bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐center serological surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2 in pregnant patients presenting to labor and delivery
Authors: Boggess Kim A. , Stringer Elizabeth M. , Robinson Whitney R. , Munoz M. Cristina , Goodnight William H. , Rahangdale Lisa , Vora Neeta L. , Rosenbaum Alan J. , Bala Vidhya , Ivins Amber , Narowski Tara M. , Jadi Ramesh , Premkumar Lakshmanane
Published: November 2022

Objective

To measure maternal/fetal SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels.

Methods

A prospective observational study of eligible parturients admitted to the hospital for infant delivery was conducted between April and September 2020. SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels were measured in maternal and umbilical cord specimens using an in‐house ELISA based on the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. Among SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositive patients, spike RBD antibody isotypes (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and ACE2 inhibiting antibodies were measured.

Results

In total, 402 mothers were enrolled and spike RBD antibodies in 388 pregnancies were measured (336 maternal and 52 cord specimens). Of them, 19 were positive (15 maternal, 4 cord) resulting in a seroprevalence estimate of 4.8% (95% confidence interval 2.9–7.4). Of the 15 positive maternal specimens, all had cord blood tested. Of the 15 paired specimens, 14 (93.3%) were concordant. Four of the 15 pairs were from symptomatic mothers, and all four showed high spike‐ACE2 blocking antibody levels, compared to only 3 of 11 (27.3%) from asymptomatic mothers.

Conclusion

A variable antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in pregnancy among asymptomatic infections compared to symptomatic infections was found, the significance of which is unknown. Although transfer of transplacental neutralizing antibodies occurred, additional research is needed to determine how long maternal antibodies can protect the infant against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
α‐Synuclein aggregation causes muscle atrophy through neuromuscular junction degeneration
Authors: Yang Qiumei , Wang Yanyan , Zhao Chunsong , Pang Shimin , Lu Jing , Chan Piu
Published: November 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), showing mitochondrial oxidative stress in skeletal muscle. The aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) to induce oxidative stress is a key pathogenic process of PD; nevertheless, we know little about its potential role in regulating peripheral nerves and the function of the muscles they innervate.

Methods

To investigate the role of α‐Syn aggregation on neuromuscular system, we used the Thy1 promoter to overexpress human α‐Syn transgenic mice (mThy1‐hSNCA). hα‐Syn expression was evaluated by western blot, and its localization was determined by confocal microscopy. The impact of α‐Syn aggregation on the structure and function of skeletal muscle mitochondria and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), as well as muscle mass and function were characterized by flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, Seahorse XF24 metabolic assay, and AAV9 in vivo injection. We assessed the regenerative effect of mitochondrial‐targeted superoxide dismutase (Mito‐TEMPO) after skeletal muscle injury in mThy1‐hSNCA mice.

Results

Overexpressed hα‐Syn protein localized in motor neuron axons and NMJs in muscle and formed aggregates. α‐Syn aggregation increased the number of abnormal mitochondrial in the intramuscular axons and NMJs by over 60% (P < 0.01), which inhibited the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from presynaptic vesicles in NMJs (P < 0.05). The expression of genes associated with NMJ activity, neurotransmission and regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic process were significantly decreased in mThy1‐hSNCA mice, resulting in ROS production elevated by ~220% (P < 0.05), thereby exacerbating oxidative stress. Such process altered mitochondrial spatial relationships to sarcomeric structures, decreased Z‐line spacing by 36% (P < 0.05) and increased myofibre apoptosis by ~10% (P < 0.05). Overexpression of α‐Syn altered the metabolic profile of muscle satellite cells (MuSCs), including basal respiratory capacity (~170% reduction) and glycolytic capacity (~150% reduction) (P < 0.05) and decreased cell migration and fusion during muscle regeneration (~60% and ~40%, respectively) (P < 0.05). We demonstrated that Mito‐TEMPO treatment could restore the oxidative stress status (the complex I/V protein and enzyme activities increased ~200% and ~150%, respectively), which caused by α‐Syn aggregation, and improve the ability of muscle regeneration after injury. In addition, the NMJ receptor fragmentation and ACh secretion were also improved.

