bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoresponsive Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Tailorable Platforms of Photoswitches for Advanced Functions
Authors: Zhang Xiayu , Yu Tao , Au Vonika Ka‐Man
Published: January 2022

Stimuli‐responsive metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great interest in a diverse range of applications due to their abilities to change attributes under external stimuli. As a ubiquitous stimulus, light can be remotely controlled and quickly switched. Hence, the exploration of photoresponsive materials has attracted widespread interest. In particular, photoresponsive MOFs are usually formed by inserting photoswitchable linkers of different properties within the MOF backbone. Under the action of light, some physical and/or chemical changes will occur, resulting in a series of structural and morphological changes, in turn producing specific functions in different MOF materials. In this review, we will highlight some representative examples to demonstrate the recent advances in the development of photoresponsive MOF‐based materials. The main types of molecular photoswitches, their properties and the main applications of photoresponsive MOFs will also be covered, followed by a discussion on the future development of the field.
BRD4‐IRF1 axis regulates chemoradiotherapy‐induced PD‐L1 expression and immune evasion in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Yingzhuo , Rao Xinrui , Zhang Ruiguang , Tang Jing , Zhang Dan , Jie Xiaohua , Zhu Kuikui , Wang Xu , Xu Yunhong , Zhang Sheng , Dong Xiaorong , Zhang Tao , Yang Kunyu , Xu Shuangbing , Meng Rui , Wu Gang
Published: January 2022

Background

Chemoradiotherapy‐induced PD‐L1 upregulation leads to therapeutic resistance and treatment failure. The PD‐1/PD‐L1 blocking antibodies sensitize cancers to chemoradiotherapy by blocking extracellular PD‐1 and PD‐L1 binding without affecting the oncogenic function of intracellular PD‐L1. Reversing the chemoradiation‐induced PD‐L1 expression could provide a new strategy to achieve a greater anti‐tumour effect of chemoradiotherapy. Here, we aimed to identify candidate small molecular inhibitors that might boost the anti‐tumour immunity of chemoradiotherapy by decreasing treatment‐induced PD‐L1 expression in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A drug array was used to recognize compounds that can suppress the cisplatin‐induced and radiation‐induced PD‐L1 expression in NSCLC via the flow cytometry‐based assay. We examined whether and how targeting bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) inhibits chemoradiation‐induced PD‐L1 expression and evaluated the effect of BRD4 inhibition and chemoradiation combination in vivo.

Results

BRD4 inhibitors JQ1 and ARV‐771 were identified as the most promising drugs both in the cisplatin and radiation screening projects in two NSCLC cell lines. Targeting BRD4 was supposed to block chemoradiotherapy inducible PD‐L1 expression by disrupting the recruitment of BRD4‐IRF1 complex to PD‐L1 promoter. A positive correlation between BRD4 and PD‐L1 expression was observed in human NSCLC tissues. Moreover, BRD4 inhibition synergized with chemoradiotherapy and PD‐1 blockade to show a robust anti‐tumour immunity dependent on CD8+ T cell through limiting chemoradiation‐induced tumour cell surface PD‐L1 upregulation in vivo. Notably, the BRD4‐targeted combinatory treatments did not show increased toxicities.

Conclusion

The data showed that BRD4‐targeted therapy synergized with chemoradiotherapy and anti‐PD‐1 antibody by boosting anti‐tumour immunity in NSCLC.
Habitat use and foraging parameters of breeding Skylarks indicate no seasonal decrease in food availability in heterogeneous farmland
Authors: Püttmanns Manuel , Böttges Laura , Filla Tim , Lehmann Franziska , Martens Annika Sophie , Siegel Friederike , Sippel Anna , von Bassi Marlene , Balkenhol Niko , Waltert Matthias , Gottschalk Eckhard
Published: January 2022

Reduced food availability during chick raising is a major driver of farmland bird declines. For the Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis), food availability is determined by various factors (i.e., arthropod abundance/diversity, accessibility of the vegetation, distance to foraging sites). In modern farmland, it is supposed to decrease over the breeding season due to less penetrable vegetation. We explored foraging habitat selection by chick‐raising Skylarks with a focus on the seasonal dynamics of habitat use and food availability. We investigated (i) habitat selection concerning prey biomass/diversity, vegetation cover, and distance to foraging sites, (ii) the overall and seasonal habitat use, and (iii) seasonal developments of foraging parameters (e.g., the feeding frequency) as indicators of food availability. We collected data on foraging habitats and foraging parameters of chick‐raising Skylark pairs at 51 nests from a Central European population in 2018 and 2019. Prey biomass/diversity and vegetation cover were measured for all habitats around 42 of these nests. As revealed by multivariate and compositional analyses, Skylarks mainly selected foraging habitats based on the proximity to nests. The most frequent habitats within home ranges could not be ranked according to an overall importance for foraging and their use partially changed over time. The feeding frequency increased throughout the breeding season, while other foraging parameters did not show significant changes. In contrast to our expectations, our data indicated therefore an increase, not a decrease in food availability in the late breeding season. This also implies that the way in which Skylarks used habitats was constantly suitable to raise offspring. We interpret this to be a consequence of the heterogeneous farmland composition of the study area that enabled Skylarks to establish a diverse home range and to benefit from the synergetic effects of neighboring habitat types. Thus, our findings provide support for the high importance of crop diversity in Skylark conservation.
Greater than the sum of your parts: Nonlethal stable isotope sampling methods in spiders
Authors: Marker Jeffery , Lafage Denis , Bergman Eva , Bowes Rachel E.
Published: January 2022

