bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redo‐aortic valve replacement in prior stentless prosthetic aortic valves: Transcatheter versus surgical approach
Authors: Choi Charles H. , Cao Kevin , Malaver Diego , Kincaid Edward H. , Lata Adrian , Kon Neal , Belford P. Matthew , Gandhi Sanjay K. , Applegate Robert J. , Zhao David X. M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The objective was to compare outcomes of redo‐aortic valve replacement (AVR) via surgical or transcatheter approach in prior surgical AVR with large percentage of prior stentless surgical AVR.

Background

With the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), patients with increased surgical risks now have an alternative to redo surgical AVR (SAVR), known as valve‐in‐valve (ViV) TAVR. Stentless prosthetic aortic valves present a more challenging implantation for ViV‐TAVR given the lack of structural frame.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 173 subjects who have undergone SAVR (N = 100) or ViV‐TAVR (N = 73) in patients with prior surgical AVR at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center from 2009 to 2019. Our study received the proper ethical oversight.

Results

The average ages in redo‐SAVR and ViV‐TAVR groups were 58.03 ± 13.86 and 66.57 ± 13.44 years, respectively (p < 0.0001). The redo‐SAVR had significantly lower STS (2.78 ± 2.09 and 4.68 ± 5.51, p < 0.01) and Euroscores (4.32 ± 2.98 and 7.51 ± 8.24, p < 0.05). The redo‐SAVR group had higher percentage requiring mechanical support (8% vs. 0%, p < 0.05) and vasopressors (53% vs. 0%, p < 0.0001), longer length of stay (13.65 ± 11.23 vs. 5.68 ± 7.64 days, p < 0.0001), and inpatient mortality (16% vs. 2.78%, p < 0.005). At 30‐day follow‐up, redo‐SAVR group had higher rates of acute kidney injury (10% vs. 0%, p < 0.01), however ViV‐TAVR group had more new left bundle branch blocks (6.85% vs. 0%, p < 0.05). No significant differences regarding re‐hospitalization rates, stroke, or death up to 1‐year.

Conclusion

Although the ViV‐TAVR group had higher risk patients, there were significantly fewer procedural complications, shorter length of stay, and similar mortality outcomes up to 1‐year follow‐up.
Intramolecular C−H Amination of N‐Alkylsulfamides by tert‐Butyl Hypoiodite or N‐Iodosuccinimide
Authors: Kiyokawa Kensuke , Jou Keisuke , Minakata Satoshi
Published: August 2021

1,3‐Diamines are an important class of compounds that are broadly found in natural products and are also widely used as building blocks in organic synthesis. Although the intramolecular C−H amination of N‐alkylsulfamide derivatives is a reliable method for the construction of 1,3‐diamine structures, the majority of these methods involve the use of a transition‐metal catalyst. We herein report on a new transition‐metal‐free method using tert‐butyl hypoiodite (t‐BuOI) or N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS), enabling secondary non‐benzylic and tertiary C−H amination reactions to proceed. The cyclic sulfamide products can be easily transformed into 1,3‐diamines. Mechanistic investigations revealed that amination reactions using t‐BuOI or NIS each proceed via different pathways.
Seven‐Membered Cyclic Potassium Diamidoalumanyls
Authors: Schwamm Ryan J. , Hill Michael S. , Liu Han‐Ying , Mahon Mary F. , McMullin Claire L. , Rajabi Nasir A.
Published: August 2021

The seven‐membered cyclic potassium alumanyl species, [{SiNMes}AlK]2[{SiNMes}={CH2SiMe2N(Mes)}2; Mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2], which adopts a dimeric structure supported by flanking K‐aryl interactions, has been isolated either by direct reduction of the iodide precursor, [{SiNMes}AlI], or in a stepwise manner via the intermediate dialumane, [{SiNMes}Al]2. Although the intermediate dialumane has not been observed by reduction of a Dipp‐substituted analogue (Dipp=2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3), partial oxidation of the potassium alumanyl species, [{SiNDipp}AlK]2, where {SiNDipp}={CH2SiMe2N(Dipp)}2, provided the extremely encumbered dialumane [{SiNDipp}Al]2. [{SiNDipp}AlK]2reacts with toluene by reductive activation of a methyl C(sp3)‐H bond to provide the benzyl hydridoaluminate, [{SiNDipp}AlH(CH2Ph)]K, and as a nucleophile with BPh3and RN=C=NR (R=i‐Pr, Cy) to yield the respective Al‐B‐ and Al‐C‐bonded potassium aluminaborate and alumina‐amidinate products. The dimeric structure of [{SiNDipp}AlK]2can be disrupted by partial or complete sequestration of potassium. Equimolar reactions with 18‐crown‐6 result in the corresponding monomeric potassium alumanyl, [{SiNDipp}Al−K(18‐cr‐6)], which provides a rare example of a direct Al−K contact. In contrast, complete encapsulation of the potassium cation of [{SiNDipp}AlK]2, either by an excess of 18‐cr‐6 or 2,2,2‐cryptand, allows the respective isolation of bright orange charge‐separated species comprising the ‘free’ [{SiNDipp}Al]−alumanyl anion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations performed on this moiety indicate HOMO‐LUMO energy gaps in the of order 200–250 kJ mol−1.
Fuzzy artificial bee colony‐based CNN‐LSTM and semantic feature for fake product review classification
Authors: Jacob Minu Susan , Selvi Rajendran P.
Published: August 2021

