bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting interleukin‐1 for reversing fat browning and muscle wasting in infantile nephropathic cystinosis
Authors: Cheung Wai W. , Hao Sheng , Zheng Ronghao , Wang Zhen , Gonzalez Alex , Zhou Ping , Hoffman Hal M. , Mak Robert H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Ctns−/− mice, a mouse model of infantile nephropathic cystinosis, exhibit hypermetabolism with adipose tissue browning and profound muscle wasting. Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1 trigger inflammatory cascades and may be an important cause for cachexia. We employed genetic and pharmacological approaches to investigate the effects of IL‐1 blockade in Ctns−/− mice.

Methods

We generated Ctns−/− Il1β−/− mice, and we treated Ctns−/− and wild‐type control mice with IL‐1 receptor antagonist, anakinra (2.5 mg/kg/day, IP) or saline as vehicle for 6 weeks. In each of these mouse lines, we characterized the cachexia phenotype consisting of anorexia, loss of weight, fat mass and lean mass, elevation of metabolic rate, and reduced in vivo muscle function (rotarod activity and grip strength). We quantitated energy homeostasis by measuring the protein content of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and adenosine triphosphate in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. We measured skeletal muscle fiber area and intramuscular fatty infiltration. We also studied expression of molecules regulating adipose tissue browning and muscle mass metabolism. Finally, we evaluated the impact of anakinra on the muscle transcriptome in Ctns−/− mice.

Results

Skeletal muscle expression of IL‐1β was significantly elevated in Ctns−/− mice relative to wild‐type control mice. Cachexia was completely normalized in Ctns−/− Il1β−/− mice relative to Ctns−/− mice. We showed that anakinra attenuated the cachexia phenotype in Ctns−/− mice. Anakinra normalized UCPs and adenosine triphosphate content of adipose tissue and muscle in Ctns−/− mice. Anakinra attenuated aberrant expression of beige adipose cell biomarkers (UCP‐1, CD137, Tmem26, and Tbx1) and molecules implicated in adipocyte tissue browning (Cox2/Pgf2α, Tlr2, Myd88, and Traf6) in inguinal white adipose tissue in Ctns−/− mice. Moreover, anakinra normalized gastrocnemius weight and fiber size and attenuated muscle fat infiltration in Ctns−/− mice. This was accompanied by correction of the increased muscle wasting signalling pathways (increased protein content of ERK1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK, and nuclear factor‐κB p65 and mRNA expression of Atrogin‐1 and Myostatin) and the decreased myogenesis process (decreased mRNA expression of MyoD and Myogenin) in the gastrocnemius muscle of Ctns−/− mice. Previously, we identified the top 20 differentially expressed skeletal muscle genes in Ctns−/− mice by RNAseq. Aberrant expression of these 20 genes have been implicated in muscle wasting, increased energy expenditure, and lipolysis. We showed that anakinra attenuated 12 of those top 20 differentially expressed muscle genes in Ctns−/− mice.

Conclusions

Anakinra may provide a targeted novel therapy for patients with infantile nephropathic cystinosis.
Overview of the epidemiological conditions of HIV among key populations in Africa
Authors: Jin Harry , Restar Arjee , Beyrer Chris
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Despite extraordinary progress in HIV treatment coverage and expanding access to HIV prevention services and that multiple African countries are on track in their efforts to reach 90‐90‐90 goals, the epidemic continues to persist, with prevalence and incidence rates too high in some parts of the continent to achieve epidemic control. While data sources are improving, and research studies on key populations in specific contexts have improved, work on understanding the HIV burdens and barriers to services for these populations remains sparse, uneven and absent altogether in multiple settings. More data have become available in the last several years, and data published in 2010 or more recently are reviewed here for each key population. This scoping review assesses the current epidemiology of HIV among key populations in Africa and the social and political environments that contribute to the epidemic, both of which suggest that without significant policy reform, these epidemics will likely continue.

Results and discussion

Across Africa, the HIV epidemic is most severe among key populations including women and men who sell or trade sex, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender women who have sex with men and prisoners and detainees. These groups account for the majority of new infections in West and Central Africa, and an estimated 25% of new infections in East and Southern Africa, despite representing relatively small proportions of those populations. The HIV literature in Africa emphasizes that despite significant health needs, key populations experience barriers to accessing services within the healthcare and legal justice systems. Current shortcomings of surveillance systems in enumerating key populations impact the way funding mechanisms and resources are allocated and distributed. Adapting more equitable and epidemiologically sound frameworks will be necessary for current and future HIV programming investments.

Conclusions

Through this review, the available literature on HIV epidemiology among key populations in Africa brings to light a number of surveillance, programmatic and research gaps. For many communities, interventions targeting the health and security conditions continue to be minimal. Compelling evidence suggests that sweeping policy and programmatic changes are needed to effectively tackle the persistent HIV epidemic in Africa.
Current allocations and target apportionment for HIV testing and treatment services for marginalized populations: characterizing PEPFAR investment and strategy
Authors: Jones Austin , Honermann Brian , Lankiewicz Elise , Sherwood Jennifer , Millett Greg
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a large bilateral funder of the global HIV response whose policy decisions on key populations (KPs) programming determine the shape of the key populations’ response in many countries. Understanding the size and relative share of PEPFAR funds going to KPs and the connection between PEPFAR’s targets and resulting programming is crucial for successfully serving key populations.

