bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of children wheezing diseases with meteorological and environmental factors in Suzhou, China
Authors: Huang Jia-qi , Zhang Jin , Hao Chuang-li , Chen Zheng-rong
Published: March 2022

Wheezing diseases are one of the major chronic respiratory diseases in children. To explore the effects of meteorological and environmental factors on the prevalence of children wheezing diseases, clinical data of children hospitalized with wheezing diseases in Suzhou, China from 2013 to 2017 were collected. Meteorological and environmental factors from 2013 to 2017 were obtained from the local Meteorological Bureau and Environmental Protection Bureau. Relationships between wheezing diseases and meteorological and environmental factors were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation and multivariate regression analysis. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to estimate the effects of meteorological and environmental variables on children wheezing diseases. Children wheezing diseases were frequently presented in infants less than 12 months old (1897/2655, 58.28%), and the hospitalization rate was highest in winter (1024/3255, 31.46%). In pathogen-positive specimens, the top three pathogens were respiratory syncytial virus (21.35%), human rhinovirus (16.28%) and mycoplasma pneumoniae (10.47%). The seasonality of wheezing children number showed a distinctive winter peak. Children wheezing diseases were negatively correlated with average temperature (P < 0.001, r =  − 0.598). The ARIMA (1,0,0)(0,0,0)12 model could be used to predict temperature changes associated wheezing diseases. Meteorological and environmental factors were associated with the number of hospitalized children with wheezing diseases and can be used as early warning indicators for the occurrence of wheezing diseases and prevalence of virus.
Orthogonality catastrophe and quantum speed limit for spin chain at finite temperature
Authors: Zhu Zheng-Rong , Wang Qing , Zou Jian , Shao Bin , Wu Lian-Ao
Published: March 2022

We present an interesting relationship between the orthogonality catastrophe (OC) and the quantum speed limit (QSL) for a spin chain with uniform nearest neighbour couplings perturbed by an impurity spin. We thoroughly study the catastrophic QSL that specifies a bound on the evolution time between the initial and final states and in this respect, link it to the emerging OC effect. It is found that the speed of state evolution subtle but fundamental, and the bound characterized by QSL shows the same behaviours as the OC effect in the thermodynamic limit. It allows us to reveal some universal properties, in particular finite temperature effects. Significantly, the threshold of temperature and system size is clearly demonstrated for the QSL under finite temperature.
Quality of life and return to work and sports after spinal ependymoma resection
Authors: Butenschoen Vicki M. , Gloßner Till , Hostettler Isabel C. , Meyer Bernhard , Wostrack Maria
Published: March 2022

Adult spinal ependymoma presents a rare low-grade tumor entity. Due to its incidence peak in the fourth decade of life, it mostly affects patients during a professionally and physically active time of life. We performed a retrospective monocentric study, including all patients operated upon for spinal ependymoma between 2009 and 2020. We prospectively collected data on professional reintegration, physical activities and quality-of-life parameters using EQ-5D and SF-36. Issues encountered were assessed using existing spinal-cord-specific questionnaires and free-text questions. In total, 65 of 114 patients agreed to participate. Most patients suffered from only mild pre- and postoperative impairment on the modified McCormick scale, but 67% confirmed difficulties performing physical activities in which they previously engaged due to pain, coordination problems and fear of injuries after a median follow-up of 5.4 years. We observed a shift from full- to part-time employment and patients unable to work, independently from tumor dignity, age and neurological function. Despite its benign nature and occurrence of formal only mild neurological deficits, patients described severe difficulties returning to their preoperative physical activity and profession. Clinical scores such as the McCormick grade and muscle strength may not reflect the entire self-perceived impairment appropriately.
A four specimen-pooling scheme reliably detects SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses using the BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2.1
Authors: Ranadheera Charlene , German Greg J. , Steven Laura , Eung Dale , Lyubashenko Dmytro , Pepin Jessica C. , Zivcec Marko , Antonation Kym , Corbett Cindi R.
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic required increased testing capacity, enabling rapid case identification and effective contract tracing to reduce transmission of disease. The BioFire FilmArray is a fully automated nucleic acid amplification test system providing specificity and sensitivity associated with gold standard molecular methods. The FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2.1 targets 22 viral and bacterial pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus. While each panel provides a robust output of information regarding pathogen detection, the specimen throughput is low. This study evaluates the FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2.1 using 33 pools of contrived nasal samples and 22 pools of clinical nasopharyngeal specimens to determine the feasibility of increasing testing capacity, while maintaining detection of both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus. We observed 100% detection and 90% positive agreement for SARS-CoV-2 and 98% detection and 95% positive agreement for influenza viruses with pools of contrived or clinical specimens, respectively. While discordant results were mainly attributed to loss in sensitivity, the sensitivity of the pooling assay was well within accepted limits of detection for a nucleic acid amplification test. Overall, this study provides evidence supporting the use of pooling patient specimens, one in four with the FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2.1 for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus.
Synthesis of a biomimetic zwitterionic pentapolymer to fabricate high-performance PVDF membranes for efficient separation of oil-in-water nano-emulsions
Authors: Baig Nadeem , Arshad Zeeshan , Ali Shaikh A.
Published: March 2022

