bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPS‐induced macrophage exosomes promote the activation of hepatic stellate cells and the intervention study of total astragalus saponins combined with glycyrrhizic acid
Authors: Deng Kaili , Dai Ze , Yang Ping , Yang Dongxue , Zhou Yuping
Published: June 2022

Huangqi decoction, also known as Huangqi Liuyi decoction, was first recorded in the prescriptions of the Bureau of Taiping People's Welfare Pharmacy. It comprises astragalus and licorice, which is a commonly used prescription in traditional Chinese medicine for the clinical treatment of chronic liver disease, especially liver cirrhosis. Total astragalus saponins (AST) is the main component of astragalus, and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the main component of licorice. In this study, normal macrophage exosomes were extracted, and the exosomes incubated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and those incubated with LPS + AST + GA were co‐cultured with JS1 cells (hepatic stellate cell line). The survival rate and the activation of key signaling pathways of JS1 cells in each group were detected and compared. We found that the co‐culture of LPS‐induced macrophage exosomes with JS1 cells could significantly increase the expression levels of Collagen‐1 (Col‐1) and Alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)in JS1 cells. However, a significant reversal effect was observed after pretreatment with AST combined with GA. Further evaluation found that the expression levels of phospho (p)‐Smad2 and p‐Smad3 in the JS1 cells were significantly increased after macrophages were induced with LPS, whereas pretreatment with AST + GA could significantly decrease the expression levels of p‐Smad2 and p‐Smad3. Preliminary results of this study indicated that LPS‐induced macrophage exosomes can promote the activation of hepatic stellate cells, and the pretreatment of AST combined with GA can exert a significant intervention effect. In this study, the new mechanism of anti‐hepatic fibrosis effect of traditional Chinese medicine components of Huangqi Decoction was analyzed from the perspective of exosomes.
Enhancing corporate sustainable development: Organizational learning, social ties, and environmental strategies
Authors: Ali Adnan , Jiang Xu , Ali Afzaal
Published: June 2022

Environmental strategies—reactive environmental strategy (RES) and proactive environmental strategy (PES)—emerged as an effective tool for firms to respond to various stakeholders' pressures and mounting environmental issues. Despite their vital role, scant studies have examined how and why firms facing the same institutional environment adopt heterogonous, instead of homogeneous, strategies for achieving corporate sustainable development. To fill this research gap, this study anchored to resource dependence theory investigates how organizational learning (both exploitative and explorative) and social ties (both political and business) independently and interactively affect the adoption of environmental strategies. Using a sample of 272 Chinese firms, the data are analyzed through the SPSS 21, and the proposed hypotheses are tested through moderated hierarchical regression analyses. The findings reveal that firms that engage in exploitative learning tend to adopt RES rather than PES, whereas firms that engage in explorative learning are more likely to adopt PES as opposed to RES. Moreover, firms that are involved in exploitative learning benefit to a greater extent from political ties than from business ties as a means of adopting RES, whereas firms that engage in explorative learning benefit to a greater extent from business ties than from political ties to adopt RES. Our study adds value to the environmental management and strategy literature by clarifying the underlying mechanisms through which firms adopt distinct environmental strategies.
Optimizing ultramicroporous hard carbon spheres in carbonate ester‐based electrolytes for enhanced sodium storage in half‐/full‐cell sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Nagmani  , Kumar Ananya , Puravankara Sreeraj
Published: June 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have received considerable attention as promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to a large abundance of sodium and ion storage chemistry similar to that of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). We report ultramicroporous hard carbon microspheres (HCMSs) derived from sucrose via a microwave‐assisted solvothermal reaction as anode for SIBs. Because of the HCMSs with a larger interlayer spacing in graphitic domains and ultramicropores, it delivers excellent 3‐RC features (reversible capacity, rate capability, and retention of capacity) reported to date for hard carbons derived from sugar‐based carbon precursors through electrolyte optimization of carbonate esters (EC:PC, EC:DEC, EC:DMC). The HCMS‐PC delivered the best reversible capacity of 265 mAh g−1 at a current density of 300 mA g−1, showing 85.8% capacity retention after 100 cycles and 66.3% capacity retention after 500 cycles in a half‐cell. A full‐cell fabricated with an HCMS‐PC anode and a Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode delivered reversible capacities of 81 and 48 mAh g−1 at current densities of 30 and 300 mA g−1, respectively.
Carbon nanomaterials and their composites for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhong Mingzhu , Zhang Miao , Li Xifei
Published: June 2022

As a type of energy storage device between traditional capacitors and batteries, the supercapacitor has the advantages of energy saving and environmental protection, high power density, fast charging and discharging speed, long cycle life, and so forth. One of the key factors affecting the performance of supercapacitor is the electrode material. Carbon materials, such as carbon nanotube, graphene, activated carbon, and carbon nanocage, are most widely concerned in the application of supercapacitors. The synergistic effect of composites can often obtain excellent results, which is one of the common strategies to increase the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. To further improve the performance of binary composites, it is a relatively simple method to increase the components as the “bridge” between the two materials to form the ternary composites. The review mainly introduces the current research progress of supercapacitors with pure carbon nanomaterials and multistage carbon nanostructures (composites) as electrodes. The characteristics and application directions of different pure carbon nanomaterials are introduced in detail. Different ways of multilevel structure (material) composite have their own effects on the development of high‐performance supercapacitors. We also highlight the recent advances related to these fields and provide our insight into high‐energy supercapacitors.
A Rapid, Highly Sensitive and Selective Phosgene Sensor Based on 5,6‐Pinenepyridine
Authors: Solea Atena B. , Curty Christophe , Fromm Katharina M. , Allemann Christophe , Mamula Steiner Olimpia
Published: June 2022

