bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced mechanical properties of recycled blends acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene/high–impact polystyrene from waste electrical and electronic equipment using compatibilizers and virgin polymers
Authors: Hirayama Denise , Nunnenkamp Lothar Andreas , Braga Fernando Henrique Guedes , Saron Clodoaldo
Published: November 2021

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are currently constituted by a considerable fraction of polymers, mainly acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS). Despite the increasing interest for ABS and HIPS recycling from WEEE, some factors, such as intrinsic mixture between polymeric components, are barriers to the advancement of the polymeric WEEE recycling. In present study, ABS and HIPS from WEEE were combined each other and with virgin ABS and HIPS in presence of the compatibilizers styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene/styrene–ethylene–butylene (SEBS/SEB), generating recycled ABS/HIPS blends in different compositions. The materials were evaluated by mechanical tests, morphological analysis, dynamic‐mechanical‐analysis, and melt flow rate. The presence of compatibilizers SBS and SEBS/SEB affects significantly the morphological structure of ABS/HIPS, changing the shape and size of the dispersed phases of styrene–acrylonitrile or polystyrene, which leads to modifications of the mechanical properties of the materials. The presence of virgin polymer in the blends also affects the material morphology. Thus, ABS and HIPS waste from WEEE can be recycled as ABS/HIPS blends and their mechanical properties controlled by use of compatibilizers SBS and SEBS/SEB and incorporation of virgin polymers, avoiding processes for segregation of the polymers during mechanical recycling.
William Montague Cobb: Near the African diasporic origins of activist and biocultural anthropology
Authors: Blakey Michael L. , Watkins Rachel
Published: November 2021

William Montague Cobb, AB, MD, PhD, was the first African American PhD in anatomy and physical anthropology. He produced 1,100 publications while a professor at Howard University. His influence on the civil rights struggle from the 1930s to 1970s was profound as were his contributions to science and medical history. This article shows how he continued the activist and interdisciplinary traditions of African diasporic intellectuals and that these innovated what is today labeled biocultural anthropology, which focuses on the political, economic, and other societal influences on human biology and health. The human biology of the White “mainstream” has tended toward reductionism, biodeterminism, and eugenics. It drew a causal arrow from biology to society. Had they been able to listen to Black intellectuals, the world might have avoided the tragedy of mid‐20th century eugenics and its long continuing biodeterministic shadow.
An emerging role of transcription in chromosome segregation: Ongoing centromeric transcription maintains centromeric cohesion
Authors: Chen Yujue , Zhang Qian , Liu Hong
Published: November 2021

Non‐coding centromeres, which dictate kinetochore formation for proper chromosome segregation, are extremely divergent in DNA sequences across species but are under active transcription carried out by RNA polymerase (RNAP) II. The RNAP II‐mediated centromeric transcription has been shown to facilitate the deposition of the centromere protein A (CENP‐A) to centromeres, establishing a conserved and critical role of centromeric transcription in centromere maintenance. Our recent work revealed another role of centromeric transcription in chromosome segregation: maintaining centromeric cohesion during mitosis. Interestingly, this role appears to be fulfilled through ongoing centromeric transcription rather than centromeric transcripts. In addition, we found that centromeric transcription may not require some of the traditional transcription initiation factors, suggestive of “uniqueness” in its regulation. In this review, we discuss the novel role and regulation of centromeric transcription as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.
Analysis of terminal schedule probes and schedule thinning effects following functional communication training
Authors: Kranak Michael P. , Falligant John Michael
Published: November 2021

Functional communication training (FCT) is a behavioral intervention that results in reduction of problem behavior and acquisition of adaptive communication responses. After FCT, schedule thinning is typically conducted to make community implementation of FCT more feasible. Specifically, the density of reinforcement for the alternative response is gradually decreased over time. It is plausible that one could avoid schedule thinning by proceeding to the terminal schedule thinning value without first systematically decreasing the density of reinforcement along the way. However, very little applied research exists in which the terminal schedule values are probed prior to schedule thinning. We conducted terminal schedule probes before schedule thinning and analyzed the relapse of problem behavior before and after schedule thinning. Rates of problem behavior in the terminal probes exceeded those in baseline in two out of three treatments prior to schedule thinning. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Efficient and safe small RNA delivery to macrophage using peptide‐based nanocomplex
Authors: Ryu Yeong Chae , Lee Yoo Eun , Hwang Byeong Hee
Published: November 2021

As one of the gene therapies, RNA interference (RNAi) effectively suppresses only specific genes, targeting various diseases in which they are involved. For the successful process of RNAi, efficient and safe delivery of small RNAs, including small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA, is essential. Herein, an S‐R11 fusion peptide, SPACE peptide conjugated with poly‐arginine, was introduced to deliver small RNAs into immune cells that are difficult to transfect. This S‐R11 peptide stably formed a spontaneous self‐assembling nanocomplex through electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding with small RNAs. The nanocomplex showed about 5.3‐fold better permeation efficiency than the conventional Lipofectamine™ 2000 for RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Moreover, it induced about 66.2% silencing effect of the target gene in the cells activated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)). In addition, the cell viability of fusion peptide was ensured even in a concentration range exceeding the concentration used in the nanocomplex. Based on these results, it is expected that the nanocomplex in this study can be used as a new gene delivery system that can overcome the challenge of gene therapies to immune cells.
Skeletal muscle‐adipose cocultured tissue fabricated using cell‐laden microfibers and a hydrogel sheet
Authors: Jo Byeongwook , Morimoto Yuya , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: November 2021

