bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Multilayered nanocomposite coatings for enhanced anticorrosive, flame retardant, and mechanical properties in automobile and aerospace industries
Authors: Xavier Joseph Raj
Published: April 2023

The anticorrosion, flame retardant, and mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) coatings have been improved by the integration of nickel disulfide (NiS2), 2,5‐Bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (BAO), and graphene oxide (GO). The structural, morphological, dielectric, and hydrophobic behaviors of the films were characterized for the different formulations of coatings such as pure PU, PU‐NiS2, PU‐BAO/NiS2, PU‐GO/NiS2, and PU‐GO/BAO‐NiS2 (nanocomposite) by means of scanning electron microscope/X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and contact angle measurement. As a result, with the addition of only 0.3% GO/BAO‐NiS2, the dielectric constant of PU was increased by 81‐fold at 1 Hz. Additionally, the nanocomposite had significantly lower peak heat release rate and overall heat released values than pure PU, a difference of 57% and 51%, respectively, demonstrating its greater flame retardancy. The electrochemical techniques and mechanical testing confirmed that GO/BAO‐NiS2 (0.3%) composite exhibit enhanced anticorrosive, hydrophobic, flame retardancy, and mechanical performance of the PU coating. The super hydrophobic behavior is confirmed by its water contact angle of 165°. Furthermore, the resistance of the nanocomposite was found to be much higher (16,985.6 kΩ.cm2) than that of the pure PU (145.4 kΩ.cm2) and the microhardness and tensile strength were increased sharply. Therefore, the nanocomposite could act as a potential coating material for industrial applications.
Therapeutic Development in Polyarticular Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Extrapolation, Dose Selection, and Clinical Trial Design
Authors: Schanberg Laura E. , Mulugeta Lily (Yeruk) , Akinlade Bolanle , Brunner Hermine I. , Chen Jianmeng , Colbert Robert A. , Delgaizo Vincent , Gastonguay Marc R. , Glaser Rachel , Imundo Lisa , Lovell Daniel J. , Leu Jocelyn H. , Mostafa Nael M. , Nelson Robert M. , Nigrovic Peter A. , Nikolov Nikolay P. , Rider Lisa G. , Rothwell Rebecca , Sahajwalla Chandrahas , Singh Renu , Sinha Vikram , Yancey Carolyn L. , Yao Lynne
Published: April 2023

Objective

Stakeholders met to address persistent challenges facing the development of therapeutics for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA), which result in fewer approved therapies for children with pJIA than adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and long lag times from adult RA approval to pediatric labeling. Ensuring that new medications are authorized in a timely manner to meet the needs of JIA patients worldwide is critically important to multiple stakeholders.

Methods

The Food and Drug Administration in collaboration with the University of Maryland Center for Regulatory Science and Innovation held a public workshop entitled “Accelerating Drug Development for pJIA” on October 2, 2019, to address challenges surrounding access to new medications for children and adolescents with pJIA. Regulatory, academic, and industry stakeholders, as well as patient representatives, participated in the workshop, which consisted of 4 sessions, including panel discussions.

Results

The workshop facilitated broad public discussion of challenges facing the development of pJIA therapeutics, highlighting areas of need and outlining opportunities to expedite development, while underscoring the necessity of close collaboration between all stakeholders, including patients and families.

Conclusion

This report summarizes key aspects of the workshop, including the appropriate application of innovative approaches to the development of pJIA therapeutics, including extrapolation, to address current challenges and provide timely access to newer safe and effective treatments. Long‐term safety assessment is of pressing concern to stakeholders and cannot be fully extrapolated from adult studies but requires consistent postmarketing long‐term follow‐up.
Caspase 1 Enhances Transport and Golgi Organization Protein 1 Expression to Promote Procollagen Export From the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Systemic Sclerosis Contributing to Fibrosis
Authors: Connolly Lianne M. , McFalls Caya M. , McMahon Isabelle G. , Bhat Akash M. , Artlett Carol M.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Transport and Golgi Organization protein 1 (TANGO1) is a protein that regulates the export of procollagen from the endoplasmic reticulum and has a role in the organization of exit sites for general protein export. What regulates the expression of TANGO1 and the role of TANGO1 in fibrosis is poorly understood and has never been studied in the setting of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We undertook this study to determine the role of TANGO1 in SSc fibrosis.

Methods

SSc (n = 15) and healthy (n = 12) primary fibroblast lung cell lines were investigated for the expression of TANGO1. Histologic analyses for TANGO1 were performed on lung biopsy samples (n = 12 SSc patient samples and n = 8 healthy control samples).

Results

SSc fibroblasts showed increased expression of TANGO1 protein in cultured fibroblasts. TANGO1 colocalizes with α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)–positive cells in SSc lung tissue and is highly up‐regulated in the neointima of SSc vessels. TANGO1 expression was dependent on the inflammasome activation of caspase 1. It was also dependent on signaling from the interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptors. The decrease in TANGO1 down‐regulated export of larger cargos including collagen and laminin. Reduced TANGO1 protein had no effect on smaller molecular weight cargoes; however, the secretion of elastin was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

TANGO1 is markedly increased in SSc fibroblasts and was found to be elevated in lung tissue in association with α‐SMA–positive cells. TANGO1 expression is driven by inflammasome‐dependent caspase 1 activation and is mediated by IL‐1 and TGFβ downstream signaling. These observations suggest that during fibrosis, caspase 1 promotes the up‐regulation of TANGO1 and the organization of endoplasmic reticulum exits sites, ultimately contributing to procollagen export and fibrosis.

