bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single cell proteogenomic sequencing identifies a relapse‐fated AML subclone carrying FLT3‐ITD with CN‐LOH at chr13q
Authors: Kim TaeHyung , Lee Hyewon , Capo‐Chichi Jose‐Mario , Chang Myung Hee , Yoo Young Seok , Basi Gurbaksh , Ketela Troy , Smith Adam C. , Tierens Anne , Zhang Zhaolei , Minden Mark D. , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan
Published: February 2022

Internal tandem duplication of the Feline McDonough Sarcoma (FMS)‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3‐ITD) is one of the most clinically relevant mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with a high FLT3‐ITD allelic ratio (AR) (≥0.5) being strongly associated with poor prognosis. FLT3‐ITDs are heterogeneous, varying in size and location, with some patients having multiple FLT3‐ITDs. Bulk cell‐based approaches are limited in their ability to reveal the clonal structure in such cases. Using single‐cell proteogenomic sequencing (ScPGseq), we attempted to identify a relapse‐fated subclone in an AML case with mutations in WT1, NPM1, and FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and two FLT3‐ITDs (21 bp and 39 bp) (low AR) at presentation, then relapsed only with WT1 and NPM1 mutations and one FLT3‐ITD (high AR). This relapse‐fated subclone at presentation (∼2.1% of sequenced cells) was characterized by the presence of a homozygous 21 bp FLT3‐ITD resulting from copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN‐LOH) of chr13q and an aberrant, immature myeloid cell surface signature, contrast to the cell surface phenotype at presentation. In contrast to results from multicolor flow‐cytometry, ScPGseq not only enabled the early detection of rare relapse‐fated subclone showing immature myeloid signature but also highlighted the presence of homozygous 21 bp FLT3‐ITDs in the clone at presentation.
Synthesis of selenopyrano[2,3‐b]indol‐4(9H)‐ones and their CH arylation
Authors: Woo‐Jin Choi , Jalani Hitesh B. , Jeong Jin‐Hyun
Published: February 2022

Herein, we disclose the synthesis of selenopyrano[2,3‐b]indol‐4(9H)‐ones and their aryl derivatives using seleno‐pyran ring formation via an in situ‐generated selenide reacting directly with α‐halo‐β‐ynones of substituted indoles providing selenopyrano[2,3‐b]indol‐4(9H)‐ones. Subsequent direct CH arylation of the these compounds by palladium‐catalyzed Heck reaction enables the incorporation of aryl substituents on the selenopyrano[2,3‐b]indol‐4(9H)‐ones scaffolds with moderate yields. This new chemo‐type incorporating an indole ring may be useful for the biological screenings.
Health‐related quality of life of female sex workers living with HIV in South Africa: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Linwei , Dowdy David W. , Comins Carly A. , Young Katherine , Mcingana Mfezi , Mulumba Ntambue , Mhlophe Hlengiwe , Chen Claire , Hausler Harry , Schwartz Sheree R. , Baral Stefan , Mishra Sharmistha ,   the Siyaphambili Study team
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important HIV outcome beyond viral suppression. However, there are limited data characterizing HRQoL of key populations, including female sex workers (FSW) living with HIV.

Methods

We used baseline data (22 June 2018–23 March 2020) of FSW who were diagnosed with HIV and enrolled into a randomized trial in Durban, South Africa. HRQoL information was collected by a generic preference‐accompanied tool with five domains (EQ‐5D), and summarized into a single score (range 0–1), which represents health utility. We employed multivariable beta regression models to identify determinants of HRQoL and to estimate subgroup‐specific HRQoL score. Using external estimates of life expectancy and population size, we estimated the number of quality adjusted life years reduced among FSW living with HIV in South Africa associated with violence and drug use.

Results

Of 1,363 individuals (mean age: 32.4 years; mean HRQoL score: 0.857) in our analysis, 62.6% used drugs, 61.3% experienced physical or sexual violence and 64.6% self‐reported taking antiretroviral treatment (ART). The following were associated with a reduction in the average marginal HRQoL score: older age (per decade: 0.018 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.008, 0.027]), drug use (0.022 [0.007, 0.036]), experience of violence (0.024 [0.010, 0.038]) and moderate (vs. no) level of internalized stigma (0.023 [0.004, 0.041]). Current ART use was associated with a 0.015‐point (–0.001, 0.031) increase in the HRQoL score. The estimated mean (95% CI) HRQoL scores ranged from 0.838 (0.816, 0.860) for FSW who used drugs, experienced violence and were not on ART; to 0.899 (0.883, 0.916) for FSW who did not use drugs nor experience violence and were on ART. Our results can be translated into a reduction in 37,184 and 39,722 quality adjusted life years related to drug use and experience of violence, respectively, in South Africa.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the association of ART with higher HRQoL among FSW and the need to further address structural risks, including drug use, violence and stigma. Population‐specific estimates of HRQoL score can be further used to calculate quality‐adjusted life years in economic evaluations of individual and structural interventions addressing the needs of FSW living with HIV.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT03500172 (April 17, 2018).
The effects of building and maintaining rapport on cooperative mock eyewitness recall
Authors: Wolfs Andrea C. F. , Sneyd Danielle , Vallano Jonathan P. , Schreiber Compo Nadja , Reinoso Leanett
Published: February 2022

