bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐Functional Anti‐Pathogen Coatings
Authors: Chu Ying , Wang Yixin , Liu Anmin , Chen Guangyu , Li Wei , Wang Xiaohui , Chu Hin , Wang Liqiu
Published: September 2022

A dual‐functional anti‐pathogenic coating with controllable repelling and capturing/inactivation of pathogens, which make it capable of eliminating a broad range of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2, is reported. The reversible switch between repelling and capturing/inactivation is readily made via its CO2‐responsive wettability. In its superhydrophobic state, the coating enables a SARS‐CoV‐2 repellent efficacy of 99.9997%. In its superhydrophilic state, the coating has a virucidal efficacy of up to 99.9897%, which is comparable to the inactivation rate of chemical disinfectants. The coating is highly flexible with anti‐corrosive and anti‐frosting properties, which works for repelling essentially all pathogens and potentially could be applied into various daily used products and materials. The coating has the potential to set a new prevention standard in fighting the current pandemic and preventing future ones via especially intercepting the transmission of pathogens through contaminated surfaces.
Non‐dicamba‐resistant soybean response to multiple dicamba applications
Authors: Meyeres Tyler , Lancaster Sarah , Kumar Vipan , Roozeboom Kraig , Peterson Dallas
Published: September 2022

The rapid adoption of dicamba (3,6‐dichloro‐2‐methoxybenzoic acid)‐resistant (DR) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] resulted in an increase of post‐emergent dicamba applications during the soybean‐growing season, resulting in off‐target movement and injury to non‐DR soybean. Field trials were established in Manhattan, KS, in 2018 and 2019 and in Ottawa, KS, in 2019 to characterize the response of non‐DR soybean to one, two, or three applications of reduced rates of dicamba at three application timings. Soybean were treated with 0.56, 1.12, and 5.6 g a.e. ha−1 of dicamba, which is equivalent to 1/1,000X, 1/500X, and 1/100X of a 1X field‐use rate (560 g a.e. ha−1), respectively. Soybean plants were treated at V3, R1, R3, V3 followed by (fb) R1, V3 fb R3, R1 fb R3, and V3 fb R1 fb R3 growth stages. Soybean injury from dicamba was less severe following application during the V3 than the R1 or R3 growth stages. In general soybean injury was the greatest 4 wk after application. The greatest soybean yield reduction (68%) followed dicamba applications of 5.6 g a.e. ha−1 at V3 fb R1 fb R3 in Manhattan, KS, 2018, where yield loss was generally greater and may be attributed to droughty conditions. Yield loss was minimal in Manhattan, KS, and Ottawa, KS, in 2019 following a single dicamba application at the V3 stage, regardless of application rate and following dicamba application at 0.56 g a.e. ha−1, regardless of number of applications. The greatest soybean yield losses from dicamba occurred with two or three applications at 1.12 or 5.6 g a.e. ha−1.
Biallelic CACNA1A variants: Review of literature and report of a child with drug‐resistant epilepsy and developmental delay
Authors: Wong‐Spracklen Vivien M. Y. , Kolesnik Anna , Eck Josefine , Sabanathan Saras , Spasic‐Boskovic Olivera , Maw Anna , Baker Kate
Published: September 2022

Biallelic variants in CACNA1A have previously been reported in nine individuals (four families) presenting with epilepsy and cognitive impairments of variable severity and age‐of‐onset. Here, we describe a child who presented at 6 months of age with drug‐resistant epilepsy and developmental delay. At 10 years of age, she has profound impairments in motor function and communication. MRI was initially unremarkable, but progressed to severe cerebellar atrophy by age 3 years. Next Generation Sequencing and panel analysis identified a maternally inherited truncating variant c.2042_2043delAG, p.(Gln681ArgfsTer100) and paternally inherited missense variant c.1693G>A, p.(Glu565Lys). In contrast to previously reported biallelic cases, parents carrying these monoallelic variants did not display clear signs of a CACNA1A‐associated syndrome. In conclusion, we provide further evidence that biallelic CACNA1A variants can cause a severe epileptic and developmental encephalopathy with progressive cerebellar atrophy, and highlight complexities of genetic counseling in such situations.
Systematic MRI in persistent post‐Covid‐19 olfactory dysfunction should be reassessed
Authors: Brudasca Ioana , Lisan Quentin , Tournegros Romain , Bensafi Moustafa , Ferdenzi Camille , Fournel Arnaud , Denoix Luna , Tringali Stéphane , Fieux Maxime
Published: September 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard in the etiological assessment of a persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD). While the utility of imaging in COVID‐19‐related OD has yet to be established, MRI is recommended in all patients with persistent OD. The high prevalence of the latter after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection means evaluating this strategy is an important public health matter.

Methods

The main objective was to examine the impact of systematic MRI on the management of patients with OD. All adult patients consulting for persistent OD (>2 months) after primary SARS‐COV‐2 infection (PCR) between March 2020 and December 2021 were included (n = 67). The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the severity of the OD as measured by psychophysical testing (ETOC) and the volume of the olfactory bulb (OB) measured by MRI.

