bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning and sequence analysis of a serine protease gene from Rhizoctonia solani Kühn AG5
Authors: Ma Jing , Yang Xiling , Fan Wenyan , Zhao Changjiang , Li Wenshuai , Zhou Di , Jiang Shujun
Published: December 2021

The present study aimed to identify the subtilisin‐like proteases (SLPs) of Rhizoctonia solani Kühn potentially involved in the virulence of this phytopathogenic fungus, which has 14 anastomosis groups (AGs) responsible for many crop diseases. Through mycelial microscope observation and strain identification of pathogenic fungus MS‐3, it was determined to be R. solani AG‐5. Both 5ʹ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends were used to clone the serine protease gene RsSLP from R. solani AG‐5. The full‐length obtained for RsSLP was 1714 bp with an open reading frame of 1587 bp, encoding a protein of 528 amino acids with a molecular mass of 55.8 kDa. This protein contained a predicted signal peptide for secretion but lacked a transmembrane domain or membrane anchor site. Bioinformatics analysis identified this protein as a serine protease with the Peptidase_S8 and Inhibitor_I9 characteristic domains of SLPs. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that frequent gene duplications of the SLPs occurred in R. solani (RsSLP), and RsSLP shares characteristic sequence features with virulence factors of other phytopathogenic fungi. Because the secretory serine protease RsSLP from R. solani AG5 is similar to the virulence factors of other phytopathogenic fungi, its identification will be helpful in studies considering the roles of these proteases in pathogen virulence.
Exploring the relationship between genotype and phenotype using yeast alcohol dehydrogenase 1
Authors: Krzysiak Amanda , Doyle Caroline , Huff Mary O.
Published: December 2021

Project‐based (research‐driven) laboratory courses stimulate student involvement, improve critical thinking and initiate cooperative learning. To this end, a 7‐week laboratory project was designed for a sophomore cell biology course to reinforce the fundamental relationship between genotype and phenotype using yeast alcohol dehydrogenase I (ADH1). Working in pairs, students used site‐directed mutagenesis to create a H44R mutation in the ADH1 gene sequence inserted into a YEp13 shuttle vector. These plasmids were propagated in E. coli, sequenced, and reintroduced into a yeast strain expressing no ADH1 activity. The growth patterns on selective media were determined. As the mutation allows for growth in the presence of allyl alcohol, students make the connection between DNA sequence and protein function. Student performance was assessed with pre‐ and post‐tests, with improvement observed across all learning objectives. In addition to meeting the learning outcomes, 98% of the students thought that this experience allowed them to see how the scientific process can encompass multiple techniques to answer a single question. Eighty‐four percent of the students thought that this experience was more engaging than other lab experiences they have had. Our multi‐week laboratory examining the phenotypic changes in yeast alcohol metabolism successfully developed students' understanding of the scientific process, knowledge of molecular techniques and the relationship of gene sequence to protein function in an engaging manner.
A facile and sensitive HPLC–MS/MS method for quantification of 3,3′‐diindolylmethane in plasma samples
Authors: Lakeev Alexander P. , Yanovskaya Elena A. , Tsuran Daria V. , Bryushinina Olga S. , Abdrashitova Natalia Yu. , Zyuz'kova Yulia G. , Udut Vladimir V. , Kiselev Vsevolod I. , Kuznetsov Igor N.
Published: December 2021

Indole‐3‐carbinol is the subject of ongoing biomedical research owing to its potential antiatherogenic, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects. The antitumor properties are mainly associated with its major metabolite, i.e. 3,3′‐diindolylmethane (DIM). Typically, the biological activity of the chemical compound is manifested in the ng/ml concentration range. Consequently, the development of highly sensitive analytical methods to determine DIM in various biological samples is an urgent issue. In this study, an HPLC–MS/MS method was established for the quantification of DIM in human plasma. The developed method was validated according to the European Medicines Agency guidelines. Sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy and precision were good, allowing DIM quantification in the concentration range of 5–500 ng/ml. The limit of detection and the lower limit of quantification were 1 and 5 ng/ml, respectively. 4‐Methoxy‐1‐methylindole was used as an internal standard (IS). The analytes were extracted from the human plasma by the acetonitrile‐induced protein precipitation method with the addition of 3 mol/L ammonium sulfate as a salting‐out agent, which is a facile and efficient approach for high‐throughput bioanalysis. The chromatographic separation was performed on the Synergi Fusion‐RP C18 column (50 × 2.0 mm, 4 μm, 80 Å) under isocratic elution at 40°C. The mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water (0.1% formic acid; 85:15, v/v) was delivered at a flow rate of 0.20 ml/min. DIM and the IS were eluted at 2.36 ± 0.04 and 2.43 ± 0.03 min, respectively. The total analysis time was 3.20 min. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization was carried out using multiple reaction monitoring in the positive polarity mode. The ion transitions were set to m/z 247.1 → 130.1 (DIM) and 162.1 → 147.1 (IS). The method was successfully applied to the analysis of plasma samples after a single oral administration of the Indinol® Forto drug (200 mg) to healthy female Russian volunteers. Also, the developed method was used for the analysis of rabbit plasma samples after a single oral dose of DIM (20 mg/kg).
Catalytic Activities of Low‐Coordinated Ce for Methane Conversion
Authors: Zhou Hui , Wu Xin‐Ping , Gong Xue‐Qing
Published: December 2021

