bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum expression of Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin, CD44, Human High mobility group B1, Kallikrein 6 proteins in different stages of laryngeal intraepithelial lesions and early glottis cancer
Authors: Żurek Michał , Rzepakowska Anna , Kotuła Iwona , Demkow Urszula , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: April 2022

Background

The study was designed to evaluate the potential validity and utility of selected molecular markers in serum samples from patients with specific stages of laryngeal intraepithelial lesions that could serve as diagnostic tools in differentiation of benign and dysplastic lesions from invasive pathologies.

Methods

Prospective study included 80 consecutive patients with vocal fold lesions treated at the single otorhinolaryngology centre. All participants had surgical resection of the lesion. Blood samples were collected from each patient before the surgery. Final diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological examination and included 39 (48.75%) non-dysplastic lesions, eight (10%) low-grade dysplasia, six (7.5%) high-grade dysplasia and 27 (33.75%) invasive cancers. The ELISA procedures were performed according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Individual serum concentration of selected proteins was reported in ng/ml: Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin Complex (VE-cad), CD44, Human High mobility group protein B1(HMGB1), Kallikrein 6.

Results

The highest mean levels of HMGB1, KLK6 and VE-cad were detected in sera of patients with low-grade dysplasia (81.14, 24.33, 14.17 respectively). Soluble CD44 was the most elevated in patients with non-dysplastic lesions (2.49). The HMGB1, KLK6 and VE-cad serum levels were increasing from non-dysplastic to low-grade dysplasia and followed by the decrease for high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer, however the differences were not significant (p-values 0.897, 0.354, 0.1 respectively). Patients’ serum had the highest CD44 concentration in non-dysplastic and low-grade dysplasia with the following decrease through high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer. GERD symptomatic patients had higher levels of KLK6 and CD44 than other patients (p-value 0.06 and 0.084 respectively). There were no significant differences of biomarkers levels related to patients’ gender (p-value from 0.243 to 1) or smoking status (p-value from 0.22 to 0.706).

Conclusions

VE-cad, HMGB1, CD44 and KLK6 did not prove to be reliable biomarkers implicating malignant potential within vocal fold hypertrophic intraepithelial lesions.
Unconscious priming shares a common resource pool with the manipulation subsystem
Authors: Mao Xuechen , Li Anmin
Published: April 2022

Background

Working memory can be subdivided into two relatively independent subordinate systems, the maintenance subsystem and the manipulation subsystem. Although the two subsystems are quite heterogeneous, research thus far has not adequately distinguished the resource pools of the two subsystems. Additionally, previous research on the relationship between working memory and unconscious priming is paradoxical. Different subsystems leading to different effects on unconscious priming might be the reason for the paradoxical research. Therefore, the current article aimed to distinguish the resource pools among two working-memory subsystems and to investigate the relationship between the two subsystems and unconscious priming.

Methods

To address these issues, a maintenance dual-task and a manipulation dual-task program were developed. Each participant had to separately perform the two dual tasks in a balanced order. In each dual task, participants first completed a masked priming task accompanied by working-memory load. As a control, participants completed a prime identification test to confirm that the processing of the masked prime was at the unconscious level. The maintenance dual task comprised sandwich masking trials accompanied by Sternberg trials, while the manipulation dual task comprised sandwich masking trials accompanied by N-back trials.

Results

The results of the prime identification test indicated that the participants could not consciously perceive the masked prime of both dual tasks. The results of the working-memory task of both dual tasks indicated that the load manipulation was successful for both dual tasks. Most importantly, the results of the masking task of both dual tasks showed that an increase in working-memory load decreased the magnitude of unconscious priming in the manipulation dual task, whereas an increase in working-memory load did not decrease unconscious priming in the maintenance dual task. These observations demonstrate that the manipulation subsystem, rather than the maintenance subsystem, interferes with unconscious priming. Together with previous research, we propose a two-pool attention resource model to explain the modulation of working memory on unconscious priming by dissociating the executive resource pool of the manipulation system from the retention resource pool of the maintenance system. Thus, the current work confirms and extends the extant literature about the dependence of unconscious processing on attention resources by suggesting that unconscious priming shares a common resource pool with the manipulation subsystem.
Research on Data Analysis Literacy of High School Students in China
Authors: Zhou Xun , Yang Zezhong
Published: April 2022