As top consumers and generalist predators, spiders are ideal organisms to study food webs and complex ecological functions using stable isotopes. Most researchers use whole‐body samples to analyze stable isotope ratios in spiders. Spiders can regrow lost legs and produce multiple molts during a life cycle, and nonlethal sampling utilizing legs and molts may provide a useful alternative to whole‐body sampling especially in larger bodied or threatened species. Furthermore, removing spider abdomens and thus leftover prey in the gut contents may provide a more accurate isotopic value. We tested the hypothesis that the δ15N, δ13C, or δ2H isotopic values in spider legs are reliable proxies for spider prosomas, abdomens, or whole bodies. We used laboratory‐reared large‐bodied spiders (Pterinochilus murinus) and field‐collected Lycosidae to compare lethal and nonlethal tissue isotopic values. We found that nonlethal samples of spider legs and molts are acceptable alternatives to lethal whole‐body samples to determine δ13C and δ15N stable isotope signatures. Nonlethal samples are not suitable proxies for whole‐body samples to determine δ2H isotopic values. Using nonlethal leg or molts samples in stable isotope investigations of spiders will allow researchers to promote conservation efforts and study threatened species while ensuring accurate and repeatable results.
Dietary composition and fatty acid content of giant salmonflies (Pteronarcys californica) in two Rocky Mountain rivers
Authors: Albertson Lindsey K. , Briggs Michelle A. , Maguire Zachary , Swart Sophia , Cross Wyatt F. , Twining Cornelia W. , Wesner Jeff S. , Baxter Colden V. , Walters David M.
Published: January 2022

Many aquatic invertebrates are declining or facing extinction from stressors that compromise physiology, resource consumption, reproduction, and phenology. However, the influence of these common stressors specifically on consumer–resource interactions for aquatic invertebrate consumers is only beginning to be understood. We conducted a field study to investigate Pteronarcys californica (i.e., the “giant salmonfly”), a large‐bodied insect that is ecologically and culturally significant to rivers throughout the western United States. We sampled gut contents and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of salmonflies to compare resource consumption across river (Madison or Gallatin, Montana), sex (male or female), and habitat (rock or woody debris). We found that allochthonous detritus comprised the majority of salmonfly diets in the Gallatin and Madison Rivers, making up 68% of the gut contents on average, followed by amorphous detritus, diatoms, and filamentous algae. Diets showed little variation across river, sex, or length. Minor differences in diets were detected by habitat type, with a higher proportion of diatoms in the diets of salmonflies collected from rocky habitat compared to woody debris. Fatty acid composition generally supported the results of gut content analysis but highlighted the importance of primary producers. The presence of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and alpha linolenic acid (18:3n‐3) indicated consumption of diatoms and filamentous green algae, respectively. Our research underscores the importance of a healthy riparian zone that provides allochthonous detritus for invertebrate nutrition as well as the role of algae as an important source of fatty acids.
Seed bank bias: Differential tracking of functional traits in the seed bank and vegetation across a gradient
Authors: Larson Julie E. , Suding Katharine N.
Published: January 2022

A goal in trait‐based ecology is to understand and predict plant community responses to environmental change; however, diversity stored within seed banks that may expand or limit these responses is typically overlooked. If seed banks store attributes that are more advantageous or vulnerable under future conditions, they could impact community adaptability to change and disturbance. We explored compositional differences between seed banks and vegetation (i.e., seed bank bias) across a 12‐site gradient of increasingly higher and older soil terraces, asking: How do seed banks contribute to taxonomic and functional composition, and what do shifts in seed bank biases along the gradient (i.e., tracking) reveal about the processes driving seed bank variation and its implications for community adaptability? Across the gradient, seed banks stored distinct pools of species that added to species richness but not functional dispersion. Seed banks were generally biased toward short‐life histories and “fast” species with small seeds, thinner and more acquisitive roots, and lower root biomass allocation; however, trait means in the seed bank and vegetation sometimes shifted along the gradient, amplifying or reversing these biases. For example, species with higher specific leaf area (tied to rapid resource acquisition) tended to dominate vegetation on lower soil terraces, but were more common in the seed bank on higher terraces—at least when patterns were weighted by species' relative abundances. Although seed banks were generally characterized by “fast” attributes, observed shifts in seed bank biases across the gradient—particularly in leaf traits—demonstrate that environment can impact stored diversity and, consequently, our expectations for future vegetative turnover. The seed bank bias patterns that we characterized could be the result of many potential processes, including environment‐ or trait‐driven variation in seed bank inputs (seed production, dispersal) or losses (seed desiccation, germination), and may have important implications for a system's adaptive capacity. Only by integrating seed banks into the functional ecology agenda will we be able to unpack these processes and use seed banks more effectively in both prediction and ecosystem management.
Preventing heart failure: a position paper of the Heart Failure Association in collaboration with the European Association of Preventive Cardiology
Authors: Piepoli Massimo F. , Adamo Marianna , Barison Andrea , Bestetti Reinaldo B. , Biegus Jan , Böhm Michael , Butler Javed , Carapetis Jonathan , Ceconi Claudio , Chioncel Ovidiu , Coats Andrew , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , de Simone Giovanni , Drexel Heinz , Emdin Michele , Farmakis Dimitros , Halle Martin , Heymans Stephane , Jaarsma Tiny , Jankowska Ewa , Lainscak Mitja , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Løchen Maja‐Lisa , Lopatin Yuri , Maggioni Aldo , Matrone Benedetta , Metra Marco , Noonan Katharine , Pina Ileana , Prescott Eva , Rosano Giuseppe , Seferovic Petar M. , Sliwa Karen , Stewart Simon , Uijl Alicia , Vaartjes Ilonca , Vermeulen Roel , Monique Verschuren W. M. , Volterrani Maurizio , von Haehling Stephan , Hoes Arno
Published: January 2022

