bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Acute Acrocyanosis and Digital Gangrene as a Sign of Catastrophic COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Agarwal Arun , Sharma Ambika , Jakhar Rekha , Agarwal Mudit
Published: May 2021

Corona Virus Infection Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present with different symptoms and complications during its course. Emerging evidence suggests that it induces a hypercoagulable state with micro and macroangiopathy. This hypercoagulopathy has been identified in a subset of critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, extremity ischemia with acrocyanosis and digital gangrene has not been commonly reported with COVID-19. It is caused due to microangiopathic and immunothrombosis phenomenon, and may be accompanied by microvascular involvement of other organs. Here, a case of critically ill 67-year-old maleCOVID-19 patient is reported who developed digital acrocyanosis and gangrene in lower limbs while being mechanically ventilated for severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) despite being haemodynamically stable (i.e., not needing vasopressor) and on therapeutic anticoagulation. He subsequently succumbed to his disease due to multiorgan dysfunction. This suggests that extremity ischemia correlates with poor prognosis in this small subset of critically ill COVID-19 patients, and can have a prognostic role in the disease outcome. It may be the first clinical manifestation even in non-vasculopathic patients.
Alternative Strategies in the Treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Au Ryan Goon Hon
Published: May 2021

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff.) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections worldwide and is a major challenge to public health. Widespread use of antibiotic agents have caused increasing incidence rates of C. diff. infections and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of the potentially-deadly bacteria. The current treatment guidelines include the use of various antibiotics, which further contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance. There is an urgent need for novel treatment methods in order to halt the emergence of even more antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review discusses the pathogenesis of C. diff. infections, current treatment strategies, and possible alternative treatment strategies based on breakthrough scientific research.
Room Temperature Synthesis of Nanostructured ZnO: Active Visible Photocatalyst in the Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Farrouji Amine El , Tchalala Rachid Mohamed , Eddine Abderrahim Chihab , Mehdi Ahmad , Firdoussi Larbi El , Ali Mustapha Ait
Published: May 2021

Nanostructured ZnO was prepared using a facile solution-phase method at room temperature without need to calcination. Oxidation of zinc sulfate by sodium hypochlorite in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) gave pure nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs). The structure and physicochemical properties of the material were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (IR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance and their optical Properties. ZnO particles were successfully distributed in two-dimensional sheet with a nanometric thickness and a random distribution. The activity was evaluated for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) by a study of experimental conditions such as the effect of the mass of the catalyst, the effect of the initial concentration of the dye and the effect of the volume of the oxidizing agent. The kinetics of the reaction follow a pseudo-first order.
Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Pericopsis laxiflora (Baker) Meeuwen (Leguminosae) – A Review
Authors: Sarfo-Antwi Frederick , Larbie Christopher , Emikpe Benjamin Obukowho , Appiah–Opong Regina
Published: May 2021

Pericopsis laxiflora (Family Leguminosae) is a medicinal plant that is ubiquitous especially in the tropical and savannah regions. There are many reports on folkloric and traditional medicinal uses that include haemorrhoids, rheumatism, abdominal pain treatment, diarrhoea, and dysentery, fever, skin diseases and jaundice. Peer-reviewed articles were gathered by consulting the databases of Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Phytochemical investigations have revealed many bioactive compounds such as β-carboline derivative and tryptamine derivative. The plant has been examined on the basis of the in vitro, in vivo or clinical evaluations and shown to possess major pharmacological activities. These include anti-trypanosomal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-malarial activities. In the present review, an attempt has been made to congregate the traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological studies performed on Pericopsis laxiflora. Comprehensive safety and efficacy studies must be conducted on the plant. Generally, there are knowledge gaps that must be filled. Thus this review is intended for practitioners and researchers in the fields of ethnopharmacology, natural product chemistry and drug discovery related research.
Impact of Zinc Fertilization on Yield, Yield Attributes and Quality Parameters of Finger Millet Varieties under Rainfed alfisols of Southern Zone, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Mrudula G. , Rani P. Sandhya , Sreekanth B. , Nagamadhuri K. V. , Luther M. Martin
Published: May 2021

Aims: To study the effect of zinc fertilization through soil and foliar at different stages of finger millet on yield, yield attributes and quality in two major finger millet varieties under rainfed alfisols of southern zone, Andhra Pradesh

Study Design:  Split-plot design

Place and Duration of Study: Wetland farm, S.V Agricultural College, Tirupati and during kharif season of 2019 and 2020 (Two seasons)

Methodology: Zinc fertilization to two major finger millet varieties viz., Vakula and Tirumala through soil and foliar application at different crop stages with following treatments viz.,  Control (No fertilizers and manures); RDF (60 -30-20 kg N-P-K + FYM @ 4 t ha-1);  RDF + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal; RDF+Soil application of chelated-ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1; RDF+foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at ear head emergence stage; RDF+foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at grain filling stage; and RDF+foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at ear head emergence and grain filling stage. The yield, yield attributes and quality parameters viz., protein, zinc and iron content in grains were determined by adopting standard protocols.

