bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zwitterionic Polysaccharide‐Based Hydrogel Dressing as a Stem Cell Carrier to Accelerate Burn Wound Healing
Authors: Yu Qingyu , Sun Hong , Yue Zhiwei , Yu Chaojie , Jiang Lijie , Dong Xiaoru , Yao Mengmeng , Shi Mingyue , Liang Lei , Wan Yizao , Zhang Hong , Yao Fanglian , Li Junjie
Published: November 2022

Stem cell therapy integrated with hydrogels has shown promising potential in wound healing. However, the existing hydrogels usually cannot reach the desired therapeutic efficacy for burn wounds due to the inadaptability to wound shape and weak anti‐infection ability. Moreover, it is difficult to improve the environment for the survival and function of stem cells under complicated wound microenvironments. In this study, an injectable and self‐healing hydrogel (DSC), comprising sulfobetaine‐derived dextran and carboxymethyl chitosan, is fabricated through a Schiff‐base reaction. Meanwhile, the DSC hydrogel shows high nonfouling properties, including resistance to bacteria and nonspecific proteins; moreover, the prepared hydrogel can provide a biomimetic microenvironment for cell proliferation whilst maintaining the stemness of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) regardless of complex microenvironments. In burnt murine animal models, the ADSCs‐laden hydrogel can significantly accelerate wound healing rate and scarless skin tissue regeneration through multiple pathways. Specifically, the ADSCs‐laden DSC hydrogel can avoid immune system recognition and activation and thus reduce the inflammatory response. Moreover, the ADSCs‐laden DSC hydrogel can promote collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and enhance macrophage M2 polarization in the wound area. In summary, sulfobetaine‐derived polysaccharide hydrogel can serve as a versatile platform for stem cell delivery to promote burn wound healing.
Efficient Warming Textile Enhanced by a High‐Entropy Spectrally Selective Nanofilm with High Solar Absorption
Authors: He Cheng‐Yu , Zhao Peng , Zhang Hong , Chen Kai , Liu Bao‐Hua , Lu Zhong‐Wei , Li Yang , La Pei‐Qing , Liu Gang , Gao Xiang‐Hu
Published: November 2022

Solar and radiative warming are smart approaches to maintaining the human body at a metabolically comfortable temperature in both indoor and outdoor scenarios. Nevertheless, existing warming textiles are ineffective in frigid climates because the solar absorption of selective absorbing coating is significantly reduced when coated on rough textile surface. Herein, for the first time, high‐entropy nitrides based spectrally selective film (SSF) is introduced on common cotton through a one‐step magnetron sputtering method. The well‐designed refractive index gradient enables destructive interference effects, offering a roughness‐insensitive high solar absorptance (92.8%) and low thermal emittance (39.2%). Impressively, the solar absorptance is 9.1% higher than the reported best‐performing selective nanofilm‐based textile. As a result, such a textile achieves a record‐high photothermal conversion efficiency (82.2% under 0.6 suns, at 0 °C). This textile yields a 3.5 °C drop in the set‐point of indoor air‐conditioner temperature. Besides, in a winter morning with an air temperature of 7.5 °C, it warms up the human skin by as large as 12 °C under weak sunlight (350 W m−2). More importantly, such a superior radiative warming performance is achieved by engineering the widely used cotton without compromising its breathability and durability, showing great potential for practical applications.
Nonclassical Growth of Atomically Flat Two‐Dimensional Organic Single Crystals on a Liquid Surface through Fusion
Authors: Yao Jiarong , Tian Xinzi , Li Bin , Wang Zhaofeng , Zhang Xiali , Jie Jiansheng , Yang Fangxu , Li Rongjin , Hu Wenping
Published: November 2022

Organic single crystals with low defect density are key functional materials for next‐generation electronics. Classical crystallization commonly results in a high density of molecular steps, which are defects that can trap charge carriers and reduce the mobility of organic semiconductors. Herein, a novel nonclassical crystallization mechanism involving nucleation, fusion, and growth is designed. The introduction of the fusion stage changes the crystal growth mode from three‐dimensional island growth to two‐dimensional layer‐by‐layer growth and leads to large‐area two‐dimensional molecular crystals with almost no molecular steps. Therefore, the average mobility is observed to improve from 1.26 to 2.07 cm2 V−1 s−1. The nonclassical crystallization mechanism paves the way for atomically flat single crystals to probe the intrinsic optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductors.
Halide Solid‐State Electrolytes: Stability and Application for High Voltage All‐Solid‐State Li Batteries
Authors: Nikodimos Yosef , Su Wei‐Nien , Hwang Bing Joe
Published: November 2022

