bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arsenic‐induced toxicity and the ameliorative role of antioxidants and natural compounds
Authors: Shiek Sadiya S. , Sajai Sanai T. , Dsouza Herman S.
Published: December 2022

Arsenic (As) poisoning has proven to be a major threat worldwide because of its toxic effects on the human body. As toxicity through drinking water is a global health concern. The toxicity of As is known to affect the liver, kidney, lungs, muscles, cardiovascular system, and nervous system and can even induce diabetes. Further As can cause skin lesions leading to notable diseases in the skin like Bowen's disease. Chronic exposure to As has caused many tragedies in Eastern, and several Southeast Asian and Latin American countries. Long‐term exposure to As makes it an immediate threat that should be dealt with as a priority, and one of the ways to handle it may be with the use of antioxidants. In this review, we have discussed the natural and anthropogenic sources of As, its metabolism, pathophysiology, and mechanism of toxicity. Besides, we have also discussed some of the synthetic chelators and the ameliorative role of antioxidants and natural compounds in reducing As toxicity.
An integrated investigation of structural and pathway alteration caused by PIK3CA and TP53 mutations identified in cfDNA of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: R. Hephzibah Cathryn , Kumar S. Udhaya , R. Gnanasambandan , Naayanan P. Jeyaprakash , Sathiyarajeswaren P. , Devi M. S. Shree , K. Satish Srinivas , Doss C. George Priya
Published: December 2022

In peripheral blood, cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) contains circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which indicates molecular abnormalities in metastatic breast tumor tissue. The sequencing of cfDNA of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) patients allows assessment of therapy response and noninvasive treatment. In the proposed study, clinically significant alterations in PIK3CA and TP53 genes associated with MBC resulting in a missense substitution of His1047Arg and Arg282Trp from an next‐generation sequencing‐based multi‐gene panel were reported in a cfDNA of a patient with MBC. To investigate the impact of the reported mutation, we used molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, network analysis, and pathway analysis. Molecular Docking analysis determined the distinct binding pattern revealing H1047R‐ATP complex has a higher number of Hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) and binding affinity with a slight difference compared to the PIK3CA‐ATP complex. Following, molecular dynamics simulation for 200 ns, of which H1047R‐ATP complex resulted in the instability of PIK3CA. Similarly, for TP53 mutant R282W, the zinc‐free state (apo) and zinc‐bounded (holo) complexes were investigated for conformational change between apo and holo complexes, of which the holo complex mutant R282W was unstable. To validate the conformational change of PIK3CA and TP53, 80% mutation of H1047R in the kinase domain of p110α expressed ubiquitously in PIK3CA protein that alters PI3K pathway, while R282W mutation in DNA binding helix (H2) region of P53 protein inhibits the transcription factor in P53 pathway causing MBC. According to our findings, the extrinsic (hypoxia, oxidative stress, and acidosis); intrinsic factors (MYC amplification) in PIK3CA and TP53 mutations will provide potential insights for developing novel therapeutic methods for MBC therapy.
DNA methylation profile in the whole blood of acute coronary syndrome patients with aspirin resistance
Authors: Yu Qinglin , Yang Jin , Wang Jiang , Yu Ruoyan , Li Jiyi , Cheng Ji , Hu Yingchu , Li Zhenwei , Zheng Nan , Zhang Zhaoxia , Li Xiaojing , Wang Yong , Du Weiping , Zhu Keqi , Chen Xiaomin , Su Jia
Published: December 2022

Background

Aspirin resistance (AR) results in major adverse cardiovascular events, and DNA methylation might participate in the regulation of this pathological process.

Methods

In present study, a sum of 35 patients with AR and 35 non‐AR (NAR) controls were enrolled. Samples from 5 AR and 5 NAR were evaluated in an 850 BeadChip DNA methylation assay, and another 30 AR versus 30 NAR were evaluated to validate the differentially methylated CpG loci (DML). Then, qRT‐PCR was used to investigate the target mRNA expression of genes at CpG loci. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO) as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to reveal the enriched pathways.

Results

The AR and NAR groups displayed significant differences in DNA methylation at 7707 positions, with 270 hypermethylated sites (e.g., cg09555818 located in APOC2) and 7437 sites hypomethylated sites (e.g., cg26828689 located in SLC12A5). Six DML were validated by pyrosequencing, and it was confirmed that DNA methylation (cg16391727, cg21008208, cg21293749, and cg13945576) was related to the increasing risk of AR. The relative mRNA expression of the ROR1 gene was also associated with AR (p = 0.007), suggesting that the change of cg21293749 in DNA methylation might lead to differential ROR1 mRNA expression, ultimately resulting in AR. Furthermore, the identified differentially methylated sites were associated with the molecular pathways such as circadian rhythms and insulin secretion.

Conclusion

Hence, the distinct DNA methylation might play a vital role in the biological regulation of AR through the pathways such as circadian rhythms.
Using eye gaze to reveal cognitive processes and strategies of engineering students when solving spatial rotation and mental cutting tasks
Authors: Hsing Hsiang‐Wen , Bairaktarova Diana , Lau Nathan
Published: December 2022

Background

Spatial problem‐solving is an essential skill for success in many engineering disciplines; thus, understanding the cognitive processes involved could help inform the design of training interventions for students trying to improve this skill. Prior research has yet to investigate the differences in cognitive processes between spatial tasks in problem‐solving to offer learners timely feedback.