In recent years, online reviews are considered as the most significant resource for consumers to make a decision regarding the purchase of a particular product. The reviews can either encourage or relegate a product; therefore posting fake reviews has turned into a money‐spinning business in the modern period. The detection of fake reviews has become a center of attraction for various business people. This research study aims in detecting fake product reviews using four significant phases namely the data pre‐processing, feature extraction, feature selection, and classification. The features obtained in the pre‐processing phase are extracted and selected using chi‐squared technique to obtain a delegate subset among all data and to reduce the complication issues. Then a CNNLSTM‐FABC approach classifies and detects the review as fake or real. Finally, the performance evaluation and the comparative analysis are carried out to determine the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results reveal that the proposed approach performs well irrespective of the product type and sentiment polarity.
Obliquely propagating ion‐acoustic shock waves in a degenerate quantum plasma
Authors: Islam M.K. , Biswas S. , Chowdhury N.A. , Mannan A. , Salahuddin M. , Mamun AA
Published: August 2021

A theoretical investigation has been carried out on the propagation of non‐linear ion‐acoustic shock waves (IASHWs) in a magnetized degenerate quantum plasma system composed of inertial non‐relativistic positively charged light and heavy ions, inertialess non‐relativistically or ultra‐relativistically degenerate electrons and positrons. The reductive perturbation method has been employed to derive the Burgers' equation. It has been observed that under consideration, our plasma model supports only positive potential shock structure. It is also found that the amplitude and steepness of the IASHWs have been significantly modified by the variation of ion kinematic viscosity, oblique angle, number density, and charge state of the plasma species. The results of our present investigation will be helpful for understanding the propagation of IASHWs in white dwarfs and neutron stars.
Source‐sum‐power minimization in multiple‐sensor single‐AF relay‐based IoT networks with outage constraints and under hardware impairments and imperfect CSI
Authors: Kharwar Preeti , Yadav Suneel , Purohit Neetesh , Do Dinh Thuan
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the optimal power allocation to minimize the source‐sum‐power consumption of Internet of Things networks in the presence of transceiver hardware impairments and imperfect channel estimates, where N single‐antenna sensors communicate with a single‐antenna destination via a single‐antenna half‐duplex amplify‐and‐forward relay. We assume that the consideration of remote‐area wireless sensor application restricts the direct communication between the sensors and destination. Specifically, we first derive the exact and asymptotic outage probability expressions under hardware impairments and imperfect channel estimates over Rayleigh fading channels. Then, we formulate and evaluate an optimization problem for source‐sum‐power minimization taking both the power and outage constraints into account in the presence of transceiver hardware impairments and imperfect channel estimates with the help of Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions. The numerical results corroborate our theoretical findings and demonstrate the optimality of the considered system. Moreover, our results reveal that (i) the system's diversity order reduces to zero because of the irreducible error floor occurs from the fixed channel estimation errors, (ii) the source‐sum‐power consumption reduces with the increased maximum available relay power and increases as the number of sensor nodes increases, (iii) the hardware impairments and imperfect channel estimates significantly increase the source‐sum‐power consumption, and (iv) the proposed source‐sum power minimization scheme can optimize the performance of the considered system. Also, we compare our proposed optimal power allocation scheme with the uniform power allocation scheme, from which it is shown that the proposed scheme is better than the uniform one irrespective of the involved parameters. Furthermore, we compare our proposed scheme with some existing approaches, such as time division scheme and decode‐and‐forward relay scenario, in terms of outage probability and source‐sum‐power minimization.
Feasibility study for detection of retinal amyloid in clinical trials: The Anti‐Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) trial
Authors: Ngolab Jennifer , Donohue Michael , Belsha Alison , Salazar Jennifer , Cohen Paula , Jaiswal Sandhya , Tan Veasna , Gessert Devon , Korouri Shaina , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Alber Jessica , Johnson Ken , Jicha Gregory , van Dyck Christopher , Lah James , Salloway Stephen , Sperling Reisa A. , Aisen Paul S. , Rafii Michael S. , Rissman Robert A.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The retina and brain exhibit similar pathologies in patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases. The ability to access the retina through imaging techniques opens the possibility for non‐invasive evaluation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. While retinal amyloid deposits are detected in individuals clinically diagnosed with AD, studies including preclinical individuals are lacking, limiting assessment of the feasibility of retinal imaging as a biomarker for early‐stage AD risk detection.

Methods

In this small cross‐sectional study we compare retinal and cerebral amyloid in clinically normal individuals who screened positive for high amyloid levels through positron emission tomography (PET) from the Anti‐Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) trial as well as a companion cohort of individuals who exhibited low levels of amyloid PET in the Longitudinal Evaluation of Amyloid Risk and Neurodegeneration (LEARN) study. We quantified the number of curcumin‐positive fluorescent retinal spots from a small subset of participants from both studies to determine retinal amyloid deposition at baseline.