Over the past few years, halide solid‐state electrolytes (HSSEs) have attracted the attention of researchers, and many reports about HSSEs have been published. Their wide electrochemical window (ECW) and a quite good compatibility with the popular oxide cathode materials make them attractive for practical applications. As a result, HSSEs are exciting candidates for the future generation of all‐solid‐state Li batteries (ASSLBs). In recent years, noticeable efforts have been made to develop novel HSSEs and utilize them in ASSLBs. Herein, a comprehensive update on the progress of HSSEs development and their application in ASSLBs is provided. First, a brief summary of the conductivity of HSSEs and potential synthesis approaches is provided. Next, the moisture and phase stabilities of HSSEs are reviewed separately, and the techniques proposed in the recently published reports to achieve sufficient stabilities are summarized. In addition, the electrochemical stabilities of HSSEs with Li metal anode and oxide cathode materials, from experimental and theoretical points of view, are provided in parallel. Furthermore, the application and progress of HSSEs in high‐voltage ASSLBs are discussed. Finally, new research directions are suggested for the development of scalable HSSEs‐based ASSLBs.
Microglial INPP5D limits plaque formation and glial reactivity in the PSAPP mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Castranio Emilie L. , Hasel Philip , Haure‐Mirande Jean‐Vianney , Ramirez Jimenez Angie V. , Hamilton B. Wade , Kim Rachel D. , Glabe Charles G. , Wang Minghui , Zhang Bin , Gandy Sam , Liddelow Shane A. , Ehrlich Michelle E.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The inositol polyphosphate‐5‐phosphatase D (INPP5D) gene encodes a dual‐specificity phosphatase that can dephosphorylate both phospholipids and phosphoproteins. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in INPP5D impact risk for developing late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (LOAD).

Methods

To assess the consequences of inducible Inpp5d knockdown in microglia of APPKM670/671NL/PSEN1Δexon9 (PSAPP) mice, we injected 3‐month‐old Inpp5dfl/fl/Cx3cr1CreER/+ and PSAPP/Inpp5dfl/fl/Cx3cr1CreER/+ mice with either tamoxifen (TAM) or corn oil (CO) to induce recombination.

Results

At age 6 months, we found that the percent area of 6E10+ deposits and plaque‐associated microglia in Inpp5d knockdown mice were increased compared to controls. Spatial transcriptomics identified a plaque‐specific expression profile that was extensively altered by Inpp5d knockdown.

Discussion

These results demonstrate that conditional Inpp5d downregulation in the PSAPP mouse increases plaque burden and recruitment of microglia to plaques. Spatial transcriptomics highlighted an extended gene expression signature associated with plaques and identified CST7 (cystatin F) as a novel marker of plaques.

Highlights

Inpp5d knockdown increases plaque burden and plaque‐associated microglia number.

Spatial transcriptomics identifies an expanded plaque‐specific gene expression profile.

Plaque‐induced gene expression is altered by Inpp5d knockdown in microglia.

Our plaque‐associated gene signature overlaps with human Alzheimer's disease gene networks.
Integrating spatial and legacy data to understand archaeological sites in their landscape. A case study from Unguja Ukuu, Zanzibar
Authors: Fitton Tom , Sulas Federica , Lisowski Mik , Alexander Michelle , Juma Abdurahman , Wynne‐Jones Stephanie
Published: November 2022

Spatial analysis is paramount for understanding, monitoring, and conserving ancient settlements and cultural landscapes. Advancing remote sensing and prospection techniques are expanding the methodological frame of archaeological settlement analysis by enabling remote, landscape‐scale approaches to mapping and investigation. Whilst particularly effective in arid lands and areas with sparse or open ground cover, such as vegetation and buildings, these approaches remain peripheral in tropical environments because of technical and contextual challenges. In tropical Eastern Africa, for example, scales, resolution and visibility are often compromised by thick vegetation cover, inadequate access to, if not lack of, imagery resources and technologies, and the availability of comparative archaeological data for interpretation. This paper presents the initial results of spatial analysis, using historic landscape characterisation, remote sensing, published and legacy data, and a pilot ground survey to examine the earliest settlement of Zanzibar, Unguja Ukuu. Comparing multiple strands of evidence in a Geographic Information System (GIS), we use each as a test on the others to draw out the strengths and weaknesses of each technique in the context of tropical and coastal Eastern Africa. Drone photogrammetry, geophysical prospection, and ground survey were compared with legacy remote sensing resources and the results of a coring survey conducted across the site during the 1990s into a GIS platform to produce multi‐phase hypothetical maps of the archaeological site in the context of its potential resource landscape. These were then tested against the results of recent excavations. The discussion highlights the challenges and potential of combining these techniques in the context of Eastern Africa and provides some suggested methods for doing so. We show that remote sensing techniques give an insight into current landscapes but are less useful in understanding or modelling how sites would have fitted into their surroundings in the past, when conditions were potentially very different.
Assessing the demand side management potential in biofuel production; A theoretical study for biodiesel, bioethanol, and biomethane in Germany
Authors: Röder Lilli Sophia , Gröngröft Arne , Grünewald Marcus , Riese Julia
Published: November 2022

Minimizing the emissions produced during the processing of biofuel, one aim is to reduce or completely replace the amount of the required fossil fuels used for internal process energy. For the transition of process energy from fossil to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, the energy demand of biomass processing must be adjustable to the fluctuating electricity supply. The flexible adjustment of a system's power demand to follow the current power generation is commonly referred to as demand side management (DSM). This contribution shows the results of a study on the implementation of DSM in biofuel biorefineries. By identifying reference concepts that could represent biofuel production plants, the specific mass and energy consumption for the individual process steps in these reference concepts was analyzed through a literature study. The annual throughput and energy consumption of process steps in biofuel production could then be calculated, enabling the identification of the most energy‐consuming process steps. Subsequently, possible flexible operating load ranges of the respective process steps in biofuel production were identified. These findings allowed an assessment of the potential for different process units of biorefinery systems concerning the quantitative adaptability of the electricity load – the theoretical DSM potential. An approximate theoretical DSM potential of 146 MW has been identified for biofuel production in Germany. This cumulated theoretical DSM potential in biofuel production was compared to that of other industrial processes, demonstrating the magnitude and importance of the implementation of DSM in biofuel production. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
BTB domains: A structural view of evolution, multimerization, and protein–protein interactions
Authors: Bonchuk Artem , Balagurov Konstantin , Georgiev Pavel
Published: November 2022

