bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of mitochondria DNA A10398G polymorphism on development of Parkinson's disease: A PRISMA‐compliant meta‐analysis
Authors: Tzeng I‐Shiang
Published: February 2022

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by memory loss and multiple cognitive disorders caused primarily by neurodegeneration. However, the preventative effects of the mitochondrial A10398G DNA polymorphism remain controversial. This meta‐analysis comprehensively assessed evidence on the influence of the mitochondrial DNA A10398G variant on PD development.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, Springer Link, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to May 31, 2020. We used a pooled model with random effects to explore the effect of A10398G on the development of PD. Stata MP version 14.0 was used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from the eligible studies to assess the impact of mitochondrial DNA A10398G on PD development.

Results

The overall survey of the populations showed no significant association between mitochondrial DNA A10398G polymorphism (G allele compared to A allele) and PD (odds ratio = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.70–1.04,p = 0.111); however, a significant association between the mutation and PD was observed in the Caucasian population (odds ratio = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.58–0.87,p = 0.001). A neutral effect was observed in the Asian population (odds ratio = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.94–1.28,p = 0.242).

Conclusions

The results of this meta‐analysis showed the potential protective effect of the mitochondrial DNA A10398G polymorphism on the risk of developing PD in the Caucasian population. Studies with better designs and larger samples with intensive work are required to validate these results.
Macrophages promote cartilage regeneration in a time‐ and phenotype‐dependent manner
Authors: Yang Jiabei , Zhang Xuewei , Chen Jiaqing , Heng Boon Chin , Jiang Yangzi , Hu Xiaoyu , Ge Zigang
Published: February 2022

Immune regulation of osteochondral defect regeneration has not yet been rigorously characterized. Although macrophages have been demonstrated to regulate the regeneration process in various tissues, their direct contribution to cartilage regeneration remains to be investigated, particularly the functions of polarized macrophage subpopulations. In this study, we investigated the origins and functions of macrophages during healing of osteochondral injury in the murine model. Upon osteochondral injury, joint macrophages are predominantly derived from circulating monocytes. Macrophages are essential for spontaneous cartilage regeneration in juvenile C57BL/6 mice, by modulating proliferation and apoptosis around the injury site. Exogeneous macrophages also exhibit therapeutic potential in promoting cartilage regeneration in adult mice with poor regenerative capacity, possibly via regulation of PDGFRα+ stem cells, with this process being influenced by initial phenotype and administration timing. Only M2c macrophages are able to promote regeneration of both cartilage tissues and subchondral bone. Overall, we reveal the direct link between macrophages and osteochondral regeneration and highlight the key roles of relevant immunological niches in successful regeneration.
Untangling the web of misinformation and false beliefs
Authors: Johar Gita Venkataramani
Published: February 2022

Stanley et al. (2022) underscore four fundamental cognitive principles that underlie the human belief system. These include the truth bias (a predisposition to believe incoming information as true), bias to extract meaning from information (use of prior expectations to make sense of new information), bias to rely on the source of information to judge truth (using judgments of source credibility to rate veracity), and bias to rely on fluency to judge truth (perceptions of ease of processing information affect truth judgments). I suggest that understanding these principles can help us defer and deflect false beliefs from becoming entrenched in consumer minds and offer ways to leverage the four principles in the service of truth. I then propose that we broaden our focus in the study of false beliefs in three ways‐‐by focusing on prevention of false beliefs rather than correction, by diversifying the dependent measures we study and by addressing the role of identity in false belief maintenance. I conclude with a discussion of some thorny issues and the need for regulation in this sphere. I seek to offer a research agenda to scholars interested in addressing the misinformation crisis that is ripping apart the fabric of our society.
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic behaviour of nano‐bimetallic nickel oxide on the thermal decomposition of dihydroxylammonium‐5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate
Authors: Ma Yuying , Zhao Haixia , Ma Dongze , Zhang Junmei
Published: February 2022

Abstract(Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic behaviour of nano‐bimetallic nickel oxide on the thermal decomposition of dihydroxylammonium‐5,5′‐bistetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate)

Bimetal combustion catalyst has become an emerging field in recent years, which is still in its infancy. When the combustion catalyst is used in double‐base propellants, it can produce effects that conventional catalysts cannot achieve. In this study, nano‐bimetallic nickel oxides (nanospheres of NiFe2O4 and the sub‐nanometre flower NiCo2O4) were prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption test (BET). Moreover, its thermal catalytic action on dihydroxylammonium 5,5'‐bistetrazole‐1,1'‐diolate (TKX‐50) was studied. The thermal analysis of composite TKX‐50/NiFe2O4 and TKX‐50/NiCo2O4 was carried out by thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC). The results show that when the addition amount of NiFe2O4 is 10%, the heating rate is 5.0 K min−1, the NiFe2O4 has the best catalytic activity for TKX‐50 thermal decomposition, and the high thermal decomposition peak temperature (Tpeak1) is decreased by 29 °C. More interestingly, the apparent activation energies of the two composites were calculated by Kissinger, Ozawa, and Starink methods. The advanced thermal analysis kinetics software (AKTS) was used to perform kinetic calculations on the DSC experimental curves of the above‐mentioned composite energetic materials, and reaction rate curves obtained by the simulation are in good agreement with the experimental curves of the thermal decomposition reaction process, further proving that the accuracy of the experiment is high. Therefore, the addition of NiFe2O4 shows high catalytic efficiency on the thermal decomposition of TKX‐50 components, and this would be beneficial to promote the burning rate of propellants containing TKX‐50 components. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Disparities in the allocation of inpatient physical and occupational therapy services for patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Jolley Sarah , Nordon‐Craft Amy , Wilson Melissa P. , Ridgeway Kyle , Rauzi Michelle R. , Capin Jacob , Heery Lauren M. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer , Erlandson Kristine M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Survivors of the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) experience significant morbidity with reduced physical function and impairments in activities of daily living. The use of in‐hospital rehabilitation therapy may reduce long‐term impairments.

