bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Awareness on Tendency of Disease in Different Blood Groups among General Population- A Survey
Authors: Vignesh M. , Sinduja Palati , Priyadharshini R.
Published: January 2022

Background: Blood groups are classified into two types ABO system and Rh system and ABO system have the antigen on the RBC and the antibody of the blood and whereas Rh blood system only contain the only antigen called D antigen that is present on the surface of RBC and the criteria to find the Rh+ or Rh- is by presence or absence of D antigen and this is the prime understanding of the blood groups where the antigen, antibody and cellular units together comprise the host response to the antigen or disease and enhance it. Our study is to create the awareness among the people for different blood groups disease-causing tendency

Materials And Methods: The questionnaire was made comprising of 15 questions using google forms and it is circulated among 100 peoples and the data was collected and evaluated by Chi-square test using SPSS VERSION 26. (p<0.005)

Results: The results showed that more than 75% of the study population are unaware of the blood groups associated with systemic illness and further survey is needed to analyze more population.

Conclusion: From the results, we concluded that certain programs and initiatives are needed to overcome the disease caused by the blood groups and our study focuses mainly on improving the knowledge of the individual about the knowledge and awareness of disease in blood groups.
An Association between Diabetes and COVID-19 Patients: A Brief Overview
Authors: Parmita Pragyna , Ghodmare Reema
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease, a pandemic (COVID19), an illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2), is triggering significant illness and death. The current coronavirus disease SARSCoV2 2019 (COVID19) pandemic is a certain challenge for patients with diabetes. Advanced phase and the occurrence of diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and obesity rise the threat of hospitalization and contribute to the sternness and death of patients with COVID19.  Furthermore, it further exacerbate the clinical consequences for those patients with diabetes who often suffer from comorbidities. In infectious diseases blood sugar control is often suboptimal, and Insulin therapy and Anti-diabetic drugs must be adjusted consequently. On the other hand, diabetic patient’s accessibility to the outpatient clinics is limited during the current season in order to advise on unconventional treatment options, in particular to the implementation of new telemedical strategies.  Therefore, the COVID-19 disaster should be used as an opportunity to take a remarkable step in the care of patients with diabetes. COVID19 patients suffering from diabetes are related with a two bend upsurge in death and cruelty of COVID19 matched to people who don’t have diabetes additionally, data suggests that high blood  pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are peril factors important for progression and unfavourable of COVID 19 patients. It was a critical obstacle to conduct an examination that should contain numerous intriguing features, like a progressive age, addicted to smoking, and obesity that could possibly alter the deduction depending on the limited number of victims.
Characteristics and outcome of facial nerve palsy from Lyme neuroborreliosis in the United States
Authors: Marques Adriana , Okpali Grace , Liepshutz Kelly , Ortega‐Villa Ana Maria
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Facial palsy is the most common manifestation of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in the United States. This study aimed to describe features of patients with early LNB presenting with facial palsy and to determine if corticosteroids in addition to antibiotic therapy was associated with unfavorable outcome.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of participants enrolled in clinical studies investigating Lyme disease (N = 486) identified 44 patients who had facial palsy from LNB. The House–Brackmann scale was used to quantify the facial nerve dysfunction.

Results

Most patients presented in the summer months. Erythema migrans, frequently associated with systemic symptoms, occurred in 29 patients. Thirteen patients presented with bilateral facial palsy, usually with sequential involvement. Fourteen patients had painful radiculopathy. Of the 38 patients treated with antibiotics before the resolution of the palsy who had complete follow‐up, 24 received both antibiotics and corticosteroids. Of these 38 patients, 34 recovered completely, 3 had nearly complete recovery, and 1 had moderate dysfunction. There were no differences between the treatment groups in achieving complete resolution of the palsy at 12 months or in time to complete recovery.

Interpretation

A history of rash compatible with erythema migrans or febrile illness in the weeks preceding the palsy are helpful clues pointing toward LNB and should be actively sought when evaluating patients with acute‐onset peripheral facial palsy, particularly bilateral facial palsy. Treatment with antibiotic therapy is highly effective and most patients will fully recover facial nerve function. Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy appears to not affect the speed of recovery or overall outcome in this retrospective observational study.
Paving the Way to Industrially Fabricated Disposable and Customizable Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Microfluidic Chips for Diagnostic Applications
Authors: Gutiérrez Yael , Losurdo Maria , Prinz Iris , Prinz Adrian , Bauer Georg , Bauer Maria , Schmidt Martina M. , Schaller Thorsten
Published: January 2022

