bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized operation of a controlled stirred tank reactor system for the production of mesenchymal stromal cells and their extracellular vesicles
Authors: Fernandes‐Platzgummer Ana , Cunha Raquel , Morini Sara , Carvalho Marta , Moreno‐Cid Juan , García Carmen , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , da Silva Cláudia L.
Published: June 2023

The therapeutic effects of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been attributed mostly to their paracrine activity, exerted through small‐secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) rather than their engraftment into injured tissues. Currently, the production of MSC‐derived EVs (MSC‐EVs) is performed in laborious static culture systems with limited manufacturing capacity using serum‐containing media. In this work, a serum‐/xenogeneic‐free microcarrier‐based culture system was successfully established for bone marrow‐derived MSC cultivation and MSC‐EV production using a 2 
l‐scale controlled stirred tank reactor (STR) operated under fed‐batch (FB) or fed‐batch combined with continuous perfusion (FB/CP). Overall, maximal cell numbers of (3.0 ± 0.12) × 108 and (5.3 ± 0.32) × 108 were attained at Days 8 and 12 for FB and FB/CP cultures, respectively, and MSC(M) expanded under both conditions retained their immunophenotype. MSC‐EVs were identified in the conditioned medium collected from all STR cultures by transmission electron microscopy, and EV protein markers were successfully identified by Western blot analysis. Overall, no significant differences were observed between EVs isolated from MSC expanded in STR operated under the two feeding approaches. EV mean sizes of 163 ± 5.27 nm and 162 ± 4.44 nm (p > 0.05) and concentrations of (2.4 ± 0.35) × 1011 EVs/mL and (3.0 ± 0.48) × 1011 EVs/mL (p > 0.05) were estimated by nanoparticle tracking analysis for FB and FB/CP cultures, respectively. The STR‐based platform optimized herein represents a major contribution toward the development of human MSC‐ and MSC‐EV‐based products as promising therapeutic agents for Regenerative Medicine settings.
What did COVID‐19 pandemics teach us about single‐fraction radiotherapy for painful bone metastases—State of the art or undertreatment?
Authors: Arsenijević Tatjana , Stepanović Aleksandar , Milošević‐Maračić Brankica , Poparić‐Bandjur Bojana , Mišković Ivana , Gavrilović Dušica , Nikitović Marina
Published: June 2023

Background

Choosing the optimal treatment approach for patients with painful bone metastases during the COVID‐19 pandemic became challenging. A simple technique, single fraction radiotherapy was recommended for these patients usually referring to bone metastases as a single entity, although it is a very heterogeneous group of patients.

Aim

This study aimed to analyze the response to palliative single fraction radiotherapy in relation to age, performance status, primary tumor, histopathology, and bone localization in the group of patients with painful bone metastases.

Methods

A clinical, prospective, non‐randomized study was conducted at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, which included 64 patients with noncomplicated, painful bone metastases who underwent palliative, pain‐relieving radiation therapy with a single tumor dose of 8Gy in a single hospital visit. Response to treatment was patient reported via telephone interview using visual analog scale. The response assessment was based on the international consensus panel of radiation oncologists.

Results

In the entire group of patients, 83% responded to radiotherapy. No statistically significant difference was observed in response to therapy, time to reach the maximum response, degree of pain reduction, nor in response duration depending on the patient's age, performance status, the primary origin of the tumor, histopathology, or location of the metastasis (bone) that was irradiated.

Conclusion

Regardless of clinical parameters, palliative radiotherapy with a single dose of 8Gy can be considered very effective in quick pain relief in patients with noncomplicated painful bone metastases. Single fraction radiotherapy in a single hospital visit, as well as patient‐reported outcome for these patients may be considered favorable beyond Covid pandemics.
Megalourethra and bladder foreign body in a female patient
Authors: Bilim Vladimir , Watanabe Nobuya , Arai Shigeru , Hoshi Senji
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Undiagnosed female megalourethra can be a cause of iatrogenic bladder foreign body.

Foreign bodies in the urinary bladder are relatively rare. Female megalourethra is an extremely rare congenital disorder which is usually associated with Müllerian anomalies. We describe a case of an iatrogenic bladder foreign body and a megalourethra in a young woman with normal gynecological organs.
Mono‐ and Difluorinated Saturated Heterocyclic Amines for Drug Discovery: Systematic Study of Their Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Melnykov Kostiantyn P. , Nazar Kostiantyn , Smyrnov Oleh , Skreminskyi Artem , Pavlenko Serhii , Klymenko‐Ulianov Oleksii , Shishkina Svitlana , Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: June 2023

A comprehensive study of physicochemical properties (pKa, LogP, and intrinsic microsomal clearance) within the series of mono‐ and difluorinated azetidine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine derivatives was performed. While the number of fluorine atoms and their distance to the protonation center were the major factors defining the compound's basicity, both pKa and LogP values were affected considerably by the conformational preferences of the corresponding derivatives. For example, features of “Janus face” (facially polarized) cyclic compounds (i. e., unusually high hydrophilicity) were identified for cis‐3,5‐difluoropiperidine, preferring a diaxial conformation. Intrinsic microsomal clearance measurements demonstrated high metabolic stability of the compounds studied (with a single exception of the 3,3‐difluoroazetidine derivative). According to pKa – LogP plots, the title compounds provide a valuable extension of the fluorine‐containing (e. g., fluoroalkyl‐substituted) saturated heterocyclic amine series as building blocks for rational optimization studies in early drug discovery.
Strategien zum Schließen der Stoffkreisläufe beim Recycling von Fluorpolymeren
Authors: Schmidt-Rodenkirchen Achim , Gerdes Thorsten , Hintzer Klaus , Schlipf Michael
Published: June 2023