The emerging interest in skeletal muscle tissue originates from its unique properties that control body movements. In particular, recent research advances in engineered skeletal muscle tissue have broadened the possibilities of applications in nonclinical models. However, due to the lack of adipose tissue, current engineered skeletal muscle tissue has the limitation of satisfying in vivo‐like position and proportion of intermuscular fat. Adipose tissue within the skeletal muscle affects their functional properties. Here, a fabrication method for cocultured tissue composed of skeletal muscle and adipose tissues is proposed to reproduce the functional and morphological characteristics of muscle. By implementing prematured adipose microfibers in a myoblast‐laden hydrogel sheet, both the accumulation of large lipid droplets and control of the position of adipose tissue within the skeletal muscle tissue becomes feasible. The findings of this study provide helpful information regarding engineered skeletal muscle, which has strong potential in drug screening models.
Novel Furanyl‐Substituted Isochromanyl Class of Anti‐Inflammatory Turbinochromanone from Brown Seaweed Turbinaria conoides
Authors: Dhara Shubhajit , Chakraborty Kajal
Published: November 2021

Organic extract of the brown seaweed Turbinaria conoides (Sargassaceae) was chromatographically fractionated to yield an undescribed furanyl‐substituted isochromanyl metabolite, named as turbinochromanone, which was characterized as methyl 4‐[(3S)‐8‐{[(3R)‐4‐ethyl‐2,3‐dihydrofuran‐3‐yl]methyl}‐1‐oxo‐3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐2‐benzopyran‐3‐yl]butanoate. The isochromanyl derivative possessed comparable attenuation potential against 5‐lipoxygenase (IC50 3.70 μM) with standard 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor drug zileuton (IC50 2.41 μM). Noticeably, the index of anti‐inflammatory selectivity of turbinochromanone (∼1.7) was considerably greater than that exhibited by the standard agent diclofenac (1.06). Antioxidant properties of turbinochromanone against oxidants (IC50∼24 μM) further supported its potential anti‐inflammatory property. Greater electronic properties (topological polar surface area of 61.8) along with comparatively lesser docking parameters of the studied compound with aminoacyl residues of targeted enzymes (cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase) (binding energy of −11.05 and −9.40 kcal mol−1, respectively) recognized its prospective anti‐inflammatory potential. In an aim to develop seaweed‐based natural anti‐inflammatory leads, the present study isolated turbinochromanone as promising 5‐lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor, which could be used for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.
Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Heterogeneous Interfaces for Electrocatalysis: A Theoretical Study of CO2 Reduction to C2
Authors: Wan Mingyu , Gu Zhiyong , Che Fanglin
Published: November 2021

Hybrid organic‐inorganic heterogeneous catalytic interfaces, where traditional catalytic materials are modified with self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), create promising features to control a wide range of catalytic processes through the design of dual organic‐inorganic active sites and the induced confinement effect. To provide a fundamental insight, we investigated CO2 electroreduction into valuable C2 chemicals (CO2RR‐to‐C2) over SAM‐modulated Cu. Our theoretical results show that 1/4 monolayer aminothiolates improve the stability, activity and selectivity of CO2RR‐to‐C2 by: (1) decreasing surface energy to suppress surface reconstruction; (2) facilitating CO2 activation and C−C coupling through dual organic‐inorganic (i. e., −NH, Cu) active sites; (3) promoting C−C coupling via confinement effects that enlarge the adsorption energy difference between CO* and COH*; (4) inducing local electric fields to Cu surface and changing its dipole moment and polarizability to be in favor of C−C coupling under electrode/electrolyte interfacial electric field.
Hybrid Process Modeling of an Industrial Process
Authors: Nentwich Corina , Gebus Philip , Brächer Alexander , Markovic Ana
Published: November 2021

The current revival and intensified research on machine learning take place while an intensified focus of companies on digitalization developed. The willingness and acceptance to apply innovative methods in industry has grown. Gray box or hybrid process modeling represents the combination of rigorous (white box) process modeling with machine learning (black box) models. In recent applications, the presented method has been utilized for process models at Evonik. This article describes the workflow for developing hybrid process models and is meant to share the experiences made during the process.
The role of international knowledge acquisition and absorptive capacity as a predictor of international performance
Authors: Agustí Maria A. , Ramos‐Hidalgo Encarnación , Moreno‐Menéndez Ana M.
Published: November 2021

The international business literature recognizes the central role of knowledge and learning as key determinants of the internationalization of firms. While the stages model underlined the influence of experiential learning, new research has shown that there are also other relevant types of knowledge acquisition, which can be structured following Huber's model (1991) as congenital, grafted, vicarious, and search knowledge acquisition. However, knowledge acquisition constitutes only a first step for learning. In this respect, absorptive capacity appears as a useful construct since it integrates knowledge acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation capacity. This paper analyzes the influence of the types of knowledge acquisition on international performance and considers absorptive capacity dimensions as moderator variables based on a sample of 200 Spanish SME exporters.
Inter‐ versus intra‐channel trust transfer on an online‐to‐offline (O2O) platform
Authors: Ma Zicheng , Wang Liang , Li Eric Ping Hung , Zhang Jianqi
Published: November 2021

