bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Destabilization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor by 4‐IPP reduces NF‐κB/P‐TEFb complex‐mediated c‐Myb transcription to suppress osteosarcoma tumourigenesis
Authors: Zheng Lin , Feng Zhenhua , Tao Siyue , Gao Jiawei , Lin Ye , Wei Xiaoan , Zheng Bingjie , Huang Bao , Zheng Zeyu , Zhang Xuyang , Liu Junhui , Shan Zhi , Chen Yilei , Chen Jian , Zhao Fengdong
Published: January 2022

Background

As an inflammatory factor and oncogenic driver protein, the pleiotropic cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a crucial role in the osteosarcoma microenvironment. Although 4‐iodo‐6‐phenylpyrimidine (4‐IPP) can inactivate MIF biological functions, its anti‐osteosarcoma effect and molecular mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study, we identified the MIF inhibitor 4‐IPP as a specific double‐effector drug for osteosarcoma with both anti‐tumour and anti‐osteoclastogenic functions.

Methods

The anti‐cancer effects of 4‐IPP were evaluated by wound healing assay, cell cycle analysis, colony formation assay, CCK‐8 assay, apoptosis analysis, and Transwell migration/invasion assays. Through the application of a luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, and immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation analyses, the transcriptional regulation of the NF‐κB/P‐TEFb complex on c‐Myb‐ and STUB1‐mediated proteasome‐dependent MIF protein degradation was confirmed. The effect of 4‐IPP on tumour growth and metastasis was assessed using an HOS‐derived tail vein metastasis model and subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft tumour models.

Results

In vitro, 4‐IPP significantly reduced the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by suppressing the NF‐κB pathway. 4‐IPP hindered the binding between MIF and CD74 as well as p65. Moreover, 4‐IPP inhibited MIF to interrupt the formation of downstream NF‐κB/P‐TEFb complexes, leading to the down‐regulation of c‐Myb transcription. Interestingly, the implementation of 4‐IPP can mediate small molecule‐induced MIF protein proteasomal degradation via the STUB1 E3 ligand. However, 4‐IPP still interrupted MIF‐mediated communication between osteosarcoma cells and osteoclasts, thus promoting osteoclastogenesis. Remarkably, 4‐IPP strongly reduced HOS‐derived xenograft osteosarcoma tumourigenesis and metastasis in an in vivo mouse model.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the small molecule 4‐IPP targeting the MIF protein exerts an anti‐osteosarcoma effect by simultaneously inactivating the biological functions of MIF and promoting its proteasomal degradation. Direct destabilization of the MIF protein with 4‐IPP may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating osteosarcoma.
Large herbivores facilitate a dominant grassland forb via multiple indirect effects
Authors: Zhong Zhiwei , Li Xiaofei , Smit Christian , Li Tianyun , Wang Ling , Aschero Valeria , Vázquez Diego , Ritchie Mark , Cushman J. Hall , Wang Deli
Published: January 2022

While large herbivores are critically important components of terrestrial ecosystems and can have pronounced top‐down effects on plants, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these effects remains incomplete. Large herbivores can alter plant growth, reproduction, and abundance through direct effects (predominantly consumption) and through indirect effects via altered interactions with abiotic factors and other species. We know considerably less about these indirect effects than the direct effects. Here, we integrate medium‐ and small‐scale field experiments to investigate how a large vertebrate herbivore, cattle (Bos taurus), affects the aboveground biomass of a dominant forb species, Artemisia scoparia, via diverse direct and indirect pathways in a temperate grassland in northeast China. Although cattle consumed this forb, its biomass increased significantly in response to grazing, due to multiple indirect positive effects that outweighed the direct negative effects of consumption. Cattle preferentially consumed the competing grass Leymus chinensis, and altered Artemisia microhabitats by reducing total plant cover and litter biomass and by increasing the abundance of co‐occurring ant species (e.g., Formica spp. and Lasius spp.). This led to additional indirect positive effects on A. scoparia likely due to (1) increased light availability in understory layers and other limiting resources (e.g., soil nutrients and moisture) caused by removal of competitors and plant litter at the soil surface and (2) the changes in resource availability (e.g., soil nutrients and moisture) associated with ant colonies. Our results show that large herbivores can affect plant growth not only via direct consumption, but also via multiple indirect effects. Focusing on the causes and consequences of herbivore‐induced indirect effects will not only help us to better understand the influence of these animals in ecological systems, but will also lead to more effective land management and conservation practices in the regions they inhabit.
Diet analysis using generalized linear models derived from foraging processes using R package mvtweedie
Authors: Thorson James T. , Arimitsu Mayumi L. , Levi Taal , Roffler Gretchen H.
Published: January 2022