Results

The four participants from the A4 trial showed a greater number of retinal spots compared to the four participants from the LEARN study. We observed a positive correlation between retinal spots and brain amyloid, as measured by the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr).

Discussion

The results of this small pilot study support the use of retinal fundus imaging for detecting amyloid deposition that is correlated with brain amyloid PET SUVr. A larger sample size will be necessary to fully ascertain the relationship between amyloid PET and retinal amyloid both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally.
Naringenin inhibits autophagy and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells by regulating the Smad2/3 pathway
Authors: Li Qingnan , Liu Shuang , Yang Guang , Li Mingming , Qiao Peng , Xue Qiang
Published: August 2021

Cataract is the number one cause of blindness in the world. Fibrosis of the lens is the main cause of cataract. Pathological epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the development of fibrotic cataract. Inhibition of EMT may be an effective treatment for fibrosis of lens epithelial cells. Naringin (NRG) is one of the major citrus flavonoids, which has many pharmacological properties, including anti‐inflammatory and cardioprotective. However, the effect of NRG on cataract induced by abnormal fibrosis of LECs is not clear. Herein, we found NRG inhibited transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2)‐induced SRA01/04 cell viability. Additionally, NRG inhibited TGFβ2‐induced cell migration and EMT. We further noticed that NRG inhibited autophagy and Smad2/3 phosphorylation in LECs. We therefore thought Naringenin inhibited autophagy and EMT of human LECs by regulating the Smad2/3 pathway. NRG could therefore serve as a promising drug for cataract treatment.
The impact of alkali‐ion intercalation on redox chemistry and mechanical deformations: Case study on intercalation of Li, Na, and K ions into FePO4 cathode
Authors: Özdogru Bertan , Koohbor Behrad , Çapraz Ö. Özgür
Published: August 2021

Batteries made of charge carriers from Earth‐crust abundant materials (e.g., Na, K, and Mg) have received extensive attention as an alternative to Li‐ion batteries for grid storage. However, a lack of understanding of the behavior of these larger ions in the electrode materials hinders the development of electrode structures suitable for these large ions. In this study, we investigate the impact of alkali ions (Li, Na, and K) on the redox chemistry and mechanical deformations of iron phosphate composite cathodes by using electrochemical techniques and in situ digital image correlation. Na‐ion and Li‐ion intercalation demonstrate a nearly linear correlation between electrochemical strains and the state of charge and discharge. The strain development shows nonlinear dependance on the state of charge and discharge for K ions. Strain rate calculations show that K ion intercalation results in a progressive increase in the strain rate for all cycles. Li and Na intercalation induce nearly constant strain rates with the exception of the first discharge cycle of Na intercalation. When the same amount of ions are inserted into the electrode, the electrode shows the lowest strain generation upon Li intercalation compared to larger alkali ions. Na and K ions induce similar volumetric changes in the electrode when the state of charge and discharge is around 30%. Although the electrode experiences larger absolute strain generation at the end of the discharge cycles upon Na intercalation, strain rates were found to be greater for K ions. Potential‐dependent behaviors also demonstrate more sluggish redox reactions during K intercalation, compared to Li and Na. Our quantitative analysis suggests that the strain rate, rather than the absolute value of strain, is the critical factor in amorphization of the crystalline electrode.
The flame retardancy of ionic liquid functionalized graphene oxide in unsaturated polyester resins
Authors: Gao Ming , Guo Guozheng , Chai Zhihua , Yi Deqi , Qian Lijun
Published: August 2021

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared from graphite powder by the classic Hummers method, and modified by 1‐N‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (IL) and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) to obtain ionic liquid functionalized graphene oxide (ILGO). ILGO, compounded with traditional flame retardants (ammonium polyphosphate and expandable graphite), was used in unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) to enhance the flame retardancy. The flame retardant property and thermal degradation of the UPR composites were analyzed by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, cone calorimeter test (CCT), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that there is an obvious synergism between ILGO and the traditional flame retardants. The LOI value of UPR‐4 containing ILGO reaches 28.2% and passes V‐0 of UL‐94, and UPR‐4's the initial temperature (Ti), maximum degradation temperature (Tmax), and residual carbon greatly increase. The experimental data shows that ILGO can promote UPR to form more residual carbon during combustion, enhance thermal stability, and make the material not easy to decompose. The morphology of carbon layer measured after CCT was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images show that the surface of char layer of UPR‐4 containing ILGO becomes smoother, flatter and denser, compared with UPR containing only flame retardants. The cohesiveness and compact structure residual carbon can effectively prevent the oxygen, combustible gas, and heat transfer between the flame zone and the base material to reduce flammability.
Shyness and social–emotional development among Chinese children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Lau Carrie , Yang Yi
Published: August 2021