Results

All patients underwent MRI, and none led to a change in diagnosis or treatment. Among them, 82% (55/67) were considered normal by the radiologist on initial interpretation. There were no significant differences (visual analysis or OB volume) between groups (mild, moderate, and severe hyposmia).

Conclusion

Systematic MRI may be unnecessary in patients whose persistent OD began soon (a few days) after confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Preparedness of the Brazilian health‐care system to provide access to a disease‐modifying Alzheimer's disease treatment
Authors: Mattke Soeren , Corrêa dos Santos Filho Otelo , Hanson Mark , Mateus Elaine Fernandes , Neto João Paulo Reis , de Souza Leonardo Cruz , Rizek Schultz Rodrigo , Pereira Pinto Roney
Published: September 2022

Background

While the majority of patients with Alzheimer's disease resides in low and middle‐income countries, little is known of their preparedness for emerging disease‐modifying treatments. We analyze the preparedness of Brazil, one of the most populous middle‐income countries, from a capacity and institutional preparedness perspective.

Methods

Desk research and 12 interviews for background and capacity data. Markov model to estimate wait times for access to treatment.

Findings

Brazil has no national dementia strategy or established pathway for evaluation of cognitive concerns, and dementia is typically diagnosed late if at all. While members of private health plans have ready access to elective specialty care, wait times in the public sector are long. Assuming potentially treatment‐eligible patients are referred from primary to specialty care based on a brief cognitive exam and a blood test for the Alzheimer's pathology, available capacity will not be sufficient to match the projected demand. The biggest obstacle is availability of dementia specialist visits, and the effect of population growth and ageing means that the wait list for specialist appointment will continue to grow from around 400,000 in 2022 to over 2.2 million in 2040. We do not project substantial wait times for confirmatory biomarker testing and treatment delivery but note that this is a consequence of patients waiting for their specialist appointments. These queues will result in estimated persistent wait times for treatment of around two years on average with substantial differences between the public and private sectors, as capacity growth is insufficient to keep up with increasing demand.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that Brazil is ill‐prepared to provide timely access to an Alzheimer's treatment with predicted wait times of about two years, largely because of a limited number of dementia specialists.
Fabrication of bovine serum albumin‐polyethylene glycol nanoparticle conjugated‐folic acid loaded‐naringenin as an efficient carrier biomacromolecule for suppression of cancer cells
Authors: Firouzabadi Kimia , Karimi Ehsan , Tabrizi Masoud Homayouni
Published: September 2022

Flavonoid compounds play an effective role in cancer suppression and today nanocarriers play an important role in improving the physicochemical properties and transmission of these compounds. In this study, polyethylene glycol‐modified albumin nanoparticles were synthesized by desolvation method; after loading of naringenin (NRG), folic acid (FA) binding to the surface of nanoparticles was performed (BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs). The extent of NRG trapping and FA binding was assessed indirectly using UV absorption methods. The physicochemical properties of BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs were investigated by DLS, SEM electron microscopy, and FTIR methods, after which their effects were evaluated on the apoptosis mechanism via MTT, flow cytometry, and qPCR methods. The BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs with spherical morphology had dimensions of 205 nm with zeta‐potential of 20.61 mV and dispersion index of 0.36. The NRG encapsulation was 84% and the FA binding was 75%. Anticancer effects of BSA–PEG–FA–NG–NPs were confirmed based on inhibiting breast cancer cells (IC50: 922 µg/ml), cell cycle arrest (SubG1 phase), and induction of apoptosis (upregulation of Caspase 3, 8, and 9).
Does IQ predict engagement with skill‐based gambling? Large‐scale evidence from horserace betting
Authors: Suhonen Niko , Saastamoinen Jani , Forrest David , Kainulainen Tuomo
Published: September 2022

We examine how measured intelligence, referred to as IQ, predicts a consumer's decisions on whether to participate in online horse wagering, how much to spend on those bets, and which horserace betting products to consume. We combine three individual‐level archival data sets from Finland, including all online horse bets during a 1‐year period from the state‐sanctioned monopoly operator, the Finnish Defence Forces' IQ test scores from male conscripts born between 1962 and 1990 (N = 705,809), and administrative registry data on socioeconomic status, income, and education for these men. An analysis of male bettors (N = 15,488) shows that IQ is a positive predictor of participation and spending. In addition, high IQ is associated with choosing more complex (high variance) betting products. We find that these results are driven primarily by numerical IQ.
Spherical nucleic acids with tailored DNA conformation via bromide backfilling for the detection of kanamycin
Authors: Bai Long , Ye Tai , Zhu Dongdong , Sun Donghao , Zhang Shuyi , Lu Yujie , Yuan Min , Cao Hui , Hao Liling , Wu Xiuxiu , Yin Fengqin , Xu Fei
Published: September 2022