Methods

Publicly available PEPFAR budgets for key populations’ services were assessed by country and geographical region for all 52 countries with budget data in fiscal year (FY) 2020. For the 23 countries which completed a full planning process in FY 2018 and 2019, PEPFAR targets for HIV testing and treatment initiation for key populations were assessed. Expenditures for KP programming were calculated to determine whether shifts in targets translated into programming. Implementing partners were characterized by the level of specialization using the share of assigned targets made up by KPs. The average target per year and implementing partner was calculated for each KP group and indicator.

Results

PEPFAR country KP budgets ranged from US$35,000 to $15.2 million, and the proportion of funding to key populations varied by region, with Eastern and Southern African countries having the lowest proportion. Between FY 2018 and 2019, the KP targets for HIV testing and treatment among KPs increased, whereas expenditures on key populations decreased from US$115.4 to $111.0 million. Of the 11 countries with an increase in HIV testing targets, seven had a decrease in KP expenditures. Of the nine countries with an increase in treatment initiation targets, five had a decrease in KP expenditures. The proportion of targets assigned to partners which do not specialize in key populations increased from FY 2018 to 2019.

Conclusions

Current key population policies have not resulted in a tight connection between targets and expenditures. This includes assigning a large proportion of key populations programming to partners who do not specialize in key populations, which may weaken the performance management role of the targets. These results signal that a new approach to key populations programming is needed.
Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students on Campus: Lessons From Experienced Practitioners
Authors: Wagstaff Jennifer F. , Welfare Laura E.
Published: July 2021

Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS; Dimeff et al., 1999) is an evidence‐based treatment to reduce high‐risk drinking among college students. Despite evidence of effectiveness, little is known about treatment fidelity when BASICS is implemented in a practical setting. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 13 mental health professionals who use the BASICS intervention. Themes emerged around the strengths of the intervention and barriers to implementation.
An Examination of College Students’ Social Media Use, Fear of Missing Out, and Mindful Attention
Authors: Weaver Jo Lauren , Swank Jacqueline M.
Published: July 2021

This study investigated problematic social media use (PSMU), the fear of missing out (FOMO), mindful attention, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction among 278 undergraduate students. Results indicated that PSMU and FOMO negatively related to mindful attention, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction. The mediation model suggested that mindful attention inversely mediated the relationship between FOMO and PSMU. Thus, FOMO predicted PSMU in users who were less mindfully attentive. We discuss the results, limitations, implications, and recommendations for research.
Relationships between tibial articular cartilage, in vivo external joint moments and static alignment in end‐stage knee osteoarthritis: A micro‐CT study
Authors: Rapagna Sophie , Roberts Bryant C. , Solomon Lucian B. , Reynolds Karen J. , Thewlis Dominic , Perilli Egon
Published: July 2021

Biomechanical factors (e.g., joint loading) have a significant role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, some relationships between in vivo joint loading indices and tibial cartilage thickness are conflicting. This study investigated relationships between pre‐operative in vivo external knee joint moments, joint alignment and regional tibial cartilage thickness using micro‐CT in subjects with end‐stage knee OA. Tibial plateaus from 25 patients that underwent knee replacement for OA were micro‐CT scanned (17 µm/voxel). Prior to surgery, subjects underwent gait analysis to calculate external knee moments. The mechanical axis deviation (MAD) was obtained from pre‐operative radiographs. Cartilage thickness (Cart.Th) was analyzed from micro‐CT images, in anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial and posterolateral subregions of interest. Medial‐to‐lateral Cart.Th ratios were also explored. Relationships between Cart.Th and joint loading indices were examined using Pearson's correlations. Significant correlations were found between Cart.Th and joint loading indices, positive anteromedially with the first peak knee adduction moment (r = 0.55, p < 0.01) and external rotation moment (ERM; r = 0.52, p < 0.01), and negative with MAD (r = −0.76, p < 0.001). In the lateral regions, these correlations had opposite signs. The medial‐to‐lateral Cart.Th ratio correlated strongly with ERM (r = 0.63, p = 0.001) and MAD (r = −0.75, p < 0.001). Joint loading indices correlated with regional cartilage thickness values and their medial‐to‐lateral ratios in end‐stage knee OA subjects, with higher regional loads corresponding to thinner cartilage. These relationships have the opposite sign compared to the subchondral bone microarchitecture found in our previous study on the same specimens, which may suggest a complementary bone–cartilage interplay in response to loading.
Raman imaging in corrosion science: High‐temperature oxidation of the zirconium alloys used in the nuclear industry as an example
Authors: Mermoux Michel , Duriez Christian
Published: July 2021