Shyness, which is characterized by social withdrawal behaviours and approaching‐withdrawal conflicted social motivations, is suggested to influence children's social–emotional development. This study examined the association between shyness and social–emotional development among Chinese children aged 3 to 12. A systematic search of both Chinese and international databases for relevant research between 1990 and 2020 yielded 23 studies (n = 9,009 children), which were systematically reviewed. Among them, 15 studies (n = 6,303 children) were included in the meta‐analyses. Results from random‐effects models indicated that shyness was positively associated with internalizing problems (), externalizing problems (), peer victimization (), and asocial behaviours (), and negatively associated with peer preference ( and school social competence (for school‐aged children ; for preschool children ) in the Chinese context. Further, analyses revealed that the relationship between shyness and social–emotional development was moderated by children's characteristics (e.g., gender, age, receptive vocabulary, and emotional competence), social relationship (e.g., teacher‐child relationship and parent–child attachment), and situational context (e.g., interpersonal similarity). This study suggests that shyness generally exerts negative influences on Chinese children's social–emotional development, but the influences are unique to particular social–emotional domains and moderated by both children's characteristics and environmental factors.
Helical Chirality of Supramolecular Columns and Spheres Self‐Organizes Complex Liquid Crystals, Crystals, and Quasicrystals
Authors: Percec Virgil , Xiao Qi
Published: August 2021

Homochiral helical self‐organizations provide some of the most fundamental architectures of biological macromolecules and of their co‐assemblies although they were first discovered and elucidated only during the early 1950. Helical synthetic covalent macromolecules started to be discovered soon after and were followed by supramolecular macromolecules and their co‐assemblies few decades later. This perspective will provide a brief historical development of chiral helical self‐organizations in biology and in supramolecular chemistry. Helical covalent and supramolecular macromolecules self‐organize and co‐organize helical supramolecular columns and spherical helices that can generate complex liquid crystals, crystals including Frank‐Kasper phases, and quasicrystals. The design of new functions based on synthetic helical assemblies will also be discussed. Personal events from the life of scientists contributing to these developments are also briefly mentioned.
Identification of a novel EXT2 frameshift mutation in a family with hereditary multiple exostoses by whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Yang Mei , Xie Hanbing , Xu Bocheng , Xiang Qinqin , Wang He , Hu Ting , Liu Shanling
Published: August 2021

Background

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), also referred to as multiple osteochondromas, is an autosomal dominant skeletal disease characterized by the development of multiple overgrown benign bony tumors capped by cartilage and is associated with bone deformity, joint limitation, and short stature. Mutations in exostosin glycosyltransferase (EXT)1 and EXT2 genes, which are located on chromosomes 8q24.1 and 11p13, contribute to the pathogenesis of HME.

Methods

In the present study, a genetic analysis of a four‐generation Chinese family with HME was conducted using whole‐exome sequencing (WES), followed by validation using Sanger sequencing.

Results

A novel heterozygous frameshift mutation in exon 5 of EXT2 (c.944dupT, p.Leu316fs) was identified in all affected individuals but was not detected in any unaffected individuals. This mutation results in a frameshift that introduces a premature termination codon at position 318 (p.Leu316fs) with the ability to produce a truncated EXT2 protein that lacks the last 433 amino acids at its C‐terminal to indicate a defective exostosin domain and the absence of the glycosyltransferase family 64 domain, or to lead to the degradation of mRNAs by nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay, which is critical for the function of EXT2.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that WES is effective in extending the EXT mutational spectra and is advantageous for genetic counseling and the subsequent prenatal diagnosis.
Dissolved organic matter concentration, molecular composition, and functional groups in contrasting management practices of peatlands
Authors: Negassa Wakene , Eckhardt Kai‐Uwe , Regier Tom , Leinweber Peter
Published: August 2021

About 91,300 ha of peatlands has been rewetted in western Europe since the mid‐1990s. Still, it is unknown how long‐term rewetting alters the dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentration, molecular composition, and functional groups. We examined these DOM characteristics in three peatland types subjected to 47‐ to 231‐yr drainage and 18‐ to 24‐yr rewetting to address this knowledge gap. Cold water‐extractable DOM was characterized by pyrolysis field ionization mass spectrometry (Py‐FIMS) and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in the rewetted forest peatland was 2.7 times higher than in the drained forest peatland. However, rewetting decreased the DOC concentrations by 1.5 and 4 times in the coastal peatland and percolation mire, respectively, compared with their respective drained peatlands at the topsoil horizons. The Py‐FIMS analysis revealed that all nine DOM compound classes' relative abundances differed between the rewetted and drained forest peatland with the lower relative abundances of the labile DOM compound classes in the rewetted forest peatlands. However, most DOM compound classes' relative abundances were similar between the rewetted and drained coastal peatlands and percolation mires. The XANES also revealed nine carbon and seven nitrogen functional groups with no apparent differences between the two contrasting management practices. The influence of drainage and rewetting on DOC concentration and molecular composition depends on peatland type, drainage period, rewetting intensity, and peat degradation status that should be considered in future research for understanding DOM transformation and transportation from degraded and restored peatland ecosystems.
Risk factors for HIV virological non‐suppression among adolescents with common mental disorder symptoms in Zimbabwe: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Simms Victoria , Bernays Sarah , Chibanda Dixon , Chinoda Silindweyinkosi , Mutsinze Abigail , Beji‐Chauke Rhulani , Mugurungi Owen , Apollo Tsitsi , Sithole Dorcas , Verhey Ruth , Weiss Helen A , Willis Nicola
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Adolescents are at increased risk of HIV virological non‐suppression compared to adults and younger children. Common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are a barrier to adherence and virological suppression. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with virological non‐suppression among adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in Zimbabwe who had symptoms of common mental disorders.

