapping using a 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The specimens were imaged a second time after a freeze/thaw cycle and then processed for histology. T1, T2, and T1ρ measurements in the SOC, epiphyseal cartilage, articular cartilage, and metaphysis were compared between operated and control femoral heads using paired t tests. The effects of freeze/thaw, T1ρ spin‐lock frequency, and fat saturation were also investigated. Five piglets with histologically confirmed ischemic injury were quantitatively analyzed. T1ρ was increased in the SOC (101 ± 15 vs. 73 ± 16 ms; p = 0.0026) and epiphyseal cartilage (84.9 ± 9.2 vs. 74.3 ± 3.6 ms; p = 0.031) of the operated versus control femoral heads. T2 was also increased in the SOC (28.7 ± 2.0 vs. 22.7 ± 1.7; p = 0.0037) and epiphyseal cartilage (57.4 ± 4.7 vs. 49.0 ± 2.7; p = 0.0041). No changes in T1 were detected. The sensitivities of T1ρ and T2 mapping in detecting ischemic injury were maintained after a freeze/thaw cycle, and T1ρ sensitivity was maintained after varying spin‐lock frequency and applying fat saturation. In conclusion, T1ρ and T2 mapping are sensitive in detecting ischemic injury to the SOC and epiphyseal cartilage of the femoral head as early as 48 h after ischemia induction.
Effects of water and salinity stresses on growth, yield, and water use of iceberg lettuce
Authors: Kurunc Ahmet
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Salinity and drought stresses have become widespread in many regions of the world. Although there are several studies, their findings about the response of lettuce to water and salinity stresses are contradictory. This paper therefore aims to evaluate the effects of water deficit and irrigation water salinity on growth, yield, and water consumption of iceberg lettuce. For these purposes, two experiments were carried out under Mediterranean conditions.

RESULTS

The water yield response factors (Ky) determined for the lettuce plant grown under stress conditions caused by water (Ky = 1.69) and irrigation water salinity (Ky = 2.62) were quite different from each other. The classical salinity tolerance model did not reflect the results accurately because the fresh yield and plant water consumption of lettuce increased sharply with increasing soil salinity up to 2.17 dS m−1 and then decreased slightly after this value. Thus, a new model was created to reflect both the increase and decrease in fresh yield. The actual salt tolerance model for iceberg lettuce plant showed that the optimum salinity is 1.84 dS m−1 with relative yield decreases of 8.26 and 22.7% per unit salinity increase above and below the optimum salinity level, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Lettuce fresh yield at soil salinity below the optimum salinity experienced greater reduction than at soil salinity above the optimum value. The results reveal that the use of low‐salinity irrigation water should be preferred to increase fresh yield in iceberg lettuce cultivation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A magnetic relaxation switch sensor for determination of 17β‐estradiol in milk and eggs based on aptamer‐functionalized Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Xin , Pei Kaili , Sun Hanying , Wang Qi
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

A simple and rapid detection method for 17β‐estradiol (E2) in complex food matrix is greatly desirable. A magnetic relaxation switch (MRS) sensor for detecting E2 based on the aptamer‐functionalized gold‐coated iron oxide (Fe3O4@Au) nanocomposite was designed in this study. Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (NPs) played as a ‘switch’ between dispersed and aggregated states, while aptamer served as the recognition unit.

RESULTS

According to the sensing effect of monocomponent relaxation time (T2W) for E2, the volume ratio of aptamers to Fe3O4@Au, the sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, the concentration of Fe3O4@Au@Apt, and reaction time were optimized to be 4:1, 0.03 mol L–1, 4 μmol L–1 and 15 min, respectively. For the analysis of food sample, the E2 was quantified over a concentration range of 1 to 100 nmol L–1 with a detection limit of 7.6 nmol L–1 for milk samples, while a linearity range of 20 to 100 nmol L–1 and a detection limit of 8.57 nmol L–1 for egg samples.

CONCLUSION

These results exhibited that the MRS sensor could be a promising platform for the rapid detecting of E2 in food sample. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of country‐specific Globorisk score to estimate next 10 years risk of cardiovascular diseases and its associated predictors among postmenopausal rural women of Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study in a primary care setting
Authors: Barua Lingkan , Banik Palash Chandra , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Faruque Mithila
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among postmenopausal Bangladeshi women has not yet been evaluated using a country‐specific tool. Hence, we prompted to estimate the risk and identify the predictors that were not typically included in any CVD risk assessment tool.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used a web version of country‐specific lab‐based Globorisk calculator to estimate the risk of CVD among 265 postmenopausal women who visited a primary healthcare centre in a rural area of Bangladesh. The centre was selected purposively and the participants were recruited using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a modified STEP‐wise approach to surveillance of non‐communicable disease risk factors questionnaire of the World Health Organization. The risk levels were presented using descriptive statistics and the associated predictors were identified using adjusted multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Overall, 56.7% of the subjects were identified as ‘at risk’ of future CVD events. After adjusting the confounders, CVD risk factors including age of onset of menopause (β = 0.441, p < 0.001), duration of menopause (β = 0.603, p < 0.001), smokeless tobacco use (β = –1.047, p = 0.003), added salt intake (β = 1.081, p = 0.002), waist–hip ratio (β = 0.094, p = 0.03) and diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.145, p = 0.001) were identified as significant predictors of CVD risk.

