bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Clinical Profile and Management of LABC- our Experience
Authors: Nikhade Pravin , Rinait Avinash , Akulwar Anil , Surpam Shriniwas , Vikas M. Sai
Published: February 2022

Introduction and Objective: Worldwide, breast carcinoma is among the most common carcinoma in females. It is commonly seen site-specific carcinoma in females. Due to lack of education, breast carcinoma patients present in later stages of the disease to healthcare facilities, especially in developing nations. Patients with Locally advanced carcinoma breast (LABC) are commonly seen in developing nations and its treatment multidisciplinary approach. This study is our experience of clinical profile and LABC in a rural setup.

Methodology: This is a retrospective and prospective study done in the medical college. Data was taken from 72 cases that were operated on at the institute from July 2018 to June 2021 and diagnosed with LABC. Patients who had histological evidence of malignancy were undergone surgery and other treatment modalities like neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemoradiation, and hormonal therapy.

Results: Seventy-two patients diagnosed with LABC over three years were included in the study. The mean age was 51 years. The tumor size was more than 5cm in 60 (83.3%) patients. Involvement of axilla was present in 62 (86.1%) patients. All patients were diagnosed with histopathology after core needle biopsy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 62 (86.1%) patients. Most of the patients (65) were undergone MRM as surgery, while the remainder (7) were undergone breast conservation therapy. Very few patients had postoperative complications, but with limited follow-up until this study, 5 (6.9%) patients had a recurrence of their study.

Conclusion: In developing nations high percentage of Locally advanced breast carcinoma at presentation result in poor prognosis, high rate of metastasis, and mortality. Awareness and education about breast health and multimodality treatment of LABC will have long-term effects to decrease morbidity and mortality and improve outcomes.
A Review on Therapeutic Application of CRISPR/Cas9 for HIV
Authors: Mallick Chinmaya , Kaur Navneet , Thakur Neelam , Mehta Pankaj
Published: February 2022

Despite the significant progress that has been made in the battle against HIV-1, the virus remains a major threat to global health. Since it can only be suppressed with the utilization of highly active antiretroviral therapy, it remains a challenge to prevent the flow of the infection. According to UNAIDS, only 70% of individuals with HIV are diagnosed and only 53% are treated. This means that 44% of the tainted people have undetectable viral load. Despite the efforts made by various governments and private organizations, the battle against HIV infection remains a challenge that requires a comprehensive approach. The fast rise and evolution of technologies that enable the modification of qualities at the DNA level has raised hopes for an end to the epidemic. Through the employment of endonucleases, we've been able to build exact changes in DNA of being cells. The capacity to alter the outflow of the HIV gene by replicating the LTR promoter played vital role. If the promoter is edited, then the impact of viral transcription might be suppressed. Using aa more limited form of the nuclease Cas9, the evacuation of crucial parts of the infective agent ordering was with success performed in HIV transgenic mice. The outcomes showed that the decrease of HIV-RNA was significant in all examined tissues and circulating lymphocytes. (Kaminski et al. Gene Ther2016; 23:690-5). This review objective is to summarise the work of eminent researcher on the utilization of CRISPR-Cas’squality treatment for the treatment of HIV-1.
Clinical Profile of Scrub Typhus among Paediatric Age Group in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Ahamed K. F. Fayaz , Santhosh T. , Kishore .
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Scrub typhus, a dreaded disease in the pre-antibiotic era, was a serious military disease that killed thousands of people in the Far East during WWII. It is a zoonosis that is common throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands. Scrub typhus is a febrile illness characterized by a wide range of symptoms and indications. This disease has a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, from subclinical through organ failure to death. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical profile of scrub typhus infection among children in a tertiary care hospital in south India.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study of the clinical profile of 50 paedriatric children, who were admitted in the Paediatric ward of a tertiary care hospital, during the study period of JAN 2020 to DEC 2020.

Results: All children presented with fever. Other common symptoms were vomiting (56%), facial swelling (52%), cough (35%), abdominal pain (33%), breathlessness (29%) and decreased urine output (29%). High grade fever (>101 oF) was recorded in 91% of children. Other common signs were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, edema, tender lymphadenopathy and hypotension, observed in 82%, 59%, 39%, 38% and 36% of cases, respectively. An eschar and a maculopapular rash each were observed in 20% of patients. Within 48 hours of starting an appropriate antibiotic, 90% of the children became afebrile. Overall, there was a 7.5 percent mortality rate. Refractory shock, meningoencephalitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopneumonia, acute renal damage, and myocarditis were among the causes of mortality.