In heterogeneous catalysis, the catalytic activity of an active center strongly correlates with its coordination number. In this work, density functional theory calculations corrected by on‐site Coulomb interactions were conducted to investigate the catalytic performances of the CeO4‐terminated reconstructed CeO2(100) (CeO4‐t) and the Ca‐doped CeO4‐t surfaces. The undoped CeO4‐t surface contains single 4‐fold coordinated Ce (Ce4c) sites on its top surface layer, and the Ca‐doped CeO4‐t surface can expose even lower‐coordinated 3‐fold Ce (Ce3c) sites. We found that the empty 4f states of the single Ce3c sites on the Ca‐doped CeO4‐t surface have much lower energies than that of the single Ce4c sites on the undoped CeO4‐t surface, which can effectively boost the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+. We further studied the selective oxidation of CH4 to CH3OH on the two surfaces and found that the isolated nature combined with the strong electron‐reservoir character of the single Ce3c site makes it highly desirable for the selective activation of the first C−H bond of CH4, while the subsequent C−H bond cleavage step is less affected by such low‐coordinated Ce and the CH3OH formation becomes more facile on the Ca‐doped CeO4‐t surface, giving rise to the high activity and selectivity of the Ca‐doped CeO4‐t surface toward the selective oxidation of CH4 to CH3OH.
Conducting Polymer‐Based Hybrid Electrochemical Capacitor Utilizing Potassium Iodide Redox Electrolyte with Controlled Self‐Discharge
Authors: Skunik‐Nuckowska Magdalena , Lubera Justyna , Rączka Patryk , Mroziewicz Aleksandra A. , Dyjak Sławomir , Kulesza Pawel J.
Published: December 2021

This paper reports on the application of poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon nanotubes (PEDOT/CNT) material for the construction of a hybrid supercapacitor utilizing iodide redox‐active electrolyte. To address the advantages in terms of electrochemical performance, comparison has been made to the system using conventional activated carbon (AC) electrodes. Despite limited specific surface area of the polymer‐based material, the PEDOT/CNT cell demonstrates reasonably high electrical parameters (vs. highly porous AC), especially those normalized per volume or total mass of the device. Interestingly, it also exhibits more stable self‐discharge characteristics over operation time which shall be assigned to smaller fraction of free polyiodides generated in the cell in the presence of the low‐surface‐area polymer electrode, in addition to their strong confinement in the polymer network, thus suppressing redox‐shuttling. Pursuing the mechanistic studies, we have managed to detect (using the electrocatalytic WO3‐based voltammetric probe) the presence of undesirable iodates but at lower concentrations in a case of the PEDOT/CNT‐based capacitor.
Recent Advances in Prescribing Chiral Plasmonics with DNA Frameworks
Authors: Hou Xiaoling , Zhang Yinan , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Liu Huajie
Published: December 2021

Chiral phenomena are extremely common in nature. Moreover, plasmonic metal nanostructures with chiral optical responsive characteristics in the visible range play a vital role in numerous aspects. The development of DNA self‐assembly technology makes DNA frameworks extraordinarily suitable for nano‐construction with unparalleled arbitrariness and complexity. As an addressable platform, DNA frameworks can be used to construct various chiral plasmonic nanostructures. Over the decades, DNA framework‐enabled chiral plasmonics based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) have been studied since they can endow DNA‐directed nanostructures with tailored optical functionalities. In recent years, with the rapid development of DNA nanotechnology, the research field of prescribing chiral plasmonics with DNA frameworks has been extended to dynamic plasmonic fabrications, DNA metallization enabled structures and novel nanostructures with a diversity of materials and geometries, and fruitful results have been achieved. In this review, we summarized the development of a variety of chiral plasmonic nanostructures prescribed by DNA frameworks, and presented the recent advances in this booming research field.
Edoxaban Exposure in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Estimated Creatinine Clearance Exceeding 100 mL/min
Authors: Yin Ophelia , Kakkar Tarundeep , Duggal Anil , Kotsuma Masakatsu , Shi Minggao , Lanz Hans , Grosso Michael A.
Published: December 2021

Edoxaban 60 mg is approved for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) not fulfilling any dose‐reduction criteria. As edoxaban is partially renally cleared (≈50%), this study compared pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of edoxaban 60 mg once daily with edoxaban 75 mg once daily in patients with AF with high renal clearance (creatinine clearance > 100 mL/min) over 12 months. Primary PK and pharmacodynamics end points were plasma edoxaban exposure and anti–factor Xa (FXa) concentration. A population PK model estimated edoxaban exposure at steady state. Efficacy and safety outcomes included composites of stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, and major and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding. Of 607 patients, 303 and 304 were randomized to edoxaban 60 and 75 mg, respectively. Edoxaban 75 mg provided ≈25% higher exposure than 60 mg. This increase was accurately depicted in the population PK model; anti–factor Xa concentration correlated with edoxaban exposure. Rates of composite and individual outcomes were similarly low between doses. In conclusion, the 25% increase in edoxaban dose (60‐75 mg) resulted in ≈25% exposure increase in the 75‐mg group. Higher exposure was not associated with reduced stroke risk in patients with AF with high renal clearance.
Subtle mistakes in self‐report surveys predict future transition to dementia
Authors: Schneider Stefan , Junghaenel Doerte U. , Zelinski Elizabeth M. , Meijer Erik , Stone Arthur A. , Langa Kenneth M. , Kapteyn Arie
Published: December 2021

Introduction

We investigate whether indices of subtle reporting mistakes derived from responses in self‐report surveys are associated with dementia risk.