Objective

To determine the frequency of therapy referral and treatment amongst hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, assess for disparities in referral and receipt of therapy, and identify potentially modifiable factors contributing to disparities in therapy allocation.

Design, Setting and Participants

Retrospective cohort study using data collected from the University of Colorado Health Data Compass data warehouse assessing therapy referral rates and estimated delivery based on available administrative billing.

Measurements

Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between sex and/or underrepresented minority race with therapy referral or delivery.

Results

Amongst 6239 COVID‐19‐related hospitalization, a therapy referral was present in 3952 patients (51.9%). Hispanic ethnicity was independently associated with lower odds of receipt of therapy referral (adjusted OR [aOR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67–0.93, p = .001). Advanced age (aOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.46–1.62, p < .001), greater COVID illness severity (aOR for intensive care unit admission: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.37–1.94, p < .01) and hospital stay (aOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.12–1.15, p < .01) were positively associated with referral.

Conclusions and Relevance

In a cohort of patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 across a multicenter healthcare system, we found that referral rates and delivery of physical therapy and/or occupational therapy sessions were significantly reduced for patients of Hispanic identity compared with patients of non‐Hispanic, Caucasian identity after adjustment for potential confounding by available demographic and illness severity variables.
Clinical manifestation and long‐term outcome of citrin deficiency: Report from a nationwide study in Japan
Authors: Kido Jun , Häberle Johannes , Sugawara Keishin , Tanaka Toju , Nagao Masayoshi , Sawada Takaaki , Wada Yoichi , Numakura Chikahiko , Murayama Kei , Watanabe Yoriko , Kojima‐Ishii Kanako , Sasai Hideo , Kosugiyama Kiyotaka , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: February 2022

Citrin deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC25A13 gene. The disease can present with age‐dependent clinical manifestations: neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis by citrin deficiency (NICCD), failure to thrive, and dyslipidemia by citrin deficiency (FTTDCD), and adult‐onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2). As a nationwide study to investigate the clinical manifestations, medical therapy, and long‐term outcome in Japanese patients with citrin deficiency, we collected clinical data of 222 patients diagnosed and/or treated at various different institutions between January 2000 and December 2019. In the entire cohort, 218 patients were alive while 4 patients (1 FTTDCD and 3 CTLN2) had died. All patients <20 years were alive. Patients with citrin deficiency had an increased risk for low weight and length at birth, and CTLN2 patients had an increased risk for growth impairment during adolescence. Liver transplantation has been performed in only 4 patients (1 NICCD, 3 CTLN2) with a good response thereafter. This study reports the diagnosis and clinical course in a large cohort of patients with citrin deficiency and suggests that early intervention including a low carbohydrate diet and MCT supplementation can be associated with improved clinical course and long‐term outcome.
Sex‐based differences in the severity of radiation‐induced arthrofibrosis
Authors: Rodman Samuel N. , Kluz Paige N. , Hines Madeline R. , Oberley‐Deegan Rebecca E. , Coleman Mitchell C.
Published: February 2022

As cancer survivorship increases, so does the number of patients that suffer from the late effects of radiation therapy. This includes arthrofibrosis, the development of stiff joints near the field of radiation. Previous reports have concentrated on skin fibrosis around the joint but largely ignored the deeper tissues of the joint. We hypothesized that fat, muscle, and the joint tissues themselves would play a more significant role in joint contracture after radiation than the skin surrounding the joint. To address this hypothesis, we irradiated the right hind flanks of mice with fractionated and unfractionated dose schedules, then monitored the mice for 3 months postradiotherapy. Mice were euthanized and physiological indications of arthrofibrosis including limb contracture and joint resting position were assessed. Stifle (knee) joints demonstrated significant arthrofibrosis, but none was observed in the hock (ankle) joints. During these studies, we were surprised to find that male and female mice showed a significantly different response to radiation injury. Female mice developed more injuries, had significantly worse contracture, and showed a greater difference in the expression of all markers studied. These results suggest that women undergoing radiation therapy might be at significantly greater risk for developing arthrofibrosis and may require specific adjustments to their care.
AND/ASPEN and the GLIM malnutrition diagnostic criteria have a high degree of criterion validity and reliability for the identification of malnutrition in a hospital setting: A single‐center prospective study
Authors: El Chaar Dayana , Mattar Lama , Fakih El Khoury Cosette
Published: February 2022

Background

Multiple malnutrition diagnostic tools are available in clinical practice, yet, evidence on their validity and reliability is limited. We aim to assess and compare the validity and reliability of the different combinations of indicators of the three most used diagnostic tools with two validated malnutrition screening tools.

