bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Films Based on MOF Composites that Release Iodine Passively or Upon Triggering by Near‐Infrared Light
Authors: Han Xu , Boix Gerard , Balcerzak Mateusz , Moriones Oscar Hernando , Cano‐Sarabia Mary , Cortés Pilar , Bastús Neus , Puntes Victor , Llagostera Montserrat , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel
Published: February 2022

Multidrug‐resistant bacteria have become a global health problem for which new prophylactic strategies are now needed, including surface‐coatings for hospital spaces and medical equipment. This work reports the preparation and functional validation of a metal‐organic framework (MOF) based composite for the triggered controlled release of iodine, an antimicrobial element that does not generate resistance. It comprises beads of the iodophilic MOF UiO‐66 containing encapsulated gold nanorods (AuNRs) coated with a silica shell. Irradiation of the AuNRs with near‐infrared light (NIR) provokes a photothermal effect and the resultant heat actively liberates the iodine. After validating the performance of this composite, it is integrated into a polymer for the development of antibacterial films. This work assesses the adsorption of iodine into these composite films, as well as its passive long‐term release and active light‐triggered. Finally, this work validates the antibacterial activity of the composite films in vitro against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The findings will surely inform the development of new prophylactic treatments.
Modulating Crystal and Interfacial Properties by W‐Gradient Doping for Highly Stable and Long Life Li‐Rich Layered Cathodes
Authors: Meng Junxia , Xu Lishuang , Ma Quanxin , Yang Mengqian , Fang Yuzhong , Wan Guangying , Li Ruhong , Yuan Jujun , Zhang Xianke , Yu Huajun , Liu Lingli , Liu Tiefeng
Published: February 2022

Stabilizing Li‐rich layered oxides without capacity/voltage fade upon cycling is a prerequisite for a successful commercialization. Although the inhibition of structural and interfacial changes is identified as an effective strategy, the battery community always seeks for a technologically flexible method to make it really competitive among the cathode. Herein, the gradient W‐doping within Li1.2Mn0.56Ni0.16Co0.08O2(LLMO) is proposed to relieve crystal disintegration and simultaneously enhance interfacial stability because of the formation of Li2WO4coating layer on the material surface. This is mainly attributed to the scenario that partial Mn replacement by W can stabilize the LLMO structure and regulate the electrochemical activity of Mn element. The W‐doped LLMO (W@LLMO) possesses improved specific capacity and voltage stability (83.2% capacity retention and voltage retention of 94.9% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C). Besides, a practical pouch cell based on the W@LLMO cathode presents sufficient gravimetric energy density (318 Wh kg−1) and cycling stability (capacity retention of 87.7% after 500 cycles at 1.0 C). This study presents an effective method to design robust Li‐rich layered cathodes for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries.
γ‐Fe2O3 Loading Mitoxantrone and Glucose Oxidase for pH‐Responsive Chemo/Chemodynamic/Photothermal Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhong Zhihao , Liu Chao , Xu Yatao , Si Weili , Wang Wenjun , Zhong Liping , Zhao Yongxiang , Dong Xiaochen
Published: February 2022

Traditional cancer therapy is limited by poor prognosis and risk of recurrence. Emerging therapies offer alternatives to these problems. In addition, synergistic therapy can combine the advantages of multiple therapies to eliminate cancer cells while attenuating damage to normal tissues. Herein, a theranostic nanoplatform based on the chemotherapeutic drug mitoxantrone (MTO) and glucose oxidase (GOx) co‐loaded γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles (MTO‐GOx@γ‐Fe2O3 NPs) is designed and prepared to realize photoacoustic imaging‐guided chemo/chemodynamic/photothermal (CT/CDT/PTT) synergistic cancer therapy. With a particle size of about 86.2 nm, the synthesized MTO‐GOx@γ‐Fe2O3 NPs can selectively accumulate at tumor sites by enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. After entering cancer cells by endocytosis, MTO‐GOx@γ‐Fe2O3 NPs decompose into Fe3+ ions and release cargo because of their pH‐responsive characteristic. As a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved chemotherapy drug, MTO shows strong DNA disruption ability and satisfying photothermal conversion ability under laser irradiation for photothermal therapy. Simultaneously, GOx catalyzes the decomposition of glucose and generates hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to enhance the chemodynamic therapy efficiency. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that MTO‐GOx@γ‐Fe2O3 NPs possess a significant synergistic therapeutic effect in cancer treatment.
Biomimetic Design of Artificial Hybrid Nanocells for Boosted Vascular Regeneration in Ischemic Tissues
Authors: Zhang Xiangyun , Zhang Yue , Zhang Ran , Jiang Xinbang , Midgley Adam C , Liu Qiqi , Kang Helong , Wu Jin , Khalique Anila , Qian Meng , An Di , Huang Jing , Ou Lailiang , Zhao Qiang , Zhuang Jie , Yan Xiyun , Kong Deling , Huang Xinglu
Published: February 2022