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A Simple and Fast Access to Phosphine‐Substituted Copper(I)‐Carbene Complexes via C=Se Bond Cleavage Reaction
Authors: Veerapathiran Sabari , Prabusankar Ganesan
Published: April 2023

Phosphine coordinated copper(I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes have emerged as an efficient material in catalysis and light‐emitting applications. In this study, a gentle and sustainable approach to the copper(I)‐carbene phosphine complexes is reported through an efficient C=Se activation protocol. The complexes [(Py^NHC)Cu(PPh3)2]X, X=BF4 (1), ClO4 (2), PF6 (3) and OTf (4); Py^NHC=3‐isopropyl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene, and [(Py^NHC)Cu(PPh3)(X)], X=Br (5) and I (6) have been synthesized by treating 1‐isopropyl‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐imidazole‐2‐selone with corresponding copper(I) precursors and triphenylphosphine. In this synthetic strategy, N‐heterocyclic carbene gets transferred from N‐heterocyclic selone through a C=Se bond cleavage reaction to form copper(I) complexes within five minutes at room temperature. In addition, the mechanism responsible for the C=Se bond cleavage reaction has been fully investigated. These reactions are not sensitive to moisture and oxygen.
Preferences for honesty can support cooperation
Authors: Szekely Aron , Bruner David , Steinmo Sven , Todor Arpad , Volintiru Clara , Andrighetto Giulia
Published: April 2023

Many collective action problems are inherently linked to honesty. By deciding to behave honestly, people contribute to solving the collective action problem. We use a laboratory experiment from two sites (n = 331 andn = 319) to test whether honest preferences can drive cooperation and whether these preferences can be differentially activated by framing. Subjects participate in an asymmetric information variant of the public goods game in one of two treatments that vary only in their wording: The Contribution Frame uses a standard public good game framing, while in the Honesty Frame, words aimed to trigger honesty are used. We measure subjects' honesty in three ways using the (i) sender–receiver task, (ii) the die‐roll task, and (iii) self‐reported honesty levels and account for other‐regarding preferences and social norms to disentangle key alternative motives. We find that all three measures of honesty preferences robustly predict contributions, as do other‐regarding preferences and empirical expectations but not normative expectations. Additionally, honesty preferences predict contributions in the Honesty Frame but not in the Contribution Frame, although the difference between these is not consistently significant. Finally, we find no differences in average cooperation across the treatments.
A comparative study of in vitro dose–response estimation under extreme observations
Authors: Fang Xinying , Zhou Shouhao
Published: April 2023

Quantifying drug potency, which requires an accurate estimation of dose–response relationship, is essential for drug development in biomedical research and life sciences. However, the standard estimation procedure of the median–effect equation to describe the dose–response curve is vulnerable to extreme observations in common experimental data. To facilitate appropriate statistical inference, many powerful estimation tools have been developed in R, including various dose–response packages based on the nonlinear least squares method with different optimization strategies. Recently, beta regression‐based methods have also been introduced in estimation of the median–effect equation. In theory, they can overcome nonnormality, heteroscedasticity, and asymmetry and accommodate flexible robust frameworks and coefficients penalization. To identify a reliable estimation method(s) to estimate dose–response curves even with extreme observations, we conducted a comparative study to review 14 different tools in R and examine their robustness and efficiency via Monte Carlo simulation under a list of comprehensive scenarios. The simulation results demonstrate that penalized beta regression using the mgcv package outperforms other methods in terms of stable, accurate estimation, and reliable uncertainty quantification.
Buckley–James boosting model based on extreme learning machine and random survival forests
Authors: Kong Jianfen , Zhang Shuhong
Published: April 2023

Buckley–James (BJ) model is a typical semiparametric accelerated failure time model, which is closely related to the ordinary least squares method and easy to be constructed. However, traditional BJ model built on linearity assumption only captures simple linear relationships, while it has difficulty in processing nonlinear problems. To overcome this difficulty, in this paper, we develop a novel regression model for right‐censored survival data within the learning framework of BJ model, basing on random survival forests (RSF), extreme learning machine (ELM), and L2 boosting algorithm. The proposed method, referred to as ELM‐based BJ boosting model, employs RSF for covariates imputation first, then develops a new ensemble of ELMs—ELM‐based boosting algorithm for regression by ensemble scheme of L2 boosting, and finally, uses the output function of the proposed ELM‐based boosting model to replace the linear combination of covariates in BJ model. Due to fitting the logarithm of survival time with covariates by the nonparametric ELM‐based boosting method instead of the least square method, the ELM‐based BJ boosting model can capture both linear covariate effects and nonlinear covariate effects. In both simulation studies and real data applications, in terms of concordance index and integrated Brier sore, the proposed ELM‐based BJ boosting model can outperform traditional BJ model, two kinds of BJ boosting models proposed by Wang et al., RSF, and Cox proportional hazards model.
High‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: Involving the mitigation of ferroptosis and inflammation
Authors: Zhou Gui‐Juan , Liu Dan‐Ni , Huang Xia‐Rong , Wu Qi , Feng Wei‐Bin , Zeng Ya‐Hua , Liu Hong‐Ya , Yu Jing , Xiao Zi‐Jian , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2023

