bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation of 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine in gas and liquid phase by the fungus Fusarium solani
Authors: Araya Blanca , Diaz Camilo , Martín Jessica San , Vergara‐Fernández Alberto , Aroca Germán , Scott Felipe
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Alkylpyrazines are odorous compounds conferring pleasant aromas to baked and roasted foods. However, they are also emitted during food processing, creating a nuisance for the operators and the community. Only a few bacterial isolates have been shown to degrade 2,5‐methylpyrazine (DMP), as a model alkylpyrazine. This work aimed to study the ability of DMP biodegradation by the filamentous fungus Fusarium solani.

RESULTS

Evidence of the degradation of DMP was collected in axenic cultures of F. solani in liquid mineral medium and over a saturated solid support using DMP as the sole carbon and energy source. DMP was used for growth as evidenced by the formation of an abundant aerial mycelium over a solid support, accompanied by the production of 70 ppm CO2 mg−1 dry biomass, and by its consumption in liquid media at a rate of 58.3 mg g−1 biomass h−1, a value comparable to those reported for bacteria. A non‐axenic biofilter was mounted, fed with a DMP‐laden air stream, and operated for 40 days. The maximum DMP elimination capacity achieved was 8.5 g m−3 h−1 at an inlet load of 11.3 g m−3 h−1 (an 80% relative efficiency).

CONCLUSION

Fusarium solani uses DMP as a carbon source, showing great potential for its abatement in a biofilter. High‐throughput DNA sequencing of biofilter samples showed that it was the most representative member of the community, with a relative abundance surpassing 97%, indicating that it played a pivotal role in the biofilter. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The social construction of professional shame for undergraduate engineering students
Authors: Secules Stephen , Sochacka Nicola W. , Huff James L. , Walther Joachim
Published: August 2021

Background

Shame is a deeply painful emotion people feel when they perceive that they have fallen short of socially constructed expectations. In this study,professional shamerefers to shame experiences that stem from people's perceptions that they have failed to meet expectations or standards that are relevant to their identities in a professional domain. While socially constructed expectations placed on engineering students have been implicitly addressed in the engineering education literature, they have rarely been the subject of specific inquiry.

Purpose

As part of a broader study on professional shame in engineering, we investigated the co‐construction of social worlds that place expectations on engineering students.

Method

We conducted 10 ethnographic focus groups with undergraduate engineering students from two universities. These groups were either heterogeneous or homogeneous, regarding racial and gender identity, to examine multiple social realities.

Results

We present significant findings related to engineering students' collective noticing, defining, and experiencing of social worlds. The findings give a sense of overlapping but distinct social realities among student groups and highlight how failing to meet expectations can contribute to deeply painful emotional responses. We also note when students' responses reproduce, resist, or redefine the broader cultural norms in which the students are embedded.

Conclusions

The study has implications for the theoretical exploration of shame, engineering education research on identity and diversity and inclusion, and the messaging and interactions in which the engineering education community engages.
Effect of 48‐week pemafibrate on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease with hypertriglyceridemia, as evaluated by the FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase score
Authors: Hatanaka Takeshi , Kosone Takashi , Saito Naoto , Takakusagi Satoshi , Tojima Hiroki , Naganuma Atsushi , Takagi Hitoshi , Uraoka Toshio , Kakizaki Satoru
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

This retrospective study investigated the effect of 48‐week pemafibrate therapy in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with hypertriglyceridemia, as evaluated by the FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score.

Methods

A total of 31 NAFLD patients who were treated with pemafibrate in Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital and Kusunoki Hospital from September 2018 to April 2020 were included in the current study. We used the FAST score, which is a novel index of steatohepatitis that can be calculated based on the AST value, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), to evaluate the effect of pemafibrate treatment.

Results

The median age was 64.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 55.0–75.0) years and 14 patients (45.2%) were male. Median body mass index was 26.8 (IQR 23.8–28.8). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were detected in 14 (45.2%) and five (16.1%) patients, respectively. Fasting triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly improved (P < 0.001 and 0.013, respectively) and the AST, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase values were significantly decreased during pemafibrate treatment (P = 0.041, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). While the LSM value and CAP value did not differ to a statistically significant extent (P = 0.19 and 0.140, respectively), the FAST score was significantly improved during pemafibrate treatment (P = 0.029). The delta FAST score was found to be correlated with the variations of ALT (r = 0.504, P = 0.005), which represents the effect of pemafibrate.