Broad‐complex, Tramtrack, and Bric‐à‐brac/poxvirus and zinc finger (BTB/POZ) is a conserved domain found in many eukaryotic proteins with diverse cellular functions. Recent studies revealed its importance in multiple developmental processes as well as in the onset and progression of oncological diseases. Most BTB domains can form multimers and selectively interact with non‐BTB proteins. Structural studies of BTB domains delineated the presence of different interfaces involved in various interactions mediated by BTBs and provided a basis for the specific inhibition of distinct protein‐interaction interfaces. BTB domains originated early in eukaryotic evolution and progressively adapted their structural elements to perform distinct functions. In this review, we summarize and discuss the structural principles of protein‐protein interactions mediated by BTB domains based on the recently published structural data and advances in protein modeling. We propose an update to the structure‐based classification of BTB domain families and discuss their evolutionary interconnections.
Board gender diversity and corporate carbon commitment: Does industry matter?
Authors: Lemma Tesfaye T. , Tavakolifar Mohammad , Mihret Dessalegn , Samkin Grant
Published: November 2022

The study examines whether board gender diversity is associated with corporate carbon commitment, and if so, whether the association varies between firms operating in the extractive and non‐extractive industries. Based on insights drawn from gender socialization, resource dependence, and critical mass theories, we develop models that link board gender diversity with corporate carbon commitment. Analyzing data obtained from Standard and Poor's 1500 firms, for the period 2015 to 2019, we find that higher representation of women on a firm's board is positively associated with the firm's carbon commitment and that the association is stronger for firms in the extractive industries. Furthermore, a nominal appointment of women to a firm's board reduces the likelihood of the firm's carbon commitment being at a given or higher level, while the appointment of a “critical mass” of women to the board increases the firm's inclination toward higher carbon commitment. Our findings suggest that regulatory and policymaking agencies could exploit legislative and policy initiatives that would promote board gender diversity to encourage corporates, especially those operating in the extractive industries, to commit to the climate change cause.
Cytotoxic and Antimigratory Activity of Retrochalcones from Glycyrrhiza echinata L. on Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Çevik Dicle , Erdogan Suat , Serttas Riza , Kan Yüksel , Kırmızıbekmez Hasan
Published: November 2022

Cytotoxic activity‐guided fractionation studies on Glycyrrhiza echinata roots led to the isolation of eight compounds (1–8). Chemical structures of the isolates were identified by NMR and MS analysis. Among the tested molecules, retrochalcones namely echinatin (3) (IC50=23.45–41.83 μM), licochalcone B (4) (IC50=36.04–39.53 μM) and tetrahydroxylmethoxychalcone (5) (IC50=7.09–80.81 μM) were the most active ones against PC3, MCF7 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, 5 exhibited selectivity on prostate cancer cells (SI: 5.19). Hoechst staining and Annexin V/PI binding assays as well as cell cycle analysis on the compounds 3 (23 μM) and 5 (5 and 7 μM) demonstrated that these retrochalcones induced apoptosis and significantly suppressed cell cycle in G1 and G2/M phases. Furthermore, 3 and 5 showed antimigratory effects on PC3 cells by wound healing assay. The results indicated that tested retrochalcones most particularly 5 could be potential anticancer drug candidates that prevent proliferation and migration of cancer cells.
Optimization framework for patient‐specific modeling under uncertainty
Authors: Mineroff Joshua , Pokuri Balaji Sesha Sarath , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Krishnamurthy Adarsh
Published: November 2022

Estimating a patient‐specific computational model's parameters relies on data that is often unreliable and ill‐suited for a deterministic approach. We develop an optimization‐based uncertainty quantification framework for probabilistic model tuning that discovers model inputs distributions that generate target output distributions. Probabilistic sampling is performed using a surrogate model for computational efficiency, and a general distribution parameterization is used to describe each input. The approach is tested on seven patient‐specific modeling examples using CircAdapt, a cardiovascular circulatory model. Six examples are synthetic, aiming to match the output distributions generated using known reference input data distributions, while the seventh example uses real‐world patient data for the output distributions. Our results demonstrate the accurate reproduction of the target output distributions, with a correct recreation of the reference inputs for the six synthetic examples. Our proposed approach is suitable for determining the parameter distributions of patient‐specific models with uncertain data and can be used to gain insights into the sensitivity of the model parameters to the measured data.
UBTF‐internal tandem duplication as a novel poor prognostic factor in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kaburagi Taeko , Shiba Norio , Yamato Genki , Yoshida Kenichi , Tabuchi Ken , Ohki Kentaro , Ishikita Etsuko , Hara Yusuke , Shiraishi Yuichi , Kawasaki Hirohide , Sotomatsu Manabu , Takizawa Takumi , Taki Tomohiko , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Tomizawa Daisuke , Horibe Keizo , Miyano Satoru , Taga Takashi , Adachi Souichi , Ogawa Seishi , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: November 2022