Purpose/Hypothesis

In this study, we investigated how different spatial tasks change the cognitive processes and problem‐solving strategies used by engineering students with low spatial ability.

Design/Method

Study participants completed mental rotation and mental cutting tasks of high and low difficulty. Eye‐tracking data were collected and categorized as encoding, transformation, and confirmation cognitive processes. The adoption of either a holistic or piecemeal strategy and response accuracy were also measured.

Results

Mental rotation was found to have a higher number of fixations for each cognitive process than the mental cutting task. The holistic strategy was used in both difficulty levels of the mental cutting task, while the piecemeal strategy was adopted for the mental rotation task at a high difficulty level. Only encoding fixations were significantly correlated with accuracy and most strongly correlated with strategy.

Conclusion

Encoding is an important cognitive process that could affect subsequent cognitive processes and strategies and could, thus, play an important role in performance. Future development in spatial training should consider how to enhance encoding to aid students with low spatial ability. Educators can utilize gaze metrics and empirical research to provide tailored and timely feedback to learners.
The Raman Deuterium Isotope Probing method as a new assay for evaluating the cytotoxicity level of the GSK2334470 to the MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Huang Xia , Li Chengjian , Li Lei , Lu Zhiliang , Zhang Lihao , Huang Wei E. , Zhao Liang
Published: December 2022

The Raman Deuterium Isotope Probing (Raman‐DIP) method was applied to study the response of human breast adenocarcinoma cells (the MCF‐7 cells) to the GSK2334470 drug in vitro. The cytotoxicity level of the GSK2334470 to the MCF‐7 cell evaluated by the Raman‐DIP method and CCK‐8 assay was highly matched, as both methods suggested that 10 μM was the cytotoxic concentration for inhibition of cell regeneration. In additional, the relationship between drug dose and the cell response (RSI) were fitted, showing that our experimental data were consistent with the dose–response relationship, and the Raman‐DIP could be applied for sensitivity testing of targeted anti‐cancer drugs. The variation of the bio‐macromolecules reflected by the Raman signal in the fingerprint range was closely related to the GSK2334470 concentration. The Raman‐DIP method can monitor the inhibition of the GSK2334470 to the MCF‐7 cell proliferation with high accuracy as the CCK‐8 assay. The combination of Raman‐DIP results and fingerprint range information can effectively improve the evaluation, serving as a supplement for the existing anti‐cancer drug sensibility assay. This method is valuable to reveal the intracellular macromolecules changes related to the drug treatment.
Method for trace determination of N‐nitrosamines impurities in metronidazole benzoate using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yin Mingxing , Hu Yinuo , Fan Huajun , Wang Qiulan , Wang Mengdie , Wang Wenqing , Shi Chunyang
Published: December 2022

Genotoxic impurity control has been a great concern in the pharmaceutical industry since the recall of the large round of sartans worldwide in 2018. In these sartans, N‐nitrosamines were the main contaminants in active pharmaceutical ingredients and formulations. Numerous analytical methods have been developed to detect N‐nitrosamines in food, drugs, and environmental samples. In this study, a sensitive method is developed for the trace determination of N‐nitrosamine impurities in metronidazole benzoate pharmaceuticals using high‐performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was validated regarding system suitability, selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, solution stability, and robustness. The method showed good linearity with R2 ≥ 0.999 and FMandel < Ftab(95%) ranging from 0.33 to 8.00 ng/ml. The low limits of detection of N‐nitrosamines were in the range of 0.22–0.80 ng/ml (0.0014–0.0050 ppm). The low limits of quantification were in the range of 0.33–1.20 ng/ml (0.0021–0.0075 ppm), which were lower than the acceptable limits in metronidazole benzoate pharmaceuticals and indicated the high sensitivity of the method. The recoveries of N‐nitrosamines ranged from 84% to 97%. Thus, this method exhibits good selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy. Moreover, it is a simple, convenient, and scientific strategy for detecting N‐nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals to support the development of the pharmaceutical industry.
Saline soil organic matter characteristics of aggregate size fractions after amelioration through straw and nitrogen addition
Authors: Xie Wenjun , Shao Pengshuai , Zhang Yanpeng , Wei Shoucai , Li Jianan , Sun Yingjie , Zhang Huawei
Published: December 2022