Both surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy and microfluidics are increasing their presence in industry. The integration of SERS into microfluidic chips is relevant for label‐free biosensing and can expand the function of microfluidics to provide an efficient platform for on‐site biochemical analysis equipped with the powerful sensing capability of SERS. Herein, the design and industry manufacturing of reliable and cost‐effective disposable SERS microfluidic chips using high throughput technologies of injection molding and roll‐to‐roll are demonstrated. The SERS microfluidic chip is made of cyclic olein copolymers and of an ultrathin nanostructured polyethylene terephthalate foil covered by a plasmonic nanostructured Ag film, enabling Raman readout through it. This ultrathin plasmonic Ag‐coated PET layer overcomes the drawbacks of SERS through thick polymeric microfluidic cells, i.e., it avoids strong fluorescence signals interfering with the Raman measurements and avoids high working distances. The achieved SERS enhancement in the range 105–106 is demonstrated by probing 100 nl of 1 M rhodamine and of 10−12 m crystal violet with a > 90% reproducible signal, with large‐area uniformity on all the SERS area of 20 mm 2 and good stability of the signal over months. Therefore, this approach of SERS microfluidic chips provides an industrially viable customizable and cost‐effective route toward disposable, point‐of‐care diagnostic applications.
Jammed Micro‐Flake Hydrogel for Four‐Dimensional Living Cell Bioprinting
Authors: Ding Aixiang , Jeon Oju , Cleveland David , Gasvoda Kaelyn L. , Wells Derrick , Lee Sang Jin , Alsberg Eben
Published: January 2022

4D bioprinting is promising to build cell‐laden constructs (bioconstructs) with complex geometries and functions for tissue/organ regeneration applications. The development of hydrogel‐based 4D bioinks, especially those allowing living cell printing, with easy preparation, defined composition, and controlled physical properties is critically important for 4D bioprinting. Here, a single‐component jammed micro‐flake hydrogel (MFH) system with heterogeneous size distribution, which differs from the conventional granular microgel, has been developed as a new cell‐laden bioink for 4D bioprinting. This jammed cytocompatible MFH features scalable production and straightforward composition with shear‐thinning, shear‐yielding, and rapid self‐healing properties. As such, it can be smoothly printed into stable 3D bioconstructs, which can be further cross‐linked to form a gradient in cross‐linking density when a photoinitiator and a UV absorber are incorporated. After being subject to shape morphing, a variety of complex bioconstructs with well‐defined configurations and high cell viability are obtained. Based on this system, 4D cartilage‐like tissue formation is demonstrated as a proof‐of‐concept. The establishment of this versatile new 4D bioink system may open up a number of applications in tissue engineering.
Modeling Human Thyroid Development by Fetal Tissue‐Derived Organoid Culture
Authors: Liang Jianqing , Qian Jun , Yang Li , Chen Xiaojun , Wang Xiaoning , Lin Xinhua , Wang Xiaoyue , Zhao Bing
Published: January 2022

Euthyroidism is of profound importance for lifetime health. However, the early diagnosis or therapeutics of thyroid developmental defects has not been established, mainly due to limited understanding of human thyroid development and a lack of recapitulating research model. Herein, the authors elaborate the cell atlas and potential regulatory signaling of the evolution of heterogeneous thyrocyte population from 12 to 16 gestational weeks. Moreover, they establish a long‐term culture of human fetal thyroid organoids (hFTOs) system, which retains the fetal thyroid lineages and molecular signatures, as well as the ability to generate functional human thyroid follicles post mice renal transplantation. Notably, cAMP signaling activation in hFTOs by forskolin boosts the maturation of follicle and thus thyroid hormone T4 secretion, which recapitulates the key developmental events of fetal thyroid. Employing this ex vivo system, it is found that enhanced chromatin accessibility at thyroid maturation genes (such as TPO and TG) loci permits the transcription for hormone production. This study provides the cell atlas of and an organoid model for human thyroid development, which will facilitate thyroid research and prospective medicine.
Next‐Generation Cobalt‐Free Cathodes – A Prospective Solution to the Battery Industry's Cobalt Problem
Authors: Muralidharan Nitin , Self Ethan C. , Dixit Marm , Du Zhijia , Essehli Rachid , Amin Ruhul , Nanda Jagjit , Belharouak Ilias
Published: January 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries are overreliant on cobalt containing cathodes. Current projections estimate that hundreds of millions of electric vehicles (EVs) will be on the road by 2050, and this ever‐growing demand threatens to deplete global cobalt reserves at an alarming rate. Moreover, cobalt supply chain issues have significantly increased cobalt prices throughout the last decade. As such, energy storage research and development need to reduce the reliance on cobalt to meet ever‐growing demand for lithium‐ion batteries. The present review summarizes the science and technology gaps and potential of numerous cobalt‐free Li‐ion cathodes including layered, spinel, olivine, and disordered rock‐salt systems. Despite the promising performance of these Co‐free cathodes, scale‐up and manufacturing bottlenecks associated with these materials must also be addressed to enable widespread adoption in commercial batteries. Overall, this review broadly highlights the enormous promise of “zero‐cobalt” Li‐ion batteries to enable sustainable production of EVs in the coming decades.
Muscle Transcriptomics Shows Overexpression of Cadherin 1 in Inclusion Body Myositis
Authors: Ikenaga Chiseko , Date Hidetoshi , Kanagawa Motoi , Mitsui Jun , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Yoshimura Jun , Pinal‐Fernandez Iago , Mammen Andrew L. , Lloyd Thomas E. , Tsuji Shoji , Shimizu Jun , Toda Tatsushi , Goto Jun
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular features of inclusion body myositis (IBM).