Results: The application of zinc significantly (p<0.05) improved the yield and quality parameters over control. The foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at ear head emergence and grain filling stage was significantly (p≤0.05) improved the yield and yield attributes of finger millet over RDF. The grain yield, straw yield, no. of productive tillers per plant, no. of fingers per plant were increased to 57.0%, 83.2%, 44.6% and 51.7%, respectively over RDF i.e., 60-30-20 kg N-P-K + FYM @ 4 t ha-1. The quality parameters namely protein, grain zinc and iron also increased up to 40.7%, 69.5% and 43.2%, respectively over RDF.

Conclusion: Application of zinc sulphate at ear head emergence and grain filling stages enhanced the yield, yield parameters and quality parameters compared to other treatments of tirumala variety under rainfed alfisols of southern zone of Andhra Pradesh.
Gastro-intestinal Stromal Tumor Complicated by an Acute Intestinal Occlusion: A Case Report
Authors: Elbakouri A. , Zouhair A. , Bensardi F. Z. , Bouali M. , Elhattabi K. , Fadil A.
Published: May 2021

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rares connective tumors, usually located in the stomach or small intestine. Derived from Cajal cells or one of their precursors.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) represent 1% to 2% of all neoplasms of the digestive tract, The average age is between 50 and 60 years old, most often occurring in the stomach, Their clinical symptomatology is variable according to the region affected or the size of the lesion, they are responsibles for digestive bleeding, pain, or abdominal mass, as well as an alteration in the general state of health. More rarely, the diagnosis is made on the occasion of an intestinal occlusion. the  GIST complicated by occlusion due either to invagination of the tumour mass or to exophytic development of the tumour. In CT scans, they are manifested by a localised parietal tumour thickening of variable size with most often an exophytic development. Molecular biology plays an important role in this disease.

The main treatment is radical surgery .The Imatinib has radically changed the prognosis of patients with unresectable and/or metastatic GIST.

We report the case of a patient with a stromal tumour complicated by occlusion operated in emergency in the department of visceral surgical emergencies of Ibn Rochd UHC.
Intervenções de enfermagem relacionadas à ventilação mecânica em pacientes graves acometidos por covid-19 - Nursing interventions related to mechanical ventilation in serious patients affected by covid-19
Authors: Da Silva Héllian Sodré , Almeida Dos Santos Alef , Dos Santos Nunes Nélson , Affonso Luna Aline
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: identificar as intervenções de enfermagem na ventilação mecânica invasiva em pacientes graves acometidos por COVID 19. Metodologia: revisão integrativa da literatura com seleção e analise de artigos publicados no período 2019 a 2020 : Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde , Scientific Electronic Library Online , Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online , Base de Dados Bibliográficas Especializada na Área de Enfermagem. Resultado: como resultado surgiu a temática o cuidado de enfermagem como eixo principal. Conclusão: enfermeiro apresenta conhecimento técnico e cientifico para esta realizando o planejamento de enfermagem no paciente grave acometido por Infecçãos por Coronavirus em uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva. Acredita-se que as intervenções de enfermagemapresentammelhora do prognostico e segurança do paciente assistido .
Recalling a recent meal reduces desire and prospective intake measures for pictures of palatable food
Authors: Arthur Phoebe , Stevenson Richard J. , Francis Heather M.
Published: May 2021

Recalling what was eaten at a meal today, relative to yesterday, reduces subsequent food intake. We explored one cause of this effect by examining how this memory manipulation affects food specific (desire/how much you would eat) and general (hunger) motivation to eat. Participants rated hunger before random assignment to either recall their last meal (experimental) or lunch yesterday (control). They then judged specific motivation to eat a set of palatable foods (as pictures), followed by hunger ratings and a measure of dietary restraint. Specific motivation to eat was significantly lower in the experimental group, even though hunger ratings increased following exposure to food images in both groups. Dietary restraint was negatively correlated with specific motivation to eat in controls, but not in the experimental group, and these two relationships significantly differed. We suggest an explicit cognitive process akin to dietary restraint inhibits specific motivation to eat following last meal recall.
Caron praises VBC; is at risk for 90 days post‐discharge
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