In Fluorpolymeren sind die Wasserstoffatome in einer Polymerkette zum Großteil oder auch vollständig durch Fluor ersetzt, was zu einer Reihe besonderer Eigenschaften wie hoher chemischer und thermischer Beständigkeit führt. Aufgrund dieser Eigenschaftskombination sind diese Hochleistungspolymere für manche Anwendungen nicht oder nur schwer ersetzbar. Sonderwerkstoffe wie Fluorpolymere nehmen aufgrund ihrer chemischen Zusammensetzung, ihres geringen Marktvolumens und der meist industriellen Anwendung eine Sonderstellung ein, da sie nicht zusammen mit Massenpolymeren wie z. B. Polyethylen am Ende des Lebenszyklus anfallen und auch nicht zusammen recycelt werden können. In diesem Beitrag werden verschiedene Verfahren hinsichtlich ihres technischen Reifegrades und ihrer Eignung diskutiert, um Fluorpolymere vollständig zu recyceln.
Reciprocal translocations hidden by phenotype and genotype within the same wheat cultivar
Authors: Li Can , Fan Ruixiao , Ma Chongyang , Zhang Zhen , Li Zheng , Zhu Lele , Nie Fang , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Xuqin , Xie Jinjin , Yu Xueting , Guo Guanghui , Zhang Jianwei , Chen Shisheng , Zhou Yun , Song Chun‐Peng , Chen Xiaojie , Li Hao
Published: June 2023

Chromosomal rearrangements play essential roles in crop evolution, and different types of rearrangements have been identified in various cultivars belonging to Triticeae. However, it has not been reported whether chromosome rearrangements also occur within the same cultivar. We screened 33 plants of a Chinese modern cultivar Aikang58 (AK58) using non‐denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization technique and found two with reciprocal translocation 3BL‐6BL and 3BS‐6BS present, thereafter designated as AK58T. The breakpoint positions of AK58T were different from previous 3B‐6B translocation, indicating newly reported translocations in common wheat. The genetic similarity between AK58 and AK58T was greater than 99.8% by wheat 55K chip array analysis. Our results showed no significant phenotype difference in five developmental periods or seven seed traits between the two lines under speed breeding conditions. However, the F1 hybrids between AK58 and AK58T severely suffered from low seedset due to the documented occurrence of multivalent formation during meiosis. Screening of 41 F2 progenies identified eight types of chromosomal variations that affected agronomic traits and decreased the fertility. Therefore, we reported that chromosomal rearrangements within the same cultivar could be hidden by high phenotype and genotype similarity, and concluded that these types of hidden variations may lead to severe fertility penalty once outcross occurred.
Smad3‐mediated lncRNA HSALR1 enhances the non‐classic signalling pathway of TGF‐β1 in human bronchial fibroblasts by binding to HSP90AB1
Authors: Yi Erkang , Lin Biting , Zhang Yi , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Jiahuan , Liu Yu , Jin Jing , Hong Wei , Lin Zhiwei , Cao Weitao , Mei Xinyue , Bai Ge , Li Bing , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin
Published: June 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the diseases with high mortality and morbidity with complex pathogenesis. Airway remodeling is an unavoidable pathological characteristic. However, the molecular mechanisms of airway remodeling are incompletely defined.

Methods

lncRNAs highly correlated with transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF–β1) expression were chosen, the lncRNA ENST00000440406 (named HSP90AB1 Assoicated LncRNA 1, HSALR1) was chosen for further functional experiments. Dual luciferase and ChIP assay were used to detect the upstream of HSALR1, transcriptome sequencing, Cck–8, Edu, cell proliferation, cell cycle assay, and WB detection of pathway levels confirmed the effect of HSALR1 on fibroblast proliferation and phosphorylation levels of related pathways. Mice was infected with adeno–associated virus (AAV) to express HSALR1 by intratracheal instillation under anesthesia and was exposure to cigarette smoke, then mouse lung function was performed and the pathological sections of lung tissues were analyzed.