Methods

We utilized baseline data from a cluster‐randomized controlled trial of a problem‐solving therapy intervention to improve mental health and HIV viral suppression of ALWH. Sixty clinics within 10 districts were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention or control arm, with the aim to recruit 14 adolescents aged 10 to 19 per clinic. Adolescents were eligible if they scored ≥7 on the Shona Symptom Questionnaire measuring symptoms of common mental disorders. Multivariable mixed‐effects logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for factors associated with non‐suppression, defined as viral load ≥1000 copies/mL.

Results

Between 2 January and 21 March 2019 the trial enrolled 842 participants aged 10 to 19 years (55.5% female, 58.8% aged <16). Most participants (N = 613) were taking an NNRTI‐based ART regimen (13 PI‐based, 216 unknown) and median duration on ART was six years (IQR three to nine years, 240 unknown). Of the 833 with viral load data 292 (35.1%) were non‐suppressed. Virological non‐suppression was independently associated with male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.43, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.97), and with not knowing one’s own HIV status (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.88), or knowing one’s status but not disclosing it to anyone (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.93), compared to adolescents who knew their status and had disclosed it to someone.

Conclusions

ALWH with symptoms of common mental disorders have high prevalence of virological non‐suppression in Zimbabwe, especially if they do not know their status or have not disclosed it. In general adolescents should be informed of their HIV status, with encouragement on the beneficial health and social effects of viral suppression, to incentivise adherence. Efforts to strengthen the operationalization of disclosure guidelines for adolescents should now be prioritized.
High mobility group box-1 serves a pathogenic role in spinal cord injury via the promotion of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Chen Ke-Bing , Chang Min-Min , Wang Sheng-Li , Li Yong-Xin , Wang Yi-Xi , Xu Zhi-Guang , Wang Hong , Zhao Bing-Cheng , Ma Wei-Ying
Published: August 2021

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition marked by permanent motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction, in which the inflammatory response serves an important and preventable role. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a potent regulator of inflammation in numerous acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.; however, the role of HMGB1 in SCI remains unclear. The present study aimed to characterize the temporal dynamics of HMGB1 release after SCI, to investigate the role of spinal microglia activation in mediating the effects of HMGB1 on SCI, and to explore the therapeutic potential of intrathecal anti-HMGB1 polyclonal antibody on alleviating SCI. The present study demonstrated that HMGB1 expression was increased immediately after traumatic injury of a primary spinal neuron culture. It was found that neutralizing HMGB1 significantly ameliorated SCI pathogenesis and hind limb paralysis. Moreover, the levels of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the SCI lesion were reduced when local HMGB1 was blocked by anti-HMGB1 antibody. In addition, the injured neuron-derived conditioned medium increased TNF-α secretion and the NF-κB pathway in the BV2 microglia cell line via HMGB1. Collectively, these results indicated that HMGB1 served an important role in SCI inflammation and suggested the therapeutic potential of an anti-HMGB1 antibody for SCI.
Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG levels in relation to disease severity of COVID‐19
Authors: Yan Xiquan , Chen Guoqiang , Jin Zhaoxia , Zhang Zhongwei , Zhang Bing , He Jiangming , Yin Siqing , Huang Juanshu , Fan Maiying , Li Zhenyuan , Chen Fang , Zeng Yong , Han Xiaotong , Zhu Yimin
Published: August 2021

The durability of infection‐induced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) immunity has crucial implications for reinfection and vaccine effectiveness. However, the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) severity and long‐term anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody level is poorly understood. Here, we measured the longevity of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific IgG antibodies in survivors who had recovered from COVID‐19 1 year previously. In a cohort of 473 survivors with varying disease severity (asymptomatic, mild, moderate, or severe), we observed a positive correlation between virus‐specific IgG antibody titers and COVID‐19 severity. In particular, the highest virus‐specific IgG antibody titers were observed in patients with severe COVID‐19. By contrast, 74.4% of recovered asymptomatic carriers had negative anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG test results, while many others had very low virus‐specific IgG antibody titers. Our results demonstrate that SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific IgG persistence and titer depend on COVID‐19 severity.
Genes encoding bile salt hydrolase differentially affect adhesion of Lactiplantibacillus plantarumAR113
Authors: Wu Taoying , Wang Guangqiang , Tang Hongyu , Xiong Zhiqiang , Song Xin , Xia Yongjun , Lai Phoency F‐H , Ai Lianzhong
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Adhesion is considered important for Lactiplantibacillus to persist in the human gut and for it to exert probiotic effects. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum contains a considerable number and variety of genes encoding bile salt hydrolases (bsh), but their effects on microbial adhesion remain poorly understood. To clarify the effects of four bsh on adhesion, we tried to knock out bsh (Δbsh) of L. plantarum AR113 using the CRISPR‐Cas9 method, and compared the growth, auto‐aggregation (RAA), co‐aggregation (RCA), surface hydrophobicity (AHC) of AR113 wild‐type and Δbsh strains and their adhesion abilities to HT29 cells.