The improper conformation of oligonucleotides on gold nanoparticle surfaces is caused by unintended base adsorption, which hinders DNA hybridization and lowers colloidal stability. In this work, we treated spherical nucleic acids with Br−, which serves as an efficient backfilling agent, to adjust the DNA conformation by displacing bases from the gold surface. To investigate the effect of DNA conformation on interfacial recognition, a kanamycin fluorescent aptasensor was constructed with bromide backfilled‐treated spherical nucleic acids. In the presence of kanamycin, the anchored aptamer binds with the target and the partially complementary reporter strand is dissociated from the surface of the gold nanoparticles, resulting in the fluorescence recovery of labelled fluorophore on the reporter strand. Under optimum conditions, the apparent binding affinity of the aptasensor with bromide backfilling was 2.2‐fold that without backfilled one. The proposed aptasensor exhibited a good liner relationship between the concentration of kanamycin and fluorescence intensity change in the range 200 nM to 10 μM and the limit of detection was calculated to be 71.53 nM. Moreover, this aptasensor was also successfully applied in a spiked milk sample assay and the satisfactory recoveries were obtained in the range 96.94–101.57%, which demonstrated its potential in practical applications.
Biogenic synthesis of carbon quantum dots from garlic peel bio‐waste for use as a fluorescent probe for sensing of quercetin
Authors: Jeevika Alagan , Alagarsamy Gopalakrishnan , Celestina Joseph Jone
Published: September 2022

Highly fluorescent and water‐soluble carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from the bio‐waste source of garlic peels (renovation of bio‐waste into bio‐asset) using a controlled carbonization method. Synthesized CQDs were characterized by various analytical methods and explored as a fluorogenic probe for the recognition of quercetin (QT). Ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) result shows an absorption maximum at 275 nm attributed to the conjugation of C=C and C=O of CQDs and demonstrates a blue emission in the range 330–410 nm. Selectivity was performed with various biomolecules, except for QT, all others do not exhibit any considerable change in the fluorescence of CQDs. On the interaction with QT, emission was completely quenched due to Förster energy transfer (FET), confirming the high selective to QT. Effect of pH, sensitivity, and stability studies displayed excellent results under optimized conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) fluorescent probe was found to be 6.73 μM. Our approach may suggest a new platform for the development of quick and low‐cost CQDs‐based sensors for environmental and biological purposes.
High‐rate continuous n‐butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum from glucose and butyric acid in a single‐pass fibrous‐bed bioreactor
Authors: Chang Wei‐Lun , Hou Wenjie , Xu Mengmeng , Yang Shang‐Tian
Published: September 2022

Biobutanol produced in acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation at batch mode cannot compete with chemically derived butanol because of the low reactor productivity. Continuous fermentation can dramatically enhance productivity and lower capital and operating costs, but are rarely used in industrial fermentation because of increased risks of culture degeneration, cell washout, and contamination. In this study, cells of the asporogenous Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC55025 were immobilized in a single‐pass fibrous‐bed bioreactor (FBB) for continuous production of butanol from glucose and butyrate at various dilution rates. Butyric acid in the feed medium helped maintaining cells in the solventogenic phase for stable continuous butanol production. At a dilution rate of 1.88 h−1, butanol was produced at 9.55 g/L, with a yield of 0.24 g/g and productivity of 16.8 g/L/h, which was the highest productivity ever achieved for biobutanol fermentation and an 80‐fold improvement over the conventional ABE fermentation. The extremely high productivity was attributed to the high density of viable cells (~100 g/L at >70% viability) immobilized in the fibrous matrix, which also enabled the cells to better tolerate butanol and butyric acid. The FBB was stable for continuous operation for an extended period of over 1 month.
Cortical gray matter microstructural alterations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Haoming , Ma Xiaomeng , Yue Xiaomei , Kang Shangyu , Rao Yawen , Long Wenjie , Liang Yi , Li Yifan , Chen Yuna , Lyu Wenjiao , Wu Jinjian , Tan Xin , Qiu Shijun
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Neurodegenerative processes are widespread in the brains of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients; gaps remain to exist in the current knowledge of the associated gray matter (GM) microstructural alterations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted to investigate alterations in GM microarchitecture in T2DM patients by diffusion tensor imaging and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI). Seventy‐eight T2DM patients and seventy‐four age‐, sex‐, and education level‐matched healthy controls (HCs) without cognitive impairment were recruited. Cortical macrostructure and GM microstructure were assessed by surface‐based analysis and GM‐based spatial statistics (GBSS), respectively. Machine learning models were trained to evaluate the diagnostic values of cortical intracellular volume fraction (ICVF) for the classification of T2DM versus HCs.

Results

There were no differences in cortical thickness or area between the groups. GBSS analysis revealed similar GM microstructural patterns of significantly decreased fractional anisotropy, increased mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity in T2DM patients involving the frontal and parietal lobes, and significantly lower ICVF values were observed in nearly all brain regions of T2DM patients. A support vector machine model with a linear kernel was trained to realize the T2DM versus HC classification and exhibited the highest performance among the trained models, achieving an accuracy of 74% and an area under the curve of 83%.