Diet analysis integrates a wide variety of visual, chemical, and biological identification of prey. Samples are often treated as compositional data, where each prey is analyzed as a continuous percentage of the total. However, analyzing compositional data results in analytical challenges, for example, highly parameterized models or prior transformation of data. Here, we present a novel approximation involving a Tweedie generalized linear model (GLM). We first review how this approximation emerges from considering predator foraging as a thinned and marked point process (with marks representing prey species and individual prey size). This derivation can motivate future theoretical and applied developments. We then provide a practical tutorial for the Tweedie GLM using new package mvtweedie that extends capabilities of widely used packages in R (mgcv and ggplot2) by transforming output to calculate prey compositions. We demonstrate this approach and software using two examples. Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) provisioning their chicks on a colony in the northern Gulf of Alaska show decadal prey switching among sand lance and prowfish (1980–2000) and then Pacific herring and capelin (2000–2020), while wolves (Canis lupus ligoni) in southeast Alaska forage on mountain goats and marmots in northern uplands and marine mammals in seaward island coastlines.
Step‐by‐step typing for the accurate diagnosis of concurrent light chain and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Moriyama Hidenori , Kitakata Hiroki , Endo Jin , Ikura Hidehiko , Sano Motoaki , Tasaki Masayoshi , Sakai Shunta , Ueda Mitsuharu , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: January 2022

While 99mTc‐pyrophosphate scintigraphy is clearly useful in diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM), it is necessary to know the pitfalls of this test for proper use. We present a rare case of concurrent ATTR‐CM and amyloid light chain (AL) cardiomyopathy. The patient showed congestive heart failure with left ventricular hypertrophy. 99mTc‐pyrophosphate scintigraphy revealed abnormal cardiac uptake of Grade 3, a typical feature for ATTR‐CM. However, the patient showed renal impairment with proteinuria and the presence of monoclonal gammopathy, which rather suggested AL amyloidosis. Endomyocardial biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and proteomic analysis by laser microdissection with liquid chromatography‐coupled tandem mass spectrometry were performed, which finally confirmed both ATTR‐CM and AL cardiomyopathy. This case implicates the importance of combining examinations and precisely interpreting the results to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis accurately.
Effects of potato and sweet potato flour addition on properties of wheat flour and dough, and bread quality
Authors: Meng Hongwei , Xu Chong , Wu Meiying , Feng Ying
Published: January 2022

The effects of 10%–30% of wheat flour substitution with potato flour (PF) and sweet potato flour (SPF) on the flour and dough properties, the total polyphenol (TPC), and carotenoid contents (TCC) of bread, as well as their correlation with bread texture and starch digestibility, were investigated. With PF and SPF addition, the peak, breakdown, and setback viscosity of the flour decreased. The addition of PF and SPF reduced the dough formation and stabilization duration, as well as the hardness of the bread. The specific volume of the bread depended on the addition amount of PF and SPF. When the addition of PF and SPF was 15%, the bread had the lowest hardness and highest specific volume. The TPC and TCC in the bread depended on the added flour variety, and negatively influenced specific volume and positively influenced the content of resistant starch (RS).
Purification, antioxidant activities, encapsulation, and release profile of total flavonoids in Peony seed meal
Authors: Zan Lixia , Song Wangting , Wang Weiwei , He Gang , Li Xinsheng , Pei Jinjin
Published: January 2022

As potential biomass resources, biomass waste products have been considered worldwide in recent decades. Peony seed meal (PSM) is a kind of agricultural resource waste containing polyphenols, in particular flavonoids. In this study, the total flavonoids of PSM were extracted and purified by AB‐8 macroporous resin (MR), the antioxidant activities of three extract fractions were evaluated, and the total flavonoids were encapsulated with alginate and chitosan by the complex coacervation method. After purification, the yield of total flavonoids was 11.32% and the content in the product increased to 42.89% ± 2.66. The antioxidant activities of three fractions on ·OH, DPPH, and ABTS assays exhibited the following descending order: ethanol elution fraction (ELF) > ethyl acetate extract fraction (EAF) > ethanol extract fraction (EEF). The single‐factor assay showed that the encapsulated total flavonoid microcapsules (EFMs) were prepared with a chitosan concentration of 10 mg/ml, a sodium alginate concentration of 30 mg/ml, a calcium chloride concentration of 50 mg/ml, a ratio of sodium alginate to total flavonoids of 1:3, a flavonoid concentration of 40 mg/ml, and an encapsulation yield of 80.7%. Most microcapsules are smooth‐faced, spherical and uniform in size ranging from 2 to 3 mm in diameter. In vitro release studies suggested that the EFM was stable at pH 1.2 and dissolved at pH 7.5. The result indicated that the EFM is worthy for the development of functional foods and supplements, and PSM could be a potential resource in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Profile and determinants of intention to migrate by early career doctors in Nigeria: A report from CHARTING study
Authors: Adeniyi Makinde Adebayo , Efuntoye Oluwafemi , Popoola Gbenga , Adebayo Oladimeji , Ekundayo Oladeji , Ibiyo Morohunmubo , Igbokwe Martin C. , Ogunsuji Oluwaseyi , Fagbule Francis , Egwu Onuwabuchi , Kanmodi Kehinde , Omololu Ayanfe , Soneye Olufunmilayo Y. , Umar Wasinda Francis , Oduyemi Ibiyemi , Egbuchulem Kelvin I. , Amoo Abimbola , Sokomba Aliyu , Kpuduwei Selekeowei Peter Kespi , Olaopa Olusegun
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Recently, there has been an upsurge in the migration of medical personnel, especially early career doctors (ECDs) from low‐ and middle‐income countries, Nigeria inclusive, to high‐income countries with wide‐ranging consequences on the social and economic systems of the donor countries. This study assessed the profile and determinants of intention to emigrate by ECDs in Nigeria.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study conducted among Nigerian ECDs from nine tertiary hospitals. Socio‐demographic characteristics, intention & reasons to emigrate and willingness to return were collected using a self‐administered semi‐structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.