The toxicity of phosgene (COCl2) combined with its extensive use as a reactant and building block in the chemical industry make its fast and accurate detection a prerequisite. We have developed a carboxylic derivative of 5,6‐pinenepyridine which is able to act as colorimetric and fluorimetric sensor for phosgene in air and solution. For the first time, the formation of a pyrido‐[2,1‐a]isoindolone was used for this purpose. In solution, the sensing reaction is extremely fast (under 5 s), selective and highly sensitive, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.7 nM/0.8 ppb. When fixed on a solid support, the sensor is able to detect the presence of gaseous phosgene down to concentrations of 0.1 ppm, one of the lowest values reported to date.
A generation of synthesized trajectories of free moving objects for testing a set of continuous spatio‐temporal queries
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , Hong Bonghee , Kim Woochan
Published: June 2022

Testing vessel surveillance monitoring queries requires synthesized trajectory generation data of free‐moving objects. This article presents a method for generating trajectories of free moving objects with approach, u‐turn, detour, and hover patterns to verify a set of continuous queries expressed in spatiotemporal conditions. We present an algorithm that generates simplified paths, moving patterns, and inertia‐based trajectories to make various types of trajectory patterns for a given spatiotemporal query. The experimental results show that the generated synthesized trajectory dataset can validate given spatiotemporal queries with different velocities, trajectory patterns, and travel paths.
Focusing on the long‐term recovery of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: Clinically relevant observations
Authors: Wang Chunxia , Zhang Yucai
Published: June 2022

Background

The long‐term implications of COVID‐19 attract global attention in the post‐COVID‐19 pandemic era. Impaired lung function is the main sequelae in adults' survivors of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods and Results

The plasma proteomic pattern provides novel evidence on multiple biological domains relevant to
monitoring lung function and targeting the clinical application in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (SARS‐CoV‐2‐ARDS). Preliminary studies support the evidence of
pulmonary function tests (PFT) and computed tomography (CT) scan as routine follow‐up tools. Combining the early fibrotic indicators and D‐dimer levels could prove the validity and reliability of the proactive management of lung function assessment during the long‐term recovery in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Conclusion

In summary, protocolized PFT and CT scan and effective biomarkers for early fibrotic changes should be applied to clinical practice during the long follow‐up in patients with severe COVID‐19.
Direct targeted therapy for MLL‐fusion‐driven high‐risk acute leukaemias
Authors: Cantilena Sandra , Gasparoli Luca , Pal Deepali , Heidenreich Olaf , Klusmann Jan‐Henning , Martens Joost H. A. , Faille Alexandre , Warren Alan J. , Karsa Mawar , Pandher Ruby , Somers Klaartje , Williams Owen , de Boer Jasper
Published: June 2022

Background

Improving the poor prognosis of infant leukaemias remains an unmet clinical need. This disease is a prototypical fusion oncoprotein‐driven paediatric cancer, with MLL (KMT2A)‐fusions present in most cases. Direct targeting of these driving oncoproteins represents a unique therapeutic opportunity. This rationale led us to initiate a drug screening with the aim of discovering drugs that can block MLL‐fusion oncoproteins.

Methods

A screen for inhibition of MLL‐fusion proteins was developed that overcomes the traditional limitations of targeting transcription factors. This luciferase reporter‐based screen, together with a secondary western blot screen, was used to prioritize compounds. We characterized the lead compound, disulfiram (DSF), based on its efficient ablation of MLL‐fusion proteins. The consequences of drug‐induced MLL‐fusion inhibition were confirmed by cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis assays, RT‐qPCR, in vivo assays, RNA‐seq and ChIP‐qPCR and ChIP‐seq analysis. All statistical tests were two‐sided.

Results

Drug‐induced inhibition of MLL‐fusion proteins by DSF resulted in a specific block of colony formation in MLL‐rearranged cells in vitro, induced differentiation and impeded leukaemia progression in vivo. Mechanistically, DSF abrogates MLL‐fusion protein binding to DNA, resulting in epigenetic changes and down‐regulation of leukaemic programmes setup by the MLL‐fusion protein.

