bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of Astaxanthin on Experimentally Induced Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Andijani Yusra Saleh , Alkreathy Huda Mohammed , Esmat Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Aim: To identify the potential renal protective effect produced by astaxanthin on streptozotocin-produced diabetic kidney disease in rats.

Study Design: Male Wistar rats (n=60) were separated into six groups, control, diabetic (streptozotocin 45 mg/kg single intraperitoneal injection), diabetic + ramipril (1 mg/kg oral gavage), diabetic + astaxanthin (10mg/kg oral gavage), diabetic + astaxanthin (50 mg/kg oral gavage), and astaxanthin-alone (50 mg/kg oral gavage) group.

Place and Duration of Treatment: Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Duration of treatment was eight weeks.

Methodology: Fasting blood glucose, and symptoms of diabetes were evaluated weekly. Kidneys were evaluated by measuring serum creatinine level, kidney index, and hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results: Eight-week astaxanthin treatment (50 mg/kg) in streptozotocin-produced diabetic kidney disease in rats significantly alleviated the diabetic symptoms (p = 0.05), and the decrease in body weight (P = .05) compared to nontreated diabetic rats. Nonetheless, the same dose produced a nonsignificant decline in fasting blood glucose level contrasted to diabetic rats (P = .45). Kidney index and serum creatinine of diabetic rats were significantly attenuated by both 10 and 50 mg/kg astaxanthin doses (P = .05). Additionally, renal architecture was preserved by high-dose astaxanthin treatment compared to nontreated diabetic rats.

Conclusion: Astaxanthin could protect against kidney damage associated with diabetes. Nevertheless, the impact of astaxanthin on biological markers of kidney damage in diabetes and the molecular pathways implicated in diabetic kidney disease requires additional investigation.
Pharmaco Economics Analysis of COVID-19 Vaccines in Ukraine
Authors: Volodymyrovych Tsekhmister Yaroslav , Ivanovich Stepanenko Viktor , Tetiana Konovalova , Yaroslavovych Tsekhmister Bogdan
Published: June 2021

Aims: To evaluate pharmacoeconomics for the vaccination of COVID-19 vaccine and analyze the cost-effectiveness for the vaccine in Ukraine.

Study design:  we have analyzed using models for the economics of coronavirus vaccine.

Place and duration of study: Sample: population of Ukraine, data used from the official website of Ministry of Health, Ukraine. April - May 2021

Methodology: We have used the transmission model to analyze the vaccine strategy. Data were collected from official sources. We structured an age group model for evaluating high transmitters. Four strategies were organized and analyzed for analyzing the cost-effective strategy vaccination for everyone, no vaccination, and vaccination for old age only, high transmitters’ vaccination.

Results: we have analyzed country specific cost-effective strategy for Ukraine depends upon the pandemic and economics of the country. Vaccinating older people was found to be the economically effective for Ukraine. In these study influences of discount rate analysis on QALY in Ukraine was done. When we vaccinate, high transmitters’ ratio was found to be 8.8% higher than for the elderly. This analysis suggests that vaccinating first the elderly group would not be so cost-effective. While doubling the cost for the vaccine, if the vaccine is available early with the scenario of pre-existing immunity has shifted cost-effectiveness for high transmitters than for the elderly in Ukraine

Conclusion: we conclude from our pharmacoeconomic research study that cost effective analysis depends on pandemic and vaccinating elderly would be effective economically.
Primary Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Proximal Humerus with Pathological Fracture- Case Report
Authors: Shah Malkesh D. , Naik Ajinkya Arun , Reddy Sai Sabharish , Desai Sarvang M.
Published: June 2021

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a tumor of late adulthood that occurs in men more commonly than women. Proximal humerus involvement in PMFH is comparatively rare. A 45 year old female presented with complain of pain and mild swelling over the left shoulder with restricted range of movement since 15 days. Radiography of the affected part was suggestive of an osteolytic eccentric lesion with a pathological fracture. A trucut needle biopsy showed minimal tumour tissue with abundant necrosis and showed giant cells with pleomorphic mononuclear cells. So intralesional curettage followed by osteosynthesis with PHILLOS plating and bone cementing was done. Intra operative specimen sent for histopathological examination showed presence of fibroblast cells arranged in storiform pattern s/o MFH along with occasional multinucleated giant cells. Postoperatively patient was started with adjuvant chemotherapy. Patient had good results functionally and clinically with no signs of recurrence till follow up of 1.5 years.
Reproductive allocation of Solidago canadensis L. plays a key role in its invasiveness across a gradient of invasion degrees
Authors: Cheng Huiyuan , Wang Shu , Wei Mei , Wu Bingde , Du Daolin , Wang Congyan
Published: June 2021

Reproductive allocation (RA) plays a vital role in the development of ecological strategies during the life cycle of plant species. Invasive alien plants (IAP) may exist at various invasion degrees across a gradient of the colonization process with several grades of relative abundances in the occupied environments. The progressive variation in the invasion degree of IAP has the potential to modify their RA strategy. This study purposes of estimating the RA strategy of the IAP Solidago canadensis L. and the correlations among RA of S. canadensis, the invasion intensity of S. canadensis, the invasiveness of S. canadensis, and the community invasibility across a gradient of invasion degrees by using the field sampling experiment. The height and relative abundance of S. canadensis did not remarkably affect its RA. The RA of S. canadensis was positively related to its reproductive biomass and total biomass. The key reason may be that plant individuals with higher total biomass can allocate more resources into sexual reproduction. The RA of S. canadensis was positively related to its invasiveness. Thus, the RA of S. canadensis may be crucial to its invasiveness.
Wind farm flow control oriented to electricity markets and grid integration: Initial perspective analysis
Authors: Eguinoa Irene , Göçmen Tuhfe , Garcia‐Rosa Paula B. , Das Kaushik , Petrović Vlaho , Kölle Konstanze , Manjock Andreas , Koivisto Matti J. , Smailes Michael
Published: June 2021