Saline soil organic matter (SOM) composition and distribution are largely unknown. A coastal field experiment was designed to investigate the effects of straw and nitrogen addition on SOM characteristics by diffuse reflectance Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared (FTIR) spectral and amino sugar analysis. In each growing season, maize/wheat straw was applied at rates of 5.0 × 103 kg ha−1 (S5) and 1.0 × 104 kg ha−1 (S10), and inorganic nitrogen was applied at rates of 75 kg ha−1 (N75), 150 kg ha−1 (N150), and 300 kg ha−1 (N300). N150 without straw addition was the control treatment (CK). Dry‐sieving technique was used to fractionate soils into macroaggregates (>0.25 mm, MA), microaggregates (0.053–0.25 mm, MI), and silt‐plus‐clay particles (<0.053 mm, SC). Results showed that SOM and amino sugar contents were efficiently increased in the S5 and S10 treatments compared with CK, which were significantly higher in MA and MI than in SC (p < 0.05). In straw‐addition treatments, SOM and amino sugar contents were significantly higher in S5N300 and S10N300 (p < 0.05). The contribution of microbial necromass C to soil organic C (SOC) was 8.9–17.1%, and the fungal residue was dominant in bulk and aggregate soils. The amount of recalcitrant form of organic C decreased with SOM content increase, and the abundance of aromatic C groups increased under higher salt stress. Therefore, we suggested that microbial necromass accumulation could not be the main pathway of SOC sequestration, and enriching recalcitrant organic C probably led to SOM stability in saline soils.
Breaking the Action‐Reaction Principle of Light Interactions Under a Stroboscopic Nonlinearity
Authors: Ma Wenjin , Zhuang Yuhui , Wang Zhaoyuan , Jia Pengbo , Zhang Ping , Hu Yi , Chen Zhigang , Xu Jingjun
Published: December 2022

The action–reaction principle is proven violated in multitudes of physical systems under certain circumstances, but such a violation is rarely reported in the interplay (via nonlinearity) of optical fields, particularly in experiment. Here a realistic optical platform is demonstrated for realizing light interactions that break the law of action–reaction. Under a stroboscopic nonlinearity where self‐focusing and ‐defocusing effects come to play the role periodically, two optical beams are judiciously trimmed temporally to experience the two inverted nonlinear effects. During their interaction, they show deflections toward the same direction. The underlying physics is in sharp contrast to that in the attraction/repulsion or diametric drive behavior commonly seen in all previous experiments. In addition, the wave dynamics introduce an extra feature that has no counterpart in particle interactions breaking the action–reaction principle. The counterintuitive interplay realized here in optics may bring about new ways for light manipulation.
Polymer Brushes by Grafting to Reaction in Melt: New Insights into the Mechanism
Authors: Chiarcos Riccardo , Perego Michele , Laus Michele
Published: December 2022

Ultrathin films of end‐tethered polymers, generally indicated as polymer brushes, have gained great interest for their ability to modify the surface interaction with the surrounding environment. One of the most common strategies to obtain polymer brushes is based on the reaction of end‐functional polymers with the substrate surface, in a process defined as grafting to. The two advantages of grafting to reactions are i) the functional polymer is prepared before the grafting reaction and therefore can be fully characterized and ii) the reaction has a self‐limiting nature, meaning that the number of grafted chains converges to a plateau value after a sufficiently long reaction time. The limit value of grafted chains is governed by the molecular weight of the employed polymer, thus allowing a fine control of the brush thickness. In this work, the origin of the self‐limiting nature of the grafting to reaction is discussed comparing theoretical models with experimental data. Furthermore, the kinetics of the process is discussed, considering both polymer diffusion and end‐group reactivity as the main drivers of the grafting to process. Finally, the effect of molecular weight dispersity on the brush characteristics is highlighted.
Reversible Dynamic Behavior of Condensation‐Cured Silicone Elastomers Caused by a Catalyst
Authors: Jurásková Alena , Olsen Stefan Møller , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: December 2022

This study demonstrates that dibutyltin‐dilaurate (DBTL), commonly used to catalyze condensation‐cured silicone elastomers, causes dynamic behavior in the silicone network, which is attributed to the catalyst finding a way to become part of the elastomer network. Furthermore, it establishes that by choosing an appropriate silanol‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HO‐PDMS‐OH) chain length, the catalyst causes the gelation of the system without a cross‐linker. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first time that the DBTL catalyst is shown, apart from the catalytic effect, to have the ability to act as a cross‐linker.
Azide‐Modified Poly(diethyl vinylphosphonate) for Straightforward Graft‐to Carbon Nanotube Functionalization
Authors: Kränzlein Moritz , Pehl Thomas M. , Halama Kerstin , Großmann Paula F. , Kratky Tim , Mühlbach Amelie M. , Rieger Bernhard
Published: December 2022

Rare‐earth metal‐mediated group‐transfer polymerization (REM‐GTP) offers distinctive features over common polymerization techniques, such as living character, a broad scope of functional monomers, high activity, excellent control of the polymeric parameters as well as inherent chain‐end functionalization. Through the latter, polymers with reactive end‐groups become feasible, opening the pathway for further post‐polymerization functionalization. In this study, a straightforward graft‐to immobilization of the Michael‐type polymer poly(diethyl vinylphosphonate) (PDEVP) on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is reported. Hence, a customized azide initiator is synthesized and studied in the CH bond activation with various lanthanide‐based catalysts and the subsequent polymerization of diethyl vinylphosphonate (DEVP). The successful attachment of the azide end‐group is demonstrated via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and the synthesized polymers are subjected to immobilization on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in a graft‐to approach. The prepared MWCNT:PDEVP composites are analyzed via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA), Raman spectroscopy, X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the versatility of this approach is shown via the stabilization of MWCNT dispersions in water.
Ultra‐High Loading of Coal‐Derived Flash Graphene Additives in Epoxy Composites
Authors: Advincula Paul A. , Meng Wei , Eddy Lucas J. , Beckham Jacob L. , Siqueira Ivan R. , Luong Duy Xuan , Chen Weiyin , Pasquali Matteo , Nagarajaiah Satish , Tour James M.
Published: December 2022