Conclusion

DSF can directly inhibit MLL‐fusion proteins and demonstrate antitumour activity both in vitro and in vivo, providing, to our knowledge, the first evidence for a therapy that directly targets the initiating oncogenic MLL‐fusion protein.
Clonal haematopoiesis is associated with higher mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Scolari Fernando L. , Abelson Sagi , Brahmbhatt Darshan H. , Medeiros Jessie J.F. , Fan Chun‐Po S. , Fung Nicole L. , Mihajlovic Vesna , Anker Markus S. , Otsuki Madison , Lawler Patrick R. , Ross Heather J. , Luk Adriana C. , Anker Stefan , Dick John E. , Billia Filio
Published: June 2022

Aims

Cardiogenic shock (CS) with variable systemic inflammation may be responsible for patient heterogeneity and the exceedingly high mortality rate. Cardiovascular events have been associated with clonal haematopoiesis (CH) where specific gene mutations in haematopoietic stem cells lead to clonal expansion and the development of inflammation. This study aims to assess the prevalence of CH and its association with survival in a population of CS patients in a quaternary centre.

Methods and results

We compared the frequency of CH mutations among 341 CS patients and 345 ambulatory heart failure (HF) patients matched for age, sex, ejection fraction, and HF aetiology. The association of CH with survival and levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines was analysed. We detected 266 CH mutations in 149 of 686 (22%) patients. CS patients had a higher prevalence of CH‐related mutations than HF patients (odds ratio 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–2.1, p = 0.02) and was associated with decreased survival (30 days: hazard ratio [HR] 2.7; 95% CI 1.3–5.7, p = 0.006; 90 days: HR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3–3.9, p = 0.003; and 3 years: HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.8, p = 0.01). TET2 or ASXL1 mutations were associated with lower survival in CS patients at all time‐points (p ≤ 0.03). CS patients with TET2 mutations had higher circulating levels of SCD40L, interferon‐γ, interleukin‐4, and tumour necrosis factor‐α (p ≤ 0.04), while those with ASXL1 mutations had decreased levels of CCL7 (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Cardiogenic shock patients have high frequency of CH, notably mutations in TET2 and ASXL1. This was associated with reduced survival and dysregulation of circulating inflammatory cytokines in those CS patients with CH.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of transthyretin amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Panagiotopoulos Ioannis , Kouroutzoglou Alexandrina , Koutsis Georgios , Toskas Pantelis , Lazaros Georgios , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Tousoulis Dimitris , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Vlachopoulos Charalambos
Published: June 2022

Aim

Systematic evidence on the prevalence and clinical outcome of transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is missing. We explored: (i) the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in various patient subgroups, (ii) survival estimates for ATTR subtypes, and (iii) the effects of novel therapeutics on the natural course of disease.

Methods and results

A systematic review of literature published in MEDLINE before 31 December 2021 was performed for the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis and all‐cause mortality of ATTR patients. Extracted data included sample size, age, sex, and all‐cause mortality at 1, 2, and 5 years. Subgroup analyses were performed for ATTR subtype, that is, wild‐type ATTR (wtATTR) versus hereditary ATTR (hATTR), hATTR genotypes, and treatment subgroups. We identified a total of 62 studies (n = 277 882 individuals) reporting the prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis, which was high among patients with a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and the elderly with aortic stenosis. Data on ATTR mortality were extracted from 95 studies (n = 18 238 ATTR patients). Patients with wtATTR were older (p = 7 × 10−10) and more frequently male (p = 5 × 10−20) versus hATTR. The 2‐year survival of ATTR was 73.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 70.9–75.7); for non‐subtyped ATTR 70.4% (95% CI 66.9–73.9), for wtATTR 76.0% (95% CI 73.0–78.9]) and for hATTR 77.2% (95% CI 74.0–80.4); in meta‐regression analysis, wtATTR was associated with higher survival after adjusting for confounders. There was an interaction between survival and hATTR genotypes (p = 10−15, Val30Met having the lowest and Val122Ile/Thr60Ala the highest mortality). ATTR 2‐year survival was higher on tafamidis/patisiran compared to natural disease course (79.9%, 95% CI 74.4–85.3 vs. 72.4%, 95% CI 69.8–74.9, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We report the prevalence of ATTR in various population subgroups and provide survival estimates for the natural course of disease and the effects of novel therapeutics. Important gaps in worldwide epidemiology research in ATTR were identified.
Dual Metallaphotoredox‐Catalyzed Directed C(sp2)−H Functionalization: Access to C−C/C‐Heteroatom Bonds
Authors: Sarkar Tanumay , Shah Tariq A. , Maharana Prabhat Kumar , Debnath Bijoy , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: June 2022

Metallaphotoredox catalysis represents the combination of two activation modes: metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization and visible‐light‐induced photocatalysis. This appealing dual catalysis technique has evolved as a versatile platform that has paved the way for diverse low‐energy pathways for a plethora of synthetic transformations. The synergistic combination of two “green” approaches has garnered enormous interest owing to the development of sustainable strategies. In the recent past, significant advancements have been accomplished in constructing site‐selective C−C and C‐heteroatom bonds. This review outlines the use of photoredox catalysis in directing group‐assisted C−H functionalization reactions. The mechanistic insights of the developments and synthetic applications are addressed.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Tandem Ring Contraction of TEMPO and C−N Bond Transamination of Enaminones toward Amino Diversity of Enaminones
Authors: Wu Haozhi , Luo Tian , Wan Jie‐Ping , Jiang Jianwen , Liu Yunyun
Published: June 2022