Restoration of sufficient blood supply for the treatment of ischemia remains a significant scientific and clinical challenge. Here, a cell‐like nanoparticle delivery technology is introduced that is capable of recapitulating multiple cell functions for the spatiotemporal triggering of vascular regeneration. Specifically, a copper‐containing protein is successfully prepared using a recombinant protein scaffold based on a de novo design strategy, which facilitates the timely release of nitric oxide and improved accumulation of particles within ischemic tissues. Through closely mimicking physiological cues, the authors demonstrate the benefits of bioactive factors secreted from hypoxic stem cells on promoting angiogenesis. Following this cell‐mimicking manner, artificial hybrid nanosized cells (Hynocell) are constructed by integrating the hypoxic stem cell secretome into nanoparticles with surface coatings of cell membranes fused with copper‐containing protein. The Hynocell, hybridized with different cell‐derived components, provides synergistic effects on targeting ischemic tissues and promoting vascular regeneration in acute hindlimb ischemia and acute myocardial infarction models. This study offers new insights into the utilization of nanotechnology to potentiate the development of cell‐free therapeutics.
Flatten the Li‐ion Activation in Perfectly Lattice‐Matched MXene and 1T‐MoS2 Heterostructures via Chemical Functionalization
Authors: Guan Qiye , Yan Hejin , Cai Yongqing
Published: February 2022

The complexity of the ionic and electronic dynamics in MXene based hybrids, which are normally involved for device integration, triggers both challenges and opportunities for its application. Herein, as a prototype of metallic hybrids of MXene, heterostructures consisting of Ti3C2T2 (T = None, O and F atoms) and metallic MoS2 (1T phase) are investigated for lithium‐ion battery (LIB) applications. It is found that different surface atomic groups in MXene significantly alter the affinity, redox reaction and kinetics of Li atoms in the interface of the Ti3C2T2 and 1T‐MoS2. Through examining the three possible pathways of Li by first‐principles calculations and ab‐initio molecular dynamics, the diffusion curve becomes significantly flattened from the naked to O‐ and F‐terminated Ti3C2 MXene with activation barriers reducing dramatically from 0.80 to 0.22 and 0.29 eV, respectively, and accordingly promoted diffusion coefficients. The functionalization with O or F eliminates the steric hindrance of Li intercalation by breaking the strong interaction between two layers and provides additional adsorption sites for Li diffusion in the meantime. The work suggests that surface functional groups play a significant role in Ti3C2T2/1T‐MoS2 modification and similar strategy via chemical modification of metallic hybrids provides hints for designing high performance anode material for LIBs.
Chemical‐Driven Outflow of Dissociated Amyloid Burden from Brain to Blood
Authors: Lee Donghee , Kim Hyunjin Vincent , Kim Hye Yun , Kim YoungSoo
Published: February 2022

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition in the brain is a primary biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Aβ measurement for AD diagnosis mostly depends on brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analyses. Blood Aβ can become a reliable surrogate biomarker if issues of low concentration for conventional laboratory instruments and uncertain correlation with brain Aβ are solved. Here, brain‐to‐blood efflux of Aβ is stimulated in AD transgenic mice by orally administrating a chemical that dissociates amyloid plaques and observing the subsequent increase of blood Aβ concentration. 5XFAD transgenic and wild‐type mice of varying ages and genders are prepared, and blood samples of each mouse are collected six times for 12 weeks; three weeks of no treatment and additional nine weeks of daily oral administration, ad libitum, of Aβ plaque‐dissociating chemical agent. By the dissociation of Aβ aggregates, the altered levels of plasma Aβ distinguish between transgenic and wild‐type mice, displaying potential as an amyloid burden marker of AD brains.
Ionically Conductive Tunnels in h‐WO3 Enable High‐Rate NH4+ Storage
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Zhou , Liang Jin , Huang Zihao , Wang Qian , Zhu Guoyin , Dong Shengyang , Liang Hanfeng , Dong Xiaochen
Published: February 2022

Compared to the commonly applied metallic ion charge carriers (e.g., Li+ and Na+), batteries using nonmetallic charge carriers (e.g., H+ and NH4+) generally have much faster kinetics and high‐rate capability thanks to the small hydrated ionic sizes and nondiffusion control topochemistry. However, the hosts for nonmetallic charge carriers are still limited. In this work, it is suggested that mixed ionic–electronic conductors can serve as a promising host for NH4+ storage. Using hexagonal tungsten oxide (h‐WO3) as an example, it is shown that the existence of ionic conductive tunnels greatly promotes the high‐rate NH4+ storage. Specifically, a much higher capacity of 82 mAh g–1 at 1 A g–1 is achieved on h‐WO3, in sharp contrast to 14 mAh g–1 of monoclinic tungsten oxide (m‐WO3). In addition, unlike layered materials, the insertion and desertion of NH4+ ions are confined within the tunnels of the h‐WO3, which minimizes the damage to the crystal structure. This leads to outstanding stability of up to 200 000 cycles with 68% capacity retention at a high current of 20 A g–1.
Image‐Guided Magnetic Thermoseed Navigation and Tumor Ablation Using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System
Authors: Baker Rebecca R. , Payne Christopher , Yu Yichao , Mohseni Matin , Connell John J. , Lin Fangyu , Harrison Ian F. , Southern Paul , Rudrapatna Umesh S. , Stuckey Daniel J. , Kalber Tammy L. , Siow Bernard , Thorne Lewis , Punwani Shonit , Jones Derek K. , Emberton Mark , Pankhurst Quentin A. , Lythgoe Mark F.
Published: February 2022