Graphene has proved to be an exceptional reinforcing additive for composites, but the high cost of its synthesis has largely prevented its addition on industrial scales. Flash Joule heating provides a rapid, bulk‐scale method for graphene synthesis from coal materials, such as metallurgical coke (MC), into metallurgical coke‐derived flash graphene (MCFG). Here, this work investigates the properties of graphene‐epoxy composites in a higher nanofiller content regime than has previously been reported in literature. Composites with 20 to 50 wt% loading of MCFG are prepared by combining MCFG with diglycidyl ether bisphenol A epoxy precursor (DGEBA) and 1,5‐diamino‐2‐methylpentane. With a 1:2 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, the Young's modulus increases by 92% and with a 1:3 ratio, hardness increases by 140%. At a 1:4 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, compressive strength and maximum strain increase by 145% and 61%, respectively. At a 1:3 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, toughness increases by 496%. Finally, at a 1:1 ratio of MCFG:DGEBA, GHG emissions, water consumption, and energy consumption are reduced by 33%, 47%, and 34%, respectively. As the cost of FG plummets, since it can be produced from very low cost materials like MC, in milliseconds with no solvent or water, the prospects are promising for its high‐loading use in composites.
Residential mobility boosts new product adoption
Authors: Zeng Fue , He Qiong , Li Shaobo (Kevin) , Luo Aowei
Published: December 2022

A major challenge in new product development is how to increase consumers' adoption of new offerings. Using the socio‐ecological perspective, we reveal a largely ignored but important social factor that alters consumers' new product adoption. Specifically, we propose that residential mobility—the frequency with which individuals change their residence—acts as an antecedent of new product adoption. Six studies—using different operationalizations of residential mobility—provide convergent evidence that residential mobility (vs. stability) augments new product adoption in both laboratory settings and real business settings. This effect is driven by openness to new experiences and moderated by the voluntariness of moving. Our findings add to the literature on new product adoption and residential mobility. Moreover, marketers should take residential mobility into full consideration when designing marketing strategies for new products and presenting contextual cues to activate consumers' residential mobility mindset to enhance their acceptance of new products.
Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation–Induced Local Field Potential Changes in Dystonia
Authors: Wiest Christoph , Morgante Francesca , Torrecillos Flavie , Pogosyan Alek , He Shenghong , Baig Fahd , Bertaina Ilaria , Hart Michael G. , Edwards Mark J. , Pereira Erlick A. , Tan Huiling
Published: December 2022

Background

Subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease and induced local field potential (LFP) changes that have been linked with clinical improvement. STN stimulation has also been used in dystonia although the internal globus pallidus is the standard target where theta power has been suggested as a physiomarker for adaptive stimulation.

Objective

We aimed to explore if enhanced theta power was also present in STN and if stimulation‐induced spectral changes that were previously reported for Parkinson's disease would occur in dystonia.

Methods

We recorded LFPs from 7 patients (12 hemispheres) with isolated craniocervical dystonia whose electrodes were placed such that inferior, middle, and superior contacts covered STN, zona incerta, and thalamus.

Results

We did not observe prominent theta power in STN at rest. STN stimulation induced similar spectral changes in dystonia as in Parkinson's disease, such as broadband power suppression, evoked resonant neural activity (ERNA), finely‐tuned gamma oscillations, and an increase in aperiodic exponents in STN‐LFPs. Both power suppression and ERNA localize to STN. Based on this, single‐pulse STN stimulation elicits evoked neural activities with largest amplitudes in STN, which are relayed to the zona incerta and thalamus with changing characteristics as the distance from STN increases.

Conclusions

Our results show that STN stimulation–induced spectral changes are a nondisease‐specific response to high‐frequency stimulation, which can serve as placement markers for STN. This broadens the scope of STN stimulation and makes it an option for other disorders with excessive oscillatory peaks in STN. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Design of long‐reach symmetric 1.6 Tbps bidirectional NG‐PON2 using 2D spectral/spatial SWZCC code
Authors: Kumari Meet
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a bidirectional symmetric 16 × 10 Gbps next generation passive optical network stage 2 (NG‐PON2) based time and wavelength division multiplexing PON (TWDM‐PON) has been designed. To satisfy the requirement for ever‐increasing demands for high‐security, high speed and long‐reach with high system capacity to handle the large number of users, two‐dimensional spectral/spatial single weight zero‐cross correlation code has been employed in TWDM‐PON. The results show that the proposed design can handle simultaneous users of 240 in downstream and 250 in upstream channels over 10 km transmission distance at symmetric 1.6 Tbps data rate. The transmission distance can be extended upto downlink 110 km and uplink 170 km, delivering receiver sensitivity of −45 and −46 dBm, respectively. Also, high optical signal to noise ratio of 62 dB in downlink and 72 dB in uplink is successfully achieved. Meanwhile, the proposed work is superior to the recent work.
Predicting N2 lymph node metastasis in presurgical stage I‐II non‐small cell lung cancer using multiview radiomics and deep learning method
Authors: Zhang Hanfei , Liao Meiyan , Guo Qun , Chen Jun , Wang Shan , Liu Songmei , Xiao Feng
Published: December 2022

Background

Accurate diagnosis of N2 lymph node status of the resectable stage I‐II non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) before surgery is crucial, while there is lack of corresponding method clinically.