Wind farm control (WFC) allows coordinated operation of the wind turbines within a wind power plant (WPP). However, its development has traditionally been split into the distinct disciplines of power plant control and farm flow control. As variable renewable energies, in particular wind energy, increase their penetration into the power system, grid code requirements become stricter for WPPs and electricity markets necessarily evolve. In such a context, crossfertilization between the two categories of WFC, targeting an integrated approach where applicable, becomes a priority. An initial overview on how to further align wind farm flow control (WFFC) to grid and electricity markets participation is provided, including an analysis of capabilities and prospects. In addition, greater detail is given about an open‐access dataset serving as market showcases for value demonstration of price‐driven operation of WPPs by means of WFFC.
PdPSe: Component‐Fusion‐Based Topology Designer of Two‐Dimensional Semiconductor
Authors: Duan Ruihuan , Zhu Chao , Zeng Qingsheng , Wang Xiaowei , Gao Yang , Deng Ya , He Yanchao , Yang Jiefu , Zhou Jiadong , Xu Manzhang , Liu Zheng
Published: June 2021

Novel 2D semiconductors play an increasingly important role in modern nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. Herein, a novel topology designer based on component fusion is introduced, featured by the submolecular component integration and properties inheritance. As expected, a new air‐stable 2D semiconductor PdPSe with a tailored puckered structure is successfully designed and synthesized via this method. Notably, the monolayer of PdPSe is constructed by two sublayers via PP bonds, different from 2D typical transition metal materials with sandwich‐structured monolayers. With the expected orthorhombic symmetry and intralayer puckering, PdPSe displays a strong Raman anisotropy. The field‐effect transistors and photodetectors based on few‐layer PdPSe demonstrate good electronic properties with high carrier mobility of ≈35 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a high on/off ratio of 106, as well as excellent optoelectronic performance, including high photoresponsivity, photogain, and detectivity with values up to 1.06 × 105 A W−1, 2.47 × 107%, and 4.84 × 1010 Jones, respectively. These results make PdPSe a promising air‐stable 2D semiconductor for various electronic and optoelectronic applications. This work suggests that the component‐fusion‐based topology designer is a novel approach to tailor 2D materials with expected structures and interesting properties.
Bonding Strength Regulates Anchoring‐Based Self‐Assembly Monolayers for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Erpeng , Liu Cong , Lin Hongzhen , Xu Xiaojia , Liu Shuaijun , Zhang Shuo , Yu Miaojie , Cao Xiao‐Ming , Wu Yongzhen , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: June 2021

Anchoring‐based self‐assembly (ASA) has emerged as a material‐saving and highly scalable strategy to fabricate charge‐transporting monolayers for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the interfacial hole‐extraction and electron‐blocking performances are highly dependent on the compactness of the ASA monolayers, which has been largely ignored though it is very crucial to the efficiency and stability of PSCs. Here, strategically designed hole‐transporting molecules with different anchoring groups are incorporated to investigate the effect of bonding strength on monolayer quality and correlate these with the performance of p‐i‐n structured PSCs. It is unraveled that the anchoring groups with a stronger bonding strength are advantageous for improving the assembly rate, density, and compactness of ASA monolayer, thus enhancing charge collection and suppressing interfacial recombination. The prototypical PSCs based on optimal ASA monolayer achieve a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.43% (0.09 cm2). More encouragingly, when enlarging the device area by tenfold, a comparable PCE of 20.09% (1.0 cm2) can be obtained, suggesting that the ASA strategy is practically useful for scaling‐up. The robust anchoring of the ASA monolayer also enhances devices stability, retaining 90% of initial PCE after three months. This study provides important insights into the ASA charge‐transporting monolayers for efficient and stable PSCs.
Discretizing Three‐Dimensional Oxygen Gradients to Modulate and Investigate Cellular Processes
Authors: Blatchley Michael R. , Hall Franklyn , Ntekoumes Dimitris , Cho Hyunwoo , Kailash Vidur , Vazquez‐Duhalt Rafael , Gerecht Sharon
Published: June 2021