Medical therapies achieve their control at expense to the patient in the form of a range of toxicities, which incur costs and diminish quality of life. Magnetic resonance navigation is an emergent technique that enables image‐guided remote‐control of magnetically labeled therapies and devices in the body, using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Minimally INvasive IMage‐guided Ablation (MINIMA), a novel, minimally invasive, MRI‐guided ablation technique, which has the potential to avoid traditional toxicities, is presented. It comprises a thermoseed navigated to a target site using magnetic propulsion gradients generated by an MRI scanner, before inducing localized cell death using an MR‐compatible thermoablative device. The authors demonstrate precise thermoseed imaging and navigation through brain tissue using an MRI system (0.3 mm), and they perform thermoablation in vitro and in vivo within subcutaneous tumors, with the focal ablation volume finely controlled by heating duration. MINIMA is a novel theranostic platform, combining imaging, navigation, and heating to deliver diagnosis and therapy in a single device.
Reduced creeping bentgrass fairway reflectance following synthetic colorant application
Authors: Leiby Nathaniel L. , Schlossberg Maxim J.
Published: February 2022

Repeated measures using multispectral radiometry resolutely quantify canopy attributes of identical turfgrass cultivars under similar management. Concern regarding multispectral radiometric characterization of turfgrass canopies <24 h following synthetic phthalocyanine colorant application has been affirmed and is accordingly now avoided; yet explicit guidance on subsequent employ, at time(s) > 24‐h postapplication, is lacking. Our objective assessed how petroleum‐derived spray oil (PDSO) and synthetic Cu II phthalocyanine colorant (CPC) combination product influences creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) reflectance up to 10 d following application. A maintained fairway received semimonthly 9.76 kg ha–1 soluble N treatments alone or in combination with 27 L PDSO+CPC ha–1. Treatment by PDSO+CPC increased mean shoot growth (kg ha–1) and dark green color index (DGCI) calculated by visible waveband reflectance. Yet reduced far red and near infrared reflectance from PDSO+CPC treated plots artificially deflated mean normalized differential vegetative indices. Cautious interpretation of vegetative indices relying on 710‐to‐810‐nm canopy reflectance is encouraged when evaluating fairways treated by PDSO and Cu II phthalocyanine combination product(s).
What you see is what you get, and what you don't goes unsold: Choice overload and purchasing heuristics in a horticulture lab experiment
Authors: Staples Aaron , Behe Bridget K. , Huddleston Patricia , Malone Trey
Published: February 2022

Though choice overload has been extensively studied in packaged products, fewer studies have explored these phenomena in minimally packaged agribusiness products such as potted plants. This matters as these products are heterogeneous not only across product categories but also within the same plant genus, changing the baseline cognitive load for consumer decision‐making. This study uses eye‐tracking technology to explore how increases in the number of options presented in potted plant retail displays affects visual attention and consumer choice by expanding cognitive load. In a within‐subjects design, participants completed six choice tasks, indicating their likelihood to buy their most preferred alternative. As display size increased, participants ignored a larger percentage of the display, engaged in common choice patterns, and spent a lower percentage of their gaze sequence fixated on their selected alternative. [EconLit Citations: C91, D91, Q13]
Aggregating particles on the O/W interface: Tuning Pickering emulsion for the enhanced drug delivery systems
Authors: Ming Yali , Xia Yufei , Ma Guanghui
Published: February 2022

The rational design of drug delivery systems has led to enhanced targeting, increased efficiency, and a reduction of side effects in chemotherapies and vaccines. As most biological reactions took place at the interface, particle‐stabilized emulsion (Pickering emulsion), may offer major implications for the advanced drug loading, delivery, and controlled release. In fact, it is the aggregating particles that determined the multi‐level structure, multi‐valent cellular interactions, and the multi‐functional physiochemical properties in drug delivery. A deeper understanding on the tunable aggregating patterns and properties, as well as the underlying mechanisms, may pave the way for the efficient drug delivery, and also aided the progressing of “Aggregology” beyond molecules to particles, emulsions, and the biomedical applications. Here, the recent development of Pickering emulsions and their applications in drug delivery were thoroughly reviewed. Strategies to control over the physiochemical properties were illustrated based on particle properties, energy input, and the choices of continuous and dispersion phases. In particular, enough emphasis was attached on the structure‐effect relationship between the tunable physiochemical properties and the delivery process, such as the multi‐level structure for effective loading, flexibility and permeability for enhanced delivery, and the stimuli‐responsiveness for the controlled release. By channeling the unique interfacial properties and the enhanced drug delivery efficiency, this work may shed light on the rational design of Pickering emulsions for the efficient drug delivery.
Droplet microfluidic networks as hybrid dynamical systems: Inlet spacing optimization for sorting of drops
Authors: Sankar E. M. Arun , Rengaswamy Raghunathan
Published: February 2022