Signing an agreement with a managed care company may not seem like a path to profit and good patient care, but for the legendary Caron, it has been working out. Value‐based contracting (VBC) is what it sounds like: giving the insurance company value for its money. But this is not based on limiting days or type of treatment, just dollars. And as long as those dollars are agreed upon, all is well, according to Joseph Garbely, D.O., chief medical officer at Caron, in an interview with ADAW.
OTP patient census information now being collected
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) and the State Opioid Treatment Authorities (SOTAs) are surveying opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to find out how many patients are receiving treatment, and what kind of medication they are receiving.
Beyond Photo: Xdynamic Therapies in Fighting Cancer
Authors: Wang Sheng , Tian Rui , Zhang Xu , Cheng Guohui , Yu Peng , Chang Jin , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐related therapeutic approaches are developed as a promising modality for cancer treatment because the aberrant increase of intracellular ROS level can cause cell death due to nonspecific oxidation damage to key cellular biomolecules. However, the most widely considered strategy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), suffers from critical limitations such as limited tissue‐penetration depth, high oxygen dependence, and phototoxicity. Non‐photo‐induced ROS generation strategies, which are defined as Xdynamic therapies (X = sono, radio, microwave, chemo, thermo, and electro), show good potential to overcome the drawbacks of PDT. Herein, recent advances in the development of Xdynamic therapies, including the design of systems, the working mechanisms, and examples of cancer therapy application, are introduced. Furthermore, the approaches to enhance treatment efficiency of Xdynamic therapy are highlighted. Finally, the perspectives and challenges of these strategies are also discussed.
Imaging and Controlling Photonic Modes in Perovskite Microcavities
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Yaolong , Yu Haoran , Wang Ju , Hu Aiqin , Jia Shangtong , Li Xiaofang , Yang Hong , Dai Lun , Lu Guowei , Liu Yunquan , Wang Shufeng , Gong Qihuang
Published: May 2021

Perovskite microcavities have excellent photophysical properties for integrated optoelectronic devices, such as nanolasers. Imaging and controlling the photonic modes within the cavity are fundamentally important to understand and develop applications. Here, photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) is used to image the photonic modes within optical microcavities with a nanometer‐scale spatial resolution. From a CsPbBr3 microcavity, hybrid mode patterns are observed. Spatial frequency spectrum analysis on the patterns uncovers the characteristic cavity modes, which are modeled with transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) waves, and assigned to exciton–polariton modes. Based on this understanding, the light focus in a designed microcavity is imaged in real space and controlled by the light field polarization. The study confirms that the cavity modes in perovskites can be effectively observed by the PEEM technique under resonant excitation, which, in turn, promotes the design of optoelectronic devices based on perovskite microcavities.
Comments on Ion Selectivity at the Crossroad between Biology and Biomimetics
Authors: Hélix‐Nielsen Claus
Published: May 2021

The growing global pressure on water resources requires continuous improvements of water treatment technologies. Here new membrane developments are attracting increasing interest as they may provide potential solutions for a wide variety of industrial production processes. In this aspect, efficient ion selective membranes facilitating transport driven by electrochemical gradients for industrial separation processes, or membranes capable of generating energy by conversion of electrochemical gradients into electrical energy are attracting increasing interest. Despite progress in ion selective/ion‐exchange membrane material science there is still a need for performance improvements in order to fully explore promising existing and new applications based on ion‐selectivity. With the advent of new materials where the selectivity mechanism is obtained by establishing narrow conduits akin to structures found in biological membrane channel proteins, a new era is being entered into of ion selective membrane development. Here, some of the key features of ion‐transport in nanoscale pores and apertures will be discussed with a view of how biological mechanisms may inspire the development of biomimetic ion selective membranes.
Synthesis and Properties of Multistimuli Responsive Shape Memory Polyurethane Bioinspired from α‐Keratin Hair
Authors: Wu Guanzheng , Panahi‐Sarmad Mahyar , Xiao Xueliang , Dong Ke , Mei Xi , Li Siming , Li Ruiqing , Hou Xiuliang
Published: May 2021

Herein, a multistimuli responsive shape memory polyurethane (multiresponsive SMPU) containing disulfide bonds (–S–S–), bioinspired from α‐keratin hair component, was synthesized using a two‐step reaction and activated via four‐varied stimuli, including water, heat, redox agent, and UV‐light. First, the prepolymer was prepared by the reaction between the comonomers of hexamethylene diisocyanate and polycaprolactone‐2000, and once ended, 1,4‐butylene glycol and 3‐mercapto‐1,2‐propanediol (C3H8O2S) have been appended to the prepolymer to initiate the chain‐extension reaction. The chemical structure and properties of the multi‐responsive SMPU were decoded by FT‐IR, XRD, DSC, and Raman spectra. The correlation between microstructure, dynamic‐mechanical‐analysis, and shape‐memory properties of the multi‐responsive SMPU were systemically discussed. As a primary clue, the opening/closing of H‐bonds and disulfide bonds approved that they dictated the shape memory performance. The clear‐cut results clarified that the multiresponsive SMPU endowed composition‐dependent stress relaxation, and its reversible variation of storage modulus was examined by changing temperature. Owing to such molecular switches, the strip pieces were able to represent a multistimuli responsive shape memory effect —induced by water, heat, redox agent (NaHSO3‐H2O2 solutions), and UV‐light. This research paves a feasible road to prepare a novel multistimuli responsive shape memory actuator with high potential features in flexible sensor and robotic applications.
Gate‐Controlled Rectifying Direction in PdSe2 Lateral Heterojunction Diode
Authors: Seo Dongwook , Seo Jae Eun , Das Tanmoy , Kwak Joon Young , Chang Jiwon
Published: May 2021