Methods

Nutrition risk screening was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA‐SF) and the Nutrition Risk Screening‐2002 (NRS‐2002). Nutrition assessment was conducted using different combinations of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND/ASPEN), the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Concurrent criterion validity and inter‐rater reliability of the overall and the different combinations of indicators in the diagnostic tools were evaluated and compared. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Cohen kappa were calculated to determine tool validity and reliability.

Results

The AND/ASPEN (132 [22.8%]) combination and GLIM‐1 (133 [23.0%]) (weight loss + compromised food intake) predicted the highest number of malnourished patients and reported a high degree of concurrent criterion validity, agreement, and reliability. On the contrary, overall ESPEN (using any combination) and GLIM‐2 (reduced body mass index [BMI] + compromised food intake) reported only moderate criterion validity and low agreement and reliability.

Conclusion

Different combinations of diagnostic criteria led to varying validity and reliability, with the lowest validation results rising from the combinations of indicators using BMI as a criterion for malnutrition diagnosis.
Piloting a training program in computed tomography skeletal muscle assessment for registered dietitians
Authors: Martin Lisa , Tom Mei , Basualdo‐Hammond Carlota , Baracos Vickie , Gramlich Leah
Published: February 2022

Background

Consensus definitions for disease‐associated malnutrition and sarcopenia include reduced skeletal muscle mass as a diagnostic criterion. There is a need to develop and validate techniques to assess skeletal muscle in clinical practice. Skeletal muscle mass can be precisely quantified from computed tomography (CT) images. This pilot study aimed to train registered dietitians (RDs) to complete precise skeletal muscle measurements using CT.

Methods

Purposive sampling identified RDs employed in clinical areas in which CT scans are routinely performed. CT training included (1) a 3‐Day training session focused on manual segmentation of skeletal muscle cross‐sectional areas (cm2, centimeter squared) from abdominal CT images at the third lumbar vertebra (L3), using sliceOmatic® software, and (2) a precision assessment to quantify the intraobserver and interobserver precision error of repeated skeletal muscle measurements (30 images in duplicate). Precision error is reported as the root mean standard deviation (cm2) and percent coefficient of variation (%CV), our primary performance indicator, was defined as a precision error of <2%.

Results

Five RDs completed CT training. RDs were from three clinical areas: cancer care (N = 1), surgery (N = 2), and critical care (N = 1). RDs' precision error was low and below the minimal acceptable error of <2%; intraobserver error was ≤1.8 cm2 (range, 0.8–1.8 cm2) or ≤1.5% (range, 0.8%–1.5%) and interobserver error was 1.2 cm2 or 1.1%.

Conclusion

RDs can be trained to perform precise CT skeletal muscle measurements. Increasing capacity to assess skeletal muscle is a first step toward developing this technique for use in clinical practice.
Analysis of CH4, C2H6, C2H4, C2H2, H2, CO, and H2S by forward Raman scattering with a hollow‐core anti‐resonant fiber
Authors: Bai Yusi , Xiong Dongsheng , Yao Zhongyi , Wang Xinbing , Zuo Duluo
Published: February 2022

Fiber‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is applied actively for gas analysis. Hollow‐core anti‐resonant fibers (HC‐ARFs) with low loss and low spatial overlap between core and cladding modes show the potential of low background. We integrated an HC‐ARF into the Raman system, collected the forward scattering radiation with a lens‐coupled imaging spectrometer, and filtered most of the background through selection of region of interest. The limits of detection (LODs) of this system were determined as 1.2 ppm·bar for CH4, 2.9 ppm·bar for C2H6, 1.6 ppm·bar for C2H4, 2.7 ppm·bar for C2H2, 13.8 ppm·bar for H2, and 16.7 ppm·bar for CO with the excitation laser of 200 mW and the exposure time of 60 s. In addition, the LOD was better than 2.5 ppm·bar for H2S. By the detection of gas samples with the critical detectable concentration, it was proven that the estimated values of LOD from the preceding experimental results are reliable and the system had practical detectability. The gas samples we tested are relevant for multiple fields such as industrial process control and environment monitoring, showing the diversified application prospects of the Raman gas analysis system based on HC‐ARF.
Effects of vegetation restoration on carbonate‐derived laterite erodibility in karst mountain areas
Authors: Feng Na , Liu Dongdong , She Dongli
Published: February 2022