Conclusion: In any febrile child with a maculopapular rash, hepatosplenomegaly, tender lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia, or symptoms indicative of capillary leak, paediatricians should have a high index of suspicion for scrub typhus. Pending serological confirmation, empirical therapy with doxycycline or azithromycin should be initiated immediately, since any delay in treatment could lead to life-threatening consequences.
Younger age of stroke in low‐middle income countries is related to healthcare access and quality
Authors: Rahbar Mohammad H. , Medrano Martin , Diaz‐Garelli Franck , Gonzalez Villaman Cosme , Saroukhani Sepideh , Kim Sori , Tahanan Amirali , Franco Yahaira , Castro‐Tejada Gelanys , Diaz Sarah A. , Hessabi Manouchehr , Savitz Sean I.
Published: February 2022

Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality globally with higher burden and younger age in low‐middle income countries (LMICs) than high‐income countries (HICs). However, it is unclear to what extent differences in healthcare access and quality (HAQ) and prevalence of risk factors between LMICs and HICs contribute to younger age of stroke in LMICs. In this systematic review, we conducted meta‐analysis of 67 articles and compared the mean age of stroke between LMICs and HICs, before and after adjusting for HAQ index. We also compared the prevalence of main stroke risk factors between HICs and LMICs. The unadjusted mean age of stroke in LMICs was significantly lower than HICs (63.1 vs. 68.6), regardless of gender (63.9 vs. 66.6 among men, and 65.6 vs. 70.7 among women) and whether data were collected in population‐ (64.7 vs. 69.5) or hospital‐based (62.6 vs. 65.9) studies (all p < 0.01). However, after adjusting for HAQ index, the difference in the mean age of stroke between LMICs and HICs was not significant (p ≥ 0.10), except among women (p = 0.048). In addition, while the median prevalence of hypertension in LMICs was 23.4% higher than HICs, the prevalence of all other risk factors was lower in LMICs than HICs. Our findings suggest a much larger contribution of HAQ to the younger mean age of stroke in LMICs, as compared with other potential factors. Additional studies on stroke care quality and accessibility are needed in LMICs.
Solution Viscosity‐Mediated Structural Control of Nanofibrous Sponge for RNA Separation and Purification
Authors: Cheng Pan , Liu Ke , Wan Yucai , Hu Wei , Ji Cancan , Huang Peng , Guo Qihao , Xu Jia , Cheng Qin , Wang Dong
Published: February 2022

Engineering 3D nanofibrous monolithic materials with a controllable porous channel structure and chemical activity is promising for the rapid and efficient separation of environmentally sensitive biomacromolecules such as RNA. Herein, freeze‐drying method via regulating the viscosity of nanofiber dispersions is developed to fabricate nanofibrous sponges (NFSs) with 3D structures of microsphere, lamella, and honeycomb by combining poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (PVA‐co‐PE) nanofibers with chitosan (CS) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) in dispersions. Among sponges, a honeycomb nanofibrous sponge (HNFS) possesses highly oriented open‐cells and optimal performance, including water permeability of 7.431 × 103 L h m−2 at 1 psi, static saturated capacity of 887.6 mg g−1, dynamic capacity of 763.2 mg g−1 at a flow rate of 1 mm min−1, and mechanical robustness, superior to reported state‐of‐the‐art ion‐exchange chromatography materials. Furthermore, HNFS‐packed chromatographic, funnel, and centrifugal columns present exceptional performance and broad applicability in rapid‐separation of RNA from model solution and diverse organisms without degradation. They are attributed to the highly oriented open‐cell structure and high‐density adsorption ligands on the surface of nanofibrous cell walls. This work provides a facile approach to design advanced NFSs with versatile physicochemical structure and outstanding performance.
A Quadri‐Dimensional Manipulable Laser with an Intrinsic Chiral Photoswitch
Authors: Hu Honglong , Liu Binghui , Li Mengqi , Zheng Zhigang , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: February 2022

Dynamic and multi‐dimensional manipulation of laser emission with light allows for optical coding, computing, and imaging photonic chips. However, the coupling balance between photonic resonance and transmission is a formidable challenge due to the uncontrollable chiral microcavity with photo‐reversibility, which is limited to the multi‐freedom of the laser with sustainable and repeatable output beams. Herein, a helical superstructure system with a unique intrinsic chiral photoswitch is developed for resolving the always pendent problems on organized defects in the microcavity. The unique intrinsic chirality based on the photoswitchable system allows laser emission with a sharp and narrow band‐width, with both remarkable thermodynamic stability and robust fatigue‐resistance. A quadri‐dimensional manipulable laser, featuring wavelength‐tunability, wavefront‐shaping, spin angular momentum (SAM), and orbital angular momentum (OAM), is successfully established with the assistance of the photoresponsive intrinsic chiral superstructure with photoreversibility. This technology marks an important milestone, and sketches a future framework for the realms of nanophotonic information encoding, security imprinting, and integrated photonics.
Development of Receptor Binding Domain (RBD)‐Conjugated Nanoparticle Vaccines with Broad Neutralization against SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Other Variants
Authors: Chen Ran , Zhang Xiantao , Yuan Yaochang , Deng Xiaohui , Wu Bolin , Xi Zhihui , Wang Guanwen , Lin Yingtong , Li Rong , Wang Xuemei , Zou Fan , Liang Liting , Yan Haiping , Liang Chaofeng , Li Yuzhuang , Wu Shijian , Deng Jieyi , Zhou Mo , Zhang Xu , Li Congrong , Bu Xiuqing , Peng Yi , Ke Changwen , Deng Kai , He Xin , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Zhenhai , Pan Ting , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2022

The SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta (B.1.617.2) strain is a variant of concern (VOC) that has become the dominant strain worldwide in 2021. Its transmission capacity is approximately twice that of the original strain, with a shorter incubation period and higher viral load during infection. Importantly, the breakthrough infections of the Delta variant have continued to emerge in the first‐generation vaccine recipients. There is thus an urgent need to develop a novel vaccine with SARS‐CoV‐2 variants as the major target. Here, receptor binding domain (RBD)‐conjugated nanoparticle vaccines targeting the Delta variant, as well as the early and Beta/Gamma strains, are developed. Under both a single‐dose and a prime‐boost strategy, these RBD‐conjugated nanoparticle vaccines induce the abundant neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and significantly protect hACE2 mice from infection by the authentic SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta strain, as well as the early and Beta strains. Furthermore, the elicitation of the robust production of broader cross‐protective NAbs against almost all the notable SARS‐CoV‐2 variants including the Omicron variant in rhesus macaques by the third re‐boost with trivalent vaccines is found. These results suggest that RBD‐based monovalent or multivalent nanoparticle vaccines provide a promising second‐generation vaccine strategy for SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Laser Direct‐Write Sensors on Carbon‐Fiber‐Reinforced Poly‐Ether–Ether–Ketone for Smart Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Hu Xingjian , Huang Jincai , Wei Yanzhuo , Zhao Haiyan , Lin Shize , Hu Chuxiong , Wang Ze , Zhao Zhe , Zang Xining
Published: February 2022

Mechanically close‐to‐bone carbon‐fiber‐reinforced poly‐ether–ether–ketone (CFR‐PEEK)‐based orthopedic implants are rising to compete with metal implants, due to their X‐ray transparency, superior biocompatibility, and body‐environment stability. While real‐time strain assessment of implants is crucial for the postsurgery study of fracture union and failure of prostheses, integrating precise and durable sensors on orthopedic implants remains a great challenge. Herein, a laser direct‐write technique is presented to pattern conductive features (minimum sheet resistance <1.7 Ω sq–1) on CRF‐PEEK‐based parts, which can act as strain sensors. The as‐fabricated sensors exhibit excellent linearity (R2 = 0.997) over the working range (0–2.5% strain). While rigid silicon‐ or metal‐based sensor chips have to be packaged onto flat surfaces, all‐carbon‐based sensors can be written on the complex curved surfaces of CFR‐PEEK joints using a portable laser mounted on a six‐axis robotic manipulator. A wireless transmission prototype is also demonstrated using a Bluetooth module. Such results will allow a wider space to design sensors (and arrays) for detailed loading progressing monitoring and personalized diagnostic applications.
Remodeling Tumor‐Associated Neutrophils to Enhance Dendritic Cell‐Based HCC Neoantigen Nano‐Vaccine Efficiency
Authors: Wang Yunhao , Zhao Qingfu , Zhao Binyu , Zheng Youshi , Zhuang Qiuyu , Liao Naishun , Wang Peiyuan , Cai Zhixiong , Zhang Da , Zeng Yongyi , Liu Xiaolong
Published: February 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly emerges in an immunologically “cold” state, thereafter protects it away from cytolytic attack by tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, resulting in poor response to immunotherapy. Herein, an acidic/photo‐sensitive dendritic cell (DCs)‐based neoantigen nano‐vaccine has been explored to convert tumor immune “cold” state into “hot”, and remodel tumor‐associated neutrophils to potentiate anticancer immune response for enhancing immunotherapy efficiency. The nano‐vaccine is constructed by SiPCCl2‐hybridized mesoporous silica with coordination of Fe(III)‐captopril, and coating with exfoliated membrane of matured DCs by H22‐specific neoantigen stimulation. The nano‐vaccines actively target H22 tumors and induce immunological cell death to boost tumor‐associated antigen release by the generation of excess 1O2 through photodynamic therapy, which act as in situ tumor vaccination to strengthen antitumor T‐cell response against primary H22 tumor growth. Interestingly, the nano‐vaccines are also home to lymph nodes to directly induce the activation and proliferation of neoantigen‐specific T cells to suppress the primary/distal tumor growth. Moreover, the acidic‐triggered captopril release in tumor microenvironment can polarize the protumoral N2 phenotype neutrophils to antitumor N1 phenotype for improving the immune effects to achieve complete tumor regression (83%) in H22‐bearing mice and prolong the survival time. This work provides an alternative approach for developing novel HCC immunotherapy strategies.
Assessment of floral characteristics for hybrid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in Texas
Authors: Sade Betul , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Subramanian Nithya , Rudd Jackie , Liu Shuyu , Opena Gigi , Baenziger Stephen
Published: February 2022