Oily wastewater from industries has an adverse impact on the environment, human and aquatic life. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane modified with a zwitterionic/hydrophobic pentapolymer (PP) with controlled pore size has been utilized to separate oil from water from their nano-emulsions. The PP has been synthesized in 91% yield via pentapolymerization of four different diallylamine salts [(CH2=CHCH2)2NH+(CH2)x A−], bearing CO2−, PO3H−, SO3−, (CH2)12NH2 pendants, and SO2 in a respective mol ratio of 25:36:25:14:100. Incorporating PP into PVDF has shown a substantially reduced membrane hydrophobicity; the contact angle decreased from 92.5° to 47.4°. The PP-PVDF membranes have demonstrated an excellent capability to deal with the high concentrations of nano-emulsions with a separation efficiency of greater than 97.5%. The flux recovery ratio (FRR) of PP-5 incorporated PVDF membrane was about 82%, which was substantially higher than the pristine PVDF.
Real-time high-resolution millimeter-wave imaging for in-vivo skin cancer diagnosis
Authors: Mirbeik Amir , Ashinoff Robin , Jong Tannya , Aued Allison , Tavassolian Negar
Published: March 2022

High-resolution millimeter-wave imaging (HR-MMWI), with its high discrimination contrast and sufficient penetration depth, can potentially provide affordable tissue diagnostic information noninvasively. In this study, we evaluate the application of a real-time system of HR-MMWI for in-vivo skin cancer diagnosis. 136 benign and malignant skin lesions from 71 patients, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, melanocytic nevi, angiokeratoma, dermatofibroma, solar lentigo, and seborrheic keratosis were measured. Lesions were classified using a 3-D principal component analysis followed by five classifiers including linear discriminant analysis (LDA), K-nearest neighbor (KNN) with different K-values, linear and Gaussian support vector machine (LSVM and GSVM) with different margin factors, and multilayer perception (MLP). Our results suggested that the best classification was achieved by using five PCA components followed by MLP with 97% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Our findings establish that real-time millimeter-wave imaging can be used to distinguish malignant tissues from benign skin lesions with high diagnostic accuracy comparable with clinical examination and other methods.
Prediction of inpatient pressure ulcers based on routine healthcare data using machine learning methodology
Authors: Walther Felix , Heinrich Luise , Schmitt Jochen , Eberlein-Gonska Maria , Roessler Martin
Published: March 2022

Despite the relevance of pressure ulcers (PU) in inpatient care, the predictive power and role of care-related risk factors (e.g. anesthesia) remain unclear. We investigated the predictability of PU incidence and its association with multiple care variables. We included all somatic cases between 2014 and 2018 with length of stay ≥ 2d in a German university hospital. For regression analyses and prediction we used Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) as nonparametric modeling approach. To assess predictive accuracy, we compared BART, random forest, logistic regression (LR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) using area under the curve (AUC), confusion matrices and multiple indicators of predictive performance (e.g. sensitivity, specificity, F1, positive/ negative predictive value) in the full dataset and subgroups. Analysing 149,006 cases revealed high predictive variable importance and associations between incident PU and ventilation, age, anesthesia (≥ 1 h) and number of care-involved wards. Despite high AUCs (range 0.89–0.90), many false negative predictions led to low sensitivity (range 0.04–0.10). Ventilation, age, anesthesia and number of care-involved wards were associated with incident PU. Using anesthesia as a proxy for immobility, an hourly repositioning is indicated. The low sensitivity indicates major challenges for correctly predicting PU based on routine data.
Bilateral carotid artery geometry using magnetic resonance angiography: a 10-year longitudinal single center study
Authors: Kwon Woocheol , Kim Yeryung , Kim Jisu , Jo Junsik , Jeon Seongju , Lee Ui Yun , Kwak Hyo Sung
Published: March 2022

Aging and atherosclerotic progression can lead to geometric changes in the carotid arteries. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate geometric changes in the bilateral carotid arteries. We conducted a retrospective study of 177 subjects who underwent carotid contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at our clinic at baseline and 10 years after the procedure. Semi-automated methods were used to segment the bilateral carotid arteries to obtain carotid artery geometric measurements. The mean age for the total population after 10 years was 70.7 ± 10.6 years (male, 40.1%). The mean time interval between baseline and after 10 years for all subjects was 130.2 ± 8.1 months. The bilateral bifurcation angle, the diameters for both common carotid arteries (CCAs), and areas of both CCAs significantly increased (p < 0.001) over a 10-year period. The maximum diameter and internal carotid artery area did not significantly change. The bifurcation angle of the right carotid artery was significantly increased compared to the left carotid artery. However, the diameter and area of the CCA of the left carotid artery was significantly increased compared to the right carotid artery. The bifurcation angle, diameter and area of both CCAs significantly increased over a decade. The change in the bifurcation angle over a 10-year period was predominant in the right carotid artery and the change of the area and diameter of the CCA was dominant in the left carotid artery.
Outstanding prognostic value of novel ferroptosis-related genes in chemoresistance osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Zhao Jiazheng , Zhao Yi , Ma Xiaowei , Feng Helin , Jia Litao
Published: March 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone-derived tumor, and chemoresistance is a pivotal factor in the poor prognosis of patients with OS. Ferroptosis, as an emerging modality of regulated cell death, has demonstrated potential value in tumor chemoresistance studies. Through the gene expression omnibus database in conjunction with the FerrDb database, we identified novel ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involving chemoresistance in OS patients. Subsequently, enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction network analysis and survival analysis were performed sequentially to recognize the hub genes and ultimately to construct a predictive model. The model constructed from the TARGET database was exhibited in a nomogram and assessed by calibration curves. The prognostic value of the model and hub genes was validated separately by an independent cohort. Twenty-two ferroptosis-related DEGs were identified, including 16 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated. Among them, expressions of CBS, COCS1, EGFR, as hub genes, were significantly associated with the prognosis of OS patients and were evidenced as independent prognostic factors. An efficient prognostic model covering hub gene expressions and clinical variables was developed and validated. Combining the results of hub genes in differential analysis, the actions of hub genes in ferroptosis, and the prognostic relevance of hub genes in patients, we revealed that CBS, SOCS1 and EGFR might play essential roles in OS and its chemoresistance with potential research and clinical value.
Rush or relax: migration tactics of a nocturnal insectivore in response to ecological barriers
Authors: Lathouwers Michiel , Artois Tom , Dendoncker Nicolas , Beenaerts Natalie , Conway Greg , Henderson Ian , Kowalczyk Céline , Davaasuren Batmunkh , Bayrgur Soddelgerekh , Shewring Mike , Cross Tony , Ulenaers Eddy , Liechti Felix , Evens Ruben
Published: March 2022