Methods

We examined 13,831 participants without dementia from the prospective, population‐based Health and Retirement Study (mean age 69 ± 10 years, 59% women). Participants’ response patterns in 21 questionnaires were analyzed to identify implausible responses (multivariate outliers), incompatible responses (Guttman errors), acquiescent responses, random errors, and the proportion of skipped questions. Subsequent incident dementia was determined over up to 10 years of follow‐up.

Results

During follow‐up, 2074 participants developed dementia and 3717 died. Each of the survey response indices was associated with future dementia risk controlling for confounders and accounting for death as a competing risk. Stronger associations were evident for participants who were younger and cognitively normal at baseline.

Discussion

Mistakes in the completion of self‐report surveys in longitudinal studies may be early indicators of dementia among middle‐aged and older adults.
Electrochemical Characterization of the Repurposed Antimicrobial Compound Auranofin in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Yossief Melak , Singh Vikram , Maydaniuk Dustin , Cardona Silvia , Kuss Sabine
Published: December 2021

Electrochemical sensors are gaining attention for the detection and quantification of pharmaceuticals in the environment. To that end, there is an interest in understanding the electrochemical characteristics of drugs. Herein, the multi‐purpose drug auranofin is investigated for the first time in aqueous media. This compound offers therapeutic benefits in strains of cancer, parasites, bacteria and fungi, which have grown immune to many antibiotics. Auranofin detection was optimized at carbon black‐modified electrodes. Voltammetry provides information about redox potentials, levels of detection and quantification, and pH dependence. Parameters identified in this study will be useful for auranofin sensing in environmental samples, and for studies related to drug resistance.
Dynamic Model and Intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking Approach for Large‐Scale Building‐Integrated Photovoltaic System
Authors: An Qing , Tang Ruoli , Su Hongfeng
Published: December 2021

Due to the complex surrounding environments, unpredictable occupants’ behaviors, and the photovoltaic (PV) module degradation after years of operation, the fast and accurate maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of building‐integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system is very difficult. Herein, the MPPT of a huge BIPV system is modeled as a large‐scale global optimization (LSGO) problem, in which all the variables are proven to be separable. Then, a novel differential evolution (DE) algorithm with the “DE/Current‐to‐Tbest/Current‐to‐Gbest/1” mutation operation (DE‐TG1) is developed to optimize the aforementioned separable LSGO−MPPT model. In addition, the problem of PV module degradation and its effect on the LSGO‐MPPT model are analyzed in detail. To reduce the influence of PV degradation on MPPT accuracy, the dynamic LSGO−MPPT model is developed by introducing the annual drift rates into the proposed LSGO−MPPT model. Finally, the developed methodologies are comprehensively tested by simulation experiments. Experimental results show that the developed DE‐TG1 algorithm significantly outperforms the other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms on separable LSGO problems. In addition, result of the experiments also indicates that with the cooperation of the DE‐TG1 algorithm and the dynamic LSGO−MPPT model, the effective MPPT control of a large‐scale BIPV system can be obtained with accurate and robust performance.
The direct and indirect effects of bioactive compounds against coronavirus
Authors: Tomas Merve , Capanoglu Esra , Bahrami Akbar , Hosseini Hamed , Akbari‐Alavijeh Safoura , Shaddel Rezvan , Rehman Abdur , Rezaei Atefe , Rashidinejad Ali , Garavand Farhad , Goudarzi Mostafa , Jafari Seid Mahdi
Published: December 2021

Emerging viruses are known to pose a threat to humans in the world. COVID‐19, a newly emerging viral respiratory disease, can spread quickly from people to people via respiratory droplets, cough, sneeze, or exhale. Up to now, there are no specific therapies found for the treatment of COVID‐19. In this sense, the rising demand for effective antiviral drugs is stressed. The main goal of the present study is to cover the current literature about bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, minerals, vitamins, oligosaccharides, bioactive peptides, essential oils, and probiotics) with potential efficiency against COVID‐19, showing antiviral activities via the inhibition of coronavirus entry into the host cell, coronavirus enzymes, as well as the virus replication in human cells. In turn, these compounds can boost the immune system, helping fight against COVID‐19. Overall, it can be concluded that bioactives and the functional foods containing these compounds can be natural alternatives for boosting the immune system and defeating coronavirus.
Novel EWSR1::UBP1 fusion expands the spectrum of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcomas
Authors: El Zein Sophie , Djeroudi Lounes , Reynaud Stéphanie , Guillemot Delphine , Masliah‐Planchon Julien , Frouin Eléonore , Nicolas Nayla , Le Loarer François , Daniel Catherine , Delattre Olivier , Pierron Gaëlle , Watson Sarah
Published: December 2021