Hybrid technology is indispensable for increasing the yield potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, seed production costs and the self‐pollinating nature of wheat are limiting factors that necessitate the redesign of its floral characteristics to achieve high outcrossing ability. This study, therefore, focused on phenotyping the floral characteristics of the two most advanced yield trials of the Texas A&M AgriLife hard red winter wheat breeding pipeline, the Uniform Variety Trial and the Texas Elite Trial. We also genotyped the height reduction genes (Rht‐B1 and Rht‐D1) in the entire set using single nucleotide polymorphism markers, and we found significant genetic variation for the agronomic and floral traits as well as the height reduction markers. The correlation coefficients between anther score and extrusion were positive and significant. Moreover, the high heritability values for the male traits indicate that they could be improved by selection and breeding. Furthermore, the visual anther assessment could be used instead of the time‐consuming anther counting system. If hybrid‐related traits are integrated into the mainstream breeding program, the male parent should be identified earlier in the pipeline because of the negative effects of the Rht genes on anther extrusion. Finally, the female floral traits had lower heritability estimates, and their screening needs to be refined and validated within more controlled environments.
Effect of environment on combining ability, heterosis for seed cotton yield in Bt introgressed lines of upland cotton
Authors: Samak Ashwini , Rajeswari S. , Ravikesavan R. , Lokanadhan Subbalakshmi , Ganapathy N. , Kini Ampar Vittalaraya
Published: February 2022

Successful hybrid development work in cotton involves unearthing information of combining ability, heterosis and per se performance of the genetic material. This study involved multi‐environment estimation of combining ability and heterosis along with the stability of per se performance using Bt cotton genetic materials for seed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield. Combining ability analysis across environments showed significant effects on the performance of genotypes, general combining ability (gca), specific combining ability (sca), genotype × environment, GCA × environment, and SCA × environment interactions. Combining ability variance revealed the predominance of nonadditive gene actions for seed cotton yield. The mean performance combining ability estimates were varied with the locations for parents as well as for hybrids. In a low yielding environment, the transgenic BGI parents, as well as hybrids, showed superior seed cotton yield levels compared with BGII or non‐Bt versions. There was a significant increase in heterosis noticed in BGII hybrids compared with BGI hybrids in a low yielding environment. The stability parameters showed significant genotype × environment variation and indicated that the stability of the genotype was mainly affected by the genetic background of the material. A positive association was noticed between per se performance and gca effects, heterobeltiosis and sca, and heterobeltiosis and mean of hybrids as the environment`s yield potential increased. The majority of the Bt hybrids showed positive heterosis over a better parent. Among the two versions of Bt transgenic cotton, BGI excelled in per se performance and gca and sca effects for seed cotton yield either in the homozygous form or hemizygous hybrids.
Deep residual inception encoder‐decoder network for amyloid PET harmonization
Authors: Shah Jay , Gao Fei , Li Baoxin , Ghisays Valentina , Luo Ji , Chen Yinghua , Lee Wendy , Zhou Yuxiang , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Reiman Eric M. , Chen Kewei , Su Yi , Wu Teresa
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Multiple positron emission tomography (PET) tracers are available for amyloid imaging, posing a significant challenge to consensus interpretation and quantitative analysis. We accordingly developed and validated a deep learning model as a harmonization strategy.

Method

A Residual Inception Encoder‐Decoder Neural Network was developed to harmonize images between amyloid PET image pairs made with Pittsburgh Compound‐B and florbetapir tracers. The model was trained using a dataset with 92 subjects with 10‐fold cross validation and its generalizability was further examined using an independent external dataset of 46 subjects.

Results

Significantly stronger between‐tracer correlations (P < .001) were observed after harmonization for both global amyloid burden indices and voxel‐wise measurements in the training cohort and the external testing cohort.

Discussion

We proposed and validated a novel encoder‐decoder based deep model to harmonize amyloid PET imaging data from different tracers. Further investigation is ongoing to improve the model and apply to additional tracers.
Characterization of gene expression patterns in mild cognitive impairment using a transcriptomics approach and neuroimaging endophenotypes
Authors: Bharthur Sanjay Apoorva , Patania Alice , Yan Xiaoran , Svaldi Diana , Duran Tugce , Shah Niraj , Nemes Sara , Chen Eric , Apostolova Liana G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Identification of novel therapeutics and risk assessment in early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a crucial aspect of addressing this complex disease. We characterized gene‐expression patterns at the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage to identify critical mRNA measures and gene clusters associated with AD pathogenesis.

Methods

We used a transcriptomics approach, integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and peripheral blood‐based gene expression data using persistent homology (PH) followed by kernel‐based clustering.

Results

We identified three clusters of genes significantly associated with diagnosis of amnestic MCI. The biological processes associated with each cluster were mitochondrial function, NF‐kB signaling, and apoptosis. Cluster‐level associations with cortical thickness displayed canonical AD‐like patterns. Driver genes from clusters were also validated in an external dataset for prediction of amyloidosis and clinical diagnosis.