Data analysis is an important mathematical technique for studying random phenomena and a major method for mathematical applications in the era of big data. For students, the stage of high school is a critical period to form and develop their data analysis ability, so scholars have paid a lot of attention to the issue of education about data analysis literacy of high school students. However, there is a lack of systematic organization of the literature. In order to help researchers grasp the current status of research and promote further investigation, this paper summarizes relevant literature in China and analyzes the research results. The following conclusions are drawn from the summary and analysis of previous studies: 1. Previous studies on data analysis literacy of high school students have focused on five main aspects: basic connotation, cognitive status, influencing factors, cultivation strategies and evaluation methods; 2. Among them, cognitive status and cultivation strategies are the hot issues; 3. In terms of research methods, scholars mostly use pencil-and-paper tests, questionnaires or interviews to investigate cognitive status, and analyze the influencing factors and cultivation strategies just with theoretical thinking; 4. In previous studies, there are shortcomings of single research method and lack of empirical practice, while the previous researches on influencing factors are not systematic or comprehensive. The research conclusions on cultivation strategies lack feasibility or validity, and the researches on evaluation methods are relatively scarce. Therefore, scholars can start from the evaluation method to explore a reasonable and feasible evaluation system with high audience. It is necessary for scholars to further improve the research methods on the influencing factors and cultivation strategies in future studies, and to conduct more in-depth and systematic researches on the influencing factors of data analysis literacy from an empirical perspective, in order to find out more comprehensive influencing factors and more operable cultivation strategies.
Administration of High-Risk Medication: A Hospital Based Prospective Study
Authors: Bansal Seema , Chowdary Rajeev , Shrama Prakashchand , V. Tom Dawn
Published: April 2022

Background: High-risk medicines are outlined as those medicines that have a high risk of inflicting pain or death once employed to patients in error. Hence, this work was done to identify key parameters of mishandling observed by the administration on high-risk medication.

Methods: The audit team conjointly assessed compliance with policies and tips associated with the administration of medication. Moreover, key documents including several of the nursing ability checklists were reviewed. The major attributes are taken as ICU, ER, Wards, Pre-Post-Operative & CCU. The measurable elements include documented policies, and procedures for medication administration; close monitoring on records for adverse drug incidents. Analysis revealed that a significant improvement in high-risk medicine accessibility along with the provision of a list of drugs, high-risk medicines were still found at patient bedside in few scenarios. Nurses were found to be highly knowledgeable regarding high-risk medications policies but fall short in executing them at workstations.

Results: Findings suggest that there is a need for revision in policies concerning high-risk medicines placement and storage; and also, they must be separated from the usually used medicines; timely training programs should be conducted for staff and individual attention. Documentation related to high-risk medicines starting from prescription, double authentication, verification, pre-, and post-administration should be improvised. Special attention needs to be paid to reporting medication errors like prescription errors; adverse drug reactions related to high-risk medicine administration.
Disintegration Cries across Nigeria: Symbols of Institutional Defects in Answering the National Question
Authors: Olayimika Wasiu Kewulere
Published: April 2022

The amalgamations of 1906 and 1914 factorized emergence of the geo-political entity called Nigeria. Created from more than two hundred and fifty different ethnic groups, several kingdoms, chiefdoms and loose territories unanimously wear the gown of a nation. National question, however, has been a major issue in the Nigerian context. Since independence till present epoch, the nation has always had contending issues on ethnic, religious and political party representations and shares, thus, revisiting the national question. Allowing Lord Fredrick Lugard rest in peace, this paper looks beyond the problem of the forced unification of different groups into a nation. It x-rays the state mechanisms towards resolving the national question by mitigating the factors for disintegration cries. It discovers that the limitations of governance in Nigeria are the causes of re-occurring challenges of nationhood. The paper proffers ‘answers’ to national question and concludes that upholding one Nigeria, ruled with good governance mechanisms is the best option, while mutually agreed and peaceful secession is better than disintegration laced with warfare. The study adopts historical method. It presents its secondary sources with the use of analytical approach.
Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur in the Production of the Mustard Crop [Brassica juncea (L.)]
Authors: Kumar Sharma Ashish , Samuchia Divyangi , Sharma P.K. , Lal Mandeewal Rameshwr , Kumar Nitharwal Praveen , Meena Meenakshi
Published: April 2022

Crop production largely depends on need based application of nutrients and for maximizing the yield of mustard, it is essential that mustard should not suffer due to inadequate supply of mineral nutrition. In this regard, a field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur during Rabi season of 2018-19, to study the effect of nitrogen and sulphur on yield and economics of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)]. The experiment was laid out according to randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisting of nine treatment combinations viz., 125% RDN + Sulphur 10 kg ha-1 (T1), 125% RDN + Sulphur 20 kg ha-1 (T2), 125% RDN + Sulphur 30 kg ha-1 (T3), 100% RDN + Sulphur 10 kg ha-1 (T4), 100% RDN + Sulphur 20 kg ha-1 (T5), 100% RDN + Sulphur 20 kg ha-1 (T5) 100% RDN + Sulphur 30 kg ha-1 (T6), 75% RDN + Sulphur 10 kg ha-1 (T7), 75% RDN + Sulphur 20 kg ha-1 (T8) and 75% RDN + Sulphur 30 kg ha-1 (T9) were applied to the mustard var. Laxmi (RH-8812). Results showed that the yield attributes (number of siliquae plant-1 and number of seeds silique-1), yield (seed, stover and biological yield) and economics (net returns and B: C ratio) of mustard was significantly increased due to different nitrogen and sulphur treatments. The maximum number of siliquae plant-1, number of seeds silique-1, seed yield, stover yield and biological yield of mustard was obtained with the application of 125% recommended dose of nitrogen + 30 kg sulphur ha-1 (T3). Similarly, the same treatment also produced maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio of mustard. So, this treatment was recommended for obtaining maximum yield with increased monetary returns.
Multi-objective Optimization Model for C-UAS Sensor Placement in Air Base
Authors: Shin Minchul , Choi Seonjoo , Park Jongho , Oh Sangyoon , Jeong Chanki
Published: April 2022