Methods

We performed RNA sequencing analysis of muscle biopsy samples from 67 participants, consisting of 58 myositis patients with the pathological finding of CD8‐positive T cells invading non‐necrotic muscle fibers expressing major histocompatibility complex class I (43 IBM, 6 polymyositis, and 9 unclassifiable myositis), and 9 controls.

Results

Cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and pathway analysis showed that differentially expressed genes and pathways identified in IBM and polymyositis were mostly comparable. However, pathways related to cell adhesion molecules were upregulated in IBM as compared with polymyositis and controls (p < 0.01). Notably, CDH1, which encodes the epidermal cell junction protein cadherin 1, was overexpressed in the muscles of IBM, which was validated by another RNA sequencing dataset from previous publications. Western blotting confirmed the presence of mature cadherin 1 protein in the muscles of IBM. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the positivity for anti‐cadherin 1 antibody in the muscles of IBM, whereas there was no muscle fiber positive for anti‐cadherin 1 antibody in immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy, antisynthetase syndrome, and controls. The fibers stained with anti‐cadherin 1 antibody did not have rimmed vacuoles or abnormal protein accumulation. Experimental skeletal muscle regeneration and differentiation systems showed that CDH1 is expressed during skeletal muscle regeneration and differentiation.

Interpretation

CDH1 was detected as a differentially expressed gene, and immunohistochemistry showed that cadherin 1 exists in the muscles of IBM, whereas it was rarely seen in those of other idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Cadherin 1 upregulation in muscle could provide a valuable clue to the pathological mechanisms of IBM. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:317–328
Ferrocene‐Containing Nucleic Acid‐Based Energy‐Storage Nanoagent for Continuously Photo‐Induced Oxidative Stress Amplification
Authors: Ji Cailing , Li Hao , Zhang Lei , Wang Ping , Lv Yawei , Sun Zhijun , Tan Jie , Yuan Quan , Tan Weihong
Published: January 2022

Regulation of cellular oxidative stress plays a critical role in revealing the molecular mechanisms of cellular activities and thus is a potential strategy for tumor treatment. Optical methods have been employed for intelligent regulation of oxidative stress in tumor regions. However, long‐time continuous irradiation inevitably causes damage to normal tissues. Herein, a ferrocene‐containing nucleic acid‐based energy‐storage nanoagent was designed to achieve the continuous photo‐regulation of cellular oxidative stress in the dark. Specifically, the photoenergy stored in the agent could convert effectively and accelerate Fenton‐like reaction continuously, augmenting cellular oxidative stress. This nanoagent could also silence oxidative damage repair genes to further amplify oxidative stress. This strategy not only provides oxidative stress regulation for studying the molecular mechanisms of biological activities, but also offers a promising step toward tumor microenvironment modulation.
The tension between ethics and rigor when using Amazon MTurk for eating disorder research: Response to commentaries on Burnette et al. (2021)
Authors: Burnette C. Blair , Luzier Jessica , Bennett Brooke L. , Weisenmuller Chantel , Kerr Patrick , Keener Jillian
Published: January 2022

We respond to commentaries on our 2021 paper “Concerns and recommendations for using Amazon MTurk for eating disorder research.” The commentators raised many thoughtful and nuanced points regarding data validity and ethical means of online data collection. We echo concerns about the ethics of recruiting via platforms such as MTurk, and highlight tensions between recommendations for ethical data collection and ensuring data integrity. Especially, we highlight the consistent finding that MTurk workers display elevated (often remarkably so) rates of psychopathology, and argue such findings merit further scrutiny to ensure both data are valid and workers not exploited.
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy and risk of incident heart failure among adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kaze Arnaud D. , Yuyun Matthew F. , Erqou Sebhat , Fonarow Gregg C. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B.
Published: January 2022

Aims

Community‐based data on the association between cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and incident heart failure (HF) in type 2 diabetes are limited. We evaluated the association of CAN with incident HF in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods and results

This analysis included participants from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study without HF at baseline. CAN was assessed by electrocardiogram‐based measures of heart rate variability (HRV) and QT interval index (QTI). HRV was measured using standard deviation of all normal‐to‐normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences between normal‐to‐normal intervals (rMSSD). CAN was defined using composite measures of the lowest quartile of SDNN and highest quartiles of QTI and heart rate. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to generate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for HF in relation to various CAN measures. A total of 7160 participants (mean age 62.3 [standard deviation 6.4] years, 40.8% women, 61.9% white) were included. Over a median follow‐up of 4.9 years (interquartile range 4.0–5.7), 222 participants developed incident HF. After multivariable adjustment for relevant confounders, lower HRV as assessed by SDNN was associated with a higher risk of HF (aHR for the lowest vs highest quartile of SDNN: 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.54). Participants with CAN (defined as lowest quartile of SDNN and highest quartiles of QTI and heart rate) had a 2.7‐fold greater risk of HF (aHR 2.65, 95% CI 1.57–4.48).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of adults with type 2 diabetes, CAN was independently associated with higher risk of incident HF.
Evaluation of Deformation Behavior and Fast Elastic Recovery of Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes via Direct Roll‐Gap Detection During Calendering
Authors: Diener Alexander , Ivanov Stoyan , Haselrieder Wolfgang , Kwade Arno
Published: January 2022