Conclusions

Pemafibrate improved the FAST score due to the hepatic anti‐inflammatory effect, indicating that pemafibrate may prevent disease progression in NAFLD patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Initial distribution of COVID‐19 vaccines to front‐line hospital workers and community first responders—A prospective descriptive study
Authors: Stausmire Julie M. , Rohaley Deidre J. , Tita James A. , Buderer Nancy M. , Nuesmeyer Tamela , Faulkner David L. , Sapara Matthew
Published: August 2021

As one of the initial ten sites in Ohio designated to receive and distribute the first COVID‐19 vaccines in December 2020, we initiated a self‐reported IRB‐approved research survey to describe the demographics, side‐effects, and missed work time experienced by front‐line health care workers in an urban tertiary care center and a rural regional hospital. First responders from both the urban and rural surrounding communities were also included in the initial Tier 1A vaccine distribution. The primary outcome measure was to identify the most frequently experienced side effects from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, based on type of vaccine, first or second dose, age, gender, race and occupation. The secondary outcome measure was to document the total number of work shifts missed after receiving the vaccine. Of interest to health care risk managers, the survey identified the most common side effects and resulting missed time from work broken down by type of vaccine and first or second dose. This information will be helpful for those institutions who have not yet vaccinated a majority of their work force, employees who still need their second dose, and for strategic scheduling of employees when booster doses become available later in the year.
A diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease
Authors: Masten Margaux C. , Corre Camille , Paciorkowski Alex R. , Vierhile Amy , Adams Heather R. , Vermilion Jennifer , Zimmerman Grace A. , Augustine Erika F. , Mink Jonathan W.
Published: August 2021

Over the past 20 years, diagnostic testing for genetic diseases has evolved, leading to variable diagnostic certainty for individuals included in long‐term natural history studies. Using genotype and phenotype data from an ongoing natural history study of CLN3 disease, we developed a hierarchical diagnostic confidence scheme with three major classes: Definite, Probable, or Possible CLN3 disease. An additional level, CLN3 Disease PLUS, includes individuals with CLN3 disease plus an additional disorder with a separate etiology that substantially affects the phenotype. Within the Definite and Probable CLN3 disease classes, we further divided individuals into subclasses based on phenotype. After assigning participants to classes, we performed a blinded reclassification to assess the reliability of this scheme. A total of 134 individuals with suspected CLN3 disease were classified: 100 as Definite, 21 as Probable, and 7 as Possible. Six individuals were classified as CLN3‐PLUS. Phenotypes included the classical juvenile‐onset syndromic phenotype, a “vision loss only” phenotype, and an atypical syndromic phenotype. Some individuals were too young to fully classify phenotype. Test‐retest reliability showed 96% agreement. We created a reliable diagnostic confidence scheme for CLN3 disease that has excellent face validity. This scheme has implications for clinical research in CLN3 and other rare genetic neurodegenerative disorders.
HILIC‐ESI‐MS analysis of phosphatidic acid methyl esters artificially generated during lipid extraction from microgreen crops
Authors: Castellaneta Andrea , Losito Ilario , Losacco Valentina , Leoni Beniamino , Santamaria Pietro , Calvano Cosima D. , Cataldi Tommaso R. I.
Published: August 2021

The uncontrolled activation of endogenous enzymes may introduce both qualitative and quantitative artefacts when lipids are extracted from vegetal matrices. In the present study, a method based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled either to high‐resolution/accuracy Fourier‐transform mass spectrometry (HILIC‐ESI‐FTMS) or to linear ion trap multiple stage mass spectrometry (HILIC‐ESI‐MSn, with n = 2 and 3) with electrospray ionization was developed to unveil one of those artefacts. Specifically, the artificial generation of methyl esters of phosphatidic acids (MPA), catalysed by endogenous phospholipase D (PLD) during lipid extraction from five oleaginous microgreen crops (chia, soy, flax, sunflower and rapeseed), was studied. Phosphatidylcholines (PC) and phosphatidylglycerols (PG) were found to be the most relevant precursors of MPA among glycerophospholipids (GPLs), being involved in a transphosphatidylation process catalysed by PLD and having methanol as a coreactant. The combination of MS2 and MS3 measurements enabled the unambiguous recognition of MPA from their fragmentation pathways, leading to distinguish them from isobaric PA including a further CH2 group on their side chains. PLD was also found to catalyse the hydrolysis of PC and PG to phosphatidic acids (PAs). The described transformations were confirmed by the remarkable decrease of MPA abundance observed when isopropanol, known to inhibit PLD, was tentatively adopted instead of water during the homogenization of microgreens. The unequivocal identification of MPA might be exploited to assess if GPL alterations are actually triggered by endogenous PLD during lipid extractions from specific vegetal tissues.
Persistence of left atrial abnormalities despite left atrial volume normalization after successful ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Inoue Katsuji , Nagai Takayuki , Fujii Akira , Sasaki Yasuhiro , Shikano Yukari , Sakuoka Namiko , Miyazaki Maki , Takasuka Yasunori , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: August 2021

Background

Left atrial volume index (LAVI) of >34 mL/m2 is the cutoff value for identifying an enlarged left atrium. The definition of left atrial (LA) reverse remodeling after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is undetermined. We hypothesized that patients with LA dilatation who achieve normal LA volume (LAVI<34 mL/m2) after AF ablation have better long‐term outcomes than those who do not. Furthermore, we investigated whether patients with a normal LA volume can also achieve normal LA function with AF ablation.