The thickness‐dependent band structure of 2D materials has enabled the construction of in‐plane lateral heterojunction within the same material platform. Simply forming regions of the same 2D material with different thicknesses induces the band offsets in energy bands at the interface to complete the heterojunction. Especially, pentagonal palladium diselenide (PdSe2) can create various combinations of different band gaps due to its widely tunable band gap ranging from 0 to ≈1.3 eV. Here, a PdSe2‐based gate‐controlled rectifier diode realized simply by creating the lateral heterojunction using as‐exfoliated PdSe2 flake composed of different thickness regions are reported. Interestingly, by tailoring the heterojunction architecture with a certain combination of the thicknesses, a unique gate‐controlled rectification can be observed where the rectifying direction can be tuned by the applied gate bias. The different gate modulation levels in the thin and thick regions leads to the different band bending, respectively. Therefore, adjusting the heterojunction barrier height by the gate bias makes it possible to modulate the direction of dominant current. The demonstration of the reversible rectifying direction paves the way for the realization of essential component in the tunable logic gate.
Switchable Optically Active Schottky Barrier in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/BaTiO3/ITO Ferroelectric Tunnel Junction
Authors: Rivera‐Calzada Alberto , Gallego Fernando , Kalcheim Yoav , Salev Pavel , del Valle Javier , Tenreiro Isabel , León Carlos , Santamaría Jacobo , Schuller Ivan K.
Published: May 2021

One of the most desirable attributes of non‐volatile memories and memristors is a fast and non‐destructive read out of their resistive state. Prototypical ferroelectric (FE) memories use the bulk photovoltaic response associated to the polarization of FE films to address this requirement by optically sensing binary memory cells. A more advanced type of non‐volatile memories is FE tunnel junctions (FTJs). They feature resistive state ratios RHigh/RLow up to 106, with a continuum of resistive states accessible, making them promising candidates for neuromorphic computing applications. A novel approach is presented to achieve the optical sensing of the resistive state in a La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/BaTiO3/ITO FTJ, by using the Schottky barrier forming in the La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/BaTiO3 interface to dramatically enhance the optical response of the 5 nm BaTiO3 (BTO) barrier. Illumination with UV light exceeding the BTO bandgap through the top transparent ITO electrode generates a photovoltaic response in the RHigh state, with an open circuit voltage Voc of 400 mV at 20 K, enabling the optical sensing of the resistive state. In the RLow state, the Schottky barrier is removed and the photoresponse disappears.
Metal–CO2 Electrochemistry: From CO2 Recycling to Energy Storage
Authors: Wang Fan , Li Yu , Xia Xinhui , Cai Wei , Chen Qingguo , Chen Minghua
Published: May 2021

Metal–CO2 batteries are among the most intriguing techniques for addressing the severe climate crisis and have matured significantly to simultaneously realize adequate fixation of CO2, energy storage, and conversion. Although significant efforts have been made, the practical application of metal–CO2 battery techniques is still restricted by various tremendous challenges, namely high charge potential, poor rate capability, and reversibility. This review seeks to present a realistic assessment of the most advanced metal–CO2 systems to identify problems, and opportunities to conquer these challenges. The recent progress on understanding the reaction mechanism of CO2 reduction/evolution, cathode materials, electrocatalysts design strategies, interface construction of metal anode/electrolyte, and the role of electrolytes are systematically reviewed and discussed. Meanwhile, high‐performance electrode design principles and interface construction methods are also proposed. The effect of electrolyte and the difference between the nonaqueous and aqueous electrolyte systems in the context of the reaction mechanism, catalyst selection, metal anode protection, and corresponding enhancement strategies are also presented and evaluated. Finally, several perspectives on the opportunities and crucial challenges in the future development of metal–CO2 electrochemical systems for practical applications are proposed.
Comprehensive Performance Calibration Guidance for Perovskites and Other Emerging Solar Cells
Authors: Song Tao , Friedman Daniel J. , Kopidakis Nikos
Published: May 2021

Emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies (e.g., organic, perovskite, and solution processed quantum dot) have attracted remarkable attention with the rapid growth of their efficiencies, and their transition toward commercialization. Accurate and reliable efficiency measurements of these PV technologies are crucial, yet much more complicated than for conventional PV technologies due to the former's pronounced dynamic responses to changes in measurement conditions (e.g., current–voltage (I–V) scan rate and preconditioning) and their susceptibility to degradation. Adjustments to the measurement procedures are therefore necessary so that a reproducible “steady state” is reached during measurement. Furthermore, given the small size of many emerging cells, inappropriate device area definition and solar simulator setup can lead to measurement errors. Here, comprehensive efficiency calibration guidance is offered for emerging solar cells, including area measurement; spectral irradiance translation to standard test conditions; and steady‐state electrical performance. The necessity of reporting steady‐state efficiency is justified with a statistical performance comparison between conventional and steady‐state I–V scans over hundreds of cells the group has received globally for efficiency certifications. The procedures described here do not require specialized measurement instrumentation; what matters most are changes to the measurement protocols. These described changes aim to enable better comparisons between reported efficiencies.
Corn response to in‐furrow fertilizer and fungicide across rye cover crop termination timings
Authors: Quinn Daniel J. , Poffenbarger Hanna J. , Leuthold Sam J. , Lee Chad D.
Published: May 2021