Conclusions

NODDI may help to probe the widespread GM neuritic density loss in T2DM patients occurs before measurable macrostructural alterations. The cortical ICVF values may provide valuable diagnostic information regarding the early GM microstructural alterations in T2DM.
Recent Progress in Design of Organic Electro‐optic Materials with Ultrahigh Electro‐optic Activities†
Authors: Xu Huajun , Sun Yanna , Kan Yuanyuan , Gao Ke
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Rationally designed organic electro‐optic (OEO) materials demonstrate ultra‐large electro‐optic (EO) activities, affording inorganic‐organic hybrid photonic devices with low drive voltage, large bandwidth, low energy consumption, and small footprint. OEO materials hold the potential to achieve EO coefficients (r33) over 1000 pm/V. Over the past decade, however, the best performance of OEO materials is limited to 300—600 pm·V−1. This is partly because of the concern of increasing dipole moment and optical loss due to the redshifted absorbance of high hyperpolarizability chromophores. Recent advance of theory‐guided design enables the OEO materials to achieve greatly enhanced hyperpolarizability and EO activity with dipole moment and propagation loss within acceptable constraints. Simultaneously, progress in hybrid device designs has greatly shortened the length of modulating waveguide, which resulted in significantly reduced sensitivity to propagation loss from redshifted absorption of OEO materials. Driven by theory‐guided design method, several high‐performance OEO materials have been presented with greatly enhanced EO coefficients beyond 1000 pm·V−1. This brief review summarizes the strategies to improve the EO activity including molecular engineering and hyperpolarizability, highlights the recent great progress in design of high‐performance OEO materials, and discusses the problems needed to be solved in application for current OEO materials.
Insights into the synergistic effect between nickel and molybdenum for catalyzing urea electrooxidation
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Mo Funian , Fei Jinbo , Ling Wei , Cui Mangwei , Lei Hao , Jiang Li , Huang Yan
Published: September 2022

The efficiency of many clean technologies, such as urea fuel cells, hydrogen production from urea‐containing water splitting, and sewage treatment, and so forth, is restricted due to the sluggish kinetics of the urea oxygen reaction (UOR). Mo‐doped Ni‐based catalysts are excellent for UOR because of the synergistic effect between Ni and Mo. However, such applications have indeed been hampered by a lack of mechanistic comprehension. Here, we fabricate Mo‐Ni(OH)2 nanosheets for efficient UOR electrocatalysis with activity at least twice higher than Ni(OH)2 nanosheets. Various in situ characterizations including Raman, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals that the doping of Mo lowers the onset potential required for Ni2+/Ni3+ conversion and promotes the coupling of the N–N bond inside the molecule and the fracture of the double bond between C and O in the urea molecule. In addition, an entirely flexible direct urea fuel cell with the Mo‐Ni(OH)2 electrocatalyst delivers a maximum output power density of 0.78 mW cm−2 and complete flexibility for the first time. Our research significantly promotes the mechanistic understanding of UOR electrocatalysis and its applications.
Development of a risk model based on immune genes in patients with colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wei Laiming , Xu Jing , Hu Xueyou , Lyu Gang
Published: September 2022

Background

The rapidly increasing morbidity and the poor prognosis making the colon adenocarcinoma not only common but also highly malignant. On the other hand, immunotherapy emerges as a therapeutic modality of colon cancer recently. In this study, we developed a prognostic risk model that is based on immune genes, which could predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with colon adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to download both transcriptomic and clinical data, and the ImmPort database was used to obtain immune genes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)‐Cox regression was adopted to further select the key genes with prognostic value. Then the key genes were inputted into stepwise regression to calculated each patient's immune‐related risk score (immune score). Survival, survminer packages and bilateral tests in R language were adopted to determine the optimal cut‐off value (cut‐off value) for the risk score. This threshold divides patients into immune‐score high‐risk and low‐risk groups. The differences in the levels of infiltrating immune cells and stromal cells in the high and low immune risk groups were then calculated and compared by the CIBERSORT algorithm.

Results

According to our results, a prognostic risk model was constructed based upon 26 immune‐related genes. High immune score was shown to be a poor prognostic factor for colon adenocarcinoma patients, such as overall survival, progress free survival for different therapies, and tumor stages. High immune score was also associated with the abundance of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. In addition, the high immune score group, the expression levels of LMTK3, LAG3 and PD‐L1 were higher than those in the low score group.

Conclusion

We developed a 26‐immune gene model of colon adenocarcinoma to predict patient's survival. This model might be used in clinical practice as a prognostic instrument for patients diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma.
Transdiagnostic symptom networks in relation to mental health service use in community youth
Authors: Imperiale Marina N. , Lieb Roselind , Calkins Monica E. , Meinlschmidt Gunther
Published: September 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to scrutinize whether psychopathology symptom networks differ between those with and without lifetime: treatment seeking, treatment and treatment of longer duration.

Methods

We created non‐exclusive groups of subjects with versus without lifetime treatment seeking, treatment and treatment of mid‐long‐term duration. We estimated Ising models and carried out network comparison tests (NCTs) to compare (a) overall connectivity and (b) network structure. Furthermore, we examined node strength. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize potential confounding by indication for service use.