Vegetation restoration can exert a profound influence on surface soil characteristics, which likely plays a significant role in the evolution of soil erodibility. This study was conducted to quantify the effects of vegetation restoration on the soil erodibility of carbonate‐derived laterite in karst areas. Experiments were conducted at two representative sites for different years of vegetation restoration. Six karst mountain land use types [grassland (Y1), shrubland (Y2) and woodland (Y3) in young forest (YF); forest trails (O1), shrubland (O2) and woodland (O3) in old forest (OF)]. A structural equation model and random forest regression analysis were applied to distinguish the key environmental factors dominating soil erodibility. The results showed that the soil erodibility K factor exponentially decreased with increasing restoration age and tended to remain stable after 20 years (y = 0.0466 + 0.0316e−0.2889x, R2 = 0.98). The K factor in the OF decreased by an average of 2.1%–14.8% compared to those in the YF. A structural equation model indicated that vegetation restoration indirectly reduced soil erodibility by altering plant growth and coverage and its associated soil property changes. A random forest regression analysis of global datasets indicated that soil erodibility is mainly affected by topographical factors (i.e., latitude, elevation and slope), and their mean decrease accuracy values (IncMSE) exceeded 20%. Both forestland and shrubland were not considered as the most important factors for affecting global soil erodibility. Conversely, grassland, cropland and bare land were among the important factors. These results could guide the potential benefits of vegetation restoration strategies to meet soil conservation and ecosystem function goals in karst mountain ecosystems.
Ultrasound‐guided transforaminal approach for nusinersen delivery in adult spinal muscle atrophy patients with challenging access
Authors: Snoj Žiga , Salapura Vladka
Published: February 2022

Introduction/Aims

Previous papers on ultrasound (US)‐guided delivery of nusinersen in patients with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) described good results with translaminar approach. However, this approach is not possible in patients with spinal fusion and no visible interlaminar space on pre‐procedural computed tomography (CT). US‐guided transforaminal nusinersen delivery is a potential option that warrants investigation.

Methods

Twenty adult SMA patients with challenging access were treated in our institution under cone beam CT (CBCT) guidance. The patients were already in the maintenance phase of the dosing protocol and were prospectively evaluated for US‐guided transforaminal approach. After they completed one injection via US‐guided transforaminal approach, success and safety of the approach were analyzed. Patients shared their experience on US‐guided in comparison to CBCT‐guided injections.

Results

US‐guided transforaminal puncture was possible in 14 (70.0%) patients, although 2 of them required needle repositioning under fluoroscopy due to inadvertent access of a prominent vein. US‐guided transforaminal approach was therefore successful in 60% of patients. Mild adverse events were recorded in four patients. The survey on patients' experience showed that seven reported no difference in the two approaches, six preferred the US‐guided procedure, and one preferred the CBCT‐guided procedure.

Discussion

US‐guided transforaminal lumbar approach is an effective and safe method of intrathecal nusinersen delivery in adult SMA patients with challenging spinal access and could be considered the first option in appropriately selected adult SMA patients requiring transforaminal nusinersen delivery.
A dose‐escalation clinical trial of intranasal ketamine for uncontrolled cancer‐related pain
Authors: Singh Vinita , Gillespie Theresa W. , Lane Olabisi , Spektor Boris , Zarrabi Ali John , Egan Katherine , Curseen Kimberly , Tsvetkova Maya , Beumer Jan H. , Sniecinski Roman , Shteamer Jack W. , Switchenko Jeffery , Harvey R. Donald
Published: February 2022

Study Objective

The objective of our study was to determine safety and pharmacology (pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy) of intranasal (IN) ketamine for uncontrolled cancer‐related pain.

Design

Dose escalation clinical trial.

Setting

Outpatient.

Patients

Ten adult patients with uncontrolled cancer‐related pain.

Intervention

Each patient received escalating doses of ketamine over four visits, each 2–5 days apart: 10 mg IN at visit 1, 10 mg intravenous (IV) at visit 2, 30 mg IN at visit 3, and 50 mg IN at visit 4.

Measurements

Pain was measured before and after drug administration for up to 4 h using the 11 point (0–10) Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).

Main Results

All subjects had advanced cancer, with intractable pain, despite being on moderate dosage of opioids. There was a statistically significant reduction in median NPRS by 1.5 (1–4), 3 (2–3), and 4 (3–5) points at 60 min after receiving the medication and remained decreased by 1.5 (1–2), 2 (1–2) and 1 (1–4) points at the end of the study visit (240 min) with the 10 mg, 30 mg and 50 mg IN dosage, respectively. The median percentage of maximal pain relief being 22.5 (16.6–71.5), 65.5 (40–100), and 69.25 (50–100) for 10 mg, 30 mg and 50 mg IN dosage, respectively and 100 (75–100) with 10 mg IV dose. All side effects (nausea and feeling of unreality) resolved by the end of each study visit. No severe adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

In this single‐institution study, all dosages of IN ketamine administered in the study (10, 30, and 50 mg) provided significant pain relief for intractable cancer‐related pain and were well tolerated. The 50 mg dose provided maximal pain relief without major side effects. Further study focused on repeated administration efficacy and safety for cancer‐related pain is warranted.
Efficacy of inactivated vaccines in patients treated with immunosuppressive drug therapy
Authors: Bemben Nina M. , Berg Melody L.
Published: February 2022