Purpose

To develop and validate a model to quantitively predict the N2 lymph node metastasis in presurgical clinical stage I‐II NSCLC using multiview radiomics and deep learning method.

Methods

In this study, 140 NSCLC patients were enrolled and randomly divided into training and test sets. Univariate and multiple analysis method were used step by step to establish the clinical model; Then a multiview radiomics modeling scheme was designed, in which the optimal input feature set was determined by subcategorizing radiomics features (C1: original; C2: LoG and C3: wavelet) and comparison of corresponding radiomics model. The minimum‐redundancy maximum‐relevance (mRMR) selection and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm were used for the feature selection and construction of each radiomics model (Rad). Next, an end‐to‐end ResNet18 architecture and transfer learning techniques were designed to construct a deep learning model (DL). Subsequently, the screened clinical risk factors and constructed Rad and DL models were combined and compared and a nomogram was constructed. Finally, the diagnostic performance of all constructed models were evaluated and compared using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, Delong test, Calibration analysis, Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and decision curves, respectively.

Results

Carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA) level and spiculation were screened to make up the Clinical model, while seven radiomics features in the optimal input feature set C2 + C3 were selected to construct the Rad. DL was constructed by training on 1.8 million natural images and small sample data of our N2 lymph node volume of interest (VOI) images. Except for the Clinical model, all other models showed good predictive accuracy and consistency in both training set and test set. DL (area under curve (AUC): 0.83) was better than Rad (AUC: 0.76) in predictive accuracy, but their difference was not significant (p = 0.45). The combined models showed better diagnostic performance than the model only clinical or image risk factors were used (AUC for Clinical, Rad + DL, Rad + Clinical, DL + Clinical, and Rad + DL + Clinical were respectively 0.66, 0.86, 0.82, 0.86, and 0.88). Finally, the Rad + DL + Clinical model with the best diagnostic performance was selected to draw the final nomogram for clinical use.

Conclusion

This study proposes a nomogram based on multiview radiomics, deep learning, and clinical features that can be efficiently used to quantitively predict presurgical N2 diseases in patients with clinical stage I‐II NSCLC.
Music in the acute preoperative nursing care — A mixed‐method pilot study
Authors: Antonsen Lisa , Dieperink Karin Brochstedt , Østervang Christina
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim was to (1) examine the feasibility aspect of a music intervention, (2) examine the association between music and pain, relaxation and well‐being and (3) explore patients' experience of listening to music while waiting for acute surgery.

Design

The design was a mixed‐method study.

Methods

Participants were offered a music pillow for 30 min. Before and after the intervention, participants reported their pain, relaxation and well‐being using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to10. The qualitative part was based on field observation followed by a semi‐structured interview.

Results

The quantitative part included 30 participants. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test showed a positive significant association between music and pain, relaxation and well‐being (p < 0.001). The qualitative part included 15 participants. Two themes derived from the analysis: (1) feelings of physical and mental well‐being and (2) a break from the acute preoperative context.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Does family‐centred education improve treatment adherence, glycosylated haemoglobin and blood glucose level in patients with type 1 diabetes? A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mansour Mahsa , Parizad Naser , Hemmati Maslakpak Masumeh
Published: December 2022

Aim

To investigate the effect of family‐centred education on treatment adherence, glycosylated haemoglobin and blood glucose level in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Sixty patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus were randomly allocated into the intervention and control group. Data were collected using demographic and Modanloo Adherence to Treatment Questionnaires. The patients received 12 family‐centred educational sessions in the intervention group.

Results

A significant difference was found in the mean score of treatment adherence between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.001). The mean score of treatment adherence significantly increased in the intervention group after family‐centred education. The mean score of Fasting Blood Glucose and Glycosylated Haemoglobin A1C significantly decreased in the intervention group after the intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Relevant authorities need to consider family‐centred education as one of the most important education methods in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus patients.

Trial registration

IRCT20131112015390N4; August 21, 2020.
Metagenomic characterization of the maternal prenatal gastrointestinal microbiome by pregravid BMI
Authors: Dreisbach Caitlin , Alhusen Jeanne , Prescott Stephanie , Dudley Donald , Trinchieri Giorgio , Siega‐Riz Anna Maria
Published: December 2022

Objective

The incidence of women entering into pregnancy with BMI indicating overweight or obesity is rising with concurrent increases in adverse complications such as gestational diabetes. Although several studies have examined the compositional changes to the microbiome across BMI classifications, there has been no investigation regarding changes in microbial function during pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 105 gastrointestinal microbiome biospecimens were used in this analysis. Biospecimens were sequenced by using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 shotgun metagenomics platform.