Results

Herein, lncRNA HSALR1 was identified as highly correlated with the TGF–β1 and mainly expressed in human lung fibroblasts. HSALR1 was induced by Smad3 and promoted fibroblasts proliferation. Mechanistically, it could directly bind to HSP90AB1 protein, and acted as a scaffold to stabilize the binding between Akt and HSP90AB1 to promote Akt phosphorylation. In vivo, mice expressed HSALR1 by AAV was exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) for COPD modeling. We found that lung function was worse and airway remodeling was more pronounced in HSLAR1 mice compare to wild type (WT) mice.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that lncRNA HSALR1 binds to HSP90AB1 and Akt complex component, and enhances activity of the TGF–β1 smad3–independent pathway. This finding described here suggest that lncRNA can participate in COPD development, and HSLAR1 is a promising molecular target of COPD therapy.
Immediate histopathologic correlation in Turkish population with negative cytology and high‐risk human papillomavirus positivity: A retrospective analysis of high‐risk human papillomavirus genotype and stratified by age
Authors: Kir Gozde , Gunel Humeyra , Cicek Tuba , Seneldir Hatice
Published: June 2023

Introduction

According to the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) recommendations, regardless of age, women with high‐risk infections other than human papillomavirus 16/18 positivity (other hrHPV) and negative cytology should not be referred directly to colposcopy. Several studies compared detection rates of ≥high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) between HPV 16/18 ± 45, and other hrHPV types on colposcopic biopsy.

Methods

We designed a retrospective study to determine the presence of ≥HSIL in colposcopic biopsy in women with negative cytology and hrHPV positivity during the years 2016–2022.

Results

HPV 16/18/45 had a PPV of 43.8%, while other hrHPV types had a PPV of 29.1% for a tissue diagnosis of ≥HSIL. For a tissue diagnosis of ≥HSIL detection, there was no statistically significant difference between the PPV of other hrHPV and HPV 16/18/45 in patients ≥30. There were only two cases with a tissue diagnosis of ≥HSIL in the other hrHPV group of women under 30 years of age.

Conclusion

We suggested that the follow‐up recommendations of ASCCP for patients above the age of 30 with negative cytology and other hrHPV positivity may not be fully applicable to countries like Turkey with a different healthcare environment. Referring to patients ≥30 who had other hrHPV positivity and negative cytology to direct colposcopy may be clinically beneficial, particularly in populations where a colposcopic examination is easy and inexpensive.
Safety study of topical naltrexone therapy for diabetic skin wounds is confirmed in Göttingen mini‐pigs
Authors: McLaughlin Patricia J. , Sassani Joseph W. , Zagon Ian S.
Published: June 2023

This study was conducted to determine the safety of topical naltrexone treatment in Göttingen swine. Efficacy of topical naltrexone was performed previously in Sprague‐Dawley rats. In this study, 25 male and female mini‐pigs received topical naltrexone once daily for 30 days. The gel at doses of 1%, 2%, and 10% naltrexone was applied at a dose volume of 0.01 ml/cm2 to an area of unbroken skin encompassing 10% of the animal's surface. Body and food consumption, skin and organ morphology, and clinical signs, including blood analyses were taken periodically. Naltrexone levels in serum were measured at the time of death. No adverse observations were made in the cutaneous skin, autopsied organs, or biochemical parameters. The no‐observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was considered to be 2% topical application daily. The conclusions from the veterinarians and researchers are that topical naltrexone at 1% or 2% can be used safely in clinical efficacy studies.
Hypoxaemia in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Omar Massar , Omote Kazunori , Sorimachi Hidemi , Popovic Dejana , Kanwar Ardaas , Alogna Alessio , Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Lim Kaiser G. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: June 2023

Aims

It is widely held that heart failure (HF) does not cause exertional hypoxaemia, based upon studies in HF with reduced ejection fraction, but this may not apply to patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Here, we characterize the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of exertional arterial hypoxaemia in HFpEF.

Methods and results

Patients with HFpEF (n = 539) and no coexisting lung disease underwent invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing with simultaneous blood and expired gas analysis. Exertional hypoxaemia (oxyhaemoglobin saturation <94%) was observed in 136 patients (25%). As compared to those without hypoxaemia (n = 403), patients with hypoxaemia were older and more obese. Patients with HFpEF and hypoxaemia had higher cardiac filling pressures, higher pulmonary vascular pressures, greater alveolar–arterial oxygen difference, increased dead space fraction, and greater physiologic shunt compared to those without hypoxaemia. These differences were replicated in a sensitivity analysis where patients with spirometric abnormalities were excluded. Regression analyses revealed that increases in pulmonary arterial and pulmonary capillary pressures were related to lower arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), especially during exercise. Body mass index (BMI) was not correlated with the arterial PaO2, and hypoxaemia was associated with increased risk for death over 2.8 (interquartile range 0.7–5.5) years of follow‐up, even after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI (hazard ratio 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.01–3.96; p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Between 10% and 25% of patients with HFpEF display arterial desaturation during exercise that is not ascribable to lung disease. Exertional hypoxaemia is associated with more severe haemodynamic abnormalities and increased mortality. Further study is required to better understand the mechanisms and treatment of gas exchange abnormalities in HFpEF.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed C8‐Alkenylation of Isoquinolones with Maleimides
Authors: Manisha  , Chandra Devesh , Sharma Upendra
Published: June 2023

An efficient Rh(III)‐catalyzed C−H alkenylation of N‐protected isoquinolone with maleimides is reported. The carbonyl group of isoquinolone acts as an inherent directing group. Various N‐substituents in the maleimide, including alkyl, aryl, and even H and −OH, were well tolerated under the developed reaction condition. This protocol showed broad substrate scope, good selectivity, and excellent yields. Hammett plot is also drawn to check the effect of substituents on the reaction progress.
Catalytic pyrolysis of rice husk to selectively produce furfural over zeolite beta with post aluminum impregnation
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Mujahid , Aslam Rabya
Published: June 2023