Methods

We enrolled 140 AF patients with baseline LAVI of ≥34 mL/m2, without AF recurrence for 1 year after the initial AF ablation. We acquired conventional and speckle‐tracking echocardiographic parameters within 24 hour and at 1 year after the procedure. To define the normal range of LA function, age‐ and sex‐matched controls without a history of AF were also enrolled.

Results

After restoration of sinus rhythm, LA structural and functional parameters significantly improved, and 75 patients (54%) had normal LA volume. During a median follow‐up of 44 (31‐61) months, 32 patients (23%) experienced a late recurrence of AF (AF recurrence >1 year). Patients who achieved normal LA volume after AF ablation had fewer late recurrences than those who did not (P < .01). However, LA abnormalities, especially LA dysfunction, persisted in AF patients even when the LA volume was normalized compared with controls.

Conclusion

Patients who achieved normal LA volume had better long‐term outcomes of AF ablation than those who did not; however, LA abnormalities persisted even after successful ablation of AF.
Anatomical evaluation of the esophagus using computed tomography to predict acute gastroparesis following atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Yakabe Daisuke , Fukuyama Yusuke , Araki Masahiro , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: August 2021

Background

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is an effective treatment; however, periesophageal vagal nerve injury is not rare and sometimes results in acute gastroparesis (AGP) after atrial fibrillation ablation (AFA). We sought to investigate the incidence and risk factors of AGP via preprocedural computed tomography (CT) analysis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 422 patients who underwent index AFA at our center. Using contrast‐enhanced CT performed before ablation, the anatomical characteristics of the esophagus were compared between patients with and without post‐ablation AGP. AGP was diagnosed by the presence of symptoms, fasting abdominal X‐ray radiography as a screening test, and additional abdominal imaging.

Results

Of the 422 patients (age, 67 ± 11 years; male, 68.5%; cryoballoon, 63.7%), AGP developed in 14 (3.3%) patients, and six of 14 patients were asymptomatic. AGP resolved in all patients within 4 weeks without invasive treatment. In the AGP group, the esophagus was frequently located on the vertebra (middle‐positioned esophagus) (AGP vs non‐AGP, 42.9% vs 11.5%; P = .01), and additional posterior wall ablation was frequently performed (50.0% vs 14.5%; P = .02). In the multivariate analysis, middle‐positioned esophagus (P = .02; odds ratio, 9.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5‐53.3) and additional posterior wall ablation (P = .01; odds ratio, 7.6; 95% CI, 1.5‐42.1) were independent predictors of AGP.

Conclusions

Anatomical evaluation of the esophagus using CT may be simple and useful for predicting AGP after AFA. High‐risk patients who have middle‐positioned esophagus or who underwent excessive posterior wall ablation should be followed up closely.
Employee thriving at work: The long reach of family incivility and family support
Authors: Ren Shuang , Babalola Mayowa T. , Ogbonnaya Chidiebere , Hochwarter Wayne A. , Akemu Onajomo , Agyemang‐Mintah Peter
Published: August 2021

Thriving at work has been linked to a wide range of positive individual and organizational outcomes. However, research to date has primarily focused on its individual and work‐related antecedents, overlooking family‐related issues that constitute an essential part of social interactions. To advance our understanding of socio‐relational sources of employee thriving at work, we investigate the differential effects of family incivility and family support on thriving at work. Integrating the work–home resources (W‐HR) model with boundary theory, we develop and test a research model where family incivility and family support influence thriving at work via family–work conflict (FWC) and family–work enrichment (FWE), respectively. We further propose that employee segmentation boundary management preference moderates these mediating processes. Results from two survey data collected from employees working in Nigeria and the United Kingdom provide support for our hypothesized relationships. The findings contribute to a richer understanding of how and when thriving at work is influenced by social relationships in family life. We discuss implications for theory and practice, limitations, and avenues for future research.
Osteopontin induces osteogenic differentiation by human periodontal ligament cells via calcium binding domain–ALK‐1 interaction
Authors: Chaikiawkeaw Daneeya , Khorattanakulchai Narach , Nammultriputtar Ketsaraporn , Rattanapisit Kaewta , Everts Vincent , Kubera Anchanee , Phoolcharoen Waranyoo , Pavasant Prasit
Published: August 2021

Background

Recently we have generated recombinant human osteopontin (rhOPN) using a plant platform (Nicotiana benthamiana) and demonstrated, when coated on culture plates, its osteogenic induction capacity of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. The aim of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the rhOPN‐induced osteogenic differentiation of human PDL cells.

Methods

Full length rhOPN (FL‐OPN) and three constructs of OPN containing integrin binding domain (N142), calcium binding domain (C122) and mutated calcium‐binding domain (C122δ) were generated from N. benthamiana. Human PDL cells were isolated from extracted third molars and cultured on FL‐OPN, N142, C122, or C122δ‐coated surfaces. Real‐time PCR and Western blot analyses were used to determine mRNA and protein expression. In vitro calcification was determined by Alizarin red staining. A chemical inhibitor and RNAi silencing were used to elucidate signaling pathways. In silico analyses were performed to predict the protein‐protein interaction. In vivo analysis was performed using a rat calvaria defect model.