The prognosis of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has improved via stratification therapy. However, relapse or death occurs in 30%–40% of cases. Novel genetic factors for pediatric AML need to be elucidated to improve prognosis. We detected recurrent internal tandem duplication in upstream binding transcription factor (UBTF‐ITD) in 1.2% (6/503) of Japanese pediatric patients with de novo AML. No UBTF‐ITD was detected in 175 adult patients with AML or in 65 cell lines that included 15 AML, 39 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, five chronic myeloid leukemia, and six neuroblastoma cell lines. All UBTF‐ITDs were found in exon 13 and shared a duplicated region. UBTF‐ITD was more frequently detected in patients with trisomy 8, FLT3‐ITD, WT1 mutation, and/or high PRDM16 expression (trisomy 8, 3/6; FLT3‐ITD, 5/6; WT1 mutation, 2/6; and high PRDM16 expression, 6/6). Gene expression patterns of patients with UBTF‐ITD were similar to those of patients with NUP98::NSD1 or FUS::ERG. Survival analysis of the AML‐05 cohort revealed that patients with UBTF‐ITD had worse outcomes than those without UBTF‐ITD (3‐year event‐free survival, 20% vs. 55%; 3‐year overall survival, 40% vs. 74%). Moreover, among the 27 patients with trisomy 8, all three patients with UBTF ‐ITD had a poor prognosis resulting in early events (relapse or non‐complete remission) within 1 year. Our findings suggest that UBTF‐ITD may be a novel and significant prognostic factor for pediatric patients with AML.
Promoting social inclusion among asylum seekers and refugees living in the south east region of Melbourne, Australia, through volunteering
Authors: Russo Alana , Koch Rob , McBride Jacquie
Published: November 2022

Issue addressed

This article describes the Refugee Health Volunteer Program; a Monash Health initiative that aimed to promote social inclusion among asylum seekers and refugees within the south‐eastern region of Melbourne, Australia. This article also presents the evaluation findings of this strategy.

Methods

This mixed‐methods evaluation aimed to determine the impact of the Volunteer Program at both an individual and organisational level. Volunteers completed a survey (n = 39) and participated in interviews (n = 14), and staff working alongside volunteers at Monash Health Community completed a survey (n = 82).

Results

Volunteers attributed a range personal benefits to their involvement in the Refugee Health Volunteer Program; reporting improvements across all survey domains, including “Personal development,” “Skill development,” “Health and wellbeing,” “Sense of trust and inclusion,” “Social development.” Further, within the interviews participants discussed that through volunteering they had made friends, developed new skills and felt their emotional wellbeing had improved. Staff members (n = 82) working at Monash Health Community also reflected positively on the program, reporting that volunteers increased organisational capacity and enhanced their personal understanding of asylum seeker and refugee issues.

Conclusions

This program has successfully responded to an emerging need within the local asylum seeker and refugee community. Applying a social determinants framework acknowledges the fundamental impact of social connectivity on wellbeing.

So what?

Many of the factors that adversely impact the wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees sit beyond both individual and organisational control. However, this article defines an effective volunteering model that fosters social inclusion and promotes emotional wellbeing among humanitarian arrivals in Australia, within the confines of the existing context.
Voluntary private health insurance demand by Portuguese seniors before the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tavares Aida Isabel
Published: November 2022

Aims

The Portuguese health system is mainly described as a National Health Service (NHS), but it also has some Bismarckian features. On top of these two layers of health insurance coverage, there is a market for voluntary private health insurance (VPHI). Usually, seniors are not eligible for this type of health insurance and this may serve as a complement or supplement to the NHS. The purpose of this work is to identify the main factors associated with holding a VPHI policy among seniors before the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Material and Methods

We use data collected by the National Health Survey of 2019/20 and estimate a multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The main findings show that VPHI may be bought by seniors as a facilitator to access health care, either specialised or dental care. While oral health is not covered by the NHS, specialist care is only available after referral by a gatekeeper and requires a long waiting time to be scheduled. Results show that people who had an appointment with a dentist or a specialist in the last 12 months are more likely to have a VPHI policy. Additionally, it was found that people benefiting from occupation‐based insurance schemes are less likely to buy private health insurance.

Conclusion

The current Portuguese health system organization based on different layers of health protection raises some issues concerning equity to health care access by seniors.
Coaching during a crisis: Organizational coaches' praxis adaptation during the initial stages of the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Terblanche Nicky H. D.
Published: November 2022

The chaotic initial stages of the Covid‐19 pandemic severely challenged organizations. Economies shut down and millions of people were confined to their homes. Human resource practitioners turned to organizational coaching, a trusted human resource development intervention for help, however, to remain relevant during the crisis coaches had to adapt their praxis. The working alliance describes the mutual bond, goal, and task alignment between coach and client and is an indication of coaching efficacy. This study investigates to what extent organizational coaches' praxis adaptation at the start of the pandemic maintained a working alliance that still served the human resource development (HRD) paradigms of learning, performance, and meaningful work. Interviews with 26 organizational coaches from USA, UK, Australia, and South Africa recorded during the first general lockdown (April 2020) were inductively analyzed using thematic analysis and deductively interpreted through the working alliance theory and desired HRD outcome paradigms. Findings reveal seven organizational coaching praxis adaptations judged to support all three working alliance components, with “task” and “goal” more prominent than “bond,” suggesting a pragmatist preference reminiscent of crisis management. Praxis adaptation also seems to promote all three HRD paradigms of learning, performance, and meaningful work on individual and/or organizational levels. This study strengthens the already well‐established link between HRD and coaching by positing that coaching is a dynamic, pragmatic, self‐adaptive intervention that supports HRD during a crisis. Understanding coaches' praxis adaptation during the volatile initial stages of a crisis is important for HRD theory and practice given HRDs increasing reliance on coaching.
THE SYNTHESIS OF PYRIDINE CONTAINING PENTA‐AZA MACROCYCLES, BY ESTER AMINOLYSIS
Authors: Dierck Lise , Herman Gerrit G. , Goeminne Andre M. , van der Kelen Gustaaf P.
Published: November 2022