Discussion

We found a disease‐relevant transcriptomic signature sensitive to prodromal AD and identified a subset of potential therapeutic targets associated with AD pathogenesis.
Protein phosphatase 2A and complement component 4 are linked to the protective effect of APOE ɛ2 for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jun Gyungah R. , You Yang , Zhu Congcong , Meng Gaoyuan , Chung Jaeyoon , Panitch Rebecca , Hu Junming , Xia Weiming ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium, Bennett David A. , Foroud Tatiana M. , Wang Li‐San , Haines Jonathan L. , Mayeux Richard , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Au Rhoda , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Ikezu Tsuneya , Stein Thor D. , Farrer Lindsay A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ2 allele reduces risk against Alzheimer's disease (AD) but mechanisms underlying this effect are largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a genome‐wide association study for AD among 2096 ɛ2 carriers. The potential role of the top‐ranked gene and complement 4 (C4) proteins, which were previously linked to AD in ɛ2 carriers, was investigated using human isogenic APOE allele‐specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived neurons and astrocytes and in 224 neuropathologically examined human brains.

Results

PPP2CB rs117296832 was the second most significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphism among ɛ2 carriers (P = 1.1 × 10−7) and the AD risk allele increased PPP2CB expression in blood (P = 6.6 × 10−27). PPP2CB expression was correlated with phosphorylated tau231/total tau ratio (P = .01) and expression of C4 protein subunits C4A/B (P = 2.0 × 10−4) in the iPSCs. PPP2CB (subunit of protein phosphatase 2A) and C4b protein levels were correlated in brain (P = 3.3 × 10−7).

Discussion

PP2A may be linked to classical complement activation leading to AD‐related tau pathology.
Total Synthesis and Stereochemistry Assignment of Nucleoside Antibiotic A‐94964
Authors: Shao Xiaofei , Zheng Chang , Xu Peng , Shiraishi Taro , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Molinaro Antonio , Silipo Alba , Yu Biao
Published: February 2022

A collective total synthesis of eight diastereoisomers associated with NMR analysis leads to a full stereochemistry assignment of the structurally unique nucleoside antibiotic A‐94964, which features an octuronic acid uridine core decorated with an α‐D‐mannopyranosyl residue and an α‐D‐N‐acylglucosaminopyranosyl residue via a phosphodiester bridge.
Fluorination and Betaine Modification Augment the Blood–Brain Barrier‐Crossing Ability of Cylindrical Polymer Brushes
Authors: Wang Ruonan , Yang Shuo , Xiao Panpan , Sun Ying , Li Jia , Jiang Xiqun , Wu Wei
Published: February 2022

Blood–brain barrier (BBB)‐crossing ability of drugs is of paramount importance for the treatments of central nervous system diseases. However, the known methods for drug transport across the BBB are generally complicated and inefficient, and exhibit serious side effects in some cases. Herein, we report an exciting finding that fluorination and betaine modification can significantly augment the BBB‐crossing ability of cylindrical polymer brushes (CPBs), which was demonstrated by the comparison with the CPBs modified with alkyl and poly(ethylene glycol) chains, respectively. We surmise that fluorination enhances the BBB penetration of the CPBs by increasing the hydrophobicity and reducing the surface energy, and betaine medication achieves this function via a betaine transporter BGT1 expressed on brain capillaries. By means of an in vitro BBB model, we demonstrated that the CPBs penetrated the BBB through transendothelial transport. This work provides a novel strategy for enhancing the BBB‐crossing ability of nanomaterials.
Cellulose nanofibrils/polyvinyl alcohol/silver nanoparticles composite hydrogel: Preparation and its catalyst degradation performance of cationic dye
Authors: Li Yuhang , Luan Yunhao , Liu Wanyi , Wang Cong , Cao Hui , Liu Pengtao
Published: February 2022

Metal nanoparticles play an essential role in catalyzing the degradation of dyes in industrial wastewater. In order to improve the catalytic reduction and discoloration performance of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to cationic dyes and facilitate recovery, we report an improved method to prepare cellulose nanofibrils/polyvinyl alcohol (CNF/PVA) porous composite hydrogel and use it to support metal nanoparticles. Silver ions were reduced to Ag NPs by the in situ reduction method after being adsorbed on the surface of the hydrogel by electrostatic adsorption, and the maximum adsorption capacity was about 136.4 mg/g. The obtained CNF/PVA/Ag NPs (CPA) composite hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrate the efficient utilization of composite hydrogel as a container in the discoloration of methylene blue (cationic dye) and methyl orange (cationic dye) in the presence of NaBH4. The hydrogel was quickly recovered and reused without a decrease in activity for five cycles. It showed fantastic potential in water resources protection and catalytic application.
Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic and role in immune cell infiltration of MSR1 expression in lower‐grade gliomas
Authors: Ji Qiankun , Huang Kai , Jiang Yuan , Lei Kunjian , Tu Zewei , Luo Haitao , Zhu Xingen
Published: February 2022

Background

The therapeutic effects of conventional treatment on gliomas are not promising. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has a close association with the invasiveness of multiple types of tumors, including low‐grade gliomas (LGG). This study aims to validate the prognostic and immune‐related role of macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) in LGG patients.

