bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Bioprinted Hydroxyapatite or Graphene Oxide Containing Nanocellulose‐Based Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Lafuente‐Merchan Markel , Ruiz‐Alonso Sandra , García‐Villén Fátima , Zabala Alaitz , de Retana Ana M. Ochoa , Gallego Idoia , Saenz‐del‐Burgo Laura , Pedraz Jose Luis
Published: August 2022

Bone tissue is usually damaged after big traumas, tumors, and increasing aging‐related diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Current treatments are based on implanting grafts, which are shown to have several inconveniences. In this regard, tissue engineering through the 3D bioprinting technique has arisen to manufacture structures that would be a feasible therapeutic option for bone regenerative medicine. In this study, nanocellulose–alginate (NC–Alg)‐based bioink is improved by adding two different inorganic components such as hydroxyapatite (HAP) and graphene oxide (GO). First, ink rheological properties and biocompatibility are evaluated as well as the influence of the sterilization process on them. Then, scaffolds are characterized. Finally, biological studies of embedded murine D1 mesenchymal stem cells engineered to secrete erythropoietin are performed. Results show that the addition of both HAP and GO prevents NC–Alg ink from viscosity lost in the sterilization process. However, GO is reduced due to short cycle autoclave sterilization, making it incompatible with this ink. In addition, HAP and GO have different influences on scaffold architecture and surface as well as in swelling capacity. Scaffolds mechanics, as well as cell viability and functionality, are promoted by both elements addition. Additionally, GO demonstrates an enhanced bone differentiation capacity.
Materials Requirements in Fused Filament Fabrication: A Framework for the Design of Next‐Generation 3D Printable Thermoplastics and Composites
Authors: Sola Antonella
Published: August 2022

Fused filament fabrication (FFF), also known as fused deposition modeling, is the leading technology for polymer‐based additive manufacturing. The simplicity, along with the cleanness, the affordability, and the multi‐material capability, are some of the main advantages that have prompted this success. Nonetheless, the uptake of FFF in industry is hampered by the limited functionality of commercial filaments, that are often based on plain thermoplastics. The future growth of FFF into new markets needs a significant improvement of available materials. However, materials requirements in FFF are complicated and often mutually conflicting. Whereas heuristic approaches to materials design imply significant costs in terms of time, energy, and materials, a critical survey of the main requirements that a new material should fulfill in order to be printable and suitable for commercial adoption is still missing. In order to bridge this gap, the present paper analyzes the workflow from filament production to end‐of‐life disposal of printed objects, and, for each step, brings to light the governing materials properties. Wherever possible, practical guidelines are given on acceptable values. Existing lacks of knowledge are identified to direct future studies. The ultimate goal is to provide a road map to making materials development in FFF more efficient.
Nanomedicine and versatile therapies for cancer treatment
Authors: Shukla Aparna , Maiti Pralay
Published: August 2022

The higher prevalence of cancer is related to high rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. By virtue of the properties of matter at the nanoscale, nanomedicine is proven to be a powerful tool to develop innovative drug carriers with greater efficacies and fewer side effects than conventional therapies. In this review, different nanocarriers for controlled drug release and their routes of administration have been discussed in detail, especially for cancer treatment. Special emphasis has been given on the design of drug delivery vehicles for sustained release and specific application methods for targeted delivery to the affected areas. Different polymeric vehicles designed for the delivery of chemotherapeutics have been discussed, including graft copolymers, liposomes, hydrogels, dendrimers, micelles, and nanoparticles. Furthermore, the effect of dimensional properties on chemotherapy is vividly described. Another integral section of the review focuses on the modes of administration of nanomedicines and emerging therapies, such as photothermal, photodynamic, immunotherapy, chemodynamic, and gas therapy, for cancer treatment. The properties, therapeutic value, advantages, and limitations of these nanomedicines are highlighted, with a focus on their increased performance versus conventional molecular anticancer therapies.
Customer concentration and corporate charitable donations: Evidence from China
Authors: Fu Jyun‐Ying
Published: August 2022

This study examines the impact of customer concentration on corporate charitable donations. Drawing on stakeholder and resource dependency theories, we argue that when firms rely on a small set of customers for a significant proportion of sales revenue, they will reduce corporate charitable donations. State ownership and industry competition moderate this relationship. Using data on corporate donations from Chinese listed firms between 2009 and 2019, we find support for our hypotheses. Our study contributes to the literature on customer concentration and corporate philanthropy in emerging economies.
A novel partial de novo duplication of JARID2 gene causing a neurodevelopmental phenotype
Authors: Viitasalo Liisa , Kettunen Kaisa , Kankainen Matti , Niemelä Elina H. , Kiiski Kirsi
Published: August 2022

Background

Deletions covering the entire or partial JARID2 gene as well as pathogenic single nucleotide variants leading to haploinsufficiency of JARID2 have recently been shown to cause a clinically distinct neurodevelopmental syndrome. Here, we present a previously undescribed partial de novo duplication of the JARID2 gene in a patient displaying features similar to those of patients with JARID2 loss‐of‐function variants.