With the increased realization of the effect of oxygen (O2) deprivation (hypoxia) on cellular processes, recent efforts have focused on the development of engineered systems to control O2 concentrations and establish biomimetic O2 gradients to study and manipulate cellular behavior. Nonetheless, O2 gradients present in 3D engineered platforms result in diverse cell behavior across the O2 gradient, making it difficult to identify and study O2 sensitive signaling pathways. Using a layer‐by‐layer assembled O2‐controllable hydrogel, the authors precisely control O2 concentrations and study uniform cell behavior in discretized O2 gradients, then recapitulate the dynamics of cluster‐based vasculogenesis, one mechanism for neovessel formation, and show distinctive gene expression patterns remarkably correlate to O2 concentrations. Using RNA sequencing, it is found that time‐dependent regulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling enables cell survival and clustering in the high stress microenvironments. Various extracellular matrix modulators orchestrate hypoxia‐driven endothelial cell clustering. Finally, clustering is facilitated by regulators of cell–cell interactions, mainly vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Taken together, novel regulators of hypoxic cluster‐based vasculogenesis are identified, and evidence for the utility of a unique platform is provided to study dynamic cellular responses to 3D hypoxic environments, with broad applicability in development, regeneration, and disease.
Detecting amyloid positivity in early Alzheimer's disease using combinations of plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 and p‐tau
Authors: Janelidze Shorena , Palmqvist Sebastian , Leuzy Antoine , Stomrud Erik , Verberk Inge M.W. , Zetterberg Henrik , Ashton Nicholas J. , Pesini Pedro , Sarasa Leticia , Allué José Antonio , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Dage Jeffrey L. , Blennow Kaj , Mattsson‐Carlgren Niklas , Hansson Oskar
Published: June 2021

Introduction

We studied usefulness of combining blood amyloid beta (Aβ)42/Aβ40, phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)217, and neurofilament light (NfL) to detect abnormal brain Aβ deposition in different stages of early Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Plasma biomarkers were measured using mass spectrometry (Aβ42/Aβ40) and immunoassays (p‐tau217 and NfL) in cognitively unimpaired individuals (CU, N = 591) and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, N = 304) from two independent cohorts (BioFINDER‐1, BioFINDER‐2).

Results

In CU, a combination of plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 and p‐tau217 detected abnormal brain Aβ status with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 to 0.86. In MCI, the models including p‐tau217 alone or Aβ42/Aβ40 and p‐tau217 had similar AUCs (0.86–0.88); however, the latter showed improved model fit. The models were implemented in an online application providing individualized risk assessments (https://brainapps.shinyapps.io/PredictABplasma/).

Discussion

A combination of plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 and p‐tau217 discriminated Aβ status with relatively high accuracy, whereas p‐tau217 showed strongest associations with Aβ pathology in MCI but not in CU.
Pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer's disease by deficiency of NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A
Authors: Zhong Weiwei , Wu Anika , Berglund Ken , Gu Xiaohuan , Jiang Michael Qize , Talati Jay , Zhao Jingjie , Wei Ling , Yu Shan Ping
Published: June 2021

The Ca2+ hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease (AD) conceives Ca2+ dyshomeostasis as a common mechanism of AD; the cause of Ca2+ dysregulation, however, is obscure. Meanwhile, hyperactivities of N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), the primary mediator of Ca2+ influx, are reported in AD. GluN3A (NR3A) is an NMDAR inhibitory subunit. We hypothesize that GluN3A is critical for sustained Ca2+ homeostasis and its deficiency is pathogenic for AD. Cellular, molecular, and functional changes were examined in adult/aging GluN3A knockout (KO) mice. The GluN3A KO mouse brain displayed age‐dependent moderate but persistent neuronal hyperactivity, elevated intracellular Ca2+, neuroinflammation, impaired synaptic integrity/plasticity, and neuronal loss. GluN3A KO mice developed olfactory dysfunction followed by psychological/cognitive deficits prior to amyloid‐β/tau pathology. Memantine at preclinical stage prevented/attenuated AD syndromes. AD patients’ brains show reduced GluN3A expression. We propose that chronic “degenerative excitotoxicity” leads to sporadic AD, while GluN3A represents a primary pathogenic factor, an early biomarker, and an amyloid‐independent therapeutic target.
Alkene Difunctionalization Triggered by a Stabilized Allenyl Radical: Concomitant Installation of Two Unsaturated C−C Bonds
Authors: Wei Yunlong , Zhang Hong , Wu Xinxin , Zhu Chen
Published: June 2021

Radical‐mediated difunctionalization of alkenes provides a promising approach to introduce one alkenyl or alkynyl group to target compounds. However, simultaneous installation of two unsaturated C−C bonds via alkene difunctionalization remains elusive, attributable to the high instability and transient lifetimes of alkenyl and alkynyl radicals. Herein, we report the photocatalytic 1,2‐alkynylalkenylation and 1,2‐enynylalkenylation of alkenes for the first time, triggered by the intermolecular addition of a stabilized allenyl radical to an alkene. A portfolio of strategically designed, easily accessible dual‐function reagents are applied to a radical docking‐migration cascade. The protocol has broad substrate scope and efficiently increases the degree of unsaturation.
Fluorescence‐Detected Pump–Probe Spectroscopy
Authors: Malý Pavel , Brixner Tobias
Published: June 2021

We introduce a new approach to transient spectroscopy, fluorescence‐detected pump–probe (F‐PP) spectroscopy, that overcomes several limitations of traditional PP. F‐PP suppresses excited‐state absorption, provides background‐free detection, removes artifacts resulting from pump–pulse scattering, from non‐resonant solvent response, or from coherent pulse overlap, and allows unique extraction of excited‐state dynamics under certain conditions. Despite incoherent detection, time resolution of F‐PP is given by the duration of the laser pulses, independent of the fluorescence lifetime. We describe the working principle of F‐PP and provide its theoretical description. Then we illustrate specific features of F‐PP by direct comparison with PP, theoretically and experimentally. For this purpose, we investigate, with both techniques, a molecular squaraine heterodimer, core–shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, and fluorescent protein mCherry. F‐PP is broadly applicable to chemical systems in various environments and in different spectral regimes.
Bridge Functionalisation of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Derivatives
Authors: Anderson Joseph M. , Measom Nicholas D. , Murphy John A. , Poole Darren L.
Published: June 2021