Recently, there are an increased the number of reports on the misuse or malicious use of an UAS. Thus, many researchers are studying on defense schemes for UAS by developing or improving C-UAS sensor technology. However, the wrong placement of sensors may lead to a defense failure since the proper placement of sensors is critical for UAS defense. In this study, a multi-object optimization model for C-UAS sensor placement in an air base is proposed. To address the issue, we define two objective functions: the intersection ratio of interested area and the minimum detection range and try to find the optimized placement of sensors that maximizes the two functions. C-UAS placement model is designed using a NSGA-II algorithm, and through experiments and analyses the possibility of its optimization is verified.
Process for Identifying QoS Requirements in the Multi-Domain Operations Environment
Authors: Park Dongsuk , Cho Bongik , Park Taehyung , Lim Jaesung
Published: April 2022

A network QoS model for the joint integrated C4I structure[1] was proposed for the integration of network infrastructure and network operations(NetOps) for NCOE. Detailed QoS requirements process of the joint integrated C4I systems are needs in the Multi-Domain Operation Environment(MDOE). A process is proposed for identifying QoS requirements and establishing in the MDOE using JMT(Joint Mission Thread) reference architecture and solution architecture. Mission analysis identify JCOAs(Joint Critical Operational Activities) and related activities based on JMT & System architecture's OVs, and Information analysis identify QoS attributes using System architecture's SVs. Identifying QoS attributes will be registered at PPS Registry by pre-regulated process, and will be set-up by NetOps. MDOE QoS requirement Process will support efficiently MUM-T and smart defense platform users under the future uncertain battlefield circumstances.
Health Care Utilization in Systemic Sclerosis Patients With Digital Ulcers
Authors: Nevskaya Tatiana , Calderon Leonardo M. , Baron Murray , Pope Janet E. ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: April 2022

Objective

Digital ulcers (DUs) occur in half of the patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and require health care interventions for treatment and monitoring for complications. Our objective was to assess the impact of DUs on resource utilization, including hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and procedures within a large SSc Canadian registry in a matched cohort study.

Methods

A total of 1,698 SSc patients who completed 1 or more 84‐item Resource Utilization Questionnaire (RUQ) for a 12‐month recall period between September 2005 and February 2020 were included (9,077 questionnaires). Organ involvement was assessed by the Disease Severity Scale (DSS) on the Medsger scale. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses compared the association between DUs and resource utilization.

Results

RUQs in 104 SSc patients with active DUs at 2 consecutive annual visits were compared with 104 patients without DUs matched 1:1 for age, sex, disease subtype, and duration. Over 1 year, DUs were associated with a higher number of tests (P ˂ 0.05) and visits to health professionals, especially to a rheumatologist (P ˂ 0.0001) and internist (P = 0.003), a greater need for an accompanying person (P ˂ 0.05), and aids purchased/received (P ˂ 0.05). Having DUs was associated with more severe disease, even after excluding the peripheral vascular domain from a total DSS score (9.7 ± 4.5 versus 5.6 ± 2.7, P ˂ 0.0001). After adjustment for disease severity in other organs, the presence of DUs remained a significant predictor of more frequent physician visits and more tests (P for all ˂ 0.05) by linear regression analysis.

Conclusion

SSc patients with DUs used significantly more health care resources per year even after adjustment for disease severity in other organ systems.
Sampled‐data adaptive nonlinear control of shunt power filters
Authors: Abouelmahjoub Younes , Giri Fouad , Abouloifa Abdelmajid , Chaoui Fatima‐Zahra , Kissaoui Mohammed , Lajouad Rachid
Published: April 2022

This study is on the control of shunt power filters associated with nonlinear loads. Specifically, The focus is made on single‐phase half‐bridge filters and the aim is to design a controller meeting two requirements: (1) the effect of current harmonics and reactive power is compensated for so that a power factor close to unity is achieved at the point of common coupling (PCC); (2) the inverter DC bus voltage is satisfactorily regulated. To meet these requirements, we propose a (two‐loop) cascade adaptive controller that is designed on the basis of the system nonlinear model, using Lyapunov stability tools. Compared to existing controllers, the present controller has three major features. It is adaptive compensating for parameter uncertainty. It is output feedback in the sense that it involves an observer estimating online the inaccessible signals. It is sampled‐data and so is immediately implementable using digital means. In addition to theoretical analysis, the performances of the proposed controller are evaluated by simulation using MATLAB/Simulink.
Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conduction, a Multifunctional Property in Organic Conductors
Authors: Tan Siew Ting Melissa , Gumyusenge Aristide , Quill Tyler James , LeCroy Garrett Swain , Bonacchini Giorgio Ernesto , Denti Ilaria , Salleo Alberto
Published: April 2022

Organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs) have gained recent interest and rapid development due to their versatility in diverse applications ranging from sensing, actuation and computation to energy harvesting/storage, and information transfer. Their multifunctional properties arise from their ability to simultaneously participate in redox reactions as well as modulation of ionic and electronic charge density throughout the bulk of the material. Most importantly, the ability to access charge states with deep modulation through a large extent of its density of states and physical volume of the material enables OMIEC‐based devices to display exciting new characteristics and opens up new degrees of freedom in device design. Leveraging the infinite possibilities of the organic synthetic toolbox, this perspective highlights several chemical and structural design approaches to modify OMIECs’ properties important in device applications such as electronic and ionic conductivity, color, modulus, etc. Additionally, the ability for OMIECs to respond to external stimuli and transduce signals to myriad types of outputs has accelerated their development in smart systems. This perspective further illustrates how various stimuli such as electrical, chemical, and optical inputs fundamentally change OMIECs’ properties dynamically and how these changes can be utilized in device applications.
Strain Modulation for Light‐Stable n–i–p Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Lina , Song Qizhen , Pei Fengtao , Chen Yihua , Dou Jie , Wang Hao , Shi Congbo , Zhang Xiao , Fan Rundong , Zhou Wentao , Qiu Zhiwen , Kang Jiaqian , Wang Xueyun , Lambertz Andreas , Sun Mengru , Niu Xiuxiu , Ma Yue , Zhu Cheng , Zhou Huanping , Hong Jiawang , Bai Yang , Duan Weiyuan , Ding Kaining , Chen Qi
Published: April 2022

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are promising to penetrate photovoltaic market. However, the wide‐bandgap perovskite absorbers used in top‐cell often suffer severe phase segregation under illumination, which restricts the operation lifetime of tandem solar cells. Here, a strain modulation strategy to fabricate light‐stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is reported. By employing adenosine triphosphate, the residual tensile strain in the wide‐bandgap perovskite absorber is successfully converted to compressive strain, which mitigates light‐induced ion migration and phase segregation. Based on the wide‐bandgap perovskite with compressive strain, single‐junction solar cells with the n–i–p layout yield a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.53% with the smallest voltage deficits of 440 mV. These cells also maintain 83.60% of initial PCE after 2500 h operation at the maximum power point. Finally, these top cells are integrated with silicon bottom cells in a monolithic tandem device, which achieves a PCE of 26.95% and improved light stability at open‐circuit.
Engineered Exosomes with Independent Module/Cascading Function for Therapy of Parkinson's Disease by Multistep Targeting and Multistage Intervention Method
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Ting , Yang Junying , Zhao Zinan , Tan Kaiyuan , Tang Shuwan , Wan Mimi , Mao Chun
Published: April 2022

Current exosome engineering methods usually lead to the damage of exosome morphology and membrane, which cannot meet the complex needs of disease treatment. Herein, the concept of an “independent module/cascading function” is proposed to construct an engineered exosome nanotherapy platform including an independent artificial module and a natural module. The artificial module with movement/chemotaxis function is first synthesized, and then it is controllably combined with the natural exosome module with “one by one” mode through a “differentiated” modification method. The whole process can not only maintain the activity of the natural exosome module, but also endows it with motion ability, so as to realize the purpose of “cascading function” in the process of disease treatment. The above engineered exosomes are used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Moreover, the multistep targeting strategy of “disease microenvironment‐damaged cells‐diseased mitochondria” and the multistage intervention concept of “inhibiting deterioration and promoting repair” are proposed, so as to break through the bottleneck of the existing treatment of PD.
In Situ Three‐Dimensional Observation of Perovskite Crystallization Revealed by Two‐Photon Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Yang Wenkai , Liu Lige , Dong Dashan , Gao Yunan , Yang Hong , Gong Qihuang , Shi Kebin
Published: April 2022

Understanding in situ crystallization of perovskite materials is fundamentally important for perovskite‐based materials, components, and devices. Here, in situ crystallization of perovskites in three dimensions is investigated using two‐photon excitation fluorescence microscopy with diffraction‐limited spatial resolution. By taking a perovskite precursor droplet as an example, the spatiotemporal kinetics of nanocrystal formation during crystallization is demonstrated, taking advantage of the perovskites’ unique advantage of in situ synthesis from solutions. Based on the time‐lapsed 3D two‐photon excitation fluorescence imaging, the in situ formation of the “crystal crust” is observed and the results suggest a centripetal direction of the crystallization starting from the free surface of the droplet. Analysis based on fluorescence intensity further confirms the evaporation kinetics in a sessile precursor droplet. The reported results demonstrate a promising framework for utilizing two‐photon excitation fluorescence microscopy as a powerful tool to study the in situ crystallization of perovskite materials as well as more general fluorescence‐related chemical reactions in three dimensions.
Highly Luminescent Copper(I) Halide Phosphors Encapsulated in Fumed Silica for Anti‐Counterfeiting and Color‐Converting Applications
Authors: Chen Maosheng , Ye Chenyu , Dai Chengqin , Qi Ruijuan , Fu Hanmei , Luo Chunhua , Peng Hui , Lin Hechun
Published: April 2022