Over the last decade, the development of next‐generation sequencing techniques has led to the molecular dismantlement of adult and pediatric sarcoma, with the identification of multiple gene fusions associated with specific subtypes and currently integrated into diagnostic classifications. In this report, we describe and discuss the identification of a novel EWSR1‐UBP1 gene fusion in an adult patient presenting with multi‐metastatic sarcoma. Extensive pathological, transcriptomic, and genomic characterization of this tumor in comparison with a cohort of different subtypes of pediatric and adult sarcoma revealed that this fusion represents a novel variant of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma with features of TFCP2‐rearranged subfamily.
Ambulatory care pharmacy in Saudi Arabia; definition, history, present, future potentials, and expected challenges
Authors: Alshaya Omar A. , Arab Omaima Osama , Alhifany Abdullah A. , Alhossan Abdulaziz , Alomar Mukhtar , Alqahtani Abdulaziz G. , Almolaiki Maha A. , Mubarki Sultan , Alruwaisan Rana , Alturaiki Abdulrahman , Alzuman Sitah , Alsaqer Ahmed Ibrahim , Korayem Ghazwa B.
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The ambulatory care pharmacy practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a fairly new but evolving specialty that has provided patient‐centered care in various clinics over the past 20 years. It mainly resembles the United States in its structure and provides its services to patients mostly free of charge. The Saudi Vision 2030 and the new transformation in its health care system present many opportunities for ambulatory care clinical pharmacists with some expected challenges.

Method: This is a review written by a group of experts under the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy umbrella propose a definition and comprehensively review the history of ambulatory care pharmacy practice in KSA, the currently available services, potential future opportunities, and expected challenges.

Results: The expert's insight would support the ambulatory care pharmacy practice in KSA, evaluate the need to expand its services, define its role, and suggest set requirements for pharmacists to be eligible to provide ambulatory care pharmacy services.

Conclusion: The position statement recommendations may help legislative bodies provide a more explicit explanation of ambulatory care pharmacy services in KSA to build a more robust base structure for such services.
Systemic ablation of vitamin D receptor leads to skeletal muscle glycogen storage disorder in mice
Authors: Das Anamica , Gopinath Suchitra D. , Arimbasseri Gopalakrishnan Aneeshkumar
Published: December 2021

Background

Vitamin D deficiency leads to pathologies of multiple organ systems including skeletal muscle. Patients with severe vitamin D deficiency exhibit muscle weakness and are susceptible to frequent falls. Mice lacking a functional vitamin D receptor (VDR) develop severe skeletal muscle atrophy immediately after weaning. But the root cause of myopathies when vitamin D signalling is impaired is unknown. Because vitamin D deficiency leads to metabolic changes as well, we hypothesized that the skeletal muscle atrophy in mice lacking VDR may have a metabolic origin.

Methods

We analysed wild‐type (WT) mice as well as vitamin D receptor null (vdr−/−) mice for skeletal muscle proteostasis, energy metabolism, systemic glucose homeostasis, and muscle glycogen levels. Dysregulation of signalling pathways as well as the glycogen synthesis and utilization machinery were also analysed using western blots. qRT–PCR assays were performed to understand changes in mRNA levels.

Results

Skeletal muscles of vdr−/− exhibited higher expression levels of muscle‐specific E3 ubiquitin ligases and showed increased protein ubiquitination, suggesting up‐regulation of protein degradation. Foxo1 transcription factor was activated in vdr−/− while Foxo3 factor was unaffected. Fasting protein synthesis as well as mTORC1 pathways were severely down‐regulated in vdr−/− mice. Skeletal muscle ATP levels were low in vdr−/− (0.58 ± 0.18 μmol/mL vs. 1.6 ± 0.0.14 μmol/mL, P = 0.006), leading to increased AMPK activity. Muscle energy deprivation was not caused by decreased mitochondrial activity as we found the respiratory complex II activity in vdr−/− muscles to be higher compared with WT (0.29 ± 0.007 mU/μL vs. 0.16 ± 0.005 mU/μL). vdr−/− mice had lower fasting blood glucose levels (95 ± 14.5 mg/dL vs. 148.6 ± 6.1 mg/dL, P = 0.0017) while they exhibited hyperlactataemia (7.42 ± 0.31 nmol/μL vs. 4.95 ± 0.44 nmol/μL, P = 0.0032), suggesting systemic energy deficiency in these mice. Insulin levels in these mice were significantly lower in response to intraperitoneal glucose injection (0.69 ± 0.08 pg/mL vs. 1.11 ± 0.09 pg/mL, P = 0.024). Skeletal muscles of these mice exhibit glycogen storage disorder characterized by increased glycogen accumulation. The glycogen storage disorder in vdr−/− muscles is driven by increased glycogen synthase activity and decreased glycogen phosphorylase activity. Increased glycogenin expression supports higher levels of glycogen synthesis in these muscles.