Successive technological improvements have made Raman imaging systems very efficient. Raman imaging applications now cover a wide range of scientific fields, including high‐temperature materials corrosion, also known as dry corrosion. The analysis of the phenomena occurring during corrosion requires knowledge in metallurgy, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, solid‐state chemistry, and physics. Part of this information (crystallographic phases, stress state, oxygen transport, etc.) can be obtained, at least qualitatively, from the analysis of Raman images of the oxidation layer. Throughout this paper, we consider as a prototypal example the oxidation of a particular zirconium alloy, Zircaloy‐4, used in the nuclear industry as cladding materials in light‐water reactors. Through some examples, the aim of the present paper is to describe what kind of information this method can bring, to review its merits and weaknesses. The analysis protocols methods described herein are not exhaustive, but most probably represent a simple way to read and understand the Raman images. These few examples show that rather subtle details that concern phase distribution, strain, and oxygen transport can effectively be captured by this method. Most probably, Raman imaging may be applied to other alloys or systems as well.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Pediatric Cochlear Implantation Access and Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Omar Mahmoud , Qatanani Anas , Kaleem Syed Z. , McKinnon Brian J.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Pediatric cochlear implantation (CI) is a multistep process, which exposes a healthcare system's potential weaknesses in ability to deliver timely care to deaf children. The current systematic review aims to determine the sociodemographic disparities that predict pediatric CI access and use among CI candidates and recipients across the world. We hypothesize that sociodemographic factors independently influence CI access and use within a given country.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

A qualitative systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted for studies investigating the association of sociodemographic factors such as race, income, or insurance status with measures of pediatric CI access, such as age at CI or CI rate.

Results

Out of 807 unique abstracts initially retrieved, 39 papers were included in the final qualitative systematic review. Twenty‐seven thousand seven hundred and fifty‐one CI‐candidate children (6,623 CI recipients) were studied in 14 countries, with 21 studies conducted in the United States of America, published within the years of 1993 to 2020.

Conclusion

Some measures of CI access, such as age at CI and rates of CI, are consistently reported in the CI disparities literature while others such as access to rehabilitation services, willingness to undergo CI, and daily CI use are rarely measured. There are persistently reported disparities in a few key measures of CI access in a few populations, while there are some populations with a paucity of data. Future studies should delineate the nuances in the mechanisms of disparities by conducting multivariable analysis of representative sample data. Laryngoscope, 132:670–686, 2022
Sinonasal Issues After Maxillectomy With Free Flap Reconstruction: Incidence and Clinical Approach
Authors: Lerner David K. , Filimonov Andrey , Filip Peter , Liu Katherine , Russell Stephen , Shah Janki , Spock Todd , Schaberg Madeleine , Del Signore Anthony , Colley Patrick , Govindaraj Satish , Khan Mohemmed Nazir , Iloreta Alfred Marc
Published: July 2021

Objective

To characterize the clinical features associated with sinonasal complaints after maxillectomy with free flap reconstruction as well as propose a screening and treatment algorithm.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who underwent maxillectomy and free flap reconstruction at a tertiary care center.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients were included, 25 (43.1%) of them had documented sinonasal complaints postoperatively. Eleven patients subsequently underwent revision surgery for sinonasal complaints. Among the 25 patients with sinonasal complaints, 22 patients (88.0%) had nasal crusting, 17 (68.0%) had nasal obstruction, 12 (48.0%) had rhinorrhea, 9 (36.0%) had facial pain or pressure, and 7 (28.0%) had foul odor. Twenty‐two patients (88.0%) had multiple sinonasal complaints. There was a higher incidence of both sinonasal complaints and surgical intervention in patients who underwent adjuvant radiation, but this was not statistically significant (47.7% vs 28.6%, P = .235; 29.4% vs 7.1%, P = .265).

Conclusions

Sinonasal complaints are common following free flap reconstruction for a maxillectomy defect and should be screened for at postoperative visits, with early referral to a rhinologist for consideration of endoscopic sinus surgery. Nonsurgical treatment strategies include large‐volume nasal saline irrigations, xylitol irrigations for persistent inflammatory symptoms, and culture‐directed antibiotic irrigations for persistent infectious symptoms.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:67–72, 2022
Open‐Path Dual‐Comb Spectroscopy for Multispecies Trace Gas Detection in the 4.5–5 µm Spectral Region
Authors: Giorgetta Fabrizio R. , Peischl Jeff , Herman Daniel I. , Ycas Gabriel , Coddington Ian , Newbury Nathan R. , Cossel Kevin C.
Published: July 2021

Open‐path dual‐comb spectroscopy provides multispecies atmospheric gas concentration measurements with high precision. Here, open‐path dual‐comb spectroscopy is extended to the mid‐infrared 5 µm atmospheric window, enabling atmospheric concentration retrievals of the primary greenhouse gases, N2O, CO2, and H2O, as well as the criteria air pollutants O3 and CO across 600 m and 2 km round‐trip paths. Measurements are demonstrated over a five‐day period at 2 min temporal resolution with 80% uptime. The achieved precision is sufficient to resolve the atmospheric concentration variations of the multiple gas species; retrieved dry mixing ratios of CO and N2O are in good agreement with a colocated point sensor. In addition, the retrieved ratio of excess CO versus CO2 agrees with similar urban studies but disagrees with the US National Emission Inventory by a factor of 3. The retrieved ratio of excess N2O versus CO2 exhibits a plume‐dependent value, indicating the variability of sources of the greenhouse gas N2O.
Reliability of DNMSQuest as a Screening Tool for Mood Disorders in Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Rafee Shameer , Ndukwe Ihedinachi , O'Riordan Sean , Hutchinson Michael
Published: July 2021

Background

The high prevalence of mood disorders in cervical dystonia, often unaddressed in botulinum toxin clinics, is a major factor in impaired quality of life. There is a clear need for a brief screening method for identifying these disorders; the Dystonia non‐motor symptoms questionnaire (DNMSQuest) has been proposed as such.