RESULTS

We first obtained the AR113 Δbsh1,3,2,4 strain with four bsh knocked out. Their growth was significantly slower than the wild‐type strain cultured in De Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium (MRS) with 3.0 g L−1 glyco‐ or tauro‐conjugated bile acid. Bsh had no significant effect on the growth of ten strains cultured in MRS, but Δbsh1 inhibited their growth when cultured in MRS containing 3.0 g L−1 sodium glycocholate, whereas Δbsh4 instead promoted their growth in MRS with 3.0 g L−1 sodium glycocholate and sodium taurocholate. RCA and RAA were linearly positive for all strains except AR113 Δbsh2,4, and AHC and RAA were negatively correlated for most strains excluding AR113 Δbsh2, with RAA = 6.38–25.05%, RCA = 5.17–9.22%, and ACH = 3.22–47.71%. The adhesion ability of ten strains cultured in MRS was higher than that of strains cultured in MRS with 3.0 g L−1 bovine bile, and it was related to bsh2.

CONCLUSION

Bsh differentially affected the adhesion of AR113 series strains. This adds to the available information about substrate‐gene‐performance, and provides new information to enable engineering to regulate the colonization of Lactiplantibacillus. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Verified the rapid evaluation of the edible safety of wild porcini mushrooms, using deep learning and PLS‐DA
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Honggao , Li Tao , Li Jieqing , Wang Yuanzhong
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

How to quickly identify poisonous mushrooms is a worldwide problem, because poisonous mushrooms and edible mushrooms have very similar appearances. Even some edible mushrooms must be processed further before they can be eaten. In addition, mushrooms from different geographical origins contain different levels of heavy metals. Eating frequent mushrooms with excessive heavy metal content can also cause food poisoning. This information is very important and needs to be informed to consumers in advance. Through the demand for the safety of porcini mushrooms in the Yunnan area we propose a hierarchical identification system based on Fourier‐transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy to evaluate the edible safety of porcini species.

RESULTS

We found that deep learning is the most effective means to identify the edible safety of porcini, and the recognition accuracy was 100%, by comparing two pattern recognition tools, deep learning and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). Although the accuracy of the PLS‐DA test set is 96.10%, the poisonous porcini is not allowed to be wrongly judged. In addition, the cadmium (Cd) content of Leccinum rugosiceps in the Midu area exceeded the standard. Deep learning can trace Le. rugosiceps geographic origin with an accuracy of 100%.

CONCLUSION

The overall results show that deep learning methods based on FT‐NIR can identify porcini that is at risk of being eaten. This has useful application prospects in food safety. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life, and its possible use as feed for Tenebrio molitor larvae in a circular economy: preliminary results
Authors: Taglieri Isabella , Bedini Stefano , Zinnai Angela , Sanmartin Chiara , Conti Barbara , Farina Priscilla , Chiriboga Ortega Rodrigo D , De Leo Marinella , Braca Alessandra , Tavarini Silvia , Venturi Francesca
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Bread represents a significant share of food waste worldwide. The extension of the bread shelf life together with innovative systems of food waste treatment might decrease waste biomass decay, the need for transportation, and the need for storage. In recent years, insects have been selected as a valuable tool for food waste treatment owing to their capability to transform low‐value food waste into biomass with high nutritional value. Bakery wastes can be used profitably for this purpose.

This work had two objectives: (i) to measure the impact of flaxseed cake fortification on bread shelf life depending on the leavening agent (baker's yeast vs sourdough); (ii) to evaluate the possible reuse of the stale bread fortified with flaxseed cake for Tenebrio molitor rearing.

RESULTS

Our results showed that fortification seemed to slow the hardening rate of bread, particularly if baker's yeast was used. The time necessary for mold to appear in sourdough bread doubled (from 2 to 4 days). The addition of flaxseed cake to the recipe determined an increase of its scrap consumption by T. molitor larvae. We also observed a significant increase in the body mass of the T. molitor larvae fed with bread obtained with the brewer's yeast with respect to larvae fed with the sourdough.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these preliminary data can indicate that sourdough bread fortified with 5% of flaxseed cake can represent a promising tool to reduce food waste and to recycle bread scraps by a novel zero‐waste approach. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of imprecise information on risk and ambiguity preferences: Experimental evidence
Authors: Aggarwal Divya , Mohanty Pitabas
Published: August 2021

This study examines individual risk and ambiguity preferences under three different sources of imprecise information‐induced ambiguity, namely, probability imprecision, outcome imprecision, and conflicting information. Using a within‐subject lab experiment design, the study examines the extent to which gender and degree of perceived ambiguity explain individual preferences for risky and ambiguous investment choices. The analysis confirms existing literature findings of individuals showing an aversion toward ambiguous investment choices in comparison to risky choices. However, the magnitude of ambiguity aversion varied with respect to the different sources of ambiguity. An individual's degree of perceived ambiguity measured through matching probability had a significant influence on individual preferences under all sources of ambiguity. Gender had a significant influence on individual preferences only under conflicting information‐induced ambiguity. The study demonstrates the relevance of examining determinants of ambiguity preferences contingent upon the source of information‐induced ambiguity.
Near‐total mandibular reconstruction following osteoradionecrosis with double scapula tip free flap: A case report
Authors: Barton Blair M. , Blumberg Jeffrey M. , Patel Samip N.
Published: August 2021