Conclusions

These results reveal that the α‐synuclein aggregation plays an important role in regulating acetylcholine release from neuromuscular junctions and induces intramuscular mitochondrial oxidative stress, which can provide new insights into the aetiology of muscle atrophy in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Impact of probiotics on muscle mass, muscle strength and lean mass: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Prokopidis Konstantinos , Giannos Panagiotis , Kirwan Richard , Ispoglou Theocharis , Galli Francesco , Witard Oliver C. , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos K. , Kechagias Konstantinos S. , Morwani‐Mangnani Jordi , Ticinesi Andrea , Isanejad Masoud
Published: November 2022

Probiotics have shown potential to counteract sarcopenia, although the extent to which they can influence domains of sarcopenia such as muscle mass and strength in humans is unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to explore the impact of probiotic supplementation on muscle mass, total lean mass and muscle strength in human adults. A literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception until June 2022. Eligible RCTs compared the effect of probiotic supplementation versus placebo on muscle and total lean mass and global muscle strength (composite score of all muscle strength outcomes) in adults (>18 years). To evaluate the differences between groups, a meta‐analysis was conducted using the random effects inverse‐variance model by utilizing standardized mean differences. Twenty‐four studies were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis exploring the effects of probiotics on muscle mass, total lean mass and global muscle strength. Our main analysis (k = 10) revealed that muscle mass was improved following probiotics compared with placebo (SMD: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.10–0.74, I2 = 57%, P = 0.009), although no changes were revealed in relation to total lean mass (k = 12; SMD: ‐0.03, 95% CI: −0.19 – 0.13, I2 = 0%, P = 0.69). Interestingly, a significant increase in global muscle strength was also observed among six RCTs (SMD: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.33–1.06, I2 = 64%, P = 0.0002). Probiotic supplementation enhances both muscle mass and global muscle strength; however, no beneficial effects were observed in total lean mass. Investigating the physiological mechanisms underpinning different ageing groups and elucidating appropriate probiotic strains for optimal gains in muscle mass and strength are warranted.
A test of the evolutionary theory's account of punishment superimposed on single‐alternative schedules
Authors: McDowell J. J , Klapes Bryan , Arashanapalli Shubhang
Published: November 2022

A test of the evolutionary theory was conducted by replicating Bradshaw et al.'s (1977, 1978, 1979) experiments in which human participants worked on single‐alternative variable‐interval (VI) schedules of reinforcement under three punishment conditions: no punishment, superimposed VI punishment, and superimposed variable‐ratio (VR) punishment. Artificial organisms (AOs) animated by the theory worked in the same environments. Four principal findings were reported for the human participants: (1) their behavior was well described by an hyperbola in all conditions, (2) the asymptote of the hyperbola under VI punishment was equal to the asymptote in the absence of punishment, but the asymptote under VR punishment was lower than the asymptote in the absence of punishment, (3) the parameter in the denominator of the hyperbola was larger under both VI and VR punishment than in the absence of punishment, and (4) response suppression under punishment was greater at lower than at higher reinforcement frequencies. These four outcomes were also observed in the behavior of the AOs working in the same environments, thereby confirming the theory's first‐order predictions about the effects of punishment on single‐alternative responding.
Changes in lengths of the four seasons in China and the relationship with changing climate during 1961–2020
Authors: Yiqi Chen , Yuanjie Zhang , Yubin Li , Shugang Song
Published: November 2022

The spatial–temporal characteristics of changes in lengths and onsets of the four seasons in China during 1961–2020 are investigated using daily temperature observations from weather stations. The relationship between changes in season lengths and climate change is also explored based on annual temperature variation, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The results show that lengths of spring and autumn are shorter in the plateau region but longer in the southwest compared with other regions. In the past 60 years, the onset was generally advanced for spring and summer, whereas it was delayed for autumn and winter. Lengths of summer (winter) showed an overall increase (decrease) as 10.78 days (11.74 days) from the 1960s to the 2010s, which is positively (negatively) correlated with the temperature variation. Comparatively, changes in lengths of spring and autumn are much smaller and weakly correlated with the temperature variation. However, lengths of spring and autumn significantly increased in the plateau region and parts of the southwest and decreased in the south, which is positively and negatively correlated with the temperature trend, respectively. Changes in season lengths in China are also related to the AMO and modulated by the PDO phases. At the ~55‐year scale, summer lengths and winter lengths are simultaneously affected by the AMO and the PDO. The impact of the AMO on changes in lengths of spring and autumn is mainly due to its effect on the nonlinear trend associated with long‐term climate change.
Microporous Matrimid/PIM‐1 Thin Film Composite Membranes with Narrow Pore Size Distribution used for Molecular Separation in Organic Solvents
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Feng Weilin , Zhang Mengxiao , Wang Xiaohe , Fang Chuanjie , Wang Jianyu , Zhang Lin , Zhu Liping
Published: November 2022

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are a class of microporous organic materials that contain interconnected pores of less than 2 nm in diameter. Such materials are of great potential used in membranes for molecular separation, such as drug fractionation in pharmaceutical industry. However, the PIMs membranes are often susceptible to low separation selectivity toward different molecules due to their wide pore size distribution. Herein, a linear polyimide, Matrimid, is incorporated with PIM‐1 (a typical member of PIMs) by solution blending, and the blends are dip‐coated onto a polyimide P84 support membrane to prepare thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes to control pore size distribution while keep high microporosity. The component miscibility, pore characteristics, and molecular separation performances of the Matrimid/PIM‐1 TFC membranes are investigated in detail. The Matrimid and PIM‐1 are partially miscible due to their similar Hansen solubility parameters. The Matrimid endows the selective layers (coatings) with narrower pore size distribution due to more compact chain packing. The prepared Matrimid/PIM‐1 TFC membranes show high selectivity for separation of riboflavin (80% of retention) and isatin (only 5% of retention). The developed membranes exhibit great potential for separating molecules with different molecular weights.
The condylar capping for microvascular temporomandibular joint reconstruction: A preliminary study
Authors: Gaggl Alexander , Enzinger Simon , Bürger Heinz , Rasse Michael , Bottini Gian Battista
Published: November 2022