The ability to manipulate drops is essential for integrating multiple processes in droplet microfluidics‐based lab‐on‐a‐chip devices. Examples of such droplet manipulation operations include sorting, sequencing, synchronization, and so forth. Microfluidic networks are promising platforms for performing these functionalities. This work explores the design of entry times of drops, a set of operating parameters, in a microfluidic network to achieve a desired functionality. Here, we specifically focus on sorting of drops at the exit of the network. For the first time, droplet microfluidic networks are perceived as hybrid dynamical systems. This viewpoint allows us to develop a methodology for designing the entry times of drops in microfluidic networks to achieve desired functionalities through the notion of constraint satisfaction. The solution to this constraint satisfaction problem provides entry times that result in the desired functionality. The proposed method allows one to establish the existence/nonexistence of entry time solutions for a desired functionality.
Clinical application of expanded noninvasive prenatal testing for fetal chromosome abnormalities in a cohort of 39,580 pregnancies
Authors: Chen Yisheng , Lu Loukaiyi , Zhang Ying , Wang Feifei , Ni Yinghua , Wang Qiang , Ying Chunmei
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of expanded noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT‐plus) for fetal chromosome abnormalities in the second trimester (12–26 weeks). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 39,580 pregnancies with NIPT‐plus. Screening positive cases were diagnosed with karyotyping and single‐nucleotide polymorphism array analysis (SNP array)/copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq) with follow‐up. The positive predictive values (PPVs) of trisomy 21, 18, and 13 (T21, T18, and T13), sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), and microdeletion and microduplication syndromes (MMS) by NIPT‐plus were recorded. We assessed the predictive value of NIPT‐plus based on maternal age and conventional indications. Of 39,580 pregnancies with NIPT‐plus, 511 (1.3%) had prenatal screening positive results of fetal chromosome abnormality, of which 87.7% (448/511) had invasive prenatal diagnosis. NIPT‐plus performed better in predicting fetal SCAs and chromosome aneuploidies for pregnancies with advanced maternal age (AMA) than young maternal age (YMA). Besides, the PPVs of T21, T13, and chromosome aneuploidies showed an upward trend when comparison was based on maternal age in 5‐year subintervals. The termination rates of 45,X, 47,XXX, 47,XXY, and 47,XYY were 100% (11/11), 20.0% (3/15), 91.7% (22/24), and 7.1% (1/14) with postnatal follow‐up. Last but not least, the PPV for MMS is 41.7% (30/72), which may have a positive correlation between the size of CNVs. Pregnant women with screen‐positive results for common trisomies (T13, T18, and T21) were more willing to conduct invasive prenatal diagnosis compared to those with positive results for SCAs or MMS. However, the current study demonstrated SCAs and MMS had the lowest PPV. This highlights the importance of confirmatory prenatal diagnosis in those patients and the potential impact on genetic counseling and informative decision‐making.
Patient‐reported prevalence of gastrointestinal issues in the adult skeletal dysplasia population with a concentration on osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: LoTurco Holly M. , Carter Erin M. , McInerney Deborah E. , Raggio Cathleen L.
Published: February 2022

Patient‐reported concerns indicate that gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations affect the skeletal dysplasia population, but quantitative information regarding prevalence and severity of GI issues is limited. We examined the frequency and characteristics of GI symptoms in adults with skeletal dysplasias by reviewing 101 responses to the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Participant demographics, medication history, and ambulatory status were collected from medical records. Compared to published GSRS reference data, our cohort scored higher on reflux, diarrhea, and total scores, and lower on abdominal pain and indigestion scores; none of these differences were statistically significant. Although osteogenesis imperfecta respondents had more severe symptoms across all domains, only reflux reached significance (p = 0.009). Scores in patients with achondroplasia were higher for indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and total scores and lower on abdominal pain and reflux scores than the general population; only the diarrhea score was significant (p = 0.034). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the domain or total GSRS scores across ambulatory status groups. Increased height correlated with worse abdominal pain domain score (p = 0.033). The number of medications positively correlated with total GSRS score (p = 0.013). Future studies should include larger numbers of individuals to allow a more in‐depth analysis of patient‐reported symptoms and signs within this population.
Iodine‐Catalysed Dissolution of Elemental Gold in Ethanol
Authors: Zupanc Anže , Heliövaara Eeva , Moslova Karina , Eronen Aleksi , Kemell Marianna , Podlipnik Črtomir , Jereb Marjan , Repo Timo
Published: February 2022

Gold is a scarce element in the Earth's crust but indispensable in modern electronic devices. New, sustainable methods of gold recycling are essential to meet the growing eco‐social demand of gold. Here, we describe a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally benign dissolution of gold under mild conditions. Gold dissolves quantitatively in ethanol using 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole as a ligand in the presence of a catalytic amount of iodine. Mechanistically, the dissolution of gold begins when I2 oxidizes Au0 and forms a [AuII2]− species, which undergoes subsequent ligand‐exchange reactions and forms a stable bis‐ligand AuI complex. H2O2 oxidizes free iodide and regenerated I2 returns back to the catalytic cycle. Addition of a reductant to the reaction mixture precipitates gold quantitatively and partially regenerates the ligand. We anticipate our work will open a new pathway to more sustainable metal recycling with the utilization of just catalytic amounts of reagents and green solvents.
Dominance of Cyclobutadienyl Over Cyclopentadienyl in the Crystal Field Splitting in Dysprosium Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Durrant James P. , Day Benjamin M. , Tang Jinkui , Mansikkamäki Akseli , Layfield Richard A.
Published: February 2022