Results

Findings indicate an enrichment in microbiota from the phylum Firmicutes across all pregravid BMI groups with a decrease in α diversity in groups with BMI indicating obesity or overweight compared with a group with BMI indicating normal weight (p = 0.02). More specifically, women with BMI indicating obesity or overweight had enrichment in Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. adolescentis. Women with BMI > 25 kg/m2 had a higher abundance of microbiota that support biotin synthesis and regulate epithelial cells in the lower gastrointestinal tract. These epithelial cells are responsible for host adaptability to dietary lipid variation and caloric absorption.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that there are differences in microbial composition and function between BMI groups. Future research should consider how these changes contribute to specific clinical outcomes during pregnancy.
BDF2 schemes for optimal parameter control problems governed by bilinear parabolic equations
Authors: Yang Caijie , Sun Tongjun
Published: December 2022

In this paper, BDF2 schemes combined with the finite element method are proposed to solve control constrained optimal parameter control problems governed by bilinear parabolic equations, where the control variable acts as a reaction coefficient. The discretize‐then‐optimize (DO) approach is adopted. First, the state equation is discretized and two different discrete formulas are utilized for the objective functional. Then, by using the Lagrange multiplier method, two fully discrete first‐order necessary optimality systems are deduced and named as DO1 and DO2 systems, respectively. It can be found that the optimize‐then‐discretize (OD) and discretize‐then‐optimize (DO) approaches coincide in the case of the DO2 system. Furthermore, a priori error estimates are derived for the state, co‐state and control variables of the DO2 system, which show that the DO2 system has second‐order accuracy in time. Finally, three numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Comprehensive and long‐term outcomes of enzyme replacement therapy followed by stem cell transplantation in children with Gaucher disease type 1 and 3
Authors: Anurathapan Usanarat , Tim‐Aroon Thipwimol , Zhang Wujuan , Sanpote Watinee , Wongrungsri Siranee , Khunin Nitcha , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Chirdkiatgumchai Vilawan , Ngiwsara Lukana , Jaovisidha Suphaneewan , Khongkraparn Arthaporn , Pakakasama Samart , Svasti Jisnuson , Setchell Kenneth D. R. , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee , Hongeng Suradej
Published: December 2022

Background

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder, characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, bone diseases, with or without neurological symptoms. Plasma glucosylsphingosine (lyso‐Gb1), a highly sensitive and specific biomarker for GD, has been used for diagnosis and monitoring the response to treatment. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is an effective treatment for the non‐neurologic symptoms of GD. Neuronopathic GD (type 2 and 3) accounts for 60%–70% of the Asian affected population.

Methods

We explored combination therapy of ERT followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and its long‐term outcomes in patients with GD type 3 (GD3).

Results

Four patients with GD3 and one with GD type 1 (GD1) underwent HSCT. The types of donor were one matched‐related, one matched‐unrelated, and three haploidentical. The age at disease onset was 6–18 months and the age at HSCT was 3.8–15 years in the patients with GD3. The latest age at follow‐up was 8–22 years, with a post‐HSCT duration of 3–14 years. All patients had successful HSCT. Chronic graft‐versus‐host disease occurred in one patient. The enzyme activities were normalized at 2 weeks post HSCT. Lyso‐Gb1 concentrations became lower than the pathological value. All of the patients are still alive and physically independent. Most of them (4/5) returned to school. None of the patients with GD3 had seizures or additional neurological symptoms after HSCT, but showed varying degrees of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

ERT followed by HSCT could be considered as an alternative treatment for patients with GD3 who have a high risk of fatal neurological progression.
Temperature and illumination dependence of silicon heterojunction solar cells with a wide range of wafer resistivities
Authors: Le Anh Huy Tuan , Srinivasa Apoorva , Bowden Stuart G. , Hameiri Ziv , Augusto André
Published: December 2022

Recently, the significant improvements in the surface and contact passivation of silicon (Si) solar cells as well as their bulk quality have shifted their operating point to higher injections. Hence, they are less dependent on wafer doping. This shift opens an opportunity of using high‐resistivity wafers for practical photovoltaic applications, introducing a promising approach to push the cell efficiency towards the intrinsic limit and to improve the module reliability by increasing the cell breakdown voltage. Therefore, insights into the performance of Si solar cells using high‐resistivity wafers at various operating temperatures are of significant interest. In this study, we investigate the temperature‐ and illumination‐dependent performance of Si heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells using a wide range of wafer resistivities (between 3 and 1000 Ω⋅cm). Although a reduction in the passivation quality of the passivating contacts is observed at elevated temperature, the impact on the temperature coefficient of the open‐circuit voltage (TCVoc)—the dominant contributor to the temperature coefficient (TC) of the cell efficiency—is very limited. Their TCVoc are still dominated by the temperature dependence of the effective intrinsic carrier concentration. Furthermore, we also find that the investigated cells are more sensitive to temperature variation at lower illumination intensities. It is noteworthy that the efficiency of the cells fabricated using high‐resistivity wafers is comparable to that of the reference cells at any given temperature, highlighting the potential of using high‐resistivity wafers for solar cells.
Plasma‐electrified postharvest preservation of Citrus sinensis: Process technology and freshness‐keeping and anticorrosion effects
Authors: Liu Kun , Ran Congfu , Geng Wenqing , Han Leng , Ostrikov Kostya K.
Published: December 2022

Nitrogen oxide‐generating dielectric barrier discharge plasma is shown to effectively inhibit microorganisms and maintain fruit freshness. Physical and biological mechanisms of the plasma‐electrified fungicidal effects suggest that plasma‐generated NO and ONOO− species and other factors are crucial to regulating physiological senescence in citrus fruit while controlling pathogens on their surface. The revealed Physico‐chemical effects explain the observed phenotypic changes and the suppression of surface pathogens, thus providing mechanistic insights into postharvest fruit processing with plasmas.
Holocene January paleotemperature of northwestern Siberia reconstructed based on stable isotope ratio of ice wedges
Authors: Vasil'chuk Yurij K. , Vasil'chuk Alla C. , Budantseva Nadine A.
Published: December 2022