In the present work, three zeolite‐beta based catalysts with post impregnation of aluminum are evaluated for conversion of rice husk to furfural at atmospheric pressure in the presence of sodium chloride as promoter. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and pyridine Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The activity of in house synthesized/modified catalysts is studied at preliminary optimized reaction conditions of 375°C and 47 min with variation in feed/catalyst/promoter ratio. Purity and yield of furfural was obtained by gas chromatography analysis with flame ionization detector in a batch reactor. Results shows that zeolite beta with 5 wt % post aluminum impregnation gave highest yield of bio‐oil (60.3 wt%) with 88% selectivity toward furfural in the presence of sodium chloride (5 wt% of feed) and sulfuric acid (10 wt% of feed).
Programming of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation with hyperdirect pathway and corticospinal tract‐guided parameter suggestions
Authors: Segura‐Amil Alba , Nowacki Andreas , Debove Ines , Petermann Katrin , Tinkhauser Gerd , Krack Paul , Pollo Claudio , Nguyen T. A. Khoa
Published: June 2023

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease. Stimulation of the hyperdirect pathway (HDP) may mediate the beneficial effects, whereas stimulation of the corticospinal tract (CST) mediates capsular side effects. The study's objective was to suggest stimulation parameters based on the activation of the HDP and CST. This retrospective study included 20 Parkinson's disease patients with bilateral STN DBS. Patient‐specific whole‐brain probabilistic tractography was performed to extract the HDP and CST. Stimulation parameters from monopolar reviews were used to estimate volumes of tissue activated and to determine the streamlines of the pathways inside these volumes. The activated streamlines were related to the clinical observations. Two models were computed, one for the HDP to estimate effect thresholds and one for the CST to estimate capsular side effect thresholds. In a leave‐one‐subject‐out cross‐validation, the models were used to suggest stimulation parameters. The models indicated an activation of 50% of the HDP at effect threshold, and 4% of the CST at capsular side effect threshold. The suggestions for best and worst levels were significantly better than random suggestions. Finally, we compared the suggested stimulation thresholds with those from the monopolar reviews. The median suggestion errors for the effect threshold and side effect threshold were 1 and 1.5 mA, respectively. Our stimulation models of the HDP and CST suggested STN DBS settings. Prospective clinical studies are warranted to optimize tract‐guided DBS programming. Together with other modalities, these may allow for assisted STN DBS programming.
Landscape and Regulatory Perspective on Oncology Drugs in Pregnancy
Authors: Leong Ruby , Grimstein Manuela , DeMaria Peter , Norsworthy Kelly J. , Fletcher Elimika Pfuma , Shord Stacy
Published: June 2023

Cancers affecting pregnant women include breast cancer, melanoma, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, lymphomas, and leukemias. The medical management of cancer during pregnancy with molecularly targeted oncology drugs remains quite challenging, with knowledge gaps about the drugs’ safety and efficacy due to exclusion of pregnant women from cancer clinical trials, discontinuation of individuals who become pregnant during clinical trials, and limited information on appropriate dosing of molecularly targeted oncology drugs during pregnancy. Physiological changes occur during pregnancy and may result in alterations in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs used in pregnant women. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling that incorporates physiological changes induced by both the cancer disease state and pregnancy has the potential to inform dosing of molecularly targeted oncology drugs for pregnant women, improve our understanding of the pharmacokinetic changes associated with pregnancy in patients with cancer, facilitate the design of potential studies of molecularly targeted oncology drugs in pregnant women to support dosing recommendations, and provide model‐informed pharmacokinetic data to support regulatory decision making.
Improving Racial and Ethnic Equity in Clinical Trials Enrolling Pregnant and Lactating Individuals
Authors: Louis‐Jacques Adetola F. , Heuberger Anika J. , Mestre Cathleen T. , Evans Victoria F. , Wilson Roneé E. , Gurka Matthew J. , Lewis Tamorah R.
Published: June 2023

Racial and ethnic marginalized populations have historically been poorly represented, underrecruited, and underprioritized across clinical trials enrolling pregnant and lactating individuals. The objectives of this review are to describe the current state of racial and ethnic representation in clinical trials enrolling pregnant and lactating individuals and to propose evidence‐based tangible solutions to achieving equity in these clinical trials. Despite efforts from federal and local organizations, only marginal progress has been made toward achieving equity in clinical research. This continued limited inclusion and transparency in pregnancy trials exacerbates health disparities, limits the generalizability of research findings, and may heighten the maternal child health crisis in the United States. Racial and ethnic underrepresented communities are willing to participate in research; however, they face unique barriers to access and participation. Multifaceted approaches are required to facilitate the participation of marginalized individuals in clinical trials including partnering with the local community to understand their priorities, needs, and assets; establishing accessible recruitment strategies; creating flexible protocols; supporting participants for their time; and increasing culturally congruent and/or culturally sensitive research staff. This article also highlights exemplars in pregnancy research.
Dynamic Glucose‐Enhanced Imaging of the Liver Using Breath‐Hold Black Blood Quantitative T1ρMRI at 3.0 T
Authors: Qian Yurui , Wong Vincent W.S. , Wang Yi‐Xiang , Hou Jian , Jiang Baiyan , Zhang Xinrong , Wong Grace L.H. , Chan Queenie , Yu Simon C.H. , Chu Winnie C.W. , Chen Weitian
Published: June 2023