The existing literature acknowledges the important role of trust between a firm and its customers but pays little attention to the dynamics of trust during the process of trust transfer. Our case study of the emergence of Doctor & You in China, a medical online‐to‐offline (O2O) platform, and identifies three phases of interaction between customers, merchants, and the platform and how the critical contributing factors impact the development of institutional, cognitive, and affective trust across the different phases. The results suggest a staged model for trust transfer through both inter‐ and intra‐channels, revealing the dynamic aspect of the trust transfer process on an O2O platform.
Deep Learning‐Assisted Visualized Fluorometric Sensor Array for Biogenic Amines Detection
Authors: Tan Xiaoqing , Ye Yingying , Liu Hong , Meng Jianxin , Yang Lin‐Lin , Li Fengyu
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Biogenic amines (BAs) are important biomarkers for monitoring food quality and assisting in the diagnosis of disease. Facial, portable, accurate and high‐throughput BAs detection is still challenging by the specific sensor compounds development or the complicated instrument operation. Deep learning (DL) algorithms are blooming for their superiority on the nonlinear and multidimensional data analysis, which endow the great advantage for the artificial intelligence assisted large sample analysis of the environmental or daily health monitoring. In this work, we developed a deep learning‐assisted visualized fluorometric array‐based sensing method. Two commercial fluorescent dyes were selected and combined into sensor arrays. Variation in the alkalinity of BAs causes significant and distinct fluorescence changes of the dyes. In conjunction with pattern recognition by the pretrained CNN models, the sensor array clearly differentiates seven BAs with 99.29% prediction accuracy and allows rapid single and multi‐component quantification with a volume fraction range from 200 cm3/m3 to 2500 cm3/m3. This method also provides a new way for meat freshness monitoring. We envision that this novel analytical method for BAs can be used as an alternative and promising tool for the detection of a wider variety of analytes.
Craniospinal irradiation in the treatment of chemotherapy refractory leptomeningeal metastasis from breast cancer: A case report
Authors: Tesolin Daniel , Vergidis Dimitrios , Ramchandar Kevin
Published: November 2021

Background

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is a relatively uncommon complication of solid tumors that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prognosis is typically weeks to months and the neurologic complications of this disease can significantly affect quality of life. The role of craniospinal irradiation is unclear as evidence exploring this treatment option is limited. Despite lack of evidence, its use has decreased due to its associated acute toxicities and newer intrathecal alternatives.

Case

Here we report the case of a 50‐year‐old patient who received craniospinal irradiation for chemotherapy‐refractory leptomeningeal disease, with survival well beyond the median and good quality of life for the majority of that time.

Conclusion

This patient's remarkable survival and performance after treatment suggests that craniospinal irradiation could be considered more frequently in the treatment of leptomeningeal metastases. To our knowledge, this is the first case with significant survival following craniospinal irradiation for chemotherapy refractory disease presented. Further study on the use of craniospinal irradiation to treat leptomeningeal metastasis is recommended.
Study on circuit modeling of stretchable serpentine interconnects
Authors: Wu Zhenyu , Peng Chaoqun , Liao Jiao , Chen Quanxiu
Published: November 2021

A 2π equivalent circuit model of serpentine interconnect fabricated by transfer printing technology is proposed considering the stretching deformation of the interconnect. The S parameters are measured, and the RLC parameters are extracted by quasi‐linearization method at various elongations. A V‐shaped model is built to illustrate the change of Lc increasing by 9.7% due to elongation. A branch of Rf and Lf in parallel is utilized to model the impact of high‐frequency effects, Rf decreases by 56.7%, and Lf remains ~0.65 nH. A branch of Rsub and Csub characterizing the electrical loss of substrate increases due to substrate thinning with elongation, Rsub increases by 87.1%, and Csub remains 100 fF. S parameters are measured and compared to verify the accuracy of the model and study the effect of elongation on the transmission characteristics; it is found that the amplitude at S11 minimum decreases from −7 to −10 dB during stretching, and the corresponding frequency points also decrease.
Lived experiences of subjective binge eating: An inductive thematic analysis
Authors: Brownstone Lisa M. , Mihas Paul , M. Butler Rachel , Maman Suzanne , Peterson Carol B. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Bardone‐Cone Anna M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Growing evidence suggests that subjective binge eating (SBE; loss of control eating involving subjectively, but not objectively, large quantities of food) is clinically concerning even though it is not currently considered a diagnostic criterion for eating disorders. However, the lived experience of SBEs has not been examined in a systematic, and data‐driven way.

Method

The current study used a qualitative, inductive interview approach to further define SBEs as described by individuals who experience them. Participants (N = 14; 11 cisgender women, Mage = 35.29, 12 White/non‐Latinx) reported SBEs that occurred at least twice per week over the prior 3 months. We completed semi‐structured qualitative phone interviews with participants regarding their most recent SBE and objective binge‐eating episode (OBE) if applicable, as well as broader experiences and attitudes regarding non‐binge eating.