Conclusions

The results presented show that lack of vitamin D signalling leads to a glycogen storage defect in the skeletal muscles, which leads to muscle energy deprivation. The inability of vdr−/− skeletal muscles to use glycogen leads to systemic defects in glucose homeostasis, which in turn leads to proteostasis defects in skeletal muscles and atrophy.
The positive relationship between androgens and hematocrit levels in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Kobayashi Shohei , Qasimi Mohammad I. , Watanabe Gen
Published: December 2021

Studies have confirmed the involvement of androgens in bird erythropoiesis, suggesting its potential function as a mediator thereof. However, little is known on whether anti‐androgenic treatment reduces erythropoiesis and whether changes in endogenous androgen levels are reflected in red blood cell (RBC) indices in birds. Clarifying such issues would highlight the importance of androgens in mediating avian erythropoiesis and bring attention to the effects of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals with anti‐androgenic activity on their ecology. The present study focused on hematocrit levels among the RBC indices, as well as the relationship between androgens and hematocrit levels in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). In experiment 1, daily injections (i.m.) of testosterone propionate administered to immature quails for a week dose‐dependently increased their hematocrit levels. In experiment 2, daily injections (i.m.) of flutamide, a general antagonist of the androgen receptor (AR), administered to adult male quails for a week dose‐dependently decreased their hematocrit levels. In experiment 3, weekly blood collection from male quails through the immature to mature stages revealed that changes in endogenous testosterone concentrations were correlated with changes in hematocrit levels along with sexual maturation. The aforementioned results suggested that androgen stimulates erythropoiesis via the ARs and further highlighted the biological importance of androgens on erythropoiesis in quails. Moreover, given that hematocrit is considered a key determinant of aerobic performance related to migration in birds, these findings highlight the need for investigating the effects of anti‐androgenic chemicals on the hematology of migratory species for their conservation.
Outcomes of push and pull percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placements in 854 patients: A single‐center study
Authors: Bouchiba Hicham , Jacobs Maarten A J M , Bouma Gerd , Ramsoekh Dewkoemar
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is indicated for prolonged enteral nutrition. This study aimed to analyze the outcome and to identify potential risk factors for complications in PEG procedures.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective analysis of the performed PEG procedures during the period January 2010 till January 2020.

Results

A PEG placement procedure was performed in 854 patients (64.1% male) and was successful in 833 (97.5%). In total, 513 push (61.6%) and 320 pull (38.6%) PEGs were placed. The mean age was 60.7 years, and the median follow‐up was 267 days. The push PEG was associated with peri‐procedural bleeding (P = 0.002) and tube dislodgements (P < 0.001), while the pull PEG was significantly associated with buried bumpers (P < 0.001), infected placement sites (P = 0.019), and granulation tissue formation (P = 0.044). The PEG‐related mortality rate was 0.2%, but the overall 30‐day mortality was 4.0%.

Conclusion

The current study showed that the push and pull PEG placements are both safe and feasible procedures, with a low PEG‐related mortality. Buried bumpers, infected placement sites, and granulation tissue formation are more often seen in the pull PEG, while the push PEG is associated with periprocedural bleeding and tube dislodgements. These complications should be taken into account and there is a need for a prospective trial to identify superiority between the PEG methods.
Unusual cause of gastric outlet obstruction mimicking superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case of infiltrative duodenal cancer arising from a choledochocele
Authors: Jang Min Jae , Kim Hyun Gun , Oh Chi Hyuk , Kim So‐Woon , You Myung‐Won
Published: December 2021

Choledochocele is a rare subtype of choledochal cyst and is associated with increased prevalence of periampullary cancers. Here, we report an unusual manifestation of infiltrative duodenal cancer arising from a choledochocele, involving superficial spreading (muscularis mucosae) of cancer cells along the duodenum causing gastric outlet obstruction, which clinically mimicked superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Histologically, wide spread of cancer cells was confirmed from periampullary region to duodenojejunal junction showing mismatch with radiologic findings, in which the cancer segment was mainly located in the distal duodenum. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings are discussed with literature reviews.
Comparison of contrast‐enhanced transabdominal ultrasonography following endoscopic ultrasonography with GD‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI for the sequential diagnosis of liver metastasis in patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Takuya , Ohno Eizaburo , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Koya Toshinari , Sasaki Yutaka , Ogawa Hiroshi , Kinoshita Fumie , Hirooka Yoshiki , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To compare contrast‐enhanced transabdominal ultrasonography (CE‐US) following contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH‐EUS) with enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (EOB‐MRI) in the diagnosis of liver metastases in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Patients who underwent contrast‐enhanced computed tomography for possible pancreatic cancer and required further evaluation with CH‐EUS were enrolled in this study, and the diagnostic performance of CE‐US following CH‐EUS for liver metastasis was compared with that of EOB‐MRI.

Results

A total of 228 patients were included in the final analysis. Two hundred thirty‐four hepatic lesions were found in 81 patients, and 178 lesions were finally diagnosed as metastases. EOB‐MRI had a higher sensitivity (0.837 vs 0.949), while CE‐US had a higher specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) (0.982 and 0.993 vs 0.911 and 0.971, respectively) in the diagnosis of liver metastasis. CE‐US with defect reperfusion imaging had a higher diagnostic performance than EOB‐MRI (0.866 vs 0.667) in the differentiation between liver metastasis and abscess.