Objective

We aimed to assess the practical utility of the DNMSQuest and compare it with validated rating scales for anxiety, depression and quality of life.

Methods

In 88 patients with cervical dystonia, we compared results from the DNMSQuest with mood rating scales [Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Index (BDI‐II) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], quality of life measures [European Quality of Life (EQOL) and European Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale (EQOLVAS)] and with assessments of dystonia severity [Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile‐58 (CDIP58) and Toronto Western Rating Scale for Spasmodic Torticollis (TWSTRS)].

Results

Using a cut off score on the DNMSQuest of 5, we noted that DNMSQuest had a sensitivity of 85% for detecting anxiety and depression using the BAI and BDI‐II, and 76% and 78% for anxiety and depression respectively using the HADS. The DNMSQuest correlated strongly with BAI (ρ = 0.715), BDI‐II (ρ = 0.658), HADS‐Anxiety (ρ = 0.616), HADS‐Depression (ρ = 0.706), EQOL (ρ = 0.653) and CDIP‐58 (ρ = 0.665).

Conclusion

The DNMSQuest is a brief, sensitive and non‐specific instrument for identifying patients that warrant further review for anxiety and depression and can easily be implemented in a neurologist‐run botulinum toxin clinic.
A case study on the assessment of RF switch and splitter options for coupling of transceiver modules to bidirectional antennas employed in linear wireless sensor networks
Authors: Dalveren Yaser , Durukan Ahmet Mert , Kara Ali
Published: July 2021

Recently, a concept of linear wireless sensor networks (LWSNs) has attracted much attention. For such networks, one of the key challenges in sensor node design is to couple transceiver modules with bidirectional antennas placed back‐to‐back for opposite radiation. As is known, simply, this can be achieved by using well‐known coupling options like radio frequency (RF) switch or splitter. However, it is important to decide between two seemingly equally good options according to the system requirements such as RF performance, power consumption, and cost. Therefore, this study aims to comparatively assess these options from the system level point of view to find out what advantages or disadvantages either provides as per the other from widespread use of them in a LWSN‐based cathodic protection monitoring of oil and natural gas pipelines in extreme environments. Preliminary field tests are also conducted to validate the efficiency of coupling options for LWSN links. Results show that RF splitter offers low power consumption and cost whereas RF switch has advantages of low loss. Thus, it is believed that this study may provide useful insights to design bidirectional sensor links for LWSNs.
Comparison of continuous sampling with active noise cancelation and sparse sampling for cortical and subcortical auditory functional MRI
Authors: Dewey Rebecca S. , Hall Deborah A. , Plack Christopher J. , Francis Susan T.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Detecting sound‐related activity using functional MRI requires the auditory stimulus to be more salient than the intense background scanner acoustic noise. Various strategies can reduce the impact of scanner acoustic noise, including “sparse” temporal sampling with single/clustered acquisitions providing intervals without any background scanner acoustic noise, or active noise cancelation (ANC) during “continuous” temporal sampling, which generates an acoustic signal that adds destructively to the scanner acoustic noise, substantially reducing the acoustic energy at the participant’s eardrum. Furthermore, multiband functional MRI allows multiple slices to be collected simultaneously, thereby reducing scanner acoustic noise in a given sampling period.

Methods

Isotropic multiband functional MRI (1.5 mm) with sparse sampling (effective TR = 9000 ms, acquisition duration = 1962 ms) and continuous sampling (TR = 2000 ms) with ANC were compared in 15 normally hearing participants. A sustained broadband noise stimulus was presented to drive activation of both sustained and transient auditory responses within subcortical and cortical auditory regions.

Results

Robust broadband noise‐related activity was detected throughout the auditory pathways. Continuous sampling with ANC was found to give a statistically significant advantage over sparse sampling for the detection of the transient (onset) stimulus responses, particularly in the auditory cortex (P < .001) and inferior colliculus (P < .001), whereas gains provided by sparse over continuous ANC for detecting offset and sustained responses were marginal (p ~ 0.05 in superior olivary complex, inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, and auditory cortex).

Conclusions

Sparse and continuous ANC multiband functional MRI protocols provide differing advantages for observing the transient (onset and offset) and sustained stimulus responses.
„Mona Lisa der Reaktionskinetik“
Authors: Reschetilowski Wladimir
Published: July 2021

Vor 150 Jahren wurde Max Bodenstein geboren, der Begründer der klassischen Reaktionskinetik. Bei seinen kinetischen und thermodynamischen Untersuchungen der Chlorknallgasreaktion prägte er den Begriff „Kettenreaktion“. Ein wichtiger Förderer seiner Arbeiten war die Preußische Akademie der Wissenschaften, in die er im Jahr 1925 schließlich aufgenommen wurde.
Digitalisierung: In der Cloud planen
Authors: Deakins Scott
Published: July 2021

Damit Unternehmen in Krisen widerstandsfähig bleiben, müssen sie kritische Prozesspunkte und mögliche Ausfälle früh erkennen, Lieferengpässe schnell ausmachen und die Kapazitäten anpassen. Spezielle Software hilft dabei.
Direkter Coronatest
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: July 2021