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Characterizing the Myoarchitecture of the Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Muscles With MRI Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Tous Cyril , Jodoin Alexandre , Pontré Beau , Grabs Detlev , Begon Mikael , Bureau Nathalie J. , Van Houten Elijah
Published: June 2023

Background

The societal cost of shoulder disabilities in our aging society keeps rising. Providing biomarkers of early changes in the microstructure of rotator cuff (RC) muscles might improve surgical planning. Elevation angle (E1A) and pennation angle (PA) assessed by ultrasound change with RC tears. Furthermore, ultrasounds lack repeatability.

Purpose

To propose a repeatable framework to quantify the myocyte angulation in RC muscles.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Six asymptomatic healthy volunteers (1 female aged 30 years; 5 males, mean age 35 years, range 25–49 years), who underwent three repositioned scanning sessions (10 minutes apart) of the right infraspinatus muscle (ISPM) and supraspinatus muscle (SSPM).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, T1‐weighted and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI; 12 gradient encoding directions, b‐values of 500 and 800 s/mm2).

Assessment

Each voxel was binned in percentage of depth defined by the shortest distance in the antero‐posterior direction (manual delineation), i.e. the radial axis. A second order polynomial fit for PA across the muscle depth was used, while E1A described a sigmoid across depth: .

Statistical Tests

Repeatability was assessed with the nonparametric Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test for paired comparisons across repeated scans in each volunteer for each anatomical muscle region and across repeated measures of the radial axis. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the ISPM, E1A was constantly negative, became helicoidal, then mainly positive across the antero‐posterior depth, respective at the caudal, central and cranial regions. In the SSPM, posterior myocytes ran more parallel to the intramuscular tendon (), while anterior myocytes inserted with a pennation angle (). E1A and PA were repeatable in each volunteer (error < 10%). Intra‐repeatability of the radial axis was achieved (error < 5%).

Data Conclusion

ElA and PA in the proposed framework of the ISPM and SSPM are repeatable with DTI. Variations of myocyte angulation in the ISPM and SSPM can be quantified across volunteers.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Bayesian assessment of CMIP6 surface net radiation predictions for Köppen–Geiger climate zones
Authors: Liu Zhu
Published: June 2023

Köppen–Geiger climate zones were originally constructed to designate the manifold climates to reflect the mean spatial climate characteristics, which includes the Tropical Zone, Dry Zone, Temperate Zone, Continental Zone and Polar Zone. In this study, 20 CMIP6 models are applied to evaluate historical net radiation (Rn) climatology during 1950–2014 for the five Köppen–Geiger climate zones, respectively. Additionally, Bayesian model averaging (BMA) approach is applied to obtain the multimodel weighted average predictions, which are further used to assess the seasonal variation of net radiation and decadal trends for far historical period (1951–1970), middle historical period (1971–1990) and near historical period (1991–2010), respectively. Moreover, the Bayesian‐Gaussian mixture PDFs are generated for global land surface as well as five climate zones to quantify the uncertainty associated with the BMA predictions. Results indicate that the global land surface Rn is overestimated in general with significant diversity in different climate zones. In addition, Rn prediction from BMA model is more accurate and reliable than individual models. The highest Rn occurs in JJA for Polar Zone and Continental Zone. However, as for zones in lower latitudes, the peaks of Rn reach slightly earlier. The Rn has decreasing trends for Tropical Zone, Continental Zone and Temperate Zones during far historical period; however, it becomes to increasing trends after 1970s, which is strongly related with anthropogenic global warming. In addition, compared to other zones, there exists smallest prediction uncertainty associated with BMA prediction for Dry Zone.
Density fractionation reworked: Reduce material and costs
Authors: Liebmann Patrick , Mewes Ole , Guggenberger Georg
Published: June 2023

Soil density fractionation is a common tool to separate organic matter of different function and turnover. But it has not been tested so far how much soil material is necessary to obtain reproducible results. A reduction of chemicals like polytungstate would further save valuable resources. Here, we show that soil weight reduction from 25 to 5 g was not significantly affecting fractionation results. Compared to the commonly used 10–25 g, this corresponds to a saving of resources of up to 80%.
Occurrence of N‐nitrosodimethylamine in roasted Alaska pollock fillets during processing and storage and preliminary cancer risk assessment
Authors: Sun Yong , Jiang Bing , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Nan , Yang Min , Wang Shanshan , Guo Yingying , Zhou Deqing
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Dried and salt‐fermented fish products are important sources of N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) exposure for human. As a potent carcinogen, NDMA was frequently detected in roasted Alaska pollock fillet products (RPFs), which is among the most common fish products in China. Until now, the occurrence and development of NDMA and its precursors (nitrites, nitrates and dimethylamine) in RPFs during processing and storage were not well elucidated, and safety evaluation of this fish product is also urgently needed.