Conclusion

EOB‐MRI had a higher sensitivity than CE‐US for diagnosing liver metastasis in patients with pancreatic cancer, but CE‐US following CH‐EUS demonstrated a higher specificity and PPV than EOB‐MRI and was especially useful in the differentiation between liver metastasis and abscess.
Reference Ranges for Corpus Callosum and Cavum Septi Pellucidi Biometry on Prenatal Ultrasound: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rosenbloom Joshua I. , Yaeger Lauren H. , Porat Shay
Published: December 2021

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published nomograms for fetal corpus callosum and cavum septi pellucid biometry. A structured literature search was conducted to identify studies that reported normal measurements of the fetal corpus callosum and cavum septi pellucidi. Random effects metaanalysis was used to calculate normal ranges, and reference curves are provided. The quality assessment demonstrated that there was generally poor reporting regarding maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes. Our findings emphasize that standardization of research protocols and publishing criteria for normal biometric ranges is needed.
Stochastic evaluation of restoration procedures on postmining land areas using a game theory approach
Authors: Vach Marek , Vachová Pavla , Walmsley Alena , Berka Martin , Albert Jan , Cienciala Emil , Braun Kohlová Markéta , Máca Vojtěch , Melichar Jan
Published: December 2021

Restoration of postmining areas is a frequently addressed topic requiring a comprehensive view. In this article, the recovery process of selected postmining spoil heap sites was evaluated using an approach based on calculation of Nash equilibrium (NE) probability distributions. Many of these sites have been allowed to recover by spontaneous succession, while on others, a variety of restoration procedures have been tested, most of them variants of the forest plantation type. The evaluation was carried out on selected data from each site that reflects four factors: the richness of the vegetation cover, the amount of biomass as soil macrofauna per unit area, the forestry yield, and the attractiveness for recreation use. The analysis was based on permuted game configurations in which these factors were treated as competing entities, adversaries that were differentially successful in each location depending on the conditions of the recovery procedure used. The game strategies that the factors exhibited as theoretically interacting entities had no primary information content, which meant that they could be treated stochastically. The result was a distribution of the NE probability at each location. Considering the fact that this result reflected the degree of optimality of the included factors, the calculation could be considered as a specific type of multicriteria evaluation, which was practically applicable and provided unambiguous results. The NE probability in sites restored by deciduous tree stands was higher, which was therefore assumed to correspond to higher stability.
Structural Evolutions of Initially Amorphous Polymers during Near‐Tg Stretching: A Minireview of Recent Progresses
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Zhou Jian , Pan Pengju
Published: December 2021

Industrial processing of polymeric products often involves stretching from glassy state. Therefore, the understanding of structural evolution of glassy polymers during stretching around glass transition temperatures (Tg) is of fundamental significance to predict suitable processing parameters for industrial purpose. However, former reviews have mostly focused on the structural evolution of polymers being stretched from melt or crystalline state, whereas there still lacks summaries dedicated to stretching studies from the amorphous state. This work summarizes important advances of researches on both non‐crystallizable and crystallizable polymers concerning their stretching behavior near Tg. Based on case studies on typical examples of each kind, the review systematically presented the structural changes including chain orientation/relaxation kinetics, dynamic network evolution, and stretch‐induced phase transition. A discussion about the influence of these structural evolutions on essential end‐use properties of materials is also included, in the hope of providing guidance on future stretching‐related studies.
Micro‐ and Nanotexturization of Liquid Silicone Rubber Surfaces by Injection Molding Using Hybrid Polymer Inlays
Authors: Lozano‐Hernández Nekane , Pérez Llanos Germán , Saez Comet Carlos , del Valle Luis J. , Puiggali Jordi , Fontdecaba Enric
Published: December 2021

Micro‐ and nanotexturization of surfaces can give to the parts different advanced functionalities, such as superhydrophobicity, self‐cleaning, or antibacterial capabilities. These advanced properties in combination with the biocompatibility of Liquid Silicone Rubber are an interesting approach for obtaining high‐performance medical devices. The industrial production of surface textures in polymeric materials is through the replication technique, and the best option to attain a high production rate is injection molding. Moreover, its low viscosity during processing can provide an accurate replication capacity by the easy filling by capillarity of the microtextures. An innovative replicating technique for Liquid Silicone Rubber is presented by studying the replication of different shaped textures within a diameter range of between 2 and 50 µm. The copying process consists in the overmolding of a textured polymeric inlay obtained by nanoimprint lithography. At the end of the process, a textured part is obtained, while the imprinted film remains in the mold. The injection molding parameters are optimized to increase the replication accuracy, and their effect on texture replicability is analyzed and discussed. Finally, it is shown that the textured surfaces improve their wettability behavior, which is a necessary and important characteristic in the development of biomedical devices.
Turbo Similarity Searching: Effect of Partial Ranking and Fusion Rules on ChEMBL Database
Authors: Abdulhakeem Mansour Alhasbary Abeer , Hashimah Ahamed Hassain Malim Nurul
Published: December 2021