Although building rapport before an investigative interview is recommended—and sometimes empirically beneficial—to eyewitness memory, no research has experimentally examined the effects of maintaining rapport during a witness interview on adult eyewitness recall. As a result, the present study assessed the impact of rapport on eyewitness recall accuracy by comparing a pre‐interview rapport only condition with a maintained rapport condition (where rapport was built before and maintained during the interview) and a no rapport control condition. Results revealed no benefits (or detriments) of building initial rapport—or any additional benefits of maintaining rapport—on witness recall quality, quantity, or ‘don't know’ responses. Our findings suggest that rapport or its maintenance may not directly affect eyewitness recall. However, as rapport is a humane eyewitness interviewing technique with some empirical support, we still advocate for its continued use.
Water Specific MRI T1 Mapping for Evaluating Liver Inflammation Activity Grades in Rats With Methionine‐Choline‐Deficient Diet‐Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wan Qian , Peng Hao , Lyu Jianxun , Liu Feng , Cheng Chuanli , Qiao Yangzi , Deng Jie , Zheng Hairong , Wang Yi , Zou Chao , Liu Xin
Published: February 2022

Background

Early detection and grading of liver inflammation are important for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. There is still lack of a noninvasive way for the inflammation characterization in NAFLD.

Purpose

To assess liver inflammation grades by water specific T1 (wT1) in a rat model.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal model

A total of 65 male rats with methionine‐choline‐deficient diet‐induced NAFLD and 15 male normal rats as control.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T; multiecho variable flip angle gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

The wT1 and proton density fat fraction were quantified. Inflammation and fibrosis were assessed histologically with H&E and Sirius red stained slices according to the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis scoring system. Inflammation grade was scored with G0/G1/G2/G3 as none/mild/moderate/severe inflammation in NALFD rats. G0 + G1 and G2 + G3 were combined as none‐to‐mild grade (GL) and moderate‐to‐severe grade (GH) inflammation groups.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed. The areas under ROC (AUROC) was used for the diagnostic performance of wT1 in discriminating GH and GL. A P value < 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Seventy‐six rats were included in the analysis. The numbers in G0–G3 groups were 5, 16, 13, and 27. wT1 of G0–G3 was 568.55 ± 63.93 msec, 582.53 ± 62.98 msec, 521.21 ± 67.31 msec, and 508.79 ± 60.53 msec. A moderate but significant negative correlation between wT1 and histopathological inflammation grades was observed (rs = −0.42). The wT1 of GH (512.80 ± 62.22 msec) was significantly lower than GL (579.20 ± 61.89 msec). The AUROC of wT1 was 0.79, and the optimal cut‐off of wT1 was 562.64 msec (sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 76%), for the discrimination of GL and GH.

Data Conclusions

wT1 could differentiate none‐to‐mild inflammation from moderate‐to‐severe inflammation in the early stage of the NAFLD rat model.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Association of viral load with age, gender, disease severity, and death in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants
Authors: Acer Ömer , Genç Bahçe Yasemin , Özüdoğru Osman
Published: February 2022

In this study, the relationship between viral load, demographic characteristics, and disease information in 1007 (48.5%) patients with Delta variant (B.1.617.2), and 1070 (51.5%) patients with Alpha variant (B1.1.7) were investigated. We found that there was a significant difference in viral load between patients who died from the Alpha variant and those who were discharged (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in patients with the Delta variant. The viral load in patients who died from the Alpha variant was significantly higher than those who were discharged (p < 0.05). The viral load was found to be higher in females in patients with the Delta variant, whereas it was very close in males and females in patients with the Alpha variant (p > 0.05). No significant difference was detected between the cycle threshold values (Ct) and disease severity. In terms of the mean Ct values, statistical differences were observed in patients with Delta and Alpha variants. The Alpha variant was found to have a higher viral load than the Delta variant. Furthermore, the Delta variant was found to be higher in the 40‐year‐old and under‐age group than the Alpha variant, whereas the Alpha variant was higher in the groups over 40 years old. Although the rate of moderate and severe patients in the Alpha variant was found to be higher, the rate of mild survivors was found to be higher in the Delta variant. In conclusion, the increase in vaccination before the appearance of the Delta variant in our region may have influenced the viral load and clinical status of the patients.
Spatiotemporally varied extreme precipitation events simultaneously controlled by multiple circulation factors in China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Ren Yuling , Zhang Jingpeng , Fu Jinxia , Peng Shouzhang , Li Zhi
Published: February 2022