Background and aim

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been found to attenuate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, its effects and mechanism of action have not yet been clarified. It has been reported that cerebral I/R injury is closely associated not only with ferroptosis but also with inflammation. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate whether high‐frequency rTMS attenuates middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)‐induced cerebral I/R injury and further to elucidate the mediatory role of ferroptosis and inflammation.

Methods

The protective effects of rTMS on experimental cerebral I/R injury were investigated using transient MCAO model rats. Neurological scores and pathological changes of cerebral ischemic cortex were assessed to evaluate the effects of rTMS on cerebral I/R injury. The involvement of ferroptosis and that of inflammation were examined to investigate the mechanism underlying the effects of rTMS.

Results

High‐frequency rTMS remarkably rescued the MCAO‐induced neurological deficits and morphological damage. rTMS treatment also increased the mRNA and protein expression of glutathione‐dependent peroxidase 4, decreased the mRNA and protein levels of acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 4 and transferrin receptor in the cortex. Moreover, rTMS administration reduced the cerebrospinal fluid IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations.

Conclusion

These findings implicated that high‐frequency rTMS alleviates MCAO‐induced cerebral I/R injury, and the underlying mechanism could involve the inhibition of ferroptosis and inflammation. Our study identifies rTMS as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury. Moreover, the mechanistic insights into ferroptosis and inflammation advance our understanding of it as a potential therapeutic target for diseases beyond cerebral ischemia stroke.
Electrocardiogram properties and risk of covert brain infarction and other magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in a stroke‐free population
Authors: Gao Fan , Chen Chen , Liu Fude , Han Jianfeng
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and silent vascular brain injury as defined by cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a stroke‐free community‐based population.

Methods

A total of 5888 participants were studied from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a prospective cohort of community‐living older adults. Standard 12‐lead ECGs measured prior to MRI scan were used. MRI scans were conducted at years 4–6 and 10–11. The primary outcome was presence of incident covert brain infarcts (CBIs) on the 2nd MRI examination, excluding previous CBIs and stroke occurrence. Secondary outcomes included white matter, ventricular, and sulcal atrophy on the 1st MRI. Logistic and multiple linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between ECG findings and silent vascular brain injury.

Results

Left axis deviation before MRI scan was related to presence of incident CBIs (odds ratio [OR]: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.01–2.08, p = .047). A long QT interval was associated with severe white matter hyperintensity (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.04–1.77, p = .024). Minor Q and QS waves with ST‐T abnormalities were positively related to sulcal atrophy (β: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.06–0.81, p = .023).

Conclusions

Our study found that ECG abnormalities were related to presence of CBIs, white matter hyperintensity, and sulcal atrophy on MRI in a stroke‐free relderly population. Specifically, those with left axis deviation had an increased risk of presence of CBIs.
Instruments measuring change in cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Ezegbe Chigozie , Zarghami Amin , van der Mei Ingrid , Alty Jane , Honan Cynthia , Taylor Bruce
Published: April 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating/neurodegenerative disease associated with change in cognitive function (CF) over time. This systematic review aims to describe the instruments used to measure change in CF over time in people with MS (PwMS).

Methods

PubMed, OVID, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched in English until May 2021. Articles were included if they had at least 100 participants and at least a 1‐year interval between baseline and last follow‐up measurement of CF. Results were quantitatively synthesized, presented in tables and risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

Fifty‐seven articles met the inclusion criteria (41,623 PwMS and 1105 controls). An intervention (drug/rehabilitation) was assessed in 22 articles. In the studies that used a test battery, Visual and verbal learning and memory were the most frequently measured domains, but when studies that used test battery or a single test are combined, Information processing speed was the most measured. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was the most frequently used test as a single test and in a test battery combined. Most studied assessed “change in CF” as cognitive decline defined as 1 or more tests measured as ≥ 1.5 SD from the study control or normative mean in a test battery at baseline and follow‐up. Meta‐analysis of change in SDMT scores with seven articles indicated a nonstatistically significant –0.03 (95% CI –0.14, 0.09) decrease in mean SDMT score per year.