Turbo Similarity Searching (TSS) is the simplest and most recent chemical similarity searching (SS) approach, which improves the effectiveness of SS by performing a multi‐target searching. TSS has four important elements, namely structural representation, similarity coefficient, number of nearest neighbours (NNs), and fusion rule, and any changes in these elements could affect the TSS results. A previous study suggested the advantage of using large numbers of reference compounds with small fractions of the database structures to obtain a better recall in group fusion. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of partial ranking on TSS utilising different fusion rules and different numbers of NNs on the ChEMBL database and to evaluate whether these observations hold in TSS. Furthermore, the objective is to observe the effect of the indirect relationship feature of TSS on the partial ranking investigation. The results showed that the effect of using partial ranking on TSS was significant. This study also found that the performance of TSS improved as the database proportions used in the fusion process decreased and by using a small number of NNs. In addition, fusion rules based on reciprocal rank positions (RKP), maximum similarity score (sMAX), and sMNZ were superior to all the other fusion rules.
Acute Rhabdomyolysis and Brachial Plexopathy Following Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Maddison Paul
Published: December 2021

An unusual case of brachial plexopathy following alcohol‐induced rhabdomyolysis is presented. The patient's rhabdomyolysis developed during sleep after an acute alcohol binge and there was no history of muscle trauma. It is thought that the brachial plexopathy developed due to direct compression of the plexus from swollen muscles of the shoulder girdle. The lack of similar reported cases despite the common clinical scenario of prolonged unconsciousness following excess alcohol intake suggests that other factors may be important in the development of muscle and nerve damage in susceptible individuals.
Design principles that protect the proteasome from self‐destruction
Authors: Singh Gautam Amit Kumar , Yu Houqing , Yellman Christopher , Elcock Adrian H. , Matouschek Andreas
Published: December 2021

The proteasome is a powerful intracellular protease that can degrade effectively any protein, self or foreign, for regulation, quality control, or immune response. Proteins are targeted for degradation by localizing them to the proteasome, typically by ubiquitin tags. At the same time, the proteasome is built from ~33 subunits, and their assembly into the complex and activity are tuned by post‐translational modifications on long disordered regions on the subunits. Molecular modeling and biochemical experiments show that some of the disordered regions of proteasomal subunits can access the substrate recognition sites. All disordered regions tested, independent of location, are constructed from amino acid sequences that escape recognition. Replacing a disordered region with a sequence that is recognized by the proteasome leads to self‐degradation and, in the case of an essential subunit, cell death.
Recent Development of Indoor Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Alkhalayfeh Muheeb Ahmad , Abdul Aziz Azlan , Pakhuruddin Mohd Zamir , Katubi Khadijah Mohammedsaleh M. , Ahmadi Neda
Published: December 2021

Solar energy technologies provide solutions for the effective exploitation of internet of things (IoT)‐based applications such as smart devices. Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) fabricated from π‐conjugated carbon‐based semiconductors have shown great potential for indoor applications based on exceptional properties that include small current leakage under dim lighting, large absorption coefficient, and low‐cost solution processes. However, organic cells need additional enhancements, such as improving their dim light absorption and exploiting suitable bandgap materials, to make the best use of indoor lighting photons. This article highlights the crucial role of the theoretical basis of photovoltaics and reviews the effect of active layer thickness. Furthermore, the crucial advancements in material design for indoor OPVs are highlighted herein. Lastly, the contribution of plasmonic effect of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) to improve the performance of OPVs is elaborated, which could contribute to raising the efficiency of energy conversion and reaching production scale criteria.
Elastic Properties and Deformation Mechanisms in the van der Waals Single‐Crystalline Indium Selenide
Authors: Zheng Qi , Liang Chengyao , Jiang Jinyang , Li Shaofan
Published: December 2021

The bulk van der Waals (vdW) single‐crystalline indium selenide (β‐InSe) displays exceptional plasticity in a layered crystalline form at both micro‐ and macroscale. However, the nanoscale origin of plasticity remains unclear. Herein, an atomic‐level study on the deformation mechanisms of InSe by using first‐principles calculations is reported. Remarkable anisotropic elasticity is observed in the vdW InSe layered crystal, and the stiffness is dramatically softened because of the vdW gap in the layered structure. The simulations capture the distinct fracture modes in the uniaxial tensile deformation, depending on the loading directions—brittle fracture in the [100] and [110] directions while ductile failure in the [001] direction. The InSe layered crystal structure exhibits superplastic deformability under uniaxial compression. Different transition pathways, including interlayer tangling, amorphization, and cross‐linking, are tracked along respective deformation directions. The unprecedented plasticity of InSe layered crystals can be attributed to the phase transition coupled with interlayer gliding and cross‐layer dislocation slipping. This study deepens our understanding of the deformation mechanisms of layered materials at the atomistic level and provides insights into tailoring material properties for low‐dimensional material design based on its deformation mechanisms.
Exploiting the nearsightedness principle within the framework of the anti‐Hermitian contracted Schrödinger equation
Authors: Honoré Eduardo M. , Ríos Elías , Alcoba Diego R. , Massaccesi Gustavo E. , Torre Alicia , Lain Luis , Oña Ofelia B.
Published: December 2021