Eight related penta‐aza macrocyclic compounds have been prepared. Linear tetra‐amines react under ambient conditions with pyridine‐2,6‐dimethylester, in methanol as a solvent, to give cyclic diamides in moderate yield, and their subsequent reduction with diborane affords the respective pyridine tetra‐aza amines.
Effects of bicyclol on hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by Gynura segetum
Authors: Yao Jianzuo , Wu Jingyi , Jia Shu , Shao Jingping , Zhang Xie , Xu Zeping , Zhang Hui , Li Hong , Yao Xiaomin
Published: November 2022

Background

The intake of Gynura segetum, a traditional Chinese medicine, may be induce hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS). It has a high mortality rate based on the severity of the disease and the absence of therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of bicyclol on HSOS induced by Gynura segetum and the potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Gynura segetum (30 g/kg) was administered for 4 weeks in the model group, while the bicyclol pretreatment group received bicyclol (200 mg/kg) administration. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), and liver histological assays were detected to assess HSOS. The gene expressions of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isozymes were quantified by real‐time PCR. Moreover, hepatocellular apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay, then apoptosis and autophagy‐related markers were determined using Western blot.

Results

As a result, bicyclol pretreatment is notably protected against Gynura segetum‐induced HSOS, as observed by reducing serum ALT levels, inhibiting the reduction in CHO and TG levels, and alleviating the histopathological changes. Bicyclol pretreatment inhibited the changes in mRNA levels of CYP450 isozymes (including the increase in CYP2a5 and decrease in CYP2b10, 2c29, 2c37, 3a11, and 7b1). In addition, the upregulation of Bcl‐2 and the downregulation of LC3‐II/LC3‐I proteins expression in HSOS were inhibited with bicyclol pretreatment.

Conclusion

Bicyclol exerted a protective effect against HSOS induced by Gynura segetum, which could be attributed to the regulated expressions of CYP450 isozymes and alleviated the downregulation of autophagy.
Quantitative muscle ultrasound in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Comparing to magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hu Jun , Jiang Li , Hong Siqi , Cheng Li , Wang Qiao , Peng Xuehua , Qin Jiaqiang , Zou Lin
Published: November 2022

Objective

There is a need today for favorable biomarkers to follow up on the disease progression and therapeutic response in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This study evaluates whether quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more suitable for the assessment of DMD in China.

Methods

Thirty‐six boys with DMD, who were treated with prednisone from baseline to month 12, were enrolled in this longitudinal, observational cohort study. Muscle thickness and echo intensity on QMUS and T1‐weighted MRI grading were measured in the right rectus femoris.

Results

Scores for muscle thickness and echo intensity in QMUS and T1‐weighted MRI grading showed significant correlations with the clinical characteristics of muscle strength, timed testing, and quality of life (p < 0.05). Scores for muscle thickness and echo intensity on QMUS also showed good correlations with T1‐weighted MRI grading (p < 0.05). However, 15 of 36 boys with DMD did not undergo MRI examinations for various reasons.

Conclusions

QMUS and MRI can be used as biomarkers for tracking DMD to some extent. Both have strengths and weaknesses and the specific needs and goals of the clinical or research project are what make one preferable to the other.
P53 immunolabeling in EUS‐FNA biopsy can predict low resection rate and early recurrence in resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Oshima Minoru , Okano Keiichi , Kamada Hideki , Suto Hironobu , Ando Yasuhisa , Ibuki Emi , Ishikawa Ryo , Masaki Tsutomu , Haba Reiji , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: November 2022

Purpose

KRAS, P16, TP53, and SMAD4/DPC4 mutations are common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study aimed to evaluate the association between gene mutations in pre‐treatment endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) samples and clinical outcomes of patients with PDAC.

Methods

There were 43 patients with resectable (R) PDAC and 41 patients with borderline resectable (BR) PDAC. CDKN2A/p16, TP53, and SMAD4/DPC4 were evaluated through immunohistochemistry (IHC) of pretreatment EUS‐FNA (n = 84) and resected specimens (n = 71). All patients received neoadjuvant therapy.