Ein enzymbasierter Sars‐Cov‐2‐Test funktioniert ohne RNA‐Isolierung. Dafür müssen die Probanden gurgeln, statt sich in der Nase zu bohren.
Grass Carp Reproduction in Small Tributaries of Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Missouri: Implications for Establishment in Novel Habitats
Authors: Hayer Cari-Ann , Bayless Michael A. , Richter Catherine A. , George Amy E. , Chapman Duane C.
Published: July 2021

Substantial work has been conducted to estimate the river length required for recruitment of invasive Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and bigheaded carps (Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix); however, the distance upstream and size of stream required for spawning remain unclear. Adult Grass Carp are regularly captured in Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Missouri, although there have been only unconfirmed sightings of Silver Carp. Fertile diploid Grass Carp are used legally for vegetation control in Missouri; however, it is uncertain whether Grass Carp in Harry S. Truman Reservoir are the result of natural reproduction or escapees. We used ichthyoplankton tows and environmental DNA (eDNA) to investigate which carp species were present in the reservoir basin and to determine whether these carps were spawning in reservoir tributaries. Grass Carp eggs were collected in four of five tributaries during June 2014. We did not detect eggs, larvae, or eDNA of Bighead Carp or Silver Carp. The occurrence of Grass Carp eggs generally coincided with rapid increases in discharge and turbidity. These tributaries may be the smallest rivers worldwide in which spawning of Grass Carp has been documented. We infer from the developmental stages captured and the distance from the reservoir that sufficient river length exists for egg survival. These results have broad implications concerning the establishment of Grass Carp in other novel habitats, including other reservoirs and lake basins, smaller rivers, and the Laurentian Great Lakes ecosystem.
Broad antiviral and anti‐inflammatory efficacy of nafamostat against SARS‐CoV‐2 and seasonal coronaviruses in primary human bronchiolar epithelia
Authors: Niemeyer Brian F. , Miller Caitlin M. , Ledesma‐Feliciano Carmen , Morrison James H. , Jimenez‐Valdes Rocio , Clifton Clarissa , Poeschla Eric M. , Benam Kambez H.
Published: July 2021

Antiviral strategies that target host systems needed for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication and pathogenesis may have therapeutic potential and help mitigate resistance development. Here, we evaluate nafamostat mesylate, a potent broad‐spectrum serine protease inhibitor that blocks host protease activation of the viral spike protein. SARS‐CoV‐2 is used to infect human polarized mucociliated primary bronchiolar epithelia reconstituted with cells derived from healthy donors, smokers and subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nafamostat markedly inhibits apical shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2 from all donors (log10 reduction). We also observe, for the first‐time, anti‐inflammatory effects of nafamostat on airway epithelia independent of its antiviral effects, suggesting a dual therapeutic advantage in the treatment of COVID‐19. Nafamostat also exhibits antiviral properties against the seasonal human coronaviruses 229E and NL6. These findings suggest therapeutic promise for nafamostat in treating SARS‐CoV‐2 and other human coronaviruses.
Sugarcane bagasse fibers at high contents in thermoplastic composites: A novel approach using agro‐industrial residue via thermokinetic mixing
Authors: Lazarini Rafael Gouveia , Marconcini José Manoel
Published: July 2021

Agro‐industrial residue from sugarcane cultivation in Brazil generates more than 200 million tons of bagasse per year, which is rich in plant fibers that can be potentially applied in polymer composites. New processing routes are required to process composites with fiber contents above 50% wt. The objective of this work was to incorporate sugarcane bagasse fibers to polypropylene at high contents (50%–80% wt) in the development of composites via thermokinetic mixture. Composites with 50% and 60% fibers showed a traditional composite morphology, while those with 70% and 80% resembled agglomerated composites. The water absorption varied between 5% and 34%, increasing with fiber content, while the bulk density remained relatively constant, close to 1 g/cm3. The flexural strength and the flexural modulus reached 31 MPa and 2.4 GPa, respectively, tending to decrease with fiber content. In summary, the present work showed the viability of the proposed processing route, with only two starting materials, to produce cheap, relatively lightweight composites with mechanical properties close to and water absorption much lower than wood composites (medium‐density fiberboard and medium‐density particleboard) used in similar applications, such as furniture, construction, and automobile industry.
Production of carbon monoxide from a He/CO2 plasma jet as a new strategy for therapeutic applications
Authors: Douat Claire , Escot Bocanegra Pablo , Dozias Sébastien , Robert Éric , Motterlini Roberto
Published: July 2021

A new method to deliver carbon monoxide (CO) for medical applications is presented using a kHz‐driven helium plasma jet with a 1% CO2 admixture. Despite being known for its anti‐inflammatory, vasorelaxing, and anti‐apoptotic effects, a possible role of CO generated from plasma for the treatment of various diseases has so far been neglected. Here, we show that CO production of a plasma jet can be tuned from 100 to 2000 ppm. The number of CO molecules produced per pulse is in the range of 1 × 1012 to 1.5 × 1013. To assess the delivery of CO, mouse blood hemoglobin was used as a scavenger of CO and the consequent formation of carboxyhemoglobin was quantified. This study reveals for the first time that plasma can generate and deliver CO for therapeutic interventions.
Heat treatment of thioredoxin fusions increases the purity of α‐helical transmembrane protein constructs
Authors: Schenkel Mathias , Treff Antoine , Deber Charles M. , Krainer Georg , Schlierf Michael
Published: July 2021