The heart failure epidemic is growing and its prevention, in order to reduce associated hospital readmission rates and its clinical and economic burden, is a key issue in modern cardiovascular medicine. The present position paper aims to provide practical evidence‐based information to support the implementation of effective preventive measures. After reviewing the most common risk factors, an overview of the population attributable risks in different continents is presented, to identify potentially effective opportunities for prevention and to inform preventive strategies. Finally, potential interventions that have been proposed and have been shown to be effective in preventing heart failure are listed.
European Society of Cardiology quality indicators for the care and outcomes of adults with heart failure. Developed by the Working Group for Heart Failure Quality Indicators in collaboration with the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Aktaa Suleman , Polovina Marija , Rosano Giuseppe , Abdin Amr , Anguita Manuel , Lainscak Mitja , Lund Lars H. , McDonagh Theresa , Metra Marco , Mindham Richard , Piepoli Massimo , Störk Stefan , Tokmakova Mariya P. , Seferović Petar , Gale Chris P. , Coats Andrew J.S.
Published: January 2022

Aims

To develop a suite of quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the quality of care for adults with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

We followed the ESC methodology for QI development, which involved (i) the identification of the key domains of care for the management of HF by constructing a conceptual framework of HF care, (ii) the development of candidate QIs by conducting a systematic review of the literature, (iii) the selection of the final set of QIs using a modified Delphi method, and (iv) the evaluation of the feasibility of the developed QIs. The Working Group comprised experts in HF management including Task Force members of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Clinical Practice Guidelines for HF, members of the Heart Failure Association (HFA), Quality Indicator Committee and a patient representative. In total, 12 main and 4 secondary QIs were selected across five domains of care for the management of HF: (1) structural framework, (2) patient assessment, (3) initial treatment, (4) therapy optimization, and (5) assessment of patient health‐related quality of life.

Conclusion

We present the ESC HFA QIs for HF, describe their development process and provide the scientific rationale for their selection. The indicators may be used to quantify and improve adherence to guideline‐recommended clinical practice and thus improve patient outcomes.
Pressure‐assisted cooling to grow ultra‐stable Cs3Cu2l5 and CsCu2l3 single crystals for solid‐state lighting and visible light communication
Authors: Wang Baiqian , Chen Chen , Yang Xin , Cai Wensi , Zhao Shuangyi , Li Ru , Ma Wen , Chen Jiangzhao , Zang Zhigang
Published: January 2022

Owing to the excellent optical properties, white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) based on metal halide perovskites have attracted great attention as promising light source for solid‐state lighting and wireless visible light communication (VLC). However, the instability and toxicity of classic hybrid lead halides hinder their practical applications. Here, a pressure‐assisted cooling method is developed to grow lead‐free Cs3Cu2I5 and CsCu2I3 single crystals, which exhibit more excellent stability, larger size and uniform orientations in comparison with pressure‐free cooling method. Then, both single crystals are used as the emitters of WLEDs without encapsulation, exhibiting a high Color Rendering Index of 91, a decent Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinate of (0.33, 0.33), a proper Correlated Color Temperature of 5436 K, as well as an excellent 1350‐h operating stability at atmosphere. Furthermore, the prepared WLEDs are utilized in wireless VLC, which possesses a −3 dB bandwidth of 10.1 MHz.

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Olfactory loss and brain connectivity after COVID‐19
Authors: Esposito Fabrizio , Cirillo Mario , De Micco Rosa , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Siciliano Mattia , Russo Andrea Gerardo , Monari Caterina , Coppola Nicola , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Tessitore Alessandro
Published: January 2022