Results

A total number of 763 ECDs participated in the study. The majority (88.2%) were less than 40 years of age and the male to female ratio was 2:1. Majority of the participants (69.4%) received monthly income ≤833 US Dollar. About two‐thirds of ECDs had plans to emigrate and most to developed countries. Common reasons for intention to migrate were better quality of postgraduate training, improved quality of life and better remuneration.

Conclusion

High proportion of Nigerian ECDs has intention to emigrate out with potential adverse effect on the fragile health system in the country.
Rainfall, runoff, and suspended sediment dynamics at the flood event scale in a Loess Plateau watershed, China
Authors: Tian Peng , Feng Jiahao , Zhao Guangju , Gao Peng , Sun Wenyi , Hörmann Georg , Mu Xingmin
Published: January 2022

River runoff and suspended sediment play a critical role in the chemical, physical, biological processes of Earth's ecosystems. We assessed the temporal changes in runoff and sediment load at both the annual and event scales in the Gushanchuan watershed in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. A total of 330 events, from 1955 to 2018, were selected to evaluate the relationships between rainfall, runoff, and suspended sediment load at the Gaoshiya gauging station. Significant reductions were examined in the maximum runoff peaks, suspended sediment concentration, total runoff, suspended sediment yield, and ratio of event runoff to annual total, whereas the ratio of event sediment yield to annual total remained relatively stable. Hysteresis analysis suggested that the complex loops, anti‐clockwise, and figure‐eight loops accounted for 93.7% of the total events in the watershed. High positive correlations were observed between the flood‐event sediment yield, runoff volume, maximum runoff peaks, and total rainfall amount. The flow‐sediment relationship can be well fitted by the proportional model, and was weaker in 1997–2018 than those in the periods of 1955–1979 and 1980–1996. Runoff during the rising limb of the event significantly contributed to the total runoff and sediment yield. Land use changes and various soil conservation practices were responsible for the decrease in the flood frequency and magnitude. The results of this study provide useful insights into the relationships between rainfall, runoff, and suspended sediment dynamics, and their responses to soil conservation practices.
Streptococcus uberis‐associated mastitis in dairy herds: dealing with outbreaks and improving control
Authors: Sherwin Ginny , Breen James
Published: January 2022

Background:Streptococcus uberishas been reported to be the most prevalent cause of mastitis in dairy cattle in the UK, incurring a huge cost to the dairy industry each year.

Aim of the article: This article informs practitioners about developments in the research ofS uberisand how these findings can be implemented in the field in terms of investigating a herd level outbreak.
Preparation and evaluation of a silk fibroin–polycaprolactone biodegradable biomimetic tracheal scaffold
Authors: Liu Cai‐Sheng , Feng Bo‐Wen , He Shao‐Ru , Liu Yu‐Mei , Chen Liang , Chen Yan‐Ling , Yao Zhi‐Ye , Jian Min‐Qiao
Published: January 2022

In tracheal tissue engineering, the construction of tracheal scaffolds with adequate biodegradable mechanical capacity and biological functions that mimic the structure of a natural trachea is challenging. To explore the feasibility of preparing biomimetic degradable scaffolds with C‐type cartilage rings and an inner tracheal wall of polycaprolactone and silk fibroin. A mold was made according to the diameter of a rabbit trachea, and a silk fibroin tube and polycaprolactone ring attached to the tube were obtained by solution casting. The ring was fixed to the tube at a specific spacing using electrostatic spinning technology to construct a biomimetic tracheal scaffold; its porous structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy, its degradation properties were determined by in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis and its mechanical properties were obtained by pressure testing. The composite scaffold was transplanted subcutaneously into a rabbit model, and the scaffold was taken at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after surgery for sectioning to observe pre‐vascularization. The Medical Ethics Committee of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital approved the study. The general view of the biomimetic scaffold: the polycaprolactone ring was fixed firmly on the outer wall of the silk fibroin tube; the two corresponded in size, and they fitted closely. The surface of the polycaprolactone ring was smooth and dense, while the surface of the silk fibroin tube could be seen as a uniform porous structure. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface and profile of the fibroin tube had a uniform pore size and distribution. The pores were connected to form a network. In vitro, enzymatic hydrolysis experiments confirmed that the fibroin was degraded easily, with most being degraded at the end of week 1. The degradation slowed at 2, 3, and 4 weeks, while the degradation of polycaprolactone was extremely slow. A compression test showed that the compressive resistance of the silk fibroin–polycaprolactone biomimetic scaffolds was much better than that of the rabbit trachea at close thickness. In the tissue staining experiments, as the material degraded, fibrous tissues and blood vessels grew to replace the material, allowing the scaffold to obtain a blood supply and better mechanical properties. A quantitative analysis of CD31 showed that the results for the vascularization of the scaffold were better at 4 weeks than at 2 weeks following subcutaneous grafting (P < .05). The results confirmed that it is feasible to prepare porous, degradable silk fibroin–polycaprolactone biomimetic scaffolds with good mechanical properties and epithelial biological functions by mold casting.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis glycolipoprotein LprG inhibits inflammation through NF‐κB signaling of ERK1/2 and JNK in LPS‐induced murine macrophage cells
Authors: Abekura Fukushi , Park Junyoung , Lim Hakseong , Kim Hee‐Do , Choi Hyunju , Lee Moon‐Jo , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: January 2022