Calendering is the state‐of‐the‐art process for electrode compaction in lithium‐ion battery manufacturing through which the final electrode structure is defined. As the electrode structure determines the electrical und electrochemical transport properties, it is essential to develop a deep understanding of the interdependence between the calendering process and the deformation behavior of the electrodes. Therefore, a novel method for the investigation of the deformation behavior of electrodes, especially the springback (SB) effect, through direct‐gap detection within the calendering machine, is developed. With this installation, it is possible to directly access the maximum compression of the electrodes during calendering. With this approach, two different variations of cathodes, a variation of mass loading and a variation of binder weight content, based on lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC622), are manufactured and investigated. Moreover, an empirical model is introduced, allowing the estimation of the SB for NMC622 cathodes considering different mass loadings and cathode compositions. Due to more space for particle rearrangement, cathodes with higher mass loading show a lower SB effect. Adding binder leads to higher plastic deformation and thus lowers also the SB effect of the electrodes.
The impact of preformed donor‐specific antibodies in living donor liver transplantation according to graft volume
Authors: Goto Ryoichi , Ito Makoto , Kawamura Norio , Watanabe Masaaki , Ganchiku Yoshikazu , Kamiyama Toshiya , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The roles of preformed anti‐HLA donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) in liver transplantation remain controversial. We evaluated the impact of preformed DSAs in living donor liver transplantation.

Methods

Adults who underwent living donor liver transplantation (n = 175) in our institute were included in this study. Lymphocyte cytotoxicity test (LCT), flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXM), and single‐antigen bead assays were performed.

Results

Among adult living donor liver transplantation recipients, 27 (16.5%) and 14 (8.5%) had pretransplant FCXM‐positive findings and LCT‐positive findings, respectively. FCXM‐positive patients displayed a significantly worse 5‐year graft survival rate (77.3%; vs. DSA‐negative, 91.6%). Six of 14 LCT‐positive patients exhibited graft loss shortly after transplantation (5‐year survival rate: 57.1%). All LCT‐positive patients with graft loss underwent left lobe living donor liver transplantation. Significantly lower ratio of graft volume relative to standard liver volume (32.9 ± 5.7%) and smaller graft size (365.3 ± 57.9 g) were observed in patients with graft loss (p < .03, vs. surviving grafts). Significantly higher DSA‐mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values were present in patients with graft loss (p = .0012, vs. surviving grafts).

Conclusions

Patients with preformed DSAs exhibited worse graft outcomes in living donor liver transplantation. Higher DSA‐MFI values and smaller graft size were associated with worse outcomes in LCT‐positive patients. High‐risk patients with preformed DSAs should be considered for appropriate graft selection and application of a desensitization protocol.
Derived categories of centrally‐symmetric smooth toric Fano varieties
Authors: Ballard Matthew R. , Duncan Alexander , McFaddin Patrick K.
Published: January 2022

We exhibit full exceptional collections of vector bundles on any smooth, Fano arithmetic toric variety whose split fan is centrally symmetric
Development of a plan complexity mitigation algorithm based on gamma passing rate predictions for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy
Authors: Ono Tomohiro , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Ono Yuka , Nakamura Kiyonao , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

Volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a complex rotational therapy technique in which highly conformal dose distribution can be realized by varying the speed of gantry rotation, multileaf collimator (MLC) shape, and dose rate. However, the complexity of the technique creates a discrepancy between the calculated and measured doses. Thus, to mitigate the plan complexity in VMAT, this study aimed to develop an algorithm and evaluate its usefulness by conducting a feasibility study.

Materials and methods

A total of 50 patients who underwent VMAT between September 2015 and December 2020 were arbitrarily selected for this study. Specifically, patients with less than 85% gamma passing rate (GPR) at 5%/1 mm or 3%/2 mm criterion were selected randomly. Using the GPR prediction model, problematic MLC positions that contribute to a decrease in GPR were identified. Those problematic MLC positions were optimized using a limited nonlinear algorithm under mechanical limitations. Additionally, the dose prescription for the target was re‐normalized. The VMAT modulated complexity score (MCSv), averaged aperture area (AA), and monitor unit per gray (MU/Gy) were evaluated as plan complexity parameters. Calculated doses in patient geometry were evaluated for the target and its surrounding region. In addition, an ArcCHECK cylindrical diode array was used to measure the dose, and GPRs at 5%/1 mm and 3%/2 mm criteria were evaluated to analyze the difference between the mitigated and original plans. The difference was calculated using the mean ± standard deviation.