Replacing a monoanionic cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligand in dysprosium single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) with a dianionic cyclobutadienyl (Cb) ligand in the sandwich complexes [(η4‐Cb′′′′)Dy(η5‐C5Me4tBu)(BH4)]− (1), [(η4‐Cb′′′′)Dy(η8‐Pn†)K(THF)] (2) and [(η4‐Cb′′′′)Dy(η8‐Pn†)]− (3) leads to larger energy barriers to magnetization reversal (Cb′′′′=C4(SiMe3)4, Pn†=1,4‐di(tri‐isopropylsilyl)pentalenyl). Short distances to the Cb′′′′ ligands and longer distances to the Cp ligands in 1–3 are consistent with the crystal field splitting being dominated by the former. Theoretical analysis shows that the magnetic axes in the ground Kramers doublets of 1–3 are oriented towards the Cb′′′′ ligands. The theoretical axiality parameter and the relative axiality parameter Z and Zrel are introduced to facilitate comparisons of the SMM performance of 1–3 with a benchmark SMM. Increases in Z and Zrel when Cb′′′ replaces Cp signposts a route to SMMs with properties that could surpass leading systems.
An edible erodible semi‐interpenetrating polymer network as a microcapsule shell to protect probiotic bacteria during reconstitution of powdered infant formula at elevated temperatures
Authors: Penhasi Adel , Baluashvili Israel , Shalev Deborah E.
Published: February 2022

Probiotic bacteria (PB) are added to some powdered infant formula (PIF) to fortify their composition and to make them more similar to human breast milk. However, the effectiveness of the probiotics may disappear when PIF is reconstituted at 70°C according to the WHO guidelines designated to destroy possible contaminants. We present a unique microencapsulation technique to effectively protect Bifidobacterium breve M‐16 V (B. breve) during the reconstitution process at 70°C, to enable their incorporation into PIF. The microcapsules were prepared by a wet granulation process to encompass the bacteria within a core matrix which was subsequently coated by two consecutive protective layers including an edible erodible semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) as the outer layer. The semi‐IPN sample films and the final microcapsules were characterized using different analytical methods. The survival of the microencapsulated bacteria during reconstitution in hot water (70°C) was evaluated and compared to that of the free bacteria. While the viability of the free bacteria was significantly reduced during the reconstitution process, the microencapsulated bacteria maintained high viability. The degree of PB protection was strongly influenced by the structure of the microcapsules, the composition and thickness of the semi‐IPN layer, and the content of the bacteria.
Probability that there is a mammalian counterpart of cardiac clock in insects
Authors: Kodirov Sodikdjon A.
Published: February 2022

Whether or not the hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated nonselective cation channel (HCN or funny currentIf) is involved in pacemaking − recurrent heartbeat, it is attributed to electrical activities in all excitable cells, including those of invertebrates. In latter group of animals prevailingly the electrical signals and function of heart in terms of chrono‐ and inotropy are elucidated. Although in simpler models including insects experimental outcomes are reproducible and robust, involvement of “cardiac clock” mechanism in pacemaking is not conclusive. In this assay, the mechanisms of heartbeat are synthesized by focused comparisons between insect and mammalian hearts.
2022 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology Classification Criteria for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
Authors: Grayson Peter C. , Ponte Cristina , Suppiah Ravi , Robson Joanna C. , Craven Anthea , Judge Andrew , Khalid Sara , Hutchings Andrew , Luqmani Raashid A. , Watts Richard A. , Merkel Peter A. ,   for the DCVAS Study Group
Published: February 2022

Objective

To develop and validate revised classification criteria for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

Methods

Patients with vasculitis or comparator diseases were recruited into an international cohort. The study proceeded in 5 phases: 1) identification of candidate criteria items using consensus methodology, 2) prospective collection of candidate items present at the time of diagnosis, 3) data‐driven reduction of the number of candidate items, 4) expert panel review of cases to define the reference diagnosis, and 5) derivation of a points‐based risk score for disease classification in a development set using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression, with subsequent validation of performance characteristics in an independent set of cases and comparators.

Results

The development set for EGPA consisted of 107 cases of EGPA and 450 comparators. The validation set consisted of an additional 119 cases of EGPA and 437 comparators. From 91 candidate items, regression analysis identified 11 items for EPGA, 7 of which were retained. The final criteria and their weights were as follows: maximum eosinophil count ≥1 × 109/liter (+5), obstructive airway disease (+3), nasal polyps (+3), cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) or anti–proteinase 3 ANCA positivity (−3), extravascular eosinophilic predominant inflammation (+2), mononeuritis multiplex/motor neuropathy not due to radiculopathy (+1), and hematuria (−1). After excluding mimics of vasculitis, a patient with a diagnosis of small‐ or medium‐vessel vasculitis could be classified as having EGPA if the cumulative score was ≥6 points. When these criteria were tested in the validation data set, the sensitivity was 85% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 77–91%) and the specificity was 99% (95% CI 98–100%).

Conclusion

The 2022 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification criteria for EGPA demonstrate strong performance characteristics and are validated for use in research.
Fault estimation and fault tolerant control for linear stochastic uncertain systems
Authors: Ding Bo , Xu Zhidong , Zhang Tianping
Published: February 2022

This article investigates the fault estimation and fault tolerant control (FTC) problems for linear stochastic uncertain systems. By introducing the fictitious noise, the fault is augmented as part of the systems state, and then a robust estimator is proposed to simultaneously obtain the state and fault estimation. Based on the estimated information, the active FTC is presented to eliminate the impact of the fault. Finally, a simulation example is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of our main method.
X‐exoplanets coronal models and planet photoevaporation
Authors: Sanz‐Forcada Jorge
Published: February 2022