To address the impact of COVID‐19 olfactory loss on the brain, we analyzed the neural connectivity of the central olfactory system in recently SARS‐CoV‐2 infected subjects with persisting olfactory impairment (hyposmia). Twenty‐seven previously SARS‐CoV‐2 infected subjects (10 males, mean age ± SD 40.0 ± 7.6 years) with clinically confirmed COVID‐19 related hyposmia, and eighteen healthy, never SARS‐CoV‐2 infected, normosmic subjects (6 males, mean age ± SD 36.0 ± 7.1 years), were recruited in a 3 Tesla MRI study including high angular resolution diffusion and resting‐state functional MRI acquisitions. Specialized metrics of structural and functional connectivity were derived from a standard parcellation of olfactory brain areas and a previously validated graph‐theoretic model of the human olfactory functional network. These metrics were compared between groups and correlated to a clinical index of olfactory impairment. On the scanning day, all subjects were virus‐free and cognitively unimpaired. Compared to control, both structural and functional connectivity metrics were found significantly increased in previously SARS‐CoV‐2 infected subjects. Greater residual olfactory impairment was associated with more segregated processing within regions more functionally connected to the anterior piriform cortex. An increased neural connectivity within the olfactory cortex was associated with a recent SARS‐CoV‐2 infection when the olfactory loss was a residual COVID‐19 symptom. The functional connectivity of the anterior piriform cortex, the largest cortical recipient of afferent fibers from the olfactory bulb, accounted for the inter‐individual variability in the sensory impairment. Albeit preliminary, these findings could feature a characteristic brain connectivity response in the presence of COVID‐19 related residual hyposmia.
The evolution of infant mortality and neighbourhood inequalities in four world cities: 1988–2016
Authors: Weisz Daniel , Gusmano Michael K. , Laborde Caroline , Feron Valerie , Rodwin Victor G.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To determine the level of neighbourhood inequalities in infant mortality (IM) rates in the urban core of four world cities and to examine the association between neighbourhood‐level income and IM. We compare our findings with those published in 2004 to better understand how these city health systems have evolved.

Methods

We compare IM rates among and within the four cities using data from four periods: 1988–1992; 1993–1997; 2003–2008 and 2012–2016. Using a maximum‐likelihood negative binomial regression model that controls for births, we predict the relationship between neighbourhood‐level income and IM.

Results

IM rates have declined in all four cities. Neighbourhood‐level income is statistically significant for New York and, for the two most recent periods, in Paris. In contrast, there is no significant relationship between neighbourhood income and IM in London or Tokyo.

Conclusions

Despite programmes to reduce IM inequalities at national and local levels, these persist in New York. Until the early part of this century, none of the other cities experienced a relationship between neighbourhood income and IM, but growing income inequalities within Paris have changed this situation.

Policy implications

Policy‐makers in these cities should focus on better understanding the social and economic factors associated with neighbourhood inequalities in IM.
Predictors of planned caesarean section births in a sample of Romanian women
Authors: Blaga Oana M. , Hentes Emanuel , Ungureanu Marius I. , Forray Alina I.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Romania has one of the highest incidences of births by caesarean section (CS) in the European Union (EU). The present study aims to identify the possible predictors of planned caesarean section (PCS) in a convenience sample of Romanian women.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the cross‐sectional data collected as part of the EU‐level Babies Born Better online survey from 1908 Romanian women who gave birth between 2013 and 2018. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify the potential individual and health system‐level predictors of PCS.

Results

PCS was reported by 36.7% (n = 657) of the women. In the multivariable regression model, older maternal age (aOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07–1.14) and presence of medical or non‐medical problems during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.31–2.12) were significantly associated with PCS. Conversely, birth at a very high level of competence hospital was inversely associated with PCS (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.76).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that PCS may be associated with both individual and health system‐level variables. Our results are significant because they could be used to inform decision‐making processes aimed at lowering PCS incidence.
Quality of nursing care in Saudi's healthcare transformation era: A nursing perspective
Authors: Alkorashy Hanan A. , Al‐Hothaly Wejdan Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Background

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia corporates performance improvement strategies in health sector to transform hospital operations and instituting a culture of quality through performance improvement initiatives. Quality of nursing care (QNC) is a concern for nursing professionals and administration. Donabedian's ‘Quality‐of‐Care’ framework plays a vital role in transforming nursing care and determining appropriate intervention development and implementation plans.

Aim

To explore the nurses' perception for the QNC and find their perspectives in achievements and gaps by adopting the Donabedian model.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 639 nurses from a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia using Karen‐personnel instrument for measuring QNC. The achievements and gaps in nursing care quality determined by redistributing Karen statements to the three dimensions of the Donabedian structure, process and outcome model.

Findings

The nurses' overall perception of the QNC was positive. According to the Donabedian model, the nurses focussed on care procedures (i.e., process‐oriented) and required resources (i.e., structure‐oriented), although the transformation era requires nurses' performance to focus on the outcome dimension.

Conclusion

To activate the vital roles of nurses in accomplishing health transformation initiatives, there should be collaborative efforts among nursing managers, educators and policy‐makers to sustain quality of structure, process and outcome‐oriented nursing care and be more outcome‐oriented.
Subsurface shape factor for surface irrigation hydraulics
Authors: Seyedzadeh Amin , Panahi Amir , Maroufpoor Eisa , Merkley Gary P.
Published: January 2022

An improved analytic solution is presented to estimate soil water infiltration by surface irrigation methods through a more rigorous determination of the subsurface shape factor, as applied in volume‐balance models. Based on the results of this analysis and by averaging the shape factor of previously published equations, a new relationship is presented, with a maximum error of 0.036%. Also, the effect of these relationships on the empirical parameters for the Kostiakov–Lewis equation and the water infiltration depth were evaluated. Based on this evaluation, the relative error difference of the infiltration depth of the actual subsurface shape factor value and the new relationship was less than 0.01%. Given the high accuracy of the proposed methodology and the simplicity of its form, this relationship is recommended for use in practical work to predict surface irrigation hydraulic performance and irrigation application efficiency.
Students' conception of local responses to global problems for a more peaceful and sustainable world: A collaborative education project between Brazil, Canada, Qatar, and New Zealand
Authors: Wilby Kyle John , Black Emily K. , Benetoli Arcelio , Paravattil Bridget
Published: January 2022

Background

The concept of global citizenship aims to prepare learners to be able to function and be competitive within a global environment. Successful learners may effectively “think globally” but “act locally,” aiming to contribute to positive global change.