Results

The differences between the MCSv, AA, and MU/cGy values for the mitigated and original plans were 0.8 ± 1.7 (×10–2), 42.7 ± 57.9, and ‐5.6 ± 8.5, respectively. Regarding the calculated dose, the dose volume parameters were consistent within 1% for the target and the surrounding region. The differences between the mitigated and original plans were 1.8 ± 2.9% and 1.3 ± 1.8% for GPRs at 5%/1 mm and 3%/2 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

This feasibility study resulted in the development of an algorithm with the potential to mitigate plan complexity and improve the GPR for VMAT under minor leaf position modifications.
Divergence‐free finite elements for the numerical solution of a hydroelastic vibration problem
Authors: Alonso‐Rodríguez Ana , Camaño Jessika , De Los Santos Eduardo , Rodríguez Rodolfo
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we analyze a divergence‐free finite element method to solve a fluid–structure interaction spectral problem in the three‐dimensional case. The unknowns of the resulting formulation are the fluid and solid displacements and the fluid pressure on the interface separating both media. The resulting mixed eigenvalue problem is approximated by using appropriate basis of the divergence‐free lowest order Raviart–Thomas elements for the fluid, piecewise linear elements for the solid and piecewise constant elements for the interface pressure. It is proved that eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are correctly approximated and some numerical results are reported in order to assess the performance of the method.
Bifunctional free radical photoinitiator based on syringaldehyde
Authors: Li Qianmin , Li Huimin , Wang Zhen , Liu Jiuhong , Chen Xuquan , Liu Dayong , Song Liang , Han Yuxi , Wang Zhongwei , Yu Qing
Published: January 2022

Syringaldehyde, a natural compound, was chosen to design a novel acylphosphine oxide (S1). Maximum absorption at 337 nm with very high molar extinction coefficient (above 13,000 M−1 cm−1) was detected for S1. As a type I photoinitiator, S1 could initiate the photopolymerization of TMPTA and ca. 50% of the double bond conversion (DC) could be obtained upon irradiation of LED@385 nm or LED@420 nm for 300 s. As coinitiator in type II system, S1 could cooperate with DETX and exhibit higher performance (ca. 60% of DC) than typical pair of DETX and EDAB. Density functional theory (DFT) is used to study the characteristics of excited state and transition manners of S1 after light absorption. Orbital distributions of singlet and triplet electron clouds, transition energy levels, and oscillator strength are also predicted. Results suggest that after intersystem crossing (ISC) and internal conversion (IC), free radicals formed through α‐cleavage (Norrish Type I reaction) or breakage of O‐H bond in S1. All results indicate that S1 could act as a bifunctional photoinitiator. Based on the above results, the roles of S1 during photoinitiation are also proposed.
Detailed investigation of the composition and transformations of phenolic compounds in fresh and fermented Vaccinium floribundum berry extracts by high‐resolution mass spectrometry and bioinformatics
Authors: Cerrato Andrea , Piovesana Susy , Aita Sara Elsa , Cavaliere Chiara , Felletti Simona , Laganà Aldo , Montone Carmela Maria , Vargas‐de‐la‐Cruz Celia , Capriotti Anna Laura
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Blueberries are known for their very high content of biologically active phenolic compounds; nonetheless, differently from the North American and European species of blueberries, Neotropical blueberries have not been extensively studied yet.

Objectives

In the present paper, the phenolic composition of Vaccinium floribundum Kunth, which is endemic to the Andean regions and grows 1,600 to 4,500 meters above sea level, was investigated by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS). Native and fermented berries were compared in terms of phenolic composition as well as antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total anthocyanin content.

Materials and Methods

V. floribundum native and fermented berries were extracted and analyzed by UHPLC‐HRMS. The acquired datasets were processed by Compound Discoverer 3.1 using a dedicated data analysis workflow that was specifically set up for phenolic compound identification.

Results

In total, 309 compounds were tentatively identified, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and proanthocyanidins. The molecular transformations of phenolic compounds during fermentation were comprehensively investigated for the first time, and by a customized data processing workflow, 13 quinones and quinone methides were tentatively identified in the fermented samples. Compared to other species of the genus Vaccinium, a peculiar phenolic profile is observed, with low abundance of highly methylated compounds.

Conclusion

Andean berries are a rich source of a wide variety of phenolic compounds. Untargeted MS analyses coupled to a dedicated data processing workflow allowed expanding the current knowledge on these berries, improving our understanding of the fate of phenolic compounds after fermentation.
Procalcitonin is associated with postnatal respiratory condition severity in preterm neonate
Authors: Iwai Masanori , Yoshimatsu Hidetaka , Naramura Tetsuo , Imamura Hiroko , Nakamura Tomomi , Sakamoto Rieko , Inoue Takeshi , Tanaka Kenichi , Matsumoto Shirou , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Mitsubuchi Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Postnatal respiratory failure is common in preterm neonates and is difficult to distinguish from early‐onset neonatal bacterial infection by clinical symptoms. Similar to C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) is used as a marker of bacterial infection. Recently, it has been reported that the serum PCT levels increase because of respiratory failure immediately after birth. However, there is insufficient information concerning the relationship between biological inflammation markers, such as PCT and CRP, and postnatal respiratory condition severity.

Methods

Preterm neonates were classified according to the received respiratory management as follows: nonrespiratory support (NRS), respiratory support (RS), surfactant administration therapy (STA), and STA with nitric oxide inhalation therapy (NO). The median serum PCT and CRP levels at 12–36 h postnatally were compared among the four groups. Additionally, the median serum PCT and CRP levels in the STA group were compared by STA timing and STA number.