Case report

The index patient presents with abnormalities in gross motor skills and speech development as well as neuropsychiatric disorders. The patient has markedly dark infraorbital circles and slightly prominent supraorbital ridges.Whole‐genome sequencing and array comparative genomic hybridization revealed a novel disease‐causing variant type, a partial tandem duplication of JARID2, covering the exons 1–7. Furthermore, RNA sequencing validated the increased expression of these exons. Expression alterations were also detected in target genes of the PRC2 complex, in which JARID2 acts as an essential member.

Conclusion

Our data add to the variety of different pathogenic variants associated with JARID2 neurodevelopmental syndrome.
Effects of external electrical stimulation added to pelvic floor muscle training in women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Sahin Ulku Kezban , Acaröz Sevim , Çirakoğlu Abdullah , Benli̇ Erdal , Akbayrak Türkan
Published: August 2022

Objective

In this study, the combination of external electrical stimulation (EES) with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) was assessed to determine if it yielded better results than PFMT or EES alone for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Study Design

Fifty‐one women with SUI were randomly allocated to EES + PFMT (n = 17), PFMT (n = 17), or EES groups (n = 17) for 8 weeks of treatment. Personal, demographic, and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Outcome measures included self‐reported improvement, severity of incontinence, symptom distress, quality of life (QOL), urinary incontinence episodes, pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) and endurance (PFME) and dysfunction. All evaluations were made pre‐ and posttreatment. Data were analyzed using the Chi‐square, marginal homogeneity, Kruskal–Wallis, Wilcoxon signed‐rank or paired t test and Dunn‐Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Results

In the 8th week, there were significant changes in self‐reported improvement, severity of incontinence, symptom distress score, urinary incontinence episodes, PFMS, PFME, pelvic floor dysfunction and all areas of QoL in all groups (p < 0.05). Combined therapy was not superior to PFMT and EES for overall outcome measures, except for the incontinence impact subdomain of the QoL score (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study supports the idea that PFMT should be preferred as the first line therapy for women with SUI. However, the acceptable EES method can be recommended in addition to PFMT to increase motivation and treatment compliance in patients with insufficient or inaccurate pelvic floor muscle contractions.
Impairment of urinary bladder mechanical properties in rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Philyppov Igor B. , Sotkis Ganna V. , Danshyna Anastasiia O. , Yelyashov Semen I. , Sharopov Bizhan R. , Shuba Yaroslav M.
Published: August 2022

Aims

The urinary bladder is a mechanosensitive organ that accumulates, stores, and expels considerable amounts of fluid. While the neuronal bladder control via the CNS is well defined, the data on the mechanisms of local mechanical sensitivity of the bladder wall are either insufficient or contradictory. Here we compared the mechanical properties of bladder wall of normal rats and rats with modeled type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

T2D was modeled in 3‐month‐old Wistar male rats by combined administration of nicotinamide (230 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). Cystometry of isolated, denervated whole bladders and stress‐strain tensiometry on detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) strips were used to assess the mechanical properties of bladder wall tissues from control and diabetic animals on 10th week after induction.

Results

The pressure‐volume cystometrograms of both control and T2D bladders featured a quasi plateau between ascending sections. T2D cystometrograms revealed markedly elevated intravesicular pressure (~100% at 1 ml) and a shortened plateau, consistent with decreased bladder wall elasticity and reduced structural bladder capacity versus control. Experiments on urothelium‐intact and urothelium‐devoid DSM strips have shown that the decrease of bladder walls elasticity in T2D can be explained by the switch of stretched urothelium from inducing DSM relaxation to inducing DSM contraction due to a change in the prevalent release of contractile versus relaxing urothelial factor(s).

Conclusions

The decreased elasticity of the bladder walls in T2D results from alterations in urothelium‐dependent mechanosensory mechanisms. Elevated intravesical pressure in T2D may contribute to urge incontinence and/or symptoms of upper urinary tract damage.
Anxiety disorders, depression and incontinence in preschool children—A population‐based study
Authors: Hussong Justine , Greiner Marion , Schiedermaier Ulrike , Mattheus Hannah , von Gontard Alexander
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim was to examine associations of specific anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms, and incontinence in a representative, population‐based sample of preschool children.

Methods

All preschool children of a defined geographical area examined before school‐entry were included. Parents completed a questionnaire including the Preschool Feelings Checklist (PFC), eight questions referring to nocturnal enuresis (NE), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), fecal incontinence (FI) and constipation, and 30 items regarding Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) diagnostic criteria of separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SOC), specific phobia (PHOB), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Data of 1206 children (mean age = 5.7 years; 53.5% boys) are presented.

Results

34.6% of incontinent children had an anxiety disorder based on DSM‐5 criteria and 13.3% had clinically relevant depressive symptoms (measured by the PFC). Rates of incontinence overall were 14.1% (11.9% NE, 3.1% DUI, and 1.8% FI) and 6.3% for constipation. Rates of SOC and PHOB were increased in NE (20.8% and 25.4%), DUI (39.3% and 34.5%) and FI (35.3% and 50.0%) compared to continent children (13.5% and 17.2%). Children with constipation had higher rates of SOC, PHOB, and GAD than those without. Compared to continent children (9.7%), depressive symptoms were more frequent in children with NE (26.8%), DUI (50.0%), and FI (61.9%).