RESULTS

The presence of precursors in the raw material was verified and significant increase of nitrates and nitrites during processing was observed. NDMA was found generated during pre‐drying (3.7 μg kg−1 dry basis) and roasting (14.6 μg kg−1 dry basis) process. Continuous increase in NDMA content can also be found during storage, especially at higher storage temperature. The 95th percentile of Monte Carlo simulated cancer risk (3.73 × 10−5) surpassed the WHO threshold (1.00 × 10−5) and sensitivity analysis implies the risk was mainly attributable to NDMA level in RPFs.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of NDMA in RFPs was mainly a result of endogenous factors originating in Alaska pollock during processing and storage rather than exogenous contamination, and temperature played a pivotal role. The preliminary risk assessment results suggest that long‐term consumption of RPFs would impose potential health risks for consumers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Two‐year outcomes of temperature‐controlled radiofrequency device treatment of the nasal valve for patients with nasal airway obstruction
Authors: Yao William C. , Pritikin Jordan , Sillers Michael J. , Barham Henry P.
Published: June 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate long‐term symptom improvements in patients with nasal airway obstruction (NAO) secondary to nasal valve collapse (NVC) following minimally invasive temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) treatment.

Methods

A prospective, single‐arm, multicenter study in patients >18 years with NAO due to NVC. Inclusion criteria were response to nasal valve dilation (e.g., modified Cottle maneuver) and baseline Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale score ≥60. Patients were treated in the nasal valve region with a TCRF device and followed through 2 years. A responder was ≥20% reduction NOSE Scale score or ≥1 reduction in severity class.

Results

A total of 122 patients were treated and 91 reached 2 years. The mean baseline NOSE Scale score was 80.3 (95% CI, 78.1–82.6). The adjusted mean change in score at 2 years was −45.8 (95% CI, −53.5 to −38.1), p < 0.001; a 57.0% improvement. The 2‐year responder rate was 90.1% (95% CI, 82.3%–94.7%). Significant and sustained symptom improvement was achieved in subpopulations based on sex, age, body mass index, baseline NAO severity, nasal surgery history, NVC mechanism, septal deviation, and other anatomic contributors of NAO. No serious adverse events with a relationship to the study device and/or procedure were reported.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive TCRF device treatment of the internal nasal valve for NAO is well tolerated and leads to significant and sustained improvement in NAO symptom severity through 2 years, including in patients with both static and dynamic NVC, septal deviation, turbinate enlargement, or prior nasal surgery.

Level of Evidence

2b.
Effects of isothermal and interrupted aging on mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of an Al–Cu–Mg alloy
Authors: Majumder Soumyajeet , Rao R. Govinda , Rout Prasanta Kumar
Published: June 2023

Al–Cu–Mg alloys are extensively used in the area of the aerospace industry for the construction of aviation parts due to their extremely good mechanical properties. Al–Cu–Mg alloys achieve high strength through various heat treatments. However, aluminum alloys at peak strength conditions, are highly susceptible to various forms of corrosion, such as pitting corrosion, intergranular corrosion, and environment‐induced cracking. In this investigation, the Al–Cu–Mg alloy was solution treated and isothermally aged to develop quenched, under‐aged, peak‐aged (PA), and over‐aged tempers. Furthermore, interrupted aging treatment was then carried out to develop T6I6 temper. Aging behavior was then studied using hardness data, tensile data, and differential scanning calorimetry. The corrosion behavior of all tempers was studied by measuring open circuit potential and by linear potentiodynamic polarization. It is observed that PA temper exhibits good mechanical properties but poor resistance to corrosion, while T6I6 alloy temper exhibits the best mechanical properties along with the highest corrosion resistance.
Schwarzian derivative, Painlevé XXV–Ermakov equation, and Bäcklund transformations
Authors: Carillo Sandra , Chichurin Alexander , Filipuk Galina , Zullo Federico
Published: June 2023

The role of Schwarzian derivative in the study of nonlinear ordinary differential equations is revisited. Solutions and invariances admitted by Painlevé XXV–Ermakov equation, Ermakov equation, and third‐order linear equation in a normal form are shown to be based on solutions of the Schwarzian equation. Starting from the Riccati equation and the second‐order element of the Riccati chain as the simplest examples of linearizable equations, by introducing a suitable change of variables, it is shown how the Schwarzian derivative represents a key tool in the construction of solutions. Two families of Bäcklund transformations, which link the linear and nonlinear equations under investigation, are obtained. Some analytical examples are given and discussed.
A study of extremal parameter for fractional singular Choquard problem
Authors: Mishra Pawan Kumar , Tripathi Vinayak Mani
Published: June 2023

In this work, we study the singular problem involving fractional Laplacian operator perturbed with a Choquard nonlinearity using the idea of constrained minimization based on Nehari manifold. Precisely, for some , we have proved the existence of two solutions when the parameter , adding to the existing works dealing with multiplicity of solutions when the parameter λ strictly lies below . We have given a variational characterization of the parametric value , which is an extremal value of the parameter λ involved in the problem up to which the Nehari manifold method can be applied successfully. The paper highlights a fine analysis via fibering maps even for to establish an existence of two different positive solutions for the underlying problem.
Sampling strategies and integrated reconstruction for reducing distortion and boundary slice aliasing in high‐resolution 3D diffusion MRI
Authors: Li Ziyu , Miller Karla L. , Andersson Jesper L. R. , Zhang Jieying , Liu Simin , Guo Hua , Wu Wenchuan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To develop a new method for high‐fidelity, high‐resolution 3D multi‐slab diffusion MRI with minimal distortion and boundary slice aliasing.