Luminescent Cu(I) hybrid materials are currently receiving increasing attention due to their rich photophysical properties with promising phosphors applications. However, the complex synthesis processes usually involving chemotoxic organic solutions largely hinder their practical applications. Herein, the authors introduce the highly luminescent copper(I) halide phosphors encapsulated in fumed silica synthesized via aqueous mechanochemical process. By using different precursors, they obtain blue, green, and orange emission copper(I) halide phosphors with high photoluminescence quantum yields. The green emission is owing to the formation of the well‐known 0D (18‐crown‐6)2Na2(H2O)3Cu4I6 (CNCI), while the blue and orange emissions are ascribed to the formation of the novel 1D (18‐crown‐6)2Na2(H2O)3Cu2Cl4 (CNCCl) and 0D (18‐crown‐6)2Na2(H2O)3Cu4Br6 (CNCBr) crystal structures, respectively. It is demonstrated that waterborne luminescent inks can be directly prepared from those phosphors via blending them with various waterborne polymers. The combination of three primary colors can lead to various spectra with multiple anti‐counterfeiting functions. Further, such phosphors can also be embedded into polystyrene resin to form homogeneous luminescent composites, which can be used to prepare free‐standing luminescent films and fabricate light‐emitting diode (LED) with tunable emissions. This strategy opens a new avenue for the development of low‐cost, highly luminescent phosphors.
Hierarchy‐Assembled Dual Probiotics System Ameliorates Cholestatic Drug‐Induced Liver Injury via Gut‐Liver Axis Modulation
Authors: Chen Qi‐Wen , Li Qian‐Ru , Cao Meng‐Wei , Yan Jian‐Hua , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: April 2022

Cholestatic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) induced by drugs or other xenobiotics is a severe and even fatal clinical syndrome. Here, living materials of hierarchy‐assembled dual probiotics system are fabricated by sequentially encapsulating probiotic Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LDB) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) into Ca2+‐complexed polymer microspheres for effective prevention of cholestatic DILI. Upon entering intestinal tract of the constructed living materials, LGG is released because of pH‐triggered dissolution of outer enteric polymer coating. The released LGG can inhibit hepatic bile acids (BAs) synthesis by activating intestinal farnesoid X receptor‐fibroblast growth factor 15（FGF‐15) signaling pathway. BAs excretion is also facilitated by LGG through increasing the abundance of bile salt hydrolase (BSH)‐active gut commensal bacteria. Furthermore, exposed positively‐charged chitosan shell can absorb the excessive BAs via electrostatic interaction, which leads to steady BAs fixation by the imprisoned LDB, decreasing the total BAs amounts in enterohepatic circulation. Together, the fabricated living materials, obtained here, can effectively prevent cholestatic DILI through dredging cholestasis via gut‐liver axis modulation. The therapeutic effect is demonstrated in α‐naphthylisothiocyanate and clinical antiepileptic drug valproate acid‐induced cholestatic DILI mouse models, which reveal the great potential for effective cholestatic DILI management.
Stringent immigration enforcement and the farm sector: Evidence from E‐Verify adoption across states
Authors: Luo Tianyuan , Kostandini Genti , Jordan Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2022

This study examines the impact of E‐Verify adoption on the total number of farm workers, total acres of operated farmland, and farm wages. This article finds that states with a high E‐Verify enforcement level experiences a decrease in the total number of farm workers and the total acres of operated farmland, suggesting that farms reduced their production scales after E‐Verify. However, this study finds no E‐Verify impact on farm weekly wages. This result could be a result of crop mix shift. States that adopt more stringent immigration policies should prepare the farm sector for a variety of negative shocks.
Evidence of floral rewards inBrasiliorchissupports the convergent evolution of food‐hairs in Maxillariinae
Authors: Pansarin Emerson R. , Pedro Silvia R. M. , Davies Kevin L. , Stpiczyńska Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

Premise

Angiosperms distributed over a large geographical area may display considerable phenotypic variation that can be recognized at morphological and micromorphological levels. Here, we investigate the pollination biology and the presence of floral rewards in Brazilian populations of the widely distributed orchid,Brasiliorchis picta. Based on the new data presented here this study investigates the evolution of floral rewards in Maxillariinae, and tests for the occurrence of convergent evolution of food‐hairs in this subtribe.

Methods

Micromorphological and histochemical analyses of the labellar tissues were conducted, together with chemical analysis of fragrance and experiments involving the use of chemical baits. The evolution of floral rewards in Maxillariinae were addressed.

Results

Microscopy revealed thatB. pictaoffers food‐hairs as a reward. Fragrance is produced by abaxially located labellar epidermal papillae. The main compound present in our samples (2‐phenylethanol) also occurs in the aggregation pheromone produced by the mandible glands of pollinators, Meliponini bees. Our analyses indicate a high diversity of flower rewards and pollinators displayed by members of Maxillariinae, and support that edible trichomes evolved independently five times in the subtribe.

Conclusions

The high diversity of floral rewards and pollinators displayed by members of Maxillariinae suggests that different pollinator pressures are involved in the evolution of this neotropical subtribe. In addition, the offering of food‐hairs, which are generally infrequently encountered in Orchidaceae, arose by convergent evolution in Maxillariinae.
A novel cupulate seed plant, Xadzigacalix quatsinoensis gen. et sp. nov., provides new insight into the Mesozoic radiation of gymnosperms
Authors: Klymiuk Ashley A. , Rothwell Gar W. , Stockey Ruth A.
Published: April 2022

Premise

Anatomically preserved evidence for a novel clade of gymnosperms emphasizes diversity of seed plants immediately prior to the appearance of angiosperm fossils in the paleontological record.