Conclusion

Anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms are common in children with incontinence. The most specific DSM‐5 disorders associated with incontinence are SOC and PHOB, which can be incapacitating and may require treatment. Due to the high rates of anxiety disorders, it is important to screen all children with incontinence, for example, with specific questionnaires.
Advances in mosquito repellents: effectiveness of citronellal derivatives in laboratory and field trials
Authors: Iovinella Immacolata , Caputo Beniamino , Cobre Pietro , Manica Mattia , Mandoli Alessandro , Dani Francesca Romana
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Several essential oils, including citronella (lemongrass, Cymbopogon sp., Poaceae), are well‐known mosquito repellents. A drawback of such products is their limited protection time resulting from the high volatility of their active components. In particular, citronella oil protects for <2 h, although formulations with fixatives can increase this time.

RESULTS

We synthesized hydroxylated cyclic acetals of citronellal, the main component of citronella, to obtain derivatives with lower volatility and weaker odour. The crude mixture of isomers obtained in the reaction was tested under laboratory conditions for its repellency against two mosquito species, the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae and the arbovirus vector Aedes albopictus, and found to be endowed with longer protection time with respect to DEET (N,N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide) at the same concentration. Formulated products were tested in a latin square human field trial, in an area at a high density of A. albopictus for 8 h from the application. We found that the performance of the citronellal derivatives mixture is comparable (95% protection for ≤3.5 h) with those of the most widespread synthetic repellents DEET and Icaridin, tested at a four‐fold higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Modifying the hydrophilicity and volatility of natural repellents is a valuable strategy to design insect repellents with a long‐lasting effect. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Setting the control limit at release for stability assurance
Authors: Chen X. Gregory , van der Vaart A. W.
Published: August 2022

A common task in quality control is to determine a control limit for a product at the time of release that incorporates its risk of degradation over time. Such a limit for a given quality measurement will be based on empirical stability data, the intended shelf life of the product and the stability specification. The task is particularly important when the registered specifications for release and stability are equal. We discuss two relevant formulations and their implementations in both a frequentist and Bayesian framework. The first ensures that the risk of a batch failing the specification is comparable at release and at the end of shelf life. The second is to screen out batches at release time that are at high risk of failing the stability specification at the end of their shelf life. Although the second formulation seems more natural from a quality assurance perspective, it usually renders a control limit that is too stringent. In this paper we provide theoretical insight in this phenomenon, and introduce a heat‐map visualisation that may help practitioners to assess the feasibility of implementing a limit under the second formulation. We also suggest a solution when infeasible. In addition, the current industrial benchmark is reviewed and contrasted to the two formulations. Computational algorithms for both formulations are laid out in detail, and illustrated on a dataset.
The drag exerted by weakly dissipative trapped lee waves on the atmosphere: Application to Scorer's two‐layer model
Authors: Teixeira Miguel A. C. , Argaín José L.
Published: August 2022

Although it is known that trapped lee waves propagating at low levels in a stratified atmosphere exert a drag on the mountains that generate them, the distribution of the corresponding reaction force exerted on the atmospheric mean circulation, defined by the wave momentum flux profiles, has not been established, because for inviscid trapped lee waves these profiles oscillate indefinitely downstream. A framework is developed here for the unambiguous calculation of momentum flux profiles produced by trapped lee waves, which circumvents the difficulties plaguing the inviscid trapped lee wave theory. Using linear theory, and taking Scorer's two‐layer atmosphere as an example, the waves are assumed to be subject to a small dissipation, expressed as a Rayleigh damping. The resulting wave pattern decays downstream, so the momentum flux profile integrated over the area occupied by the waves converges to a well‐defined form. Remarkably, for weak dissipation, this form is independent of the value of Rayleigh damping coefficient, and the inviscid drag, determined in previous studies, is recovered as the momentum flux at the surface. The divergence of this momentum flux profile accounts for the areally integrated drag exerted by the waves on the atmosphere. The application of this framework to this and other types of trapped lee waves potentially enables the development of physically based parametrizations of the effects of trapped lee waves on the atmosphere.
Incidental finding of situs ambiguus in a middle‐aged woman
Authors: Huang Yung‐Chia , Lee Shih‐Wei , Wu Shih‐Hsin , Chen Mei‐Yin
Published: August 2022

Key message

Situs ambiguus is a rare congenital abnormality with outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to fatal. Here we present a woman with an incidental finding of situs ambiguus hinted by her chest radiograph. This case highlights the importance of actively seeking diagnosis when right sub‐diaphragmic air is noted when viewing a chest radiograph.
Chemically Modulated Synthesis of UiO‐66(X) for Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Yin Dongdong , Li Chuang , Liu Jinxuan , Liang Changhai
Published: August 2022