“Escaping from flatland”, by increasing the saturation level and three‐dimensionality of drug‐like compounds, can enhance their potency, selectivity and pharmacokinetic profile. One approach that has attracted considerable recent attention is the bioisosteric replacement of aromatic rings, internal alkynes and tert‐butyl groups with bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) units. While functionalisation of the tertiary bridgehead positions of BCP derivatives is well‐documented, functionalisation of the three concyclic secondary bridge positions remains an emerging field. The unique properties of the BCP core present considerable synthetic challenges to the development of such transformations. However, the bridge positions provide novel vectors for drug discovery and applications in materials science, providing entry to novel chemical and intellectual property space. This Minireview aims to consolidate the major advances in the field, serving as a useful reference to guide further work that is expected in the coming years.
One‐Pot and Two‐Chamber Methodologies for Using Acetylene Surrogates in the Synthesis of Pyridazines and Their D‐Labeled Derivatives
Authors: Ledovskaya Maria S. , Polynski Mikhail V. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: June 2021

Acetylene surrogates are efficient tools in modern organic chemistry with largely unexplored potential in the construction of heterocyclic cores. Two novel synthetic paths to 3,6‐disubstituted pyridazines were proposed using readily available acetylene surrogates through flexible C2 unit installation procedures in a common reaction space mode (one‐pot) and distributed reaction space mode (two‐chamber): (1) an interaction of 1,2,4,5‐tetrazine and its acceptor‐functionalized derivatives with a CaC2−H2O mixture performed in a two‐chamber reactor led to the corresponding pyridazines in quantitative yields; (2) [4+2] cycloaddition of 1,2,4,5‐tetrazines to benzyl vinyl ether can be considered a universal synthetic path to a wide range of pyridazines. Replacing water with D2O and vinyl ether with its trideuterated analog in the developed procedures, a range of 4,5‐dideuteropyridazines of 95–99% deuteration degree was synthesized for the first time. Quantum chemical modeling allowed to quantify the substituent effect in both synthetic pathways.
Changes in the gut microbiome associated with infliximab in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Bharwani Aadil , Szamosi Jake C. , Taylor Valerie H. , Lee Yena , Bala Asem , Mansur Rodrigo , Subramaniapillai Mehala , Surette Michael , McIntyre Roger S.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Available information exists supporting the gut–brain axis, but additional information is needed to explore how the gut microbiome changes when exposed to mood disorder treatments. We sought to explore the effects of a novel treatment for bipolar disorder (BD), infliximab, on the gut microbiome.

Methods

Participants with a primary diagnosis of BD (n = 15) who participated in a 12‐week, randomized placebo‐controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of adjunctive infliximab in the treatment of BD were recruited and followed. Stool samples were collected prior to randomization and at 12 weeks. 16S rRNA sequencing was employed in order to analyze the gut microbial community profile.

Results

A total of 17 participants were randomized to infliximab (n = 9; mean [SD] age, 47.6 [10.3] years; 8 female) or to placebo (n = 8; mean [SD] age, 45.9 [10.7] years; 7 female) but two participants from the infliximab group were lost to follow‐up post randomization. Across all time points, there were no differences in the diversity on either Shannon or Simpson's Diversity indices. Comparison of Aitchison distances revealed a lack of clustering of the microbiota by time point, but did reveal a small overall effect of treatment that was not significantly different at individual time points. There were also no effects of either time or treatment on differential abundance at either the amplicon sequence variant or genus level.

Conclusions

These observations indicate that no community‐wide changes in the microbiota diversity and profile were detected after the use of infliximab treatment.
HHLA2 deficiency inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer progression and THP‐1 macrophage M2 polarization
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Li Shuying , Tang Guiliang , Sun Shaoxing , Luo Yuan , Bai Rui , Han Linzhi , Jiang Xueping , Gao Yanping , Huang Zhengrong , Zhang Junhong , Gong Yan , Xie Conghua
Published: June 2021

Background

Human endogenous retrovirus‐H long terminal repeat‐associating protein 2 (HHLA2) is a member of B7 family, which is upregulated in multiple tumors. However, its exact functions in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the biological roles of HHLA2 in human NSCLC and the relevant mechanisms. In addition, the effects of tumor cell‐derived HHLA2 on tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM) polarization were explored.

Methods

NSCLC cell growth, migration, and invasion were assessed by colony formation and modified Boyden chamber assays. Cell cycle and the CD163+ TAMs were examined by flow cytometry. A co‐culture model of THP‐1 macrophages and NSCLC cells was conducted to investigate the impacts of tumor cell‐derived HHLA2 on THP‐1 macrophage polarization. Moreover, a xenograft nude mouse model was established to explore the effects of HHLA2 on tumorigenesis in vivo.