Results

Human PDL cells seeded on FL‐OPN and C122‐coated surfaces significantly increased both mRNA and protein expression of osterix (OSX) and enhanced in vitro calcification. Soluble FL‐OPN as well as a surface coated with N142 did not affect OSX expression. Inhibition of activin receptor‐like kinase (ALK‐1) abolished the induction of osterix expression. In silico analysis suggested a possible interaction between the calcium binding domain (CaBD) of OPN and ALK‐1 receptor. C122, but not C122δ coated surfaces, induced the expression of p‐Smad‐1 and this induction was inhibited by an ALK‐1 inhibitor and RNAi against ALK‐1. In vivo data showed that 3D porous scaffold containing C‐122 enhanced new bone formation as compared to scaffold alone.

Conclusion

The results suggest that next to full length OPN, the CaBD of OPN, if coated to a surface, induces osteogenic differentiation via interaction with ALK‐1 receptor.
Impact of interproximal composite restorations on periodontal tissue health: Clinical and cytokine profiles from a pre‐post quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Discepoli Nicola , Marruganti Crystal , Santoro Francesco , Mirra Raffaele , Fiorino Fabio , Medaglini Donata , Pozzi Gianni , Ferrari Marco , Grandini Simone
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to clinically and molecularly evaluate the effect of an interproximal iuxta/subgingival direct composite restoration on periodontal tissue healing.

Methods

Individuals in need of a posterior iuxta/subgingival interproximal restoration were consecutively enrolled. After enrollment, a test (site with tooth decay) and a control site (intact contralateral tooth) were identified. After a periodontal examination (probing depth [PD], clinical attachment level, recession, plaque, and bleeding on probing [BOP]) and a sampling of gingival crevicular fluid, the composite restoration was performed (T0). Clinical and molecular assessments were repeated at 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months after the restoration. Intragroup pre‐post comparisons for quantitative variables were performed either through one‐way ANOVA or Kruskal‒Wallis test. A multivariate linear regression analysis was then modeled. With α = 0.05, a power of 80% will be reached with the inclusion of 41 individuals.

Results

Biometric parameters demonstrated an increased mean PD (ΔPDT0‐T12 = ‐0.83 mm; P = 0.001) and loss of attachment (AL) (ΔCALT0‐T12 = ‐0.91 mm; P = 0.005) in the test site at 12 months. Accordingly, in the final multivariate regression model the radiographic distance between the bone crest and the restorative margin at baseline accounted for the dependent variable “attachment loss (AL)” (ΔCALT0‐T12) (P <0.05).

Conclusions

Iuxta/subgingival interproximal restorative margins jeopardized clinically and molecularly the periodontal tissue healing at least up to 1 year of follow‐up.
Phosphorus mobilization and improvement of crop agronomic performances by a new white‐rot fungus Ceriporia lacerataHG2011
Authors: Sui Zongming , Yin Jie , Huang Jianguo , Yuan Ling
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Some soil microorganisms can mobilize unavailable phosphorus (P) in soils for plant use and increase P fertilizer efficiency. Thus, an abiotic P solubilization experiment and fungal incubation in solution and soil were conducted to investigate the mobilization of various P compounds by a new white‐rot fungus Ceriporia lacerata HG2011. The crop agronomic performances were then evaluated in the winter barley–summer maize–winter wheat rotation field.

RESULTS

Ceriporia lacerata HG2011 had a wide P mobilization spectrum and mobilized P by different mechanisms depending on P sources supplied in liquid culture. The chief mechanism employed by this fungus was the production of protons in mobilizing Ca3(PO4)2, low‐molecular‐weight organic acids and other unknown substances in FePO4 and AlPO4, phytase (an inducible enzyme in the presence of phytate) in phytate, and phosphatase in lecithin and ribonucleic acid, respectively. As a result of the large fungal biomass, P accumulated in the hypha should also be considered in the assessment of the fungal P mobilization, and not just only soluble inorganic P. As C. lacerata HG2011 colonized on and in the test soil, phosphatase and phytase activities were enhanced but pH decreased in the soil, leading to P mobilization. The application of this fungus mobilized soil P, increased crop P uptake and yields, and consecutively reduced P fertilizer use without yield sacrifices in the multiple crop rotation field.

CONCLUSION

C. lacerata HG2011 showed a new use with respect to mobilizing soil P and reducing P fertilizer input in modern agriculture beyond medical purposes, environmental protection and biofuel production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Legumes as basic ingredients in the production of dairy‐free cheese alternatives: a review
Authors: Mefleh Marina , Pasqualone Antonella , Caponio Francesco , Faccia Michele
Published: August 2021