Results

The PCT levels for the NRS, RS, STA, and NO groups were 1.04, 6.46, 12.93, and 86.79 μg/L, respectively; the CRP levels were 0.40, 0.80, 1.10, and 16.40 mg/L, respectively. The PCT levels were significantly lower among neonates receiving STA in the birth subgroup (4.82 μg/L) than among those receiving STA in the admission subgroup (14.71 μg/L). The PCT levels were significantly higher among the STA multiple‐dose subgroup (24.87 μg/L) than among the STA single‐dose subgroup (12.47 μg/L). No significant differences in the CRP levels were observed.

Conclusion

The serum PCT levels in preterm neonates were associated with postnatal respiratory condition severity.
Miniaturized pH‐Sensitive Field‐Effect Capacitors with Ultrathin Ta2O5Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Molinnus Denise , Iken Heiko , Johnen Anna Lynn , Richstein Benjamin , Hellmich Lena , Poghossian Arshak , Knoch Joachim , Schöning Michael J.
Published: January 2022

Miniaturized electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor capacitors (EISCAPs) with ultrathin gate insulators have been studied in terms of their pH‐sensitive sensor characteristics: three different EISCAP systems consisting of Al–p‐Si–Ta2O5(5 nm), Al–p‐Si–Si3N4(1 or 2 nm)–Ta2O5(5 nm), and Al–p‐Si–SiO2(3.6 nm)–Ta2O5(5 nm) layer structures are characterized in buffer solution with different pH values by means of capacitance–voltage and constant capacitance method. The SiO2and Si3N4gate insulators are deposited by rapid thermal oxidation and rapid thermal nitridation, respectively, whereas the Ta2O5film is prepared by atomic layer deposition. All EISCAP systems have a clear pH response, favoring the stacked gate insulators SiO2–Ta2O5when considering the overall sensor characteristics, while the Si3N4(1 nm)–Ta2O5stack delivers the largest accumulation capacitance (due to the lower equivalent oxide thickness) and a higher steepness in the slope of the capacitance–voltage curve among the studied stacked gate insulator systems.
Photoluminescence of Double Quantum Wells: Asymmetry and Excitation Laser Wavelength Effects
Authors: Bravo-Velázquez Carlos Alberto , Lastras-Martínez Luis Felipe , Ruiz-Cigarrillo Oscar , Flores-Rangel Gabriela , Tapia-Rodríguez Lucy Estefania , Biermann Klaus , Santos Paulo Ventura
Published: January 2022

Circularly polarized photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy measured at 19 K on GaAs/AlGaAs symmetric and asymmetric double quantum wells (DQW) is reported. The PL is obtained by exciting the sample with a circularly polarized (left or right) laser in order to create an initial unbalanced distribution of electron spins in the conduction band and, in this way, obtain the electron spin lifetime . The effects of the excitation laser wavelength are estimated by exciting with laser wavelengths of 701.0, 787.0, 801.5, and 806.5 nm. The increase of with the excitation wavelength is attributed to the lower initial quasimomentum k of the excited carriers, which also reduces spin–orbit relaxation processes. is found to be higher in asymmetric DQWs: this is attributed to the wider QWs in these samples, which reduces spin relaxation due to the Dresselhaus mechanism. In addition, a smaller contribution from the Rashba mechanism is also detected by comparing samples with built‐in electric fields of different orientations defined by doped barrier layers.
Oxygen Vacancy and Core–Shell Heterojunction Engineering of Anemone‐Like CoP@CoOOH Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Bing , Shan Jiongwei , Wang Weilong , Tsiakaras Panagiotis , Li Yunyong
Published: January 2022

Constructing cost‐efficient and robust bifunctional electrocatalysts for both neutral and alkaline water splitting is highly desired, but still affords a great challenge, due to sluggish hydrogen/oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) kinetics. Herein, an in situ integration engineering strategy of oxygen‐vacancy and core–shell heterojunction to fabricate an anemone‐like CoP@CoOOH core–shell heterojunction with rich oxygen‐vacancies supported on carbon paper (CoP@CoOOH/CP), is described. Benefiting from the synergy of CoP core and oxygen‐vacancy‐rich CoOOH shell, the as‐obtained CoP@CoOOH/CP catalyst displays low overpotentials at 10 mA cm‐2 for HER (89.6 mV/81.7 mV) and OER (318 mV/200 mV) in neutral and alkaline media, respectively. Notably, a two‐electrode electrolyzer, using CoP@CoOOH/CP as bifunctional catalyst to achieve 10 mA cm‐2, only needs low‐cell voltages in neutral (1.65 V) and alkaline (1.52 V) electrolyte. Besides, systematically experimental and theoretical results reveal that the core–shell heterojunction efficiently accelerates the catalytic kinetics and strengthens the structural stability, while rich oxygen‐vacancies efficiently decrease the kinetic barrier and activation energy, and reduce the energy barrier of the rate‐determining‐step for OER intermediates, thus intrinsically boosting OER performance. This work clearly demonstrates that oxygen‐vacancy and core–shell heterojunction engineering provide an effective strategy to design highly‐efficient non‐precious, bi‐functional electrocatalysts for pH‐universal water splitting.
Renormalization group improved implications of semileptonic operators in SMEFT
Authors: Kumar Jacky
Published: January 2022