Mycobacterium tuberoculosis (Mtb) is a contagious pathogen that causes human tuberculosis (TB). TB is a major global health threat that causes 9.6 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths per year. Recent studies have suggested Mtb‐secreted proteins as new candidates for therapeutic drugs and vaccines. LprG is a Mtb‐secreted surface glycolipoprotein encoded by lprG (Rv1411c), which forms an operon with Rv1410c, where Rv1410c encodes P55, an efflux pump membrane protein. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have reported on the target‐binding activity, cell envelope biosynthesis, and mycobacterial virulence of LprG. However, the anti‐inflammatory effect of LprG in macrophages has not yet been investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that LprG can suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in a macrophage model. LprG inhibited LPS‐stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production. LprG also suppressed expression of inducible cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the transcriptional and protein levels. In addition, LprG decreased mRNA expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Furthermore, LprG attenuated nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) translocation and IκB phosphorylation. Moreover, LprG specifically inhibited phosphorylated kinases such as c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (p‐JNK) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (p‐ERK1/2), but not p‐p38. Taken together, these results suggest that LprG inhibits LPS‐stimulated inflammation via downregulation of NO, COX‐2, iNOS, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines through the NF‐κB, AP‐1, and MAPK signaling pathways. The present study will aid in the development of anti‐inflammatory medications using Mtb. The organism, which has long been regarded as a human pathogenic or human health‐threating agent, can be utilized as a future medical resource.
The greener, the happier? The effects of greenspace on residents' happiness in contemporary urban China
Authors: He Guangye , He Li , Zhang Boyang , Ge Ting , Chen Yunsong
Published: January 2022

In recent years, research has begun to touch upon the associations between the natural environment and individuals' subjective wellbeing; however, whether such associations would vary among different groups of people remains under‐studied. Using four waves (2010–2013) of data from the Chinese General Social Survey, we investigate the group‐specific correlation between environment—specifically, greenspace exposure—and individuals' happiness in contemporary urban China. For this study, the normalized difference vegetation index at the county level is a proxy for greenspace exposure. The results from the ordered logit model indicate that county‐level green vegetation is associated with individuals' happiness level, but such effects vary with a household's relative deprivation. While greenspace exposure is positively associated with happiness among individuals from less deprived families, it is negatively associated with happiness among those from deprived households. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge of the heterogeneous effect of greenspace on residents' subjective well‐being.
Improving trainee clinical documentation through a novel curriculum in internal medicine
Authors: Weber Danielle E. , Held Justin D. , Jandarov Roman A. , Kelleher Matthew , Kinnear Benjamin , Sall Dana R. , O'Toole Jennifer K.
Published: January 2022

Background

Clinical documentation is a key component of practice. Trainees rarely receive formal training in documentation or assessment of their documentation. Effective methods of improving documentation remain unknown.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine if the implementation of a documentation curriculum led to improvement in admission note quality.

Designs

Admission notes written prior to implementation of the curriculum and after the curriculum intervention were assessed. Notes were assessed from two‐time frames for both years to account for improvement with time not associated with the intervention.

Settings and Participants

Admission notes written by University of Cincinnati interns were assessed.

Interventions

The documentation curriculum consisted of educational sessions and routine admission note assessments with feedback.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Admission notes were assessed via the 16 checklist items and two global assessment items of the Admission Note Assessment Tool (ANAT).

Results

Six ANAT items showed statistically significant differences. The review of systems item improved with the intervention only (odds ratio: 3.61, p < .001) while the assessment and plan item 1 and global assessment item 2 improved with time only (β = .08, p = .03 and β = .25, p = .02, respectively) in univariate models. In univariate models the physical exam item, diagnostic data item 2, and global assessment item 1 showed improvement with both intervention and time, respectively, with additive effects seen in models with both intervention and time.