Background

Defects of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are often difficult to be reconstructed in the correct dimensions and function. This preliminary study aims to describe a novel technique of condylar reconstruction with a microvascular flap in case of deforming arthrosis of the TMJ: condylar capping.

Patients and Methods

Four patients between 22 and 62 years old—three females and one male—with severe unilateral arthrosis of the TMJ underwent condylar capping. All patients had already had a failed conservative treatment, followed by arthroscopy with lysis and lavage and later open surgery with total or subtotal diskectomy combined with a condylar arthroplasty. Nevertheless, their pain was still at level six or more on a visual analogue scale. Moreover, they could eat only soft food. At this stage, they underwent condylar capping using an osteochondral lateral femoral condyle (LFC) flap. The surgical technique and the postoperative management are described in detail. Crucially the attachment of the lateral pterygoid muscle to the condylar neck was preserved in all cases. The patients were followed up clinically and by CT scan preoperatively, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

The mean height of the reconstructed neo‐condyle was 6.0 mm, the mean width 16.2 mm, and the mean sagittal length 9.8 mm. The follow‐up period ranged from 14 to 64 months. The procedures were uneventful for all patients, and the donor site morbidity was negligible. Twelve months later, the patients were all pain‐free and able to have a regular diet. The TMJ and the knee had a normal range of movement and power. Postoperative imaging demonstrated bone healing and stable and anatomically correct condyle reconstruction.

Conclusions

Based on the author's experience, the condylar capping with the LFC appears promising for reconstructing the condylar head in cases of severe osteoarthritis. Preserving the attachment of the lateral pterygoid muscle allows a complete restoration of the physiologic range of movement, including protrusion and laterotrusion of the mandible.
A cluster‐randomized controlled trial of automated internet weight‐loss programs in primary care: Role of automated provider feedback
Authors: Tate Deborah F. , Kraschnewski Jennifer L. , Martinez Caitlin , Diamond Molly , Veldheer Susan , Hwang Kevin O. , Lehman Erik B. , Yang Chengwu , Sciamanna Christopher N.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Despite the high prevalence of obesity and associated health risks in the United States adult population, few primary care providers (PCPs) have time and training to provide weight‐management counseling to their patients. This study aims to compare the effect of referral to a comprehensive automated digital weight‐loss program, with or without provider email feedback, with usual care on weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity.

Methods

A total of 550 adults (mean [SD], 51.4 [11.2] years, BMI = 35.1 [5.5] kg/m2, 72.0% female) were enrolled through their PCPs (n = 31). Providers were randomly assigned to refer their patients to a 12‐month internet weight‐loss intervention only (IWL), the intervention plus semiautomated feedback from the provider (IWL + PCP), or to usual care (EUC). Weight was measured at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

Weight changes (mean [SE]) at 12 months were −0.92 (0.46), −3.68 (0.46), and −3.58 (0.48) kg in the EUC, IWL, and IWL + PCP groups, respectively. Outcomes were significantly different in EUC versus IWL and EUC versus IWL + PCP (p < 0.001), but not in IWL versus IWL + PCP.

Conclusions

Referral by PCPs to an automated weight‐loss program holds promise for patients with obesity. Future research should explore ways to further promote accountability and adherence.
Inflammasomes: Cause or consequence of obesity‐associated comorbidities in humans
Authors: Herrera‐Martínez Aura D. , Herrero‐Aguayo Vicente , Pérez‐Gómez Jesús M. , Gahete Manuel D. , Luque Raúl M.
Published: November 2022

Inflammasomes are multiprotein intracellular complexes composed of innate immune system receptors and sensors; they activate the inflammatory cascade in response to infectious microbes and/or molecules derived from host proteins. Because of cytokine secretion, inflammasomes can induce amplified systemic responses, its dysregulation can exacerbate symptoms in infectious diseases, and it has been related to the development of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and even cancer. Obesity is associated with a chronic low‐grade inflammation, in which circulating proinflammatory cytokines are elevated. Some publications describe changes in inflammation markers as a consequence of obesity, but others suggest that chronic inflammation might cause obesity (e.g., C‐reactive protein): these assumptions reflect the difficulty of identifying the appropriate role of inflammation as cause or consequence of obesity and its related complications. Obesity is recognized as a clinical risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. Changes in the expression of inflammasomes are described in some of these obesity‐related complications, and moreover, its modulation might exert a beneficial effect in some cases. Despite some contradictory results, most publications suggest a promising clinical effect based on in vitro and in vivo experiments. In this review, we summarized recent publications about inflammasome dysregulation in humans and its relationship with obesity‐related comorbidities.
Bath‐plug technique for the endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks in children
Authors: Yang Xiaojian , Tang Lixing , Wang Pengpeng , Ge Ming , Zhang Wei , Xiao Xiao , Han Yang , Ge Wentong
Published: November 2022

Importance

The safety and efficacy of the bath‐plug technique for the closure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in children remain unknown.