Farmers looking to maximize soil conservation benefits of a rye cover crop (Secale cereale L.) (RCC) may choose to delay termination closer to corn (Zea mays L.) planting. However, delaying RCC termination may reduce corn yield due to nitrogen (N) immobilization and seedling disease. The objective of this trial was to evaluate corn growth and yield in response to in‐furrow (IF) fertilizer and fungicide following a RCC and across different RCC termination timings. A field study was established at three locations in Kentucky in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate corn response to two RCC termination timings (21 d before corn planting [early terminated] and 1 d after corn planting [postplant terminated]) and three IF starter treatments (fertilizer, fungicide, and fertilizer + fungicide). A postplant‐terminated RCC resulted in greater rye shoot biomass, early‐season (Apr–May) soil moisture, and preplant soil inorganic N compared with an early‐terminated RCC. Also, a postplant‐terminated RCC reduced corn stand by an average of 31% at two of three locations and reduced corn yield by an average of 15.7% across locations. The inclusion of IF fertilizer, fungicide, or fertilizer + fungicide did not improve corn yield at any location, and no interaction between RCC termination timing and IF starter was observed. Overall, our results suggest IF fertilizer and/or fungicide does not ameliorate corn stand and yield reductions following a postplant‐terminated RCC. In addition, farmers should look to terminate a RCC earlier (14–21 d before planting) to reduce potential corn stand and yield loss.
Novel spontaneous myelodysplastic syndrome mouse model
Authors: Li Weisha , Cao Lin , Li Mengyuan , Yang Xingjiu , Zhang Wenlong , Song Zhiqi , Wang Xinpei , Zhang Lingyan , Morahan Grant , Qin Chuan , Gao Ran
Published: May 2021

Background

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders involving hemopoietic dysfunction leading to leukemia. Although recently progress has been made in identifying underlying genetic mutations, many questions still remain. Animal models of MDS have been produced by introduction of specific mutations. However, there is no spontaneous mouse model of MDS, and an animal model to simulate natural MDS pathogenesis is urgently needed.

Methods

In characterizing the genetically diverse mouse strains of the Collaborative Cross (CC) we observed that one, designated JUN, had abnormal hematological traits. This strain was thus further analyzed for phenotypic and pathological identification, comparing the changes in each cell population in peripheral blood and in bone marrow.

Results

In a specific‐pathogen free environment, mice of the JUN strain are relatively thin, with healthy appearance. However, in a conventional environment, they become lethargic, develop wrinkled yellow hair, have loose and light stools, and are prone to infections. We found that the mice were cytopenic, which was due to abnormal differentiation of multipotent bone marrow progenitor cells. These are common characteristics of MDS.

Conclusions

A mouse strain, JUN, was found displaying spontaneous myelodysplastic syndrome. This strain has the advantage over existing models in that it develops MDS spontaneously and is more similar to human MDS than genetically modified mouse models. JUN mice will be an important tool for pathogenesis research of MDS and for evaluation of new drugs and treatments.
Recent Strategies for Strengthening and Stiffening Tough Hydrogels
Authors: Ji Donghwan , Kim Jaeyun
Published: May 2021

Hydrogels are major components of the human body. To replace a damaged hydrogel in the body or support/monitor its normal operation, artificial hydrogels similar to those found in nature are required. As the development of morphologically adaptable soft yet tough hydrogels such as double‐network (DN) and polyampholyte (PA) gels, they are applied to soft tissues such as the neural and epithelial tissues with elastic moduli ranging from a few pascals to several kilopascals. However, creating strong and stiff hydrogels emulating stiff load‐bearing connective tissues with elastic moduli in the MPa‐to‐GPa range remains challenging. Herein, recent strategies and potential methods for strengthening and stiffening tough DN and PA gels (such as the reinforcement addition, polymer chain alignment, and solvent exchange) as well as the reinforcing and fracture mechanisms of the resulting hydrogels are summarized. The objective is to provide some insights into the optimal strategy and method for fabricating hydrogels with a combination of strength, stiffness, and toughness, which can emulate natural load‐bearing tissues.
D‐A type hybrid polymers based on EDOT and various benzodiazoles for electrochromic materials
Authors: Xu Haoran , Hou Yanjun , Li Rui , Chang Lijing , Ma Yang , Miao Shoulei , Niu Haijun
Published: May 2021