Membrane proteins play key roles in cellular signaling and transport, represent the majority of drug targets, and are implicated in many diseases. Their relevance renders them important subjects for structural, biophysical, and functional investigations. However, obtaining membrane proteins in high purities is often challenging with conventional purification steps alone. To address this issue, we present here an approach to increase the purity of α‐helical transmembrane proteins. Our approach exploits the Thioredoxin (Trx) tag system, which is able to confer some of its favorable properties, such as high solubility and thermostability, to its fusion partners. Using Trx fusions of transmembrane helical hairpin constructs derived from the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and a bacterial ATP synthase, we establish conditions for the successful implementation of the selective heat treatment procedure to increase sample purity. We further examine systematically its efficacy with respect to different incubation times and temperatures using quantitative gel electrophoresis. We find that minute‐timescale heat treatment of Trx‐tagged fusion constructs with temperatures ranging from 50 to 90°C increases the purity of the membrane protein samples from ~60 to 98% even after affinity purification. We show that this single‐step approach is even applicable in cases where regular selective heat purification from crude extracts, as reported for Trx fusions to soluble proteins, fails. Overall, our approach is easy to integrate into existing purification strategies and provides a facile route for increasing the purity of membrane protein constructs after purification by standard chromatography approaches.
Enhanced Efficiency of Tandem Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes via Manipulating Heterojunction Composition of Charge Generation Unit
Authors: Lü Zhaoyue , Zhang Lijiang , Wang Junling , Xiao Jing
Published: July 2021

Tandem organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with an organic photovoltaic heterojunction (OPV‐HJ) as a charge generation unit (CGU), consisting of fullerence (C60) and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc), are fabricated. The device structures are ITO/EL unit/C60–CuPc HJ/MoO3/EL unit/Al, where EL unit is composed of NPB/Alq3/LiF. The efficiency improvement of tandem OLEDs is achieved by manipulating the structure and composition of C60–CuPc HJs. The charge generation and transport characteristics of CGUs are strongly dependent on the detailed structures of C60–CuPc HJs and the optimized CGU is 0.5:1 C60:CuPc bulk‐HJ. The improved efficiency of the tandem device with 0.5:1 C60:CuPc bulk‐HJ as CGU demonstrates to be the result of better charge carrier balance induced by the optimal charge transport and charge generation of C60:CuPc bulk‐HJs according to their surface morphology and absorption spectra. These results shed light on that C60:CuPc OPV‐HJ‐based CGU is a promising connection unit for the fabrication of high‐efficiency tandem OLEDs.
Engineering Anisotropic Klein Tunneling in Black Phosphorene through Elemental Substitution
Authors: Adhikary Souren , Mohakud Sasmita , Dutta Sudipta
Published: July 2021

Black phosphorene, a puckered honeycomb lattice, exhibits semiconducting behavior with linear and parabolic dispersions along the crystallographic armchair and zigzag directions, respectively, away from Fermi energy. Herein, elemental substitution of P atoms to obtain () systems is conducted to shift the Fermi energy in downward or upward directions, respectively, to access those dispersive bands. The first‐principles calculations show a semiconductor‐to‐metallic transition in both and S substitutions. In the former case, the presence of hybrid dispersive bands at Fermi energy induces metallicity, whereas S substitution induces excess electrons to shift the Fermi energy upward and align with both linear and parabolic bands in either crystallographic directions. This leads to anisotropic Klein tunneling behavior in S‐substituted black phosphorene, which can be exploited for multiterminal switching devices.
Atomic Structure of the Cu2O(111) Surface: A Transmission Electron Microscopy and DFT + U Study
Authors: Xing Wandong , Meng Fanyan , Yu Rong
Published: July 2021

The atomic structures of Cu2O surfaces can significantly affect catalytic properties. By combining aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is shown that the Cu2O(111) surface stabilizes in a bulk‐truncated 1 × 1 structure with coordinatively unsaturated Cu atoms under low‐oxygen conditions. This differs from the known 1 × 1‐CuCUS structure with coordinatively unsaturated Cu atom vacancies.
Molecular frame dipole moment of diatomic molecules within relativistic coupled‐cluster framework: A comparative study of expectation value versus energy derivative approach
Authors: Haldar Soumi , Talukdar Kaushik , Nayak Malaya K. , Pal Sourav
Published: July 2021

The ground state molecular frame dipole moments of alkaline earth metal monofluorides and Group ІІB‐monohydrides have been computed using two analytic methods, namely the Z‐vector technique and the linear expectation value method within the four‐component relativistic coupled cluster singles and doubles framework. We have compared our results with the experimentally measured permanent dipole moments wherever available. It is found that the Z‐vector method, which is an energy‐derivative approach predicts the molecular permanent dipole moment more accurately than the linear expectation value approach in DZ and TZ quality basis set. Further, our study shows that the high‐energy virtual spinors seem to have almost no influence on the permanent dipole moment whereas the core electron correlation slightly affects this molecular property.
Experience with mepolizumab in adults with severe eosinophilic asthma: a case series from India
Authors: Maturu Venkata Nagarjuna , Meshram Priti , Das Soumya , Rajput Ashok Kumar , Kotaru Arun Chowdary , Kotak Bhavesh , Markandeywar Neeraj , Chhatwal Simran
Published: July 2021