High‐energy emission photons in the X‐ray and EUV bands ionize H and other atoms, posing a threat to the stability of the atmospheres of short‐period exoplanets orbiting late‐type stars. Effects such as planet atmospheric evaporation are being attributed in the last years to XUV stellar irradiation on the planets. Early theoretical works tried to model how the XUV emission would affect the planetary atmospheres, mainly by using the solar emission as a template. In X‐exoplanets, we reported for the first time coronal models based on actual data from the exoplanet host stars. The use of coronal models allows us to model the SED of the XUV emission of these stars, otherwise inaccessible to current telescopes. In this manuscript, I present the use of these models with datasets of different data quality, depending on the availability of low or high spectral resolution spectra in both X‐rays and UV. Comparison with actual data is shown for the exoplanet host star Proxima Cen and the Sun. The challenges for the future use of coronal models in exoplanet atmospheres are discussed, involving mainly the use of new EUV and X‐ray spectrographs, better atomic models, and more accurate planet atmosphere evolution models.
Chromosomal editing of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 to produce gamma‐aminobutyric acid
Authors: Yao Chengzhen , Shi Feng , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2022

Corynebacterium glutamicum has been used as a sustainable microbial producer for various bioproducts using cheap biomass resources. In this study, a high GABA‐producing C. glutamicum strain was constructed by chromosomal editing. Lactobacillus brevis‐derived gadB2 was introduced into the chromosome of C. glutamicum ATCC 13032 to produce gamma‐aminobutyric acid and simultaneously blocked the biosynthesis of lactate and acetate. GABA transport and degradation in C. glutamicum were also blocked to improve GABA production. As precursor of GABA, l‐glutamic acid synthesis in C. glutamicum was enhanced by introducing E. coli gdhA encoding glutamic dehydrogenase, and the copy numbers of gdhA and gadB2 were also optimized for higher GABA production. The final C. glutamicum strain CGY705 could produce 33.17 g/L GABA from glucose in a 2.4‐L bioreactor after 78 h fed‐batch fermentation. Since all deletion and expression of genes were performed using chromosomal editing, fermentation of the GABA‐producing strains constructed in this study does not need supplementation of any antibiotics and inducers. The strategy used in this study has potential value in the development of GABA‐producing bacteria.
Synthesis and structure of new two‐dimensional group 4 metal palladium sulfides, A2MPd3S6 (A = Rb, M = Hf; A = Cs, M = Zr, Hf)
Authors: Yoon Woojin , Park Hyeongyu , Bae Sanghyun , Dong Yongkwan , Yun Hoseop
Published: February 2022

A series of new quaternary group 4 metal palladium sulfides, A2MPd3S6 (A = Rb, M = Hf; A = Cs, M = Zr, Hf) have been prepared from elements with the use of alkali metal halide fluxes and they are structurally characterized by single crystal x‐ray diffraction methods. They are isostructural and the structure of the title compounds consists of anionic [MPd3S62−] slabs and alkali metal ions. In the slab, the group 4 metals are surrounded by six S atoms in a trigonal prismatic fashion and the Pd atoms are coordinated with four S atoms in square planar fashion. Two hexagons made of six edge‐sharing square planar PdS4 are interconnected by two trigonal prismatic MS6 to form the basic repeating unit, M2Pd12S28. These are linked together to form the infinite two‐dimensional [MPd3S62−] slabs. These slabs stack on top of each other and they are separated by alkali metal cations. There is no strong SS bonding interaction in this phase and the charge valence of the title compounds could be expressed as [A+]2[M4+][Pd2+]3[S2−]6 (A = Rb, M = Hf; A = Cs, M = Zr, Hf).
Isatuximab monotherapy in patients with refractory T‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia or T‐lymphoblastic lymphoma: Phase 2 study
Authors: Boissel Nicolas , Chevallier Patrice , Doronin Vadim , Griskevicius Laimonas , Maschan Alexey , McCloskey James , Rambaldi Alessandro , Rossi Giuseppe , Sokolov Andrey , Wartiovaara‐Kautto Ulla , Oprea Corina , Abbadessa Giovanni , Gosselin Alice , Macé Sandrine , Thomas Xavier
Published: February 2022

The poor prognosis of acute T‐cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) and T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL) in older adults and patients with relapsed/refractory illness is an unmet clinical need, as there is no defined standard of care and there are few treatment options. Abnormally elevated CD38 expression in T‐ALL and T‐LBL is associated with tumor expansion and disease development, making CD38 a potential target for anti‐T‐ALL and T‐LBL treatment. Isatuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific epitope on CD38. The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of isatuximab monotherapy in a phase 2, multicenter, one‐arm, open‐label study in patients with relapsed or refractory T‐ALL or T‐LBL (Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT02999633). The primary endpoint was to assess the efficacy of isatuximab by overall response rate (ORR). An interim analysis based on the efficacy and safety of isatuximab in the first 19 patients enrolled was scheduled, however only 14 patients were enrolled in the study. No patient achieved complete response (CR) or CR with incomplete peripheral recovery. Most patients (11 [78.6%]) developed progressive disease and had progressive disease as their best response. A total of 10 (71.4%) patients had treatment emergent adverse events considered treatment‐related, with infusion reactions as the most frequent drug‐related TEAE, occurring in 8 (57.1%) patients. Despite the low efficacy of isatuximab in the current study, it is likely that the use of immunotherapy medication in T‐ALL will be expanded through logically targeted approaches, together with advances in the design of T‐cell therapy and clinical experience and will provide restorative options beyond chemotherapy and targeted treatments.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, Cholinesterase Inhibitor and in Vitro Insecticidal Potentiality of Essential Oils of Lippia multiflora Moldenke and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. on the Main Carpophagous Pests of Cotton Plant in Ivory Coast
Authors: Kobenan Koffi Christophe , Ochou Germain Elisabeth Cynthia , Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan , Kouakou Malanno , Bini Kouadio Kra Norbert , Ceylan Ramazan , Zengin Gokhan , Boka Nina Reine Kosso , Ochou Ochou Germain
Published: February 2022

The abusive and repeated use of synthetic chemical insecticides has proven to be harmful to human health and the viability of the cotton production system in Ivory Coast, so it is imperative to find alternatives.