Conclusion

This study highlights the slow rate of measured change in cognition in PwMS and emphasizes the lack of a gold standard test and consistency in measuring cognitive change at the population level. More sensitive testing utilizing multiple domains and longer follow‐up may define subgroups where CF change follows different trajectories thus allowing targeted interventions to directly support those where CF is at greatest risk of becoming a clinically meaningful issue
Methods for identifying precipitates and improving stability of chemically defined highly concentrated cell culture media
Authors: Forte Taylor , Grinnell Chris , Zhang An , Polilli Brian , Leshinski John , Khattak Sarwat
Published: April 2023

Currently, within the biopharmaceutical industry, media development is a key area of development as the ratios and concentrations of media components such as amino acids, metals, vitamins, sugars, salts, and buffering agents play arguably the largest role in cellular productivity and product quality. However, optimizing media for these targets often conflicts with solubility limitations and slow‐rate chemical reactions that result in precipitation formation. Here we present methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), colorimetry, and turbidity to identify multiple likely components of a complex precipitate that was observed in preparations of a custom nutrient feed medium across all storage conditions evaluated. Using these analytical methods, as well as adjustments to the formulation pH, increasing the pyruvate concentration, and removing sodium bicarbonate, we were able to extend the media shelf life from approximately 10 days to over 28 days. Alternatively, copper, selenium, and magnesium sources were removed from the media and no precipitation was observed until 32 days after prep, pointing to key metals as the probable root cause of precipitation. By analytically quantifying the precipitate using the methods above, instead of visual inspection, which is the current industry standard for media precipitation observation, we were better able to compare conditions to one another and relate them to the onset of precipitation. Cell culture performance and product quality remained comparable to the historical process despite the media formulation changes.
Oven, Temperature‐Controlled Microwave, and Shade Drying Effects on Drying Kinetics, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Knotweed (Polygonum cognatum Meissn.)
Authors: Kaya Dursun Samet , Aksüt Burcu , Nuri Öcalan Osman , Taşova Muhammed
Published: April 2023

In this study, the plant node was dried in an oven (40, 50 and 60 °C), shade and temperature‐controlled microwave (40, 50 and 60 °C) methods. Statistically (p<0.05), the values closest to the color values of fresh grass were determined in an oven at 40 °C drying temperature. Effective diffusion values varied between 8.85×10−8–5.65×10−6 m2 s−1. While the activation energy was 61.28 kJ mol−1 in the oven, it was calculated as 85.24 kJ mol−1 in the temperature‐controlled microwave. Drying data was best estimated in the Midilli‐Küçük (R2 0.9998) model oven at 50 °C. The highest SMER value was calculated as 0.0098 kg kWh−1 in the temperature‐controlled microwave drying method. The lowest SEC value in the temperature‐controlled microwave was determined as 24.03 kWh kg−1. It was determined that enthalpy values varied between −2484.66/−2623.38 kJ mol−1, entropy values between −162.04/−122.65 J mol−1 and Gibbs free energy values between 453335.22–362581.40 kJ mol−1. Drying rate values were calculated in the range of 0.0127–0.9820 g moisture g dry matter−1 in the temperature‐controlled microwave, 0.0003–0.0762 g dry matter−1 in the oven, and 0.001–0.0058 g moisture g dry moisture matter−1 in the shade. Phenolic content 6957.79 μg GAE g−1 fw ‐ 48322.27 μg GAE g−1 dw, flavonoid content 3806.67 mg KE L−1 fw ‐ 22200.00 mg KE L−1 dw and antioxidant capacity 43.35 μmol TE g−1 fw ‐ 323.47 μmol TE g−1 dw. The highest chlorophyll values were obtained from samples dried in an oven at 40 °C. According to the findings, it is recommended to dry the knotweed (Polygonum cognatum Meissn.) plant in a temperature‐controlled microwave oven at low temperatures. In this study, in terms of drying kinetics and energy parameters, a temperature‐controlled microwave dryer of 60 °C is recommended, while in terms of quality characteristics, oven 40 °C and shade methods are recommended.
A case of multiple myeloma with pancreatic involvement diagnosed via endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration
Authors: Hiraga Erika , Yamai Takuo , Ikezawa Kenji , Kawamoto Yasuharu , Hirao Takeru , Higashi Sena , Urabe Makiko , Kai Yugo , Takada Ryoji , Nakabori Tasuku , Uehara Hiroyuki , Ryu Ayumi , Yuda Sayako , Honma Keichiro , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: April 2023

This report highlights the importance of considering multiple myeloma in the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic tumor with bone lesions. sampling not only from the pancreatic lesion but also from bone lesions may reach an accurate diagnosis.
M−N−C Materials for Electrochemical Reduction Reactions: Recent Strategies for Improving Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability
Authors: de Araújo Moisés A. , Koverga Andrey A. , Sakita Alan M. P. , Ometto Felipe B. , da Trindade Letícia G. , Ticianelli Edson A.
Published: April 2023

Electrocatalytic reduction of small molecules such as dioxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water has driven conspicuous attention due to their technological importance and capability of tackling current environmental issues. So far, to drive such reactions, catalysts based on the platinum‐group elements have displayed the best performance, however, the high‐cost and scarcity of these elements hinder large‐scale applications. Alternatively, earth‐abundant M−N−C (M=Fe, Co, or Ni) materials have stood out as potential candidates because of their suitable electrocatalytic properties for the aforementioned reactions. In this way, the present review aims to provide a thorough account of the recently reported strategies to improve the electrocatalytic reduction of O2, CO2, and water on M−N−C catalysts. In order to have an in‐depth understanding of these reactions, we will also discuss some of the latest theoretical studies based on computer modelling and simulation. Lastly, additional comments on future perspectives will be provided to guide new studies.
Catalytic Aldol Condensation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural and its Synthesis from Concentrated Feed of Carbohydrates
Authors: Ramdani Wahiba , Rabadán González Inés , Benbakoura Nora , Ahmar Mohammed , Verrier Charlie , Queneau Yves , Pera‐Titus Marc , Jérôme François , De Oliveira Vigier Karine
Published: April 2023