It is of great significance to produce allylic alcohols, a fundamental intermediates in industrial organic synthesis, through hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. The development of catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) to improve reaction selectivity is critical and still a major challenge. In this work, we used UiO‐66 as precursor, hydrochloric acid and monocarboxylic acid as modulators to synthesized a series of materials named UiO‐66(X). A deep investigation into the influence of modulators on the composition, morphology, and physical structure of UiO‐66(X) was presented. Most importantly, the UiO‐66(TFA) with continuous Zr−O−Zr sites as active centers both realized high conversion of cinnamaldehyde and excellent selectivity to cinnamyl alcohol (97 %) in the CTH of cinnamaldehyde and possessed good reusability and chemical stability.
New Oxoquinoline‐Imidazole Based Fluorescence Signaling Switches for the Determination of Zn2+/F− (OFF‐ON), and Fe3+/Picric Acid (ON‐OFF): Applications in Anticancer Activity
Authors: Pavankumar B. B. , Ranjan Prabodh , Jha Prakash C. , Sivaramakrishna Akella
Published: August 2022

A series of new oxoquinoline‐imidazole derivatives (IMD1‐IMD4) was prepared, and they were characterized by analytical and spectral data. Further, they were employed as effective fluorescence signaling switches through “OFF‐ON” and “ON‐OFF” by an ESIPT (excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer) mechanism. The OFF‐ON green fluorescence exhibited by IMD1 selectively at 486 nm with Zn2+ and F− is the basis for the determination of Zn2+ and F− ions by way of detection limits of 5.28×10−9 M and 1.74 ×10−10 M, respectively. In contrast, IMD3 being fluorescent active (ON) with blue emission at 464 nm selectively exhibits quenching in fluorescence intensity in the presence of Fe3+ and picric acid (PA) at pH 7.4. This quenching property of IMD3 leads to the rapid determination of Fe3+ and picric acid (PA) selectively with a limit of detection of 3.28×10−9 M and 1.63×10−10 M, respectively. Experimental findings have been well‐complemented by Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies. The activity of the synthesized oxoquinoline‐imidazole compounds (IMD1 and IMD3) was demonstrated on HeLa (Henrietta Lacks, a human cell line) and breast cancer cells for the detection of Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions, respectively.
Copper‐Catalyzed Base‐free Protocol for the Sonogashira‐type Coupling of Phenylacetylenes with Boronic Acid Derivatives under Air
Authors: Saranya Salim , Saranya Padinjare Veetil , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: August 2022

A base‐free Cu‐catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of internal alkynes using phenylacetylenes and boronic acid derivatives has been developed. We have used the less expensive catalyst CuI in greener solvent methanol using air as oxidant for the synthesis of diarylacetylenes. The methodology furnished the diarylacetylene derivatives in moderate to excellent yields.
Synergistic Effect of Bio‐Inspired Nanochannels: Hydrophilic DNA Probes at Inner Wall and Hydrophobic Coating at Outer Surface for Highly Sensitive Detection
Authors: Liu Lingxiao , Luo Cihui , Zhang Jinhuan , He Xiao , Shen Ying , Yan Bing , Huang Yu , Xia Fan , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2022

During the past few decades, bio‐inspired nanochannels have been well developed and applied in biosensing, energy transfer, separation, and so on. Here, inspired by the synergistic effect of biological nanopores, biomimetic solid‐state nanochannels with hydrophilic DNA probes at the inner wall (DNA@IWHydrophilic) and hydrophobic coating at the outer surface (None@OSHydrophobic) are designed. To demonstrate their prompted sensing properties, Hg2+ and its specific probe are selected as target and hydrophilic DNA probes, respectively. Compared with the traditional solid‐state nanochannels with hydrophilic probes distributed on both the inner wall and outer surface, the nanochannels with DNA@IWHydrophilic+None@OSHydrophobic significantly decrease the limit of detection (LOD) by 105‐fold. The obvious improvement of sensitivity (with LOD of 1 nM) is attributed to the synergistic effect: None@OSHydrophobic results in the nanochannel's effective diameter decrease and DNA@IWHydrophilic induces a specific sensing target. Meanwhile, nanomolar detection of Hg2+ in human serum and in vivo fish muscle are achieved. Through molecular dynamics simulation, the synergistic effect can be confirmed by ion fluxes increasement; the relative carbon nanotube increases from 135.64% to 135.84%. This work improves the understanding of nanochannels’ synergistic effect and provides a significant insight for nanochannels with improved sensitivity.
Near‐Infrared‐II Light Induced Mild Hyperthermia Activate Cisplatin‐Artemisinin Nanoparticle for Enhanced Chemo/Chemodynamic Therapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Xiong Guoliang , Huang Dakun , Lu Lingfei , Luo Xiuxian , Wang Yadong , Liu Shangwen , Chen Mianxiong , Yu Shaolong , Kappen Marie , You Changjiang , Lu Sheng , Yu Yingjie , Lu Jiandong , Lin Feng
Published: August 2022