. Thus, the objective of this study was to study the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oils of Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae) and Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae) and to evaluate their insecticidal potential in the laboratory on three main pests of cotton. After essential oils extraction, their chemical composition was determined. Also, antioxidant activity and cholinesterase inhibitor of essential oils were evaluated. After that, different concentrations of the two essential oils were prepared and applied by contact on groups of insects constituted by ten. The essential oil of L. multiflora was the most toxic for the three pests tested. Indeed, the lethal concentrations (LC50) were 1.74 %, 1.39 and 7.20 %, respectively, on Pectinophora gossypiella, Thaumatotibia leucotreta and Helicoverpa armigera. In contrast, the values obtained with E. globulus essential oil were nine to two times greater (16.05 %, 10.23 % and 16.32 %, respectively on these pests). With respect to the chemical composition of the essential oils, E. globulus essential oil was the richest in oxygenated monoterpenes (65 %) with 1,8‐cineole or eucalyptol as the majority compound (61.6 %). The essential oil of L. multiflora was distinguished by a lower proportion of oxygenated monoterpenes (44.3 %), but it contained more terpene elements (24 vs. 15 for the essential oil of E. globulus). The essential oils of L. multiflora and E. globulus also showed significant inhibition of acetyl (2.13 and 2.16 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g, respectively) and butyryl cholinesterase (4.03 and 3.61 mg GALAE, respectively). L. multiflora was differentiated by its good inactivation of tyrosinases (163.46 versus 58.95 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g in E. globulus). Better antioxidant activity was observed with L. multiflora essential oil relative to DPPH (7.05±0.34 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g). Biopesticides based on L. multiflora essential oil could be developed for the phytosanitary protection of cotton plant.
Silent giant left atrium: A case report
Authors: Vohra Shweta , Pradhan Akshyaya , Jaiswal Vikash , Sharma Prachi , Pokhrel Nishan Babu , Song David
Published: February 2022

A 30‐year‐old woman presented with low‐grade dyspnea on exertion. Chest X‐ray demonstrated enlarged cardiac silhouette but was insufficient to delineate the cause. Echocardiogram revealed the cause to be the giant left atrium from mitral stenosis.
Spontaneous intramedullary hematoma in a patient with COVID‐19 infection: A case report
Authors: Sabouri Masih , Rezvani Majid , Aminmansour Bahram , Sourani Arman , Baradaran Mahdavi Sadegh
Published: February 2022

A 73‐year‐old man experienced four limb paresthesia and weakness following severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. EMG‐NCS showed inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy pattern while cervicothoracic imaging showed hematomyelia. The patient underwent laminectomy and hematoma evacuation. Neurological status improved to ASIA score C, postoperatively.
Benchmarking of Density Functionals for the Description of Optical Properties of Newly Synthesized π‐Conjugated TADF Blue Emitters
Authors: Ivanova Georgia , Bozova Nadezhda , Petkov Nikolay , An Cunbin , Hu Benlin , Mutovska Monika , Konstantinov Konstantin , Zagranyarski Yulian , Videva Vladimira , Yordanova Adelina , Baumgarten Martin , Ivanova Anela
Published: February 2022

Computational modeling of the optical characteristics of organic molecules with potential for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) may assist markedly the development of more efficient emitting materials for organic light‐emitting diodes. Recent theoretical studies in this area employ mostly methods from density functional theory (DFT). In order to obtain accurate predictions within this approach, the choice of a proper functional is crucial. In the current study, we focus on testing the performance of a set of DFT functionals for estimation of the excitation and emission energy and the excited singlet‐triplet energy gap of three newly synthesized compounds with capacity for TADF. The emitters are designed specifically to enable charge transfer by π‐electron conjugation, at the same time possessing high‐energy excited triplet states. The functionals chosen for testing are from various groups ranging from gradient‐corrected through global hybrids to range‐separated ones. The results show that the monitored optical properties are especially sensitive to how the long‐range part of the exchange energy is treated within the functional. The accurate functional should also be able to provide well balanced distribution of the π‐electrons among the molecular fragments. Global hybrids with moderate (less than 0.4) share of exact exchange (B3LYP, PBE0) and the meta‐GGA HSE06 are outlined as the best performing methods for the systems under study. They can predict all important optical parameters correctly, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Food security, diet quality, nutritional knowledge, and attitudes towards research in adults with heart failure during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ambrosy Andrew P. , Malik Umar I. , Leong Thomas K. , Allen Amanda R. , Sung Sue Hee , Go Alan S. ,   Healthy Eating as a Means for Active Living in Heart Failure (HEAL‐HF) Study
Published: February 2022

Background

The impact of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on diet and nutrition among older adults with chronic medical conditions have not been well‐described.