Research into dairy‐free alternative products, whether plant‐based or cell‐based, is growing fast and the food industry is facing a new challenge of creating innovative, nutritious, accessible, and natural dairy‐free cheese alternatives. The market demand for these products is continuing to increase owing to more people choosing to reduce or eliminate meat and dairy products from their diet for health, environmental sustainability, and/or ethical reasons. This review investigates the current status of dairy product alternatives. Legume proteins have good technological properties and are cheap, which gives them a strong commercial potential to be used in plant‐based cheese‐like products. However, few legume proteins have been explored in the formulation, development, and manufacture of a fully dairy‐free cheese because of their undesirable properties: heat stable anti‐nutritional factors and a beany flavor. These can be alleviated by novel or traditional and economical techniques. The improvement and diversification of the formulation of legume‐based cheese alternatives is strongly suggested as a low‐cost step towards more sustainable food chains. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Eleocharis dulcis corm: phytochemicals, health benefits, processing and food products
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xu Hai , Hu Zhenbiao , Yang Guihong , Yu Xiaojin , Chen Qianfeng , Zheng Lixue , Yan Zhaowei
Published: August 2021

Eleocharis dulcis, an aquatic plant belonging to Cyperaceae family, is indigenous to Asia, and also occurs in tropical Africa and Australia. The edible corm part of E. dulcis is a commonly consumed aquatic vegetable with a planting area of 44.46 × 103 hm2 in China. This work aims to explore the potential of E. dulcis corm for use as a new food source for sufficient nutrients and health benefits by reviewing its nutrients, phytochemicals, functions, processing and food products. Eleocharis dulcis corm contains starches, dietary fibers, non‐starch polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, phenolics, sterols, puchiin, saponins, minerals and vitamins. Among them, phenolics including flavonoids and quinones could be the major bioconstituents that largely contribute to antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and hypolipidemic functions. Peel wastes of E. dulcis corm tend to be enriched in phenolics to a much higher extent than the edible pulp. Fresh‐cut E. dulcis corm can be consumed as a ready‐to‐eat food or processed into juice for beverage production, and anti‐browning processing is a key to prolonging shelf life. Present food products of E. dulcis corm are centered on various fruit and vegetable beverages, and suffer from single categories and inadequate development. In brief, underutilized E. dulcis corm possesses great potential for use as a new food source for sufficient nutrients and health benefits. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Integral imaging 3D display based on dual time multiplexing with liquid crystal aperture array
Authors: Zhao Yulu , Zhang Xinran , Liao Hongen
Published: August 2021

Due to the limitations of the lens array of the integral imaging display, the viewing angle and resolution are mutually restricted in space, and are difficult to improve at the same time. We propose an integral imaging system based on dual time division multiplexing using a liquid crystal aperture array to improve viewing angle and resolution simultaneously. A liquid crystal panel is introduced into the traditional integral imaging display system as an adjustable aperture array, which is used to change the imaging effect of the micro‐lens array and to realize the dual time division multiplexing of elemental image pixels. The liquid crystal aperture array is controlled to gate different lenses and different positions on the lens at different times, then the corresponding elemental image array is rendered. Thus, the spatial constraints of viewing angle and resolution are transformed into the time domains by multiplexing. Based on the proposed scheme, this paper also proposes a synchronous rendering algorithm for elemental image array and aperture array patterns in the different multiplexing periods. To verify the feasibility of the scheme, we built a prototype display and the experimental results verified that our method achieved certain improvements in viewing angle and resolution.
Solid‐phase extraction methods for nucleic acid separation. A review
Authors: Li Peipei , Li Menghang , Yue Dongmei , Chen Haixia
Published: August 2021

The separation and purification of biomacromolecules such as nucleic acid is a perpetual topic in separation processes and bioengineering (fine chemicals, biopharmaceutical engineering, diagnostics, and biological characterization). In principle, the solid‐phase extraction for nucleic acid exhibits efficient phase separation, low pollution risk, and small sample demand, compared to the conventional liquid‐phase extraction. Herein, solid‐phase extraction methods are systematically reviewed to outline research progress and explore additional solid‐phase sorbents and devices for novel, flexible, and high‐efficiency nucleic acid separation processes. The functional materials capture nucleic acid, magnetic and magnetic‐free solid‐phase extraction methods, separation device design and optimization, and high‐throughput automatable applications based on high‐performance solid‐phase extraction are summarized. Finally, the current challenges and promising topics are discussed.
Simultaneous determination of 11 quinolone residues in freshwater fish samples by magnetic solid‐extraction coupled to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pan Shengdong , Xu Qihong , Guo Yanbo , Wang Li
Published: August 2021

In this study, well‐defined core‐shell ethylenediamine‐functional magnetic ferroferric oxide polymers were prepared and were fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Then, it was used as a magnetic solid‐phase extraction adsorbent for simultaneous determination of 11 trace quinolone residues in freshwater fish samples coupled to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. The obtained results revealed that the adsorbent showed good extraction efficiency and the adsorption mechanisms referred to hydrogen bond and π‐π stacking interaction. Moreover, the magnetic solid‐phase extraction conditions were also carefully optimized. The limits of quantitation of 11 quinolones were in the range of 0.15–0.36 μg/kg, while spiking recoveries were in the range of 80.2–99.5% for the 11 quinolones in freshwater fish samples at four spiked levels including limits of quantitation, 1.0, 40.0, and 80.0 μg/kg with the relative standard deviations ranging from 0.8 to 9.1%. The proposed method was applied to analyze 45 freshwater fish samples, and enrofloxacin was detected in 91.1% samples with concentrations ranging from 0.659 to 333 μg/kg. It could be concluded that the proposed method is fast, simple, sensitive, and accurate for the routine monitor of freshwater fish.
Safety of sitagliptin in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic liver disease patients
Authors: Hollande Clémence , Boussier Jeremy , Mottez Estelle , Bondet Vincent , Buivan Tan Phuc , Charbit Bruno , Llibre Alba , Charlotte Frédéric , Savier Eric , Scatton Olivier , Duffy Darragh , Albert Matthew , Mallet Vincent , Pol Stanislas
Published: August 2021