Methods

Data in this study were obtained from public databases. The differential expression of MSR1 was analyzed in LGG patients with different clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, a time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Cox regression analysis were used to assess the prognostic value of MSR1. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between the high and low expression groups of MSR1. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to annotate the function of these DEGs. Hallmark gene sets were identified based on MSR1 by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Difference analysis and correlation analysis were used to study the relationship between MSR1 and TME‐related scores, tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), immune‐related gene sets, and immune checkpoints (ICPs). The single‐cell sequencing data were processed to identify the cell types expressing MSR1. The quantification of TIICs in TME was calculated by single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The differential expression of MSR1 in LGG and control brain tissues was verified by experiments.

Results

There were significant differences in the expression level of MSR1 in different types of tissues and cells. MSR1 has a high prognostic value in LGG patients and can be used as an independent prognostic factor. MSR1 is closely related to TME and may play an important role in the immunotherapy of LGG patients.

Conclusions

The result of our study demonstrated that MSR1 is an independent prognostic biomarker in LGG patients and may play an important role in the TME of LGGs.
Developing a statistical model for assessment of referrals of children at risk
Authors: Søbjerg Lene Mosegaard
Published: February 2022

Including statistical models in assessment of referrals about children at risk holds promising aspects. This article presents results from an empirical pilot study developing and testing a statistical decision support system in the form of a predictive risk model.The study involved mixed methods and included 208 referrals assessed by 13 social workers in two municipalities in Denmark. The research design involved comparing risk scores provided by the social workers before and after they received a score generated by the model. Social workers' perception of the model was studied through qualitative interviews before, during and after the test. The quantitative results of the study show that presenting a statistical risk score to social workers only marginally changes their initial assessment of a referral. In contrast, the qualitative findings appeared to show that social workers are ready to include statistics in the decision‐making process, but that some elements need to be considered. These include the definition of risk being used and the linking of this definition with the available data as well as the needs of the social workers. It is important to remember that a statistical model can support – not define – the assessment. Statistical decision support systems based on predictive risk models might prove rewarding in providing more accurate and homogeneous assessments in child protection. Important issues to consider when developing a model are the definition of risk, the data available to the model and communication of the risk calculated. Risk assessments are based on uncertainties and while statistics might limit the uncertainty, data do not eliminate ambiguity of risk assessment. Social workers should engage in the development of statistical tools, but it is important to acknowledge that decisions should always be made by the professional, not the model.
A case of anisakiasis in the sigmoid colon
Authors: Nakamura Hajime , Takanashi Kunihiro , Morita Rie , Sakurada Akira , Hirata Yuya , Komatsu Yuya , Katsuki Shinichi
Published: February 2022

Colonic anisakiasis is rare because most cases of anisakiasis occur in the stomach. An accurate diagnosis is sometimes difficult because of the rarity and symptom nonspecificity. We should consider the possibility of colonic anisakiasis when examining patients who have a history of consuming raw fish.
Investigation of fracture behavior of typical refractory materials up to service temperatures
Authors: Brochen Erwan , Dannert Christian , Paul Juliane , Krause Olaf
Published: February 2022

In service, refractory linings experience thermal stresses typically exceeding their mechanical strength. However, this does not lead to the catastrophic failure of modern well‐designed refractory linings. They rather undergo a more or less stepwise wear process and typically retain their structural stability despite existing substantial damage. Classic mechanical tests, such as modulus of rupture measurements that solely consider the maximum strength right before catastrophic fracture occurs are thereby inappropriate to quantify the resistance to damage of refractory products.

Despite significant advancements in the theoretical description of fracture process and resistance to damages of refractory materials, there is still a lack of empirical data and scientific studies regarding the fracture behavior of typical refractory materials, especially at high temperature. Wedge splitting measurements, which proved very efficient to investigate the fracture behavior of refractory materials, were performed up to 1500°C on four typical refractory materials and supported by microscopic investigations.

All investigated refractory materials display a rather brittle behavior below 900°C. While the high alumina brick almost remains in this state up to at least 1500°C but gets mechanically weakened above 1400°C, the cement bonded high alumina castable displays a drastic increase of its specific fracture energy above 1100°C and no substantial loss of strength. This strongly suggests a brittle‐to‐ductile transition. The andalusite and silica bricks also seem to experience a brittle‐to‐ductile transition, even at lower temperature than for the high alumina castable; however as the andalusite brick gets dramatically weakened by the formation of liquid phase, its specific fracture energy collapses as well above 1100°C. Much more surprisingly, silica bricks see their specific fracture energy strongly rising at about 1000°C, but falling again above 1100°C while retaining substantial strength, hence coming back to a rather brittle state.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 promotes the growth of tongue squamous cell carcinoma through the microRNA 513c‐5p/cell division cycle 25B pathway and is associated with a poor prognosis
Authors: Li Yixuan , Yao Fan , Jiao Zan , Su Xuan , Wu Tong , Peng Jin , Yang Zhongyuan , Chen Weichao , Yang Ankui
Published: February 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) in regulating the growth of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).