Methods

We conducted a survey addressing (1) food access, (2) diet quality and composition, (3) nutritional understanding, and (4) attitudes towards research among adults with heart failure (HF) within an integrated health system. Adults (≥18 years) with diagnosed HF and at least one prior hospitalization for HF within the last 12 months were approached to complete the survey electronically or by mail. Outcomes included all‐cause and HF‐specific hospitalizations and all‐cause death was ascertained via the electronic health record.

Results

Among 1212 survey respondents (32.5% of eligible patients) between May 18, 2020 and September 30, 2020, mean ± SD age was 77.9 ± 11.4 years, 50.1% were women, and median (25th–75th) left ventricular ejection fraction was 55% (40%–60%). Overall, 15.1% of respondents were food insecure, and only 65% of participants answered correctly more than half of the items assessing nutritional knowledge. Although most respondents were willing to participate in future research, that number largely declined for studies requiring blood draws (32.2%), study medication (14.4%), and/or behavior change (27.1%). Food security, diet quality, and nutritional knowledge were not independently associated with outcomes at 90 or 180 days.

Conclusion

In a cohort of older adults with HF and multiple comorbidities, a significant proportion reported issues with food access, diet quality, and nutritional knowledge during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Future research should evaluate interventions targeting these domains in at‐risk individuals.
Environmental and sensitization variations among asthma and/or rhinitis patients between 2008 and 2018 in China
Authors: Wang Wanjun , Wang Jianhong , Song Guihua , Xie Hua , Lin Xiaoping , Chai Ruonan , Zhu Rongfei , He Yong , Tang Jun , Wang Junge , Yang Jinghua , Zhi Lili , Wu Lin , Jiang Yan , Zhou Xiaoqin , Huang Dongming , Wang Ning , Xu Rui , Gao Yuan , Chen Zhimin , Liu Jinling , Han Xiaoli , Tan Guolin , Wu Jinzhun , Zhao Deyu , Chen Jianjun , Zhang Xiwei , Li Mengrong , Sun Yuemei , Jiang Yi , Zhang Weitian , Qiu Qianhui , Liu Chuanhe , Yin Jie , Hao Guodong , Li Huabin , Xu Yongsheng , Chen Shaohua , Zhang Hua , Chen Shi , Meng Juan , Zeng Dan , Tang Wei , Hao Chuangli , Li Jing , Zhong Nanshan ,   for the China Alliance of Research on Respiratory Allergic Disease
Published: February 2022

Background

Little is known about the changes in allergen sensitization in China secondary to the environmental variations over the past decade. We aimed at investigating the variations in sensitization among asthma and/or rhinitis patients in China between 2008 and 2018.

Methods

This study analyzed cross‐sectional data from national surveys conducted in China in 2008 and 2018. After finishing the questionnaire, participants underwent serum specific IgE measurements. A total of 2322 and 2798 patients were enrolled in 2008 and 2018, respectively. The significance of differences in sensitization rates among four regions of China were assessed. Correlation analysis was used to identify the associations of sensitization with climate change and planting of Artemisia desertorum between the two surveys.

Results

Compared with 2008, the general sensitization rate to mites significantly increased in 2018, which ranked highest among all tested allergens. Sensitization to pollens, especially Artemisia vulgaris, showed the greatest increase in the north. The annual mean temperature, rainfall and relative humidity in all four regions, and the Artemisia desertorum coverage in the northeastern area, increased significantly in 2018 as compared with 2008. From 2008 to 2018, an increase in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus sensitization was significantly associated with an increase in relative humidity (r = 0.54, p = 0.037). The increase in A. vulgaris sensitization was significantly associated with the increase in the A. desertorum planting area (r = 0.67, p = 0.006) and with a decrease in rainfall (r = −0.59, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

House dust mites remain the most important allergen in Chinese individuals with asthma and/or rhinitis. Pollen sensitization dramatically increased in northern China. Increases in sensitization to dust mites and Artemisia were related to the increases in humidity and planting area of A. desertorum.
Tracing responses to recognition in the Oslo peace process and its aftermath—The interlinkage between relational and internal ontological security
Authors: Strömbom Lisa , Kapshuk Yoav
Published: February 2022

Peace processes are highly volatile and invite constructive as well as destructive relationship‐shifts. By connecting theories of recognition, ontological security, and conflict transformation, this article displays how a conflict settlement process might enable deep‐ranging conflict transformation in a process ranging from thin to thick recognition, and conversely, how that may spur backlashes whereby parties to conflict resist identity fluctuations in violent ways. By using illustrations from key developments in the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, with its inherent elaborations on recognition and identity, this article showcases promises and pitfalls that may be the result of increased recognition of identity among conflict parties. The analysis unwraps how shifts in relations among parties which may lower ontological insecurities can spur introspection and increased thick recognition of the other party to conflict which also comes with shifts in self‐images. This is a highly volatile trajectory, sensitive to deterioration in relations among parties, which at a later stage can cause immense backlashes, creating furthered rifts between conflict parties as well as among internal actors who have different views on how far it is possible to go in terms of recognizing past wrongdoings in the conflict. By linking relational and internal aspects of ontological security to processes of recognition, understandings on the linkage between negotiation/conflict resolution and historical acknowledgement are furthered.