Background & Aims

Systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment have limited efficacy and poor safety. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were initially developed and approved as treatment for type 2 diabetes, yet oral administration of sitagliptin has recently been shown to improve naturally occurring tumour immunity in animal models of HCC.

Methods

We conducted a phase Ib clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a pre‐operative 3‐week DPP4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) treatment in HCC patients undergoing liver resection. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of a sitagliptin treatment in each of the three groups of patients, according to an escalating dosage of sitagliptin (100, 200 and 600 mg/d). Secondary objectives included the assessment of DPP4 activity, cytokine expression in plasma samples and circulating immune populations.

Results

Fourteen patients were included and analysed. In all three dose groups, no severe adverse event related to sitagliptin was reported. A significant inhibition of DPP4 activity was observed upon sitagliptin treatment, which prevented the N‐terminal truncation of CXCL10, leading to a mobilization of circulating CD8+ T cells and eosinophils. Immunochemistry analysis showed a lymphoid infiltration in all tumour samples with the presence of a population of CXCR3+ T cells in all but one of the tumours. Positivity for CXCL10 (IP10) and CCR3 in tumour and/or stroma cells was found in all resection pieces.

Conclusion

In summary, sitagliptin can be used safely in patients with chronic liver disease and HCC, and could be tested in phase 2 trial, as an adjuvant in combination with others drugs, for the treatment of HCC patients.
Homeostasis drives intense microbial trace metal processing on marine particles
Authors: Debeljak Pavla , Blain Stéphane , Bowie Andrew , van der Merwe Pier , Bayer Barbara , Obernosterer Ingrid
Published: August 2021

As marine microorganisms and environmental conditions coevolved over geological timescales, metals have been incorporated into all essential metabolic processes. In the modern ocean, metals are present from trace amounts limiting microbial growth to toxic concentrations. Dissolved trace metals are a major bioavailable reservoir. However, the acquisition of metals from marine particles remains largely unexplored. Here, we combined chemical characterization and a comparative metatranscriptomics approach to investigate the availability of nine metals of biological importance on particles collected in the region of Heard Island (Indian sector of the Southern Ocean). Elemental ratios identified particulate matter as a potential source of metals for prokaryotes. The expression of genes for the uptake of metals through various mechanisms demonstrated that particles are a bioavailable reservoir. But genes involved in the control of resistance to metal toxicity, storage, sensing, and regulation were also highly expressed. Our observations suggest that homeostasis associated with a diverse prokaryotic community is the overarching mechanism that enhances the trace element processing on particles. These results provide clues that microbial activity on particles is critical in the redistribution of trace elements between different fractions and chemical forms in the ocean.
Metabolic potential of the imperfect denitrifier Candidatus Desulfobacillus denitrificans in an anammox bioreactor
Authors: Okubo Takashi , Takami Hideto
Published: August 2021

The imperfect denitrifier, Candidatus (Ca.) Desulfobacillus denitrificans, which lacks nitric oxide (NO) reductase, frequently appears in anammox bioreactors depending on the operating conditions. We used genomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to evaluate the metabolic potential of Ca. D. denitrificans and deduce its functional relationships to anammox bacteria (i.e., Ca. Brocadia pituitae). Although Ca. D. denitrificans is hypothesized to supply NO to Ca. B. pituitae as a byproduct of imperfect denitrification, this microbe also possesses hydroxylamine oxidoreductase, which catalyzes the oxidation of hydroxylamine to NO and potentially the reverse reaction. Ca. D. denitrificans can use a range of electron donors for denitrification, including aromatic compounds, glucose, sulfur compounds, and hydrogen, but metatranscriptomic analysis suggested that the major electron donors are aromatic compounds, which inhibit anammox activity. The interrelationship between Ca. D. denitirificans and Ca. B. pituitae via the metabolism of aromatic compounds may govern the population balance of both species. Ca. D. denitrificans also has the potential to fix CO2 via an irregular Calvin cycle and couple denitrification to the oxidation of hydrogen and sulfur compounds under chemolithoautotrophic conditions. This metabolic versatility, which suggests a mixotrophic lifestyle, would facilitate the growth of Ca. D. denitrificans in the anammox bioreactor.
Expedition of sulfur‐containing heterocyclic derivatives as cytotoxic agents in medicinal chemistry: A decade update
Authors: Laxmikeshav Kritika , Kumari Pooja , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: August 2021