Results

HHLA2 was upregulated in A549 and H1299 cells compared with the normal lung epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. HHLA2 deficiency inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest partially via inhibiting EGFR/MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, HHLA2 knockdown inhibited M2 polarization of TAMs via downregulating IL‐10. In addition, knockdown of HHLA2 inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

HHLA2 downregulation inhibited NSCLC growth and TAM M2 polarization. HHLA2 may serve as a therapeutic target and promising prognostic biomarker in NSCLC.
Structural Transformation of Surface‐Confined Porphyrin Networks by Addition of Co Atoms
Authors: Baker Cortés Brian D. , Enache Mihaela , Küster Kathrin , Studener Florian , Lee Tien‐Lin , Marets Nicolas , Bulach Véronique , Hosseini Mir Wais , Stöhr Meike
Published: June 2021

The self‐assembly of a nickel‐porphyrin derivative (Ni‐DPPyP) containing two pyridyl coordinating sites and two pentyl chains at trans meso positions was studied with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) on Au(111). Deposition of Ni‐DPPyP onto Au(111) gave rise to a close‐packed network for coverages smaller or equal to one monolayer as revealed by STM and LEED. The molecular arrangement of this two‐dimensional network is stabilized via hydrogen bonds formed between the pyridyl's nitrogen and hydrogen atoms from the pyrrole groups of neighboring molecules. Subsequent deposition of cobalt atoms onto the close‐packed network and post‐deposition annealing at 423 K led to the formation of a Co‐coordinated hexagonal porous network. As confirmed by XPS measurements, the porous network is stabilized by metal‐ligand interactions between one cobalt atom and three pyridyl ligands, each pyridyl ligand coming from a different Ni‐DPPyP molecule.
Broadly Applicable Synthesis of Arylated Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrroles as Building Blocks for Organic Electronic Materials
Authors: Vogt Astrid , Schwer Fabian , Förtsch Sebastian , Lorenz Christoph , Mena‐Osteritz Elena , Aubele Anna , Kraus Teresa , Bäuerle Peter
Published: June 2021

A novel and versatile method for the N‐arylation of dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrrole (DTP) is presented. By Pd‐ or Cu‐catalyzed coupling a variety of arenes and acenes were directly attached at the DTP−nitrogen yielding a variety of functionalized DTPs. Investigations on optical and redox properties led to valuable structure‐property relationships, which were corroborated by quantum chemical calculations. Further functionalization and elongation of the conjugation of an acceptor‐substituted DTP was elaborated to result in complex cruciform‐type donor−acceptor oligomers, which were investigated and implemented in single material organic solar cells.
Production of β‐glucosidase by Aspergillus niger CDBB‐H‐175 on submerged fermentation
Authors: Alarid‐García Cristian , Hernández‐Calderón Oscar M. , Rios‐Iribe Erika Y. , González‐Llanes Marcos D. , Escamilla‐Silva Eleazar M.
Published: June 2021

The production of high‐activity β‐glucosidase at low cost is essential to increase the efficiency of cellulose hydrolysis, necessary for the economically feasible production of biofuels from the conversion of renewable lignocellulosic resources, specifically agricultural waste. In this work, the Aspergillus niger CDBB‐H‐175 strain was used for the production of extracellular β‐glucosidase. In the first stage of this work, the production of β‐glucosidase was carried out in a shake flask, using different carbon sources in order to evaluate the effect of the substrate on enzyme activity; in this way, it was determined that the best substrate is maltose, obtaining 2954 U/ml of β‐glucosidase activity at 31 days of culture. In the second stage, a laboratory‐scale study was done using two discontinuous bioreactor systems for submerged fermentation, stirred tank and airlift, using maltose, sucrose, and glucose as a carbon source. The results showed that β‐glucosidase with the highest enzymatic activity (3122 U/ml at 192 h of fermentation) was produced at uncontrolled pH conditions in an airlift bioreactor with maltose. In a third stage, using an airlift bioreactor with maltose, an orthogonal experimental design L4 with three factors was applied: pH, aeration, and maltose concentration. The aeration was of utmost importance to guarantee a better enzymatic expression, and acidification of the culture medium during the fermentation process was another necessary condition for a greater enzymatic production.
Enhanced texture classification through feature compaction using dihybrid bio‐inspired computation techniques
Authors: C Bagavathi , O Saraniya
Published: June 2021

Synchronous data processing is often preferred considering the volume of data available and the requirement of processed data. Data volume increase from current technical advancements should be balanced and suitably dealt with efficient feature processing techniques. Feature selection can efficiently improve the concurrency in data processing on a completely uncorrelated and separately processable feature set. Texture analysis is a significant application of image processing that analyses specific patterns in an image. As the volume of image data available for producing better classification models progressively moves to be out of the human‐manageable range, it is the automation methods that aid the researchers to manage the data. When the number of samples in the data and the dimensionality of the problem is too high, the purpose of data analysis is often compromised. Feature engineering can be utilized to improve the efficiency of the model with a smaller subset of features. This work proposes dibyhrid bio‐inspired computation based feature compaction, that is a combination of improvised genetic algorithm and selective tabu search for texture classification problem. Machine learning techniques are employed to evaluate and minimize the validation error from the applied computational methods.
Nickel Foam Supported NiO@Ru Heterostructure Towards High‐Efficiency Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Linghui , Hu Zheng , Li Hui , Ren Qianqian , Qiu Yishu , Qu Jianqiang , Hu Shi
Published: June 2021

Electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production from renewable energy requires the innovation of electrocatalysts with high activity and low cost. In this work, densely packed NiO@Ru nanosheets were fabricated on the surface of Ni foam through a two‐step method of Ni(OH)2 growth followed by Ru deposition. Through pair distribution function analysis from selected‐area electron diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the interface structure feature is revealed as a thin layer of perovskite NiRuO3 sandwiched between NiO and Ru. The electrode exhibits high activity and durability for HER and OER, delivering a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 1.55 V for overall water splitting in 1 M KOH. The excellent performance can be attributed to the intimate interface contact of NiO and Ru in addition to low charge transfer resistance and super‐hydrophilic surface structure, as verified by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and contact‐angle measurement.
Antibody‐invertase Cross‐linkage Nanoparticles: A New Signal Tag for Point‐of‐Care Immunoassay of Alpha‐fetoprotein for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Personal Glucometer
Authors: Li Ling , Liang Dong , Guo Wuhua , Tang Dianping , Zeng Yongyi
Published: June 2021

Methods based on immunoassays have been developed for cancer biomarker alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), but most involve complicated or stripping procedures and are unfavourable for routine use. Herein we report the proof‐of‐concept of simple and point‐of‐care (POC) immunoassay for AFP in hepatocellular carcinoma on a portable personal glucometer (PGM) by using antibody‐invertase cross‐linkage nanoparticles as the signal‐generation tags. Antibody‐invertase cross‐linkage nano tags were synthesized by using reverse micellar method with glutaraldehyde. The POC immunoassay was carried out on monoclonal anti‐AFP capture antibody‐coated microplate with a sandwich‐type reaction mode. Introduction of invertase nano labels accompanying target AFP could hydrolyse sucrose into glucose and fructose. The produced glucose molecules could be determined on a portable personal glucometer. Relative to unimolecular invertase labelling, improved analytical features were acquired with antibody‐invertase nano labelling. With the nano labels, PGM‐based immunoassay exhibited good electrochemical responses for the detection of AFP, and allowed detection of AFP at a concentration as low as 5.4 pg mL−1. Moreover, a good repeatability and intermediate precision could be found down to 12.68 %. Good well‐matched results were obtained for analysis of human serum specimens between POC immunoassay and commercial human AFP ELISA kit.
Production of dual functional carbon material from biomass treated with NaOH for supercapacitor and catalyst
Authors: Özarslan Saliha , Atelge Muhammed Raşit , Kaya Mustafa , Ünalan Sebahattin
Published: June 2021

In this research, tea factory waste (TFW), an organic biomass source, was used as a metal free basic catalyst for the production of hydrogen from NaBH4 by methanolysis. In the preparation of the catalysts, tea factory wastes taken from the tea factory and released during tea production were used. For the production of H2 from NaBH4 by methanolysis, TFW was pre‐treated with different base materials (KOH, NH4Cl, and NaOH). Tests have been made on different mixing ratios, combustion temperatures, and durations for catalyst optimization by selecting the base with the highest hydrogen yield. Hydrogen production efficiency was recorded as 2832.2 and 6560.8 mL min−1 g−1 at 30°C and 60°C, respectively. The activation energy of the catalyst was defined as 18.07 kJ mol−1. Characterization of TFW catalyst was examined by SEM‐EDX, XRD, and FT‐IR analysis. When the obtained data were evaluated and some studies available in the literature were considered, it was concluded that tea factory wastes, which are a biomass resource, can be used in catalyst production. The capacitance value of the electrode was computed as 8 to 12.9 F g−1.
Determination of patulin in products containing dried fruits by Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique Patulin in dried fruits
Authors: Przybylska Anna , Chrustek Agnieszka , Olszewska‐Słonina Dorota , Koba Marcin , Kruszewski Stefan
Published: June 2021

The era of globalization causes that the export and import of food from different continents of the world are becoming more and more common, which may directly contribute to the increase in pollution in them. The presence of mycotoxin in food is an ubiquitous problem. There is very limited information on the possible influence of the composition of herbal mixtures on the presence of mycotoxins in them, which is an area where research can be expanded. The aim of this study was to determine patulin (PAT) in commercial products containing dried elderberry, rose, blueberry, rowan, hawthorn, and chokeberry fruits by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique. Research using this technique allowed for considering the possible influence of the composition of herbal mixtures on the concentration of patulin in them. Patulin was detected in all analyzed samples with wide range of <LOD ÷ 4,102.0 µg/kg. In 91% of the single‐ingredient products, the mean patulin concentration below 50 µg/kg was found. We observed that patulin content in products containing only rose, elderberry, blueberry, rowan, hawthorn, or chokeberry fruit was lower than in herbal blends. Research showed that adding dried rowan fruits to herbal blends may contribute to a decrease in PAT levels (r = 0.8581; p = .0031). Looking for such technological methods creating the most unfavorable conditions for the biosynthesis of patulin in medicinal raw materials is extremely important from the point of view of medical and pharmaceutical care.
A novel aggregated multiple criteria decision‐making approach to evaluate the physical workload of workers
Authors: Ekinci Elmas Burcu Mamak , Can Gülin Feryal
Published: June 2021