Abstract

We study implications of the four-fermion semileptonic operators at the low-energy and at electroweak (EW) scale in the framework of Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). We show how the renormalization group (RG) running effects can play an important role in probing the generic flavour structure of such operators. It is shown that at the 1-loop level, through RG running, depending upon the flavour structure, these operators can give rise to sizable effects at low energy in the electroweak precision (EWP) observables, the leptonic, quark, as well as the Z boson flavour violating decays. To this end, we isolate the phenomenologically relevant terms in the full anomalous dimension matrices (ADMs) and discuss the impact of the QED+QCD running in the Weak effective field theory (WET) and the SMEFT running due to gauge and Yukawa interactions on the dim-4 and dim-6 operators at the low energy. Considering all the relevant processes, we derive lower bounds on new physics (NP) scale Λ for each semileptonic operator, keeping a generic flavour structure. In addition, we also report the allowed ranges for the Wilson coefficients at a fixed value of Λ = 3 TeV.
Q-monopole-ball: a topological and nontopological soliton
Authors: Bai Yang , Lu Sida , Orlofsky Nicholas
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Magnetic monopoles and Q-balls are examples of topological and nontopological solitons, respectively. A new soliton state with both topological and nontopological charges is shown to also exist, given a monopole sector with a portal coupling to an additional scalar field S with a global U(1) symmetry. This new state, the Q-monopole-ball, is more stable than an isolated Q-ball made of only S particles, and it could be stable against fissioning into monopoles and free S particles. Stable Q-monopole-balls can contain large magnetic charges, providing a novel nongravitational mechanism for binding like-charged monopoles together. They could be produced from a phase transition in the early universe and account for all dark matter.
Stress urinary incontinence is caused predominantly by urethral support failure
Authors: Bergström Bo S.
Published: January 2022

Whales are mammals that can dive to depths of > 1000 m without the high water pressure pushing open their mouth or anus. The same is true for the female urethra. The meatus externus and internus are seals that cannot be pushed open by high water pressures. Recent evidence suggests that the female meatus internus is pushed open when the bladder pressure exceeds the urethral pressure. For a relaxed detrusor, this opening is not possible for at least three reasons: the law of elastic collision, Pascal’s law of hydrostatics and the Hagen-Poiseuille law. The three laws do not support that urethral function failure is the predominant cause of stress urinary incontinence (SUI); however, they do support that urethral support failure is. Influential urogynecologists claim the opposite. TVT surgery, according to the integral theory of SUI (IT), has high failure rates because it does not principally prevent the urethra from hanging on a less mobile bladder neck. In the case of a long urethra, the tape is set too distally, and in hypomobile SUI, the use of a tension-free suburethral tape is unwarranted/ineffective, because the proximal urethra is not elevated above its resting position. A successful operation corrects urethral support failure and not urethral function failure.
Color recycling: metabolization of apocarotenoid degradation products suggests carbon regeneration via primary metabolic pathways
Authors: Koschmieder Julian , Alseekh Saleh , Shabani Marzieh , Baltenweck Raymonde , Maurino Veronica G. , Palme Klaus , Fernie Alisdair R. , Hugueney Philippe , Welsch Ralf
Published: January 2022

Key message

Analysis of carotenoid-accumulating roots revealed that oxidative carotenoid degradation yields glyoxal and methylglyoxal. Our data suggest that these compounds are detoxified via the glyoxalase system and re-enter primary metabolic pathways.

Carotenoid levels in plant tissues depend on the relative rates of synthesis and degradation. We recently identified redox enzymes previously known to be involved in the detoxification of fatty acid-derived reactive carbonyl species which were able to convert apocarotenoids into corresponding alcohols and carboxylic acids. However, their subsequent metabolization pathways remain unresolved. Interestingly, we found that carotenoid-accumulating roots have increased levels of glutathione, suggesting apocarotenoid glutathionylation to occur. In vitro and in planta investigations did not, however, support the occurrence of non-enzymatic or enzymatic glutathionylation of β-apocarotenoids. An alternative breakdown pathway is the continued oxidative degradation of primary apocarotenoids or their derivatives into the shortest possible oxidation products, namely glyoxal and methylglyoxal, which also accumulated in carotenoid-accumulating roots. In fact, combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis suggest that the high levels of glutathione are most probably required for detoxifying apocarotenoid-derived glyoxal and methylglyoxal via the glyoxalase pathway, yielding glycolate and d-lactate, respectively. Further transcriptome analysis suggested subsequent reactions involving activities associated with photorespiration and the peroxisome-specific glycolate/glyoxylate transporter. Finally, detoxified primary apocarotenoid degradation products might be converted into pyruvate which is possibly re-used for the synthesis of carotenoid biosynthesis precursors. Our findings allow to envision carbon recycling during carotenoid biosynthesis, degradation and re-synthesis which consumes energy, but partially maintains initially fixed carbon via re-introducing reactive carotenoid degradation products into primary metabolic pathways.
Photon counting of extreme ultraviolet high harmonics using a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector
Authors: Fuchs Silvio , Abel Johann J. , Nathanael Jan , Reinhard Julius , Wiesner Felix , Wünsche Martin , Skruszewicz Slawomir , Rödel Christian , Born Detlef , Schmidt Heidemarie , Paulus Gerhard G.
Published: January 2022