During their annual migration, avian migrants alternate stopover periods, for refuelling, with migratory flight bouts. We hypothesise that European Nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus) adapt their daily migration tactics in association with biomes. We tracked the autumn migration of 24 European Nightjars, from breeding populations in Mongolia, Belgium and UK, using GPS-loggers and multi-sensor data loggers. We quantified crepuscular and nocturnal migration and foraging probabilities, as well as daily travel speed and flight altitude during active migration in response to biomes. Nightjars adopt a rush tactic, reflected in high daily travel speed, flight altitude and high migration probabilities at dusk and at night, when travelling through ecological barriers. Migration is slower in semi-open, hospitable biomes. This is reflected in high foraging probabilities at dusk, lower daily travel speed and lower migration probabilities at dusk. Our study shows how nightjars switch migration tactics during autumn migration, and suggest nightjars alternate between feeding and short migratory flight bouts within the same night when travelling through suitable habitats. How this may affect individuals’ fuel stores and whether different biomes provide refuelling opportunitiesen routeremains to be investigated, to understand how future land-use change may affect migration patterns and survival probabilities.
Comparison of toxicities between ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy versus brachytherapy with or without external beam radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Masui Koji , Suzuki Gen , Aibe Norihiro , Shimizu Daisuke , Kimoto Takuya , Yamada Kei , Ueno Akihisa , Matsugasumi Toru , Yamada Yasuhiro , Shiraishi Takumi , Fujihara Atsuko , Yoshida Ken , Nakamura Satoaki
Published: March 2022

To compare gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy (UHF) or brachytherapy [BT; low dose rate, LDR or high dose rate (HDR) with or without external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)]. We compared 253 UHF and 1664 BT ± EBRT groups. The main outcomes were the incidence and severity of acute and late GU and GI toxicities. The secondary endpoint was biochemical control rate. Cumulative late actuarial GU toxicity did not differ for grade ≥ 2 (8.6% at 5-years in UHF and 13.3% in BT ± EBRT, hazard ratio [HR], 0.7066; 95% CI, 0.4093–1.22, p = 0.2127). Actuarial grade ≥ 2 late GI toxicity was higher in UHF (5.8% at 5-years, HR: 3.619; 95% CI, 1.774–7.383, p < 0.001) than in BT ± EBRT (1.1%). In detailed subgroup analyses, the high-dose UHF group (H-UHF) using BED ≥ 226 Gy1.5, showed higher GI toxicity profiles than the other subgroups (HDR + EBRT, LDR + EBRT, and LDR monotherapy, and L-UHF BED < 226 Gy1.5) with equivalent GU toxicity to other modalities. With a median follow-up period of 32 months and 75 months, the actuarial biochemical control rates were equivalent between the UHF and BT ± EBRT groups. UHF showed equivalent efficacy, higher GI and equivalent GU accumulated toxicity to BT ± EBRT, and the toxicity of UHF was largely dependent on the UHF schedule.
Disruption of anthrax toxin receptor 1 in pigs leads to a rare disease phenotype and protection from senecavirus A infection
Authors: Chen Paula R. , Rowland Raymond R. R. , Stoian Ana M. , Petrovan Vlad , Sheahan Maureen , Ganta Charan , Cino-Ozuna Giselle , Kim Dae Young , Dunleavey James M. , Whitworth Kristin M. , Samuel Melissa S. , Spate Lee D. , Cecil Raissa F. , Benne Joshua A. , Yan Xingyu , Fang Ying , Croix Brad St. , Lechtenberg Kelly , Wells Kevin D. , Prather Randall S.
Published: March 2022

Senecavirus A (SVA) is a cause of vesicular disease in pigs, and infection rates are rising within the swine industry. Recently, anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1) was revealed as the receptor for SVA in human cells. Herein, the role of ANTXR1 as a receptor for SVA in pigs was investigated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Strikingly, ANTXR1 knockout (KO) pigs exhibited features consistent with the rare disease, GAPO syndrome, in humans. Fibroblasts from wild type (WT) pigs supported replication of SVA; whereas, fibroblasts from KO pigs were resistant to infection. During an SVA challenge, clinical symptoms, including vesicular lesions, and circulating viremia were present in infected WT pigs but were absent in KO pigs. Additional ANTXR1-edited piglets were generated that were homozygous for an in-frame (IF) mutation. While IF pigs presented a GAPO phenotype similar to the KO pigs, fibroblasts showed mild infection, and circulating SVA nucleic acid was decreased in IF compared to WT pigs. Thus, this new ANTXR1 mutation resulted in decreased permissiveness of SVA in pigs. Overall, genetic disruption of ANTXR1 in pigs provides a unique model for GAPO syndrome and prevents circulating SVA infection and clinical symptoms, confirming that ANTXR1 acts as a receptor for the virus.
Damage assessment in structures using artificial neural network working and a hybrid stochastic optimization
Authors: Tran-Ngoc H. , Khatir S. , Le-Xuan T. , Tran-Viet H. , De Roeck G. , Bui-Tien T. , Wahab M. Abdel
Published: March 2022