The reactions of N,N‐substituted enaminones with TEMPO leading to the synthesis of 2,2‐dimethyl pyrrolidine functionalized new enaminones have been established by Ni(II) catalysis. The interesting ring contraction on TEMPO as well as the enaminone C−N bond amination bring new tool for generating molecular diversity of enaminones in the amino group fragment.
Multi‐family therapy for eating disorders across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zinser Jennifer , O’Donnell Nicola , Hale Lucy , Jones Christina J.
Published: June 2022

Eating disorders (EDs) have an estimated prevalence rate of 1%–5% across Europe. Effective adjunct interventions are needed to support the 20%–40% of families whose recovery requires additional support to first line approaches. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to establish whether multi‐family therapy (MFT) improves the physical and psychological health of patients and family members. Searches were conducted in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in March 2021. 15 studies (850 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis demonstrated MFT resulted in significant benefits in weight gain, ED symptoms, patients' and parents' depression symptoms, and parents' negative experiences of caregiving. However, significant improvements were only evident when comparisons were drawn before and after the intervention; these dissipated when MFT was compared to another intervention. There was no evidence MFT improves family functioning, positive aspects of caregiving, nor patient and parental anxiety. Intervention completion rates ranged from 86% to 100% indicating a high level of acceptability. Studies varied with regard to intervention length and structure, follow‐up period, and outcome measures utilised; most were rated as moderate or weak in methodological quality. More rigorous and large scale randomised controlled trials are needed to fully assess the effectiveness of MFT.
Static creep rockburst mechanism and CT inversion verification of deep thick coal seam roadways
Authors: Zhang Ming , Hu Xuelong , Zhao Gaoming
Published: June 2022

Compared with the traditional “dynamic‐static” load rockburst induced by working face mining, a new typical disaster with concealment characteristics has appeared in deep thick coal seam roadways, namely, static creep rockburst, the occurrence mechanism of which remains unclear. Through the method of combining theory with practice, this paper elucidated the mechanical mechanism of static creep rockburst of deep thick coal seam roadways, along with the CT inversion of its rockburst risk. Next, by establishing the creep model and three‐dimensional creep formula under static conditions, it was observed that the main conditions for the unstable creep of deep thick coal seam roadway were high stress and thick coal seam. In addition, by analyzing the unstable creep failure process of surrounding rock in static roadways, it was found that the weakening of surrounding rock strength and stress relief were the reasons for starting rockburst and reducing impedance. The mechanical conditions of creep rockburst caused by stress superposition in weak areas of the roadway under static conditions were proposed, and the criterion of rockburst possibility was given. Finally, according to the characteristics of spontaneity and time delay of such a rockburst disaster, the static creep rockburst evaluation of thick coal seam roadway before mining was achieved by CT inversion, and the research conclusions were thoroughly verified.
RETRACTED: Affirmative data analytics based data processing method for 6G wireless network applications
Authors: Jarrah Muath , Abu‐Khadrah Ahmed , Alrababah Hamza , Jaya Abdul Syukor Bin Mohamad , Alqattan Zakaria N. M.
Published: June 2022

Sixth generation (6G) wireless network infrastructure makes use of terahertz communication interfaces and latency service. The growth of real‐time applications and service support increases the data handling capacity and processing requirements. The data processing rate must be comparatively high with the available resources to meet the users' quality of service (QoS) requirements. This article proposes an affirmative data analytics (ADA) method to improve data processing consistency in 6G wireless networks. The consistency of the ADA method relies on the 6G service features in the service‐rendering environment. The affirmation process is provided using support vector machine (SVM) learning to achieve consistency in handling diverse‐attributed data. Then the attribute and association between data and services are achieved with best‐fit processing time and minimum complexity. The performance of the proposed ADA is verified for heterogeneous service applications in a wireless network using the metrics analysis time (723.629 ms), complexity (11.311%), and response time (1.034 s).
A Closer Look at the Environmental Impact of Solar and Wind Energy
Authors: Torres Jaime Fernández , Petrakopoulou Fontina
Published: June 2022

Moving towards a sustainable society implies constant improvement in the way energy is supplied and consumed, with wider implementation of solar and wind energy facilities in stand‐alone or hybrid configurations. The goal of this work is to evaluate the lifecycle performance (construction and operation‐related impact) of large‐scale solar and wind energy systems and to compare it with conventional coal and natural gas fossil fuel plants under similar conditions. Environmental analyses of energy conversion systems today usually neglect the construction‐related environmental impact of fossil fuel plants, because it is significantly smaller than the impact related to the operation of the plant. However, the construction of large‐scale renewable plants implies the use of rare materials, transport‐related emissions, and other environmentally impactful activities. The plants evaluated here are configured and compared for similar emissions and similar power output. It is found that the life‐cycle environmental impact of the renewable plants could, in some specific cases, exceed that of the fossil fuel plants. Understanding the reasons behind this and the possible limitations of the different technologies can help plan for sustainable energy systems in the future. Finally, solutions to minimize the impact of renewable energy are proposed for more environmentally friendly implementation and future research.
Progress, Key Issues, and Future Prospects for Li‐Ion Battery Recycling
Authors: Wu Xiaoxue , Ma Jun , Wang Junxiong , Zhang Xuan , Zhou Guangmin , Liang Zheng
Published: June 2022