1‐(5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furan‐2‐yl)‐5‐methylhex‐1‐en‐3‐one was prepared from cellulose or glucose by a sequence of depolymerization/dehydration/aldol condensation reactions. The synthesis of HMF was first performed starting from a highly concentrated feed of glucose and cellulose (31 wt.%) using choline chloride in MIBK/water biphasic media via the formation of a glucoside intermediate. Next, the aldol condensation of HMF with MIBK was investigated over alkaline metal oxides. Among the catalysts used, commercial BaO was highly efficient with a yield of aldol product above 90 %. Under air, BaO instantaneously transformed into Ba(OH)2, H2O and BaO2 which are regarded as active phases for the reaction. The catalyst basicity and solvent were key parameters to govern the selectivity of the reaction by limiting secondary reactions.
Pyrene‐ and Bipyridine‐based Covalent Triazine Framework as Versatile Platform for Photocatalytic Solar Fuels Production**
Authors: Fávaro Marcelo Alves , Yang Jin , Ditz Daniel , Küçükkeçeci Hüseyin , Alkhurisi Mohammed H. , Bergwinkl Sebastian , Thomas Arne , Quadrelli Elsje Alessandra , Palkovits Regina , Canivet Jérôme , Wisser Florian M.
Published: April 2023

The ability to molecularly engineer materials is a powerful tool toward increasingly performing heterogeneous catalysts. Porous organic polymers stand out as photocatalysts due to their high chemical stability, outstanding optoelectronic properties and their easy and tunable syntheses. In photocatalysis, the insertion of photosensitizing π‐extended molecules into molecularly well‐defined donor‐acceptor junctions is supposed to increase the catalytic activity, but yet remain experimentally underdeveloped. This study presents a pyrene‐based Covalent Triazine Framework (CTF) synthesized through a polycondensation approach, which was designed to contain a molecularly‐defined pyrene‐triazine‐bipyridine donor‐acceptor‐acceptor triad as the repetition unit of the CTF. The CTF is an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution from water reaching a significant production rate of 61.5 mmolH2/h/gcat. Moreover, the same CTF can easily be used as porous macroligand for an organometallic Rh complex to efficiently catalyze the carbon dioxide photoreduction into formic acid under visible light.
Anthraquinone‐Based Ligands as MNase Inhibitors: Insights from Inhibition Studies and Generation of a Payload Nanocarrier for Potential Anti‐MRSA Therapy
Authors: Konwar Barlina , Mullick Priya , Das Gopal , Ramesh Aiyagari
Published: April 2023

The present study highlights the prospect of an anthraquinone‐based ligand (C1) as an inhibitor of micrococcal nuclease (MNase) enzyme secreted by Staphylococcus aureus. MNase inhibition rendered by 5.0 μM C1 was ∼96 % and the ligand could significantly distort the β‐sheet conformation present in MNase. Mechanistic studies revealed that C1 rendered non‐competitive inhibition, reduced the turnover (Kcat) and catalytic efficiency (Km/Kcat) of MNase with an IC50 value of 323 nM. C1 could also inhibit nuclease present in the cell‐free supernatant (CFS) of a methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain. A C1‐loaded human serum albumin (HSA)‐based nanocarrier (C1‐HNC) was developed, which was amicable to protease‐triggered release of payload in presence of the CFS of an MRSA strain. Eluates from C1‐HNC could effectively reduce the rate of MNase‐catalyzed DNA cleavage. The non‐toxic nature of C1‐HNC in conjunction with the non‐competitive mode of MNase inhibition rendered by C1 offers interesting therapeutic prospect in alleviation of MRSA infections.
Cytomorphologic visualization of circulating tumor cells in urinary bladder cancer patients using ScreenCell™ technology: Potential as a simple cytology test
Authors: Jahan Meriyam , Mittal Ankur , Rao Shalinee , Kishore Sanjeev , Singh Ashok , Jadli Mohit , Paul Pranoy , Iqbal Asif , Chowdhury Nilotpal
Published: April 2023

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are a recent technique which is a potentially important prognostic factor in many solid tumors. There are many techniques of detecting CTCs, but they usually implement costly techniques like EpCAM targeted detection, fluorescence‐based diagnosis, or magnetic bead based positive or negative selection. The diagnostic utility of simple cytomorphological diagnosis after routine staining of CTCs have been rarely studied. We aimed to detect CTCs in 24 patients clinically suspected to have Urinary Bladder Cancer using a simple but efficient patented filtration technology (ScreenCell™), followed by optical microscopic visualization after routine May‐Grunwald‐Giemsa (MGG) staining. The detected CTCs were then tested for association with the histologic type, lamina propria invasion, deep muscle invasion and the T‐stage. Out of the 24 patients tested, one was found to have papilloma, nine had low grade urothelial carcinoma, 13 had high grade urothelial carcinoma and one had poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Of these, two LGUC, eight HGUC and one adenocarcinoma had detectable CTC. Presence of CTCs had a statistically significant association with Lamina propria invasion (P = .006) and T‐stage (P = .02), and a trend toward significance for differentiating LGUC from HGUC (P = .10). These results suggest that cytomorphological detection of CTC is likely to be clinically useful in diagnosis and prognostication of urinary blader cancers. These findings need to be confirmed on studies with larger sample sizes.
Radiesse: State of the Art and Dilute Radiesse
Authors: Fritsche Katelyn , Li Andraia R. , Schlesinger Todd
Published: April 2023