Inactivated vaccines are generally considered safe in immunocompromised patients but the ability of immunocompromised patients to generate an effective immune response to vaccines is uncertain. Although recent reviews have focused on the effects of vaccines in patients who are immunocompromised due to various disease states (primary immunodeficiency), the effects of immunosuppressive drug therapy (secondary immunodeficiency) has received relatively less attention. This review evaluates evidence regarding the efficacy of inactivated vaccines against influenza, COVID‐19, and other diseases in patients treated with immunosuppressive oncologic agents, immunosuppressants used for transplant recipients, and immunosuppressants used for autoimmune disorders. Although evidence is mixed for many immunosuppressive agents and vaccines, most studies have found an attenuated immune response to inactivated vaccines, with the majority of data indicate anti‐B‐cell antibodies have a more severe and prolonged negative effect on vaccine efficacy.
A UAV‐based high‐throughput phenotyping approach to assess time‐series nitrogen responses and identify trait‐associated genetic components in maize
Authors: Rodene Eric , Xu Gen , Palali Delen Semra , Zhao Xia , Smith Christine , Ge Yufeng , Schnable James , Yang Jinliang
Published: February 2022

Advancements in the use of genome‐wide markers have provided unprecedented opportunities for dissecting the genetic components that control phenotypic trait variation. However, cost‐effectively characterizing agronomically important phenotypic traits on a large scale remains a bottleneck. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based high‐throughput phenotyping has recently become a prominent method, as it allows large numbers of plants to be analyzed in a time‐series manner. In this experiment, 233 inbred lines from the maize (Zea mays L.) diversity panel were grown in the field under different nitrogen treatments. Unmanned aerial vehicle images were collected during different plant developmental stages throughout the growing season. A workflow for extracting plot‐level images, filtering images to remove nonfoliage elements, and calculating canopy coverage and greenness ratings based on vegetation indices (VIs) was developed. After applying the workflow, about 100,000 plot‐level image clips were obtained for 12 different time points. High correlations were detected between VIs and ground truth physiological and yield‐related traits. The genome‐wide association study was performed, resulting in n = 29 unique genomic regions associated with image extracted traits from two or more of the 12 total time points. A candidate gene Zm00001d031997, a maize homolog of the Arabidopsis HCF244 (high chlorophyll fluorescence 244), located underneath the leading single nucleotide polymorphisms of the canopy coverage associated signals were repeatedly detected under both nitrogen conditions. The plot‐level time‐series phenotypic data and the trait‐associated genes provide great opportunities to advance plant science and to facilitate plant breeding.
Assessing extinction risk across the geographic ranges of plant species in Europe
Authors: Holz Hanna , Segar Josiane , Valdez Jose , Staude Ingmar R.
Published: February 2022

Societal Impact Statement

Plants play fundamental roles in ecosystems, yet merely 10% of species have an assessment of their global extinction risk. Through the integration of national Red Lists and comprehensive global plant distribution data, we identify previously unassessed plant species in Europe that are threatened throughout their geographic range and thus at risk of global extinction. Our workflow can be replicated to facilitate the integration of disparate national monitoring efforts around the world and help accelerate global plant risk assessments.

A comprehensive extinction risk assessment for plant species is a global biodiversity target. However, currently, only 10% of plant diversity is assessed in the global Red List of Threatened Species. To guide conservation and restoration actions in times of accelerated species extinction, plant risk assessments must be expedited.

Here, we examine the extinction risk of vascular plant species in Europe through the integration of two data streams: (1) national Red Lists and (2) global plant distribution data from Kew's Plants of the World Online database. For each species listed on a national Red List, we create a list of countries that form part of its range and indicate the threat status in these countries, allowing us to calculate the percentage of the range in which a given species is listed as threatened.

We find that 7% to 9% of European vascular plant diversity is threatened in its entire range, the majority of which are single‐country endemics. Of these globally threatened species, 84% currently have no assessment in the global Red List.

With increasing national biodiversity monitoring commitments shaping the post‐2020 policy environment, we anticipate that integrating national Red Lists with global plant distribution data is a scalable workflow that can help accelerate global risk assessments of plants.
Initiation of a Confined Finite‐Thickness Explosive under the Impact of Shaped Charge Jet
Authors: Chen Si‐min , Jia Xin , Huang Zheng‐xiang , Xiao Qiang‐qiang , Tang De‐rong , Yin De‐shuai
Published: February 2022