Two donor units (D)‐acceptor units (A) type monomers were synthesized by Stille coupling reaction, and then three D‐A type hybrid polymers based on 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene and various benzodiazoles were synthesized by electrochemical polymerization. Spectroelectrochemical and kinetic studies of these polymers showed that all polymer films exhibited excellent electrochromic behavior, obvious optical contrast, and excellent stability. Among them, the response time of P3 film was the shortest (tc = 1.6 s, tb = 2.2 s), the coloring efficiency of P2 film was the highest (CE = 333 cm2·C−1), and the stability of P1 was the best (the ΔT loss of P1 after 1000 s cycles is only 2.3%). Therefore, these data prove that these new polymers have great potential in applications as electrochromic materials.
Influence of alkaline delignification on moisture uptake behavior and bonding enthalpies of hemp
Authors: Manich Albert M. , Lis Manuel J. , Perez‐Rentero Sonia , Algaba Ines , Marti Meritxell , Cayuela Diana
Published: May 2021

Raw hemp fibers are alkaline delignified to evaluate the effect of lignin on the moisture uptake behavior of hemp. Samples are subjected to moisture absorption/desorption isotherms from 5% to 95% relative humidity at three different temperatures (15, 25, and 35°C). The sorption ratio between delignified and untreated hemp is lowered by 25%. Hysteresis makes evident the greater influence of lignin on moisture binding at low relative humidity while at high relative humidity, cellulose plays the most important role. The GAB, Hailwood‐Horrobin and Dent models are fitted to absorption/desorption isotherms. Delignification and temperature decrease the size of the monolayer. The energy constants of the monolayer differ according to the model used. Lignin causes great differences between absorption and desorption. The greater the temperature is, the lower the monolayer energy constant. The energy constants of the multilayer are identical for the three models, showing a greater range of variation in delignified samples than in the untreated samples. Based on primary and secondary energy constants, bonding enthalpies are determined. Estimations in desorption show higher correlation coefficients with the energy constants, which enables to conclude that measures in desorption better explain the effect of delignification on the water uptake behavior of hemp.
Overview of special issue on current advances in Brazilian biomedical and anatomical sciences
Authors: Curcio Daniella
Published: May 2021

This special issue of The Anatomical Record honors the bridges of knowledge and communications between Brazil and the United States in Anatomical Science, Healthcare, and Medical Education. The volume is organized in two sets of manuscripts: the first one stems from presentations of Brazilian colleagues in the latest iteration of the Building Bridges outreach initiative—a meeting entitled Building Bridges Back to Back, held at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in December of 2019; the second, is a compilation of selected papers submitted independently to The Anatomical Record, authored by Brazilian researchers. All abstracts in this volume are featured in English and in Portuguese, and the opening piece is fully available in both languages. This bold and innovative addition represents the commitment of The Anatomical Record to support and help grow our bridges; it is a gesture of utmost respect and appreciation for our people and our culture. Together, our efforts to advance the knowledge in basic, translational, and clinical sciences, to expand our connections, and to build on our relationships across boundaries becomes a reality. This is an introduction and an overview of the manuscripts contained in this very special issue.
Progress in gene therapy treatments for prostate cancer
Authors: Xue Jingxin , Chen Keming , Hu Heyi , Gopinath Subash C.B.
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer is one of the predominant cancers affecting men and has been widely reported. In the past, various therapies and drugs have been proposed to treat prostate cancer. Among these treatments, gene therapy has been considered to be an optimal and widely applicable treatment. Furthermore, due to the increased specificity of gene sequence complementation, the targeted delivery of complementary gene sequences may represent a useful treatment in certain instances. Various gene therapies, including tumor‐suppressor gene therapy, suicide gene therapy, immunomodulation gene therapy and anti‐oncogene therapies, have been established to treat a wide range of diseases, such as cardiac disease, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hemophilia, and cancers. To this end, several gene therapy clinical trials at various phases are underway. This overview describes the developments and progress in gene therapy, with a special focus being placed on prostate cancer.
Antioxidant and reducing lipid accumulation effects of rutin in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Qin Xianjin , Wang Wenqian , Chu Weihua
Published: May 2021

In this study, the effect of rutin on fatty acid metabolism and antioxidant activity were evaluated. We found that the antioxidant capacity of rutin‐treated Caenorhabditis elegans was enhanced but the triglyceride content was significantly reduced. The reduction of fat accumulation by rutin was also confirmed by Oil Red O staining. RNA‐seq analysis indicated that rutin significantly regulated the expression of seven genes related to lipid metabolism in C. elegans. Among the seven genes, acox‐1.3, stdh‐3, and fat‐7 were associated with fatty acid metabolism. Rutin significantly reduced fat accumulation in both fat‐6 and fat‐7 mutant strains but did not affect the fat storage of fat‐6/fat‐7 double mutant, which indicated that the impact of rutin on fat storage depended on fat‐6 and fat‐7. These findings indicated that rutin reduced fat storage depending on the regulation of lipid metabolism‐related genes expression and thereby regulating the biosynthesis of the corresponding unsaturated fatty acid.
Cell stiffness predicts cancer cell sensitivity to ultrasound as a selective superficial cancer therapy
Authors: Bergman Eden , Goldbart Riki , Traitel Tamar , Amar‐Lewis Eliz , Zorea Jonathan , Yegodayev Ksenia , Alon Irit , Rankovic Sanela , Krieger Yuval , Rousso Itay , Elkabets Moshe , Kost Joseph
Published: May 2021