Conclusion

This finding suggests screening program among postmenopausal women for early detection of CVD risk and efforts to control the associated predictors.
External Validation of the VOCAL‐Penn Cirrhosis Surgical Risk Score in 2 Large, Independent Health Systems
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , Fricker Zachary , Panchal Sarjukumar , Lewis James D. , Goldberg David S. , Kaplan David E.
Published: March 2021

Cirrhosis poses an increased risk of postoperative mortality, yet it remains challenging to accurately risk stratify patients in clinical practice. The VOCAL‐Penn cirrhosis surgical risk score was recently developed and internally validated in the national Veterans Affairs health system; however, to date this score has not been evaluated in independent cohorts. The goal of this study was to compare the predictive performance of the VOCAL‐Penn to the Mayo risk, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and MELD‐sodium (MELD‐Na) scores in 2 large health systems. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgical procedures of interest at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center or University of Pennsylvania Health System from January 1, 2008, to October 1, 2015. The outcomes of interest were 30‐day and 90‐day postoperative mortality. Concordance statistics (C‐statistics), calibration curves, Brier scores, and the index of prediction accuracy (IPA) were compared for each predictive model. A total of 855 surgical procedures were identified. The VOCAL‐Penn score had the numerically highest C‐statistic for 90‐day postoperative mortality (eg, 0.82 versus 0.79 Mayo versus 0.78 MELD‐Na versus 0.79 MELD), although differences were not statistically significant. Calibrations were excellent for the VOCAL‐Penn, MELD, and MELD‐Na; however, the Mayo score consistently overestimated risk. The VOCAL‐Penn had the lowest Brier score and highest IPA at both time points, suggesting superior overall predictive model performance. In subgroup analyses of patients with higher MELD scores, the VOCAL‐Penn had significantly higher C‐statistics compared with the MELD and MELD‐Na. The VOCAL‐Penn score (www.vocalpennscore.com) has excellent discrimination and calibration for postoperative mortality among diverse patients with cirrhosis. Overall performance is superior to the Mayo, MELD, and MELD‐Na scores. In contrast to the MELD/MELD‐Na, the VOCAL‐Penn retains excellent discrimination among patients with higher MELD scores.
Machine Learning Methods to Predict the Terrestrial and Marine Origin of Natural Products
Authors: Pereira Florbela
Published: March 2021

In recent years there has been a growing interest in studying the differences between the chemical and biological space represented by natural products (NPs) of terrestrial and marine origin. In order to learn more about these two chemical spaces, marine natural products (MNPs) and terrestrial natural products (TNPs), a machine learning (ML) approach was developed in the current work to predict three classes, MNPs, TNPs and a third class of NPs that appear in both the terrestrial and marine environments. In total 22,398 NPs were retrieved from the Reaxys® database, from those 10,790 molecules are recorded as MNPs, 10,857 as TNPs, and 761 NPs appear registered as both MNPs and TNPs. Several ML algorithms such as Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, and deep learning Multilayer Perceptron networks have been benchmarked. The best performance was achieved with a consensus classification model, which predicted the external test set with an overall predictive accuracy up to 81 %. As far as we know this approach has never been intended and therefore allow to be used to better understand the chemical space defined by MNPs, TNPs or both, but also in virtual screening to define the applicability domain of QSAR models of MNPs and TNPs.
Validation of temperature‐controlled rheo‐MRI measurements in a submillimeter‐gap Couette geometry
Authors: Milc Klaudia W. , Serial Maria R. , Philippi John , Dijksman Joshua A. , van Duynhoven John P. M. , Terenzi Camilla
Published: March 2021

A temperature‐controlled submillimeter‐gap (500 μm) rheo‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Couette cell has been developed to measure confined flow of soft structured materials under controlled temperature. The proposed setup enables performing rheo‐MRI measurements using (i) a spatially uniform temperature control over the range 15°C to 40°C and (ii) a high spatial resolution up to 10 μm, as a consequence of the improved mechanical stability of the in‐house developed rotating elements. Here, we demonstrate the performance of the cell for the rheo‐MRI velocimetry study of a thixotropic fat crystal dispersion, a complex fluid commonly used in food manufacturing. The submillimeter‐gap geometry and variable temperature capability of the cell enable observing the effects of shear‐ and temperature‐induced fat recrystallization on both wall slip and shear banding under strongly confined flow. Our improved rheo‐MRI setup opens new perspectives for the fundamental study of strongly confined flow, cooperative effects, and the underlying interparticle interactions and for ultimately aiding optimization of products involved in spreading/extrusion, such as cosmetics and foods.
Overview of Study Designs: A Deep Dive Into Research Quality Assessment
Authors: McKeever Liam
Published: March 2021

Life presents a web of interconnected causes and effects, transforming the simple art of observation into a deceptively complex affair. Study designs were created to address this complexity, though no study design is ideal. The current paper reviews the major study designs, providing tips to research‐consuming clinicians for spotting lapses in validity through the introduction of confounding, selection, and information biases. This article touches on randomized control trials, post hoc analyses, randomized crossover trials, quasi‐experimental trials, cohort studies, case‐control studies, cross‐sectional studies, case series, case reports, and expert opinion. The purpose of this review is to move the reader beyond the tidy realm of simple rules and bias forms into the nuanced mire that is research quality assessment.