Near‐total mandibular reconstruction poses many challenges to reconstructive surgeons. The purpose of this article is to present a challenging case in a patient with osteoradionecrosis of the mandible requiring a near‐total mandibular reconstruction using bilateral scapula tip free tissue reconstruction. A 68‐year‐old African–American male with a history of T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil presented with advanced stage osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. Reconstruction was planned using 3D Systems (Denver, CO), mandibular osteotomies were planned inferior to the sigmoid notch on the ascending rami. Neither fibula flap was amenable for harvesting due to poor vasculature of the patient's lower extremities, and bilateral scapula tip free flaps were subsequently planned. The post‐operative course was complicated by venous congestion in the right scapula flap which required revision to the venous anastomosis on POD 1. The patient had intraoral breakdown that required debridement in the operating room and application of a cellular matrix. The patient fully recovered from the acute surgery and was discharged home without a tracheostomy. At the last follow up visit, the patient was taking 100% of diet peroral and had no signs of oral incompetence, mental projection was satisfactory, and the ability to verbally communicate was unimpaired. We report a complex case of near‐total mandibular reconstruction using simultaneous bilateral scapula tip free flaps. While we do not advocate simultaneous bilateral scapula tip free flaps as the standard of care for large mandibulectomy defects, it may be considered for patients in which traditional osseous free flaps are not available.
A remark on the well‐posedness of the classical Green–Naghdi system
Authors: Khorbatly Bashar
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to give an alternative proof for the derivation of a prior energy estimate. Consequently, this allows to define a natural energy norm of the long‐term well‐posedness result established by Israwi (Derivation and analysis of a new 2D Green–Naghdi system, Nonlinearity, 2010, 23, 2889–2904) but for the original system, in which the partial operator
is not involved.
Performance enhancement of cross dipole circularly polarized antenna using parasitic elements
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhu Zhangming
Published: August 2021

This study designs a wideband circularly polarized (CP) cross dipole antenna (CDA) with modified characteristics. The CP CDA consists of four quarter disks, four sector rings, four rotated grounded metal sheets and a pair of vacant quarter rings as a continuous‐phase feeding geometry. In contrast to the conventional vacant quarter rings, the modified vacant quarter rings increase the impedance bandwidth (IBW) and provide a 90° phase difference to obtain CP radiation. In addition to exploiting the quarter disks and sector rings to broaden the CP bandwidth, grounded metal sheets are utilized to widen the CP bandwidth of the proposed antenna. By utilizing the multiple CP resonant modes excited by these elements, the CP bandwidth of the antenna can be improved. As a result, the proposed antenna exhibits broad –10‐dB IBW of 109% (2.13, 0.97–3.29 GHz) and a wide 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 88.9% (2.34, 1.30–3.38 GHz).
Small extracellular vesicles derived from in vivo‐ or in vitro‐produced bovine blastocysts have different miRNAs profiles—Implications for embryo‐maternal recognition
Authors: Bridi Alessandra , Andrade Gabriella M. , del Collado Maite , Sangalli Juliano R. , de Ávila Ana C. F. C. M. , Motta Igor G. , da Silva Júlio C. B. , Pugliesi Guilherme , Silva Luciano A. , Meirelles Flávio V. , da Silveira Juliano C. , Perecin Felipe
Published: August 2021

In vivo‐ and in vitro‐produced bovine embryos have different metabolic profiles and differences in gene transcription patterns. These embryos also have a distinct ability to establish and sustain early pregnancies. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are secreted by embryos and carry bioactive molecules, such as miRNAs. We hypothesize that in vivo or in vitro‐produced bovine hatched blastocysts on Day 9 and the sEVs secreted by them have different miRNA profiles. To address this hypothesis, embryos of both groups were placed in in vitro culture on Day 7. After 48 h, hatched embryos and hatched embryo‐conditioned media (eCM) of both groups were collected. A total of 210 miRNAs were detected in embryos of both groups, of these 6 miRNAs were downregulated, while 7 miRNAs were upregulated in vitro group when compared to in vivo group. sEVs were isolated from eCM to determine miRNA profile. A total of 106 miRNAs were detected in both groups, including 14 miRNAs upregulated in sEVs from in vivo‐eCM, and 2 miRNAs upregulated in sEVs from in vitro‐eCM. These miRNAs express in embryos and sEVs secreted by them regulate early embryonic developmental and endometrial pathways, which can modify embryo‐maternal communication during early pregnancy and consequently affect pregnancy establishment.
FEASibility testing a randomized controlled trial of an exercise program to improve cognition for T2DM patients (the FEAST trial): A study protocol
Authors: Liu Tingting , Hettish Lindsey , Lo Wen‐Juo , Gray Michelle , Li Changwei
Published: August 2021