The overuse and exploitation of fossil fuels has triggered the energy crisis and caused tremendous issues for the society. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), as one of the most important renewable energy storage technologies, have experienced booming progress, especially with the drastic growth of electric vehicles. To avoid massive mineral mining and the opening of new mines, battery recycling to extract valuable species from spent LIBs is essential for the development of renewable energy. Therefore, LIBs recycling needs to be widely promoted/applied and the advanced recycling technology with low energy consumption, low emission, and green reagents needs to be highlighted. In this review, the necessity for battery recycling is first discussed from several different aspects. Second, the various LIBs recycling technologies that are currently used, such as pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods, are summarized and evaluated. Then, based on the challenges of the above recycling methods, the authors look further forward to some of the cutting‐edge recycling technologies, such as direct repair and regeneration. In addition, the authors also discuss the prospects of selected recycling strategies for next‐generation LIBs such as solid‐state Li‐metal batteries. Finally, overall conclusions and future perspectives for the sustainability of energy storage devices are presented in the last chapter.
Presentation and outcomes of patients with clinically T1‐2, N0 parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma: The roles of elective neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Sullivan Christopher Blake , Allison Derek B. , Buchakjian Marisa R.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Examine the role of elective neck dissection (END) and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in early‐stage clinically N0 parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).

Methods

The study is a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database, 2004–2016. The study population included adult patients with MEC who underwent parotidectomy.

Results

A total of 1233 patients were included. Histopathology demonstrated well, moderately, and poorly differentiated MEC 47.12%, 39.98%, and 12.90% of the time, respectively. END was performed in 78.67% of patients, resulting in nodal upstaging in 4.43% and identification of extracapsular extension (ECE) in 0.72%. RT was utilized in 67.33% of patients with advanced pathological features. Neither END nor RT improved overall survival separately (p < 0.05) or combined (adjusted HR: 1.19, 95%CI: 0.52, 2.70, p = 0.68).

Conclusion

This study provides an epidemiological perspective regarding patients with clinically T1‐2, N0 MEC. There was no observed survival advantage with END and RT.
TMBvsABTS: comparison of multi‐enzyme‐based approaches for the colorimetric quantification of salivary glucose
Authors: Ornelas‐González Alonso , Rito‐Palomares Marco , González‐González Mirna
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is one of the fastest‐growing health problems of recent times. Its diagnosis, monitoring and control are carried out mainly by glucose quantification in blood samples, which can be a traumatic and painful procedure for many patients. Saliva is an emerging diagnostic biofluid for minimally invasive disease diagnosis. Its collection can be performed through a simple, noninvasive and painless procedure that does not require qualified personnel. This project aimed to develop, standardize and compare two enzyme‐based approaches (TMB and ABTS) for the colorimetric quantification of salivary glucose.

RESULTS

The obtained results with both dyes revealed the suitability of these systems for glucose quantification under buffer conditions, displaying excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99) and precision (CV < 1%), and high glucose specificity. Furthermore, the TMB system was able to quantify not only glucose in human saliva samples, showing a low read‐out variability (CV < 3%), but also glucose changes (16 and 50 μmol L−1) with low variability (CV < 4.2%) and excellent recovery (96–103%), which is important in clinical diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Altogether these results demonstrated the capacity of the approaches in quantifying glucose either in buffer (using both TMB ans ABTS) or in human saliva samples (using TMB). They offer a painless, simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive analytical method with enormous potential for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes using a small amount of saliva. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Fabrication of magnetic covalent organic framework for efficient extraction and determination of phthalate esters in milk samples
Authors: Pan Ao , Zhang Can , Guo Ming , Wei Dan , Wang Xu
Published: June 2022

Using two monomers of 4,4″‐diamino‐p‐terphenyl and 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol, a co‐precipitation structured magnetic covalent organic framework adsorbent was fabricated. After that, a high efficient vortex‐assisted magnetic solid‐phase extraction method was developed prior to gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis for the determination of phthalate esters in milk samples. The fabricated magnetic adsorbent was facilely fabricated, fully characterized, and exhibited high extraction efficiency, which can be attributed to its larger pore size as well as strong hydrophobic and π‐π stacking interactions between adsorbent and phthalate esters. Key parameters affecting extraction efficiency were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method possessed good linearity (3.0–1000 μg/L), high sensitivity (0.8–2.1 μg/L for limits of detection), and satisfactory recoveries (76.8–99.2%). The relative standard deviations for intra‐day was 3.1–4.5% and inter‐day was 3.3–6.1%. This work is suitable for high efficient separation/preconcentration of phthalate esters in milk samples.
Geocultural variation in correlates of psychological distress among refugees resettled in the United States
Authors: Blackwell Meredith A. , Lardier David T. , Choe Ryeora , Goodkind Jessica R.
Published: June 2022