Results

Inductive, reflexive, thematic coding yielded descriptive and interpretive codes regarding SBEs. Main themes regarding SBE experience included: (a) SBEs Occur Across Contexts and Food Types, (b) SBEs Are Contrasts to General Over‐Control, (c) SBEs Are Distress‐ and Disconnection‐Inducing, Not Relieving, (d) SBEs Are Responses to Hunger and Restriction, and (e) SBEs Can Be “Echoes” of OBEs.

Discussion

The current study explored the lived experiences of those who report SBEs and provides an important foundation for hypothesis generation for future research on and clinical interventions for SBEs.
The traits of “trait ecologists”: An analysis of the use of trait and functional trait terminology
Authors: Dawson Samantha K. , Carmona Carlos Pérez , González‐Suárez Manuela , Jönsson Mari , Chichorro Filipe , Mallen‐Cooper Max , Melero Yolanda , Moor Helen , Simaika John P. , Duthie Alexander Bradley
Published: November 2021

Trait and functional trait approaches have revolutionized ecology improving our understanding of community assembly, species coexistence, and biodiversity loss. Focusing on traits promotes comparability across spatial and organizational scales, but terms must be used consistently. While several papers have offered definitions, it remains unclear how ecologists operationalize “trait” and “functional trait” terms. Here, we evaluate how researchers and the published literatures use these terms and explore differences among subdisciplines and study systems (taxa and biome). By conducting both a survey and a literature review, we test the hypothesis that ecologists’ working definition of “trait” is adapted or altered when confronting the realities of collecting, analyzing and presenting data. From 486 survey responses and 712 reviewed papers, we identified inconsistencies in the understanding and use of terminology among researchers, but also limited inclusion of definitions within the published literature. Discrepancies were not explained by subdiscipline, system of study, or respondent characteristics, suggesting there could be an inconsistent understanding even among those working in related topics. Consistencies among survey responses included the use of morphological, phonological, and physiological traits. Previous studies have called for unification of terminology; yet, our study shows that proposed definitions are not consistently used or accepted. Sources of disagreement include trait heritability, defining and interpreting function, and dealing with organisms in which individuals are not clearly recognizable. We discuss and offer guidelines for overcoming these disagreements. The diversity of life on Earth means traits can represent different features that can be measured and reported in different ways, and thus, narrow definitions that work for one system will fail in others. We recommend ecologists embrace the breadth of biodiversity using a simplified definition of “trait” more consistent with its common use. Trait‐based approaches will be most powerful if we accept that traits are at least as diverse as trait ecologists.
A randomized controlled clinical trial on efficacy and safety of anakinra in patients with severe COVID‐19
Authors: Kharazmi Amir Behnam , Moradi Omid , Haghighi Mehrdad , Kouchek Mehran , Manafi‐Rasi Alireza , Raoufi Masoomeh , Shoaei ‪Simin Dokht , Hadavand Fahimeh , Nabavi Mahmood , Miri Mir Mohammad , Salarian Sara , Shojaei Seyedpouzhia , Khalili Shayesteh , Sistanizad Mohammad , Sadeghi Setayesh , Karagah Amirhossein , Asgari Saemeh , Jaffaraghaei Morteza , Araghi Shahram
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Hyperinflammatory state has a role in the pathogenesis of COVID‐19. Anakinra could reduce inflammation and help to combat the condition. In this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of anakinra (PerkinRA®) in severe COVID‐19.

Method

The study was an open‐label, randomized, controlled trial conducted in Imam Hossein Medical Center from May to July 2020. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 were included in this study. We administered anakinra 100 mg daily intravenously. All patients received COVID‐19 pharmacotherapy based on the represented national guideline. The need for invasive mechanical ventilation is considered the primary outcome.

Results

Thirty patients were included in this study, and 15 of them received Anakinra. Nineteen patients were male (63.3%), and 11 were female (36.7%). The mean age of patients was 55.77 ± 15.89 years. In the intervention group, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation was significantly reduced compared to the control group (20.0% vs. 66.7%, p = .010). Also, these patients had a significantly lower length of hospital stay (p = .043). No significant higher rate of infection was recorded.

Conclusion

Anakinra as an immunomodulatory agent has been associated with the reduced need for mechanical ventilation in patients admitted to intensive care units because of severe COVID‐19. The medication reduced the hospital length of stay. Furthermore, no increased risk of infection was observed. Further randomized placebo‐controlled trials with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.
Digital multimedia signal processing via AIoT and its application in smart home
Authors: Wang Peng
Published: November 2021

The popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT) makes a large number of vulnerable devices connected to the Internet, which brings a large number of digital multimedia signals. How to process these digital multimedia signals and ensure the security in IoT has become an important topic in the IoT applications and services. With the development of data analysis and artificial intelligence, the IoT devices present intelligent behaviors and become the new generation of information infrastructure. This paper proposed a framework to process the digital signals generated by IoT devices and ensure the IoT security. First, the original traffic data passes through the security gateway and the associated traffic data is collected by a damping window. Second, the collected traffic data is processed by a feature analysis module to construct a fingerprint library. Third, the fingerprint library is used to learn a machine learning model. Lastly, the learnt machine learning model is used to determine whether the IoT network exists abnormal behaviors. The proposed framework is evaluated on ISOT Botnet dataset.
Comparative study of hematological and radiological feature of severe/critically ill patients with COVID‐19, influenza A H7N9, and H1N1 pneumonia
Authors: Kong Jindan , Hao Yan , Wan Shan , Li Zheng , Zou Di , Zhang Leisi , Lu Yin , Wang Jun , Chen Xiaochen , Fu Jianhong
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to explore clinical indexes for management of severe/critically ill patients with COVID‐19, influenza A H7N9, and H1N1 pneumonia by comparing hematological and radiological characteristics.

Methods

Severe/critically ill patients with COVID‐19, H7N9, and H1N1 pneumonia were retrospectively enrolled. The demographic data, clinical manifestations, hematological parameters, and radiological characteristics were compared.

Results

In this study, 16 cases of COVID‐19, 10 cases of H7N9, and 13 cases of H1N1 who met severe/critically ill criteria were included. Compared with COVID‐19, H7N9 and H1N1 groups had more chronic diseases (80% and 92.3% vs. 25%,p < 0.05), higher APACHE Ⅱ scores (16.00 ± 8.63 and 15.08 ± 6.24, vs. 5.50 ± 2.58,p < 0.05), higher mortality rates (40% and 46.2% vs. 0%,p < 0.05), significant lymphocytopenia (0.59 ± 0.31 × 109/L and 0.56 ± 0.35 × 109/L vs. 0.97 ± 0.33 × 109/L,p < 0.05), and elevated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR; 14.67 ± 6.10 and 14.64 ± 10.36 vs. 6.29 ± 3.72,p < 0.05). Compared with the H7N9 group, ground‐glass opacity (GGO) on chest CT was common in the COVID‐19 group (p = 0.028), while pleural effusion was rare (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The NLR can be used as a clinical parameter for the predication of risk stratification and outcome in COVID‐19 and influenza A pneumonia. Manifestations of pleural effusion or GGO in chest CT may be helpful for the identification of different viral pneumonia.
Association Between the Use of Sodium‐Glucose Cotransporter‐2 Inhibitors and Drug‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury: Analysis of 2 Databases
Authors: Satoru Mitsuboshi , Kaseda Ryohei , Narita Ichiei
Published: November 2021

The association between the use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors and the occurrence of drug‐induced kidney injury has not been evaluated. This study assessed whether the use of SGLT‐2 inhibitors decreases the risk of drug‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) using the US Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System and the Medical Data Vision database. The occurrence of AKI in SGLT‐2 inhibitor users and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor users was compared using both databases. In the US Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System analysis, disproportionality for AKI was observed between DPP‐4 inhibitor users and SGLT‐2 inhibitor users administered nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (reporting odds ratio, 0.65; 95%CI, 0.48‐0.88; P < .01) and thiazide diuretics (reporting odds ratio, 0.78; 95%CI, 0.67‐0.90; P < .01). In Medical Data Vision analysis, SGLT‐2 inhibitor users administered nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (odds ratio [OR], 0.46; 95%CI, 0.41‐0.53; P < .01), anti–herpes simplex virus drugs (OR, 0.20; 95%CI, 0.07‐0.53; P < .01), thiazide diuretics (OR, 0.50; 95%CI, 0.36–0.71, P < .01), and loop diuretics (OR, 0.71; 95%CI, 0.62‐0.83; P < .01) had a lower incidence of AKI compared with DPP‐4 inhibitor users receiving the same drugs. No differences were observed in the risk of AKI between SGLT‐2 and DPP‐4 inhibitor users administered vancomycin and cisplatin in both databases. The use of SGLT‐2 inhibitors might reduce the risk of drug‐induced AKI caused by some drugs.
Stromal cells of giant cell tumor of bone show primary cilia in giant cell tumor of bone
Authors: Castiella Tomás , Iruzubieta Pablo , Monleón Eva , Cardiel Mª José , Gómez‐Vallejo Jesús , Monzón Marta , Junquera Mª Concepción
Published: November 2021

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive primary bone neoplasm composed by tumoral stromal cells (SCs) and a reactive component that consists of monocytic/histiocytic cells that give rise by fusion to osteoclast‐like multinucleated cells. Recently, specific Histone 3.3 mutations have been demonstrated in SCs of GCTB. Many of the pathways related to bone proliferation and regulation depend on the primary cilium, a microtubule‐based organelle that protrudes outside the cell and acts as a sensorial antenna. In the present work, we aimed to study the presence and role of primary cilia in GCTB. Ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence studies were performed in order to demonstrate, for the first time, that the primary cilium is located in spindle‐shaped SCs of GCTB. Moreover, we showed Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway activation in these cells. Hence, primary cilia may play a relevant role in GCTB tumorogenesis through Hh signaling activation in SCs.

Research Highlights

Transmission electron microscopy allows describing and differentiating cellular subpopulations in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB).

The primary cilium is present in some tumoral stromal cells of GCTB.

Hedgehog signalling is activated in these cells.
Can sterilization methods influence surface properties of resin composites? A purpose for previewing bias in laboratory bacterial adhesion tests
Authors: de Sousa‐Lima Rodolfo Xavier , de Sousa Santos Kaiza , de Azevedo Silva Lucas José , de Freitas Chaves Letícia Virgínia , Alonso Roberta Caroline Brushi , Borges Boniek Castillo Dutra
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sterilization methods on conventional and bulk‐fill resin composites' (BFRCs) surface properties in an attempt to preview bias in laboratory bacterial adhesion tests. Two regular viscosity conventional resin composites [Filtek Z350 XT™ (Z350) and IPS Empress Direct™ (ED)] and two regular viscosity BFRCs [Filtek Bulk Fill™ (FILT) and Tetric N‐Ceram Bulk Fill IVA™ (TBF)] were used. The materials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), surface roughness (SR), and wettability (W) after sterilization with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP) and steam sterilization (SS). Nonsterilized samples served as a control group (n = 5). Statistical analysis was performed using two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test (p <  0.05). For SR, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups (p > .05). SS method decreased the contact angle for FILT and Z350 (p < .01). The SS promoted more exposition of filler particles, while the HPGP method did not alter the tested materials' morphology. Therefore, sterilization methods affected the resin composites tested selectively. HPGP seems to be the most recommended method to sterilize the tested resin composites before laboratory bacterial adhesion tests.
Histopathological damage and stress‐ and immune‐related genes' expression in the intestine of common carp, Cyprinus carpio exposed to copper and polyvinyl chloride microparticle
Authors: Hoseini Seyyed Morteza , Sinha Reshma , Fazel Abdolazim , Khosraviani Kaveh , Hosseinpour Delavar Fatemeh , Arghideh Mohammad , Sedaghat Mohsen , Paolucci Marina , Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Van Doan Hien
Published: November 2021

The present study aimed at assessing the singular and combined effects of water copper and polyvinyl chloride microplastic (MPVC) on intestinal copper accumulation, histopathological damage, and stress‐/immune‐related genes' expression in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Four groups of fish were maintained in triplicate: control (kept in clean water), Cu (exposed to 0.25 mg/L of copper), MPVC (exposed to 0.5 mg/L of MPVC), and Cu‐MPVC (exposed to 0.25 mg/L of copper + 0.5 mg/L of MPVC). After 14‐day exposure, the fish of Cu and Cu‐MPVC treatments exhibited significantly higher intestinal copper contents, compared to the fish of control and MPVC treatments. In this regard, the Cu‐MPVC fish had significantly higher copper content than the Cu fish. Exposure to copper and/or MPVC significantly upregulated the intestinal heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (cyp1a1), lysozyme (lys), defensin (def), mucin 2 (muc2), and mucin 5 (muc5) expression. The highest expression of hsp70, cyp1a1, lys, and def was related to Cu‐MPVC treatment; whereas, the highest expression of muc2 and muc5 was observed in Cu and MPVC treatments. Exposure to copper and/or MPVC induced intestinal damage, which Cu‐MPVC fish exhibited the highest severity. The present study revealed that exposure to copper and/or MPVC causes intestinal histopathological damage and upregulation in stress‐ and immune‐related genes' expression. The most serious effects were observed in Cu‐MPVC treatment that might be due to additive effects of copper and MPVC and/or higher copper accumulation in this treatment.
Characteristics and growth of the genetic HIV transmission network of Mexico City during 2020
Authors: Dávila‐Conn Vanessa , García‐Morales Claudia , Matías‐Florentino Margarita , López‐Ortiz Eduardo , Paz‐Juárez Héctor E. , Beristain‐Barreda Ángeles , Cárdenas‐Sandoval Miroslava , Tapia‐Trejo Daniela , López‐Sánchez Dulce M. , Becerril‐Rodríguez Manuel , García‐Esparza Pedro , Macías‐González Israel , Iracheta‐Hernández Patricia , Weaver Steven , Wertheim Joel O. , Reyes‐Terán Gustavo , González‐Rodríguez Andrea , Ávila‐Ríos Santiago
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Molecular surveillance systems could provide public health benefits to focus strategies to improve the HIV care continuum. Here, we infer the HIV genetic network of Mexico City in 2020, and identify actively growing clusters that could represent relevant targets for intervention.

Methods

All new diagnoses, referrals from other institutions, as well as persons returning to care, enrolling at the largest HIV clinic in Mexico City were invited to participate in the study. The network was inferred from HIV pol sequences, using pairwise genetic distance methods, with a locally hosted, secure version of the HIV‐TRACE tool: Seguro HIV‐TRACE. Socio‐demographic, clinical and behavioural metadata were overlaid across the network to design focused prevention interventions.

Results

A total of 3168 HIV sequences from unique individuals were included. One thousand and one‐hundred and fifty (36%) sequences formed 1361 links within 386 transmission clusters in the network. Cluster size varied from 2 to 14 (63% were dyads). After adjustment for covariates, lower age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.37, p<0.001; >34 vs. <24 years), being a man who has sex with men (MSM) (aOR: 2.47, p = 0.004; MSM vs. cisgender women), having higher viral load (aOR: 1.28, p<0.001) and higher CD4+ T cell count (aOR: 1.80, p<0.001; ≥500 vs. <200 cells/mm3) remained associated with higher odds of clustering. Compared to MSM, cisgender women and heterosexual men had significantly lower education (none or any elementary: 59.1% and 54.2% vs. 16.6%, p<0.001) and socio‐economic status (low income: 36.4% and 29.0% vs. 18.6%, p = 0.03) than MSM. We identified 10 (2.6%) clusters with constant growth, for prioritized intervention, that included intersecting sexual risk groups, highly connected nodes and bridge nodes between possible sub‐clusters with high growth potential.

Conclusions

HIV transmission in Mexico City is strongly driven by young MSM with higher education level and recent infection. Nevertheless, leveraging network inference, we identified actively growing clusters that could be prioritized for focused intervention with demographic and risk characteristics that do not necessarily reflect the ones observed in the overall clustering population. Further studies evaluating different models to predict growing clusters are warranted. Focused interventions will have to consider structural and risk disparities between the MSM and the heterosexual populations.
First wave of COVID‐19 in Venezuela: Epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical characteristics of first cases
Authors: Forero‐Peña David A. , Carrión‐Nessi Fhabián S. , Mendoza‐Millán Daniela L. , Omaña‐Ávila Óscar D. , Mejía‐Bernard Mario D. , Camejo‐Ávila Natasha A. , Flora‐Noda David M. , Velásquez Viledy L. , Chacón‐Labrador Fabián R. , Doval‐Fernández Juan M. , Maricuto Andrea L. , Grillet María E. , Hernández‐Villena Juan V. , Vincenti‐González María F. , Paniz‐Mondolfi Alberto E. , Orejas José , Rodríguez Verónica I. , Contreras Mariana B. , Guevara Rafael N. , Carballo Martín , Caldera Jocays , Redondo María C. , Landaeta María E.
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has particularly affected countries with weakened health services in Latin America, where proper patient management could be a critical step to address the epidemic. In this study, we aimed to characterize and identify which epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical risk factors defined COVID‐19 infection from the first confirmed cases through the first epidemic wave in Venezuela. A retrospective analysis of consecutive suspected cases of COVID‐19 admitted to a sentinel hospital was carried out, including 576 patient cases subsequently confirmed for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Of these, 162 (28.1%) patients met the definition criteria for severe/critical disease, and 414 (71.2%) were classified as mild/moderate disease. The mean age was 47 (SD 16) years, the majority of which were men (59.5%), and the most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension (23.3%). The most common symptoms included fever (88.7%), headache (65.6%), and dry cough (63.9%). Severe/critical disease affected mostly older males with low schooling (p < 0.001). Similarly, higher levels of glycemia, urea, aminotransferases, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were observed in severe/critical disease patients compared to those with mild/moderate disease. Overall mortality was 7.6% (44/576), with 41.7% (28/68) dying in hospital. We identified risk factors related to COVID‐19 infection, which could help healthcare providers take appropriate measures and prevent severe clinical outcomes. Our results suggest that the mortality registered by this disease in Venezuela during the first epidemic wave was underestimated. An increase in fatalities is expected to occur in the coming months unless measures that are more effective are implemented to mitigate the epidemic while the vaccination process is ongoing.
Comparison of Transcranial Sonography and [18F]‐Fluorodopa PET Imaging in GBA1 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Eisenberg Daniel P. , Lopez Grisel , Gregory Michael D. , Berman Karen F. , Sidransky Ellen
Published: November 2021

Background

Mutations in GBA1 are a common genetic risk factor for parkinsonism; however, penetrance is incomplete, and biomarkers of future progression to parkinsonism are needed. Both nigral sonography and striatal [18F]‐FDOPA PET assay dopamine system health, but their utility and coherence in this context are unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility and coherence of these modalities in GBA1‐associated parkinsonism.

Methods

A total of 34 patients with GBA1 mutations (7 with parkinsonism) underwent both transcranial studies for substantia nigra echogenicity and [18F]‐FDOPA PET to determine striatal tracer‐specific uptake (Ki).

Results

Larger nigral echogenic areas and reduced striatal Ki were exclusively observed in parkinsonian patients. Sonographic and PET measurements showed strong inverse correlations but only in individuals with clinical parkinsonism.

Conclusions

Close correspondence between nigral echogenicity and striatal presynaptic dopamine synthesis capacity observed only in GBA1 carriers with parkinsonism provides validation that these two modalities may conjointly capture aspects of the biology underlying clinical parkinsonism but raises questions about their utility as predictive tools in at‐risk subjects. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Comparison of comorbidities among severe and non‐severe COVID‐19 patients in Asian versus non‐Asian populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Puri Anju , He Lin , Giri Mohan , Wu Chengfei , Zhao Qinghua
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the comorbidities among severe and non‐severe COVID‐19 patients in Asian versus non‐Asian populations.

Design

Systemic review and Meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the web of science Database up to 24 March 2021. Odds ratios were calculated using a random‐effects model.