We hypothesize that the biomechanical properties of cells can predict their viability, with Young's modulus representing the former and cell sensitivity to ultrasound representing the latter. Using atomic force microscopy, we show that the Young's modulus stiffness measure is significantly lower for superficial cancer cells (squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma) compared with noncancerous keratinocyte cells. In vitro findings reveal a significant difference between cancerous and noncancerous cell viability at the four ultrasound energy levels evaluated, with different cell lines exhibiting different sensitivities to the same ultrasound intensity. Young's modulus correlates with cell viability (R2 = 0.93), indicating that this single biomechanical property can predict cell sensitivity to ultrasound treatment. In mice, repeated ultrasound treatment inhibits tumor growth without damaging healthy skin tissue. Histopathological tumor analysis indicates ultrasound‐induced focal necrosis at the treatment site. Our findings provide a strong rationale for developing ultrasound as a noninvasive selective treatment for superficial cancers.
Did appeals court find university was negligent?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: May 2021

A female student lived in a Northeastern University residence hall during her first year at the university. Another first‐year student, A.G., lived in the same residence hall.
Effectiveness and prognostic factors of apatinib treatment in patients with recurrent or advanced cervical carcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Yang Hui , Chen Min , Mei Zijie , Xie Conghua , Zhou Yunfeng , Qiu Hui
Published: May 2021

Background

Apatinib is an oral anti‐angiogenic drug, its efficacy and prognosis in cervical carcinoma are unclear. This study evaluates the effectiveness and prognostic factors of apatinib in the treatment of recurrent or advanced cervical carcinoma.

Methods

Patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer, who agreed to take apatinib, were recruited into this single‐center and retrospective study, and administrated apatinib with or without combination of chemo‐ or radio‐therapy until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity.

Results

From March 2017 to February 2019, 53 patients were reviewed. Among them, 2 (3.77%) patients occurred complete response, 16 (30.19%) patients showed partial response, 27 (50.95%) patients had stable disease, and 8 (15.09%) patients had PD. The objective response rate and disease control rate (DCR) of these patients were 33.96% and 84.91%, respectively. The DCR of patients younger than 50, nonsquamous carcinoma, first‐line apatinib therapy, combined radiotherapy, lesions within radiation field, surgical history, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of 0 or 1 were significantly higher than other patients (p < 0.05). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.0 months (95% CI: 4.43–7.57) and 8.0 months (95% CI: 6.52–9.48), respectively. The univariable and multivariable analysis showed that the patients with an ECOG performance status score of 2 and further line therapy were associated with poor prognosis in both PFS and OS (PFS: HR =8.35, p = 0.000; HR =6.66, p = 0.001; OS: HR = 7.40, p = 0.000; HR = 3.24, p = 0.039), respectively. The most common adverse effects (AEs) were hand‐foot syndrome (35.58%), hypertension (18.87%) and fatigue (15.09%). No grade 3 AEs and drug‐related death occurred.

Conclusion

The efficacy and prognosis of patients who are in good general condition and first‐line apatinib combination therapy may be better than other patients. But further phase III clinical trials should be taken to prove this hypothesis.
Transfer learning‐trained convolutional neural networks identify novel MRI biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease progression
Authors: Li Yi , Haber Annat , Preuss Christoph , John Cai , Uyar Asli , Yang Hongtian Stanley , Logsdon Benjamin A. , Philip Vivek , Karuturi R. Krishna Murthy , Carter Gregory W. ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) may miss genetic variants relevant for delineating disease stages when using clinically defined case/control as a phenotype due to its loose definition and heterogeneity.

Methods

We use a transfer learning technique to train three‐dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) models based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the screening stage in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative consortium to derive image features that reflect AD progression.

Results

CNN‐derived image phenotypes are significantly associated with fasting metabolites related to early lipid metabolic changes as well as insulin resistance and with genetic variants mapped to candidate genes enriched for amyloid beta degradation, tau phosphorylation, calcium ion binding‐dependent synaptic loss, APP‐regulated inflammation response, and insulin resistance.