Background

Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)‐based filler first FDA‐approved in 2006 for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus‐associated lipodystrophy and moderate to severe facial wrinkles, particularly the nasolabial folds. It has since expanded into new formulations and has been approved for jawline contouring and treatment of dorsal hand volume loss. CaHAs provide the basis of the filler's appeal, inducing biostimulation of stromal components including collagen, elastin, and vasculature. The carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier gives the filler its notoriously stiff volumizing effects, intended for deeper placement, typically in the subdermal and supraperiosteal planes. Since its inception, innovative efforts have been ongoing to take advantage of the filler's biostimulatory effects without its volumization.

Objectives

To describe novel uses of dilute, hyperdilute, and HA‐mixed CaHA filler.

Methods

A review was performed on current available literature and consensus guidelines.

Conclusions

Diluted and hyperdiluted Radiesse allow for widespread treatment, providing patients the dermal rejuvenation they desire, without the firm volumizing effects seen with undiluted product. This has led to an explosion in off‐label use including treatment of skin laxity of the face, neck and decolletage, arms, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Clinicians have also begun combining the CaHA filler with hyaluronic acid‐based fillers to induce skin regeneration while providing a more flexible and softer volume replacement. Radiesse' uses continue to evolve with alterations in the original formula, allowing for increasingly customized product to meet each patient's individual needs.
A multi‐scale assessment of forest treatment impacts on evapotranspiration and water yield in the Sierra Nevada
Authors: Boden Kate , Philippus Daniel , Sytsma Anneliese , Kurzweil Jake , Randell Jackie , Kinoshita Alicia M. , Hogue Terri S.
Published: April 2023

The future of the Western United States is threatened by both an increase in wildfire frequency and a decrease in water availability. By reducing fuel loads, wildfire mitigation measures (forest treatments) can offer reduced fire severity and increased annual total runoff (water yield) via reduction in evapotranspiration (ET). While the benefits of forest treatments for fire management are well studied, their impact on ET and water yield remains largely unknown, and existing literature shows conflicting results. Here, we aim to resolve this ambiguity by quantifying the impact of forest treatments on ET and water yield, at spatially localized scales. Using daily average flow rates from sub‐basin and basin scale gauges, 100‐m LiDAR data, 800‐m PRISM precipitation data and 30‐m SSEBop ETa data, we analysed the impact of forest treatments on ETa and water yield in the Sagehen Experimental Watershed. Within treated areas of Sagehen, there is a linear relationship between loss of canopy cover and ETa reductions at the 100‐m pixel scale when canopy cover loss exceeds 10%. The impact of treatment was highly localized, and across the entire watershed (30 km2), treated areas with reduced ETa only made up 4 km2, ~10% of the Sagehen area. At sub‐basin and basin scale, the magnitude of year‐to‐year ETa reduction was <15%, and there was no quantifiable increase in water yield. Instead, precipitation alone explained
85% of water yield variability at sub‐basin and basin scale. Future forest management practices in the Sierra Nevada are essential for combating wildfire, but our results from Sagehen reveal that even at the sub‐basin scale (~3 km2), 56% thinning treatment by area did not result in increased water yield.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of steel storage tanks protected through sliding isolators
Authors: Gabbianelli Giammaria , Milanesi Riccardo R. , Gandelli Emanuele , Dubini Paolo , Nascimbene Roberto
Published: April 2023

An adequate seismic protection of steel storage tanks of industrial, chemical and petrochemical plants is essential since potential consequences of failures, besides the economic losses, can be catastrophic for the environment and for people living nearby. Among the most common damages suffered by steel tanks in recent earthquakes, there are the elephant‐foot‐buckling of the perimeter wall and the tanks’ uplift or overturning. Due to the uncertainties related to the estimation of the mechanical properties of filled tanks and related seismic loads (i.e. dynamic overpressures generated by the content), conventional design approaches may lead to unsafe or, on the contrary, oversized solutions. Among effective alternatives, base isolation through Curved Surface Slider isolators (CSSs) offers some valuable advantages like high load bearing and displacement capacity with compact dimensions, independence of the oscillation period on the supported mass, and minimisation of torsional effects. Despite being neglected by most common commercial FEM codes, as a drawback, recent studies pointed out that the initial peak of friction force at CSSs’ motion breakaway can lead to significantly increased lateral deformations and accelerations of the superstructure. Within this framework in this study, a refined numerical model is developed in OpenSees FEM code, and an exhaustive parametric study is carried out to investigate the effect of the breakaway on isolated tanks providing some useful insights for the selection of the most suitable isolators.
Ensemble Calibration and Uncertainty Quantification of Precipitation Forecasts for a Risk-based UAS Navigation
Authors: Chrit Mounir
Published: April 2023