Methods

The authors used multiple methods to detect the levels of CDK5 expression in samples of TSCC and to explore the relation between CDK5 expression and various clinicopathologic factors. In vivo and in vitro cell experiments were performed to detect the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TSCC cells with CDK5 knockdown or overexpression. These studies verified that CDK5 regulates the occurrence and development of TSCC cells through the microRNA 513c‐5p/cell division cycle 25B pathway.

Results

An elevated level of CDK5 expression in TSCC tissues was identified as an independent risk factor affecting TSCC growth and patient prognosis. Patients who had TSCC with low levels of CDK5 expression had a higher survival rate than those with high levels. Knockdown of CDK5 reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the authors observed that CDK5 regulated the growth of TSCC through the microRNA 513c‐5p/cell division cycle C25B pathway.

Conclusions

CDK5 functions as an oncogene in TSCC and might serve as a molecular marker for use in the diagnosis and treatment of TSCC.

Lay Summary

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is 1 of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck, and the survival rate of patients with tongue cancer has been very low.

Therefore, it is important to study the molecular mechanism of TSCC progression to identify biomarkers that can be used to improve its clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is an atypical member of the cyclin‐dependent kinase family and is involved in regulating the cell cycle.

Changes in the cell cycle are of great significance for the occurrence and development of tumor cells; and, in recent years, increasing evidence has suggested that CDK5 exists in a disordered state in cancer cells.

In this study, the authors demonstrate that CDK5 functions as an oncogene in TSCC and might serve as a molecular marker for use in the diagnosis and treatment of TSCC.
Analysis of early pleural fluid samples in patients with mesothelioma: A case series exploration of morphology, BAP1, and CDKN2A status with implications for the concept of mesothelioma in situ in cytology
Authors: Louw Amber , van Vliet Chris , Peverall Joanne , Colkers Shane , Acott Nathan , Creaney Jenette , Lee Y. C. Gary , Chai Siaw Ming
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The concept of mesothelioma in situ has been revisited and is a new World Health Organization diagnostic entity. The definition centers on ancillary techniques used in pleural mesothelioma (PM) assessment. At the authors' institution, most PM diagnoses are made on cytologic specimens. Effusion samples obtained before definitive PM diagnosis were interrogated using BRCA1‐associated protein 1 gene (BAP1), cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A gene (CDKN2A) and cytologic evaluation to assess whether early or possible in situ disease could be characterized.

METHODS

All cases of PM diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2019 were identified at a tertiary referral center. Patients who had a pleural fluid sample collected 24 months before the diagnosis were selected, numbering 8 in total. The cytomorphology of each sample was reviewed; and, retrospectively, BAP1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and CDKN2A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed on initial and diagnostic samples.

RESULTS

The initial samples were deemed benign in 5 cases and atypical mesothelial proliferations in 3 cases. A spectrum of apparently normal to atypical cytomorphologic changes was identified. BAP1 loss was present in 6 of 8 initial cases, whereas CDKN2A homozygous deletion was identified in 1 of 7 initial cases. Either abnormality was identified in 7 of 8 initial samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Detectable abnormalities of BAP1 IHC and CDKN2A FISH were present in pleural fluid specimens before the development of cytomorphologic features diagnostic of PM. This is the largest series to date describing cytology samples early in the course of PM development, thereby highlighting a possible cytological equivalent for mesothelioma in situ.
Supercritical Hydrothermal Synthesis of Organic‐Modified Ce1‐xZrxO2‐δ (0≤x≤1) Nanoparticles as a Low‐Temperature Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Yoko Akira , Kamonvarapitak Thunyapong , Seong Gimyeong , Tomai Takaaki , Adschiri Tadafumi
Published: February 2022

In this study, organic surface‐modified Ce1‐xZrxO2‐δ nanoparticles were synthesized using supercritical hydrothermal method. X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis results indicated Zr intake into the CeO2 lattice and vice versa. Results obtained from thermogravimetric analysis proved surface modification of Ce1‐xZrxO2‐δ nanoparticles with carboxylic acids. Decreased particle size caused by surface modification along with induction of Zr into the CeO2 lattice was found. Extraordinarily high oxygen storage capacity was obtained at low temperatures with a 70%‐Zr loading sample, which showed 337.0 μmol‐O/g at 200 °C and 530.1 μmol‐O/g at 250 °C. High oxygen mobility in the oxide originated from the small particle size and size control effects by surface modification, together with the great amount of defect sites enabled by Zr substitution. Taken together, these results suggest that this is a promising material for use as an oxygen carrier to support low‐temperature chemical looping process. Material performance as an oxygen carrier can be extracted by nano‐size and surface‐controlled effects, even exploring ordinary material composition, as ceria‐zirconia.
Key Sequences based on Cyclic Elliptic Curves over GF(28) with Logistic Map for Cryptographic Applications
Authors: Siddaramanna Sheela , Sarapady Venkatramanayya Sathyanarayana
Published: February 2022