Objective

The goal of this project was to develop research‐informed curricular content for global citizenship tailored to pharmacy students using a pre‐established pedagogical framework. The intended learning outcome for the content was for students to “generate local responses to global problems for a more peaceful and sustainable world.”

Methods

This study occurred over three phases. Phase 1 consisted of semi‐structured interviews with practicing pharmacists in Brazil (n = 4), Canada (n = 4), New Zealand (n = 4), and Qatar (n = 4) to identify global issues for case development. Phase 2 consisted of pilot testing developed cases from Phase 1 via individual interviews with target students in Canada (n = 2) and a focus group in New Zealand (n = 5). Phase 3 consisted of implementation of a 1.5‐hours teaching event in New Zealand using the refined case material and formative assessment of final‐year pharmacy students (n = 120).

Results

Phase 1 resulted in five case scenarios (antimicrobial resistance, drug shortages, ocean pollution, climate change, and rise of nationalism) across three categories (global health and wellbeing, climate and environment, and geopolitics and power) that were tested and refined in Phase 2. Phase 3 resulted in student groups being able to achieve the intended learning outcome on a median of 4 (range, 2‐5) of the developed cases. Students' interventions included new dispensing models, use of technology, community engagement, education initiatives, and others.

Conclusion

Findings support the notion that when tasked to “think globally,” students are able to “act locally” by designing pharmacy practice interventions to reduce the impact of political, environmental, and health‐related global problems.
Microplastics alter feeding strategies of a coral reef organism
Authors: Joppien Marlena , Westphal Hildegard , Stuhr Marleen , Doo Steve S.
Published: January 2022

Increasing marine microplastic pollution has detrimentally impacted organismal physiology and ecosystem functioning. While previous studies document negative effects of microplastics on coral reef animals, the potential responses of organisms such as large benthic foraminifera (LBF) are largely unknown. Here, we document the impact of microplastics on heterotrophic feeding behavior of LBF. Specimens of Amphistegina gibbosa were incubated in three experimental treatments: (1) Artemia sp. nauplii only; (2) pristine microplastic particles only; and (3) choice of nauplii and pristine microplastic. Feeding responses were evaluated 24 h after initiation of treatments. A separate experiment was conducted to compare the effect of conditioned vs. pristine microplastic. Our results indicate that A. gibbosa is able to selectively feed on Artemia, avoiding interactions with pristine microplastic. However, the presence of conditioned microplastic causes similar feeding interaction rates as with Artemia. This suggests that microplastics with longer residence times may have a larger impact on facultative detritivores.
Toward bio‐optical phenotyping of reef‐forming corals using Light‐Induced FluorescenceTransient‐FastRepetition Rate fluorometry
Authors: Suggett David J. , Nitschke Matthew R. , Hughes David J. , Bartels Natasha , Camp Emma F. , Dilernia Nicole , Edmondson John , Fitzgerald Sage , Grima Amanda , Sage Ayla , Warner Mark E.
Published: January 2022

Active chlorophyllafluorometry is a well‐established tool for noninvasively diagnosing coral functional state, but has not yet been developed as a rapid phenotyping (functional screening) platform as for agriculture and forestry. Here, we present a proof‐of‐concept using Light‐Induced Fluorescence Transient‐Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry (LIFT‐FRRf) to identify coral photobiological‐based phenotypes in the context of rapidly scaling coral propagation practices on the northern Great Barrier Reef. For example, resolving light niche plasticity to inform transplantation, and identifying functionally diverse colonies to maximize stock selection. We first used optically diverse laboratory‐reared corals and coral endosymbiont (Symbiodiniaceae) isolates to develop a phenotyping approach integrating FRRf instantaneous kinetic parameters (light harvesting, electron turnover rates) and light‐dependent parameters (dynamic “quenching” terms, saturating light intensity [EK]). Subsequent field‐based LIFT‐FRRf phenotyping of coral from a selective (2‐4 m depth) reef habitat revealed that widely topographically dispersed platingAcroporataxa exhibited broad light niche plasticity (EKvariance) underpinned by multiple phenotypes that were predominantly differentiated by minimum electron turnover capacity; fluorometer configurations that cannot resolve kinetic parameters will thus likely have more limited capacity to resolve phenotypes. As such, platingAcroporahave broad propagation potential in terms of multiple functional variants for stock and across diverse light environments (growth, transplantation). In contrast, coral taxa (Pocillopora verrucosa,Echinopora lamellosa) with relatively restricted topographic dispersion exhibited less light niche plasticity and only single phenotypes, thereby imposing more constraints for propagation. We discuss the core technical, operational, and conceptual steps required to develop more sophisticated coral phenotyping platforms.
Designing Boron‐Based Single‐Ion Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries by Photopolymerization
Authors: Alvarez‐Tirado Marta , Guzmán‐González Gregorio , Vauthier Soline , Cotte Stéphane , Guéguen Aurélie , Castro Laurent , Mecerreyes David
Published: January 2022