The intensive and frequent extreme precipitation events (EPE) greatly contribute to the severe soil loss in China's Loess Plateau, and it is thus essential to understand how and why EPE varies with space and time. Particularly, the combined influence of multiple factors on EPE has rarely been explored. This study analysed the spatiotemporal variability of EPE for 1961–2017 after defining six indices for intensity, frequency, and duration of EPE (R5d, SDII, R90t, R90n, CDD, CWD). We employed 12 atmospheric circulation factors to determine their combined effects on EPE on different time scales over time by the multiple wavelet coherence. The EPE indices spatially varied with obvious southeast‐northwest gradients. Averaged across the whole plateau, SDII, R90t, and R90n increased insignificantly, while R5d, CDD, and CWD decreased insignificantly. In addition, the change trend had spatial variations with most wet EPE indices increasing in the north and the southernmost areas and decreasing in the middle‐south areas. SDII, R90t, and R90n at 68%, 66%, and 53% of stations tended to increase, respectively, and R5d, CDD, and CWD decreased at 66%, 70%, and 77% of stations, respectively. The temperature had a greater correlation with the duration of EPE in summer and on the intensity and frequency of EPE in winter. El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific North American teleconnection pattern (PNA), ENSO‐Arctic Oscillation (AO), and ENSO‐AO‐PNA were found to be the main factors influencing EPE individually or simultaneously. This study provides technical support for the identification of combined effects of multiple factors, and the results are helpful for regional environmental management. Specific to the Loess Plateau, the identified individual or multiple factors can be used to project future changes in EPE, and the more frequent and intensive EPE in some regions may increase the difficulty in future soil loss control.
Atypical triceps surae force and work patterns underlying gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ebrahimi Anahid , Schwartz Michael H. , Martin Jack A. , Novacheck Tom F. , Thelen Darryl G.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess Achilles tendon mechanical behavior during gait in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We used a newly designed noninvasive sensor to measure Achilles tendon force in 11 children with CP (4F, 8–16 years old) and 15 typically developing children (controls) (9F, 8–17 years old) during overground walking. Mechanical work loop plots (force‐displacement plots) were generated by combining muscle‐tendon kinetics, kinematics, and EMG activity to evaluate the Achilles tendon work generated about the ankle. Work loop patterns in children with CP were substantially different than those seen in controls. Notably, children with CP showed significantly diminished work production at their preferred speed compared to controls at their preferred speed and slower speeds. Despite testing a heterogeneous population of children with CP, we observed a homogenous spring‐like muscle‐tendon behavior in these participants. This is in contrast with control participants who used their plantar flexors like a motor during gait. Statement of Clinical Significance: These data demonstrate the potential for using skin‐mounted sensors to objectively evaluate muscle contributions to work production in pathological gait.
In Situ Polymerization and Flame Retardant Mechanism of Bio‐Based Nitrogen and Phosphorus Macromolecular Flame Retardant in Plywood
Authors: Yang Guochao , Zhang Qiuhui
Published: February 2022

To improve the flame retardant performance of plywood and reduce the reagent loss and moisture absorption of the flame retardant, a bio‐based supramolecular flame retardant is prepared by vacuum‐pressure impregnation and high‐temperature in situ polymerization in plywood. The best value of bonding strength appears at 170 °C, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 170BF‐B plywood is 42.3%. After hot pressing, the moisture absorption rate of the 170BF‐B veneer is only 18.51%, while the loss resistance rate achieves 83.45%. Its residue at 700 °C is 91.36% higher than that of poplar veneer. In the combustion process, the peak value of heat release rate (PHRR) and heat release rate (HRR) of 170BF‐B plywood are only 10.69% and 37.11% of that of untreated plywood. After combustion, an intumescent flame retardant layer exhibits a graphitization trend. In the flame retardant layer, there are not only functional groups, such as P═O, PO43−, POC decomposed by flame retardant but also characteristic functional groups of wood fiber, like C═O, CH, etc. The prepolymer BF‐B, which is composed of phytic acid, urea, and dicyandiamide polymerized with chitosan or lignocellulose to form a supramolecular flame retardant connected with POC and PON functional groups, thus improving the flame retardant and anti‐loss property by in situ polymerization.
A nonsense mutation inMMEgene associates with autosomal recessive late‐onsetCharcot–Marie–Toothdisease
Authors: Jamiri Zeinab , Khosravi Rana , Heidari Mohammad Mehdi , Kiani Ebrahim , Gharechahi Javad
Published: February 2022

Background

The genetic cause for the majority of patients with late‐onset axonal form of neuropathies have remained unknown. In this study we aimed to identify the causal mutation in a family with multiple affected individuals manifesting a range of phenotypic features consistent with late‐onset sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by targeted variant screening and prioritization was performed to identify the candidate mutation. The co‐segregation of the mutation with the phenotype was confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

We identified a nonsense mutation (c.1564C>T; p.Q522*) in membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME) gene as the cause of the disease condition. The mutation has a combined annotation‐ dependent depletion (CADD) score 45 and predicted to be deleterious based on various algorithms. The mutation was inherited in an autosomal recessive mode and further confirmed to co‐segregate with the disease phenotype in the family and showed to has the required criteria including rarity and deleteriousness to be considered as pathogenic.