Objective

We undertook this study to ascertain whether the bath‐plug technique was safe and effective for the repair of CSF leaks.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent endoscopic repair of CSF leaks with the fat graft as a plug‐in at Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2016 to May 2020. Demographic data, medical history, defect sites and sizes, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. One representative clinical case was additionally selected to highlight the procedure and the healing process.

Results

A total of 18 pediatric patients were included in this study. The group was composed of 11 boys and seven girls, aged from 5 to 123 months. The etiologies included congenital CSF leaks (n = 9) and head trauma (n = 9). Among all patients, 12 fistulas (66.7%) were located at the cribriform plate area, two (11.1%) at the roof of the ethmoid sinuses, two (11.1%) in the sphenoid sinus, and two (11.1%) at the frontal sinus. The maximum diameters of fistulas ranged from 5 to 20 mm, with a median value of 8 mm. Encephaloceles were identified in 14 (77.8%) patients. No hydrocephalus was recognized. All CSF leaks were successfully repaired with a bath‐plug technique. Follow‐up ranged from 50 to 70 months. No surgical complications were encountered in any patient.

Interpretation

Bath‐plug technique is safe and reliable for the endoscopic management of CSF leaks in children. Meticulous peri‐operative preparations are important for pediatric patients.
Cationic bottlebrush brush polymers via sequential SI‐ROMP and SI‐ARGET‐ATRP
Authors: Poisson Jade , Christopherson Cheyenne J , Hudson Zachary M
Published: November 2022

Here we describe a facile approach to preparing cationic bottlebrush brush polymers via sequential surface‐initiated (SI) ring‐opening metathesis polymerization and SI activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. These techniques afforded both bottlebrush polymer brushes and their linear polymer brush analogues with cationic triphenylphosphonium pendant groups. Utilization of two controlled polymerization techniques with orthogonal requirements for monomers and additives allowed the polymerization of the backbone and the pendant side chains to be controlled independently. Grafting polymer side chains to a polymer brush backbone resulted in a thickness increase of ca 70%, indicating that the polymers are forced into a stretched conformation with greater surface coverage than was afforded by the linear brush polymers. As a result of the stretched conformation, greater ionic conductivity in the bottlebrush brush architectures was observed. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Performance evaluation of IEC 60891:2021 procedures for correcting I–V curves of photovoltaic modules under healthy and faulty conditions
Authors: Li Baojie , Diallo Demba , Migan‐Dubois Anne , Delpha Claude
Published: November 2022

Correction of PV modules' current–voltage characteristics (I–V curves) is essential before they can be used for performance analysis and fault diagnosis under real‐life conditions. IEC 60891 (version 2021) has updated Procedure 2 and proposed a new correction Procedure 4 compared to the 2009 version. This study aims to analyze the performance of these new procedures applied to I–V curves of faulty PV modules. The work is based on an mc‐Si PV module considering healthy and four common fault conditions with varying fault severity. The irradiance and temperature measured in the field are used to generate I–V curves. The correction procedures of IEC 60891 (version 2021) based on a single curve (Procedures 1, 2, and 4) are evaluated. Environmental factors such as measurement season and irradiation level on the correction performance are studied. The results show that Procedure 2 is relatively better with the relative root‐mean‐square error of the curve current as 2.6% compared to Procedure 1 (2.8%) and Procedure 4 (4.8%). Experimental tests using real I–V curves also show that Procedure 2 exhibits better robustness of correction. The new Procedure 4, whose correction coefficients are determined dynamically, performs poorly under partial shading and short‐circuit bypass conditions. However, it achieves similar or better performance than Procedures 1 and 2 under degraded conditions, where the PV fault is generally not easy to detect, making the I–V correction more necessary. It is, therefore, a promising alternative correction procedure when it is difficult to determine the correction coefficients in advance. Finally, the pros and cons of the procedures are discussed with the suggestion of correction procedures under different conditions. The challenges and prospects are also provided.
Effects of a ritonavir‐containing regimen on the pharmacokinetics of sirolimus or everolimus in healthy adult subjects
Authors: Zha Jiuhong , Jiang Qi , Yao Betty B. , Cohen Daniel E. , Carter David C. , Menon Rajeev M.
Published: November 2022