Conclusion

Several aspects of documentation can improve with a formal documentation curriculum which includes a routine assessment with feedback, and some aspects of documentation improve with time.
Lymphadenopathy post‐COVID‐19 vaccination with increased FDG uptake may be falsely attributed to oncological disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Bshesh Khalifa , Khan Wafa , Vattoth Ahamed Lazim , Janjua Emmad , Nauman Areej , Almasri Muna , Mohamed Ali Ateeque , Ramadorai Vinutha , Mushannen Beshr , AlSubaie Mai , Mohammed Ibrahim , Hammoud Mais , Paul Pradipta , Alkaabi Haya , Haji Aliyaa , Laws Sa'ad , Zakaria Dalia
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused a global pandemic that continues to cause numerous deaths to date. Four vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as of July 2021 to prevent the transmission of COVID‐19: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen. These vaccines have shown great efficacy and safety profile. One side effect that has been widely reported is post‐COVID‐19 vaccination lymphadenopathy. Due to the mimicry of the lymphadenopathy for metastases in some oncologic patients, there have been reports of patients who underwent biopsies that showed pathologic confirmation of benign reactive lymphadenopathy secondary to the COVID‐19 vaccine. Therefore, understanding the incidence of lymphadenopathy post‐COVID‐19 vaccinations will help guide radiologists and oncologists in their management of patients, both present oncologic patients, and patients with concerns over their newly presenting lymphadenopathy. A systematic literature search was performed using several databases to identify relevant studies that reported lymphadenopathy post‐COVID‐19 vaccination. Our results revealed that several cases have been detected in patients undergoing follow‐up fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography‐computerized tomography scans where lymph nodes ipsilateral to the vaccine injection site show increased uptake of FDG. Thus, knowledge of the incidence of lymphadenopathy may help avoid unnecessary biopsies, interventions, and changes in management for patients, especially oncologic patients who are at risk for malignancies.
Oxidative stress status and vitamin D levels of asymptomatic to mild symptomatic COVID‐19 infections during the third trimester of pregnancy: A retrospective study in Metz, France
Authors: Schmitt Guillaume , Labdouni Sary , Soulimani Rachid , Delamare Catherine , Bouayed Jaouad
Published: January 2022

It is believed that the subtle equilibrium between tolerance and immunity during the unique biological state of pregnancy, which is characterized by further physiological and hormonal changes, rends pregnant women more vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In this retrospective study, confirmed COVID‐19‐positive pregnant women (n = 15) during their third trimester, comprising asymptomatic (n = 7) and mild symptomatic (n = 8), and healthy pregnant controls (n = 20), were enrolled between June 1, 2020 and  June 1, 2021 from the Hospital CHR Metz‐Thionville in Metz, France. Vitamin D concentrations, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione levels, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the total antioxidant capacity, measured the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), were evaluated in the serum of patients and controls. Results showed that all pregnant women (patients and controls) enrolled in this study were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/ml). However, mild COVID‐19 pregnant women were severely vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/ml), which may suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and the symptomatology of COVID‐19 illness in singleton pregnancy. No differences between the levels of CRP and the majority of the studied oxidative stress markers in COVID‐19‐positive pregnant women (asymptomatic and/or mildly symptomatic patients) versus COVID‐19‐negative pregnant women were found, suggesting the absence or a low magnitude of oxidative stress in pregnant women with COVID‐19. This may also explain the absence of severe courses of COVID‐19 infection. More studies are warranted to investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation and antioxidant‐rich diets in the prevention against severe forms of COVID‐19 in pregnant women.
Performance and responsiveness to change of PROMIS UE in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Pines Yaniv , Gordon Dan , Alben Matthew , Kwon Young W. , Zuckerman Joseph D. , Virk Mandeep S.
Published: January 2022

The Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Computer Adaptive Test (PROMIS UE CAT) is a newer patient‐reported outcome measure for upper extremity physical function. To date, no longitudinal study exists assessing PROMIS UE CAT responsiveness in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this prospective longitudinal study is to report PROMIS UE CAT responsiveness to change and correlation to legacy instruments in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Ninety‐six patients (97 shoulders) undergoing TSA completed the PROMIS UE, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and after 6 months. Spearman's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated between PROMIS UE and other scores at each time‐point. Responsiveness to change was assessed using the effect size (Cohen's d) and standardized response mean compared with the preoperative time‐point. Floor and ceiling effects were also assessed. PROMIS UE CAT demonstrated positive responsiveness at all time‐points after TSA. It demonstrated excellent correlation (range: 0.68–0.84) with ASES, SST, and OSS at all postoperative time‐points, but the correlation was weaker (r < 0.6, except OSS) preoperatively. Only OSS and SST showed ceiling effects at the 6–12‐month time‐point (16.8% and 18.2%, respectively). PROMIS UE CAT responsiveness to change and strength of correlation with legacy instruments improves with time elapsed after TSA. Further quantification of meaningful responsiveness to change will require estimation of the minimal clinically important difference and substantial clinical benefit for PROMIS UE CAT.
From webs, loops, shunts, and pumps to microbial multitasking: Evolving concepts of marine microbial ecology, the mixoplankton paradigm, and implications for a future ocean
Authors: Glibert Patricia M. , Mitra Aditee
Published: January 2022