Artificial neural network (ANN) has been commonly used to deal with many problems. However, since this algorithm applies backpropagation algorithms based on gradient descent (GD) technique to look for the best solution, the network may face major risks of being entrapped in local minima. To overcome those drawbacks of ANN, in this work, we propose a novel ANN working parallel with metaheuristic algorithms (MAs) to train the network. The core idea is that first, (1) GD is applied to increase the convergence speed. (2) If the network is stuck in local minima, the capacity of the global search technique of MAs is employed. (3) After escaping from local minima, the GD technique is applied again. This process is applied until the target is achieved. Additionally, to increase the efficiency of the global search capacity, a hybrid of particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm (PSOGA) is employed. The effectiveness of ANNPSOGA is assessed using both numerical models and measurement. The results demonstrate that ANNPSOGA provides higher accuracy than traditional ANN, PSO, and other hybrid ANNs (even a higher level of noise is employed) and also considerably decreases calculational cost compared with PSO.
Effects of plyometric and whole-body vibration on physical performance in collegiate basketball players: a crossover randomized trial
Authors: Munshi Pratyakshi , Khan Moazzam Hussain , Arora Nitin Kumar , Nuhmani Shibili , Anwer Shahnawaz , Li Heng , Alghadir Ahmad H.
Published: March 2022

While many studies suggested the isolated effects of plyometric and whole-body vibration exercises on physical performance variables, only few studies have compared the acute effects of plyometric and whole-body vibration on the occurrence of post-activation potentiation and the resultant improvements in performance. Therefore, we aimed to compare the acute effects of plyometric exercises and whole-body vibration training on physical performance in collegiate basketball players. Twenty-four collegiate male basketball players (age 20.8 ± 2.02 years, height 1.79 ± 0.7 m, and weight 71.2 ± 7.6 kg) participated in this randomized crossover study. Subjects were received both plyometric and whole-body vibration exercises after a 48-h washed-out period. Countermovement Jump height, sprint, and agility time were measured at baseline, 4- and 12-min post-plyometric, and whole-body vibration exercises. The result suggests a positive effect of both the plyometric and whole-body vibration exercises on countermovement jump and agility time (p = 0.001). While the countermovement jump height and agility were higher in the plyometric group (mean difference 1.60 cm and 0.16 s, respectively), the sprint performance was higher in the whole-body vibration group. However, these differences were statistically non-significant between the two groups (p > 0.05). This study suggests that both plyometric and whole-body vibration exercises may improve post-activation potentiation, which leads to better physical performance.

Trial registration CTRI/2019/05/019059. Registered with the Clinical trials registry, India on 10/05/2019. http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/advsearch.php.
Neuron-recognizable characteristics of peptides recombined using a neuronal binding domain of botulinum neurotoxin
Authors: Kim Hye Rin , Jung Younghun , Shin Jonghyeok , Park Myungseo , Kweon Dae-Hyuk , Ban Choongjin
Published: March 2022

Recombinant peptides were designed using the C-terminal domain (receptor binding domain, RBD) and its subdomain (peptide A2) of a heavy chain of botulinum neurotoxin A-type 1 (BoNT/A1), which can bind to the luminal domain of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C (SV2C-LD). Peptide A2- or RBD-containing recombinant peptides linked to an enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) were prepared by expression in Escherichia coli. A pull-down assay using SV2C-LD-covered resins showed that the recombinant peptides for CDC297 BoNT/A1, referred to EGFP-A2ʹ and EGFP-RBDʹ, exhibited ≥ 2.0-times stronger binding affinity to SV2C-LD than those for the wild-type BoNT/A1. Using bio-layer interferometry, an equilibrium dissociation rate constant (KD) of EGFP-RBDʹ to SV2C-LD was determined to be 5.45 μM, which is 33.87- and 15.67-times smaller than the KD values for EGFP and EGFP-A2ʹ, respectively. Based on confocal laser fluorescence micrometric analysis, the adsorption/absorption of EGFP-RBDʹ to/in differentiated PC-12 cells was 2.49- and 1.29-times faster than those of EGFP and EGFP-A2ʹ, respectively. Consequently, the recombinant peptides acquired reasonable neuron-specific binding/internalizing ability through the recruitment of RBDʹ. In conclusion, RBDs of BoNTs are versatile protein domains that can be used to mark neural systems and treat a range of disorders in neural systems.
Organization and dynamics of the SpoVAEa protein and its surrounding inner membrane lipids, upon germination of Bacillus subtilis spores
Authors: Wen Juan , Vischer Norbert O. E. , de Vos Arend L. , Manders Erik. M. M. , Setlow Peter , Brul Stanley
Published: March 2022