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is an effective cancer treatment that uses Fenton reaction to induce cancer cell death. Current clinical applications of CDT are limited by the dependency of external supply of metal ions as well as low catalytic efficiency. Here, a highly efficient metal‐free CDT by using endoperoxide bridge‐containing artesunate as free radical‐generating substance is developed. A Pt(IV) prodrug (A‐Pt) containing two artesunate molecules in the axial direction is synthesized, which can be decomposed into cisplatin and artesunate under reducing intracellular environment in tumor cells. To improve the catalytic efficiency for Fenton reaction, a near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) photothermal agent IR1048 is incorporated to achieve a mild hyperthermia effect. By encapsulating the A‐Pt and IR1048 with human serum albumin, A‐Pt‐IR NP are formulated for efficient drug delivery in 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice. NIR‐II light irradiation of A‐Pt‐IR NP treated mice show accelerated Fenton reaction. In addition, A‐Pt‐IR NP could also induce strong immunogenic cell death, which effectively reverses the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and augments antitumor immunity. This study demonstrates that A‐Pt‐IR NP are potent biodegradable NIR‐II active chemotherapy/CDT nanomedicine for clinical translation.
Fructose milieu undermines the therapeutic effect of Tribulus terrestris extract on neuroblastoma cell line via maintaining mitochondrial function
Authors: Weng Jing‐Ru , Wu Chih‐Wei , Chen Yu‐Chia , Fu Mu‐Hui , Tain You‐Lin , Hung Chun‐Ying , Chen I‐Chun , Lee Chu‐Wan , Wu Kay L. H.
Published: August 2022

Fructose overconsumption promotes tumor progression. Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial tumor with about 50% 5‐year survival rate in high‐risk children. The anti‐tumor effect of Tribulus terrestris might bring new hope to neuroblastoma therapy. However, whether fructose disturbs the therapeutic effect of T. terrestris is currently unknown. In this study, the mouse neuroblastoma cell line, Neuro 2a (N2a) cells, was used to investigate the therapeutic effects of T. terrestris extract at various dosages (0.01, 1, 100 ng/ml) in regular EMEM medium or extra added fructose (20 mM) for 24 h. 100 ng/ml T. terrestris treatment significantly reduced the cell viability, whereas the cell viabilities were enhanced at the dosages of 0.01 or 1 ng/ml T. terrestris in the fructose milieu instead. The inhibition effect of T. terrestris on N2a migration was blunted in the fructose milieu. Moreover, T. terrestris effectively suppressed mitochondrial functions, including oxygen consumption rates, the activities of electron transport enzymes, the expressions of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, and mitochondrial membrane potential. These suppressions were reversed in the fructose group. In addition, the T. terrestris‐suppressed mitofusin and the T. terrestris‐enhance mitochondrial fission 1 protein were maintained at basal levels in the fructose milieu. Together, these results demonstrated that T. terrestris extract effectively suppressed the survival and migration of neuroblastoma via inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and disturbing mitochondrial dynamics. Whereas, the fructose milieu blunted the therapeutic effect of T. terrestris, particularly, when the dosage is reduced.
Effect of the extract made from Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (RAM) on the immune responses of mice to a commercial foot‐and‐mouth disease vaccine
Authors: Qin Ming , Liu Jiewei , Sakwiwatkul Kedsirin , Yan Han , Chang Xiaoyu , Chi Shengbo , Li Yutao , Li Ruili
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is an economically important animal disease because of the speed of its transmission. Routine vaccination may not be effective; RAM can be considered as a potential facilitator for this. Present study was designed to evaluate the effects of feeding different treatment of the RAM in different days on the immune responses in mice immunised with FMDV type O vaccine.

Material and methods

In experiment 1, 50 ICR mice were randomly divided into five groups with 10 animals in each group, and the basic diet containing 1% Crush of RAM for 1‐week ad libitum feeding period, 1% Crush of RAM for 6‐week ad libitum feeding period, 1% Decoction of RAM for a 1‐week ad libitum feeding period, 1% Decoction of RAM for a 6‐week ad libitum feeding period, respectively. Blood samples were collected 2 weeks after boosting for measurement of FMDV‐specific IgG level and the IgG subclasses, lymphocyte proliferation as well as production IL‐5 and IFN‐γ. In experiment 2, four groups mice were fed basic diet and basic diet containing 5% Decoction of RAM for 2‐, 4‐ and 6‐day ad libitum feeding periods, respectively. Then we collected blood samples for detecting IgG and IgG subclasses, splenocytes for lymphocyte proliferation as well as production IL‐5 and IFN‐γ, and tissue samples of small intestine for sIgA.