Discussion

This is the first attempt to show that non‐invasive MRI biomarkers are linked to AD progression characteristics, reinforcing their use in early AD diagnosis and monitoring.
Legacy effects of pre‐crop plant functional group on fungal root symbionts of barley
Authors: Roy Julien , van Duijnen Richard , Leifheit Eva F. , Mbedi Susan , Temperton Vicky M. , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: May 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, a group of widespread fungal symbionts of crops, could be important in driving crop yield across crop rotations through plant–soil feedbacks (PSF). However, whether preceding crops have a legacy effect on the AM fungi of the subsequent crop is poorly known. We set up an outdoor mesocosm crop rotation experiment that consisted of a first phase growing either one of four pre‐crops establishing AM and/or rhizobial symbiosis or not (spring barley, faba bean, lupine, canola), followed by an AM crop, winter barley. After the pre‐crop harvest, carbon‐rich organic substrates were applied to test whether it attenuated, accentuated or modified the effect of pre‐crops. The pre‐crop mycorrhizal status, but not its rhizobial status, affected the richness and composition of AM fungi, and this difference, in particular community composition, persisted and increased in the roots of winter barley. The effect of a pre‐crop was driven by its single symbiotic group, not its mixed symbiotic group and/or by a crop‐species‐specific effect. This demonstrates that the pre‐crop symbiotic group has lasting legacy effects on the AM fungal communities and may steer the AM fungal community succession across rotation phases. This effect was accentuated by sawdust amendment, but not wheat straw. Based on the previous observation of decreased crop yield after AM pre‐crops, our findings suggest negative PSF at the level of the plant symbiotic group driven by a legacy effect of crop rotation history on AM fungal communities, and that a focus on crop symbiotic group offers additional understanding of PSF.
Spatial analysis of landscape social values in multifunctional landscapes of the Upper Missouri River Basin
Authors: Rastandeh Amin , Carnes Morgan , Jarchow Meghann
Published: May 2021

The Upper Missouri River Basin (UMRB) was used as a study region to examine how the spatial distribution of social values (SVs) people hold for their landscapes overlaps with ecoregions of the UMRB and how the results can be interpreted to inform regional‐scale strategic landscape management for optimizing the production of ecosystem services. The methods include a survey of residents about their landscape SVs across the UMRB and a multistage spatial analysis of eleven georeferenced SVs linked to ecosystem services and human activities in the region. The results show agriculture, recreation, and conservation are, respectively, the most significant activities that people value in landscapes of the UMRB. An overlapping area was identified between hotspots of recreation, tourism, and cultural activities on the one hand and conservation on the other hand. A large overlap was found between landscapes of social importance (i.e., landscapes where residents value the land) and ecoregion junctions (i.e., the meeting points of ecoregions). More than one‐fourth of the mapped points were no more than 5 km from the meeting points of ecoregions, meaning ecoregion junctions are highly attractive to residents, and therefore, subject to a variety of human activities. It was also shown that although distance to the place of residence may influence the spatial distribution of mapped points, proximity to ecoregion junctions is a stronger factor for predicting the locations people value on landscapes. These findings have important implications for food and energy production, cultural ecosystem services, and biodiversity across landscapes of the UMRB.
A multigroup extension to piecewise path analysis
Authors: Douma Jacob C. , Shipley Bill
Published: May 2021

Path analysis allows one to test the consistency of data to hypothesized causal relationships between variables. Often, interest lies in how the hypothesized dependencies differ between groups. Multigroup comparisons can be made by imposing various constraints: constraints on the topology, the path coefficients, the residual variances, and more. To date, only classical path analysis and structural equation modeling can account for differences between groups. These techniques have assumptions that are often not appropriate for ecological studies. The d‐sep test and the recently developed generalized chi‐squared test relax many of these assumptions for path models that can be represented as directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), but are currently lacking a multigroup test. In this paper, we develop a multigroup extension to the d‐sep test. Furthermore, we show how a recently developed generalized chi‐squared test and AIC for DAGs can be used for multigroup testing. The approaches are illustrated by a worked example and implemented in the commonly used statistical package, R. Practical recommendations for multigroup modeling are made, and advantages and disadvantages of the multigroup d‐sep and the chi‐squared test are discussed.
Outcomes for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion users in young adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
Authors: McKee Alexis M. , Albert Stewart G. , Al‐Hammadi Noor , Hinyard Leslie J.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Diabetes technology is available and its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated; however, there is little evidence as to how this technology is being utilized and its effectiveness in vulnerable populations. This study evaluated differences in outcomes for young adults in the United States (U.S.) from lower socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds with type 1 diabetes (T1D) managed on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus multiple daily injections (MDI) or fixed‐dose insulin (FDI).

Research design, methods and participants

Utilizing the Optum® de‐identified Electronic Health Record data set between 2008 and 2018 to perform a retrospective, cohort study, we identified 805 subjects with T1D aged 18–30 years with Medicaid. We evaluated median difference in HbA1c between CSII and MDI/FDI users for 24 months. Predictors of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)‐associated hospitalizations by CSII use were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

CSII users showed statistically significant lower median HbA1c values at 24 months of follow‐up compared to individuals on MDI/FDI. Non‐white individuals were at lower odds of receiving treatment with CSII. Subjects on CSII were not more likely to be hospitalized for DKA compared to subjects treated with MDI/FDI. Older subjects were at lower odds of being hospitalized for DKA. Males and subjects followed by Endocrinologists were at higher odds of being hospitalized for DKA.

Conclusions

Young adults with T1D from lower SES backgrounds show improved glycaemic control when in CSII compared to MDI/FDI without increases in hospitalizations for DKA.