The immunosuppressive agents sirolimus and everolimus are sensitive CYP3A4 substrates with narrow therapeutic index. Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A inhibitor. A phase 1 study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of the co‐administration of sirolimus or everolimus with the ritonavir‐containing 3D regimen of the direct‐acting antiviral agents ombitasvir, ritonavir‐boosted paritaprevir, and dasabuvir in healthy subjects. This study had two independent arms, each with a two‐period, single‐sequence, crossover study design. A single dose of sirolimus 2 mg (N = 12) or everolimus 0.75 mg (N = 12) was administered in Period 1. In Period 2, multiple doses of the 3D regimen (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir 25/150/100 mg once daily and dasabuvir 250 mg twice daily) were administered for 34 or 28 days, with a single dose of sirolimus 0.5 mg or everolimus 0.75 mg co‐administered on Day 15. Following co‐administration with the 3D regimen, the sirolimus dose‐normalized maximum observed blood concentration (Cmax) and area under the blood concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf) increased to 6.4‐fold and 38‐fold, respectively. Following co‐administration with the 3D regimen, the everolimus Cmax and AUCinf increased to 4.7‐fold and 27‐fold, respectively. Sirolimus and everolimus half‐lives increased from 96 to 249 h, and 42 to 118 h, respectively. There were no major safety or tolerability issues in this study. The ritonavir‐containing 3D regimen resulted in a significant increase in sirolimus or everolimus exposure, consistent with the known strong inhibitory effect of ritonavir on CYP3A requiring dose and/or frequency modification when co‐administered with each other.
High‐resolution ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry for isomeric separation of prostanoids after Girard's reagent T derivatization
Authors: Lamont Lieke , Hadavi Darya , Bowman Andrew P. , Flinders Bryn , Cooper‐Shepherd Dale , Palmer Martin , Jordens Jan , Mengerink Ynze , Honing Maarten , Langridge James , Porta Siegel Tiffany , Vreeken Rob J. , Heeren Ron M. A.
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Isomeric separation of prostanoids is often a challenge and requires chromatography and time‐consuming sample preparation. Multiple prostanoid isomers have distinct in vivo functions crucial for understanding the inflammation process, including prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and D2 (PGD2). High‐resolution ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) based on linear ion transport in low‐to‐moderate electric fields and nonlinear ion transport in strong electric fields emerges as a broad approach for rapid separations prior to mass spectrometry.

Methods

Derivatization with Girard's reagent T (GT) was used to overcome inefficient ionization of prostanoids in negative ionization mode due to poor deprotonation of the carboxylic acid group. Three high‐resolution IMS techniques, namely linear cyclic IMS, linear trapped IMS, and nonlinear high‐field asymmetric waveform IMS, were compared for the isomeric separation and endogenous detection of prostanoids present in intestinal tissue.

Results

Direct infusion of GT‐derivatized prostanoids proved to increase the ionization efficiency in positive ionization mode by a factor of >10, which enabled detection of these molecules in endogenous concentration levels. The high‐resolution IMS comparison revealed its potential for rapid isomeric analysis of biologically relevant prostanoids. Strengths and weaknesses of both linear and nonlinear IMS are discussed. Endogenous prostanoid detection in intestinal tissue extracts demonstrated the applicability of our approach in biomedical research.

Conclusions

The applied derivatization strategy offers high sensitivity and improved stereoisomeric separation for screening of complex biological systems. The high‐resolution IMS comparison indicated that the best sensitivity and resolution are achieved by linear and nonlinear IMS, respectively.
Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of New Iminodihydrofurans Containing Thiazolidinone Ring
Authors: Karapetyan Lusine V. , Tokmajyan Gayane G.
Published: November 2022

We have developed the catalyst‐free and eco‐friendly synthesis of potentially bioactive compounds comprising iminodihydrofuran and thiazolidinone rings by subsequent Michael addition/ heterocyclization and nucleophilic substitution/heterocyclization reactions according to two strategies from iminodihydrofuran thiosemicarbazones. The methodologies are simple, efficient and inexpensive affording good to excellent yields of the polyheteroconjugated products with operational simplicity.
Preparation of High Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Separators by Double‐Needle Electrospinning
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Wang Xiang , Liang Jianyu , Gu Jianbo , Feng Xiangyang , Xu Chengze
Published: November 2022