Results

The results indicated that 1% Decoction of RAM for a 1‐week ad libitum feeding period group and 5% Decoction of RAM for 2‐, 4‐ and 6‐day ad libitum feeding period group enhance the FMDV‐specific immune responses significantly.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results demonstrate that doses and feeding time of RAM are important to affect the immune responses.
Pharmacokinetic behaviors of soft nanoparticulate formulations of chemotherapeutics
Authors: Sarkar Mahua , Wang Yang , Ekpenyong Oscar , Liang Dong , Xie Huan
Published: August 2022

Chemotherapeutic treatment with conventional drug formulations pose numerous challenges, such as poor solubility, high cytotoxicity and serious off‐target side effects, low bioavailability, and ultimately subtherapeutic tumoral concentration leading to poor therapeutic outcomes. In the field of Nanomedicine, advances in nanotechnology have been applied with great success to design and develop novel nanoparticle‐based formulations for the treatment of various types of cancer. The approval of the first nanomedicine, Doxil® (liposomal doxorubicin) in 1995, paved the path for further development for various types of novel delivery platforms. Several different types of nanoparticles, especially organic (soft) nanoparticles (liposomes, polymeric micelles, and albumin‐bound nanoparticles), have been developed and approved for several anticancer drugs. Nanoparticulate drug delivery platform have facilitated to overcome of these challenges and offered key advantages of improved bioavailability, higher intra‐tumoral concentration of the drug, reduced toxicity, and improved efficacy. This review introduces various commonly used nanoparticulate systems in biomedical research and their pharmacokinetic (PK) attributes, then focuses on the various physicochemical and physiological factors affecting the in vivo disposition of chemotherapeutic agents encapsulated in nanoparticles in recent years. Further, it provides a review of the current landscape of soft nanoparticulate formulations for the two most widely investigated anticancer drugs, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin, that are either approved or under investigation. Formulation details, PK profiles, and therapeutic outcomes of these novel strategies have been discussed individually and in comparison, to traditional formulations.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Mentoring Teacher-Research: From Situated Practice to ‘Global’ Guidance
Authors: Smith Richard
Published: August 2022

This chapter presents a pioneering framework and provides practical guidance for those interested in mentoring teachers to research their own practice, based on the author’s experience facilitating teacher-research in Latin America and South Asia. Emphasizing issues specific to teacher-research mentoring, the chapter considers advice for: Introducing teacher-research; Planning a research timeline and communications; Record-keeping, reflection, and mentor-research; Helping teachers to select a topic and develop research questions; Guiding teachers to generate, analyse and interpret data; Supporting teachers to plan and evaluate change; Helping teachers to share and reflect on their research; and Maintaining teacher-researchers’ motivation.The chapter concludes with implications, and reflections on whether the insights offered can be seen as ‘globally’ relevant, given that they emerged originally from situated work in particular contexts
In a State of Flux: Urban Planning Programmes in Asia and Africa
Authors: Anand Geetika , Dutta Nandini
Published: August 2022

The appropriateness of planning programmes in the Global South, heavily influenced by their colonial pasts and the content developed and taught in universities of the Global North, has been widely questioned. In recent years, contemporary urban challenges, as also highlightedNational Institute of Urban Affairs by the New Urban Agenda, demand that planning education step up and be a core lever of urban transformation. Grappling with legacies from the colonial past on one hand, and looking towards achieving sustainable change in future, where does planning education in post-colonial contexts currently stand? Taking seriously the intent of the programmes, this paper asks two interrelated questions of ten Master’s level planning programmes across Africa and Asia: Who is the programme intended for, and to what end? What are the various forms of knowledge the programme intends to impart, and how? This comparative, qualitative review of planning programmes from across the two regions highlights the similarities and variations in how planning and its education are viewed and approached by different institutions. With the planning discipline currently in a state of flux in post-colonial contexts, this discussion presents an opportunity for learning and innovation through South-South exchanges and partnerships—a critical, yet under-explored area for collaboration when compared with existing North–South knowledge exchange partnerships.
The mass-degenerate SM-like Higgs and anomaly of (g − 2)μ in μ-term extended NMSSM
Authors: Shang Liangliang , Zhang XiaoFeng , Heng Zhaoxia
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We chose the μ-term extended next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model (μNMSSM) for this work, and we perform a phenomenological study based on the assumption that the observed Standard Model (SM)-like Higgs is explained by the presence of a double overlapping resonance and in light of the recent (g − 2)μ result. The study also takes into account a variety of experimental results, including Dark Matter (DM) direct detections and results from sparticle searches at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We study the properties of DM confronted with the limits from DM direct detections. As a second step, we focus our attention on the properties of the mass-degenerate SM-like Higgs bosons and on explaining the anomaly of (g −2)μ. We conclude that the anomaly of (g −2)μ can be explained in the scenario with two mass-degenerate SM-like Higgs, and there are samples that meet the current constraints and fit 1 − σ anomalies of Higgs data.
Probing phase structure of black holes with Lyapunov exponents
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Lu Yuhang , Mu Benrong , Wang Peng
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We conjecture that there exists a relationship between Lyapunov exponents and black hole phase transitions. To support our conjecture, Lyapunov exponents of the motion of particles and ring strings are calculated for Reissner-Nordström-AdS black holes. When a phase transition occurs, the Lyapunov exponents become multivalued, and branches of the Lyapunov exponents coincide with black hole phases. Moreover, the discontinuous change in the Lyapunov exponents can be treated as an order parameter, and has a critical exponent of 1/2 near the critical point. Our findings reveal that Lyapunov exponents can be an efficient tool to study phase structure of black holes.
Universal dynamics of heavy operators in boundary CFT2
Authors: Numasawa Tokiro , Tsiares Ioannis
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We derive a universal asymptotic formula for generic boundary conditions for the average value of the bulk-to-boundary and boundary Operator Product Expansion coefficients of any unitary, compact two-dimensional Boundary CFT (BCFT) with c > 1. The asymptotic limit consists of taking one or more boundary primary operators — which transform under a single copy of the Virasoro algebra — to have parametrically large conformal dimension for fixed central charge. In particular, we find a single universal expression that interpolates between distinct heavy regimes, exactly as in the case of bulk OPE asymptotics [1]. The expression depends universally on the boundary entropy and the central charge, and not on any other details of the theory. We derive these asymptotics by studying crossing symmetry of various correlation functions on higher genus Riemann surfaces with open boundaries. Essential in the derivation is the use of the irrational versions of the crossing kernels that relate holomorphic Virasoro blocks in different channels. Our results strongly suggest an extended version of the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis for boundary OPE coefficients, where the hierarchy between the diagonal and non-diagonal term in the ansatz is further controlled by the boundary entropy. We finally comment on the applications of our results in the context of AdS3/BCFT2, as well as on the recent relation of BCFTs with lower dimensional models of evaporating black holes.
Development of a two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry method for the determination of vitamin D2 in mushrooms
Authors: Zelzer Sieglinde , Meinitzer Andreas , Enko Dietmar , Herrmann Markus , Goessler Walter
Published: August 2022