This review article proposes a comprehensive report of the design strategies engaged in the development of various sulfur‐bearing cytotoxic agents. The outcomes of various studies depict that the sulfur heterocyclic framework is a fundamental structure in diverse synthetic analogs representing a myriad scope of therapeutic activities. A number of five‐, six‐ and seven‐membered sulfur‐containing heterocyclic scaffolds, such as thiazoles, thiadiazoles, thiazolidinediones, thiophenes, thiopyrans, benzothiazoles, benzothiophenes, thienopyrimidines, simple and modified phenothiazines, and thiazepines have been discussed. The subsequent studies of the derivatives unveiled their cytotoxic effects through multiple mechanisms (viz. inhibition of tyrosine kinases, topoisomerase I and II, tubulin, COX, DNA synthesis, and PI3K/Akt and Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathways), and several others. Thus, our concise illustration explains the design strategy and anticancer potential of these five‐ and six‐membered sulfur‐containing heterocyclic molecules along with a brief outline on seven‐membered sulfur heterocycles. The thorough assessment of antiproliferative activities with the reference drug allows a proficient assessment of the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of the diversely synthesized molecules of the series.
Radu–Miheţ method for UHML stability for a class of ξ‐Hilfer fractional differential equations in matrix valued fuzzy Banach spaces
Authors: Aderyani Safoura Rezaei , Saadati Reza , Yang Xiao‐Jun
Published: August 2021

In this article, we introduce a class of fuzzy matrix valued control functions and we apply the Radu–Miheţ method derived from an alternative fixed point theorem to investigate the UHML stability for a class of
‐Hilfer fractional differential equations in matrix valued fuzzy Banach (MVFB) spaces. An example is given to illustrate the UHML stability for a fractional system.
Is Galactose a Hormetic Sugar? An Exploratory Study of the Rat Hippocampal Redox Regulatory Network
Authors: Homolak Jan , Babic Perhoc Ana , Knezovic Ana , Kodvanj Ivan , Virag Davor , Osmanovic Barilar Jelena , Riederer Peter , Salkovic‐Petrisic Melita
Published: August 2021

Scope

Galactose, a ubiquitous monosaccharide with incompletely understood physiology is often exploited for inducing oxidative‐stress mediated aging in animals. Recent research demonstrates that galactose can conserve cellular function during periods of starvation and prevent/alleviate cognitive deficits in a rat model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease. The present aim is to examine the acute effects of oral galactose on the redox regulatory network (RRN).

Methods and Results

Rat plasma and hippocampal RRNs are analyzed upon acute orogastric gavage of galactose (200 mg kg‒1). No systemic RRN disbalance is observed; however, a mild pro‐oxidative shift accompanied by a paradoxical increment in tissue reductive capacity suggesting overcompensation of endogenous antioxidant systems is observed in the hippocampus. Galactose‐induced increment of reductive capacity is accompanied by inflation of the hippocampal pool of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphates indicating ROS detoxification through disinhibition of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway flux, reduced neuronal activity, and upregulation of Leloir pathway gatekeeper enzyme galactokinase‐1.

Conclusion

Based on the observed findings, and in the context of previous work on galactose, a hormetic hypothesis of galactose is proposed suggesting that the protective effects may be inseparable from its pro‐oxidative action at the biochemical level.
Performance improvement of weakly supervised fully convolutional networks by skip connections for brain structure segmentation
Authors: Sugino Takaaki , Roth Holger R. , Oda Masahiro , Kin Taichi , Saito Nobuhito , Nakajima Yoshikazu , Mori Kensaku
Published: August 2021

Purpose

For the planning and navigation of neurosurgery, we have developed a fully convolutional network (FCN)‐based method for brain structure segmentation on magnetic resonance (MR) images. The capability of an FCN depends on the quality of the training data (i.e., raw data and annotation data) and network architectures. The improvement of annotation quality is a significant concern because it requires much labor for labeling organ regions. To address this problem, we focus on skip connection architectures and reveal which skip connections are effective for training FCNs using sparsely annotated brain images.

Methods

We tested 2D FCN architectures with four different types of skip connections. The first was a U‐Net architecture with horizontal skip connections that transfer feature maps at the same scale from the encoder to the decoder. The second was a U‐Net++ architecture with dense convolution layers and dense horizontal skip connections. The third was a full‐resolution residual network (FRRN) architecture with vertical skip connections that pass feature maps between each downsampled scale path and the full‐resolution scale path. The last one was a hybrid architecture with a combination of horizontal and vertical skip connections. We validated the effect of skip connections on medical image segmentation from sparse annotation based on these four FCN architectures, which were trained under the same conditions.