This work aims to study the critical initiation conditions of a confined finite‐thickness explosive under jet impact and the influence of shell constraints on the explosive initiation threshold. A theoretical calculation model for jet impact initiation of a confined explosive is established based on the Pop plot of the explosive. A jet impact test is conducted on a confined TNT explosive covered by a 50SiMnVB cover plate by using Φ40 mm shaped charge. A high‐speed camera is utilized to record the reaction process of shelled explosives. Numerical simulation software is adopted to calculate the reaction process of the confined explosive under the jet impact, and the critical initiation threshold of the confined explosive is obtained. Experimental results are verified, and the propagation and development of bow shock in the confined explosives under different cover thicknesses are analyzed. Then, the calculation results of the theoretical model are compared with the experimental simulation results. The findings show that the critical cover thickness of the confined TNT with a thickness of 43 mm is 20 mm, and the critical initiation threshold is 31 mm3 μs−2. The theoretical model can accurately calculate the critical initiation threshold and change the law of explosives under unconfined and confined conditions. When the thickness of the explosive and the acoustic impedance of the shell material increase, the critical initiation threshold of the explosive decreases. The shell reduces the critical jet velocity for explosive initiation, and the influence of the shell on the critical jet velocity gradually decreases as the thickness of the explosive increases.
The pharmaceutical excipient PEG400 affect the absorption of baicalein in Caco‐2 monolayer model by interacting with UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases and efflux transport proteins
Authors: Cao Siyuan , Zhang Min , Yuan Minyan , Yang Dan , Zhao Mei , Zhang Shuo , Wang Pengjiao , Zhang Rongping , Gao Xiuli
Published: February 2022

The bioavailability of drugs is often related to intestinal metabolism and transport mechanisms. In previous studies, pharmaceutical excipients were recognized as inert substances in clinical safety evaluations. However, a large number of studies have shown that pharmaceutical excipients regulate the metabolism and transport of drugs in the body and improve the bioavailability. The pharmaceutical excipient polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) as a good solubilizer and surfactant has the potential to improve the bioavailability of drugs. The combined action of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and efflux transport proteins is responsible for the intestinal disposition and poor bioavailability of baicalein. Our aim is to study the effect of PEG400 on the absorption of baicalein on the Caco‐2 monolayer, and confirm the interaction of PEG400 with UGTs (UGT1A8 and UGT1A9) and efflux transports. We initially found that baicalein in the Caco‐2 monolayer would be metabolized into glucuronide conjugates BG and B6G under the action of UGT1A8 and UGT1A9 on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and then mainly excreted to different sides by acting of MRP and BCRP. The addition of PEG400 significantly accelerated the metabolism of B in Caco‐2 cells and increased the penetration of BG and B6G. Furthermore, PEG400 also significantly decreased the efflux ratio of BG and B6G, which was the evidence of the interaction with the efflux transporters. In the in vitro intestinal microsome regeneration system, low concentration PEG400 decreased the Km value of UGT1A8 and UGT1A9 (key enzymes that mediate the production of BG and B6G); high concentration PEG400 enhanced the Vmax value of UGT1A8 and UGT1A9. In conclusion, our results determined that PEG400 interacted with some UGTs and efflux transporters, which were the main factors affecting the absorption of baicalein.
A unique gut microbiota signature in pulmonary arterial hypertension: A pilot study
Authors: Jose Arun , Apewokin Senu , Hussein Walaa E. , Ollberding Nicholas J. , Elwing Jean M. , Haslam David B.
Published: February 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, ultimately fatal cardiopulmonary disease associated with a number of physiologic changes, which is believed to result in imbalances in the intestinal microbiota. To date, comprehensive investigational analysis of the intestinal microbiota in human subjects is still limited. To address this, we performed a pilot study of the intestinal microbiome in 20 PAH and 20 non‐PAH healthy control subjects, recruited from a single center, with each PAH subject recruited simultaneously with a cohabitating non‐PAH control subject. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to analyze the microbiome profiles. There were no differences between PAH and non‐PAH subjects across several measures of microbial abundance and diversity (Alpha Diversity, Beta Diversity, F/B ratio). The relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium GAM79 was lower in PAH stool samples as compared to non‐PAH control subject' stool. There was no strong or reproducible association between PAH disease severity and global microbial abundance, but several bacterial species (a relative abundance of Anaerostipes rhamnosivorans and a relative deficiency of Amedibacterium intestinale, Ruminococcus bicirculans, and Ruminococcus albus species were associated with disease severity (most proximal right heart catheterization hemodynamics and six‐minute walk test distance) in PAH subjects. Our results support further investigation into the presence, significance, and potential physiologic effects of a PAH‐specific intestinal microbiome.
Cooperative fault estimation for a class of heterogeneous multi‐agents with stochastic nonlinearities based on finite impulse response filter
Authors: Wu Yutao , Mao Zehui , Yan Xing‐Gang , Jiang Bin
Published: February 2022

This article investigates the cooperative fault estimation problem for a class of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems, in which the agent dynamics are governed by linear discrete time‐varying systems with nonidentical dimensions subject to stochastic nonlinearities. A finite impulse response (FIR) filter based fault estimation scheme is developed via relative outputs to estimate the possible faults of the local and neighboring agents simultaneously. An analytical redundancy expressed in terms of all the states in the previous time window is originally established for deriving the fault estimation signal. The prior variance information coupled with fault estimation error in nonlinear form, is fully considered to design performance index through analysis of random matrix inequality. The optimal FIR filter gain is analytically obtained with computational efficiency by searching the minimum point of the relevant matrix trace function. Illustrative examples are finally provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the developed results.
State and fault estimation for nonlinear systems subject to censored measurements: A dynamic event‐triggered case
Authors: Huang Cong , Coskun Serdar , Zhang Xin , Mei Peng
Published: February 2022