Results

Based on data from 9,172 participants, there were no statistically significant differences in overall connectivity and network structure in those with versus without lifetime: treatment seeking (p = .75 and p = .82, respectively), treatment (p = .63 and p = .49, respectively) and treatment of mid‐longterm duration (p = .15 and p = .62, respectively). Notably, comparing networks with versus without service use consistently revealed higher node strength in ‘obsessions’ and ‘aggression’ and lower node strength in ‘elevated mood’ in all networks with service use.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that after adjusting for potential confounding by indication for service use, there was no indication of an association in overall connectivity or network structure for lifetime treatment seeking, treatment and treatment of longer duration. However, selected structurally important symptoms differed consistently in all three comparisons. Our findings highlight the potential of network analysis methods to examine treatment mechanisms and outcomes. Specifically, more granular network characteristics on the node level may complement and enrich traditional outcomes in clinical research.
Tal2 is required for generation of GABAergic neurons in the zebrafish midbrain
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Guo Shaojuan , Yang Lixin
Published: September 2022

Background

In the zebrafish midbrain, GABAergic neurons develop from precursors located in the nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (nMLF). However, the precise mechanisms that underline generation of the nMLF GABAergic neuron are poorly understood.

Results

GABAergic neurons in the nMLF co‐express transcription factors tal2, gata2a, gata3, and nkx1.2lb. The Nodal‐related gene and shh signaling are required for differentiation of nMLF GABAergic neuron precursors. Tal2 is important for nMLF GABAergic neurogenesis. Disruption of Tal2, embryos completely lack the GABA‐synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 gene (gad67) expressing cells in the nMLF, and the whole nkx1.2lb expressing cells in the midbrain. Although almost all tal2‐expressing cells in the diencephalon and/or nMLF are gata2a‐ and gata3‐positive, simultaneous knockdown of gata2a and gata3 does not affect either tal2 or gad67 expression.

Conclusions

In the zebrafish midbrain, expression of tal2, gata2a, and/or gata3 is independent of each other. The function of gata2a and gata3 is dispensable for generation of GABAergic neuron in the nMLF. This suggests that the functional connections of the regulatory genes leading to generation of nMLF GABAergic neurons have diverged between mouse and zebrafish.
Orofacial pain and dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease: A scoping review
Authors: Verhoeff Merel C. , Koutris Michail , Tambach Sharine , Eikenboom Denise , de Vries Ralph , Berendse Henk W. , van Dijk Karin D. , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: September 2022

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is commonly known as a disorder that affects the smooth performance of body movements. In addition to the motor impairments, patients with PD often experience pain. Both motor impairments and pain can occur throughout the body, hence including the orofacial region. However, currently, there is a lack of knowledge on the orofacial manifestations. Since orofacial pain and dysfunction can, amongst others, reduce the quality of life of patients with PD, it is important to explore the prevalence of these symptoms in the PD population.

Objective

To provide a broad overview of the relevant literature on orofacial pain and dysfunction in patients with PD. Furthermore, we aim to generate hypotheses for future research on this topic.

Databases and data treatment

A literature search (in PubMed, Embase.com, Web of Science [Core collection], and Cochrane Library) was performed on 20 January 2022, in collaboration with a medical librarian. In total, 7180 articles were found, of which 50 were finally included in this scoping review.

Results

In the included studies, pain (e.g. orofacial pain (N = 2) and temporomandibular disorder pain (N = 2)), orofacial motor dysfunction (e.g. limited jaw movements (N = 10), reduced maximum muscle output (N = 3), chewing difficulties (N = 9), unspecified TMD (N = 3), sensory disturbances (N = 1)), and bruxism (N = 3) were observed more often in patients with PD than in healthy controls.

Conclusion

Patients with PD experience more pain in the orofacial area and more dysfunction of the masticatory system than their healthy peers.

Significance

This scoping review can increase health care providers' awareness of the problems that can be encountered in the orofacial area of PD patients, especially pain syndromes also occur in the orofacial region and not only in the extremities. Besides, dysfunction of the orofacial area is elaborated in this scoping review, which helps to understand that this limits PD patients' quality of life. Further, the outcomes of this scoping review can assist in encouraging collaboration between medicine and dentistry. Finally, this scoping review suggests new research areas, based on the gaps identified in the current literature on this topic. Ultimately, this will improve individualized strategies for reducing orofacial pain and/or dysfunction in PD patients.
After the “honeymoon”, what is next? COVID‐19 policies in Europe beyond the first wave
Authors: Malandrino Anna , Mavrot Céline
Published: September 2022

This special issue is the sequelto the issue on COVID‐19 policies published in European Policy Analysis in fall 2020, which focused on the European countries' early responses to the pandemic. The collection aims to go beyond the “honeymoon” phase of the outbreak, that is, the first wave. The selected cases—Sweden, Greece and Cyprus, Germany, Turkey, Hungary, and the Eurozone—provide a variety of national features in terms of political systems, institutional structures, and policy styles. The featured articles adopt different theoretical perspectives and are authored by scholars from a variety of disciplines, who pursue both interpretative and explanatory goals by focusing on policy adoption, policy perception, and learning opportunities, but also on local pandemic management and policy outcomes. A fil rouge unites the featured contributions: they all show the importance of analyzing change over sufficiently long timeframes, to capture the complexity of existing trends.
Performance evaluation of a compact designed electric power system composed of a two‐stroke gasoline engine, generator, and battery for high‐endurance unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Gang Byeong Gyu , Kim Keun‐Bae
Published: September 2022