The chaotic functions and cyclic elliptic curves (CEC) has attracted many researchers, especially cryptographers, since decades. As CEC and chaotic functions meet the requirements of the cryptography, they are widely used either in key sequence generation or encryption/decryption process. Since in symmetric key encryption, stream ciphers need a large key sequence to encrypt/decrypt the information, authors propose a hybrid model to generate pseudo random sequence using CEC and logistic map. The hybrid model is developed using CEC points over and an one‐dimensional logistic map. In the proposed system, binary chaotic sequence and CEC points are given to AES S‐box to get two random sequences separately. Byte wise parity is computed for both the sequences. Based on the parity of both the bytes, one of the byte is left shifted and the other is right shifted by two positions in a circular manner. Later, both the bytes are combined using the XOR operation to get the random binary sequence. The generated sequences are analysed for randomness using various test suites like NIST, Correlation, FIPS, and TestU01. It has been observed that all the sequences pass the randomness tests. Using additive stream cipher, image encryption is implemented by considering the generated sequence as key sequence. The performance evaluation and security analysis of the encryption process is conducted. The results obtained for the proposed system indicate that the system is robust to withstand many cryptanalytic attacks.
Structures and Spectra of Halide Hydrate Clusters in the Solid State: A Link between the Gas Phase and Solution State
Authors: Curnow Owen J. , Crittenden Deborah L.
Published: February 2022

This Review describes and assesses known solid‐state examples of halide hydrates that are discrete in nature. Most of these are chloride hydrates, and most discrete clusters are dihalides, with very few mono‐ or multi‐halide species found in the solid state. Polymeric chloride hydrates, on the other hand, are mostly 2D layered structures. We also observe that there is a gap in the chloride:water ratio between 8–20 waters per chloride. Isolated clusters can be found with 1–3 waters per chloride, 2D layers with 2–8 waters, and 3D semiclathrates with 20–38 waters. However, 1D chains comprise only 1–2 waters per chloride. [Cl(H2O)]− is the only species found in both the solid state and gas phase and is also the only halide hydrate with a free OH group. Infrared spectra in the ν(OH) region are distinctive and useful for identification. Agreement between computed (gas phase) and experimentally‐observed solid state structures and their vibrational spectra gives us confidence that discrete halide hydrate species observed in the solid state provide a useful link between gas phase species and structural motifs of halide hydrates in solution, especially microsolvated ion‐pairs.
Joint user association and energy efficiency maximization in beyond 5G heterogeneous networks
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Ali Mudassar , Zubair Khan Humayun , Naeem Muhammad , Masud Usman , Qamar Farhan
Published: February 2022

Heterogeneous networks (HetNets) seem to be the future of data networks supported by macrocells, small cells, relays, and D2D communication. The main purpose of HetNets is to facilitate maximum users while keeping energy efficiency (EE) to its peak. In this research work, we have formulated joint users association and EE maximization problem for HetNets, where our main goal is to increase the number of users associated with HetNets while keeping EE to its maximum. Formulated problem is a concave fractional problem in nature. We have used Charnes–Cooper Transformation to convert it to the concave optimization problem. We have used the (MADS) algorithm to solve the formulated optimization problem. Results have been analyzed after extensive simulations. Performance of MADS algorithm have been shown with respect to different system parameters, that is, the number of users associated, the minimum required data rate, and joint maximization of users associated and EE.
Primary epithelioid angiosarcoma of the mediastinum, cytomorphologic features of a rare entity—A case report and literature review
Authors: Vats Karan , Al‐Nourhji Omar , Wang Hui , Wang Chunjie
Published: February 2022

Epithelioid angiosarcoma (EA) is a highly aggressive vascular neoplasm. Primary mediastinal EA is extremely rare with only few cases reported in the English literature. We herein present a case of a 78‐year‐old patient, who was found to have a right superior mediastinal mass associated with mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. Endobronchial ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology of a station 4R lymph node revealed a cellular, discohesive malignant neoplasm displaying primarily epithelioid morphology with occasional spindled, plasmacytoid, and tumor giant cells. The tumor cells had ample eosinophilic cytoplasm with pleomorphic nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Vasoformative features were noted, exemplified by widespread cytoplasmic vacuoles containing neutrophils and rare red blood cells (hemophagocytosis) and vascular channels identified solely in the cell block. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells stained strongly positive for vimentin, positive for ERG, CD‐31, FLI‐1, and focally positive for pan‐cytokeratin. The cytomorphological features and immunostaining patterns were diagnostic of EA. No history of malignancy was reported, and no other lesions were identified on imaging. The diagnosis of primary mediastinal EA on cytology and small biopsy specimens may be challenging due to the rarity of this tumor, limited diagnostic material, and overlapping morphologic features with other entities in the differential diagnosis. A high index of suspicion, especially in cases with vasoformative features, and utilization of ancillary studies can help establish the diagnosis.