Ice wedges are considered as a paleoarchive of winter air temperatures as their stable isotope composition has been widely used to reconstruct winter climatic conditions in the Arctic regions. Ice wedge stable isotope records, obtained in recent decades for many Arctic permafrost areas of Russia and North America, demonstrate a clear shift from lower to higher values between the Late Pleistocene and Holocene (by 5–10‰ for δ18O values in some regions of the Russian Arctic), which is widely accepted as evidence of winter air temperature increase. However, the evolution of winter air temperatures during the Holocene is less clear and, according to proxy reconstructions, winter climate trends are not synchronous and may significantly vary throughout the Arctic. In this study, we investigate the stable isotope composition of Holocene syngenetic ice wedges and modern ice veinlets of northwestern Siberia. Radiocarbon dating of enclosing sediments and a few dates of organic material from ice wedges demonstrate that ice wedges grew constantly within the study area during the Holocene though early–mid‐Holocene in northwestern Siberia is often considered as a thermal optimum. In fact, many proxy records indicate an increase of summer air temperatures followed by thermokarst activity, peatland formation, and northward advance of the treeline. According to our data, winter climate conditions in terms of mean air temperature of the coldest winter month (January) did not change significantly during the key Holocene stages, and during the Greenlandian and most of the Northgrippian stages (between 11.4 and 6 cal ka BP) mean January air temperature (TmJ) varied between −21 and −30°C, and from the end of the Northgrippian, during the Meghalayan stages of Holocene (5.2–0.9 cal ka BP), TmJ varied between −24 to −28°C. Mean January air temperature during the Holocene was generally 1–2°C lower than the modern one, meanwhile the submeridional direction of TmJ isotherms and eastward decrease of TmJ values in Holocene are similar to the modern pattern.
Novel quinolin‐2(1H)‐one analogues as potential fungicides targeting succinate dehydrogenase: design, synthesis, inhibitory evaluation and molecular modeling
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Lu Tong , Xiao Tingting , Cheng Wei , Jiang Wenjing , Yan Yingkun , Tang Xiaorong
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Succinate dehydrogenase is an important target of fungicides. Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) have widely been used to combat destructive plant pathogenic fungi because they possess efficient and broad‐spectrum antifungal activities and as well as unique mode of action. The research and development of novel SDHIs have been ongoing.

RESULTS

Thirty‐six novel quinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives were designed, synthesized and characterized. The single crystal structure of compound 3c was determined through the X‐ray diffraction of single crystals. The bioassay results displayed that most compounds had good antifungal activities at 16 μg mL−1 against Rhizoctonia cerealis, Erysiphe graminis, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium italicum and Phytophthora infestans. Compounds 6o, 6p and 6r had better antifungal activities than the commercialized fungicide pyraziflumid against Botrytis cinerea. Their half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values were 0.398, 0.513, 0.205 and 0.706 μg mL−1, respectively. Moreover, the inhibiting activities of the bioactive compounds were tested against succinate dehydrogenase. The results indicated that they possessed outstanding activities. Compounds 6o, 6p and 6r also exhibited better inhibiting activities than pyraziflumid against succinate dehydrogenase. Their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were 0.450, 0.672, 0.232 and 0.858 μg mL−1, respectively. The results of molecular dynamic (MD) simulations indicated that compound 6r displayed stronger affinity to succinate dehydrogenase than pyraziflumid.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study displayed that quinolin‐2(1H)‐one derivative could be one scaffold of potential SDHIs and will provide some valuable information for the research and development of new SDHIs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pre and post‐COVID 19 infection pulmonary functions in children with chronic respiratory disease: A case series
Authors: Ramadan Salim , Nguyen The Thanh Diem , Laberge Sophie , Marcotte Jacques‐Edouard , Zisman‐Colman Zofia , Tse Sze Man
Published: December 2022

As functional respiratory impairment following COVID‐19 infection (COVID‐19) is increasingly reported in adult, data regarding children especially with pre‐existing chronic respiratory disease (PCRD) remain scarce. We retrospectively assessed clinical presentation, duration of symptoms related to COVID‐19 from paediatric patients with PCRD and compared their pre/post COVID‐19‐I spirometry values. Data from 12 patients were analysed. Timing between COVID‐19 diagnosis and subsequent functional evaluation ranged from 26 to 209 days (mean 77). The PCRD in these patients included asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchomalacia. During COVID‐19, all clinical presentations were mild. One patient displayed persistent post‐COVID‐19 symptoms for 8 weeks after infection. Two patients presented significant deterioration of post‐COVID‐19 spirometric values with a return to pre‐COVID‐19 values in subsequent measures. We concluded that children with PCRD are not at increased risk for severe COVID disease and that most of them have no or only transient pulmonary functional impairment 1 to 7 months after COVID‐19.
Investigation of Impact Properties of Carboxylated‐terminated Liquid Acrylonitrile Rubber and Cerium Oxide Nano Double‐toughened Epoxy Resin
Authors: Wang Wenzhi , Yang Jin , Yang Jinpeng , Yang Jundong , Liang Dayu , Lu Zhimin
Published: December 2022