Traditional polyolefin separators suffer from poor heat resistance and wettability with electrolyte, which leads to compromised safety and electrical properties of lithium‐ion batteries. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has high thermal stability and good chemical stability, but its high crystallinity leads to low ionic conductivity. In order to solve these problems, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin was introduced in this paper, and the PVDF/PVA composite separator was prepared by double‐needle electrospinning. The introduction of PVA resin improved its mechanical properties and electrolyte wettability, and ionic conductivity after assembly into a battery. Double‐needle electrospinning process is simple and can preserve the surface properties of fibers, and the prepared composite separator had a high porosity and electrolyte uptake. The composite separator has an ionic conductivity of 2.454 mS ⋅ cm−1, a high capacity retention rate of 97.5 % after 100 charge and discharge cycles, and a capacity retention rate of 86.8 % under 2 C high‐rate discharge. The results show that the battery assembled with PVDF/PVA composite separator has high safety performance and electrical performance, and has application prospects.
Systems approach in dynamic capabilities
Authors: Liboni Lara Bartocci , Cezarino Luciana Oranges , Donaires Omar Sacilotto , Zollo Maurizio
Published: November 2022

The ontology of dynamic capabilities (DCs) is grounded in a systemic perspective of organisational strategy. In a controversial move, DCs theory adopts systems thinking as a metaphorical reference, not a possible research method. Systemic methodologies can provide a holistic management perception and guide managers to develop DCs differently, considering the deliberate learning and design process as a non‐linear dynamism of causal loops. Calling attention to the conceptual origins, this work proposes a framework based on systemic methodologies to manage and develop organisational DCs. Based on two different systemic methodologies, the viable system model (VSM) and soft systems methodology (SSM), we integrate the systems approach of learning and design into DCs management guidelines.
Fatigue lives of self compacting concrete containing recycled concrete aggregates and blended cements
Authors: Saini Babanpreet Singh , Singh Surinder Pal
Published: November 2022

An effort has been made to enhance the flexural fatigue lives of self compacting concrete (SCC) in which half of the natural aggregates (NA) were substituted with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) by means of blended cements. Blended SCC mixes containing either silica fume (SF) or metakaolin (MK) along with cement, and fly ash (FA) was also adopted. Fatigue lives have been evaluated as mean value, design value life and theoretical value. The Weibull distribution parameters were utilized for the valuation of mean and design values of fatigue lives for different considered mixes. It has been observed that adding RCA in SCC causes degradation in the fatigue lives, which can be enhanced by adopting the blended mixture comprising of SF or MK, cement and FA. Both SF and MK established a promising result in improving fatigue lives. Still, the blend of MK in SCC contributed most effectively in enhancing the fatigue life of SCC comprising RCA.
Toxicokinetics, dose–response, and risk assessment of nanomaterials: Methodology, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Chen Qiran , Riviere Jim E. , Lin Zhoumeng
Published: November 2022

The rapid growth of nanomaterial applications has raised safety concerns for human health. A number of studies have been conducted to assess the toxicokinetics, toxicology, dose–response, and risk assessment of different nanomaterials using in vitro and in vivo animal and human models. However, current studies cannot meet the demand for efficient assessment of toxicokinetics, dose–response relationships, or the toxicological risk arising from the rapidly increasing number of newly synthesized nanomaterials. In this article, we review the methods for conducting toxicokinetics, hazard identification, dose–response, exposure, and risk assessment studies of nanomaterials, identify the knowledge gaps, and discuss the challenges remaining. We provide the rationale behind the appropriate design of nanomaterial plasma toxicokinetic and tissue distribution studies, including caveats on the interpretation and correlation of in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies. The potential of using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to extrapolate toxicokinetic and toxicity findings from in vitro to in vivo and from animals to humans is discussed, and the knowledge gaps of PBPK modeling for nanomaterials are identified. While challenges still exist, there has been progress in the toxicokinetics, hazard identification, and risk assessment of nanomaterials in the past two decades. Recent advancements in the field are highlighted with relevant examples. We also share latest guidelines as well as our perspectives on future studies needed to characterize the toxicokinetics, toxicity, and dose–response relationship in support of nanomaterial risk assessment.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
Nanoparticle‐peptide conjugates for bacterial detection and neutralization: Potential applications in diagnostics and therapy
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia , Martins Ivo C. , Santos Nuno C.
Published: November 2022

Infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria continue to challenge the medical field, mostly due to conventional treatments inefficiency after years of overuse and misuse in clinics. Cases of multiresistant bacterial infections are increasing every year. This led the World Health Organization (WHO) to update the list of resistant micro‐organisms that represent greatest threat to human health. To stop the growing of the global resistance to antimicrobial drugs, new alternatives are necessary to fight these pathogens. In this context, antimicrobials peptides (AMPs) emerge as a new alternative to the current antibiotics in the pharmaceutical market. To improve their antimicrobial activity, different strategies are being developed to overcome antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Nanotechnology can be used to further potentiate antimicrobials, by increasing their activity or assisting in their delivering, frequently using nanostructured materials. There are already several antimicrobial peptides used in therapeutics, some of them coupled to nanoparticles. Additionally, detection strategies taking advantage of peptides as recognition agents are also being explored. Several examples are detailed of peptides that are specific to bacterial targets, and how that specificity can be used in diagnostics systems, coupled with nanoparticles‐based signal detection approaches. Thus, the same properties of AMPs that enable specific neutralization can be harnessed to detect the very same bacteria they target. Overall, this review is focused on current research on nanoparticles coupled to antimicrobial peptides and how they can be used against multidrug‐resistant bacteria as antimicrobials and/or as detection system.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
The importance of the IL‐1 family of cytokines in nanoimmunosafety and nanotoxicology
Authors: Zhang Guofang , Luo Wenhe , Yang Wenjie , Li Su , Li Dongjie , Zeng Yanqiao , Li Yang
Published: November 2022