Different foods, especially mushrooms, are a valuable source of vitamin D2. However, published concentrations in mushrooms show large variabilities. One reason for this is certainly the high biological variability caused by growth conditions, and another could also be found in the analytical methodology. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a sensitive and highly selective two-dimensional liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for vitamin D2 analysis in mushrooms. After validation, the method was applied to four different mushroom species. The developed method with a one-step extraction procedure showed a limit of detection of 0.01 µg vitamin D2/g dry mass (DM), a limit of quantification of 0.05 µg vitamin D2/g DM, and recovery rates between 87.6 and 94.8%. The total run time including the re-equilibration of the columns for the next injection was 7.5 min. After adding increased concentrations of pure substance to Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes, and brown and white button mushrooms the standard addition plot showed excellent correlation coefficients (R2) of > 0.9994. Mean vitamin D2 concentrations were observed at 0.122 ± 0.007, 0.074 ± 0.005, 0.099 ± 0.007, and 0.073 ± 0.005 µg/g DM. The coefficient of variation (CV) was between 5.1 and 7.6%. This well-optimized, sensitive LC–MS/MS method, with a fast and simple sample preparation and a short run time, can be applied to future studies especially in different mushroom species with variable growing conditions. This will improve our knowledge about the vitamin D2 content in mushrooms.

Graphical abstract
Prognostic value of pulmonary transit time by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Pamminger Mathias , Reindl Martin , Kranewitter Christof , Troger Felix , Tiller Christina , Holzknecht Magdalena , Lechner Ivan , Poskaite Paulina , Klug Gert , Kremser Christian , Reinstadler Sebastian J. , Metzler Bernhard , Mayr Agnes
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the prognostic value of pulmonary transit time (pTT) determined by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) after acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Comprehensive CMR examinations were performed in 207 patients 3 days and 4 months after reperfused STEMI. Functional parameters and infarct characteristics were assessed. PTT was defined as the interval between peaks of gadolinium contrast time-intensity curves in the right and left ventricles in first-pass perfusion imaging. Cox regression models were calculated to assess the association between pTT and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of death, re-infarction, and congestive heart failure.

Results

PTT was 8.6 s at baseline and 7.8 s at the 4-month CMR. In Cox regression, baseline pTT (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.22; p = 0.009) remained significantly associated with MACE occurrence after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac index. The association of pTT and MACE remained significant also after adjusting for infarct size and microvascular obstruction size. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, pTT ≥ 9.6 s was associated with MACE (p < 0.001). Addition of pTT to LVEF resulted in a categorical net reclassification improvement of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.27 to 1.20; p = 0.002) and integrated discrimination improvement of 0.07 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.13; p = 0.007).

Conclusions

After reperfused STEMI, CMR-derived pTT was associated with hard clinical events with prognostic information independent of and incremental to infarct size and LV systolic function.

Key Points

• Pulmonary transit time is the duration it takes the heart to pump blood from the right chambers across lung vessels to the left chambers.

• This prospective single-centre study showed inferior outcome in patients with prolonged pulmonary transit time after myocardial infarction.