Results

IHC of EUS‐FNA specimens revealed p16 loss in 61 (73%), abnormal p53 in 61 (73%), and Smad4 loss in 38 (45%) patients. Abnormal p53 was associated with a lower resection rate (p = .017). Abnormal p53 and Smad4 loss were associated with recurrence within 6 months post‐pancreatectomy (p = .03, p = .03, respectively). Univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to reveal that abnormal p53 (p = .07), p16 loss and abnormal p53 (p = .04), and Smad4 and p16 loss (p = .03) were associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Pre‐treatment abnormal labeling of p53 in EUS‐FNA specimen was associated with a lower resection rate and an early recurrence in R or BR PDAC cases.
Using participatory research to identify actionable facilitators and barriers to effective inpatient interdisciplinary communication
Authors: Jenkins Ashley M. , Weber Danielle E. , Arfaa Jennifer Jasmine E. , Arken Andrew , Clark Danielle L. , Dobbs Emily , Lahbabi Betina , Myers Kurt , Tu Jamie , Clarke‐Myers Katherine
Published: November 2022

Background

Communication failures occur often in the inpatient setting. Efforts to understand and improve communication often exclude patients or are siloed by discipline.

Objective

We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to effective communication within interdisciplinary inpatient internal medicine (IM) teams using a participatory research approach.

Design

We conducted a single‐center participatory mixed methods study using group‐level assessment (GLA) and concept mapping to iteratively engage stakeholders. Stakeholder groups included patients/families, IM faculty, IM residents, nurses and ancillary staff, and care managers. Stakeholder‐specific GLA sessions were conducted. Participants responded to prompts addressing interdisciplinary communication then worked in small groups to synthesize the qualitative data into unique ideas. A subset of each stakeholder group then sorted ideas through a concept mapping exercise. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to generate a concept map of the data.

Results

Participants generated 97 unique ideas that were then sorted. The research team chose an eight‐cluster concept map representing patient inclusion and engagement, processes and resources, team morale and inclusive dynamics, attitudes and behaviors, effective communication, barriers to communication, the culture of healthcare, and clear expectations. Three larger domains of patient inclusion and engagement, organizational conditions and role clarity, and team dynamics and behaviors were noted.

Conclusion

Use of a participatory research approach made it feasible to engage diverse stakeholders including patients. Our results highlight the need to identify context‐specific facilitators and barriers of interdisciplinary communication. The importance of clear expectations was identified as a prioritized area to target communication improvement efforts.
Investigating the effect of soil cracks on preferential flow using a dye tracing infiltration experiment in karst in Southwest China
Authors: Hou Fang , Cheng Jinhua , Guan Ning
Published: November 2022

Soil cracks significantly affect the preferential flow, and various uncertainties are associated with the effect of soil cracks on preferential flow in karst areas in Southwest China. This study investigated soil crack properties (inclusions, width, and configuration) by applying ground‐penetrating RADAR (GPR) to pedons. Blue dye‐tracing experiments were designed based on the geophysical detection results to assess the influences of crack inclusions (sand grains and rock fragments), crack widths (1, 1.5, and 2 cm), and configurations (I‐shape, V‐shape, and Λ‐shape) on preferential flow. The following results were obtained: (1) the GPR envelope can describe the configuration of isolated soil cracks; (2) soil cracks can accelerate infiltration and increase the maximum dye‐penetration depth, cumulative infiltration, and wetting‐front depth by averages of at least 5.2%, 63.2% and 4.4%, respectively; and (3) the I‐ and Λ‐shaped soil crack configurations contributed to preferential flow, but the preferential flow was not observed along the V‐shaped‐configuration‐crack pore paths despite the retardation of brilliant blue FCF. The I‐shaped configurations, with a crack width of 1.5 cm, were filled with rock fragments and had higher preferential flow ratios (18.2%–52.3%) and length indices (4.0%–33.8%) compared to the other configurations. In summary, inclusions, crack width, and configuration significantly influence the preferential flow (p < 0.05), and the influence of these soil crack properties on preferential flow cannot be neglected during vegetation restoration and groundwater security operations in karst areas.
Facial nerve stimulation in adult cochlear implant recipients with far advanced otosclerosis
Authors: Tuset Maria‐Pia , Baptiste Amandine , Cyna Gorse Françoise , Sterkers Olivier , Nguyen Yann , Lahlou Ghizlène , Ferrary Evelyne , Mosnier Isabelle
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to predict occurrence of facial nerve stimulation (FNS) in cochlear implanted patients for far‐advanced otosclerosis (FAO) by correlating preoperative computed tomography (CT)‐scan data to FNS and to evaluate FNS impact on hearing outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective analysis on 91 ears (76 patients) implanted for FAO. Electrodes were straight (50%) or perimodiolar (50%). Demographic data, extension of otosclerosis on preoperative CT scan, occurrence of FNS, and speech performance were analyzed.

Results

Prevalence of FNS was 21% (19 ears). FNS appeared during the first month (21%), 1–6 months (26%), 6–12 months (21%), and over 1 year (32%) postimplantation. Cumulative incidence of FNS at 15 years was 33% (95% CI = [14–47%]). Extension of otosclerotic lesions on preimplantation CT‐scan was more severe in FNS ears compared to No‐FNS (p < .05): for Stage III, 13/19 (68%) and 18/72 (25%) ears for FNS and No‐FNS groups, respectively (p < .05). Location of otosclerotic lesions relative to the facial nerve canal was similar whatever the presence or not of FNS. Electrode array had no impact on FNS occurrence. At 1 year post‐implantation, duration of profound hearing loss (≥5 years) and previous stapedotomy were negatively associated with speech performance. FNS did not impact hearing outcomes, despite a lower percentage of activated electrodes (p < .01) in the FNS group. Nevertheless, FNS were associated with a decrease of speech performance both in quiet (p < .001) and in noise (p < .05).