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) to which humans are exposed intentionally as nanomedicines or unintentionally as invaders, may elicit unforeseen immune reactions. An uncontrollable ENM‐induced immune response poses a potential danger to the human body. During an immunological reaction, interleukin (IL)‐1 family cytokines, which play key roles under both physiological and pathological conditions, can be secreted by various types of cells into the surrounding environment to induce a series of defensive reactions. However, the crucial roles played by IL‐1 family cytokines in ENM‐induced immunological responses have not attracted enough attention from researchers to date. In this review, ENM‐mediated inflammatory responses and immunotoxicity are discussed, with the main focus directed to IL‐1 family cytokines, including IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐1Ra, IL‐18, IL‐33, IL‐36, IL‐37, and IL‐38. The potential molecular mechanisms of IL‐1 family cytokine activity triggered by ENMs, particularly the activation of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐18, and IL‐33, are also reviewed. The understanding of IL‐1 family cytokines on nanoimmunosafety provides a fundamental basis for designing safe ENMs that can potentially be used for nanomedicine.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Social leisure time activities as a mediating link between self-reported psychological symptoms in adolescence and psychiatric morbidity by young adulthood: the Northern Finland 1986 Birth Cohort study
Authors: Timonen Johanna , Niemelä Mika , Hakko Helinä , Alakokkare Anni , Räsänen Sami
Published: November 2022

Research indicates that adolescent psychological symptoms are associated with subsequent mental health disorders. Studies also show the association of leisure activity with improved current and future mental health. However, research is limited on whether social leisure time activity is a mediating link in the association between psychological symptoms and later psychiatric morbidity. We examined whether adolescence-related social leisure time activity, per se, is a mediating link in the association between adolescent psychological symptoms and later psychiatric morbidity. The study population was based on the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 Study (NFBC 1986; n = 6709; 3227 males). Psychological symptoms at age 15–16 years were measured with the Youth Self Report (YSR) questionnaire. Study participants’ psychiatric morbidity by the age of 33 years was assessed using the diagnoses from the nationwide health care registers. Our results showed an association between psychological symptoms and leisure time activities that varied depending on the level of social activity. Leisure time activity was found to be a mediating link between psychological symptoms in adolescence and psychiatric disorders in early adulthood. Adolescence-related leisure time activities, which differed with regard to social interactions, appeared to serve as a mediating link between adolescent psychological symptoms and later onset of psychiatric disorders. Socially active leisure time during adolescence is related to better long-term mental health, while socially inactive leisure time associates with the likelihood of later psychiatric morbidity. To prevent psychiatric disorders, enhancing such leisure time activities in society is highly recommended.
‘It’s as if I’m Worth Nothing’—Cost-Driven Restructuring and the Dignity of Long-Term Workers in Finland’s State-Owned Postal Service Company
Authors: Vieno Atte
Published: November 2022

Organisational restructuring involving cost-cutting, downsizing, and the acquisition and divestment of different functions is an increasingly normalised aspect of employment in both the private and public sectors. This article takes up the question of the effects of restructuring on workers through a study based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews of long-term workers in Finland’s state-owned postal service, using the concept of dignity as an analytical lens. The article distinguishes between everyday, organisational, and social dignity, using this distinction to capture how workers strove to sustain dignity in a process of organisational restructuring that generated dignity threats related to occupational devaluation. The study shows how dignity in postal work has been dependent on a particular historical configuration of public service work involving the employer organisation, employment relations, and occupational values. Cost-driven restructuring has destabilised this configuration, producing a stark separation between dignity in everyday work and the organisational indignities of restructuring in postal workers’ experiences. Feeling unable to affect organisational changes in their work, postal workers have been left to sustain dignity through everyday relationality, and by drawing intra-organisational boundaries to temporary workers and upper managers based on an occupational hierarchy of commitment and competence. The study highlights the significance of organisational support for dignity at work, particularly in relation to the dignity threats generated by prolonged processes of restructuring.
Monitoring interactions through molecular dynamics simulations: effect of calcium carbonate on the mechanical properties of cellulose composites
Authors: Sáenz Ezquerro Carlos , Laspalas Manuel , García Aznar José Manuel , Crespo Miñana Cristina
Published: November 2022