Conclusion

TheMMEgene encodes for the membrane bound endopeptidase neprilysin (NEP) which is involved in processing of various peptide substrates. The identified mutation causes a complete loss of carboxy‐terminal region of the NEP protein which contains the zinc binding site and the catalytic domain and thus considered to be a loss‐of‐function mutation. The loss of NEP activity is likely associated with impaired myelination and axonal injury which is hallmark of CMT diseases.
New research finds COVID‐19 increases risk of MH disorders
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2022

COVID‐19 patients face greater mental health risks, such as anxiety, depression and suicide ideation, as well as increased opioid use, compared to people who were not infected with the virus, according to researchers who set out to estimate the risks of incident mental health disorders in survivors of the acute phase of COVID‐19. These mental health conditions arose within a year after patients recovered from the virus — whether they had a serious case of it or a mild infection.
Delay dynamic equations on isolated time scales and the relevance of one‐periodic coefficients
Authors: Bohner Martin , Cuchta Tom , Streipert Sabrina
Published: February 2022

We are motivated by the idea that certain properties of delay differential and difference equations with constant coefficients arise as a consequence of their one‐periodic nature. We apply the recently introduced definition of periodicity for arbitrary isolated time scales to linear delay dynamic equations and a class of nonlinear delay dynamic equations. Utilizing a derived identity of higher order delta derivatives and delay terms, we rewrite the considered linear and nonlinear delayed dynamic equations with one‐periodic coefficients as a linear autonomous dynamic system with constant matrix. As the simplification of a constant matrix is only obtained for one‐periodic coefficients, dynamic equations with one‐periodic coefficients are the simplest form compared to the commonly used constant coefficients.
Technical note: Sources of systemic error in total body irradiation and total skin electron therapy in vivo measurements using nanoDot optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters within high‐efficiency clinics
Authors: Yoon Suk Whan , Lin Hui , Mihailidis Dimitris , Kennedy Christopher , Li Taoran
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To identify sources of systemic errors and estimate their effects, especially the vendor‐provided sensitivity Ss,i,vendor, on total body irradiation (TBI) and total skin electron therapy (TSET) in vivo OSLD measurements.

Materials

Calibration nanoDot OSLDs were irradiated 50–300cGy under reference conditions. Raw OSLD readings Mraw were corrected by Ss,i,vendor to obtain corrected readings Mcorr. A quadratic calibration curve relating Mcorr to delivered dose Dw was established and commissioned for clinical use. For clinical measurements, directly adjacent pairs of nanoDot OSLDs were placed on TBI and TSET patients with a medical tape with or without 1.5 cm of bolus respectively before treatment. Used OSLDs were bleached between each use until cumulative dose of 15 Gy. Relative difference in corrected counts (∆Mcorr,rel = pair‐difference/mean) was fitted multi‐linearly versus possible sources of systemic errors (Ss,i,vendor, bleaching history, cumulative dose, and age differences). Total of 101 TBI and 110 TSET measurement pairs from calibrated batches were analyzed.

Results

Ss,i,vendor introduced a residual systemic error to corrected readings Mcorr (−0.98% per +0.01, p = 4e−12). Given Ss,i,vendor distribution is σ = ±0.025, measured dose 1−σ error is ±2.5%, compared to ±2.8% uncertainty reported in the literature which may include this systemic error. Bleaching or cumulative dose did not affect Mcorr significantly after adjusting for Ss,i,vendor. Adjusting for the systemic error in Ss,i,vendor decreased two‐sample mean Dw median absolute error from ±2.6% to ±1.9% and 95‐percentile absolute error from ±7.1% to ±5.5%. Variability between paired clinical OSLDs was larger for TBI versus TSET at σpd = ±4.7% and ±6.3%, respectively, despite similar predictor distributions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Mraw correction via vendor‐provided sensitivity results in a small but significant systemic error. Dosimeters with outlier sensitivities should be excluded during batch calibration to minimize error. Bleaching and cumulative dose likely minimally affect measurements if cumulative dose is controlled below 15 Gy. Random errors were higher for TSET than TBI.
The neuromuscular fellowship portal and match
Authors: London Zachary N. , Gable Karissa L. , Govindarajan Ragav , Guidon Amanda C. , Gwathmey Kelly G. , Hehir Michael K. , Imperioli Matthew , Laughlin Ruple S. , Price Raymond S. , Sakamuri Sarada , Sokol Jacob , Baer Michael
Published: February 2022

For many years, Neuromuscular Medicine programs lacked a standardized means of handling fellowship applications and offering positions. Programs interviewed applicants and made offers as early as the first half of Post Graduate Year 3 (PGY3), a suboptimal timeline for applicants who may have had little prior exposure to neuromuscular or electrodiagnostic medicine. In 2021, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) developed the Neuromuscular Fellowship Portal to standardize a later timeline and establish a process for fellowship applications and offers. In its first year, the Neuromuscular Fellowship Portal used a unique one‐way match, in which the portal released serial offers to applicants based on rank order lists submitted by programs. Fifty‐two Neuromuscular Medicine programs and seven electromyography (EMG)‐focused Clinical Neurophysiology programs participated. Sixty‐eight positions were filled, a similar number to previous years. A survey of fellowship directors and applicants following this process showed overwhelming support for the standardized timeline and application portal, but all program directors and most applicants favored moving to a traditional match. To maintain the existing application timeline and minimize costs for all parties, the AANEM Neuromuscular Fellowship Portal will host a two‐way match, based on existing commercial match algorithms, in 2022. A match will afford a fair and efficient process for all involved. Both Neuromuscular Medicine and EMG‐focused Clinical Neurophysiology programs will be encouraged to participate. The process undertaken by the AANEM can stand as an example for other neurologic subspecialties who are interested in standardizing their application timeline.
A Fish Out of Basin: Increased Stress Physiology and Reduced Performance of Salmon River Hatchery Chinook Salmon
Authors: Ebel Jonathan D. , Larsen Donald A. , Conley Keats R. , Middleton Mollie A.
Published: February 2022