Severe asthma can be associated with eosinophilic or allergic phenotypes or both. Eosinophilic inflammation is associated with exacerbations and disease severity due to biological activity of interleukin‐5 (IL‐5). Patients with severe asthma have reported reduced lung function and poor health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and may require systemic corticosteroids for its management. Thus, treatment targeting IL‐5 can help improve quality of life and reduce the use of systemic corticosteroids in severe asthma. Mepolizumab is approved for treating severe eosinophilic asthma as it helps reduce exacerbations, improve lung function and asthma control, and reduce the use of systemic glucocorticoids. This further helps in enhancing HRQoL of these patients. This case series includes four adult patients suffering from severe eosinophilic asthma who were treated with mepolizumab.
Discretized quasi‐time‐dependent control for asynchronously switched systems with dynamic dwell‐time
Authors: Tong Yanhui , Shi Peng , Wang Yueying , Huang Bixuan
Published: July 2021

Considering that actuator delay is inevitable and a discretized control design method is more preferable in practice, this article is concerned with the discretized quasi‐time‐dependent (QTD)control for continuous‐time asynchronously switched systems via dynamic output‐feedback. The persistent dwell‐time (PDT) is employed to analyze the stability and‐gain for switched systems in the framework of multiple QTD Lyapunov function approach, and the concept of dynamic dwell‐time (DDT) is used to characterize a category of switching signals for asynchronously switched systems with measurable switching lag, which means that the controlled plant can adjust its dwell‐time on some mode dynamically according to the switching lag of the corresponding controller. First, the stability and‐gain are analyzed for switched systems with PDT. Then, by constructing controller‐dependent multiple QTD Lyapunov functions, a QTD control synthesis condition is derived based on the obtained stability criterion. The developed controller can guarantee the closed‐loop stability andperformance for the underlying system under a class of identified DDT switching signals. Subsequently, a discretized QTD control scheme is proposed by choosing the discretized quadratic version of the constructed Lyapunov functions. The synthesis condition is formulated as a set of finite‐dimensional LMIs, and hence it can be easily tractable. Finally, the proposed control scheme is applied to the tracking control of a mobile robot to illustrate its effectiveness and application potential.
The importance of sustainability engagement in small businesses supplier collaboration
Authors: Ukko Juhani , Saunila Minna , Nasiri Mina , Rantala Tero
Published: July 2021

Sustainability engagement is suggested to increase future company value. Collaboration between companies can assist them to become more sustainable. Even though collaboration can be seen as instrumental in developing more sustainable companies, the rise of e‐business has changed the game in terms of attaining high performance. Thus, this study investigates the relations among supplier collaboration, sustainability, and market performance in the context of e‐business. Specifically, the aim of this study is to determine how supplier collaboration leads small e‐businesses to develop e‐business sustainability and, in turn, deliver enhanced market performance. The data were collected with a cross‐sectional random sampling of small online store operators in Finland. Supplier collaboration was found to influence market performance via e‐business sustainability. The results offer implications for firms operating in e‐business by supporting collaboration with suppliers and sustainability values while maintaining high market performance.
T-Cell Pseudolymphoma Secondary to Ixazomib for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Haq M. , Reyal Y. , Tiffin N. , Szakacs S. , Ferguson L.
Published: July 2021

We present a case of a 54-year-old male with multiple myeloma (MM) who presented with widespread pruritic erythematous lesions following ixazomib treatment. This occurred after his third cycle of treatment with ixazomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone and was controlled by potent steroids and temporary cessation of ixazomib. The strong correlation between the timeline of the rash, ixazomib treatment and subsequent cessation led to a diagnosis of a drug-induced rash. Skin biopsy histology, immunochemistry and the absence of monoclonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement further confirmed the diagnosis of a T-cell pseudolymphoma secondary to ixazomib. Ixazomib is an oral proteasome inhibitor used in the treatment of MM. Other proteasome inhibitors have been reported to trigger cutaneous adverse effects. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of pseudolymphoma following proteasome inhibitor use. Dermatologists should be aware of this potential effect and the possible management pathways such as cessation and dose reduction.
Early‐age behavior and mechanical properties of cement‐based materials with various types and fineness of recycled powder
Authors: Wu Huixia , Liang Chaofeng , Xiao Jianzhuang , Xu Jianguang , Ma Zhiming
Published: July 2021

Recycled powder (RP) that includes recycled paste powder (RPP), recycled mortar powder (RMP), and recycled concrete powder (RCP) is an eco‐friendly alternative binder. This work investigated the influence of RP types and fineness on early‐age behavior and mechanical strength of cement‐based materials. The results show that substituting RP for cement causes the reduction of new hydration products in cement‐based materials. The blended RP decreases the fluidity of paste mixture, and the fluidity of paste including fine RPP is lower than that of paste including fine RMP and RCP; moreover, the fluidity increases following the growth of RP particle size. Incorporating fine RPP shortens the setting time of cement‐based materials, while the setting time is prolonged as RMP and RCP incorporate; in addition, the enlarged particle size of RP prolongs the setting time. The drying shrinkage increases following the increasing replacement ratio of RPP. Incorporating less proportion of fine RMP and RCP lessens the drying shrinkage of paste, while the drying shrinkage increases after coarse or high‐volume RMP and RCP substituting. The maximum shrinkage of paste including 30% fine and coarse RCP is 3.4% and 7.3% higher than that of plain paste. Substituting fine RP for less dosage of cement has less impact on the mechanical strength of its newmade mortar, while the mechanical strength markedly decreases after high‐volume or coarse RP substituting. The compression strength of mortar including 30% fine and coarse RCP is 22.2% and 35.1% lower than that of plain mortar.
Proinflammatory response caused by lead nanoparticles triggered by engulfed nanoparticles
Authors: Shimizu Kaori , Horie Masanori , Tabei Yosuke , Kashiwada Shosaku
Published: July 2021