The SpoVA proteins make up a channel in the inner membrane (IM) of Bacillus subtilis spores. This channel responds to signals from activated germinant receptors (GRs), and allows release of Ca2+-DPA from the spore core during germination. In the current work, we studied the location and dynamics of SpoVAEa in dormant spores. Notably, the SpoVAEa-SGFP2 proteins were present in a single spot in spores, similar to the IM complex formed by all GRs termed the germinosome. However, while the GRs’ spot remains in one location, the SpoVAEa-SGFP2 spot in the IM moved randomly with high frequency. It seems possible that this movement may be a means of communicating germination signals from the germinosome to the IM SpoVA channel, thus stimulating CaDPA release in germination. The dynamics of the SpoVAEa-SGFP2 and its surrounding IM region as stained by fluorescent dyes were also tracked during spore germination, as the dormant spore IM appeared to have an immobile germination related functional microdomain. This microdomain disappeared around the time of appearance of a germinated spore, and the loss of fluorescence of the IM with fluorescent dyes, as well as the appearance of peak SpoVAEa-SGFP2 fluorescent intensity occurred in parallel. These observed events were highly related to spores’ rapid phase darkening, which is considered as due to rapid Ca2+DPA release. We also tested the response of SpoVAEa and the IM to thermal treatments at 40–80 °C. Heat treatment triggered an increase of green autofluorescence, which is speculated to be due to coat protein denaturation, and 80 °C treatments induce the appearance of phase-grey-like spores. These spores presumably have a similar intracellular physical state as the phase grey spores detected in the germination but lack the functional proteins for further germination events.
Local induction of regulatory T cells prevents inflammatory bone loss in ligature-induced experimental periodontitis in mice
Authors: Greene Ashlee C. , Shehabeldin Mostafa , Gao Jin , Balmert Stephen C. , Ratay Michelle , Sfeir Charles , Little Steven R.
Published: March 2022

Periodontitis (periodontal disease) is a highly prevalent disease, affecting over 65 million adults in the United States alone. Characterized by an overburden of invasive bacteria, gum inflammation and plaque buildup, over time, these symptoms can result in severe loss of gingival tissue attachment, bone resorption and even tooth loss. Although current treatments (local antibiotics and scaling and root planing procedures) target the bacterial dysbiosis, they do not address the underlying inflammatory imbalance in the periodontium. In the healthy steady state, the body naturally combats destructive, imbalanced inflammatory responses through regulatory pathways mediated by cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs). Consequently, we hypothesized that local enrichment of regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) could restore local, immunological homeostasis and prevent the main outcome of bone loss. Accordingly, we locally delivered a combination of TGFβ, Rapamycin, and IL2 microspheres in a ligature-induced murine periodontitis model. Herein, we have demonstrated this preventative treatment decreases alveolar bone loss, increases the local ratio of Tregs to T effector cells and changes the local microenvironment’s expression of inflammatory and regenerative markers. Ultimately, these Treg-inducing microspheres appear promising as a method to improve periodontitis outcomes and may be able to serve as a platform delivery system to treat other inflammatory diseases.
C–H deuteration of organic compounds and potential drug candidates
Authors: Prakash Gaurav , Paul Nilanjan , Oliver Gwyndaf A. , Werz Daniel B. , Maiti Debabrata
Published: March 2022

This review summarises deuteration methods of various organic motifs containing C(sp2)−H and C(sp3)−H bonds utilizing C−H bond functionalisation as a key step along with a variety of catalysts, and exemplifies their biological relevance.
Nickel(ii) complexes containing tridentate ONCi ligands (i = abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene donors) and their catalytic application in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Lee Jhen-Yi , Hsieh Meng-Jun , Ho Tsai-En , Wu Bo-Hsin , Lee Hon Man
Published: March 2022

A Ni(ii) complex with tridentate phenoxy–amidate–aNHC donors was synthesized, which was efficient in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling with additional IMes·HCl.
Two new rare-earth borates Sr2Tb3B27−δO46 and Ba2Eu3B27−δO46 (δ = 2/3): syntheses, crystal structures, and luminescence properties
Authors: Chen Xuean , Zhang Jinyuan , Xiao Weiqiang , Song Xiaoyan
Published: March 2022

This is the first single-crystal structural refinement of “LnMB9O16”, which further confirms that the correct formula for “LnMB9O16” is M2Ln3B27−δO46 (δ = 2/3).
What controls the observed size-dependency of the growth rates of sub-10 nm atmospheric particles?
Authors: Kontkanen Jenni , Stolzenburg Dominik , Olenius Tinja , Yan Chao , Dada Lubna , Ahonen Lauri , Simon Mario , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Riipinen Ilona
Published: March 2022

A combination of cluster population simulations and chamber experiments was used to disentangle the factors governing the observed growth rates of atmospheric particles.
Emulating the chondrocyte microenvironment using multi-directional mechanical stimulation in a cartilage-on-chip
Authors: Paggi Carlo Alberto , Hendriks Jan , Karperien Marcel , Le Gac Séverine
Published: March 2022

The multi-directional mechanical stimulation experienced by cartilage during motion is transferred to chondrocytes, which respond by releasing matrix proteins and/or matrix-degrading enzymes.
From poly(vinylimidazole) to cationic glycopolymers and glyco-particles: effective antibacterial agents with enhanced biocompatibility and selectivity
Authors: Chen Jing , Bao Chunyang , Han Rui , Li Guang-Zhao , Zheng Zhaoquan , Wang Yan , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2022

Cationic glycopolymers have attracted great attention as a new type of antibacterial material.
Gate-all-around junctionless FET based label-free dielectric/charge modulation detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus
Authors: Priyadarshani Kumari Nibha , Singh Sangeeta , Mohammed Mustafa K. A.
Published: March 2022