Variation in rearing conditions across hatcheries and basins can affect the performance of hatchery salmonids in the wild. In 2008, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes began planning an out-of-basin hatchery facility on the eastern Snake River Plain for rearing threatened Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha for release in tributaries of the upper Salmon River, Idaho, USA. To help determine the viability of the planned out-of-basin hatchery, we reared 100,000 juvenile Chinook Salmon from the same genetic stock at one in-basin (Sawtooth Fish Hatchery on the Salmon River) and one out-of-basin (Springfield Fish Hatchery on the Snake River Plain) site in Idaho that are characterized by significant differences in water hardness and temperature regime. In October 2018 and April 2019, we tested whether fish condition, stress physiology, acute mortality, and downstream survival differed between the two groups at the parr and smolt life stages upon release in the Yankee Fork Salmon River, which is characterized by low water hardness. For both release groups, parr experienced low acute mortality during the 48 h after release; however, the out-of-basin group had a downstream survival rate through an unimpounded portion of the migration corridor that was an order of magnitude lower than that for the in-basin group. During the smolt release, the out-of-basin group showed signs of extreme physiological stress, acute mortality rates of 40–80%, and low survival in the unimpounded portion of the migratory corridor. The in-basin group recovered from the stress of transport and release, had no acute mortality, and survived through the unimpounded migratory corridor at a rate comparable to that of previous years’ releases. Based on the results of this comparative study, comanagers are evaluating alternatives to the proposed out-of-basin hatchery program. This case study highlights the effects of differences between rearing and release conditions on salmon physiology and survival as well as the value of conducting preliminary evaluations prior to implementing large-scale hatchery supplementation programs.
Chinese patients with p.Arg756 mutations of ATP1A3: Clinical manifestations, treatment, and follow‐up
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Li Jiuwei , Zhuo Xiuwei , Zhou Ji , Feng Weixing , Gong Shuai , Ren Xiaotun , Ding Changhong , Han Tongli , Fang Fang
Published: February 2022

Importance

The phenotypes of ATP1A3 gene mutations are diverse. Relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia and fever‐induced paroxysmal weakness and encephalopathy (FIPWE) are considered non‐classical phenotypes caused by p.Arg756 mutations of ATP1A3.

Objective

To summarize the clinical manifestations, treatment, and follow‐up of Chinese patients with p.Arg756 mutations of ATP1A3.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical features, treatment, and genotypes of eight children with p.Arg756 mutations of ATP1A3 who were treated in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019.

Results

Eight patients (six boys and two girls) were included; seven had been misdiagnosed with encephalitis. The age of onset ranged from 0.8 to 4.5 years. All patients had encephalopathy and had at least one episode of FIPWE. Cerebellar ataxia was present in nine episodes. Reversible splenial lesions of the corpus callosum were found in two patients in the acute phase. Three types of heterozygous ATP1A3 mutations were found: c.2267G > T (p.R756L) (patient 3 [P3]), c.2266C > T (p.R756C) (P2 and P4), and c.2267G > A (p.R756H) (P1, P5, P6, P7, and P8). Six mutations were de novo; two mutations were inherited. Both patients with p.R756C and one patient (P7) with p.R756H had four episodes of severe ataxia as the main manifestations. However, in the other three episodes, limb weakness was more prominent than ataxia. P5 with p.R756H exhibited overlap with FIPWE and rapid‐onset dystonia‐parkinsonism.

Interpretation

Acute encephalopathy followed by febrile disease was characteristic of the disease in patients with p.Arg756 mutations of ATP1A3. However, the weakness and ataxia were variable. Phenotypic crossover and overlap were observed among these patients.
Poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/sodium alginate composite blended membrane: Preparation, characterization, and water‐induced shape memory phenomenon
Authors: Yang Jen‐Ming , Panda Pradeep Kumar , Jie Chia Jing , Dash Pranjyan , Chang Yen‐Hsiang
Published: February 2022

In this study, we successfully prepared poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/sodium alginate blended (PCS/SA) composite membranes by a simple solution casting method and solvent evaporation technique. The physicochemical properties and effect of different wt% of sodium alginate (SA) on poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PCS) membranes were systematically evaluated and studied along with its shape memory properties and mechanism. With increased wt% of SA, the crystallinity of PCS/SA membranes reduced significantly. PCS/SA membrane has better thermal stability than pure PVA membrane but is slightly lower than PCS membrane and decreased with higher SA contents. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) study revealed that water act as a stimulus for the shape recovery behavior. The mechanical study showed that PCS membranes with a small amount of SA (0.1 and 0.2 wt%) have a much better elongation at break than other membranes. The swelling ratio, gel contents, and contact angle results concurred with the results of shape memory effect (SME) of all membranes, where the PCS with higher contents of SA possess better and faster shape recovery speed. The above results demonstrate that SA is a potential additive that can be used for water‐induced shape memory applications.
Improving pain management in a neonatal intensive care unit with single‐family room—A quality improvement project
Authors: Lyngstad Lene Tandle , Steinnes Solfrid , Le Marechal Flore
Published: February 2022