This work exploits the Kohn nearsightedness principle in the algorithms arising from the anti‐Hermitian contracted Schrödinger equation. The procedure provides the implementation of approximations yielding a considerable saving of computational costs in descriptions of N‐electron molecular systems by means of that technique. We report energies, at correlated level, of linear hydrogen chains designed at different geometries, so that we can analyze the strength of the interactions between first‐, second‐, third‐, fourth‐, and so forth neighbor atoms. Using localized molecular orbital basis sets, we observe rapid decays in the values of the elements of the reduced‐density‐matrix cumulant matrices, beyond a cut‐off radius, which justify the proposed approximations. The results, in terms of energies and reduced density matrices, have been compared with those obtained from the full configuration interaction method, showing the usefulness of the nearsightedness principle in this methodology.
The mechanism of sugar produced from simple glycolaldehyde derivative at ambient conditions
Authors: Zhao Yanliang , Wang Honglei , Wu Naiwei , Yang Junxia , Sun Jikai , Zhai Dong , Deng Weiqiao
Published: December 2021

A benchmark of sugar produced from simple glycolaldehyde derivative has been achieved at ambient conditions (Science, 2004, 305, 1752), which is the most important step to produce life in nature. However, the mechanism has never been clearly understood. Here, we report a reaction mechanism which includes a two‐step synthesis of sugars by selective aldol reactions based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Results show that the prochirality of attacking orientation of the enamine intermediate and steric effect in proton transfer is the main cause for stereochemical preference. This work provides the theoretical insight of sugar produced in glycolaldehyde procedure and may assist the improvement of catalyst design for this procedure.
Cinematic CT as a valuable protocol for severe ECAC
Authors: Hernandez‐Rojas Daniel , Abia‐Trujillo David , Rojas Carlos , Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Castillo‐Larios Rocio , Pulipaka Sai Priyanka , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian
Published: December 2021

Expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) is a pathology gaining recognition in the medical community due to its unspecific symptoms and diagnostic challenges. Its current gold standard for diagnosis, dynamic bronchoscopy, is invasive. Current non‐invasive techniques such as computed tomography (CT) protocols have shown limited reproducibility. We present a case of a 77‐year‐old man with suspected ECAC who underwent evaluation with two different expiratory CT protocols. The initial standard end‐expiratory CT could not detect airway collapsibility. However, dynamic bronchoscopy detected severe ECAC. Afterwards, we implemented a novel CT protocol, called dynamic forced expiratory CT (cinematic), comprising detailed, consecutive helical imaging of the central airway throughout the entire respiratory cycle, detecting severe ECAC, as proven by the earlier dynamic bronchoscopy. We hypothesize this may reduce the risks and need for performing multiple invasive procedures such as dynamic bronchoscopy. Extensive studies are required to evaluate the feasibility of its implementation for diagnosing ECAC.
Temporal dynamics of biodiversity effects and light‐use‐related traits in two intercropping systems
Authors: Engbersen Nadine , Stefan Laura , Brooker Rob W. , Schöb Christian
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Intercropping systems can be more productive than their respective monocultures and this positive net biodiversity effect is caused by complementarity and selection effects. While the complementarity effect is caused through resource partitioning or facilitation, the selection effect operates via the greater probability that a more diverse community contains a dominant and high‐yielding species which will account for the majority of productivity in that community. Here, we investigated how light‐use‐related traits contribute to the net biodiversity effect via complementarity or selection effects and how these qrelationships change throughout an annual growing season.

Materials and Methods

We conducted weekly destructive harvests to examine temporal dynamics of biodiversity effects in two crop mixtures (oat–lupin and oat–camelina) and their respective monocultures. We linked the biodiversity effects to traits related to light use (i.e., light interception, plant height, photosynthetic efficiency and photosynthetic capacity) and investigated how these relationships changed over time.

Results

We found that the net biodiversity and selection effect increased over time in both mixtures, while complementarity effects increased only in the oat–lupin mixture. More intercepted light and taller plants in mixtures compared to monocultures positively contributed to biodiversity effects in both mixtures. Strategies for shade tolerance differed between the mixtures, that is, increased photosynthetic capacity and increased photosynthetic efficiency contributed to a positive net biodiversity effect in the oat–lupin and oat–camelina mixture, respectively.

Conclusion

By linking the temporal dynamics of the net biodiversity effect and its two additive components to light‐use‐related traits in two different crop mixtures, this study demonstrates that complementary light use contributes to overyielding in intercropping systems. Such understanding is important for the design of effective intercropping systems and developing new crop cultivars suited to these environments.
BiOI With High Intensity Ratio of (110)/(102) Facets and Iodine Vacancies: Facile Synthesis, Strong Adsorption and Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Sun Xinyu , Zhao Hua , Li Huipeng , Cai Tianfeng , Li Mingyue , Wang Yucheng
Published: December 2021

A facile solvothermal method using glycol as solvent has been developed for the synthesis of BiOI with high intensity ratio (110)/(102) facets and i vacancies. Investigating its adsorption ability and photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The XRD results show that the high intensity ratio (110)/(102) facets, EDX and XPS prove the existence of i vacancies. The BiOI synthesized by using glycol exhibit higher BET surface area and more negative zeta potential. Although the band gap is slightly enlarged, higher valence band position leads to stronger oxidation ability. Adsorption capacity increased from barely to 31.66 mg/g by investigating the adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics. The change of intensity ratio facets and the existence of vacancies make BiOI a promising catalyst for the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis.