bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Perceptions and Preferences Regarding Telemedicine for Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Care During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Danila Maria I. , Gavigan Kelly , Rivera Esteban , Nowell W. Benjamin , George Michael D. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Christopher‐Stein Lisa , Banerjee Shubhasree , Merkel Peter A. , Young Kalen , Shaw Dianne G. , Gordon Jennifer , Venkatachalam Shilpa
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the perceptions and preferences of telemedicine among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted an online survey among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Attitudes about telemedicine (i.e., telemedicine acceptability), evaluated using the validated Telemedicine Perception Questionnaire (TMPQ), and visit satisfaction were assessed for different telemedicine experiences and types of autoimmune rheumatic disease.

Results

Of 3,369 invitations, 819 responses were received. Participants had a mean ± SD age of 58.6 ± 11.6 years and were mostly White (n = 759, or 92.7%) and female (n = 702, or 85.7%). Of the 618 participants who said that telemedicine was available to them, 449 (72.7%) reported having a telemedicine visit, with 303 (67.5%) reporting attending a telemedicine video visit. On a 0 to 10 scale, the mean ± SD visit satisfaction score was 7.3 ± 1.8, with 25.8% of respondents being very satisfied (scores of 9 or 10). Video visits and higher TMPQ scores were associated with higher satisfaction. Compared to those who did not experience a telemedicine visit, patients who did were more likely to prefer telemedicine (video or phone) for routine visits (73.7% versus 44.3%; P < 0.001), reviewing test results (64.8% versus 53.8%; P < 0.001), when considering changing medications (40.5% versus 26.8%; P < 0.001), and when starting a new injectable medication (18.9% versus 12.7%; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases frequently had telemedicine visits, with the majority held via video, and were satisfied with these visits. These results suggest that because patients prefer telemedicine for certain visit reasons, maximizing effective use of telemedicine will require personalized patient scheduling.
Heterometallic Benzenehexathiolato Coordination Nanosheets: Periodic Structure Improves Crystallinity and Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Toyoda Ryojun , Fukui Naoya , Tjhe Dionisius H. L. , Selezneva Ekaterina , Maeda Hiroaki , Bourgès Cédric , Tan Choon Meng , Takada Kenji , Sun Yuanhui , Jacobs Ian , Kamiya Kazuhide , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Mori Takao , Sasaki Sono , Sirringhaus Henning , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Coordination nanosheets are an emerging class of 2D, bottom‐up materials having fully π‐conjugated, planar, graphite‐like structures with high electrical conductivities. Since their discovery, great effort has been devoted to expand the variety of coordination nanosheets; however, in most cases, their low crystallinity in thick films hampers practical device applications. In this study, mixtures of nickel and copper ions are employed to fabricate benzenehexathiolato (BHT)‐based coordination nanosheet films, and serendipitously, it is found that this heterometallicity preferentially forms a structural phase with improved film crystallinity. Spectroscopic and scattering measurements provide evidence for a bilayer structure with in‐plane periodic arrangement of copper and nickel ions with the NiCu2BHT formula. Compared with homometallic films, heterometallic films exhibit more crystalline microstructures with larger and more oriented grains, achieving higher electrical conductivities reaching metallic behaviors. Low dependency of Seebeck coefficient on the mixing ratio of nickel and copper ions supports that the large variation in the conductivity data is not caused by change in the intrinsic properties of the films. The findings open new pathways to improve crystallinity and to tune functional properties of 2D coordination nanosheets.
Large‐Area Synthesis of Ultrathin, Flexible, and Transparent Conductive Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films via a Microfluidic‐Based Solution Shearing Process
Authors: Lee Taehoon , Kim Jin‐Oh , Park Chungseong , Kim Hanul , Kim Min , Park Hyunmin , Kim Ikjin , Ko Jaehyun , Pak Kyusoon , Choi Siyoung Q. , Kim Il‐Doo , Park Steve
Published: January 2022

Iminosemiquinone‐linker‐based conductive metal–organic frameworks (c‐MOFs) have attracted much attention as next‐generation electronic materials due to their high electrical conductivity combined with high porosity. However, the utility of such c‐MOFs in high‐performance devices has been limited to date by the lack of high‐quality MOF thin‐film processing. Herein, a technique known as the microfluidic‐assisted solution shearing combined with post‐synthetic rapid crystallization (MASS‐PRC) process is introduced to generate a high‐quality, flexible, and transparent thin‐film of Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2 (Ni3(HITP)2) uniformly over a large‐area in a high‐throughput manner with thickness controllability down to tens of nanometers. The MASS‐PRC process utilizes: 1) a micromixer‐embedded blade to simultaneously mix and continuously supply the metal–ligand solution toward the drying front during solution shearing to generate an amorphous thin‐film, followed by: 2) immersion in amine solution for rapid directional crystal growth. The as‐synthesized c‐MOF film has transparency of up to 88.8% and conductivity as high as 37.1 S cm−1. The high uniformity in conductivity is confirmed over a 3500 mm2 area with an arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of 4.78 nm. The flexible thin‐film demonstrates the highest level of transparency for Ni3(HITP)2 and the highest hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensing performance (2,085% at 5 ppm) among c‐MOFs‐based H2S sensors, enabling wearable gas‐sensing applications.
Stabilizing Layered Structure in Aqueous Electrolyte via Dynamic Water Intercalation/Deintercalation
Authors: Xue Liang , Zhang Qinghua , Huang Yalan , Zhu He , Xu Lili , Guo Shiying , Zhu Xiaohui , Liu Hanghui , Huang Yin , Huang Jiangfeng , Lu Lude , Zhang Shengli , Gu Lin , Liu Qi , Zhu Junwu , Xia Hui
Published: January 2022

Aqueous lithium‐ion batteries (ALIBs) with nonflammable feature attract great attention for large‐scale energy storage. However, the layered cathode materials (such as LiCoO2) present serious capacity decay in ALIBs. The degradation mechanism of layered cathode materials in ALIBs is still not clear and an effective strategy to improve cycling stability remains a great challenge. In this work, the authors use LiCoO2 as a typical example to investigate its structural degradation in aqueous electrolytes. It is found that H+ insertion accelerated irreversible layered‐to‐spinel phase transition is the main reason causing structural degradation and fast capacity fading in LiCoO2. Subsequently, Li‐excess Li1+tCo1−tO2−t with intermediate spin Co3+ is developed to mitigate H+ influence and the adverse phase transition in aqueous electrolyte. It is interesting to discover that reversible water intercalation/deintercalation occurs in the layered structure during charge/discharge, which effectively suppresses the layered‐to‐spinel phase transition with cycling. Benefiting from the stabilized layered structure, the Li‐excess Li1.08Co0.92O1.92 shows a significantly improved cycling performance in the neutral aqueous electrolyte with a large specific capacity and excellent rate capability. This work provides a promising structural regulation strategy for the layered cathode materials, enabling their potential application in ALIBs.
Identification of Sclareol As a Natural Neuroprotective Cav1.3‐Antagonist Using Synthetic Parkinson‐Mimetic Gene Circuits and Computer‐Aided Drug Discovery
Authors: Wang Hui , Xie Mingqi , Rizzi Giorgio , Li Xin , Tan Kelly , Fussenegger Martin
Published: January 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) results from selective loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic (SNc DA) neurons, and is primarily caused by excessive activity‐related Ca2+ oscillations. Although L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel blockers (CCBs) selectively inhibiting Cav1.3 are considered promising candidates for PD treatment, drug discovery is hampered by the lack of high‐throughput screening technologies permitting isoform‐specific assessment of Cav‐antagonistic activities. Here, a synthetic‐biology‐inspired drug‐discovery platform enables identification of PD‐relevant drug candidates. By deflecting Cav‐dependent activation of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT)‐signaling to repression of reporter gene translation, they engineered a cell‐based assay where reporter gene expression is activated by putative CCBs. By using this platform in combination with in silico virtual screening and a trained deep‐learning neural network, sclareol is identified from a essential oils library as a structurally distinctive compound that can be used for PD pharmacotherapy. In vitro studies, biochemical assays and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings confirmed that sclareol inhibits Cav1.3 more strongly than Cav1.2 and decreases firing responses of SNc DA neurons. In a mouse model of PD, sclareol treatment reduced DA neuronal loss and protected striatal network dynamics as well as motor performance. Thus, sclareol appears to be a promising drug candidate for neuroprotection in PD patients.
Construction of Novel Bimetallic Oxyphosphide as Advanced Anode for Potassium Ion Hybrid Capacitor
Authors: Wang Shouzhi , Lv Songyang , Wang Guodong , Feng Kun , Xie Shoutian , Yuan Guotao , Nie Kaiqi , Sha Mo , Sun Xuhui , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2022

Potassium ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) have attracted considerable interest due to their low cost, competitive power/energy densities, and ultra‐long lifespan. However, the more sluggish insertion kinetics of battery‐type anodes than capacitor‐type cathodes in PIHCs seriously limits their practical application. Therefore, developing advanced anodes with high capacitor and suitable K+ intercalation is imperative and significant. A novel core–shell structure of NiCo oxide/NiCo oxyphosphide (NCOP) nanowires are designed and constructed in this study via efficient and facile strategy. Combining the merits of the core–shell structure and the massive active sites in the oxyphosphide layer, the as‐prepared NCOP composites manifest highly reversible capacitors and outstanding rate capability. Meanwhile, the insertion and conversion potassium storage mechanisms of the NCOP are successfully revealed through in situ X‐ray diffraction and density functional theory calculations, respectively. Furthermore, the PIHC was assembled with NCOP anode and borocarbonitride cathode, which displays a large energy density and high‐power density, along with an exceptional capacity retention of ≈90% over 10 000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. This work provides the anion regulation strategy for modifying the transition metal oxide and constructing the advancing electrode materials for next‐generation energy storage and beyond.
The United States' power‐based bargaining and the WTO: Has anything really been gained?
Authors: Sheldon Ian M.
Published: January 2022

In this article, adoption of “power‐based” bargaining by the United States in trade negotiations is evaluated. A simple game‐theoretic structure highlights use of “bargaining” tariffs by the United States elicited credible retaliation by China through a trigger strategy, bilateral tariffs returning to a Nash equilibrium. This has come at some cost to US consumers, taxpayers, and farmers, although the latter group has regained market share following implementation of the US–China Phase One Trade Agreement. Unfortunately, the Agreement fails to deal with a key reason for the trade war, the Chinese economic model, and China's use of implicit subsidies.
Molecular core–shell structure design: Facilitating delayed fluorescence in aggregates toward highly efficient solution‐processed OLEDs
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhang Meng , Tian Wenwen , Jiang Wei , Sun Yueming , Zhao Zheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2022

Light has been sought and explored by human since ancient times. As the most important form of light, fluorescence is significant to applications in bioimaging and optoelectronic devices. However, fluorescence quenching problem constitutes a serious bottleneck in materials creation. Inspired from the core–shell structure in nature, we report an effective strategy to overcome this long‐standing problem by utilizing a molecular core–shell structure. With an emissive core and multifunctional shell fragments, these compounds show aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) properties by restricting singlet oxygen (1O2) generation and suppressing the triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA). Protected by the functional shell, the aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) exhibit strong emission with high photoluminescent quantum yield and exciton utilization. Furthermore, because the shell materials can form exciplex with electron‐transport materials, the fully solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on these core–shell materials show low turn‐on voltages, excellent device performance with current efficiency of 61.4 cd A–1 and power efficiency of 42.8 lm W–1, which is a record‐breaking efficiency based on all‐solution processed organic multilayer systems among the AIE‐OLEDs so far. This simple visualization strategy based on molecular core–shell structure provides a promising platform for AIEgens used in the fully wet‐processed optoelectronic field.
Kinetic and thermodynamic control of tetraphenylethene aggregation‐induced emission behaviors
Authors: Nie Xiancheng , Huang Wenhuan , Zhou Dingcheng , Wang Tao , Wang Xiao , Chen Biao , Zhang Xuepeng , Zhang Guoqing
Published: January 2022

Many aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) systems exhibit broad and structureless luminescence emission spectra resembling the Gaussian distribution, which is likely due to kinetically locked molecular conformers in the condensed phase. To verify the hypothesis, a series of tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives are synthesized and characterized as aqueous nanoparticle suspensions. It is found that the unsubstituted TPE exhibits reduced fluorescence intensity accompanied by a blueshift of the emission maximum, after the temperature of the aqueous suspension is elevated and cooled to room temperature again. For a naphthalimide‐substituted TPE compound, thermal treatment of the AIE aqueous suspension results in complete, irreversible aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) of fluorescence, which can be restored by a redissolving‐precipitation process of thermally treated aggregates. The phenomenon is ascribed as a relative population shift of a kinetic AIE (k‐AIE) state to a thermodynamic AIE (t‐AIE) or ACQ state, evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. The phenomenon may be universal for many other AIE systems and could be explored as stimuli‐responsive materials.
A Facile and Unprecedented Route to a Library of Thermostable Formaldehyde‐Derived Polyesters: Highly Active and Selective Copolymerization of Cyclic Acetals and Anhydrides
Authors: Zhang Xun , Zhang Chengjian , Zhang Xinghong
Published: January 2022

The development of new strategies for producing polyesters can expand the category of biodegradable materials. Here, we disclose the alternating copolymerization of cyclic acetals (made from formaldehyde and diols) and anhydrides for the first time, using 5 cyclic acetals and 9 anhydrides to afford 45 unprecedented polyesters. At a wide range of reaction temperatures (25 to 140 °C), diverse metal‐free Lewis/Brønsted acids are highly active catalysts for these copolymerizations via the cationic mechanism. Of interest, kinetic studies indicate that the copolymerization of cyclic acetals and anhydrides shifts the chemical equilibrium of “cyclic acetals ⇌ polyacetals” to the left, thus yielding polyesters with up to >99 % alternating degree. The obtained polyesters possess high oxygen content ([O] : [C] up to 6 : 7), molecular weights of 2.0–33.3 kDa, narrow polydispersities of 1.2–1.5, low glass transition temperatures (−64 to −27 °C), as well as high decomposition temperatures (275 to 324 °C).
A Fluorescent Probe Targeting Mitochondria and Lipid Droplets for Visualization of Cell Death
Authors: Zhu Lin , Huang Ling , Su Wanting , Liang Xing , Lin Weiying
Published: January 2022

Subcellular organelles play an indispensable role in various biological process. Therefore, it is very important to develop fluorescent probe to identify different organelles and their dynamics in specific biological processes. Herein, a new fluorescent probe has been prepared, which can be used to visualize cell death via targeting mitochondria and lipid droplets (LDs) in dual‐emission channels. The new probe appeared in the form of ring‐open in mitochondria to emit strong yellow fluorescence in living cells, while it carried out intramolecular spiral cyclization reaction to target LDs and give a cyan emission in dead cells. The performance of cell death in the UV‐exposure, lipopolysaccharide and hydrogen peroxide treatment is successfully revealed by the probe. The probe has great potential in dual colour biomedical imaging of dynamic changes of mitochondria and LDs in biological processes.
Effects of eszopiclone on sleep quality and cognitive function in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and sleep disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huo Shuyu , Cheng Lin , Li Shuying , Xu Fulu
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate the effects of eszopiclone on sleep quality and cognitive function in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and sleep disorders.

Methods

This study was a prospective study of 96 elderly patients with AD and sleep disturbance treated in our hospital from April 2019 to December 2020. All patients were divided into a control group (48 patients, given alprazolam tablets) and a study group (48 patients, given eszopiclone) according to the random number table method.

Results

After treatment, compared with the control group, the study group had lower sleep latency, daytime function, sleep disturbance, sleep efficiency, sleep quality, sleeping time, and hypnotic medication scores (p < .05). After treatment, sleep progression and sleep architecture improvement were more obvious in the study group compared with the control group (p < .05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the rhythm disturbance, psychotic disorder, hallucination, phobic anxiety, and disorder in the study group improved more significantly (p < .05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the scores of orientation, attention, memory, calculation, recall, and language ability in the study group improved more significantly (p < .05). After treatment, the scores of the physical life self‐care scale and instrumental activities of daily living scale in the study group were improved more obviously compared with the control group, with significant differences (p < .05).

Conclusion

Eszopiclone can effectively improve the quality of sleep and cognitive function in elderly patients with AD and sleep disorder.
Spectroscopic and in vitro Investigations of Fe2+/α‐Ketoglutarate‐Dependent Enzymes Involved in Nucleic Acid Repair and Modification
Authors: Schmidl David , Lindlar né Jonasson Niko S. W. , Menke Annika , Schneider Sabine , Daumann Lena J.
Published: January 2022

The activation of molecular oxygen for the highly selective functionalization and repair of DNA and RNA nucleobases is achieved by α‐ketoglutarate (α‐KG)/iron‐dependent dioxygenases. Of special interest are the human homologues AlkBH of Escherichia coli EcAlkB and ten‐eleven translocation (TET) enzymes. These enzymes are involved in demethylation or dealkylation of DNA and RNA, although additional physiological functions are continuously being found. Given their importance, studying enzyme‐substrate interactions, turnover and kinetic parameters is pivotal for the understanding of the mode of action of these enzymes. Diverse analytical methods, including X‐ray crystallography, UV/Vis absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy have been employed to study the changes in the active site and the overall enzyme structure upon substrate, cofactor, and inhibitor addition. Several methods are now available to assess the activity of these enzymes. By discussing limitations and possibilities of these techniques for EcAlkB, AlkBH and TET we aim to give a comprehensive synopsis from a bioinorganic point‐of‐view, addressing researchers from different disciplines working in the highly interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving field of epigenetic processes and DNA/RNA repair and modification.
Rare complication of nadroparin injections: Skin necrosis and heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Malinauskiene Laura , Aleksandraviciute Laima , Kryzauskaite Lina , Savlan Ilona
Published: January 2022

We described a rare case of nadroparin‐induced skin necrosis with thrombocytopenia. LMWH therapy is used in thrombosis prophylaxis, it is important to recognize that skin necrosis can be a part of HIT early in its course and change heparin or LMWH to non‐heparin anticoagulants such as direct thrombin III inhibitors or anti‐Xa anticoagulants.
Acetylene Derivatives of Cationic Diazaoxatriangulenes and Diaza [4]Helicenes ‐ Access to Red Emitters and Planar Chiral Stereochemical Traits
Authors: Ondrisek Pavol , Elie Margaux , Pupier Marion , de Aguirre Adiran , Poblador‐Bahamonde Amalia I. , Besnard Céline , Lacour Jérôme
Published: January 2022

Cationic triangulenes, and related helicenes, constitute a rich class of dyes and fluorophores, usually absorbing and emitting light at low energy, in the orange to red domains. Recently, to broaden the scope of applications, regioselective late‐stage functionalizations on these core moieties have been developed. For instance, with the introduction of electron‐donating groups (EDGs), important bathochromic shifts are observed pushing absorptions towards or in the near‐infrared (NIR) spectral domain while emissive properties disappear essentially completely. Herein, to upset this drawback, acetylene derivatives of cationic diazaoxa triangulenes (DAOTA) and [4]helicenes are prepared (16 examples). Contrary to other EDG‐functionalized derivatives, C≡C− functionalized products remain broadly fluorescent, with red‐shifted absorptions (Δλabs up to 25 nm) and emissions (Δλem up to 73 nm, ΦPL up to 51 %). Quite interestingly, a general dynamic stereoisomerism phenomenon is evidenced for the compounds derived from achiral DAOTA cores. At low temperature in 1H NMR spectroscopy (218 K), N−CH2 protons become diastereotopic with chemical shifts differences (Δδ) as high as +1.64 ppm. The signal coalescence occurs around 273 K with a barrier of ∼12 kcal mol−1. This phenomenon is due to planar chiral conformations (Sp and Rp configurations), induced by the geometry of the alkyl (n‐propyl) side‐chains next to the acetylenic substituents. Ion pairing studies with Δ‐TRISPHAT anion not only confirm the occurrence of the chiral conformations but evidence a moderate but definite asymmetric induction from the chiral anion onto the cations. Finally, DFT calculations offer a valuable insight on the geometries, the corresponding stereodynamics and also on the very large difference in NMR for some of the diastereotopic protons.
Alkali Metal Based Triimidosulfite Cages as Versatile Precursors for Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Lüert Daniel , Legendre Christina M. , Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar
Published: January 2022

Based on the potassium [{S(tBuN)2(tBuNH)}2K3(tmeda)‐K3{(HNtBu)(NtBu)2S}2] (1) and sodium precursors [S(tBuN)3(thf)3‐Na3SNa3(thf)3(NtBu)3S] (2), [S(tBuN)3(thf)3Na3{(HNtBu)(NtBu)2S}] (3) and [(tmeda)3S‐{Na3(NtBu)3S}2] (4) the syntheses and magnetic properties of three mixed metal triimidosulfite based alkali‐lanthanide‐metal‐cages [(tBuNH)Dy{K(0.5tmeda)}2{(NtBu)3S}2]n (5) and [ClLn{Na(thf)}2{(NtBu)3S}2] with Ln=Dy (6), Er (7) are reported. The corresponding potassium (1) and sodium (2–4) based cages are characterized through XRD and NMR experiments. Preventing lithium chloride co‐complexation led to a significant increase of SMM performance to previously reported sulfur‐nitrogen ligands. The subsequent DyIII‐complexes 5 and 6 display slow relaxation of magnetization at zero field, with relaxation barriers U=77.0 cm−1 for 5, 512.9 and 316.3 cm−1 for 6, respectively. Significantly, the latter complex 6 also exhibits a butterfly‐shaped hysteresis up to 7 K.
A First‐Principles Study of CO2 Hydrogenation on a Niobium‐Terminated NbC (111) Surface
Authors: Sarabadani Tafreshi Saeedeh , Ranjbar Mahkameh , Taghizade Narges , Panahi S. F. K. S. , Jamaati Maryam , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: January 2022

As promising materials for the reduction of greenhouse gases, transition‐metal carbides, which are highly active in the hydrogenation of CO2, are mainly considered. In this regard, the reaction mechanism of CO2 hydrogenation to useful products on the Nb‐terminated NbC (111) surface is investigated by applying density functional theory calculations. The computational results display that the formation of CH4, CH3OH, and CO are more favored than other compounds, where CH4 is the dominant product. In addition, the findings from reaction energies reveal that the preferred mechanism for CO2 hydrogenation is thorough HCOOH*, where the largest exothermic reaction energy releases during the HCOOH* dissociation reaction (2.004 eV). The preferred mechanism of CO2 hydrogenation towards CH4 production is CO2*→t,c‐COOH*→HCOOH*→HCO*→CH2O*→CH2OH*→CH2*→CH3*→CH4*, where CO2*→t,c‐COOH*→HCOOH*→HCO*→CH2O*→CH2OH*→CH3OH* and CO2*→t,c‐COOH*→CO* are also found as the favored mechanisms for CH3OH and CO productions thermodynamically, respectively. During the mentioned mechanisms, the hydrogenation of CH2O* to CH2OH* has the largest endothermic reaction energy of 1.344 eV.
Measuring mRNA Decay with Roadblock‐qPCR
Authors: Watson Maegan J. , Thoreen Carson C.
Published: January 2022

The control of mRNA stability is fundamental to gene regulation, and a deeper understanding of this post‐transcriptional regulatory step can provide key insights into gene function. Measuring mRNA half‐lives directly, however, is challenging. The most common strategies for evaluating mRNA stability and decay involve blocking general transcription and then measuring the decline in mRNA levels over time. The downside of these approaches, however, is that they severely impact cell function and viability, indirectly perturbing gene expression. Here, we describe Roadblock‐qPCR, a simple method for measuring mRNA decay kinetics in living cells that is both economical and quick. Cells are first incubated with the nucleoside analog 4‐thiouridine (4sU), which is readily incorporated into nascent mRNAs during transcription. RNA is then extracted and treated with N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM), a sulfhydryl alkylating agent that selectively modifies 4sU, before proceeding to cDNA synthesis. Because the NEM‐modified 4sU creates a chemical “roadblock” that interferes with reverse transcription, this treatment ultimately results in the depletion of the nascent 4sU‐containing transcripts from the cDNA pool. As such, the decay rate of the non‐4sU‐labeled pre‐existing mRNAs can be monitored by quantitative PCR (qPCR). In combination with spike‐in standards, this approach can be used to efficiently and accurately measure the half‐lives of endogenous mRNAs with a wide range of stabilities, while avoiding the artifacts of transcription shutoff strategies. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Roadblock‐qPCR

Support Protocol: Synthesis of spike‐in mRNA
Iterative Newton hard thresholding‐based approach for cosparse recovery of mmWave massive MIMO channels
Authors: Hajjaj Moufida
Published: January 2022

Millimeter wave (mmWave) massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) channels are cosparse in nature. These cosparse channels share common cosparsity properties, which is interesting when it comes to estimating a large number of mmWave mMIMO channels. Therefore, the channel estimation (CE) problem can be solved by exploiting the cosparsity and common cosupport properties. Specifically, the CE problem can be formulated as a cosparse signal recovery problem, which can be solved using an analysis operator (AO) and the iterative hard thresholding (IHT) algorithm. Prior analysis‐based compressive sensing (ACS) CE techniques adopt an overcomplete AO, which leads usually to a suboptimal solution that cannot guarantee CE accuracy. In this paper, we firstly propose a projected subgradient (PSG) scheme for AO learning. Then, using the previously learned AO, we propose an iterative Newton hard thresholding (INHT)‐based ACS‐CE algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposal has been proven by computational complexity analysis and numerical simulations.
Intestinal barrier integrity in anorexia nervosa (a pilot study)
Authors: Kleppe Malin M. , Brønstad Ingeborg , Lied Gülen A. , Danielsen Yngvild , Rekkedal Guro Å. , Kessler Ute
Published: January 2022

Objective

There is no conclusive evidence for involvement of intestinal barrier alteration in the etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN). The aims of this pilot study were to identify serum markers of intestinal barrier integrity in patients with AN and to determine the relationships between those markers and body mass index (BMI), eating disorder symptoms, gastrointestinal complaints, and liver synthesis function (international normalized ratio [INR]).

Method

Twenty‐five outpatients with AN prior to starting treatment and 28 healthy controls (HC) were assessed. BMI and serum markers of intestinal barrier integrity were measured, including zonulin family peptides (ZFP), lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP), and intestinal fatty‐acid‐binding protein (i‐FABP). Eating disorder symptoms and gastrointestinal complaints were evaluated via questionnaires.

Results

The serum ZFP concentration was significantly lower in patients with AN than in HC (44.2 [7.4] vs. 49.2 [5.6] ng/ml, mean [standard deviation], p = .008). LBP and i‐FABP did not differ between the two groups. In patients with AN, serum ZFP was significantly predicted by BMI (β = 0.479, p = .009), age (β = 0.411, p = .020), and INR (β = −0.388, p = .028). No such associations were found for either gastrointestinal complaints or eating disorder symptoms.

Discussion

Abnormal levels of serum ZFP were observed in patients with AN. Further studies with other assessment methods are warranted to examine intestinal barrier function in AN.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02745067.
Optimizing the surgical management of MRI‐negative epilepsy in the neuromodulation era
Authors: McGrath Hari , Mandel Mauricio , Sandhu Mani Ratnesh S. , Lamsam Layton , Adenu‐Mensah Nana , Farooque Pue , Spencer Dennis D. , Damisah Eyiyemisi C.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the role of intracranial electroencephalography monitoring in diagnosing and directing the appropriate therapy for MRI‐negative epilepsy and to present the surgical outcomes of patients following treatment.

Methods

Retrospective chart review between 2015‐2021 at a single institution identified 48 patients with no lesion on MRI, who received surgical intervention for their epilepsy. The outcomes assessed were the surgical treatment performed and the International League Against Epilepsy seizure outcomes at 1 year of follow‐up.

Results

Eleven patients underwent surgery without invasive monitoring, including vagus nerve stimulation (10%), deep brain stimulation (8%), laser interstitial thermal therapy (2%), and callosotomy (2%). The remaining 37 patients received invasive monitoring followed by resection (35%), responsive neurostimulation (21%), and deep brain stimulation (15%) or no treatment (6%). At 1 year postoperatively, 39% were Class 1‐2, 36% were Class 3‐4 and 24% were Class 5. More patients with Class 1‐2 or 3‐4 outcomes underwent invasive monitoring (100% and 83% respectively) compared with those with poor outcomes (25%,P < .001). Patients with Class 1‐2 outcomes more commonly underwent resection or responsive neurostimulation: 69% and 31%, respectively (P < .001).

Significance

The optimal management of MRI‐negative focal epilepsy may involve invasive monitoring followed by resection or responsive neurostimulation in most cases, as these treatments were associated with the best seizure outcomes in our cohort. Unless multifocal onset is clear from the noninvasive evaluation, invasive monitoring is preferred before pursuing deep brain stimulation or vagal nerve stimulation directly.
The landscape of eating disorders research: A 40‐year bibliometric analysis
Authors: He Jinbo , Kang Jingshi , Sun Shaojing , Cooper Marita , Zickgraf Hana F. , Zhai Yujia
Published: January 2022

Objective

Employing bibliometric methods, the present study aimed to map out the general landscape of existing research on eating disorders (EDs) over the past decades.

Method

Using the Web of Science database, we retrieved 41,917 research articles related to EDs published from 1981 to 2020. After removing those without an abstract, a total of 37,446 articles were retained. The study outlined the distribution of scholarship by time, languages, regions, and countries, and identified major research lines by applying latent topic modelling.

Results

Results revealed a general increasing trend in the number of publications on EDs research, and researchers from Western countries dominated the production of related scholarship. The distribution of published scholarship varied significantly by languages, regions, and countries. Seven main research topics emerged from past research (i.e., animal studies of food intake, risk factors and at‐risk groups for eating disorders, body image in eating disorders, studies of cognition and brain in eating disorders, symptomatology and comorbidity of eating disorders, body weight and nutrition status in eating disorders, and treatment of eating disorders), with different topics showing unique research trends across the years.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis presents the most complete up‐to‐date overview on published research on EDs. While there is an increasing trend for EDs research, the available research evidence is generally from Western countries; thus, it is suggested that cooperation on EDs research should be strengthened between Western countries and other countries in the future.
Subphthalocyanine–triangulene dyads: Property tuning for light‐harvesting device applications
Authors: Rasmussen Mads Georg , Jespersen Malte Frydenlund , Blacque Olivier , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Juríček Michal , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: January 2022

Organic photovoltaics relies on the development of stable chromophores and redox‐active organic molecules with tailor‐made HOMO/LUMO energies. Here, we present the synthesis and properties of novel dyads composed of boron subphthalocyanine (SubPc) and triangulene units, connected either at the peripheral position of the subphthalocyanine or at the axial boron. The connectivity has strong implications for the absorption and fluorescence properties of the dyads, as well as their redox properties. While the SubPc unit has a bowl shape, triangulene is a planar structural unit that allows dyads to dimerize in the solid state on account of π‐stacking interactions as shown by X‐ray crystallography of one of the dyads. The electronic properties were also studied computationally by density functional theory methods. Excellent agreement between experimental and computed data were obtained, showing that our computational method is a strong tool in the rational design of optimum molecules to ultimately obtain finely tuned molecules for device applications.
The Adsorption and Aging Process of Cadmium and Chromium in Soil Micro-aggregates
Authors: Wen Lijia , Liao Bing , Liu Guo , Tang Haoran , Yang Shuang , Wen Huan , Qin Jie
Published: January 2022

The particle size and components of soil aggregates have played important roles in the migration and transformation of heavy metals. The present study focused on the adsorption behavior and aging characteristics of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in various granular aggregates and soil components, which were studied by analyzing the adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics, and heavy metal speciation distribution. The results showed that, compared with other aggregates, clay aggregates (0–0.002 mm) had the strongest adsorption effect on Cd and Cr and that there was no significant positive correlation between the adsorption amount and the particle size of aggregates for Cd and Cr. In general, the influence of three components on Cd was organic matter > amorphous iron > free iron oxide, and the influence on Cr was free iron oxide > amorphous iron > organic matter. The adsorption isotherm showed that the correlation coefficient of the Langmuir model (R2) was higher than that of the Freundlich model (R2), indicating that the adsorption of Cd and Cr by soil aggregates can be well described by the Langmuir model with monolayer adsorption behavior. Kinetic adsorption studies showed that quasi-first-order kinetics and quasi-second-order kinetics were more consistent with the actual adsorption amounts of Cd and Cr in soil aggregates, respectively. At the same time, the forms of Cd and Cr gradually transformed from unstable to stable after entering the soil. After 60 days, Cd was mainly oxidized, and residual, and Cr was mainly reduced and residual. These results provide a theoretical basis for assessing the environmental risks of Cd and Cr and providing prevention and treatment methods. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:975–990. © 2022 SETAC
Site- and Individual-Level Contaminations Affect Infection Prevalence of an Emerging Infectious Disease of Amphibians
Authors: Smalling Kelly L. , Mosher Brittany A. , Iwanowicz Luke R. , Loftin Keith A. , Boehlke Adam , Hladik Michelle L. , Muletz-Wolz Carly R. , Córtes-Rodríguez Nandadevi , Femmer Robin , Campbell Grant Evan H.
Published: January 2022

Emerging infectious disease outbreaks are one of multiple stressors responsible for amphibian declines globally. In the northeastern United States, ranaviral diseases are prevalent in amphibians and other ectothermic species, but there is still uncertainty as to whether their presence is leading to population-level effects. Further, there is also uncertainty surrounding the potential interactions among disease infection prevalence in free-ranging animals and habitat degradation (co-occurrence of chemical stressors). The present study was designed to provide field-based estimates of the relationship between amphibian disease and chemical stressors. We visited 40 wetlands across three protected areas, estimated the prevalence of ranavirus among populations of larval wood frogs and spotted salamanders, and assessed chemical and biological stressors in wetland habitats and larval amphibians using a suite of selected bioassays, screening tools, and chemical analyses. Ranavirus was detected on larval amphibians from each protected area with an estimated occupancy ranging from 0.27 to 0.55. Considerable variation in ranavirus occupancy was also observed within and among each protected area. Of the stressors evaluated, ranavirus prevalence was strongly and positively related to concentrations of metalloestrogens (metals with the potential to bind to estrogen receptors) and total metals in wetland sediments and weakly and negatively related to total pesticide concentrations in larval amphibians. These results can be used by land managers to refine habitat assessments to include such environmental factors with the potential to influence disease susceptibility. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:781–791. © 2022 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Sediment Remediation Using Activated Carbon: Effects of Sorbent Particle Size and Resuspension on Sequestration of Metals and Organic Contaminants
Authors: Rämö Robert , Bonaglia Stefano , Nybom Inna , Kreutzer Anne , Witt Gesine , Sobek Anna , Gunnarsson Jonas S.
Published: January 2022

Thin-layer capping using activated carbon has been described as a cost-effective in situ sediment remediation method for organic contaminants. We compared the capping efficiency of powdered activated carbon (PAC) against granular activated carbon (GAC) using contaminated sediment from Oskarshamn harbor, Sweden. The effects of resuspension on contaminant retention and cap integrity were also studied. Intact sediment cores were collected from the outer harbor and brought to the laboratory. Three thin-layer caps, consisting of PAC or GAC mixed with clay or clay only, were added to the sediment surface. Resuspension was created using a motor-driven paddle to simulate propeller wash from ship traffic. Passive samplers were placed in the sediment and in the water column to measure the sediment-to-water release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals. Our results show that a thin-layer cap with PAC reduced sediment-to-water fluxes of PCBs by 57% under static conditions and 91% under resuspension. Thin-layer capping with GAC was less effective than PAC but reduced fluxes of high–molecular weight PAHs. Thin-layer capping with activated carbon was less effective at retaining metals, except for Cd, the release of which was significantly reduced by PAC. Resuspension generally decreased water concentrations of dissolved cationic metals, perhaps because of sorption to suspended sediment particles. Sediment resuspension in treatments without capping increased fluxes of PCBs with log octanol–water partitioning coefficient (KOW) > 7 and PAHs with log KOW of 5–6, but resuspension reduced PCB and PAH fluxes through the PAC thin-layer cap. Overall, PAC performed better than GAC, but adverse effects on the benthic community and transport of PAC to nontarget areas are drawbacks that favor the use of GAC. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1096–1110. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Effects of Separate and Combined Exposure of Cadmium and Lead on the Endochondral Ossification in Bufo gargarizans
Authors: Chen Aixia , Deng Hongzhang , Song Xiuling , Liu Xiaoli , Chai Lihong
Published: January 2022

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and most studies have examined the potential effects of Cd or Pb alone on aquatic organisms. In the present study, chronic effects of Cd and Pb, alone and in combination, on Bufo gargarizans were investigated by exposing embryos to these contaminants throughout metamorphosis. Significant reductions in body mass and snout-to-vent length were observed in B. gargarizans at Gosner stage 42 (Gs 42) and Gs 46 exposed to a Cd/Pb mixture. Single and combined exposure with Cd and Pb induced histological alterations of the thyroid gland characterized by reduced colloid area and thickness of epithelial cells. There was a significant decrease in the maximum jump distance of froglets exposed to Cd alone and the Cd/Pb mixture, and the jumping capacity showed a positive correlation with hind limb length and tibia/fibula. Moreover, single metals and their mixture induced reduction of endochondral bone formation in B. gargarizans. Transcriptomic and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that genes involved in skeletal ossification (TRα, TRβ, Dio2, Dio3, MMP9, MMP13, Runx1, Runx2, and Runx3) were transcriptionally dysregulated by Cd and Pb exposure alone or in combination. Our results suggested that despite the low concentration tested, the Cd/Pb mixture induced more severe impacts on B. gargarizans. In addition, the Cd/Pb mixture might reduce chances of survival for B. gargarizans froglets by decreasing size at metamorphosis, impaired skeletal ossification, and reduction in jumping ability, which might result from dysregulation of genes involved in thyroid hormone action and endochondral ossification. The findings obtained could add a new dimension to understanding of the mechanisms underpinning skeletal ossification response to heavy metals in amphibians. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1228–1245. © 2022 SETAC
Consumers' acceptance of the first novel insect food approved in the European Union: Predictors of yellow mealworm chips consumption
Authors: Petrescu‐Mag Ruxandra Malina , Rastegari Kopaei Hamid , Petrescu Dacinia Crina
Published: January 2022

Climate and environmental‐related challenges are high on the agenda of the European Union (EU). One priority is to redesign the existing food system into a more sustainable one, where the link between healthy people and a balanced environment is considered. The EU bets on the role of insect farming in supporting the transition toward healthier and future‐proof diets. Following this orientation, we investigated consumers' attitude toward yellow mealworm chips (YMC) and identified the predictors of YMC consumption. The causal relationships between constructs were explored using the structural equation modeling (SEM) based on partial least squares (PLS) using SmartPLS software. The perceived lower environmental impact of YMC compared to meat was the most appreciated characteristic of YMC. The study identified five predictors of YMC consumption, among which the perceived characteristics of YMC have the strongest influence on the consumption probability. Against the expectations of the authors, disgust with the accidental encounter of insects in foods did not influence the probability of eating YMC. Age was another predictor of YMC consumption. It is known that food preferences and eating behaviors are mainly developed during childhood and tend to manifest in adult life. Consequently, it can be inferred that acceptance and preference for insect‐based foods (IBF) should be stimulated from early childhood. Finally, practical implications are advanced as possible solutions to overcome the obstacles toward YMC consumption.
Nasopharyngeal cancer: Incidence and prognosis of human papillomavirus and Epstein–Barr virus association at a single North American institution
Authors: Wu Shannon S. , Chen Bonnie , Fleming Christopher W. , Shah Akeesha A. , Griffith Christopher C. , Domb Chaim , Reddy Chandana A. , Campbell Shauna R. , Woody Neil M. , Lamarre Eric D. , Lorenz Robert R. , Prendes Brandon L. , Scharpf Joseph , Schwartzman Larissa , Geiger Jessica L. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Ku Jamie A.
Published: January 2022

Background

The prognostication of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) status in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed NPC from 2000 to 2019.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients were included: 43 EBV+, 12 HPV+, 23 EBV−/HPV−, and 0 EBV+/HPV+. All p16+ tumors were also positive for HPV‐CISH. Baseline characteristics were not different between groups except age, N‐classification, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) (p < 0.05). For EBV+, HPV+, and EBV−/HPV− respectively, 3‐year overall survival (OS) was 89.9%, 69.8%, and 52.5% (p = 0.006). EBV−/HPV− status was significantly associated with worse OS but not freedom from progression (FFP) on univariate analysis, and did not remain a significant predictor of OS after adjusting for KPS, age, and group stage.

Conclusions

EBV+ NPC tumors were seen in younger, healthier patients than HPV+ and EBV− tumors, and there were no cases of coinfection. The association of viral status with OS was insignificant after adjusting for KPS and age.