Preterm birth is a risk factor for early experience of pain. Despite advances in neonatal care, evidence‐based knowledge of the importance of adequate pain management and strong international guidelines for assessment and treatment of neonatal pain, only 10% of sick term and preterm infants were assessed for pain and stress on a daily basis. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project is evaluation of implemented guidelines for pain assessment and management, and increased parental involvement in a Norwegian single‐family room NICU. Method: The different steps of the project entailed translation of the English version of COMFORTneo, development and implementation of guidelines with flowcharts for pain management, and pain assessment certification of the interprofessional staff. Part two of the project is supervision of the interprofessional staff in parental involvement in stress‐ and painful procedures. Our study showed that one year after implementation, 88.8% of the COMFORTneo assessments were performed according to the pain management guidelines. The staff used the flowcharts to assess, treat and reassess pain and stress. There was a high interrater reliability with linearly weighted Cohen's kappa values ranging from 0.81 to 0.95, with a median of 0.90. In addition, our study showed increased parental involvement in procedures, from 50.3% before to 82.3% after the quality improvement project. The success of this quality improvement project is explained by systematic use of flowcharts and implemented guidelines for pain management, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural change agents. Theoretical lectures and practical bedside supervision to interprofessional staff increased parental involvement in stress‐ and painful procedures.
‘Too smart’: Infrastructuring the Internet through regional and rural smart policy in Australia
Authors: Randell‐Moon Holly Eva Katherine , Hynes Danielle
Published: February 2022

Smart infrastructure is positioned as central to the liveability and viability of rural and regional towns in Australia. The Australian Government's Smart Cities Plan and Regional Connectivity Program includes Smart Investment in regional areas and the New South Wales Government has prioritised connectivity and telecommunications infrastructural development through the Regional Digital Connectivity program. And yet regional and rural communities are typically excluded from the evidence base for smart technologies and services. Local Aboriginal Land Councils are also important stakeholders in managing the digital processes associated with information and infrastructure moving across different Countries. This paper draws on data from the ‘It just works!’: Regional and rural consumer understandings of smart technologies in North West New South Wales project, including over 130 survey responses and interviews with shire councillors, land councillors, and consumers on smart development and Internet infrastructure in the region. In the areas surveyed, smart regional policy is variously emerging, non‐existent, or assembled from existing policy domains and regulation involving the Internet, telecommunications, regional development, First Nations, and local government. We argue that regional and rural understandings of growth and development are experienced through the infrastructuring processes of Internet quality, availability, and speed.
Ir Single Atoms Doped Cuboctahedral Pd for Boosted Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wei Xinyi , Zhang Jinfeng , Liu Chang , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: February 2022

The construction of binary metal Pd‐based catalysts is an effective strategy to enhance the activity of methanol oxidation reaction. Herein, atomically dispersed Ir single atoms doped to cuboctahedral Pd nanoparticles (Ir‐SAs/Pd) as efficient catalysts for alkaline methanol oxidation are prepared via a simple chemical reduction method. The synthetic Ir‐SAs/Pd catalysts exhibit the outstanding mass activity of about 1717.3 mA mgPd−1 compared with pure Pd and commercial Pd/C in electrooxidation for methanol. Meanwhile, the introduction of Ir single atoms enhances the CO tolerance of Pd nanoparticles to a large extent. On the basis of density functional theory results, the enhanced catalytic performance and CO tolerance rely on the effective improvement of the electron dominance near Fermi level and the negative shift of the d‐band center for Pd as a result of the electron redistribution between Pd and Ir atoms. This article will provide new insight into the design of high‐performance binary metal catalysts for methanol oxidation in alkaline media.
2‐Deoxy‐d‐glucose induces deglycosylation of proinflammatory cytokine receptors and strongly reduces immunological responses in mouse models of inflammation
Authors: Uehara Ikuno , Kajita Mitsuko , Tanimura Atsuko , Hida Shigeaki , Onda Munehiko , Naito Zenya , Taki Shinsuke , Tanaka Nobuyuki
Published: February 2022

Anti‐proinflammatory cytokine therapies against interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and IL‐1 are major advancements in treating inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Such therapies are mainly performed by injection of antibodies against cytokines or cytokine receptors. We initially found that the glycolytic inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (2‐DG), a simple monosaccharide, attenuated cellular responses to IL‐6 by inhibiting N‐linked glycosylation of the IL‐6 receptor gp130. Aglycoforms of gp130 did not bind to IL‐6 or activate downstream intracellular signals that included Janus kinases. 2‐DG completely inhibited dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis, a mouse model for inflammatory bowel disease, and alleviated laminarin‐induced arthritis in the SKG mouse, an experimental model for human rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases have been shown to be partially dependent on IL‐6. We also found that 2‐DG inhibited signals for other proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and interferon ‐γ, and accordingly, prevented death by another inflammatory disease, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shock. Furthermore, 2‐DG prevented LPS shock, a model for a cytokine storm, and LPS‐induced pulmonary inflammation, a model for acute respiratory distress syndrome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). These results suggest that targeted therapies that inhibit cytokine receptor glycosylation are effective for treatment of various inflammatory diseases.
Assessing colony elimination in multicolonial ants: Estimating field efficacy of insecticidal baits against the invasive dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus)
Authors: Shults Phillip , Eyer Pierre‐Andre , Moran Megan , Chura Madeleine , Ko Alexander , Vargo Edward L
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