Physical workload (PWL) is a measure of the physical resources consumed by a worker while performing a task. Analyzing the PWL of workers can aid experts in identifying workers whose working conditions should be improved. Identifying workers who are exposed to the highest PWL is essential for task continuity and occupational health. In this study, a new approach is proposed to prioritize workers according to their PWL levels. In the proposed approach, multiple criteria decision‐making techniques are used because different factors can affect PWL levels. Eight criteria, that is, standard time, frequency of working posture, heart rate, the risk level of posture, noise level, lighting intensity, rest period, and perceived workload level are considered. In the evaluation process, criteria weights are computed using entropy considering measurements of the eight criteria for each worker. Using these weights in multiobjective optimization by simple ratio analysis, multiobjective optimization by ratio analysis, and multiattributive ideal‐real comparative analysis methods, workers are ranked according to their PWL levels. The final order of workers is determined by aggregating different rankings obtained from these three methods, using the technique of precise order preference method. This study presents original research that can potentially contribute to the literature by considering different perspectives offered by various methods for PWL evaluation. It focuses on several different criteria by performing real measurements and subsequently ranking workers based on the aggregation of these measurements.
Oncogenic potential of human pluripotent stem cell‐derived lung organoids with HER2 overexpression
Authors: Miura Akihiro , Yamada Daisuke , Nakamura Masahiro , Tomida Shuta , Shimizu Dai , Jiang Yan , Takao Tomoka , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Suzawa Ken , Shien Kazuhiko , Yamane Masaomi , Sakaguchi Masakiyo , Toyooka Shinichi , Takarada Takeshi
Published: June 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common types among lung cancers generally arising from terminal airway and understanding of multistep carcinogenesis is crucial to develop novel therapeutic strategy for LUAD. Here we used human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to establish iHER2‐hiPSCs in which doxycycline induced the expression of the oncoprotein human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/ERBB2. Lung progenitors that differentiated from iHER2‐hiPSCs, which expressed NKX2‐1/TTF‐1 known as a lung lineage maker, were cocultured with human fetal fibroblast and formed human lung organoids (HLOs) comprising alveolar type 2‐like cells. HLOs that overexpressed HER2 transformed to tumor‐like structures similar to atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, which is known for lung precancerous lesion and upregulated the activities of oncogenic signaling cascades such as RAS/RAF/MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. The degree of morphological irregularity and proliferation capacity were significantly higher in HLOs from iHER2‐hiPSCs. Moreover, the transcriptome profile of the HLOs shifted from a normal lung tissue‐like state to one characteristic of clinical LUAD with HER2 amplification. Our results suggest that hiPSC‐derived HLOs may serve as a model to recapitulate the early tumorigenesis of LUAD and would provide new insights into the molecular basis of tumor initiation and progression.
Validation of the Brief Sense of Community Scale in a lesbian, gay, and bisexual sample
Authors: Griffin James A. , Eldridge‐Smith Elizabeth D. , Kridel Matthew M. , Draheim Amanda A. , Stepleman Lara M.
Published: June 2021

Sense of community can buffer against negative mental health outcomes in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Valid measurement of this construct can better inform research, assessment, and intervention designed to promote well‐being in this population. The present study aims to evaluate the validity of the Brief Sense of Community Scale (BSCS) among sexual minority individuals. The scale was administered to 219 LGB participants within a larger assessment of health needs in a southern lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population. Validity evidence was evaluated using the Downing model. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed good fit for a second‐order model, supporting internal structure validity. Acceptable to excellent internal validity was demonstrated. Correlational analyses revealed negative relations with loneliness, internalized homophobia, and poor mental health. This study provides evidence for the use of the BSCS in an LGB population and demonstrates the utility in measuring the sense of community in sexual minority individuals.
Trends in demographic and clinical characteristics and initiation of antiretroviral therapy among adult patients enrolling in HIV care in the Central Africa International epidemiology Database to Evaluate AIDS (CA‐IeDEA) 2004 to 2018
Authors: Adedimeji Adebola A , Hoover Donald R , Shi Qiuhu , Kim Hae‐Young , Brazier Ellen , Ross Jonathan , Murenzi Gad , Twizere Christella , Lelo Patricia , Nsonde Dominique , Ajeh Rogers , Dzudie Anastase , Nash Denis , Yotebieng Marcel , Anastos Kathryn ,   for the Central Africa IeDEA Consortium
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The Central Africa International epidemiology Database to Evaluate AIDS (CA‐IeDEA) is an open observational cohort study investigating impact, progression and long‐term outcomes of HIV/AIDS among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo (ROC) and Rwanda. We describe trends in demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics as well as antiretroviral therapy (ART) use of patients aged > 15 years entering into HIV care in the participating CA‐IeDEA site.

Methods

Information on sociodemographic characteristics, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), CD4 cell count, WHO staging and ART status at entry into care from 2004 through 2018 were extracted from clinic records of patients aged > 15 years enrolling in HIV care at participating clinics in Burundi, Cameroon, DRC, ROC and Rwanda. We assessed trends in patient characteristics at enrolment in HIV care including ART initiation within the first 30 days after enrolment in care and calculated proportions, means and medians (interquartile ranges) for the main variables of interest.

Results

Among 69,176 patients in the CA‐IeDEA cohort, 39% were from Rwanda, 24% from ROC, 18% from Cameroon, 14% from Burundi and 5% from DRC. More women (66%) than men enrolled in care and subsequently initiated ART. Women were also younger than men (32 vs. 38 years, P < 0.001) at enrolment and at ART initiation. Trends over time show increases in median CD4 cell count at enrolment from 190 cells/µL in 2004 to 334 cells/µL in 2018 at enrolment. Among those with complete data on CD4 counts (60%), women had a higher median CD4 cell count at care entry than men (229 vs. 249 cells/µL, P < 0.001). Trends in the proportion of patients using ART within 30 days of enrolment at the participating site show an increase from 16% in 2004 to 75% in 2018.