Conclusion

Cochlear implanted patients for FAO are at greater risk of developing FNS affecting speech performance over time, probably due to a higher percentage of deactivated electrodes. High resolution CT‐scan is an essential tool allowing FNS prediction but not time of onset.

Level of evidence

2b, Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 2022.
Stereoselective Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization with Tungsten Sulfido Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Buchmeiser Michael R. , Probst Patrick , Wang Dongren , Hauser Philipp
Published: November 2022

A series of cationic tungsten sulfido alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes (W01 – W09) of the general formula [W(S)(CHCMe3)(X)(NHC)(CMe3CN)+B(ArF)4−] (NHC = 1,3‐dimesitylimidazol‐2‐ylidene, IMes; 1,3‐dimesityl‐4,5‐dichloroimidazol‐2‐ylidene, IMesCl2; 1,3‐bis(2,6‐xdiisopropyl)phenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene, IDipp; X = Cl, C6F5O, 2,6‐Ph2‐C6H3; B(ArF)4− = tetrakis(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate) are used as initiators in the stereoselective ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of (+) 2,3‐endo, exo‐dicarbomethoxynorborn‐5‐ene ((+)DCMNBE, M1). Trans‐isospecifity up to 84% is achieved along with varying percentages of cis‐syndiospecifity. The different extent of trans‐isospecifity is compared to the one of related benchmark cationic molybdenum and tungsten imido and tungsten oxo alkylidene NHC complexes. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the syn‐isomer of a nitrile‐free initiator reacts with M1 presumably in an eneanti fashion to yield a syn‐first insertion product via turnstile rearrangement, which accounts for the predominant trans‐isospecifity of the polymerization. The cis‐syndiotactic sequences are proposed to stem from the competing enesyn addition of M1 to a nitrile‐containing syn‐isomer of the initiator.
Estimate of largest velocities for Vlasov–Poisson plasma with radiation damping
Authors: Hu Xianghong , Zhang Xianwen
Published: November 2022

In this article, we study the asymptotic behavior of classical solutions to three‐dimensional Vlasov–Poisson system with radiation damping arising in plasma physics. For smooth solutions with compact support in phase space, the growth estimate of the largest velocity of plasma particles is improved to
. As a consequence, some better estimates of the charge density and electrostatic field are obtained.
Die älteste deutsche Chemiefabrik
Authors: Offermanns Heribert
Published: November 2022

Im Fichtelgebirge entstand Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts in Form der Chemischen Fabrik Marktredwitz das erste Chemiewerk Deutschlands. Eine der Hauptchemikalien war Quecksilber, was Mitte der 1980er Jahre zu einem Umweltskandal führte.
Entzündungsauflösende Mediatoren: Signal oder Rauschen?
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: November 2022

Lipoxine und Resolvine sind Verbindungen, die im Körper das Auflösen von Entzündungsprozessen stimulieren. Entdeckt und beschrieben haben Biochemiker diese Stoppsignalgeber bereits vor über drei Jahrzehnten; inzwischen gehören sie fast schon zum Lehrbuchwissen. Aber eine wachsende Gruppe von Forschenden warnt jetzt, dass die Wissenschaft sich hier auf einem Irrweg befinde.
Gegen chemische Kampfstoffe
Authors: Schmitz Karin J.
Published: November 2022

Seit dem Überfall Russlands auf die Ukraine gibt es Befürchtungen, die Kriegsparteien könnten Chemiewaffen einsetzen. Als Chemikerinnen und Chemiker haben wir eine besondere Verantwortung, Herstellung und Verwendung chemischer Waffen zu verhindern. Die GDCh ist an verschiedenen Stellen aktiv, um das Bewusstsein dafür zu schärfen.
„Doing the right things right”
Authors: Neubauer Uta
Published: November 2022

Paul Anastas of Yale University in New Haven is considered the father of green chemistry. He introduced the term over three decades ago and in 1998, together with his colleague and friend John Warner, published Twelve Principles for the sustainable design and production of chemicals. Last summer, the GDCh honoured the two US chemists with the August Wilhelm von Hofmann Memorial Medal. A conversation with Paul Anastas about the current world situation, the need to transform the chemical industry and his optimistic view into the future.
Zwerge und siedende Steine
Authors: Reschetilowski Wladimir
Published: November 2022

Vor 300 Jahren wurde der schwedische Mineraloge und Chemiker Axel Fredrik Cronstedt geboren, einer der Begründer der modernen Mineralogie. Er entdeckte das chemische Element Nickel und prägte die Bezeichnung Zeolith.
Mehr open access
Authors: Kuschmitz Paul
Published: November 2022

Zeitschriften aus England und den USA ändern ihre Abomodelle.
Splitting failure of a composite under longitudinal tension
Authors: Zhou Yi , Huang Zheng‐Ming , Wang Jian‐Xiu
Published: November 2022