Emerging knowledge of mixoplankton—ubiquitous microbes that employ phototrophy and phagotrophy synergistically in one cell—reshapes our knowledge of the flow of materials and energy, with wide‐reaching impacts on marine productivity, biodiversity, and sustainability. Conceptual models of microbial interactions have evolved from food‐chains, where carbon‐fixing phytoplankton are conceived as being grazed solely by zooplankton that, in turn, support fisheries and higher trophic levels, to microbial webs, loops, and shunts, as knowledge about abundance, activity, and roles of marine microbial organisms—as well as the complexity of their interactions—has increased. In a future world, plankton that depend on a single strategy for acquiring nutrition (photo‐autotrophy or phago‐heterotrophy) may be disadvantaged with increasing temperatures and ocean acidification impacting vital rates, thermal stratification decreasing water column nutrient exchange, and anthropogenic pollution shifting amounts, forms, and proportions of nutrients. These conditions can lead to stoichiometric imbalances that may promote mixoplanktonic species with an increasing likelihood of harmful blooms. Such changes in plankton species composition alters the interconnectivity of oceanic microbes with direct consequences on biogeochemical cycling, trophic dynamics, and ecosystem services. Here, the implications of the mixoplankton paradigm relative to traditional concepts of microbial oceanography in a globally‐changing, anthropogenically‐impacted world are explored.
Nonvolatile Reconfigurable Electromagnetically Induced Transparency with Terahertz Chalcogenide Metasurfaces
Authors: Liu Kuan , Chen Xieyu , Lian Meng , Jia Jingyuan , Su Ying , Ren Haonan , Zhang Shoujun , Xu Yihan , Chen Jiajia , Tian Zhen , Cao Tun
Published: January 2022

Metasurface analog of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) provides a compact platform for generating a narrow‐band transmission window with very sharp spectral features. They hold promise for many appealing applications including ultrasensitive detectors, slow‐light devices, nonlinear optical devices etc. In particular, reconfigurable EIT metasurfaces are crucial for expanding the capability of light field control, which are promising for terahertz (THz) communications and optical networks. Yet, the investigation on reconfigurable EIT metasurfaces with nonvolatile operation remains scarce. Here, reversible switching of the metasurface‐induced transparency in the THz spectrum is experimentally realized. The reconfigurable response (reversible spectral shift) is obtained by integrating a nonvolatile chalcogenide phase change material, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST225) into the meta‐atoms. A giant reversible switching of EIT takes place under an excitation of nanosecond laser pulses, showing a reconfigurable group delay of the THz waves. The proposed reconfigurable THz metadevices may provide a new route for the ultrafast laser induced switching and reconfigurable slow‐light devices.
Assessment of the galvanic corrosion of bi‐metallic couple 7075‐T6‐aluminum alloy/microalloyed dual‐phase steel
Authors: Torres Vianey , Mayen‐Mondragon Rodrigo , Genesca Juan
Published: January 2022

The corrosion behavior of a galvanic coupling consisting of a 7075‐T6‐aluminum alloy and a low‐carbon low‐manganese microalloyed dual‐phase steel was studied in a 3% NaCl aqueous solution at room temperature. Corrosion behavior of the individual materials was assessed from potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements conducted on the individual couple components. The corrosion rate of the individual samples was found to be seven times larger on the microalloyed steel than on the aluminum alloy. From a comparison of corrosion current densities, the galvanic couple was found to sustain a nonsignificant galvanic effect—the latter in contrast to what may be determined considering differences in their respective corrosion potentials. According to the applied mixed‐potential theory and the zero‐resistance‐ammeter measurements performed directly on the galvanic couple, the aluminum‐alloy acted as the anodic member of the galvanic couple. Such behavior was justified by kinetic parameters rather than thermodynamic ones, considering the favorable rate of the oxygen reduction reaction on the microalloyed steel surface.
Unmet Needs of Women Living with Parkinson's Disease: Gaps and Controversies
Authors: Subramanian Indu , Mathur Soania , Oosterbaan Annelien , Flanagan Richelle , Keener Adrienne M. , Moro Elena
Published: January 2022

Personalized medicine considering sex, gender, and cultural context has become the vanguard of delivery of care. However, women's issues in Parkinson disease (PD), especially from a psychosocial standpoint, have been an overlooked field. The key research areas include women‐inclusive drug and device studies and genetic and hormonal considerations. Moreover, women with PD need to be educated and empowered on how to communicate their symptoms and needs, get engaged in research, get organized as a community, and support one another. Women with PD need tools to help track and convey their unique motor and nonmotor symptoms and psychological and social support needs. The management of PD needs to be customized to include the unique stages of women's lives, including menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Specific guidelines for the use of hormonal treatments and customized dopamine replacement dosing need to be developed. Women need guidance on culturally sensitive wellness and self‐care strategies that are customized for them. Basic core competencies in knowledge for all clinicians treating women with PD need to be established, including how to accurately diagnose, proactively identify, and treat the symptoms of PD in women and to ensure timely referral for specialty care, advanced therapies, and research studies. Caregivers and families need guidance on holistically supporting women with PD. The voices of women living with PD must be amplified to catalyze real change in this neglected field. This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge, gaps, and possible strategies to deal with the unmet needs of women living with PD with a focus on the clinical and psychosocial aspects. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Head CT dose reduction with organ‐based tube current modulation
Authors: Ota Joji , Yokota Hajime , Kobayashi Takenori , Ogata Yuki , Kubo Takumi , Chida Koichi , Masuda Yoshitada , Uno Takashi
Published: January 2022