Single‐ion lithium conducting polymer electrolytes based on delocalized borate groups are designed and synthesized by rapid UV‐photopolymerization. For this purpose, three different functional lithium boron sp3 anionic monomers, containing fluorinated, ethoxy, or a blend of both functionalities are synthesized. These monomers are photopolymerized in the presence of a poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate crosslinker and tetraglyme as plasticizer. By this method, gel polymer electrolytes endowed with lithium single‐ion conduction are prepared (SIGPEs). The impact generated by the different functionalities of the borate groups and the addition of plasticizer on the electrochemical and ion conducting properties of the synthesized polymer electrolytes are analyzed in detail. These polymer electrolytes show high ionic conductivity (1.71 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C) and high lithium transference number values (up to 0.85). Finally, they are investigated as solid electrolytes in lithium metal symmetrical cells showing good performance (<0.85 V at ±0.2 mA cm−2 for 175 h).
Features Differ Between Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia Patients with PRRT2 and TMEM151A Variants
Authors: Chen Yu‐Lan , Chen Dian‐Fu , Li Hong‐Fu , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: January 2022

Background

Mutations in proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) are the major cause of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD). We recently reported transmembrane protein 151A (TMEM151A) mutations caused PKD. Herein, we aimed to conduct phenotypic comparisons of patients with PKD carrying PRRT2 variants, carrying TMEM151A variants, and carrying neither the PRRT2 nor TMEM151A variant.

Methods

Sanger sequencing of PRRT2 and TMEM151A was performed, and phenotypic characteristics were analyzed.

Results

In a cohort of 131 PKD probands (108 without PRRT2 variants and 23 newly recruited), five novel TMEM151A variants were identified and one (c.647C > A) occurred de novo. Together with our previous studies, PRRT2 and TMEM151A variants accounted for 34.7% (85/245) and 6.9% (17/245) of PKD probands, respectively. Compared with patients carrying PRRT2 variants, those with TMEM151A variants tended to exbibit dystonia with shorter durations, have no history of benign infantile epilepsy, and have residual attacks/aura when treated with carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine.

Conclusions

Patients with TMEM151A variants have different features from patients with PRRT2 variants. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mutations in exon region of BRCA1‐related RING domain 1 gene and risk of breast cancer
Authors: Wu Jun , Aini Alibiati , Ma Binlin
Published: January 2022

Background

BRCA1‐associated RING Domain 1 (BARD1) is an important gene related to breast cancer development. However, the role of BARD1 mutations in breast cancer remains inconclusive. This study is to investigate the relationship between exon mutations of BARD1 gene and the risk of early‐onset breast cancer.

Methods

Totally, 60 cases of early‐onset breast cancer patients (age 30–40 years) and 240 healthy women (age 30–40 years) were enrolled. Exon mutations of BARD1 were detected and analyzed by direct sequencing and SNaPshot.

Results

The risk of breast cancer was increased by 3.475 times in carriers with deletion mutation at rs28997575 site of BARD1 (aOR1 = 3.475, 95%CI = 1.302–9.276) (p = 0.013). The risk of breast cancer in carriers with GC genotype at rs2229571 site of BARD1 was reduced by 72.6% (aOR1 = 0.274, 95%CI = 0.134–0.562) (p = 0.001), and that in carriers with CC genotype was reduced by 82.8% (aOR1 = 0.172, 95%CI = 0.076–0.392) (p = 0.001). After stratification with family history, the difference of rs2229571 site mutation genotype was statistically significant (OR = −2.169, 95%CI = 0.016–0.828, p = 0.032). Additionally, the frequency distribution of breast cancer family history in the case group (15%) was significantly more than that in the control group (6.7%) (p = 0.037).

Conclusion

The deletion mutation at rs28997575 locus of the BARD1 gene can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. The mutation genotype of rs2229571 locus can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Family history is associated with BARD1 gene polymorphism. A family history of breast cancer may be a risk factor for breast cancer.
Recent developments of temperature‐responsive polymers for ophthalmic applications
Authors: Ow Valerie , Loh Xian Jun
Published: January 2022