Significant variation can be found in measurements for the longitudinal tensile strength of the same unidirectional (UD) composite. A splitting failure is one of the main reasons. It is shown in this paper that the shear stress component resulted from a longitudinal tension and a fiber misalignment can cause the matrix to fail before fiber break. The misalignment angle consists of an initial off‐axial angle and a further fiber rotation during the loading. Based on the micromechanics Bridging Model and the matrix true stress theory established by the author, splitting failure has been analyzed and predicted rigorously in this paper, only using the fiber and matrix properties together with the fiber misalignment angle. The fiber initial misalignment angle of a unidirectional plate can be obtained from testing statistics, or deducing from measured longitudinal compression strength. Our research indicates that the longitudinal tensile strength and the relevant failure mode can be significantly affected by the fiber initial misalignment.
Mechanical properties of cellulose‐based multiscale composites: A review
Authors: Ganapathy Viswanath , Muthukumaran Gunasegeran , Sudhagar P. Edwin , Rashedi Ahmad , Norrrahim Mohd Nor Faiz , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad , Goh Kheng Lim , Jawaid Mohammad , Naveen Jesuarockiam
Published: November 2022

Nanocellulose, which is cellulose in the form of nanostructures, has emerged as one of the most significant green materials of our time in recent years because of their appealing and exceptional characteristics such as abundance, high aspect ratio, improved mechanical capabilities, renewability, and biocompatibility. The present review mainly covers the effect of different properties of nanocellulose on the mechanical properties of nanocellulose‐based multiscale composites. Our review article covers the classification of nanocellulose structures, extraction of Nanocellulose, and mechanical properties of cellulose‐based multiscale composites such as tensile, flexural and impact, followed by the applications of nanocellulose‐based multiscale fiber reinforced polymer composites. There is a demand in the industry for an efficient alternate material to man‐made synthetic materials with superior mechanical properties. Nano cellulose‐based multiscale composites can be an efficient alternative to meet sustainability goals without compromising performance.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin: A novel biomarker for predicting chronic kidney disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Navadurong Huttakan , Prasoppokakorn Thaninee , Srisawat Nattachai , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee , Komolmit Piyawat , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Treeprasertsuk Sombat
Published: November 2022

Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common diseases worldwide. Reports of a high prevalence of CKD in NAFLD patients have been documented. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a reliable biomarker for renal dysfunction, and it is recommended for early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhotic patients. Currently, there is no evidence for using urine NGAL to predict CKD in NAFLD patients. We aim to determine the proportion of CKD and identify the predictive value of NGAL and other factors associated with CKD in these patients.

Methods

A single‐center, cross‐sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and December 2019 in consecutive NAFLD patients diagnosed by transient elastography (TE) or liver biopsy at a tertiary care university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Advanced liver fibrosis is defined as fibrosis stages 3–4. The definition of CKD is estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml⋅min−1⋅1.73 m−2 based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline 2012. Urine NGAL level was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results

A total of 101 NAFLD patients were included with a mean age of 54 ± 16 years. Among these patients, 14 (13.9%), 13 (12.9%), and 32 (31.7%) had fibrosis stages 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Nine percent (9 of 101) of patients with NAFLD with a mean eGFR of 42.66 ± 17.42 ml⋅min−1⋅1.73 m−2. The statistically significant factors associated with CKD were a higher level of urine NGAL (55.1 [25.15–150.60] vs. 15.1 [9.67–25.15] ng/ml; p = 0.006), a higher level of TE (17.3 [6.85–46.20] vs. 7.7 [5.6–11.7] kPa; p = 0.038), and a presence of advanced fibrosis (77.8% vs. 40.7%; p = 0.041), compared to those without CKD. Urine NGAL was the only significant factor associated with CKD in NAFLD patients. The cutoff level of urine NGAL at 36.75 ng/ml showed odds ratio of 21.27 (95% CI: 3.97–113.82; p < 0.001) and 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00–1.04; p = 0.024) by univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. The selected urine NGAL cutoff demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 85.9% for predicting CKD, respectively.

Conclusions

The proportion of CKD in NAFLD patients was 9% and the presence of advanced fibrosis was a significant risk factor associated with CKD. Additionally, urine NGAL was significantly associated with CKD in NAFLD patients using a cutoff level of 36.75 ng/ml for predicting CKD with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. A larger prospective cohort study is needed to validate our findings.
Stabilizing the MXene by Ion Confinement Shielding in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Liu Xudong , Feng Yufa , Qiu Si , Lu Ming , Bo Peng , Liao Qingyu , Liu Yong , Li Hao
Published: November 2022

Herein, the environmental stability of MXenes aqueous solution in a wide temperature range is successfully enhanced by a mechanism of ion‐confined shielding. Combined with experiments and molecular dynamics simulation, it is found that, in an aqueous solution, a confinement shielding layer formed by the electrostatic adsorption of the introduced hydronium ion onto the electronegative surface of nanosheets, which efficiently constrains free water molecules near the nanosheet surface through hydration, and prevents nanosheets from an attack of water molecules and dissolved oxygen through its steric hindrance effect. Moreover, the hydronium ions could induce the aggregation of nanosheets and further reduce the active surface area of exposed Ti3C2Tx. Under the aforementioned synergistic effect, the storage duration allowing Ti3C2Tx aqueous solution to keep stable is extended to 100 days at 25 °C and 30 days at 60 °C, respectively. In addition, hydronium ion has the advantages of low cost, environmentally friendly, and easy recovery. It also shows an excellent protection effect at low concentration, such as 2 mol L−1. The present study provides guidance for the prolongation of life of the MXenes device working under long‐term or high‐temperature aqueous conditions and the selection of electrolytes for supercapacitors.