Methods

Cupulate seeds from the Early Cretaceous Apple Bay locality (Vancouver Island) are described from serial cellulose acetate peels and three‐dimensional reconstruction. Phylogenetic context is assessed through the comparative analysis of gymnosperm seed producing fructifications and maximum parsimony analysis of a revised morphological data set for seed plant phylogeny.

Results

Xadzigacalix quatsinoensis gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by an orthotropous ovule with an elongated micropyle and complex integument, enclosed within a radial cupule. The micropylar canal is elongated; and the nucellus extends into the micropyle to seal the post pollination ovule. Except at the apex of the micropyle, the seed is completely enclosed by a parenchymatous cupule with ca. 20 axially elongated secretory ducts. The cupulate seed is produced upon a triangular woody stele, consisting of a parenchymatous pith surrounded by radially aligned tracheids. The stele produces three short terete traces that terminate within the base of the cupule as transfusion tissue at the seed chalaza.

Conclusions

Organography, vascularization, nature of the integument and nucellus, and configuration of the micropylar canal distinguish Xadzigacalix quatsinoensis from all other gymnosperm clades. Cladistic analyses suggest the new plant may have affinities with gnetophytes or angiosperms. These results are complemented with a critical re‐evaluation of ovulate structures for Mesozoic gymnosperms, providing new insight into plant diversity immediately antecedent to the explosive diversification of flowering plants.
Treatment With Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors Is Associated With a Time‐Shifted Retardation of Radiographic Sacroiliitis Progression in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: 10‐Year Results From the German Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort
Authors: Torgutalp Murat , Rios Rodriguez Valeria , Proft Fabian , Protopopov Mikhail , Verba Maryna , Rademacher Judith , Haibel Hildrun , Sieper Joachim , Rudwaleit Martin , Poddubnyy Denis
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the longitudinal association between radiographic sacroiliitis progression and treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) in a long‐term inception cohort.

Methods

We included patients from the German Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort who underwent radiographic assessment of the sacroiliac joints at baseline and at least once more during the 10‐year follow‐up. Two central readers scored the radiographs according to the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis. The sacroiliac sum score was calculated as a mean of the scores determined by both readers. TNFi use was assessed according to exposure in the current and/or previous 2‐year radiographic interval. The association between TNFi use and radiographic sacroiliitis progression was examined by longitudinal generalized estimating equation analysis with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

In this long‐term inception cohort, 10‐year follow‐up data on 737 radiographic intervals assessed in 301 patients with axial SpA (166 patients with nonradiographic axial SpA and 135 patients with radiographic axial SpA) were obtained. Having received ≥12 months of treatment with TNFi in the previous 2‐year radiographic interval was associated with a significant decrease in the sacroiliitis sum score (β = –0.09 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –0.18, –0.003]; analyses adjusted for age, sex, symptom duration, HLA–B27 status, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score, C‐reactive protein, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug intake). In contrast, among patients receiving TNFi in the current radiographic interval, there was no significant association with change in the sacroiliitis sum score (β = 0.05 [95% CI –0.05, 0.14]). This effect of having received ≥12 months of treatment with TNFi in the previous 2‐year radiographic interval was stronger in patients with nonradiographic axial SpA as compared to patients with radiographic axial SpA (β = –0.16 [95% CI –0.28, –0.03] versus β = –0.04 [95% CI –0.15, 0.07]).

Conclusion

Treatment with TNFi was associated with the reduction in radiographic sacroiliitis progression in patients with axial SpA. This effect became evident between 2 and 4 years after treatment was initiated.
Progressive Increase in Sacroiliac Joint and Spinal Lesions Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Healthy Individuals in Relation to Age
Authors: Renson Thomas , de Hooge Manouk , De Craemer Ann‐Sophie , Deroo Liselotte , Lukasik Zuzanna , Carron Philippe , Herregods Nele , Jans Lennart , Colman Roos , Van den Bosch Filip , Elewaut Dirk
Published: April 2022

Objective

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in spondyloarthritis (SpA) diagnosis. However, a detailed description of MRI findings of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and spine in healthy individuals is currently lacking. This study was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of MRI‐detected SI joint and spinal lesions in healthy individuals in relation to age.

Methods

Ninety‐five healthy subjects (ages 20–49 years) underwent MRI of the SI joints and spine. Bone marrow edema (BME) and structural lesions of the SI joints were scored using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) method. Spinal inflammatory and structural lesions were evaluated using the SPARCC MRI spine inflammation index and the Canada‐Denmark MRI scoring system, respectively. Fulfillment of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society definition of a positive MRI for sacroiliitis/spondylitis was reviewed. Findings were compared to MRIs of axial SpA patients from the Belgian Inflammatory Arthritis and Spondylitis cohort.