In this article, the state and fault estimation (SFE) issue is studied for nonlinear systems with parameter uncertainties subject to censored measurement under the dynamic event‐triggering protocol. The well‐known Tobit measurement model is introduced to characterize the censored measurement and the nonlinearity satisfies specific constraints. For the energy‐saving purposes, a dynamic event‐triggering protocol is employed to govern the measurement transmissions between the sensor and its corresponding estimator. The primary objective of the addressed problem is to design a dynamic event‐triggering estimator to estimate the system state and fault signal simultaneously such that, the upper bound (UB) of the estimation error covariance is guaranteed at each iteration, then such UB is minimized by properly choosing the estimator gain. Moreover, the boundedness analysis of the designed SFE approach is conducted firstly and then a sufficient condition is presented to validate the estimation error is stable in mean‐squared sense. Lastly, two experimental results are employed to validate the feasibility of the proposed estimation algorithm.
Janus Fibrous Mats Based Suspended Type Evaporator for Salt Resistant Solar Desalination and Salt Recovery
Authors: Dong Xiangyang , Li Hao , Gao Lingfei , Chen Chaoji , Shi Xiaowen , Du Yumin , Deng Hongbing
Published: February 2022

Solar desalination has been recognized as an emerging strategy for solving the pressing global freshwater crisis. However, salt crystallization at the photothermal interface frequently causes evaporator failure. In addition, arbitrary discharge of concentrated brine produced during desalination results in potential ecological impacts as well as wastage of valuable minerals. In the present work, a suspended‐type evaporator (STEs) constructed using Janus fibrous mats is reported. The fibrous structure wicks brine to the evaporation layer and the salt gets confined in the evaporation layer until crystallization for zero liquid discharge due to the suspended design. Enhanced evaporation is observed because STEs have an additional low‐resistance vapor escape path directly from the evaporation layer to the atmosphere compared to traditional floating Janus evaporators. Moreover, owing to the drastically different wettability on both sides, the evaporator allows salt crystallization only on the hydrophilic bottom layer, thus eliminating salt accumulation at the hydrophobic photothermal interface. With this unique structural design, the proposed evaporator not only maintains a high evaporation rate of 1.94 kg m–2 h–1, but also demonstrates zero liquid discharged salt resistance and ideal recovery of the mineral in brine.
Emerging smart design of electrodes for micro‐supercapacitors: A review
Authors: Qiu Jiajia , Zhao Huaping , Lei Yong
Published: February 2022

Owing to high power density and long cycle life, micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) are regarded as a prevalent energy storage unit for miniaturized electronics in modern life. A major bottleneck is achieving enhanced energy density without sacrificing both power density and cycle life. To this end, designing electrodes in a “smart” way has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve a trade‐off between the energy and power densities of MSCs. In the past few years, considerable research efforts have been devoted to exploring new electrode materials for high capacitance, but designing clever configurations for electrodes has rarely been investigated from a structural point of view, which is also important for MSCs within a limited footprint area, in particular. This review article categorizes and arranges these “smart” design strategies of electrodes into three design concepts: layer‐by‐layer, scaffold‐assisted and rolling origami. The corresponding strengths and challenges are comprehensively summarized, and the potential solutions to resolve these challenges are pointed out. Finally, the smart design principle of the electrodes of MSCs and key perspectives for future research in this field are outlined.
TRANSMUT‐Spark: Transformation mutation for Apache Spark
Authors: de Souza Neto João Batista , Martins Moreira Anamaria , Vargas‐Solar Genoveva , Musicante Martin A.
Published: February 2022

This paper proposesTRANSMUT‐Sparkfor automating mutation testing of big data processing code within Spark programs. Apache Spark is an engine for big data analytics/processing that hides the inherent complexity of parallel big data programming. Nonetheless, programmers must cleverly combine Spark built‐in functions within programs and guide the engine to use the right data management strategies to exploit the computational resources required by big data processing and avoid substantial production losses. Many programming details in Spark data processing code are prone to false statements that must be correctly and automatically tested. This paper explores the application of mutation testing in Spark programs, a fault‐based testing technique that relies on fault simulation to evaluate and design test sets. The paper introducesTRANSMUT‐Sparkfor testing Spark programs by automating the most laborious steps of the process and fully executing the mutation testing process. The paper describes how theTRANSMUT‐Sparkautomates the mutant generation, test execution and adequacy analysis phases of mutation testing. It also discusses the results of experiments to validate the tool and argues its scope and limitations.
Reduction of invasion and cell stemness and induction of apoptotic cell death by Cinnamomum cassia extracts on human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Lin Chin‐Yin , Hsieh Yih‐Shou , Chu Shu‐Chen , Hsu Li‐Sung , Huang Shih‐Chien , Chen Pei‐Ni
Published: February 2022