Background

A helical head CT examination uses a pitch factor (PF) of <1.0, resulting in a part of the slice being directly irradiated twice. This raises the possibility of double irradiation, which may increase the amount of radiation to the lens. Organ‐based tube current modulation (OBTCM) is an effective method for reducing lens exposure because it reduces the dose to the anterior aspect of the patient. However, it is challenging to visualize the complex dose distribution when factoring in double irradiation.

Purpose

To visualize twice‐irradiated areas in helical head CT in three dimensions and to clarify the exposure reduction effect of OBTCM.

Material and methods

A leuco crystal violet (LCV) dosimeter was placed into an empty polyethylene terephthalate bottle 16.5 cm in diameter. Helical scans were performed without and with OBTCM using the following parameters: tube voltage 120 kV, tube current 600 mA, pitch factor 0.637, rotation time 0.5 s, 80 (detector rows) × 0.5 mm (detector collimation), and ten scans. Exposed areas were visualized using an optical computed tomography (OCT) system designed by our group. The dose reduction rate of OBTCM was defined as the ratio of the average values of the histogram with the dose value on the x‐axis and the frequency on the y‐axis without and with OBTCM at 90° to the anterior midline.

Results

The LCV dosimeter visualized the spiral‐shaped twice‐irradiated areas. Double irradiation resulted in a dose of 2.19/1.90 and 1.38/1.19 Gy (15.0% and 15.9% increase) without and with OBTCM, respectively. The dose reduction using OBTCM was 29.6% at 90° anterolateral.

Conclusion

The LCV dosimeter visualized the complex three‐dimensional irradiated areas and enabled dose measurement in twice‐irradiated areas. Increased exposure from double irradiation was attenuated by OBTCM.
Analytical solution for one‐dimensional steady‐state contaminant transport through a geomembrane layer (GMBL)/compacted clay layer (CCL)/attenuation layer (AL) composite liner considering consolidation
Authors: Yan Huaxiang , Xie Haijian , Ding Hao , Yang Dandi , Chen Cong , Chen Yunmin , Chen Yun
Published: January 2022

A composite liner system consisting of a geomembrane layer (GMBL), a compacted clay layer (CCL) and an attenuation layer (AL) is widely used in the modern landfills. The field and experimental observations highlight the potential detrimental effects on breakthrough of contaminants induced by consolidation of soil liner when a relatively high applied stress is caused by the waste placement. A one dimensional steady‐state model is developed to investigate the behaviour of contaminant transport in GMBL/CCL/AL composite liner system considering consolidation. Effects of the consolidation process on the transport of typical contaminants are investigated by the proposed analytical solution. The analytical results show that the magnitude of volume compressibility coefficient in the AL is important in controlling the overall magnitude of the consolidation induced effects. The process of consolidation shows a larger impact on the absorbable pollutants compared to the non‐absorbable pollutants. This may be due to the fact that the migration of solid particles induced by the consolidation may assist the transport of contaminant absorbed on them. The thickness of the AL shows large impacts on the bottom flux for the case with a high volume compressible coefficient. Increasing the thickness of AL from 1 to 3 m can results in a factor of 2.6 increase of the bottom flux. Increasing the thickness of the AL leads to a larger consolidation advection and a longer consolidation path, which may be the dominant mechanisms for contaminant transport compared to the diffusion process.
Multi‐parametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the upper arm muscles of patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Hooijmans Melissa T. , Habets Laura E. , van den Berg‐Faay Sandra A. M. , Froeling Martijn , Asselman Fay‐Lynn , Strijkers Gustav J. , Jeneson Jeroen A. L. , Bartels Bart , Nederveen Aart J. , van der Pol W. Ludo
Published: January 2022