Attention to cultural variability in mental health symptoms could inform intervention targets; however, this is currently a neglected area of study. This study examined whether the associations between common mental health disorder (CMD) symptoms and predictors of CMDs varied cross‐culturally. Participants were 290 refugees from three geocultural regions (Afghanistan, Great Lakes region of Africa, and Iraq and Syria) who recently resettled in the United States and completed assessments of CMD symptoms and predictors. Multilevel generalized linear modeling was used to examine the interactions between correlates of depressive, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and each of the three cultural reference groups. Relative to refugees from other regions, Iraqi and Syrian participants demonstrated stronger associations between the number of reported traumatic experiences and both depressive, B = 0.01, SE = .003, p = .003, and anxiety symptoms, B = 0.01, SE = .003, p < .001; Afghan participants showed a stronger association between physical quality of life and PTSD symptoms, B = 0.02, SE = .011, p = .037; and African participants demonstrated stronger associations between gender and symptoms of all three CMDs, Bs = 0.11–.020, SEs = .04–.06, ps = .005‐.008, and weaker associations between traumatic event exposure and CMD symptoms, Bs = ‐0.01–‐0.02, SEs = .003–.006, ps = .000–.002. CMD symptoms likely present differently across cultures, with various predictors more salient depending on cultural backgrounds and differential experiences that vary based on context. These findings have implications for cross‐cultural assessment research and mental health.
The distribution, effectiveness and environmental threshold of soil aggregate phosphorus fractions in the sub‐alpine region of Southwest China
Authors: Zhu Mengke , Huang Bocong , Liu Zongyang , Wang Yue , Teng Jiao , Tian Xiaosu , Ai Xiaoyan , Sheng Meihua , Ai Yingwei
Published: June 2022

This article is a study of total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP) and phosphorus (P) fractions of soil aggregates along an altitude gradient in the sub‐alpine region of Southwest China. We conclude that soil aggregate TP and AP contents are higher at 3980 m and 3347 m; there are no significant differences in soil aggregate TP at any altitude (p > 0.05); the AP and phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) are higher in 0.25–0.5 mm aggregate. Soil aggregates TPi > TPo at 3009 m and TPo > TPi at 3347, 3654 and 3980 m. Using multiple stepwise regression analysis, we conclude that NaOH‐Pi is the key fraction of AP supply, NaHCO3‐Pi and NaOH‐Pi are important fractions of CaCl2‐P. Through piecewise linear fitting of soil aggregate AP and CaCl2‐P, the soil P environmental threshold obtained is 27.766 mg kg−1 in this region. Also we got <0.25 mm, 0.25–0.5 mm aggregates at 3980 m which have high soil P loss risk. Our study fills in gap about the distribution of P fraction in aggregates and effects of soil P fraction for AP and CaCl2‐P in high‐altitude areas. Our study provides a reference and scientific basis for understanding the soil aggregate P storage capacity and the biological effectiveness of P fractions at high altitudes. Our study on the P environmental threshold provides a reference for soil P storage capacity. Our study provides a reference value for the soil P loss risk management, and sustainable development of soil ecosystems in the sub‐alpine region of Southwest China.
Sporulation: A response to starvation in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Ohtsuka Hokuto , Imada Kazuki , Shimasaki Takafumi , Aiba Hirofumi
Published: June 2022

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe employs two main strategies to adapt to the environment and survive when starved for nutrients. The strategies employ sporulation via sexual differentiation and extension of the chronological lifespan. When a cell is exposed to nutrient starvation in the presence of a cell of the opposite sex, the cells undergo fusion through conjugation and sporulation through meiosis. S. pombe spores are highly resistant to diverse stresses and may survive for a very long time. In this minireview, among the various sexual differentiation processes induced by starvation, we focused on and summarized the findings of the molecular mechanisms of spore formation in fission yeast. Furthermore, comparative measurements of the chronological lifespan of stationary phase cells and G0 cells and the survival period of spore cells revealed that the spore cells survived for a long period, indicating the presence of an effective mechanism for survival. Currently, many molecules involved in sporulation and their functions are being discovered; however, our understanding of these is not complete. Further understanding of spores may not only deepen our comprehension of sexual differentiation but may also provide hints for sustaining life.
A mathematical model of population dynamics revisited with fear factor, maturation delay, and spatial coefficients
Authors: Gökçe Aytül
Published: June 2022