The present work investigates the label-free electrical detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using GAA-JLFET that detects the spike protein, envelope protein, and virus DNA, for a highly sensitive and real-time bio-sensor.
Bio-based arginine surface-modified ammonium polyphosphate: an efficient intumescent flame retardant for epoxy resin
Authors: Cheng Chen , Wang Yi , Lu Yanling , Li Shaojie , Li Hua , Yan Jun , Du Shiguo
Published: March 2022

Arginine modified ammonium polyphosphate was prepared through the cation-exchange reaction and applied as an intumescent flame retardant for epoxy resin.
Fast label-free recognition of NRBCs by deep-learning visual object detection and single-cell Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Fang Teng , Yuan Pengbo , Gong Chen , Jiang Yueping , Yu Yuezhou , Shang Wenhao , Tian Chan , Ye Anpei
Published: March 2022

A computer-assisted and label-free method to quickly recognize the rare nucleated red blood cells by combining visual object detection with single-cell Raman spectroscopy.
Single-cell patterning regulation by physically modified silicon nanostructures
Authors: Wu Xiaomin , Liu Ri , Li Li , Yang Fan , Liu Dongdong , Wang Lu , Yu Wentao , Xu Junyang , Weng Zhankun , Dong Litong , Wang Zuobin
Published: March 2022

A method for fabricating physically modified silicon nanostructures by combining double-beam double exposure interference lithography with MACE was developed to study the behavior and localization efficiency of SHSY5Y cells on the nanostructures.
Site-selective C5–H andN–H alkylation of unprotected 8-aminoquinolines
Authors: Turbedaroglu Ozge , Lafzi Ferruh , Kilic Haydar
Published: March 2022

We report a highly site-selective direct C5–H andN–H alkylation of free amine group-bearing 8-aminoquinolines in high to excellent yields.
Catalytic aerobic photooxidation of triarylphosphines using dibenzo-fused 1,4-azaborines
Authors: Kondo Masaru , Agou Tomohiro
Published: March 2022

Dibenzo-fused 1,4-azaborines (DBABs), which have received considerable attention in the field of organic electroluminescence devices, were successfully applied to the catalytic aerobic photooxidation of triarylphosphines in an aprotic solvent.
Correction: Simulating X-ray photoelectron spectra with strong electron correlation using multireference algebraic diagrammatic construction theory
Authors: de Moura Carlos E. V. , Sokolov Alexander Yu.
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Simulating X-ray photoelectron spectra with strong electron correlation using multireference algebraic diagrammatic construction theory’ by Carlos E. V. de Moura and Alexander Yu. Sokolov, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 4769–4784, DOI: 10.1039/D1CP05476G.
Probing the hydrolytic degradation of UF4 in humid air
Authors: Foley Bryan J. , Christian Jonathan H. , Klug Christopher A. , Villa-Aleman Eliel , Wellons Matthew S. , DeVore Michael , Groden Nicholas , Darvin Jason
Published: March 2022

When exposed to humid air over the course of two weeks, anhydrous UF4 undergoes surface corrosion to various O-bearing uranium complexes.
A green route to platinum N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: mechanism and expanded scope
Authors: Maliszewski Benon P. , Ritacco Ida , Beliš Marek , Hashim Ishfaq Ibni , Tzouras Nikolaos V. , Caporaso Lucia , Cavallo Luigi , Van Hecke Kristof , Nahra Fady , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: March 2022

A sustainable and facile weak-base synthetic route to platinum N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes is disclosed.
Efficacy of MOF-199 in improvement of permeation, morphological, antifouling and antibacterial characteristics of polyvinylidene fluoride membranes
Authors: Rameesha Laila , Rana Dipak , Kaleekkal Noel Jacob , Nagendran Alagumalai
Published: March 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely explored for advances in hybrid membranes because of their bonding and fondness in polymers.
Insights on the kinetics and mechanisms of the peroxyl radical scavenging capacity of caftaric acid: the important role of the acid–base equilibrium
Authors: Boulebd Houssem , Mechler Adam , Thi Hoa Nguyen , Vo Quan V.
Published: March 2022

Considering the acid–base equilibrium, caftaric acid has been shown to be one of the best antioxidants among phenolic acids in the aqueous physiological environment.
Unexpected ester and phosphonate radical generation by hypervalent iodine compounds for synthesizing 6-phenanthridine derivatives
Authors: Ma Xueji , Sun Aili , Wang Kai-Kai
Published: March 2022

An unprecedented elimination of diazomethane process of a diazo group-bearing hypervalent iodine reagent has been described.
Eco-friendly fabrication of organic solar cells: electrostatic stabilization of surfactant-free organic nanoparticle dispersions by illumination
Authors: Marlow Philipp , Manger Felix , Fischer Karen , Sprau Christian , Colsmann Alexander
Published: March 2022

Electrostatic effects promote the self-stabilization of surfactant-free P3HT and P3HT : ICBA nanoparticle dispersions in ethanol. Photoexcitation can control the stabilization of P3HT and other organic semiconductor nanoparticle dispersions.
Ligand-free sub-5 nm platinum nanocatalysts on polydopamine supports: size-controlled synthesis and size-dictated reaction pathway selection
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Zixin , Sun Mengqi , Zhang Hui , Wang Hui
Published: March 2022