Cinnamomum cassia possesses antioxidative activity and induces the apoptotic properties of various cancer types. However, its effect on osteosarcoma invasion and cancer stemness remains ambiguous. Here, we examined the molecular evidence of the anti‐invasive effects of ethanoic C. cassia extracts (CCE). Invasion and migration were obviously suppressed after the expression of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloprotein 2 in human osteosarcoma 143B cells were downregulated. CCE reversed epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by transforming growth factor β1 and downregulated mesenchymal markers, such as snail‐1 and RhoA. CCE suppressed self‐renewal property and the expression of stemness genes (aldehyde dehydrogenase, Nanog, and CD44) in the 143B cells. CCE suppressed cell viability, reduced the colony formation of osteosarcoma cancer cells, and induced apoptotic cell death in the 143B cells, as indicated by caspase‐9 activation. The xenograft tumor model of immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice showed that CCE administered in vivo through oral gavage inhibited the growth of implanted 143B cells. These findings indicated that CCE inhibited the invasion, migration, and cancer stemness of the 143B cells. CCE reduced proliferation of 143B cell possibly because of the activation of caspase‐9 and the consequent apoptosis, suggesting that CCE is a potential anticancer supplement for osteosarcoma.
Partial penile amputation using a thoracoabdominal stapler in nine dogs
Authors: Patel Nikesh , Jones Stephen C. , McLoughlin Mary A. , Howard James
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To describe a novel technique for partial anatomic penile amputation using a thoracoabdominal stapler in dogs and to report any associated short‐term peri‐operative complications and clinical outcomes associated with the procedure.

Materials and methods

Medical records from a tertiary referral hospital were reviewed for dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy between October 2007 and December 2019. Data collected included patient signalment, clinical signs on presentation, indication for penile amputation, surgical technique, duration of surgery, post‐operative complications, and short‐term outcome.

Results

Nine dogs were included in the study. Indications for surgery were for treatment of chronic paraphimosis and priapism (n = 3), recurrent urethral prolapse (n = 2), balanoposthitis (n = 1), masses arising from the penis, prepuce, and/or urethra (n = 2), and penile trauma (n = 1). All dogs underwent a scrotal urethrostomy followed by a partial penile amputation with a thoracoabdominal stapler. All dogs suffered mild post‐operative haemorrhage from the urethrostomy stoma. On recovery from general anaesthesia, 2/9 dogs were painful and another 2/9 dogs were dysphoric. Two dogs experienced incisional complications with mild swelling around the urethrostomy stoma. One dog experienced an infection of the penile amputation site 21 days after surgery. The short‐term outcomes for this procedure were excellent in 8/9 dogs. These outcomes were based on owner assessment of comfort and monitoring throughout the recovery period, manual palpation of the surgical site at the time re‐evaluation, and surgeon visualization of successful voluntary urination 14–35 days after surgery.

Clinical significance

Use of a thoracoabdominal stapler is effective in achieving partial anatomic penile amputation in dogs.
Calcium Substitution in Rare‐earth Metal Germanides with the Gd5Si4 Type Structure
Authors: Suen Nian‐Tzu , Bobev Svilen
Published: February 2022

An extended series of rare‐earth metal calcium germanides have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The compounds have the general formula RE5−xCaxGe4 (1.5<x<3.6; RE=rare‐earth metal; Ce, Nd, Sm, Tb−Lu) and their structures have been established from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. They crystallize with the Gd5Si4‐type in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62; Z=4; Pearson symbol oP36), where the germanium atoms are interconnected into two kinds of Ge2‐dimers, formally [Ge2]6−. These studies show that Ca can be successfully incorporated into the host RE5Ge4 structure, whereby trivalent rare‐earth metal atoms can be substituted by divalent calcium atoms. Rare‐earth metal and calcium atoms are arranged in distorted trigonal prisms and cubes, centered by either Ge or Ca atoms. On one of the metal sites, the substitution is preferential and in 9 out of the 10 refined structures, the Wyckoff site 4c is found almost exclusively occupied by Ca. On the other two metal sites the substitution patterns appear to be governed by the mismatch between the size of the RE3+ and Ca2+ ions. This work further demonstrates the ability for the Gd5Si4 structure type to accommodate the substitution of a non‐magnetic element while maintaining the global structural integrity.
Diagnosing Collaboratively: A Theoretical Model and a Simulation-Based Learning Environment
Authors: Radkowitsch Anika , Sailer Michael , Fischer Martin R. , Schmidmaier Ralf , Fischer Frank
Published: February 2022

In their daily practice, physicians with different professional backgrounds often diagnose a patient’s problem collaboratively. In those situations, physicians not only need to be able to diagnose individually, but also need additional collaborative competences such as information sharing and negotiation skills (Liu et al., 2015), which can influence the quality of the diagnostic outcome (Tschan et al., 2009). We introduce the CDR model, a process model for collaborative diagnostic reasoning processes by diagnosticians with different knowledge backgrounds. Building on this model, we develop a simulation in order to assess and facilitate collaborative diagnostic competences among advanced medical students. In the document-based simulation, learners sequentially diagnose five patients by inspecting a health record for symptoms. Then, learners request a radiological diagnostic procedure from a simulated radiologist. By interacting with the simulated radiologist, the learners elicit more evidence for their hypotheses. Finally, learners are asked to integrate all information and suggest a final diagnosis.