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) is frequently used to map the disease state and disease progression in the lower extremity muscles of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This is in stark contrast to the almost complete lack of data on the upper extremity muscles, which are essential for carrying out daily activities. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the disease state in the upper arm muscles of patients with SMA in comparison with healthy controls by quantitative assessment of fat fraction, diffusion indices, and water T2 relaxation times, and to relate these measures to muscle force. We evaluated 13 patients with SMA and 15 healthy controls with a 3‐T MRI protocol consisting of DIXON, diffusion tensor imaging, and T2 sequences. qMRI measures were compared between groups and related to muscle force measured with quantitative myometry. Fat fraction was significantly increased in all upper arm muscles of the patients with SMA compared with healthy controls and correlated negatively with muscle force. Additionally, fat fraction was heterogeneously distributed within the triceps brachii (TB) and brachialis muscle, but not in the biceps brachii muscle. Diffusion indices and water T2 relaxation times were similar between patients with SMA and healthy controls, but we did find a slightly reduced mean diffusivity (MD), λ1, and λ3 in the TB of patients with SMA. Furthermore, MD was positively correlated with muscle force in the TB of patients with SMA. The variation in fat fraction further substantiates the selective vulnerability of muscles. The reduced diffusion tensor imaging indices, along with the positive correlation of MD with muscle force, point to myofiber atrophy. Our results show the feasibility of qMRI to map the disease state in the upper arm muscles of patients with SMA. Longitudinal data in a larger cohort are needed to further explore qMRI to map disease progression and to capture the possible effects of therapeutic interventions.
Effects of chemically functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles on the UV‐shielding characteristics of polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Wang Xiao , Hu Wei , Chen Hongren , Saeed Mohsin Hassan , Huang Junyi , Hu Junmei , Ren Yunxiao , Xu Jianjun , Zhang Lanying , Yu Meina , Zhang Haiquan , Yang Huai
Published: January 2022

Recently, smart windows based on polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) composites have garnered enormous interest owing to their electrically switchable properties. However, the low UV‐shielding characteristics of these films limit their widespread application. Here, we reported novel PDLC composite films doped with functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the UV‐shielding efficiency. The TiO2 NPs were chemically functionalized by 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) and 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that APTS functionalized TiO2 NPs tended to cluster in the polymer network instead of liquid crystal droplets, and MPTS functionalized TiO2 NPs were independently and uniformly dispersed in the polymer network. Particularly, optical studies showed that the TiO2(MPTS)/PDLC composite film can effectively shield 95.9% UV light at on‐state, and 99.16% at off‐state. Furthermore, compared to traditional PDLC film (without TiO2 NPs), the total response time of the TiO2(MPTS)/PDLC film is reduced from 60.4 to 13.4 ms, and the contrast ratio (CR) was increased by more than twofold from 35.6 to 97.26.
Supporting primary school students' mental health needs: Teachers' perceptions of roles, barriers, and abilities
Authors: Maclean Louise , Law Jeremy M.
Published: January 2022

Mental health problems among children are on the rise across the United Kingdom. Teachers are uniquely placed to play a vital role in early identification and intervention. This study aims to identify and discuss potential barriers among Scottish teachers' concerning their role in supporting children's mental health. One hundred and seventy‐nine Scottish primary school teaching staff from 30 different council areas completed an online survey. The survey examined mental health concerns observed in the classroom; barriers to support; perceived personal knowledge; and training. Results indicate that teachers believe they have a role in supporting children's mental health. However, teachers perceive themselves as having a lack of knowledge and specific skills to promote positive mental health. A lack of adequate training was identified as a primary barrier to delivering adequate supports and identification. Results demonstrate the need for a greater emphasis on professional development and preservice training to address this knowledge gap.
Proteomic analysis of metabolic pathways supports chloroplast–mitochondria cross‐talk in a Cu‐limited diatom
Authors: Hippmann Anna A. , Schuback Nina , Moon Kyung‐Mee , McCrow John P. , Allen Andrew E. , Foster Leonard F. , Green Beverley R. , Maldonado Maria T.
Published: January 2022

Diatoms are one of the most successful phytoplankton groups in our oceans, being responsible for over 20% of the Earth's photosynthetic productivity. Their chimeric genomes have genes derived from red algae, green algae, bacteria, and heterotrophs, resulting in multiple isoenzymes targeted to different cellular compartments with the potential for differential regulation under nutrient limitation. The resulting interactions between metabolic pathways are not yet fully understood. We previously showed how acclimation to Cu limitation enhanced susceptibility to overreduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and its reorganization to favor photoprotection over light harvesting in the oceanic diatom Thalassiosira oceanica (Hippmann et al., 2017, 10.1371/journal.pone.0181753). In order to gain a better understanding of the overall metabolic changes that help alleviate the stress of Cu limitation, we have further analyzed the comprehensive proteomic datasets generated in that study to identify differentially expressed proteins involved in carbon, nitrogen, and oxidative stress‐related metabolic pathways. Metabolic pathway analysis showed integrated responses to Cu limitation. The upregulation of ferredoxin (Fdx) was correlated with upregulation of plastidial Fdx‐dependent isoenzymes involved in nitrogen assimilation as well as enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis, thus suggesting an integration of nitrogen uptake and metabolism with photosynthesis and oxidative stress resistance. The differential expression of glycolytic isoenzymes located in the chloroplast and mitochondria may enable them to channel both excess electrons and/or ATP between these compartments. An additional support for chloroplast–mitochondrial cross‐talk is the increased expression of chloroplast and mitochondrial proteins involved in the proposed malate shunt under Cu limitation.