Catalytic bimolecular transfer hydrogenation reactions undergo a pathway switch between the Langmuir–Hinshelwood and the Eley–Rideal mechanisms as the size of Pt nanocatalysts varies in the sub-5 nm regime.
Correction: Strain mapping inside an individual processed vertical nanowire transistor using scanning X-ray nanodiffraction
Authors: Dzhigaev Dmitry , Svensson Johannes , Krishnaraja Abinaya , Zhu Zhongyunshen , Ren Zhe , Liu Yi , Kalbfleisch Sebastian , Björling Alexander , Lenrick Filip , Balogh Zoltan Imre , Hammarberg Susanna , Wallentin Jesper , Timm Rainer , Wernersson Lars-Erik , Mikkelsen Anders
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Strain mapping inside an individual processed vertical nanowire transistor using scanning X-ray nanodiffraction’ by Dmitry Dzhigaev et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 14487–14493, DOI: 10.1039/D0NR02260H.
Selective chiroptical sensing of d/l-cysteine
Authors: Kariapper F. Safia , Thanzeel F. Yushra , Zandi Lily S. , Wolf Christian
Published: March 2022

Selective chiroptical analysis of the absolute configuration, enantiomeric composition and total concentration of free cysteine in aqueous solution with an achiral nitrophenacyl bromide probe is demonstrated.
Sulphur ylide-mediated cyclopropanation and subsequent spirocyclopropane rearrangement reactions
Authors: Dai Qing-Song , Li Jun-Long , Wang Qi-Wei , Yang Si-Lin , Tao Ying-Mao , He Mei-Hao , Li Qing-Zhu , Han Bo , Zhang Xiang
Published: March 2022

A formal (2 + 1) annulation and three-component (1 + 1 + 1) cascade cyclisation via sulphur ylide cyclopropanation under mild conditions is described, with the spiro-cyclopropyl iminoindoline moiety transformed into pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinoline through a novel rearrangement process.
A comprehensive review on the sources, essentiality and toxicological profile of nickel
Authors: Begum Wasefa , Rai Summi , Banerjee Soujanya , Bhattacharjee Sudip , Mondal Monohar Hossain , Bhattarai Ajaya , Saha Bidyut
Published: March 2022

This review contains up-to-date knowledge and recent advancements on the essentiality, sources, and toxicological profile of nickel and its different compounds.
Ge nanowires on top of a Ge substrate for applications in anodes of Li and Na ion batteries: a first-principles study
Authors: Gao Shaoshuai , Zhao Tingyu , Wang Dongxu , Huang Jian , Xiang Youlin , Yu Yingjian
Published: March 2022

(a) The energy curves along the D–E pathway for the Li/Na diffusion; the side-view of the trajectories of (b) Li and (c) Na diffusion across the Ge NW.
Sorption based easy-to-use low-cost filters derived from invasive weed biomass for dye contaminated water cleanup
Authors: Kamath Smitha V. , Manohara Halanur M. , Aruchamy Kanakaraj , Maraddi Ashok Shrishail , D'Souza Glenita Bridget , Santhosh Kuchangi Naraseeyappa , Mahadevaprasad K. N. , Nataraj S. K.
Published: March 2022

Today, the development of functional nanostructured materials with specified morphologies utilizing environmentally friendly techniques is a very appealing topic in materials chemistry.
Experimentally designed chemometric models for the assay of toxic adulterants in turmeric powder
Authors: Soliman Shymaa S. , El-Haddad Alaadin E. , Sedik Ghada A. , Elghobashy Mohamed R. , Zaazaa Hala E. , Saad Ahmed S.
Published: March 2022

Turmeric is an indispensable culinary spice in different cultures and a principal component in traditional remedies.
Novel Au nanorod/Cu2O composite nanoparticles for a high-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Mahajan Hansa , Cho Seongjae
Published: March 2022

Synthesis of an Au/Cu2O composite and its supercapacitor behavior.
Process optimization for the synthesis of functionalized Au@AgNPs for specific detection of Hg2+ based on quality by design (QbD)
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Baoling , Liu Xiaoyi , Zhang Hongxu , Yao Jiangyu , Gong Xingchu , Yan Jizhong
Published: March 2022

The current study highlights the advantages of using the quality by design (QbD) approach to synthesise and optimize SERS substrates for the detection of Hg2+.
A molecular recognition platform for the simultaneous sensing of diverse chemical weapons
Authors: Zeng Lintao , Chen Tianhong , Zhu Beitong , Koo Seyoung , Tang Yonghe , Lin Weiying , James Tony D. , Kim Jong Seung
Published: March 2022

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as phosgene and nerve agents pose serious threats to our lives and public security, necessitating tools that can simultaneously screen multiple CWAs in seconds.
Jet fuel-range hydrocarbon production from catalytic pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene by metal-loaded activated carbon
Authors: Li Peng , Pan Helin , Wan Kun , Zhou Shichang , Zhang Zhe , Hong Donghui , Zhang Yayun
Published: March 2022

Fe/AC bifunctional catalysts provide an environmentally friendly strategy for the efficient catalytic conversion of low-density polyethylene into valuable fuel products.
Revisiting carbazole-based polymer donors for efficient and thermally stable polymer solar cells: structural utility of coplanar π-bridged spacers
Authors: Kim Geon-U , Park Ji-Hyun , Lee Seungjin , Lee Dongchan , Lee Jin-Woo , Jeong Dahyun , Phan Tan Ngoc-Lan , Kim Felix Sunjoo , Cho Shinuk , Kwon Soon-Ki , Kim Yun-Hi , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: March 2022