Results

Of the subjects ≥30 years old, 17.2% fulfilled the definition of a positive MRI for sacroiliitis, but this occurred rarely in younger subjects. SI joint erosions (20.0%) and fat metaplasia (13.7%) were detected across all age groups. Erosions were more frequently visualized in subjects ages ≥40 years (39.3%). Spinal BME (35.7%) and fat metaplasia (28.6%) were common in subjects older than 40 years. Nonetheless, only 1 subject had ≥3 corner inflammatory lesions. SI joint and spinal SPARCC scores and total structural lesions scores increased progressively with age.

Conclusion

Contrary to what is commonly believed, structural MRI‐detected SI joint lesions are frequently seen in healthy individuals. Especially in older subjects, the high occurrence of inflammatory and structural MRI‐detected lesions impacts their specificity for SpA, which has important implications for the interpretation of MRIs in patients with a clinical suspicion of SpA.
Surface and Interface Engineering Strategies for MoS2 Towards Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Ding Yi Ming , Li Nian Wu , Yuan Shuai , Yu Le
Published: April 2022

Water splitting driven by renewable energy sources is an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to produce hydrogen as an ideal energy source in the future. Electrocatalysts can promote the water splitting performance at the both ends. Therefore, the design of cost‐effective, high‐performance electrocatalysis is a key factor in promoting water decomposition and renewable energy conversion. Among candidates, layered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is considered as a most promising electrocatalyst to replace Pt for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Surface atomic engineering and interface engineering can induce new physicochemical properties for MoS2 to greatly enhance HER activity. In this report, we summarize the latest improvement strategies and research progress to improve the catalytic activity of MoS2‐based material catalysts through the surface and interface atomic and molecular engineering, thus effectively improving HER process. In addition, some unsolved problems in the large‐scale application of modified MoS2 catalyst are also discussed.
Biopharmaceutical applications of α‐galactosidases
Authors: Anisha Grace Sathyanesan
Published: April 2022

α‐Galactosidases are exoglycosidases that are active on galactose‐containing side chains in oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, glycolipids, and glycoproteins. α‐Galactosidases are gaining increased interest in human medicine, especially in the enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry's disease. α‐Galactosidases with regioselectivity toward α‐1,3‐linked galactose find application in xenotransplantation and blood group transformation. The use of α‐galactosidases as a therapeutic agent in alleviating the postprandial symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is much acclaimed. The excellent therapeutic applications of α‐galactosidases have led to an upwelling of worldwide research interventions to identify novel α‐galactosidases with improved catalytic efficiency. In addition to these therapeutic applications, α‐galactosidases also have interesting applications in the industrial sectors like food, feed, probiotics, sugar, and paper pulp. The current review focuses on the diverse therapeutic applications of α‐galactosidases and their prospects.
Optical analysis of RE3+ (RE = Nd or Er):B2O3–P2O5–CaF2–ZnO–(Li2O/Na2O/K2O) glasses
Authors: Moulika Guduru , Sailaja Sannapureddy , Santhosh Vijitha Jillela , Bayapu Reddy Putluru , Shanthi Latha Kondala , Venkata Chalapathi Gasthi , Sudhakar Reddy Busireddy
Published: April 2022

Calcium boro fluoro zinc phosphate glasses modified using alkali oxide and doped with Nd3+ and Er3+ ions with the chemical composition of 69.5 (B2O3) + 10 (P2O5) + 10 (CaF2) + 5 (ZnO) + 5 (Na2O/Li2O/K2O) + 0.5 (Er2O3/Nd2O3) were prepared using a conventional melt quenching technique. The results of X‐ray diffraction patterns indicated the amorphous nature of all the prepared glasses. The visible–near‐infrared red (NIR) absorption spectra of these glasses were analyzed systematically. The NIR emission spectra of Er3+ and Nd3+:calcium boro fluoro zinc phosphate glasses showed prominent emission bands at 1536 nm (4I13/2→4I15/2) and 1069 nm (4F3/2→4I11/2) respectively with λexci = 514.5 nm (Ar+ laser) as the excitation source.
Progression‐free survival at 3 years is a reliable surrogate for 5‐year overall survival for patients suffering from locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yu‐Xian , Zheng Yu‐Zhen , Gao Tian‐Tian , Liu Shi‐Liang , Xi Mian , Liu Meng‐Zhong , Wang Jun‐Ye , Qi Shu‐Nan , Yang Yong , Zhao Lei
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite 3‐year survival being used as a primary endpoint in some randomized controlled trials (RCTs), limited evidence supports the use of intermediate endpoints to evaluate the effect of new therapies in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). This study aimed to systematically evaluate progression‐free survival at 3 years (3‐year PFS) and overall survival (OS) among patients with ESCC.

Methods

We identified 528 patients newly diagnosed with locally advanced ESCC who received definitive radiotherapy. OS was compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched general Chinese population using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Regression analysis was used to validate the correlation between PFS and OS using published data.