Methods

Our method modifies 3D multi‐slab imaging to integrate blip‐reversed acquisitions for distortion correction and oversampling in the slice direction (kz) for reducing boundary slice aliasing. Our aim is to achieve robust acceleration to keep the scan time the same as conventional 3D multi‐slab acquisitions, in which data are acquired with a single direction of blip traversal and without kz‐oversampling. We employ a two‐stage reconstruction. In the first stage, the blip‐up/down images are respectively reconstructed and analyzed to produce a field map for each diffusion direction. In the second stage, the blip‐reversed data and the field map are incorporated into a joint reconstruction to produce images that are corrected for distortion and boundary slice aliasing.

Results

We conducted experiments at 7T in six healthy subjects. Stage 1 reconstruction produces images from highly under‐sampled data (R = 7.2) with sufficient quality to provide accurate field map estimation. Stage 2 joint reconstruction substantially reduces distortion artifacts with comparable quality to fully‐sampled blip‐reversed results (2.4× scan time). Whole‐brain in‐vivo results acquired at 1.22 mm and 1.05 mm isotropic resolutions demonstrate improved anatomical fidelity compared to conventional 3D multi‐slab imaging. Data demonstrate good reliability and reproducibility of the proposed method over multiple subjects.

Conclusion

The proposed acquisition and reconstruction framework provide major reductions in distortion and boundary slice aliasing for 3D multi‐slab diffusion MRI without increasing the scan time, which can potentially produce high‐quality, high‐resolution diffusion MRI.
Mothers participation in caring for hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Nankali Haniyeh , Cheraghi Fatemeh , Tehrani Tayebeh Hasan , Mohammadi Younes , Azadimoghtader Mahnaz
Published: June 2023

Aims

To identify informational and practical deficits of mothers of hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis and to determine the effect of intervention on enhancing mothers' participation in providing care.

Design

This study was a two‐group pre‐ and post‐test quasi‐experimental study.

Methods

Sample size was eighty mothers of hospitalized children younger than 5 years with acute gastroenteritis in each group using consecutive sampling method. Based on the needs assessment, the training and practical demonstration were performed individually in the intervention group. The control group received usual and standard care. The care practice of mothers were observed before and three times after the intervention at a 1‐day interval. The confidence level was 0.95.

Results

After intervention, there was a significant increase in the mothers' care practice in the intervention group and a significant difference between the two groups. The participatory care approach could enhance mothers' practice in providing care to the hospitalized children with AGE.
On the Use of Solomon Echoes in 27Al NMR Studies of Complex Aluminium Hydrides**
Authors: Zibrowius Bodo , Fischer Michael
Published: June 2023

The quadrupole coupling constant CQ and the asymmetry parameter η have been determined for two complex aluminium hydrides from 27Al NMR spectra recorded for stationary samples by using the Solomon echo sequence. The thus obtained data for KAlH4 (CQ=(1.30±0.02) MHz, η=(0.64±0.02)) and NaAlH4 (CQ=(3.11±0.02) MHz, η<0.01) agree very well with data previously determined from MAS NMR spectra. The accuracy with which these parameters can be determined from static spectra turned out to be at least as good as via the MAS approach. The experimentally determined parameters (δiso, CQ and η) are compared with those obtained from DFT‐GIPAW (density functional theory – gauge‐including projected augmented wave) calculations. Except for the quadrupole coupling constant for KAlH4, which is overestimated in the GIPAW calculations by about 30 %, the agreement is excellent. Advantages of the application of the Solomon echo sequence for the measurement of less stable materials or for in situ studies are discussed.
Glycoblotting enables seamless and straightforward workflow for MALDI‐TOF/MS‐based sulphoglycomics of N‐ and O‐glycans
Authors: Montalban Bryan M. , Hinou Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Sulfated N‐ and O‐glycans exist in trace levels which are challenging to detect, especially when abundant neutral and sialylated glycans are present. Current matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS)‐based sulfoglycomics approaches effectively utilize permethylation to discriminate sulfated glycans from sialyl‐glycans. And a charge‐based separation to isolate the sulfated glycans from the rest of the permethylated neutral and sialyl‐glycans. However, these approaches suffer from concomitant sample losses during cleanup steps. Herein, we describe Glycoblotting as a straightforward complementary method with seamless glycan purification, enrichment, methylation, and labeling on a single platform to address sulfated glycan enrichment, sialic acid methylation, and sample loss. Glycoblottings’ on‐bead chemoselective ligation of reducing sugars with hydrazide showed excellent recovery of sulfated glycans, allowing the detection of more sulfated glycan species. On‐bead methyl esterification of sialic acid using 3‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyltriazene (MTT) effectively discriminates sulfated glycans from sialyl‐glycans. Furthermore, we have shown that using MTT as a methylating agent allowed us to simultaneously detect and differentiate sulfate from phosphate groups in isobaric N‐glycan species. We believe that Glycoblotting will contribute significantly to the MALDI‐TOF MS‐based Sulphoglycomics workflow.
The avidin‐theophylline complex: A structural and computational study
Authors: Spinello Angelo , Lapenta Fabio , De March Matteo
Published: June 2023