A frequent goal of pest management strategies targeting social insects is total colony elimination. Insecticidal baits are highly effective at controlling social insect pests, although their ability to provide total colony elimination has only been well studied in a few species. Genetically testing colony elimination in many urban pest ants can be challenging due to indistinct colony boundaries observed in unicolonial, invasive species; however, some pest ants, such as the dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus), maintain strict colony borders through aggression towards non‐nestmates. Each of these distinct colonies can be identified using molecular markers, allowing for the tracking of individual colonies pre‐ and post‐treatment to measure colony density. While counting the number of foraging workers to assess treatment efficacy may suffice in some cases, it offers little insight into the colony‐level impacts of a treatment.

RESULTS

Using microsatellite markers, distinct rover ant colonies were identified and tracked around residential structures before and after the application of an imidacloprid bait. The number of foraging ants at the treated structures was reduced by an average of 83.0% over a 28‐day observation period. Baiting also significantly reduced the total number of colonies present. At the treatment structures, only ~25% of the original colonies remained at the end of the study. Colonies with foraging trails <1.5 m from a bait station had a higher chance of being eliminated.

CONCLUSION

Using insecticidal baits against B. patagonicus can be highly effective at colony elimination; however, with such small foraging ranges and high colony densities, proper placement is required to ensure enough bait is properly positioned to treat all colonies affecting a structure. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Do overconfident and over‐optimistic entrepreneurs invest too much in their companies? Theory and evidence from Italian SMEs
Authors: Cervellati Enrico Maria , Pattitoni Pierpaolo , Savioli Marco
Published: February 2022

Research Summary

Entrepreneurs often invest a large share of their personal wealth in their firms, exposing themselves to idiosyncratic risk. We propose a theoretical model showing how overconfidence and overoptimism may help to explain this evidence. We focus on overprecision, but we also consider overestimation and overplacement. Numerical examples show a more substantial role for overconfidence than overoptimism in determining entrepreneurs' portfolio allocations. We test the effect of the two latent variables—overconfidence and overoptimism—on small business owners' portfolio allocations. We use a unique dataset including private information on Italian small and medium enterprises and a structural equation modeling approach. A positive relationship between overconfidence and entrepreneurs' investments in their own companies is confirmed.

Managerial Summary

We propose a theoretical model showing how overconfidence and overoptimism explain the evidence that entrepreneurs invest a large share of their personal wealth in their firms, exposing themselves to specific risk. Overconfidence leads to underestimating risk, while overoptimism to overestimate expected returns. Using numerical examples, we show a more substantial role for overconfidence than overoptimism in determining entrepreneurs' portfolio allocations. Using a unique dataset including private information on Italian small and medium enterprises, we test our model and find a positive relationship between overconfidence and small business owners' investments in their own companies.
Influence of Chain Length of Gradient and Block Copoly(2‐oxazoline)s on Self‐Assembly and Drug Encapsulation
Authors: Sedlacek Ondrej , Bardoula Valentin , Vuorimaa‐Laukkanen Elina , Gedda Lars , Edwards Katarina , Radulescu Aurel , Mun Grigoriy A. , Guo Yong , Zhou Junnian , Zhang Hongbo , Nardello‐Rataj Véronique , Filippov Sergey , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: February 2022

Amphiphilic gradient copolymers represent a promising alternative to extensively used block copolymers due to their facile one‐step synthesis by statistical copolymerization of monomers of different reactivity. Herein, an in‐depth analysis is provided of micelles based on amphiphilic gradient poly(2‐oxazoline)s with different chain lengths to evaluate their potential for micellar drug delivery systems and compare them to the analogous diblock copolymer micelles. Size, morphology, and stability of self‐assembled nanoparticles, loading of hydrophobic drug curcumin, as well as cytotoxicities of the prepared nanoformulations are examined using copoly(2‐oxazoline)s with varying chain lengths and comonomer ratios. In addition to several interesting differences between the two copolymer architecture classes, such as more compact self‐assembled structures with faster exchange dynamics for the gradient copolymers, it is concluded that gradient copolymers provide stable curcumin nanoformulations with comparable drug loadings to block copolymer systems and benefit from more straightforward copolymer synthesis. The study demonstrates the potential of amphiphilic gradient copolymers as a versatile platform for the synthesis of new polymer therapeutics.
Recent Progress on Fe‐Based Single/Dual‐Atom Catalysts for Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Haoxuan , Yu Fangfang , Wu Kuan , Xu Gang , Wu Chao , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue
Published: February 2022