This study describes the preparation and characterization of full atomistic models of amorphous cellulose and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocomposite to assess its mechanical properties within and beyond the elastic limit via molecular dynamics simulations. The interactions by hydrogen bond and conformation of the cellulose molecules from the assessment of torsional angles were specifically monitored during the tensile stretching simulations to get deep understanding of the possible structural changes produced in the material during the deformation. On the one hand, the results showed a favorable interaction of the cellulose matrix with the calcium carbonate nanoparticle, with the electrostatic contribution being dominant over the van der Waals component. The determined mechanical elastic constants indicated that the inclusion of the CaCO3 nanoparticle provided an increase on the rigidity of the composite system of 15%, 18% and 19% in the Young, shear or bulk modulus, respectively. On the other hand, using extension and compression simulations, the recovery capacity of the material systems was also assessed in terms of plastic deformation. The elastoplastic behavior was observed for either the neat or the CaCO3 nanocomposite, with an elastic limit around 2.5%. The results also showed that the presence of the CaCO3 nanoparticle produced higher values of plastic deformation in the composite material compared to the neat cellulose system and thus decreased the flexibility of the material. A hysteresis mechanism was identified together with irreversible conformational changes on the cellulose molecules which would explain the plastic deformation observed on the cellulosic systems. It was concluded that the higher plastic deformations observed in the nanocomposite system would be a result of the disruption of the network of hydrogen bonds and the associated decrease on the number of possible interactions.

Graphical Abstract
On the Top-Down Argument for the Ability to Do Otherwise
Authors: Menges Leonhard
Published: November 2022

The Top-Down Argument for the ability to do otherwise aims at establishing that humans can do otherwise in the sense that is relevant for debates about free will. It consists of two premises: first, we always need to answer the question of whether some phenomenon (such as the ability to do otherwise) exists by consulting our best scientific theories of the domain at issue. Second, our best scientific theories of human action presuppose that humans can do otherwise. This paper argues that this is not enough to establish the conclusion. The Top-Down Argument supports that humans can do otherwise in some sense. But it does not show that humans can do otherwise in the sense that is relevant for debates about free will. The paper then shows that the apparently best way to make the argument valid does not work.
An anisotropic gravity theory
Authors: García-Parrado A. , Minguzzi E.
Published: November 2022

We study an action integral for Finsler gravity obtained by pulling back an Einstein-Cartan-like Lagrangian from the tangent bundle to the base manifold. The vacuum equations are obtained imposing stationarity with respect to any section (observer) and are well posed as they are independent of the section. They imply that in vacuum the metric is actually independent of the velocity variable so the dynamics becomes coincident with that of general relativity.
Sample size recommendations for studies on reliability and measurement error: an online application based on simulation studies
Authors: Mokkink Lidwine B. , de Vet Henrica , Diemeer Susanne , Eekhout Iris
Published: November 2022

Simulation studies were performed to investigate for which conditions of sample size of patients (n) and number of repeated measurements (k) (e.g., raters) the optimal (i.e., balance between precise and efficient) estimations of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error of measurements (SEMs) can be achieved. Subsequently, we developed an online application that shows the implications for decisions about sample sizes in reliability studies. We simulated scores for repeated measurements of patients, based on different conditions of n, k, the correlation between scores on repeated measurements (r), the variance between patients’ test scores (v), and the presence of systematic differences within k. The performance of the reliability parameters (based on one-way and two-way effects models) was determined by the calculation of bias, mean squared error (MSE), and coverage and width of the confidence intervals (CI). We showed that the gain in precision (i.e., largest change in MSE) of the ICC and SEM parameters diminishes at larger values of n or k. Next, we showed that the correlation and the presence of systematic differences have most influence on the MSE values, the coverage and the CI width. This influence differed between the models. As measurements can be expensive and burdensome for patients and professionals, we recommend to use an efficient design, in terms of the sample size and number of repeated measurements to come to precise ICC and SEM estimates. Utilizing the results, a user-friendly online application is developed to decide upon the optimal design, as ‘one size fits all’ doesn’t hold.
Initial heritable genome editing: mapping a responsible pathway from basic research to the clinic
Authors: Ranisch Robert , Trettenbach Katharina , Arnason Gardar
Published: November 2022

Following the Second Summit on Human Gene Editing in Hong Kong in 2018, where the birth of two girls with germline genome editing was revealed, the need for a responsible pathway to the clinical application of human germline genome editing has been repeatedly emphasised. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion on research ethics issues in germline genome editing by exploring key issues related to the initial applications of CRISPR in reproductive medicine. Following an overview of the current discussion on bringing germline genome editing into clinical practice, we outline the specific challenges associated with such interventions and the features that distinguish them from conventional clinical testing of new medical treatments. We then review proposed ethical requirements for initial heritable genome editing, such as the absence of reasonable alternatives, the existence of sufficient and reliable preclinical data, appropriate informed consent, requirements related to safety, and long-term follow-up.