This study concentrates on the dynamics of a prey–predator model incorporating the fear effect in the birth and death rate of prey, whose physiological changes may give rise to undirect predation. In the presence and absence of time delay, single parameter numerical continuation with respect to two parameters, that are (i) fear level in the death rate of prey and (ii) conversion efficiency by which new predators are introduced through prey consumption in the system, is performed. Basic results on extinction and delay‐driven Hopf bifurcation criteria are investigated. Then, the model is extended to involve the spatial dynamics with and without time delay. Theoretical results for orientation and stability of Hopf bifurcation in spatial system are provided by applying the normal form recipe and also the center manifold theory. Classical reaction–diffusion‐type models, incorporating self‐diffusion, can induce regular (periodic) and irregular (chaotic) oscillations in space. However, space periodic oscillations are not common in prey–predator interactions. Here, it is shown that the dynamics of only diffusion involved model is periodically arranged in space and time. However, introducing a very small value of time delay in predator maturation, spatial dynamics with chaos is initiated as a result of the joint effect of time delay and diffusion. This reassures that time delay has a crucial role in population dynamics incorporated with the role of indirect predation and gives some useful intuition into underlying species interactions. Theoretical results of the model in this paper are supported with numerical experiments.
Endoscopic management of intraurethral mesh extrusion with the holmium:YAG laser is an acceptable treatment option in selected patients
Authors: Allagany Feras , Dekalo Snir , Welk Blayne
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Extrusion of transvaginal mesh into the urethra is a rare but potentially serious complication. Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy and long‐term outcomes of women who underwent an endoscopic laser procedure to treat intraurethral mesh.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review identified women who underwent an endoscopic Holmium:YAG laser procedure to treat intraurethral mesh between September 2011‐October 2021. Information about the procedure, symptoms, and level of incontinence was gathered from the medical records. Primary outcomes were the need for further procedures, and the Urinary Distress Index‐6 score at last follow‐up.

Results

We identified a total of 29 women; mesh sling procedure included tension‐free vaginal sling (19), transobturator sling (6), or other transvaginal mesh sling (4). Presentation of intraurethral mesh was a median of 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–7) years after placement. After the endoscopic procedure, 18/29 (62%) women had no visible urinary mesh and complete resolution of their presenting symptoms. Retreatment was necessary in 3/29 women, and 6/29 (21%) reported new or worsening stress incontinence. The UDI‐6 was completed by all patients at a median of 3.7 (IQR: 2.0–5.8) years after their endoscopic procedure. The median score was 22 (IQR: 11–44), and 18/29 (62%) women had scores in the asymptomatic range. UDI‐6 scores were similar for the six women who had further mesh procedures and the ones who did not.

Conclusions

Endoscopic laser treatment of an eroded transvaginal mesh sling is an acceptable treatment with minimal morbidity and satisfactory UDI‐6 scores after a median follow‐up of 3.7 years.
Compartmentalized agents: A powerful strategy for enhancing the detection sensitivity of chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast
Authors: Ferrauto Giuseppe , Terreno Enzo
Published: June 2022

Since the very beginnings of the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique, poor overall sensitivity has appeared to be one of its strongest limitations for future applications. Research has therefore focused on designing systems, such as supramolecular and nanosized agents, that contain a high number of magnetically equivalent mobile spins. However, the number of mobile spins offered by these systems is still limited by their composition and surface/volume ratio. The design of compartmentalized agents, that is, systems where an aqueous inner core is separated from the MRI‐detected bulk pool via a semipermeable barrier/membrane, is very much a step forward for the technique. These vesicular systems can (i) act as biocompatible and versatile carriers for dia‐, para‐, and hetero‐nuclear CEST probes, thus offering new application options; and (ii) act as CEST probes themselves via the encapsulation of a suitable agent (e.g., a paramagnetic shift reagent) that can change the resonance frequency of the spin pool in the inner compartment only. LipoCEST agents were the pioneers in the latter category, as they are able to grant picomolar sensitivity (in terms of nanoparticle concentration), and paved the way for new applications for CEST agents, especially in the theranostic research area. The use of larger, natural vesicular systems, such as yeasts and cells, in which the huge number of intravesicular spins lowers the detection threshold to a femtomolar limit, is a further step forward in the development of compartmentalized CEST agents. Finally, interesting combinations of nanovesicular and cellular compartmentalized systems have been proposed, thus highlighting how the approach has the potential to drive CEST agents towards completing their journey to mature clinical translation.
Nurses' well‐being during the coronavirus (2019) pandemic: A longitudinal mixed‐methods study
Authors: Jarden Rebecca J. , Jarden Aaron J. , Weiland Tracey J. , Taylor Glenn , Brockenshire Naomi , Rutherford Michelle , Carbery Catherine , Moroney Kate , Joshanloo Mohsen , Gerdtz Marie
Published: June 2022

Aim

To determine prevalence, predictors and change over time of nurses' and student nurses' mental health and well‐being, and explore nurses' perceptions, barriers and enablers of well‐being.

Design

Longitudinal mixed‐methods survey.

Methods

Forty‐nine students and registered nurses participated from Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from December 2019 to July 2020. Validated psychometrics and free‐text response questions were employed. Analysis used latent growth curve modelling, Pearson product‐moment correlations and thematic analysis.

Results

A strong positive correlation was found between self‐determination and work well‐being, and a strong negative correlation between work well‐being and flight risk. Several moderate relationships were found; a moderate positive correlation between work well‐being and nurse manager ability, leadership and support, and a moderate negative correlation between burnout and staffing and resource adequacy. Collegial nurse–physician relationships deteriorated. Three themes, physical health, psychological well‐being and social connection, were identified as important for nurses' well‐being.
Increasing the efficiency of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) by combination with a photosensitive drug in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma in an animal model
Authors: Wagner Benedikt R. , Adamus Anna L. , Hempfling Laura , Vahdad Reza , Haap‐Hoff Antje , Heinrich Benedikt , Vázquez Olalla , Jank Paul , Denkert Carsten , Seitz Guido
Published: June 2022

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an option in advanced peritoneal sarcomatosis. Nevertheless, CRS and HIPEC are not successful in all patients. An enhancement of HIPEC using photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be beneficial. Therefore, a combination of the photosensitizer hypericin (HYP) with HIPEC was evaluated in an animal model.