Blindness is one of the most feared disabilities. From cataracts and glaucoma to age‐related macular degeneration and retinal vascular diseases, ocular diseases have adverse impacts on patients and pose a huge burden to the healthcare system. The World Health Organization estimates that out of 2.2 billion people with visual impairment, almost half of the cases can be prevented or has yet to be addressed. This presents an urgent clinical and societal need to be met. Temperature‐sensitive hydrogels are one of the most biocompatible materials, which can be applied into the eye. By exploiting physiological temperature as a stimulus for in situ gel formation, control of the mechanical properties, rate of drug release, and biomechanical interactions can be tuned. They are very versatile and have immense potential in ocular applications by acting as vitreous substitutes in retinal surgery or topical eye drops and lenses for ocular discomfort and inflammation. In this article, we provide a review of the recent developments in temperature‐responsive polymers in ophthalmic therapy in the past 5 years including retinal detachment, retinal vascular diseases, dry eyes, cataracts, age‐related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
The benefits and consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic for patients diagnosed with cancer and their family caregivers
Authors: Steel Jennifer L. , Amin Aarshati , Peyser Tristen , Olejniczak Donna , Antoni Michael , Carney Maureen , Tillman Emily , Hecht Carol Lynn , Pandya Niva , Miceli Jessica , Reyes Vincent , Nilsen Marci , Johnson Jonas , Kiefer Gauri , Pappu Bhanu , Zandberg Dan P. , Geller David A.
Published: January 2022

Background

The objectives of this study were to examine benefits and consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic for patients diagnosed with cancer and their family caregivers.

Methods

A 23‐item questionnaire assessing COVID‐19‐related issues, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2, Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐2, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)‐4 were administered to patients diagnosed with cancer and their family caregivers.

Results

Of the 161 patients and 78 caregivers who participated, 38.1% and 32.8 were male, 95% and 84.6% Caucasian, and the mean age was 66 and 64.6 years, respectively. A total of 16.5% and 15.2% reported depressive symptoms, 18.4% and 19% reported anxiety; 35.5% and 26.6% reported poor sleep quality, and 66% and 63.3% scored one standard deviation above the norms for the PSS, respectively. Predictors of poorer patient‐ and caregiver‐reported outcomes included greater loneliness, worry about self or family being infected by the COVID‐19, and worsening relationships with family. The fear of COVID‐19 led to 20.8% of patients and 24.4% of family caregivers cancelling medical appointments, procedures, and treatments. A total of 52.5% of patients and 53.2% caregivers reported that the pandemic led to benefit finding but these changes were not associated with any of the measured patient‐ or caregiver‐related outcomes.

Conclusions

Psychological functioning for patients and caregivers was similar to that of pre‐pandemic levels, however the decrease in health care utilization secondary to fear of COVID‐19 was notable. While there were many negative effects of the pandemic, the majority of patients and caregivers reported some benefit to the pandemic.
The effects of prolactin receptor blockade in a murine endometriosis interna model
Authors: Otto Christiane , Ulbrich Hannes‐Friedrich , Freiberg Christoph
Published: January 2022

Endometriosis in an estrogen‐dependent disease that is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity leading to pain and infertility in many affected women. Highly efficient treatment options which create a hypo‐estrogenic environment can cause side effects such as hot flushes and bone mass loss that are not favorable for premenopausal women. Previous work has demonstrated that increased local or systemic prolactin seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Here we examined two prolactin receptor (PRLR) blocking antibodies in a murine endometriosis interna model which relies on the induction of systemic hyperprolactinemia in female SHN mice. The severity of the disease is determined by the degree of endometrial invasion into the myometrium. In this model, endometriosis was inhibited by clinical gold standards such as progestins and anti‐estrogenic approaches. PRLR blockade completely inhibited endometriosis in this mouse model to the same extent as the anti‐estrogen faslodex or the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix. In contrast to cetrorelix and faslodex, the PRLR antibodies did not decrease relative uterine weights and were thus devoid of anti‐estrogenic effects. We therefore hypothesize that PRLR antibodies may present a novel and highly efficient treatment option for endometriosis with a good safety and tolerability profile. Clinical studies are on the way to test this hypothesis.
Process–Structure–Properties Relationships of Passivating, Electron‐Selective Contacts Formed by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of Phosphorus‐Doped Polysilicon
Authors: Mousumi Jannatul Ferdous , Gregory Geoffrey , Ganesan Jeya Prakash , Nunez Christian , Provancha Kenneth , Seren Sven , Zunft Heiko , Jurca Titel , Banerjee Parag , Kar Aravinda , Kumar Ranganathan , Davis Kristopher O.
Published: January 2022

Herein, we investigate the process–structure–properties relationships of in situ phosphorus (P)‐doped polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) films by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) for fabricating poly‐Si passivating, electron selective contacts. This high‐throughput in‐line APCVD technique enables to achieve a low‐cost, simple manufacturing process for crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells featuring poly‐Si passivating contact by excluding the need for vacuum/plasma environment, and additional post‐deposition doping steps. A thin layer of this P‐doped poly‐Si is deposited on an ultrathin (1.5 nm) silicon oxide (SiOx) coated c‐Si substrate to fabricate the passivating contact. This is followed by various post‐deposition treatments, including a high‐temperature annealing step and hydrogenation process. The poly‐Si films are characterized to achieve a better understanding of the impacts of deposition process conditions and post‐deposition treatments on the microstructure, electrical conductivity, passivation quality, and carrier selectivity of the contacts which assists to identify the optimal process conditions. In this work, the optimized annealing process with post‐hydrogenation yields passivating contact with a saturation current density (J0) of 3 fA cm−2and an implied open‐circuit voltage (iVOC) of 712 mV on planar c‐Si wafer. Junction resistivity values ranging from 50 to 260 mΩ cm2are realized for the poly‐Si contacts processed in the optimal annealing condition.
Costunolide protects against alcohol‐induced liver injury by regulating gut microbiota, oxidative stress and attenuating inflammation in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Mao Jingxin , Zhan Honghong , Meng Fancheng , Wang Guowei , Huang Dan , Liao Zhihua , Chen Min
Published: January 2022