An electric power system comprising a two‐stroke gasoline engine integrated with a generator and a battery is designed, and its performance is evaluated on the ground if it can provide constant 6 kW‐scale electric power for UAVs. The reciprocal engine is fabricated to have opposed pistons connected to the crankshaft, which can provide the house to hold the generator at its end, resulting in a compact design. This system integration allows the generated power to be readily manipulated by adjusting the engine rpm. In addition, the generator operates in two modes: a starter mode when starting an engine initially, and then a power unit mode after reaching 4500 engine rpm. In turn, a power supply and starter mode were combined in a single unit. The battery is adopted to momentarily cover insufficient power when a high load is inevitable, and its capacity is tested by applying an 11 kW electric load that the engine‐generator itself cannot cover. Thus, a hybrid electric power plant is formed by incorporating different power sources that can satisfy various load requests up to 11 kW, and it can extend flight endurance by alternating the main power between an engine generator and a battery.
Experimental and simulation study on the combustion fire spreading characteristics of aluminum composite panels with different thicknesses
Authors: Zhang Yipeng , Zhou Ru , Wu Tianran , Huang Chenxi , Chen Zhihao , Jiang Juncheng
Published: September 2022

To study the effect of thickness on the fire spreading characteristics of aluminum composite panels, a reduced‐scale test bench was built to simulate the development of an overflow fire in a high‐rise building. Analysis of the fire spreading characteristics was performed in terms of the flame shape, flame height, fire spread rate, and temperature change. Then, an Fire Dynamics Simulatior model was established to verify the accuracy of the experiment using numerical simulations. The results showed that the flame shape of the 3 and 4 mm aluminum composite panels was a triangular cone, while the flame shape of the 5 and 6 mm aluminum composite panels was approximately rectangular. By establishing the dimensionless flame height, the flame height increased with the panel thickness. The fire spread rate of the aluminum composite panels increased first and then decreased upon increasing the thickness, which was consistent with the simulation results. The temperature change curves all showed a rapid initial increase and then a stable temperature in the later period. The simulation results conformed well to the experimental results.
Numerical modeling of flow past a volumeless and thin rigid body using direct forcing immersed boundary method
Authors: Tewolde Desta Goytom , Wei Zi‐Hsuan , Chern Ming‐Jyh
Published: September 2022

The new capability has been added as the numerical method for modeling volumeless and thin rigid bodies to the direct forcing immersed boundary (DFIB) method. The DFIB approach is based on adding a virtual force to the Navier–Stokes equations of incompressible flow to account for the interaction between the fluid and structures. The volume of a solid function (VOS) identifies the stationary or moving solid structures in a given fluid domain. A new VOS‐based algorithm was developed to identify thin, rigid structure boundary points in fluid flow and ensure that the fluid cannot cross through the boundary of a thin rigid structure while moving or stationary. The DFIB method was first validated in a three‐dimensional (3D) turbulent flow over a circular cylinder. The large‐eddy simulation simulated the turbulent flow scales. The proposed algorithm was tested using a 3D turbulent flow past a stationary and rotating Savonius wind turbine that functions as a thin, rigid body. The validation results showed that the selected DFIB approach, combined with the novel algorithm, could simulate a thin, volumeless, rigid structure that is stationary and rotating in incompressible turbulent flows. The current method is also applicable for two‐way fluid‐structure interaction problems.
Interleukin‐18 signaling promotes activation of hepatic stellate cells in mouse liver fibrosis
Authors: Knorr Jana , Kaufmann Benedikt , Inzaugarat Maria Eugenia , Holtmann Theresa Maria , Geisler Lukas , Hundertmark Jana , Kohlhepp Marlene Sophia , Boosheri Laela M. , Chilin‐Fuentes Daisy R. , Birmingham Amanda , Fisch Kathleen M. , Schilling Joel D. , Loosen Sven H. , Trautwein Christian , Roderburg Christoph , Demir Münevver , Tacke Frank , Hoffman Hal M. , Feldstein Ariel E. , Wree Alexander
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims:

Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor‐family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation has been shown to result in liver fibrosis. Mechanisms and downstream signaling remain incompletely understood. Here, we studied the role of IL‐18 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and its impact on liver fibrosis.

Approach and Results:

We observed significantly increased serum levels of IL‐18 (128.4 pg/ml vs. 74.9 pg/ml) and IL‐18 binding protein (BP; 46.50 ng/ml vs. 15.35 ng/ml) in patients with liver cirrhosis compared with healthy controls. Single cell RNA sequencing data showed that an immunoregulatory subset of murine HSCs highly expresses Il18 and Il18r1. Treatment of cultured primary murine HSC with recombinant mouse IL‐18 accelerated their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. In vivo, IL‐18 receptor‐deficient mice had reduced liver fibrosis in a model of fibrosis induced by HSC‐specific NLRP3 overactivation. Whole liver RNA sequencing analysis from a murine model of severe NASH‐induced fibrosis by feeding a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid‐defined, high fat diet showed that genes related to IL‐18 and its downstream signaling were significantly upregulated, and Il18

−/−
mice receiving this diet for 10 weeks showed protection from fibrotic changes with decreased number of alpha smooth muscle actin‐positive cells and collagen deposition. HSC activation triggered by NLRP3 inflammasome activation was abrogated when IL‐18 signaling was blocked by its naturally occurring antagonist IL‐18BP. Accordingly, we observed that the severe inflammatory phenotype associated with myeloid cell‐specific NLRP3 gain‐of‐function was rescued by IL‐18BP.