Procedure

An established HIPEC animal model for rhabdomyosarcoma (NOD/LtSz‐scid IL2Rγnullmice, n = 80) was used. All groups received HYP (100 μg/200 μl) intraperitoneally with and without cisplatin‐based (30 or 60 mg/m2) HIPEC (37°C or 42°C, for 60 minutes) (five groups, each n = 16). Peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was documented visually and by HYP‐based photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). HYP‐based PDT of the tumor was performed. Tissue samples were evaluated regarding proliferation (Ki‐67) and apoptosis (TUNEL).

Results

HYP uptake was detected even in smallest tumor nodes (<1 mm) with improved tumor detection during PDD (PCI with PDD vs. PCI without PDD: 8.5 vs. 7, p < .001***). Apoptotic effects after PDT without HIPEC were limited to the tumor surface, whereas PDT after HIPEC (60 mg/m2, 42°C) showed additional reduction of tumor proliferation in the top nine to 11 cell layers (50 μm).

Conclusion

HYP as fluorescent photosensitizer offers an intraoperative diagnostic advantage detecting intraperitoneal tumor dissemination. The combination of HYP and cisplatin‐based HIPEC was feasible in vivo, showing enhanced effects on tumor proliferation and apoptosis induction across the tumor surface. Further studies combining HYP and HIPEC will follow to establish a clinical application.
The clinical and mechanistic roles of bile acids in depression, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke
Authors: Lirong Wu , Mingliang Zhao , Mengci Li , Qihao Guo , Zhenxing Ren , Xiaojiao Zheng , Tianlu Chen
Published: June 2022

The burden of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders continues to grow with significant impacts on human health and social economy worldwide. Increasing clinical and preclinical evidences have implicated that bile acids (BAs) are involved in the onset and progression of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we summarized recent studies of BAs in three types of highly prevalent brain disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. The shared and specific BA profiles were explored and potential markers associated with disease development and progression were summarized. The mechanistic roles of BAs were reviewed with focuses on inflammation, gut–brain–microbiota axis, cellular apoptosis. We also discussed future perspectives for the prevention and treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders by targeting BAs and related molecules and gut microbiota. Our understanding of BAs and their roles in brain disorders is still evolving. A large number of questions still need to be addressed on the emerging crosstalk among central, peripheral, intestine, and their contribution to brain and mental health.
Changes in surface velocities over four decades on the Laurichard rock glacier (French Alps)
Authors: Thibert Emmanuel , Bodin Xavier
Published: June 2022

The longest time series of surface velocities recorded on a rock glacier in the French Alps, covering more than three decades, has been recorded since 1983 on the Laurichard rock glacier (Ecrins range). The time signal of velocity changes is extracted from variance analyses separating time and space variabilities on the rock glacier surface to provide an average‐wide time signal. We show that changes in velocity from year to year are virtually uniform at all locations with homogeneous accelerations or decelerations on the scale of the rock glacier as a whole. The spatial structure of velocity was found to be nearly at steady state over 35 years. Nonlinear effects are located in low‐velocity areas such as the rock glacier margins where accelerations/decelerations tend to be proportional to the local velocity. Over the period of record, a long‐term trend in rock glacier acceleration was detected with a rate of +0.2 m/yr per decade. Two main phases of acceleration were identified from the mid‐1980s to 1999 and from 2010 to 2015. In between, those two periods were interrupted by a 10‐year period of almost steady‐state velocities with an abrupt deceleration from 2006 to 2009 of −0.35 m/yr. The process of internal increases in ice temperatures alone (and associated changes in creep rates) would seem insufficient to explain the long‐term rise of surface velocities and their annual variations. Changes in the liquid water are a possible contributing factor, due to the injection of seasonal water caused by melting snow cover or internal melt due to heat generated by enhanced ice creep and friction in the ice/debris mixture.
Mechanisms of protein evolution
Authors: Jayaraman Vijay , Toledo‐Patiño Saacnicteh , Noda‐García Lianet , Laurino Paola
Published: June 2022

How do proteins evolve? How do changes in sequence mediate changes in protein structure, and in turn in function? This question has multiple angles, ranging from biochemistry and biophysics to evolutionary biology. This review provides a brief integrated view of some key mechanistic aspects of protein evolution. First, we explain how protein evolution is primarily driven by randomly acquired genetic mutations and selection for function, and how these mutations can even give rise to completely new folds. Then, we also comment on how phenotypic protein variability, including promiscuity, transcriptional and translational errors, may also accelerate this process, possibly via “plasticity‐first” mechanisms. Finally, we highlight open questions in the field of protein evolution, with respect to the emergence of more sophisticated protein systems such as protein complexes, pathways, and the emergence of pre‐LUCA enzymes.