Uncertainty on precipitation forecasts results in major high
cancellation rate in Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations and reduces
the benefits of BVLOS operations in terms of risk-based contingency
planning. Hence, quantifying and reducing the uncertainty on
precipitation forecasts will reduce mission uncertainties, avoid
accidents and make the integration of UAS into the National Airspace
System more efficient and reliable. To achieve this goal, the
Member-ByMember post-processing technique is used to calibrate a
probabilistic forecast composed of 20 members of precipitation rate over
South Florida during summer period. The Continuous Ranked Probability
Score (CRPS) of the ensemble is minimised to achieve the optimal
regression between ensemble members without any assumption on the
forecasted parameter. The radar data from the Multi-Radar/Multi-Sensor
(MRMS) is used to correct ensemble spread every 10 min and reduce
forecasting uncertainty. A multi-physics ensemble was used to generate
high-resolution, convection resolving/allowing 48-hours forecasts. The
calibration was obtained over a learning process over the 48-h simulated
period over 3 years. The comparison between the raw and calibrated
ensemble from unseen data is presented in terms of bias correction and
ensemble reliability. The calibration was able to correct the bias found
in raw probabilistic forecasts relative to MRMS data. The comparison
with precipitation data from tipping buckets over four airports over
South Florida revealed that the calibrated ensemble tends to
overestimate the precipitation rates mainly because of the particles
evaporation that is taking place under radar beam.
Development of a pH‐sensing indicator for shrimp freshness monitoring: Curcumin and anthocyanin‐loaded gelatin films
Authors: Mohseni‐Shahri Fatemeh S. , Moeinpour Farid
Published: April 2023

An intelligent pH‐sensing indicator containing Roselle (Hibiseus sabdariffa L.) (RS) anthocyanin and curcumin (CR) was developed and characterized as on‐package indicator tags to check the freshness of shrimp during the storage at 4°C. FE‐SEM and FT‐IR analysis showed that RS and CR were successfully immobilized in the gelatin–glycerol film‐forming substrate. The addition of various natural dyes increased the thickness and antioxidant action of the colorimetric film. To assess the response to changes in the pH, the colorimetric film was immersed in different buffers. Based on volatile amines secreted by shrimp, a test application of a colorimetric film containing natural dyes at a ratio of CR:RS = 1:4 (v/v) was conducted in shrimp at 4°C. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and the pH of shrimp were monitored during refrigerated storage for 10 days, and the color changes of the indicator were recorded simultaneously. The results indicated that the designed colorimetric film could produce various colors, which are thought to be indicative of the freshness and spoilage of packaged shrimp. Therefore, the target film can be utilized as a promising smart packaging material for monitoring the freshness of shrimp and aquatic products in real time.
Standardizing analysis of intra‐tumoral heterogeneity with computational pathology
Authors: Paliwal Ameesha , Faust Kevin , Alshoumer Azhar , Diamandis Phedias
Published: April 2023

Many malignant cancers like glioblastoma are highly adaptive diseases that dynamically change their regional biology to survive and thrive under diverse microenvironmental and therapeutic pressures. While the concept of intra‐tumoral heterogeneity has become a major paradigm in cancer research and care, systematic approaches to assess and document bio‐variation in cancer are still in their infancy. Here we discuss existing approaches and challenges to documenting intra‐tumoral heterogeneity and emerging computational approaches that leverage artificial intelligence to begin to overcome these limitations. We propose how these emerging techniques can be coupled with a diversity of molecular tools to address intra‐tumoral heterogeneity more systematically in research and in practice, especially across larger specimens and longitudinal analyses. Systematic documentation and characterization of heterogeneity across entire tumor specimens and their longitudinal evolution has the potential to improve our understanding and treatment of cancer.
Feed profile analysis of oil palm‐integrated beef cattle farming systems by metabolic energy budgeting and implications for beef production and pastoral system design
Authors: Gobilik Januarius , Baco Hasbudie , Kabul Mohd. Azid , Dollah Suhaimi , Morris Stephen T. , Matthew Cory
Published: April 2023

Background

Oil palm is a tropical crop with worldwide plantings approaching 20 million ha and large areas in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The plantations are readily managed as silvopastoral systems incorporating cattle grazing (Oil Palm Silvopastoral System for Cattle, OPSC) but there is a need for analytical tools and data to understand system herbage supply and feed conversion efficiency (FCE).

Methods

Metabolic energy budgeting was used to estimate herbage harvested by cattle in three OPSC subsystems, 9 and 12 years after oil palm establishment, and FCE of the subsystems was determined. Understorey herbage was also analysed for nutritive value, botanical composition and herbage accumulation within one grazing‐regrowth cycle.

Results

The herbage‐harvested estimate was 2.0−2.4 t dry matter (DM) ha−1 year−1 for 9 year old subsystems and 1.4−1.7 t DM ha−1 year−1 for a 12 year old subsystem. Herbage metabolisable energy (ME) was 8.3−8.5 MJ kg−1 DM and crude protein (CP) was 15%−16% DM. FCE values for subsystems ranged from 32 to 94 kg DM kg−1 liveweight‐gain.