Costunolide (cos) derived from the roots of Dolomiaea souliei (Franch.), which belongs to the Dolomiaea genus in the family Compositae, exert the anti‐inebriation effect mainly by inhibiting the absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the protective effect of cos against alcohol‐induced liver injury (ALI) remains obscure. The present study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of cos (silymarin was used as positive control) against ALI and its potential mechanisms. MTT was used to examine the effect of cos on the cell viability of L‐02 cells. Plasma was separated from blood that used to test the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐12, and LPS while serum separated from blood which used to detect the level of ALT and AST. Liver tissues were obtained for histopathological examination and western blot analysis. Fresh mice feces samples were collected for the detection of bacterial composition. Cos exhibited protective effect against alcoholic‐induced liver injury by regulating gut microbiota capacities (higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria while lower in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria), adjusting oxidative stress (reduced the activities of MDA and ROS while promoted SOD, GSH and GSH‐PX in L‐02 cells) and attenuating inflammation (decreased the levels of ALT, AST, LPS, IL‐6, IL‐12 and TNF‐α) via LPS‐TLR4‐NF‐κB p65 signaling pathway, which might be an active therapeutic agent for treatment of ALI.
The comparative effects of sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril on pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Zhao Ying , Tian Li‐guo , Zhang Li‐xin , Ma Tao , Di Liang , Wang Yan‐bo , Gu Xin‐shun , Wang Dan‐dan , Gao Shang , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on right ventricular (RV) function in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We prospectively enrolled patients with HFrEF‐induced PH admitted to the Department of Cardiology between August 2018 and December 2019. Patients were randomized to receive oral treatment with sacubitril/valsartan or enalapril. Epidemiological data were recorded before treatment. Echocardiography was performed at admission and 6 months of follow‐up, and all parameters were compared. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were compared between baseline and 6 months follow‐up. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. After 6 months of treatment, both treatment groups improved the following parameters from baseline (mean ± SD): left atrium, left ventricle, the left ventricular ejection function (LVEF), RV systolic function (the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE], the systolic pulmonary artery pressure [sPAP], and TAPSE/sPAP). After 6 months, sacubitril/valsartan improved significantly the following parameters compared with enalapril (all p < 0.05): LVEF (47.07 ± 6.93% vs. 43.47 ± 7.95%); TAPSE (15.33 ± 1.31 vs. 14.78 ± 1.36 mm); sPAP (36.76 ± 14.32 vs. 42.26 ± 12.07 mmHg); and TAPSE/sPAP ratio (0.50 ± 0.23 vs. 0.39 ± 0.14), respectively. There was no difference in readmissions due to recurrent heart failure. Sacubitril/valsartan seems to provide more beneficial effects among patients with HFrEF‐induced PH to improve RV function, along with a decrease in pulmonary pressure.
Quantitative feedback control of health care demand via non‐pharmaceutical interventions during an epidemic
Authors: Boje Edward
Published: January 2022

Once an infectious disease has become an epidemic and can no longer be contained, non‐pharmaceutical public health interventions may be used to reduce infection rates so as to control demand on health care resources including staff and hospital facilities. Feedback control is shown to have limited possibilities due to (often unmodeled) non‐minimum phase lag; uncertainty in model parameters and measurements; and the discrete time nature of practical controller implementation for the interventions. Classical susceptible‐exposed‐infected models do not capture real time delays in disease progression, or phase lag effects of discrete time feedback control. Non‐minimum phase lag constraints are more severe if the number of hospitalized individuals rather than the number of infected individuals is used as the measurement variable.
Reducing Contact Time of Droplets Impacting Superheated Hydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Huang Chung‐Te , Lo Ching‐Wen , Lu Ming‐Chang
Published: January 2022

Reducing the contact time (tc) of a droplet impacting a solid surface is crucial in various fields. Superhydrophobic (SHB) surfaces are used to reduce tc at room temperature. However, at high temperatures, SHB surfaces cannot achieve tc reduction because of the failure of the coating materials or the Leidenfrost (LF) effect. Therefore, a surface that can suppress the LF effect and reduce tc at high temperatures is required. To create such a surface, a double‐reentrant groove (DRG) array surface with an overhanging structure on top of the microgrooves is developed. The overhanging structure renders the surface hydrophobic (HB). Despite its HB nature, the DRG surface's LF point (LFP) is observed at ≈530 °C, which is higher than the LFP on other HB surfaces. Moreover, a tc smaller than the inertia–capillary limit on the DRG surface is observed at between 400 and 500 °C. Accordingly, the DRG surface is currently the only HB surface for tc reduction at high temperatures. The DRG surface avoids the limitation of low LFPs observed on HB surfaces. Due to its HB properties, the DRG surface is determined to exhibit self‐cleaning characteristics and can be used in various applications at high temperatures.