While cognitive dysfunction is an important concern in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it has received little attention in the T2DM literature. Although it often remains unrecognized, cognitive dysfunction associated with T2DM can lead to severe consequences. Prior research studies have consistently shown that aerobic exercise enhances cognitive function among healthy subjects. However, very few studies have examined the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in persons with T2DM. In addition, one important single‐nucleotide polymorphism that influences cognition in humans is the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met variant. Despite strong evidence suggesting aerobic exercise has a beneficial effect on cognitive function, there is significant variability in individual response to exercise programs on cognitive outcomes among Val/Val versus Met carriers. However, the evidence on how the BDNF Val66Met variant influences cognitive outcomes following an aerobic exercise intervention among individuals with T2DM is currently lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to pilot‐test a 3‐month supervised exercise program to improve plasma BDNF levels and cognition, overall and according to genotypes of the BDNF Val66Met variant. A total of 81 patients with T2DM will be randomly assigned to either aerobic exercise group (n = 54) or attention control group (n = 27) for 3 months. Outcomes of interest include postintervention changes in plasma BDNF levels, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, executive function, memory, and processing speed. This study will provide further evidence on use of exercise as a non‐pharmaceutical, low‐cost intervention to improve cognition in this population.
Deep Eutectic Solvents and Multicomponent Reactions: Two Convergent Items to Green Chemistry Strategies
Authors: Calvo‐Flores Francisco G. , Mingorance‐Sánchez Cristina
Published: August 2021

One of the highlights of green chemistry is the development of techniques and procedures with low environmental impact. In the last years, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have become an important alternative to conventional organic solvents. For a period ionic liquids have provoked remarkable interest, but they have been displaced by DES because they show easier preparation methods, lower prices, many of them are biodegradable and compatible with biological systems. In addition, they show adjustable physicochemical properties, high thermal stability, low volatility and are compatible with water. In this paper is reviewed the state of the art of the use of DES paying special attention to the role of reaction media in organic synthesis.
Interpolyelectrolyte complexes based on hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile for anti‐erosion stabilization of soils and ground
Authors: Novoskoltseva Olga A , Loiko Natalia G , Nikolaev Yury A , Lisin Andrey O , Panova Irina G , Yaroslavov Alexander A
Published: August 2021

We describe six aqueous formulations prepared from anionic HYPAN, an acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymer, and cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) for stabilization of loamy sandy soil and quartz sand. The formulations were deposited on the surface of soil and sand that after drying resulted in the formation of protective polymer–soil and polymer–sand coatings. Most formulations gave mechanically stable coatings with a strength of 100–200 kg cm−2 and sustained a storm wind of 76 km h−1. A non‐stoichiometric HYPAN–PDADMAC polycomplex with a 10‐fold excess of anionic HYPAN units formed the water resistant coatings, which retained 99% soil and 90% sand. These characteristics were superior to those for coatings made from a conventional binder polyacrylamide. Additionally, the coating from soil and ‘anionic’ non‐stoichiometric interpolyelectrolyte complex increased the total amount of stored water and lengthened the time of water release. Anionic polymer formulations did not exhibit antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeast in both solutions and films. Cationic polymer formulations manifested strong antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeast in solutions, and suppressed the growth of Gram‐positive bacteria and yeast in films. Taking into account the commercial availability of the initial polymers and a simple procedure for polycomplex preparation, there is great potential for anionic polymer formulations as anti‐erosion binders and soil conditioners. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A novel conjugated porous polymer based on triazine and imide as cathodes for sodium storage
Authors: Dai Huichao , Zou Jincheng , Gao Yanbo , Li Zengyu , Zhang Chenyang , Zhang Guoqun , Wang Xiaobo , Wang Chengliang
Published: August 2021

Organic electrode materials have attracted more and more attention for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) that are regarded as one of the most promising alternatives of lithium‐ion batteries, because they can endure the storage of large sodium ions (with a larger radius than that of lithium ions) without obvious volume change. Herein, we report a novel conjugated porous polymer (TPIP) based on triazine and imide as cathodes material for SIBs. TPIP has abundant redox‐active sites, good thermal stability (400°C) and large specific surface area (306 m2 g−1). As a result, TPIP electrode delivered a specific capacity of 120 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and 85 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1. Ex‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that the TPIP electrodes reversibly stored three sodium ions per unit through the triazine rings and half of the carbonyl groups. These results deepen our understanding of charge storage mechanisms of polymers with triazine and imide units and will provide guidance for the future design of electrode materials for high‐performance SIBs.
Monitored natural attenuation to manage PFAS impacts to groundwater: Potential guidelines
Authors: Newell Charles J. , Adamson David T. , Kulkarni Poonam R. , Nzeribe Blossom N. , Connor John A. , Popovic Jovan , Stroo Hans F.
Published: August 2021

Practical guidelines based on a three‐tiered lines of evidence (LOEs) approach have been developed for evaluating monitored natural attenuation (MNA) at per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)‐impacted groundwater sites using the scientific basis described in a companion paper (Newell et al., 2021). The three‐tiered approach applies direct measurements and indirect measurements, calculations, and more complex field and modeling methods to assess PFAS retention in the subsurface. Data requirements to assess the LOEs for quantifying retention in both the vadose and saturated zones are identified, as are 10 key PFAS MNA questions and 10 tools that can be applied to address them. Finally, a list of potential methods to enhance PFAS MNA is provided for sites where MNA alone may not effectively manage the PFAS plumes. Overall, a practical framework for evaluating PFAS MNA that can result in more efficient, reliable management of some PFAS sites is provided.