Conclusions:

Our study highlights the role of IL‐18 in the development of liver fibrosis by its direct effect on HSC activation identifying IL‐18 as a target to treat liver fibrosis.
Experimental study of dynamic DC stray current corrosion of X70 steel
Authors: Qin Huimin , Zhang Tao , Du Yanxia , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yuxing , Liu Hui
Published: September 2022

In this paper, an experimental investigation on X70 steel was performed with respect to dynamic DC stray current interference in a soil‐simulated solution and in quartz sand. The results showed that the interference period had a huge impact on the corrosion rate. When the interference period was less than 100 s, corrosion rates in the two testing conditions were less than 12% of that induced by steady DC corrosion with an equivalent current. When the interference period was longer than 100 s, the corrosion rate in the soil‐simulated solution increased more significantly than that in quartz sand. Also, when the interference period was longer than 1 h, the corrosion rate in the soil‐simulated solution was approximately equal to the Faraday theory corrosion rate. However, the corrosion rate in quartz sand was still less than 81% of the Faraday theory corrosion rate, even though the interference period had been increased to 16 h. The difference of the corrosion rates in the two testing conditions was probably because of the different capacities of charge consumption by the capacitance effect of the electric double layer as well as the different charge consumption due to the extra reaction of species other than iron.
Connecting chemical exposome to human health using high‐resolution mass spectrometry‐based biomonitoring: Recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Chen Yuan‐Chih , Hsu Jing‐Fang , Chang Chih‐Wei , Li Shih‐Wen , Yang Ya‐Chi , Chao Mu‐Rong , Chen Hauh‐Jyun C. , Liao Pao‐Chi
Published: September 2022

Compared with the rapid advances in genomics leading to broad understanding of human disease, the linkage between chemical exposome and diseases is still under investigation. High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is expected to accelerate the process via relatively accurate and precise biomonitoring of human exposome. This review covers recent advancements in biomonitoring of exposed environmental chemicals (chemical exposome) using HRMS described in the 124 articles that resulted from a systematic literature search on Medline and Web of Science databases. The analytical strategic aspects, including the selection of specimens, sample preparation, instrumentation, untargeted versus targeted analysis, and workflows for MS‐based biomonitoring to explore the environmental chemical space of human exposome, are deliberated. Applications of HRMS in human exposome investigation are presented by biomonitoring (1) exposed chemical compounds and their biotransformation products; (2) DNA/protein adducts; and (3) endogenous compound perturbations. Challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.
Biomaterials to promote vascularization in tissue engineering organs and ischemic fibrotic diseases
Authors: Zhao Wenyan , Zhu Junpeng , Hang Jiaxin , Zeng Wen
Published: September 2022

The formation of the complex and fully functional vascular networks in pivotal organs is a key challenge in tissue engineering research. Functional blood vessels not only maintain oxygen and nutrient delivery but also effectively get rid of waste. Recently, a deep understanding of the vascular tissue structure and tissue microenvironment helps to make several great progress in the construction of highly complex and biomimetic vascularized tissues and organs, using biomaterials such as hydrogels and biomaterial composites. In this review, we summarized the advantages and research progress of biomaterials used in constructing the vascularized tissue in tissue engineering regeneration, ischemic fibrosis, and so on. We also discussed the progression of vascularization in organs and organoids. First, we discuss the applications of biomaterial‐based vascularized tissue in bone, skin, and other tissue regeneration. Secondly, we discussed biomaterials and their components in promoting vascularization of ischemic fibrosis organs such as cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, and renal fibrosis. In addition, we also introduced the strategies and applications that biomaterials function as a biomimetic extracellular matrix performed to construct vascularized tissues or organs in vitro. Finally, coming opportunities and challenges are also discussed and commented on.
Lactobacillus acidophilus KBL409 Reduces Kidney Fibrosis via Immune Modulatory Effects in Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kim Hyoungnae , Nam Bo Young , Park Jimin , Song Seokcheon , Kim Woon‐Ki , Lee Kiuk , Nam Tae‐Wook , Park Jung Tak , Yoo Tae‐Hyun , Kang Shin‐Wook , Ko GwangPyo , Han Seung Hyeok
Published: September 2022

Scope

Intestinal dysbiosis has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, to evaluate whether probiotic supplements can have protective effects against kidney injury in an animal model of CKD is aimed.