The interaction between avidin and its counterpart biotin is one of central importance in biology and has been reproposed and studied at length. However, the binding pocket of avidin is prone to promiscuous binding, able to accommodate even non‐biotinylated ligands. Comprehending the factors that distinguish the extremely strong interaction with biotin to other ligands is an important step to fully picture the thermodynamics of these low‐affinity complexes. Here, we present the complex between chicken white egg avidin and theophylline (TEP), the xanthine derivative used in the therapy of asthma. In the crystal structure, TEP lies in the biotin‐binding pocket with the same orientation and planarity of the aromatic ring of 8‐oxodeoxyguanosine. Indeed, its affinity for avidin measured by isothermal titration calorimetry is in the same μM range as those obtained for the previously characterized nucleoside derivatives. By the use of molecular dynamic simulations, we have investigated the most important intermolecular interactions occurring in the avidin‐TEP binding pocket and compared them with those obtained for the avidin 8‐oxodeoxyguanosine and avidin‐biotin complexes. These results testify the capability of avidin to complex purely aromatic molecules.
Effect of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) consumption on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ramírez‐Coronel Andrés Alexis , Ali Alhilali Khetam Abdalsada , Basheer Ahmed Yasmin , Almalki Sami G. , Karimian Jahangir
Published: June 2023

Conflicting evidence exists on the effect of sesame consumption on glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, this meta‐analysis focuses on the relationship between sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) intervention and glycemic control in patients with T2D. Published literature was retrieved and screened from PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to December 2022. Outcome measures included fasting blood sugar (FBS) concentrations, fasting insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) percentage. Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eight clinical trials (395 participants) were eligible for meta‐analyses. Overall, sesame consumption significantly reduced serum FBS (WMD: −28.61 mg/dL, 95% CI: −36.07 to −21.16, p˂0.001; I2 = 98.3%) and HbA1c percentage (WMD: −0.99%, 95% CI: −1.22 to −0.76, p ≤ 0.001; I2 = 65.1%) in patients with T2D. However, sesame consumption did not significantly influence fasting insulin levels (Hedges's: 2.29, 95% CI: −0.06 to 4.63, p = 0.06; I2 = 98.1%). In summary, the current meta‐analysis showed a promising effect of sesame consumption on glycemic control through reducing FBS and HbA1c, yet additional prospective studies are recommended, using higher doses and longer intervention period, to confirm the impact of sesame consumption on insulin levels in T2D patients.
Analytic geometric gradients for the polarizable density embedding model
Authors: Reinholdt Peter , Van den Heuvel Willem , Kongsted Jacob
Published: June 2023

The polarizable density embedding (PDE) model is an advanced fragment‐based QM/QM embedding model closely related to the earlier polarizable embedding (PE) model. PDE features an improved description of permanent electrostatics and further includes non‐electrostatic repulsion. We present an implementation of analytic geometric gradients for the PDE model, which allows for partial geometry optimizations of QM regions embedded in large molecular environments. We benchmark the quality of structures from PE‐QM and PDE‐QM geometry optimizations on a diverse set of small organic molecules embedded in four solvents. The PDE model performs well when targeting Hartree–Fock calculations, but density functional theory (DFT) calculations prove more challenging. We suggest a hybrid PDE‐LJ model which produces solute–solvent structures of good quality for DFT. Finally, we apply the developed model to a theoretical estimation of the solvatochromic shift on the fluorescence emission energy of the environment‐sensitive 4‐aminophthalimide probe based on state‐specific multiconfigurational PDE‐QM calculations.
Sampling‐based 3‐D line‐of‐sight PWA model predictive control for autonomous rendezvous and docking with a tumbling target
Authors: Li Dongting , Dong Rui‐Qi , Guo Yanning , Ran Guangtao , Li Dongyu
Published: June 2023

This article introduces a line‐of‐sight (LOS)‐Euler rendezvous and docking (RVD) framework to dock with a tumbling target under several RVD constraints. By a double‐loop control scheme, the chaser's position is controlled to track the target's docking port which is coupled with its rotation. The chaser's attitude is driven to track the target's rotation, while satisfying the field of view constraintwhich is coupled with the LOS range. These complex couplings are linearly described in the proposed framework. To this end, the 6 DoF information interactions among the sensor measurements, states, and RVD constraints need no transformation and linearization. Consider the online piecewise affine (PWA) model predictive controller (MPC) may be unsolvable under complex constraints, which is caused by the accumulated prediction error, a sampling‐based method is proposed. The linear predictions are driven to the closer neighborhoods of the actual nonlinear states by constructing directional sampling intervals. Besides, a singularity free strategy is provided to realize continuous tracking with crossing the singularities of angle states. Detailed numerical simulations illustrate the validity of the proposed methods.