As one of the most competitive candidates for large‐scale energy storage, zinc–air batteries (ZABs) have attracted great attention due to their high theoretical specific energy density, low toxicity, high abundance, and high safety. It is highly desirable but still remains a huge challenge, however, to achieve cheap and efficient electrocatalysts to promote their commercialization. Recently, Fe‐based single‐atom and dual‐atom catalysts (SACs and DACs, respectively) have emerged as powerful candidates for ZABs derived from their maximum utilization of atoms, excellent catalytic performance, and low price. In this review, some fundamental concepts in the field of ZABs are presented and the recent progress on the reported Fe‐based SACs and DACs is summarized, mainly focusing on the relationship between structure and performance at the atomic level, with the aim of providing helpful guidelines for future rational designs of efficient electrocatalysts with atomically dispersed active sites. Finally, the great advantages and future challenges in this field of ZABs are also discussed.
Practical High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Tuning the Solvation Structure in Weakly Solvating Electrolyte
Authors: Pham Thuy Duong , Bin Faheem Abdullah , Kim Junam , Oh Hye Min , Lee Kyung‐Koo
Published: February 2022

Li metal batteries (LMBs) are ideal candidates for future high‐energy‐density battery systems. To date, high‐voltage LMBs suffer severe limitations because of electrolytes unstable against Li anodes and high‐voltage cathodes. Although ether‐based electrolytes exhibit good stability with Li metal, compared to carbonate‐based electrolytes, they have been used only in ≤4.0 V LMBs because of their limited oxidation stability. Here, a high concentration electrolyte (HCE) comprising lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and a weakly solvating solvent (1,2‐diethoxyethane, DEE) is designed, which can regulate unique solvation structures with only associated complexes at relatively lower concentration compared to the reported HCEs. This effectively suppresses dendrites on the anode side, and preserves the structural integrity of the cathode side under high voltages by the formation of stable interfacial layers on a Li metal anode and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode. Consequently, a 3.5 m LiFSI–DEE plays an important role in enhancing the stability of the Li||NMC811 cell with a capacity retention of ≈94% after 200 cycles under a high current density of 2.5 mA cm−2. In addition, the 3.5 m LiFSI–DEE electrolyte exhibits good performance with anode‐free batteries. This study offers a promising approach to enable ether‐based electrolytes for high‐voltage LMBs applications.
Hexagonal PtBi Intermetallic Inlaid with Sub‐Monolayer Pb Oxyhydroxide Boosts Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Chen Wen , Luo Shuiping , Sun Mingzi , Tang Min , Fan Xiaokun , Cheng Yu , Wu Xiaoyu , Liao Yujia , Huang Bolong , Quan Zewei
Published: February 2022

Engineering multicomponent nanocatalysts is effective to improve electrocatalysis in many applications, yet it remains a challenge in constructing well‐defined multimetallic active sites at the atomic level. Herein, the surface inlay of sub‐monolayer Pb oxyhydroxide onto hexagonal PtBi intermetallic nanoplates with intrinsically isolated Pt atoms to boost the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is reported. The well‐defined PtBi@6.7%Pb nanocatalyst exhibits 4.0 and 7.4 times higher mass activity than PtBi nanoplates and commercial Pt/C catalyst toward MOR in the alkaline electrolyte at 30 °C. Meanwhile, it also achieves a record‐high mass activity of 51.07 A mg–1Pt at direct methanol fuel cells operation temperature of 60 °C. DFT calculations reveal that the introduction of Pb oxyhydroxide on the surface not only promotes the electron transfer efficiency but also suppresses the CO poisoning effect, and the efficient p‐d coupling optimizes the electroactivity of PtBi@6.7%Pb nanoplates toward the MOR process with low reaction barriers. This work offers a nanoengineering strategy to effectively construct and modulate multimetallic nanocatalysts to improve the electroactivity toward the MOR in future research.
Near‐Infrared Responsive Droplet for Digital PCR
Authors: Zhang Lexiang , Rokshana Parvin , Yu Yunru , Zhao Yuanjin , Ye Fangfu
Published: February 2022

Digital PCR (dPCR) surpasses the performance of earlier PCR formats because of highly precise, absolute quantification and other unique merits. A simple thermocycling approach and durable microcarrier are of great value for dPCR advancement and application. Herein, a near‐infrared (NIR) controlled thermocycling approach by embedding magnetic graphene oxide (GO) composite into the agarose microcarriers is developed. The core‐shell composite is constructed by sequentially encapsulating GO and silica outside the magnetic nanocores. Benefiting from these additives, the resultant composite agarose gains appealing features as light‐driven temperature changing, switchable gel–sol phase transforming, biocompatibility, and magnetic traction. By further emulsifying into droplets via the microfluidics method, the influence of typical parameters including material loading amount, laser intensity, and droplet diameter at various ranges is investigated for assembling microcarriers with different responsiveness. Then a paradigm of the NIR program can be easily tailored for PCR thermocycling. Finally, the feasibility of the approach is verified by detecting statistically diluted Klebsiella pneumoniae DNA samples, from 0.1 to 2 copies per drop. It is anticipated that this method has promising prospects for dPCR‐based and other temperature‐controlled applications.