Methods and results

An animal model of CKD is established by feeding C57BL/6 mice a diet containing 0.2% adenine. These model mice are administered Lactobacillus acidophilus KBL409 daily for 4 weeks. Features of adenine‐induce CKD (Ade‐CKD) mice, such as prominent kidney fibrosis and higher levels of serum creatinine and albuminuria are improved by administration of KBL409. Ade‐CKD mice also exhibit a disrupted intestinal barrier and elevate levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine. These changes are attenuated by KBL409. Administration of KBL409 significantly reduces macrophage infiltration and promotes a switch to the M2 macrophage phenotype and increasing regulatory T cells. Notably, the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is activated in the kidneys of Ade‐CKD and decreases by KBL409. In primary kidney tubular epithelial cells treated with p‐cresyl sulfate, short‐chain fatty acids significantly increase M2 macrophage polarization factors and decrease profibrotic markers.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that supplementation with the probiotic KBL409 has beneficial immunomodulating effects and protects against kidney injury.
Multi‐band multi‐shot diffusion MRI reconstruction with joint usage of structured low‐rank constraints and explicit phase mapping
Authors: Dai Erpeng , Mani Merry , McNab Jennifer A.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To develop a joint reconstruction method for multi‐band multi‐shot diffusion MRI.

Theory and Methods

Multi‐band
multi‐shot EPI acquisition is an effective approach for high‐resolution diffusion MRI, but requires specific algorithms to correct the inter‐shot phase variations. The phase correction can be done by first estimating the explicit phase map and then feeding it into the k‐space signal formulation model. Alternatively, the phase information can be used indirectly as structured low‐rank constraints in k‐space. The 2 methods differ in reconstruction accuracy and efficiency. We aim to combine the 2 different approaches for improved image quality and reconstruction efficiency simultaneously, termed “joint usage of structured low‐rank constraints and explicit phase mapping” (JULEP). The proposed JULEP reconstruction is tested on both single‐band and multi‐band, multi‐shot diffusion data, with different resolutions and
b
values. The results of JULEP are compared with conventional methods with explicit phase mapping (i.e., multiplexed sensitivity‐encoding [MUSE]) and structured low‐rank constraints (i.e., MUSSELS), and another joint reconstruction method (i.e., network estimated artifacts for tempered reconstruction [NEATR]).

Results

JULEP improves the quality of the navigator and subsequently facilitates the reconstruction of final diffusion images. Compared with all 3 other methods (MUSE, MUSSELS, and NEATR), JULEP mitigates residual structural bias and improves temporal SNRs in the final diffusion image, particularly at high multi‐band factors. Compared with MUSSELS, JULEP also improves computational efficiency.

Conclusion

The proposed JULEP method significantly improves the image quality and reconstruction efficiency of multi‐band multi‐shot diffusion MRI, which can promote a broader application of high‐resolution diffusion MRI.
Prospective motion correction in kidney MRI using FID navigators
Authors: Ariyurek Cemre , Wallace Tess E. , Kober Tobias , Kurugol Sila , Afacan Onur
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Abdominal MRI scans may require breath‐holding to prevent image quality degradation, which can be challenging for patients, especially children. In this study, we evaluate whether FID navigators can be used to measure and correct for motion prospectively, in real‐time.

Methods

FID navigators were inserted into a 3D radial sequence with stack‐of‐stars sampling. MRI experiments were conducted on 6 healthy volunteers. A calibration scan was first acquired to create a linear motion model that estimates the kidney displacement due to respiration from the FID navigator signal. This model was then applied to predict and prospectively correct for motion in real time during deep and continuous deep breathing scans. Resultant images acquired with the proposed technique were compared with those acquired without motion correction. Dice scores were calculated between inhale/exhale motion states. Furthermore, images acquired using the proposed technique were compared with images from extra‐dimensional golden‐angle radial sparse parallel, a retrospective motion state binning technique.

Results

Images reconstructed for each motion state show that the kidneys' position could be accurately tracked and corrected with the proposed method. The mean of Dice scores computed between the motion states were improved from 0.93 to 0.96 using the proposed technique. Depiction of the kidneys was improved in the combined images of all motion states. Comparing results of the proposed technique and extra‐dimensional golden‐angle radial sparse parallel, high‐quality images can be reconstructed from a fraction of spokes using the proposed method.

Conclusion

The proposed technique reduces blurriness and motion artifacts in kidney imaging by prospectively correcting their position both in‐plane and through‐slice.
Analysis of progressive fracture in fluid‐saturated porous medium using splines
Authors: Chen Lin , de Borst René
Published: September 2022

Powell‐Sabin B‐splines are employed to model progressive fracturing in a fluid‐saturated porous medium. These splines are defined on triangles and are ‐continuous throughout the domain, including the crack tips, so that crack initiation can be evaluated directly at the tip. On one hand, the method captures stresses and fluid fluxes more accurately than when using standard Lagrange elements, enabling a direct assessment of the fracture criterion at the crack tip and ensuring local mass conservation. On the other hand, the method avoids limitations for discrete crack analysis which adhere to isogeometric analysis. A crack is introduced directly in the physical domain. Due to the use of triangles, remeshing and crack path tracking are straightforward. During remeshing transfer of state vectors (displacement, fluid pressure) is required from the old to the new mesh. The transfer is done using a new approach which exploits a least‐squares fit with the energy balance and conservation of mass as constraints. The versatility and accuracy to simulate free crack propagation are assessed for mode‐I and mixed‐mode fracture problems.