Results

We identified 66 studies including 39 Asian and 27 non‐Asian studies. This study demonstrated that the proportion of hypertension was significantly higher in severe group than in non‐severe group for Asian (OR = 2.46) and non‐Asian (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.37–1.86, I2 = 84%; p < .00001) patients. Similarly, the proportion of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease was significantly higher in severe group than in non‐severe group for both Asian and non‐Asian studies. We found no statistically significant difference between the severe versus non‐severe group for cancer (OR = 1.26) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 1.32) among non‐Asian patients.
Extrusion/hot pressing processing and laminated layers of continuous carbon fiber/thermoplastic polyurethane knitted composites
Authors: Lin Mei‐Chen , Lin Jia‐Horng , Bao Limin
Published: November 2021

Extrusion is employed to combine carbon fiber tows and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend. TPU‐cladded carbon fibers undergo knitting to form carbon fiber knitted composites. Microscopic observation proves that the compound carbon fibers are composed of a double‐layered structure with interfacial bonding and fiber axial alignment. In addition, the TPU coating can reduce friction during knitting, which provides the carbon fiber knitted composites with flexibility and resilience. Regarding the mechanical properties, the tensile strength is in direct proportion to the number of lamination layers. In particular, six‐layered knitted composites exhibit an optimal tensile strength of 43.72 MPa, whereas four‐layered knitted composites exhibit optimal tensile elongation. Through the manufacturing and evaluations in this study, continuous carbon fibers can be fabricated via extrusion, thereby obtaining a knitted structure that can be laminated to strengthen the mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding efficacy of the laminated composites. Large composites can also be achieved, which overcomes the limits of continuous carbon fibers in subsequent production. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Discovery of glyantrypine‐family alkaloids as novel antiviral and antiphytopathogenic‐fungus agents
Authors: Hao Ya‐nan , Yu Mo , Wang Kai‐hua , Zhu Bin‐bing , Wang Zi‐wen , Liu Yu‐xiu , Ma De‐jun , Wang Qing‐min
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Plant diseases caused by viruses and fungi have caused great losses to crop quality and yield. The discovery of novel and efficient antiviral and antiphytopathogenic‐fungus agents is urgently needed. It is the most important pesticide innovation strategy to find active compounds from natural products. Here, glyantrypine‐family alkaloids were taken as the parent structures and a series of their derivatives were designed through molecular splicing, ring expansion, and ring contraction strategies, and synthesized. The anti‐tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activities and antifungal activities of these alkaloids were systematically investigated for the first time.

RESULT

The antiviral activities of compounds 7bb, 7bc, 11c, 18b, 18d, 28d, and 28e are equivalent to or better than that of ribavirin (inhibitory rates 39%, 37%, and 40% at 500 μg mL−1 for inactivation, curative, and protection activity in vivo, respectively). Compounds 18d and 28d with good antiviral activities were selected for antiviral mode of action studies, which indicated that these alkaloids could achieve good antiviral effects by inhibiting TMV particle extension during assembly. These compounds also exhibited broad‐spectrum fungicidal activities.

CONCLUSION

Glyantrypine‐family alkaloids and their derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti‐TMV and fungicidal activities for the first time. Compounds 18d and 28d with excellent antiviral activities and compound 7bc with remarkable fungicidal activity emerged as novel lead compounds. This study lays a foundation for the application of glyantrypine alkaloids in plant protection.
Density functional theory study of the electronic properties and quantum capacitance of pure and doped Zr2CO2 as electrode of supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Shuo , Wang Shi‐Jie , Sun Wan‐Qi , Li Xiao‐Hong , Cui Hong‐Ling
Published: November 2021

Defect and doping are effective methods to modulate the physical and chemical properties of materials. In this report, the structural stability, electronic properties, and quantum capacitance (Cdiff) of Zr2CO2 MXene are investigated by the introduction of Si, Ge, Sn, N, B, S, and F atoms. The doping of F, N, and S atoms makes the system undergo the semiconductor‐to‐conductor transition, while the doping of Si, Ge, and Sn atoms maintains the semiconductor characteristics. The B‐doped system can be used as cathode materials, while the systems doped by S, F, N, Sn atoms are promising anode materials of asymmetric supercapacitors, especially for the S‐doped system. The effect of temperature on Cdiff is further explored. The result indicates that the maximum Cdiff of the studied systems gradually decreases with the increasing temperature. Our investigation can provide useful theoretical basis for designing and developing the ideal electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Diastereomer recognition of three pairs of tetracyclines by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Peixi , Zhou Luxi , Jiang Kezhi , Su Weike , Van Schepdael Ann , Adams Erwin
Published: November 2021

Rationale

Stereoisomer profiling is always a difficult issue. Based on the difference between diastereomers, usually because of steric hindrance, isomers can be differentiated by mass spectrometry (MS), although it is often not an easy task. In the current study, tetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline could be distinguished from their respective 4‐epimers by MS.

Methods

The electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn) analyses were carried out on a Bruker 3000plus ion trap mass spectrometer. For MS/MS experiments, the collision energy was set between 0.18 and 0.45 V to perform energy‐resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS). Test solutions were prepared in methanol/water (90:10, v/v) at a concentration of 10 μg/mL.

Results

Compared with the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) spectrum of protonated tetracycline, the most abundant peak changed from m/z 427 to m/z 410 for 4‐epitetracycline. For chlortetracycline and its 4‐epimer, differences in relative abundance were observed too. In the CID spectrum of a fragment ion of doxycycline, the abundance of m/z 154 was relatively higher than for the 4‐epimer, showing the same trend as in the CID spectra of the other two pairs of tetracyclines.

Conclusions

The CID spectra of tetracycline and chlortetracycline were different from those of their 4‐epimers. The CID spectra of protonated doxycycline and its 4‐epimer showed only a subtle difference, but the m/z 154 fragment ion in the CID spectra of the fragment ion at m/z 428 offers the possibility to differentiate both epimers.