• Pulmonary transit time assessed by magnetic resonance imaging added incremental information to established prognostic markers.
Bilateral glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) in elite gymnasts
Authors: Doyscher Ralf J , Rühl Leopold , Czichy Benjamin , Neumann Konrad , Denecke Timm , Wolfarth Bernd , Rodeo Scott A , Scheibel Markus
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The “Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD)” is known as the difference in internal rotation range of motion (IRRM) between the dominant and non-dominant shoulder of overhead athletes as a result of asymmetric loading. As in contrast loading pattern in gymnastics are quite symmetric and structural changes often occur bilaterally, the question arises if GIRD might develop bilaterally in gymnasts as one source of common bilateral shoulder pathologies and to search for underlying structural adaptations.

Materials and methods

A group of 35 elite gymnasts (8–24 years) were recruited from a local Olympic Training Centre and compared to a paired cohort of 28 non-overhead athletes. Clinical examinations, digital range of motion (ROM)-measurement, ultrasonographic humeral torsion measurement, and standardized MRI scans of both shoulders were obtained and examined for structural pathologies, cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the rotator cuff muscles and capsular thickness.

Results

ROM-measurements showed significant decrease in IRRM in the gymnasts groups by age, with IRRM of 48.6° (SD: 8.4°, CI 95%: 43.0–54.3°) at age group 1 (8–10 years) and IRRM of 10° (SD: 11.4°; CI 95%: 0–22.0°) at age group 4 (18–26 years), that was statistically significant for the entire cohort (p = 0.017) compared to the controls. CSA were not significantly different between the cohorts, while there was a slightly increased humeral retrotorsion in the gymnasts as well as a statistically significant posterior capsular thickening.

Conclusion

A new bilateral form of GIRD was identified in higher age groups of youth and senior elite gymnasts enrolled in this study. Despite to former definition of GIRD there was no compensatory increase in external rotation range of motion (ERRM) but an association with posterior capsular thickening, while there was no periscapular muscle hypertrophy. Humeral retrotorsion was also slightly increased in the gymnasts group.
Discrepancy between high non-verbal intelligence and low accuracy at reading emotional expressions in the eyes reflects the magnitude of social–emotional difficulties in autism
Authors: Hadjikhani Nouchine , Galazka Martyna , Kenet Tal , Joseph Robert , Åsberg Johnels Jakob
Published: August 2022

Many so-called “high functioning” autistic individuals struggle with daily living skills, and have poorer than expected adult outcomes in employment, relationships, and quality of life. Significant discrepancies between non-verbal intelligence and emotional processing can be observed in autism, but the role of the magnitude of this gap in achieving potential psychosocial outcome is not known. Here, we show in a large group of participants (n = 107), that only among those with an autism diagnosis (n = 33), the gap between non-verbal intelligence (as measured by Raven’s matrices) and the ability to perform the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test significantly predicts self-perceived emotional/social difficulties as assessed by the Empathy Quotient. Our results suggest that it is specifically the magnitude of the gap between (high) levels of abstract reasoning skills and poor proficiency in reading emotions expressed by the eyes that predicts self-perceived difficulties in emotional and social interactions among adults with autism. A better understanding of the underlying causes of the discrepancy between potential and actual psychosocial outcomes is the first step toward developing the most appropriate support for this vulnerable population, and our study offers some potentially important insights in this regard.
Why do we climb mountains? An exploration of features of behavioural addiction in mountaineering and the association with stress-related psychiatric disorders
Authors: Habelt Leonie , Kemmler Georg , Defrancesco Michaela , Spanier Bianca , Henningsen Peter , Halle Martin , Sperner-Unterweger Barbara , Hüfner Katharina
Published: August 2022

Common knowledge implies that individuals engaging in outdoor sports and especially in regular and extreme mountaineering are exceptionally healthy and hardened. Physical activity in outdoor environments has a positive effect on physical and mental health. However, regular and/or extreme mountaineering might share similarities with behavioural addictions and could thus also have a negative impact on health. In this cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study, we collected data on exercise and mountaineering addiction (Exercise Addiction Inventory; original and adapted version for mountaineering; Exercise Dependence Scale adapted version for mountaineering). Further surveyed parameters included mountaineering habits, Risk-Taking Inventory, Sensation-Seeking/Emotion Regulation/Agency Scale (SEAS), resilience, self-perceived stress, physical activity in metabolic units and mental health. Comparisons were performed between individuals with symptoms of addiction to mountaineering (MA) and individuals without symptoms of addiction to mountaineering or sports in general (CO) using non-parametric analyses. We analysed data from 335 participants, n = 88 thereof with addiction to mountaineering (MA) and n = 247 control participants (CO). The MA group scored significantly higher with regards to self-perceived stress (p < 0.001) and included a significantly higher number of individuals affected by symptoms of depression (p < 0.001), symptoms of anxiety (p < 0.001), symptoms of eating disorders (p < 0.001), alcohol abuse or dependence (p < 0.001), illicit drug abuse (p = 0.050), or current and history of psychiatric disorders (p < 0.001). Individuals with MA showed higher values in all SEAS subscales as well as increased risk-taking (p < 0.001). Regular and extreme mountaineering can display features of a behavioural addiction and is associated with psychiatric disorders. Behavioural addiction in mountaineering is associated with higher levels of sensation-seeking, emotion regulation, and agency, as well as increased risk-taking.