In this study, the cellular effects of lead (Pb) nanoparticles with a primary particle size of 80 nm were evaluated in two types of cell lines: human lung carcinoma A549 and macrophage‐differentiated THP‐1 cells (dTHP‐1). The cellular responses induced by the Pb nanoparticles varied among the cell types. Exposure to Pb nanoparticles for 24 h at a concentration of 100 μg/ml induced interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) expression in dTHP‐1 cells. Induction of IL‐8 expression in A549 was lower than dTHP‐1 cells. Pb nanoparticles also induced the gene expression of heme oxygenase‐1 in dTHP‐1 cells but not in A549 cells. Though cellular uptake of Pb nanoparticles was observed in both the cell types, the amount of internalized Pb particles was lower in A549 cells than that in dTHP‐1 cells. Gene expression of metallothionein 2A was remarkably enhanced by Pb nanoparticle exposure in dTHP‐1 cells. Compared with Pb nanoparticles, induction of cytokines caused by lead nitrate (Pb[NO3]2), a water‐soluble Pb compound, was smaller. In conclusion, the present study revealed that Pb nanoparticles induced a stronger cellular response than Pb(NO3)2, primarily by eliciting cytokine production, in a cell type‐dependent manner.
Relative Calabi–Yau structures II: shifted Lagrangians in the moduli of objects
Authors: Brav Christopher , Dyckerhoff Tobias
Published: July 2021

We show that a Calabi–Yau structure of dimension d on a smooth dg category $${C}$$
C
induces a symplectic form of degree $$2-d$$

2
-
d

on ‘the moduli space of objects’ $${{\mathcal {M}}}_{{C}}$$

M
C

. We show moreover that a relative Calabi–Yau structure on a dg functor $${C}\rightarrow { D}$$

C
→
D

compatible with the absolute Calabi–Yau structure on C induces a Lagrangian structure on the corresponding map of moduli $${{\mathcal {M}}}_{{ D}} \rightarrow {{\mathcal {M}}}_{{C}}$$

M
D

→

M
C

.
Mundhöhlen- und Pharynxkarzinome: Inzidenz, Mortalität und Überleben in Deutschland
Authors: Jansen Lina , Moratin Julius , Waldmann Annika , Zaoui Karim , Holleczek Bernd , Nennecke Alice , Pritzkuleit Ron , Plinkert Peter K. , Hoffmann Jürgen , Arndt Volker
Published: July 2021

Hintergrund

Die Gruppe der Lippen‑, Mundhöhlen- und Pharynxkarzinome (ICD-10: C00–C14) beschreibt eine heterogene Gruppe bösartiger Tumoren, deren Inzidenz, Mortalität und Überleben sich nach Entität stark unterscheiden.

Ziel der Arbeit

Diese Arbeit gibt eine detaillierte Übersicht epidemiologischer Maßzahlen für diese Tumorentitäten unter Berücksichtigung der Heterogenität bezüglich Alter, Geschlecht, Lokalisation und Stadium.

Material und Methoden

Inzidenz- und Mortalitätsdaten für Deutschland für die Jahre 1999–2016 wurden aus der interaktiven Datenbank des Zentrums für Krebsregisterdaten (ZfKD) extrahiert. Alters- und Stadienverteilungen und altersstandardisiertes relatives 5‑Jahres-Überleben wurden auf dem gepoolten ZfKD-Datensatz (Diagnosejahre 1999–2017) berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Im Jahr 2016 lagen die Inzidenz und Mortalität für alle Entitäten insgesamt bei 17,6 bzw. 7,0 pro 100.000 Männern und 6,5 bzw. 1,8 pro 100.000 Frauen. Das relative 5‑Jahres-Überleben für 2015–2017 lag bei 53 % bzw. 63 %. Es zeigten sich deutliche Unterschiede in der Überlebensrate und in der Alters- und Stadienverteilung zwischen den Entitäten. Im zeitlichen Verlauf zeigte sich ein Anstieg des Alters bei Diagnose, insbesondere bei Männern, aber keine Veränderung in der Stadienverteilung. Trotzdem stieg das relative 5‑Jahres-Überleben zwischen 1999–2002 und 2013–2017 von 45 % (Männer) bzw. 59 % (Frauen) auf 52 % bzw. 63 %.

Diskussion

Die starke Heterogenität der untersuchten Tumoren verdeutlicht die Notwendigkeit einer nach Geschlechtern und Lokalisationen getrennten Betrachtung für eine aussagekräftige Interpretation der epidemiologischen Kennzahlen. Mit Ausbau der klinischen Krebsregistrierung werden in Zukunft zusätzliche Analysen unter Einbezug weiterer wichtiger klinischer Faktoren möglich sein.