Results

For multiclass segmentation of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and blood vessels from sparsely annotated MR images, we performed a comparative evaluation of segmentation performance among the above four FCN approaches: U‐Net, U‐Net++, FRRN, and hybrid architectures. The experimental results show that the horizontal skip connections in the U‐Net architectures were effective for the segmentation of larger sized objects, whereas the vertical skip connections in the FRRN architecture improved the segmentation of smaller sized objects. The hybrid architecture with both horizontal and vertical skip connections achieved the best results of the four FCN architectures. We then performed an ablation study to explore which skip connections in the FRRN architecture contributed to the improved segmentation of blood vessels. In the ablation study, we compared the segmentation performance between architectures with a horizontal path (HP), an HP and vertical up paths (HP+VUPs), an HP and vertical down paths (HP+VDPs), and an HP and vertical up and down paths (FRRN). We found that the vertical up paths were effective in improving the segmentation of smaller sized objects.

Conclusions

This paper investigated which skip connection architectures were effective for multiclass brain segmentation from sparse annotation. Consequently, using vertical skip connections with horizontal skip connections allowed FCNs to improve segmentation performance.
Microwave breast tumor localization using wavelet feature extraction and genetic algorithm‐neural network
Authors: Lu Min , Xiao Xia , Liu Guancong , Lu Hong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Ultra‐Wide Band (UWB) microwave breast cancer detection is a promising new technology for routine physical examination and home monitoring. The existing microwave imaging algorithms for breast tumor detection are complex and the effect is still not ideal, due to the heterogeneity of breast tissue, skin reflection, and fibroglandular tissue reflection in backscatter signals. This study aims to develop a machine learning method to accurately locate breast tumor.

Methods

A microwave‐based breast tumor localization method is proposed by time‐frequency feature extraction and neural network technology. First, the received microwave array signals are converted into representative and compact features by 4‐level Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Then, the Genetic Algorithm‐Neural Network (GA‐NN) is developed to tune hyper‐parameters of the neural network adaptively. The neural network embedded in the GA‐NN algorithm is a four‐layer architecture and 10‐fold cross‐validation is performed. Through the trained neural network, the tumor localization performance is evaluated on four datasets that are created by FDTD simulation method from 2‐D MRI‐derived breast models with varying tissue density, shape, and size. Each dataset consists of 1000 backscatter signals with different tumor positions, in which the ratio of training set to test set is 9:1. In order to verify the generalizability and scalability of the proposed method, the tumor localization performance is also tested on a 3‐D breast model.

Results

For these 2‐D breast models with unknown tumor locations, the evaluation results show that the proposed method has small location errors, which are 0.6076 mm, 3.0813 mm, 2.0798 mm, and 3.2988 mm, respectively, and high accuracy, which is 99%, 80%, 94%, and 85%, respectively. Furthermore, the location error and the prediction accuracy of the 3‐D breast model are 3.3896 mm and 81%.

Conclusions

These evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed machine learning method is effective and accurate for microwave breast tumor localization. The traditional microwave‐based breast cancer detection method is to reconstruct the entire breast image to highlight the tumor. Compared with the traditional method, our proposed method can directly get the breast tumor location by applying neural network to the received microwave array signals, and circumvent any complicated image reconstruction processing.
Radiomics analysis combining unsupervised learning and handcrafted features: A multiple‐disease study
Authors: Wan Yidong , Yang Pengfei , Xu Lei , Yang Jing , Luo Chen , Wang Jing , Chen Feng , Wu Yan , Lu Yun , Ruan Dan , Niu Tianye
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To study and investigate the synergistic benefit of incorporating both conventional handcrafted and learning‐based features in disease identification across a wide range of clinical setups.

Methods and materials

In this retrospective study, we collected 170, 150, 209, and 137 patients with four different disease types associated with identification objectives : Lymph node metastasis status of gastric cancer (GC), 5‐year survival status of patients with high‐grade osteosarcoma (HOS), early recurrence status of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and pathological grades of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to derive image features for GC/HOS/pNETs and ICC, respectively. In each study, 67 universal handcrafted features and study‐specific features based on the sparse autoencoder (SAE) method were extracted and fed into the subsequent feature selection and learning model to predict the corresponding disease identification. Models using handcrafted alone, SAE alone, and hybrid features were optimized and their performance was compared. Prominent features were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively to generate study‐specific and cross‐study insight. In addition to direct performance gain assessment, correlation analysis was performed to assess the complementarity between handcrafted features and SAE features.

Results

On the independent hold‐off test, the handcrafted, SAE, and hybrid features based prediction yielded area under the curve of 0.761 versus 0.769 versus 0.829 for GC, 0.629 versus 0.740 versus 0.709 for HOS, 0.717 versus 0.718 versus 0.758 for ICC, and 0.739 versus 0.715 versus 0.771 for pNETs studies, respectively. In three out of the four studies, prediction using the hybrid features yields the best performance, demonstrating the general benefit in using hybrid features. Prediction with SAE features alone had the best performance in the HOS study, which may be explained by the complexity of HOS prognosis and the possibility of a slight overfit due to higher correlation between handcrafted and SAE features.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the general benefit of combing handcrafted and learning‐based features in radiomics modeling. It also clearly illustrates the task‐specific and data‐specific dependency on the performance gain and suggests that while the common methodology of feature combination may be applied across various studies and tasks, study‐specific feature selection and model optimization are still necessary to achieve high accuracy and robustness.