We develop a series of polymer donors containing carbazole-based units (CBT) to achieve high-performance (PCE of 15.54%) and thermally stable PSCs.
Precision surface modification of solid oxide fuel cells via layer-by-layer surface sol–gel deposition
Authors: Kane Nicholas , Zhou Yucun , Zhang Weilin , Ding Yong , Luo Zheyu , Hu Xueyu , Liu Meilin
Published: March 2022

A surface sol–gel process is applied to deposit a precisely-controlled PrOx catalyst coating on porous La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ electrodes, greatly enhancing the electrocatalytic activity and durability.
New insights into structure/optical waveguide behavior relationships in linear bisethynylbenzenes
Authors: Tardío Carlos , Álvarez-Conde Javier , Torres-Moya Iván , Rodríguez Ana M. , de la Hoz Antonio , Cabanillas-González Juan , Prieto Pilar
Published: March 2022

In order to establish a relationship between the structure and the optical waveguiding behavior, two series of linear bisethynylbenzenes combining trifluoromethyl and methoxy groups in the core and external rings were synthesized.
Mitochondrial dynamics in the neonatal brain – a potential target following injury?
Authors: Jones Adam , Thornton Claire
Published: March 2022

The impact of birth asphyxia and its sequelae, hypoxic–ischaemic (HI) brain injury, is long-lasting and significant, both for the infant and for their family. Treatment options are limited to therapeutic hypothermia, which is not universally successful and is unavailable in low resource settings. The energy deficits that accompany neuronal death following interruption of blood flow to the brain implicate mitochondrial dysfunction. Such HI insults trigger mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation leading to release of pro-apoptotic proteins into the cytosol and cell death. More recently, key players in mitochondrial fission and fusion have been identified as targets following HI brain injury. This review aims to provide an introduction to the molecular players and pathways driving mitochondrial dynamics, the regulation of these pathways and how they are altered following HI insult. Finally, we review progress on repurposing or repositioning drugs already approved for other indications, which may target mitochondrial dynamics and provide promising avenues for intervention following brain injury. Such repurposing may provide a mechanism to fast-track, low-cost treatment options to the clinic.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atherosclerosis: common mechanisms and novel therapeutics
Authors: Brassington Kurt , Selemidis Stavros , Bozinovski Steven , Vlahos Ross
Published: March 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atherosclerosis are chronic irreversible diseases, that share a number of common causative factors including cigarette smoking. Atherosclerosis drastically impairs blood flow and oxygen availability to tissues, leading to life-threatening outcomes including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Patients with COPD are most likely to die as a result of a cardiovascular event, with 30% of all COPD-related deaths being attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both atherosclerosis and COPD involve significant local (i.e. lung, vasculature) and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, of which current pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy, hence the urgency for the development of novel life-saving therapeutics. Currently these diseases must be treated individually, with no therapies available that can effectively reduce the likelihood of comorbid CVD other than cessation of cigarette smoking. In this review, the important mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis and CVD in people with COPD are explained and we propose that modulation of both the oxidative stress and the inflammatory burden will provide a novel therapeutic strategy to treat both the pulmonary and systemic manifestations related to these diseases.
Evaluating the Effect of Rich Vocabulary Instruction and Retrieval Practice on the Classroom Vocabulary Skills of Children With (Developmental) Language Disorder
Authors: Levlin Maria , Wiklund-Hörnqvist Carola , Sandgren Olof , Karlsson Sara , Jonsson Bert
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

Learning new vocabulary has been identified as a challenge for students with (developmental) language disorder ((D)LD). In this study, we evaluate the effects of two active learning methods, (a) retrieval practice (RP) and (b) rich vocabulary instruction (RVI), in a group of students with (D)LD in secondary school.

Method:

A quasi-experimental counterbalanced within-subject design was used to compare and evaluate the effect of RP and RVI on learning Tier 2 vocabulary, with target and control words as dependent measures. Eleven students with (D)LD (Mage= 14.9 years) attending a language unit participated. RP and RVI were implemented in regular classroom activities during 16 lessons (eight lessons/instructional condition). Learning was assessed by comparing performance on a pretest session 1–2 weeks prior, with posttest performance 1 week after each instructional condition.

Results:

The learning gain for RP was superior to that for RVI, both with respect to the Bayesian probabilistic estimations for target words relative to control words and in direct comparison with RVI. Only weak evidence was found for RVI with respect to the Bayesian probabilistic estimations for target words relative to control words.

Conclusions:

All participants showed positive learning gains following RP, whereas the outcome for RVI was more diverse. This initial work suggests that RP promotes larger learning gains relative to RVI and promotes learning across language profiles. This study extends previous studies by exploring the implementation of RP in regular classroom activities and by using more complex to-be-learned material (Tier 2 words).
Die Lebensqualität von Pflegeheimbewohnern mit Demenz
Authors: Freismuth Christian , Morgenstern Ulrike
Published: March 2022

Was kann aus Sicht von Pflegenden konkret getan werden, um die Lebensqualität demenziell erkrankter Pflegeheimbewohner zu erhalten und zu verbessern? Antworten liefert eine Expertenbefragung.
Lichtblicke in der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: March 2022

So langsam ist ein Lichtblick in der Corona-Pandemie zu sehen: Die 5.
Infektionswelle scheint ihren Zenit überschritten zu haben. Irgendwie
haben wir es alle sehr satt und brauchen genau solche Lichtblicke.