Results

The annual risk of progression decreased to 11.5% after 3 years. Patients who did not achieve 3‐year PFS had a median postprogression survival (PPS) of 7.3 months, with a 5‐year OS rate of 9.6% and a SMR of 15.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.9–17.5). Conversely, the SMR for patients who achieved 3‐year PFS was 0.9 (95% CI, 0.6–1.3). We observed a significant correlation between log hazard ratio (HR) (PFS) and log HR (OS) at the trial level (r = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.88–0.90). The strongest correlation was observed between 3‐year PFS and 5‐year OS in RCTs and retrospective studies.

Conclusions

Patients exhibiting progression within 3 years experienced poor survival, whereas patients achieving 3‐year PFS had excellent outcomes. Our study supports 3‐year PFS as a reliable primary endpoint for study design and risk stratification in locally advanced ESCC.
Analysis of subgingival microbiota in monozygotic twins with different severity and progression risk of periodontitis
Authors: Yamamoto Tadashi , Taniguchi Makoto , Matsunaga Kazuyuki , Kawata Yusuke , Kawamura Mari , Okubo Keisuke , Yamashiro Keisuke , Omori Kazuhiro , Takashiba Shogo
Published: April 2022

The study aims to reveal the composition of subgingival bacteria in monozygotic twins with discordant in severity and progression risk of periodontitis. Microbiome analysis indicated that most bacteria were heritable but differed in their abundance and immune response. The dysbiotic bacteria can be considered as risk markers for periodontitis progression.
Rectus sheath hematoma in COVID‐19 patient: The importance of abdominal pain in the course of COVID‐19
Authors: Javidi Ali , Niazkar Hamid Reza , Jalili Jelveh , Homapour Farhad
Published: April 2022

We report herein a case of a 58‐year‐old woman with COVID‐19. During the hospitalization, the patient complained of acute abdominal pain, and abdominal CT revealed the rectus sheath hematoma (RSH). Since corticosteroids and anti‐coagulation are commonly administered in COVID‐19 patients, physicians should consider RSH as a possible diagnosis for acute abdominal pain.
Visible‐Light Driven C‐P Bond Formation with Recyclable Carbon Nitride Photocatalyst
Authors: Liu Yang , Guo Wusheng
Published: April 2022

The development of metal‐free chemical process with recyclable heterogeneous catalyst under ambient conditions is highly desired in industrial production, especially for pharmaceutical purpose. We herein reported the efficient synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant organophosphorus(V) compounds through the coupling of readily available starting materials in the presence of insoluble carbon nitride (g‐CN) as recyclable photocatalyst. These reactions showed wide functional group tolerance and were performed at room temperatures under visible‐light irradiation. The heterogeneous g‐CN photocatalyst could be easily separated from the crude reaction mixture and reused for several cycles without decreasing the reaction efficiency, thus implying the great potential of use in industrial manufacture for larger‐scale synthesis.
Distribution of prototypical primary cilia markers in subtypes of retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Kowal Tia J. , Dhande Onkar S. , Wang Biao , Wang Qing , Ning Ke , Liu Wendy , Berbari Nicolas F. , Hu Yang , Sun Yang
Published: April 2022

Loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) underlies several forms of retinal disease including glaucomatous optic neuropathy, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Several rare genetic disorders associated with cilia dysfunction have retinal degeneration as a clinical hallmark. Much of the focus of ciliopathy associated blindness is on the connecting cilium of photoreceptors; however, RGCs also possess primary cilia. It is unclear what roles RGC cilia play, what proteins and signaling machinery localize to RGC cilia, or how RGC cilia are differentiated across the subtypes of RGCs. To better understand these questions, we assessed the presence or absence of a prototypical cilia marker Arl13b and a widely distributed neuronal cilia marker AC3 in different subtypes of mouse RGCs. Interestingly, not all RGC subtype cilia are the same and there are significant differences even among these standard cilia markers. Alpha‐RGCs positive for osteopontin, calretinin, and SMI32 primarily possess AC3‐positive cilia. Directionally selective RGCs that are CART positive or Trhr positive localize either Arl13b or AC3, respectively, in cilia. Intrinsically photosensitive RGCs differentially localize Arl13b and AC3 based on melanopsin expression. Taken together, we characterized the localization of gold standard cilia markers in different subtypes of RGCs and conclude that cilia within RGC subtypes may be differentially organized. Future studies aimed at understanding RGC cilia function will require a fundamental ability to observe the cilia across subtypes as their signaling protein composition is elucidated. A comprehensive understanding of RGC cilia may reveal opportunities to understanding how their dysfunction leads to retinal degeneration.
Facile Purification and Concentration of DNA Origami Structures by Ethanol Precipitation
Authors: Lei Yunxiang , Mei Zhichao , Chen Yuanfang , Deng Ning , Li Yulin
Published: April 2022

As a powerful self‐assembly strategy, DNA origami technique has found numerous applications in various areas. Many of the applications require pure and dense DNA origami solutions, therefore, the post‐assembly treatment of purification and concentration is essentially required. Herein, we reported a fast and facile approach for simultaneously purifying and concentrating DNA origami objects through ethanol precipitation. The triangular and rectangular DNA origami nanostructures have been successfully purified and concentrated using our approach. Our work provides a simple yet efficient way for preparing concentrated and purified DNA origami, which is expected to be applicable to the scalable production of pure and dense DNA origami solutions.