Conclusions

Herbage DM yield is declining, while herbage ME is marginal but CP is adequate. FCE is suboptimal but can be optimised by defining the trajectory of declining herbage production with canopy closure as plantations age and matching stocking rate to herbage supply using a comparative‐stocking‐rate‐type statistic.
Cognition, body, and mind: A three‐in‐one coordinate‐based fMRI meta‐analysis on cognitive, physical, and meditative trainings
Authors: Lo Presti Sara , Origlia Sara , Gianelli Claudia , Canessa Nicola
Published: April 2023

While mounting evidence shows promising effects of brain training on cognitive functioning in healthy and pathological conditions, the spread of variable training approaches highlights the need to compare their efficacy and identify their neural correlates, representing possible targets for neuromodulation treatments. We performed coordinate‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging meta‐analyses to compare the neural correlates and the cognitive outcomes of cognitive (n = 22), physical (n = 22), and meditative (n = 20) training in healthy non‐expert individuals. Pre/post‐training cognitive metrics improved after cognitive and physical training, but their heterogeneity, or even the lack of these measurements in some studies, highlights the need of more structured protocols. Cognitive, physical, and meditative interventions increased brain activity in distinct fronto‐medial areas likely mediating training effects on cognitive, action, and attentional control, respectively. The modular, training‐specific, engagement of a region that is known to mediate feedback‐based learning provides cues for boosting brain training via combined interventions that might jointly outperform their individual effects.
Depression, anxiety, stress levels and five‐factor personality traits as predictors of clinical medical students' migration intention: A cross‐sectional study of brain drain
Authors: Sancak Barış , Selek Serra Nur , Sarı Efe
Published: April 2023

Physician migration has a profound impact on healthcare systems and can be caused by many reasons. One of the most important healthcare‐related problems in Turkey recently is the increasing migration trends of physicians. Although many studies have investigated physician migration's social and political determinants, the psychological factors that may yield this trend have not been adequately studied. It is aimed to examine the relationship between clinical term medical students' intention to migrate and temporary factors such as depression, anxiety, stress, as well as persistent factors such as personality traits in this study. After questioning the migration intentions and possible related determinants of 575 students participating in our study, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 and Five‐Factor Personality Inventory were applied. While 46.3% of the participants had the intention to migrate, 53.7% planned to live in Turkey in the long term. Higher depression and stress levels are significantly associated with migratory intention. Identifying oneself as man, having a partner, high‐stress levels, high openness, and low agreeableness traits were found to be major predictors of migration intention. Our study shows that besides many sociological studies on this subject, the investigation of psychological factors has an important role to understand the recent physician migration.
Temporal dynamics and fatality of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M. Shaminur , Hoque M. Nazmul , Chowdhury Susmita Roy , Siddique Md. Moradul , Islam Ovinu Kibria , Galib Syed Md. , Islam Md. Tanvir , Hossain M. Anwar
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Since the beginning of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, multiple new variants have emerged posing an increased risk to global public health. This study aimed to investigate SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, their temporal dynamics, infection rate (IFR) and case fatality rate (CFR) in Bangladesh by analyzing the published genomes.

Methods

We retrieved 6610 complete whole genome sequences of the SARS‐CoV‐2 from the GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing all Influenza Data) platform from March 2020 to October 2022, and performed different in‐silico bioinformatics analyses. The clade and Pango lineages were assigned by using Nextclade v2.8.1. SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and fatality data were collected from the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh. The average IFR was calculated from the monthly COVID‐19 cases and population size while average CFR was calculated from the number of monthly deaths and number of confirmed COVID‐19 cases.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2 first emerged in Bangladesh on March 3, 2020 and created three pandemic waves so far. The phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple introductions of SARS‐CoV‐2 variant(s) into Bangladesh with at least 22 Nextstrain clades and 107 Pangolin lineages with respect to the SARS‐CoV‐2 reference genome of Wuhan/Hu‐1/2019. The Delta variant was detected as the most predominant (48.06%) variant followed by Omicron (27.88%), Beta (7.65%), Alpha (1.56%), Eta (0.33%) and Gamma (0.03%) variant. The overall IFR and CFR from circulating variants were 13.59% and 1.45%, respectively. A time‐dependent monthly analysis showed significant variations in the IFR (p = 0.012, Kruskal–Wallis test) and CFR (p = 0.032, Kruskal–Wallis test) throughout the study period. We found the highest IFR (14.35%) in 2020 while Delta (20A) and Beta (20H) variants were circulating in Bangladesh. Remarkably, the highest CFR (1.91%) from SARS‐CoV‐2 variants was recorded in 2021.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of genomic surveillance for careful monitoring of variants of concern emergence to interpret correctly their relative IFR and CFR, and thus, for implementation of strengthened public health and social measures to control the spread of the virus. Furthermore, the results of the present study may provide important context for sequence‐based inference in SARS‐CoV‐2 variant(s) evolution and clinical epidemiology beyond Bangladesh.