The excellent physical properties of epoxy resin are not available in other thermoplastic materials, but the toughness of pure species samples is relatively poor. In this experiment, epoxy resin was toughened by adding carboxylated‐terminated liquid acrylonitrile rubber and cerium oxide nanoparticles. The samples were subjected to performance tests, including impact tests, scanning electron microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Thermal stability analysis. Based on the analysis of the performance test results, the best toughening mass ratio of the raw material of the double toughened epoxy resin was obtained. The mass ratio of epoxy resin to double toughening agent was 4 : 1. In the double toughening agent, the mass ratio of carboxylated‐terminated liquid acrylonitrile rubber to cerium oxide nano was 4 : 1. The impact strength of the double toughened epoxy resin at the optimum toughened mass ratio can reach 31.77 KJ/m2. This is an impact strength increase of 692 % compared with the pure epoxy resin.
A New Sono‐Chemo Sensitizer Overcoming Tumor Hypoxia for Augmented Sono/Chemo‐Dynamic Therapy and Robust Immune‐Activating Response
Authors: Sun Luyao , Gao Wendong , Wang Jingjing , Niu Xueming , Kurniawan Nyoman , Li Li , Xu Zhi Ping
Published: December 2022

Novel sonosensitizers with intrinsic characteristics for tumor diagnosis, efficient therapy, and tumor microenvironment regulation are appealing in current sonodynamic therapy. Herein, a manganese (Mn)‐layered double hydroxide‐based defect‐rich nanoplatform is presented as a new type of sono‐chemo sensitizer, which allows ultrasound to efficiently trigger reactive oxygen species generation for enhanced sono/chemo‐dynamic therapy. Moreover, such a nanoplatform is able to relieve tumor hypoxia and achieve augmented singlet oxygen production via catalyzing endogenous H2O2 into O2. On top of these actions, the released Mn2+ ions and immune‐modulating agent significantly intensify immune activation and reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to the immunocompetent one. Consequently, this nanoplatform exhibits excellent anti‐tumor efficacy and effectively suppresses both primary and distant tumor growth, demonstrating a new strategy to functionalize nanoparticles as sono‐chemo sensitizers for synergistic combination cancer therapy.
A High‐Performance Hybrid Biofuel Cell with a Honeycomb‐Like Ti3C2Tx/MWCNT/AuNP Bioanode and a ZnCo2@NCNT Cathode for Self‐Powered Biosensing
Authors: Sun Yuping , Qin Tengteng , Liu Xiaoqiang , Liu Yuan , Zhao Dan , Wong Danny K.Y.
Published: December 2022

This work focusses on developing a hybrid enzyme biofuel cell‐based self‐powered biosensor with appreciable stability and durability using murine leukemia fusion gene fragments (tDNA) as a model analyte. The cell consists of a Ti3C2Tx/multiwalled carbon nanotube/gold nanoparticle/glucose oxidase bioanode and a Zn/Co‐modified carbon nanotube cathode. The bioanode uniquely exhibits strong electron transfer ability and a high surface area for the loading of 1.14 × 10−9 mol cm−2 glucose oxidase to catalyze glucose oxidation. Meanwhile, the abiotic cathode with a high oxygen reduction reaction activity negates the use of conventional bioenzymes as catalysts, which aids in extending the stability and durability of the sensing system. The biosensor offers a 0.1 fm–1 nm linear range and a detection limit of 0.022 fm tDNA. Additionally, the biosensor demonstrates a reproducibility of ≈4.85% and retains ≈87.42% of the initial maximal power density after a 4‐week storage at 4 °C, verifying a significantly improved long‐term stability.
The Impact of Carbon Nanotube Length and Diameter on their Global Alignment by Dead‐End Filtration
Authors: Rust Christian , Shapturenka Pavel , Spari Manuel , Jin Qihao , Li Han , Bacher Andreas , Guttmann Markus , Zheng Ming , Adel Tehseen , Walker Angela R. Hight , Fagan Jeffrey A. , Flavel Benjamin S.
Published: December 2022

Dead‐end filtration has proven to effectively prepare macroscopically (3.8 cm2) aligned thin films from solutionbased single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). However, to make this technique broadly applicable, the role of SWCNT length and diameter must be understood. To date, most groups report the alignment of unsorted, large diameter (≈1.4 nm) SWCNTs, but systematic studies on their small diameter are rare (≈0.78 nm). In this work, films with an area of A = 3.81 cm2 and a thickness of ≈40 nm are prepared from length‐sorted fractions comprising of small and large diameter SWCNTs, respectively. The alignment is characterized by cross‐polarized microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, absorption and Raman spectroscopy. For the longest fractions (Lavg = 952 nm ± 431 nm, Δ = 1.58 and Lavg = 667 nm ± 246 nm, Δ = 1.55), the 2D order parameter, S2D, values of ≈0.6 and ≈0.76 are reported for the small and large diameter SWCNTs over an area of A = 625 µm2, respectively. A comparison of Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek (DLVO) theory calculations with the aligned domain size is then used to propose a law identifying the required length of a carbon nanotube with a given diameter and zeta potential.