Conclusions

Trends from 2004 to 2018 in the characteristics of patients participating in the CA‐IeDEA cohort highlight improvements at entry into care and subsequent ART initiation including after the implementation of Treat All guidelines in the participating sites.
Effects of konjac glucomannan on the long‐term retrogradation and shelf life of boiled wheat noodles
Authors: Ge Zhenzhen , Wang Weijing , Gao Shanshan , Xu Mingyue , Liu Mengpei , Wang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Lihua , Zong Wei
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Starch retrogradation and moisture migration of boiled wheat noodles (BWNs) result in quality deterioration and short shelf life. The objective of this research was to investigate whether konjac glucomannan (KGM) could improve the quality of BWNs and further establish the shelf‐life prediction model.

RESULTS

The moisture distribution, recrystallization, and thermal properties of BWNs during refrigerated or ambient temperature storage were determined. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance data showed that KGM addition induced left‐shifts of T21 and T22 values, indicating that KGM limited the mobility of bound and immobile water among noodle matrices. X‐ray diffraction spectra revealed that KGM did not change the crystal patterns of BWNs but could inhibit the starch recrystallization after refrigerated storage. The Tp and ΔH values of retrograded samples notably (P < 0.05) decreased with the increase of KGM addition, suggesting the hinderance of starch retrogradation behavior by KGM. The shelf life of BWNs was predicted by accelerated storage test combined with the Arrhenius equation. The present data displayed that the predicted shelf life of vacuum‐packed and sterilized BWNs with 10 g kg−1 KGM at 25 °C was 733 days, 2.4‐fold that of the control group.

CONCLUSION

BWNs with KGM addition could inhibit starch retrogradation and improve the storage stability, consequently promoting noodle quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Characterizing Decisional Conflict in Patients Presenting to Sleep Surgery Clinic and an Exploration of Resource Limitations
Authors: Gulati Arushi , Stephens Erika M. , Cai Yi , Chang Jolie L.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Numerous therapies exist for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), creating potential for patient decisional conflict (DC) that impacts treatment adherence and post‐treatment regret. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated DC in OSA patients presenting for positive airway pressure (PAP) alternative therapies and identified gaps in available resources about OSA therapies.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed based on questionnaires completed by adult OSA patients presenting to an academic sleep surgery clinic from March to October 2020. Surveys examined sleep symptoms, sleep apnea treatment history, goals of therapy, and the SURE checklist, a validated 4‐item DC screening scale. Additional qualitative data about OSA decision tool needs were queried with structured interviews in a smaller subset of patients.

Results

Among 100 respondents, 60 were open to multiple treatment options, whereas 22 were not interested in surgical treatment. Eighty‐one respondents (81%) had elevated DC (SURE score < 4). High DC was not associated with CPAP history, OSA severity, or daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10). Elevated DC was related to uncertainty regarding optimal treatment choice in 54% of respondents (n = 54), and lack of knowledge regarding risks and benefits of each treatment option in 71% (n = 71). Common themes identified in 9 interviewed patients suggested helpful resources should ideally compare treatment modalities and educate on surgery details, efficacy, and recovery.

Conclusions

The majority of OSA patients presenting to sleep surgery clinics have elevated decisional conflict influenced by limited knowledge about options and the risks and benefits of each therapy. There is a need for decision tools that can reduce decisional conflict and promote equitable knowledge about PAP alternative OSA treatments.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2384–2390, 2021
Partial substitution of rice husks for manure in greenhouse vegetable fields: Insight from soil carbon stock and aggregate stability
Authors: Fei Chao , Zhang Shirong , Li Junliang , Liang Bin , Ding Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

Soil aggregate stability and C stock are key factors in greenhouse vegetable production, which are influenced by the application of different organic materials. However, the responses of soil aggregate stability and C stock to organic amendment in greenhouse vegetable fields are not well understood. A 5‐year study was carried out in greenhouse vegetable fields to investigate the effect of partial substitution of rice husks for manure on soil aggregate stability, C compositions, and their relationships. Four treatments included: (a) no organic fertilization (control), (b) 30 t ha−1 chicken manure (CM), (c) 30 t ha−1 rice husks (RH), and (d) 10 t ha−1 chicken manure plus 20 t ha−1 rice husks (MR). Rice husks addition significantly increased the proportion of >2 mm aggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD), while manure addition showed no difference with control. Polysaccharide and humin (HM) were increased with rice husks addition (RH and MR) compared with that in CM treatment. Polysaccharide and HM caused 86.03% variation of soil aggregate, in which polysaccharide and HM contributed 76.3 and 9.7%, respectively. The soil C stock in CM, RH, and MR treatments was increased by 146, 175, and 164% compared with control, respectively. Aliphatic‐C and amorphous Fe‐oxides (Fe‐ox) content were as higher in MR added soil than those in RH treatment. Partial substitution of rice husk for manure improved soil aggregation stability and thus enhanced C stock by suppling more polysaccharide, HM and liberated soil minerals, which was conducive to the sustainable development in greenhouse vegetable production.