Laser-driven light sources in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV) enable nanoscopic imaging with unique label-free elemental contrast. However, to fully exploit the unique properties of these new sources, novel detection schemes need to be developed. Here, we show in a proof-of-concept experiment that superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD) can be utilized to enable photon counting of a laser-driven EUV source based on high harmonic generation (HHG). These detectors are dark-count free and accommodate very high count rates—a perfect match for high repetition rate HHG sources. In addition to the advantages of SNSPDs for classical imaging applications with laser-driven EUV sources, the ability to count single photons paves the way for very promising applications in quantum optics and quantum imaging with high energetic radiation like, e.g., quantum ghost imaging with nanoscale resolution.
Radial peripapillary vessel density as early biomarker in preperimetric glaucoma and amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Montorio Daniela , Criscuolo Chiara , Breve Maria Angelica , Lanzillo Roberta , Salvatore Elena , Morra Vincenzo Brescia , Cennamo Gilda
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To investigate the vessel density (VD) of the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) plexus in patients affected by preperimetric glaucoma (PPG), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and in a healthy control group using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in order to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms of these neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

In this prospective study, we studied 54 eyes of 54 patients with PPG, 54 eyes of 54 patients with aMCI and 54 healthy controls. All subjects underwent structural spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD)-OCT to assess the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). OCTA was used to evaluate the VD of the RPC in different regions (whole image, inside disc and peripapillary).

Results

The PPG and aMCI groups showed a statistically significant reduction in SD-OCT and parameters with respect to controls (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in GCC and RNFL parameters between the two study groups (p > 0.05). At OCTA examination, PPG and aMCI patients exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the VD of the RPC in whole image, inside and peripapillary regions compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). When comparing the two study groups, the OCTA parameters were significantly impaired in PPG with respect to aMCI patients. Significant correlations were found between structural OCT and OCTA parameters in PPG and aMCI groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

RPC vessel density could represent a helpful and sensible biomarker to identify early retinal microvascular changes in PPG and MCI in order to better understand the vascular pathophysiological mechanisms involved in these neurodegenerative diseases.
Mixed statistical and data mining analysis of river flow and catchment properties at regional scale
Authors: Giełczewski Marek , Piniewski Mikołaj , Domański Paweł D.
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an application of the L-moments and L-moment ratio diagrams (LMRD) to the analysis of hydrological data at regional (country) scale. Existing research focuses on two main areas of the analysis: statistical analysis using LMRD and regression analysis. Further research mixes both approaches applying regression analysis to L-moments. Another direction of the research is clustering of the climatic and physiographic catchment properties and its validation using LMRD. However, LMRD plots can be separately used as the clustering domain. It is proposed to decompose the features into some classes, and than present these results on the LMRD. Such plots constitute the source for the clustering. Obtained clusters are then validated against k-means clustering performed in the LMRD diagram domain. Results show that statistical L-moments analysis can be improved with data mining clustering algorithms. Such combination delivers a new perspective for the interpretation of the results. It is shown that clustering in the LMRD domain is consistent with the K-means clustering. It is anther argument showing that L-moments diagrams can be considered as a very powerful and informative tool for hydrologists enabling the comparison on the regional basis with respect to various catchment properties. The method is validated on data consisting of daily river flow data from 290 gauges covering entire Poland.
3D-based buccal augmentation for ideal prosthetic implant alignment—an optimized method and report on 7 cases with pronounced buccal concavities
Authors: Nickenig Hans-Joachim , Riekert Maximilian , Zirk Matthias , Lentzen Max-Philipp , Zöller Joachim E. , Kreppel Matthias
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Screw-retained restoration of implants is advantageous for biological and esthetic reasons. Due to buccal concavities, however, this preferred type of restoration can only be used in about half of the anterior indications. Based on case series, an optimized method for the treatment of such indications is to be described; the clinical reliability is to be ascertained by means of measurements (before and after augmentation) and assigned to the current literature.

Material and methods

A case series of seven cases with buccal concavities of the anterior alveolar ridge were treated with optimized method, which is presented step-by-step until the prosthetic restoration. The depths of the bone concavities were measured and related to the bone gain after augmentation procedure respectively after implantation.

Results

Linear measurements of the buccal concavities showed an average undercut of 4 mm [SD ± 1.13]. After healing period of six months, the buccal concavities could be compensated bony to such an extent that implants could be inserted in correct position and angulation. On average, there was a horizontal bone gain of 3.7 mm [SD ± 0.59]. Even after implantation and another six months of healing, stable bone dimensions could be assumed with an average of 4.3 [SD ± 0.83] mm of bone gain compared to baseline. In six of the seven cases, the favorite screw-retained, one-piece full-ceramic restoration could be fixed on the implants. Due to the implant axis, one case had to be treated with a cemented two-part full-ceramic system.

Conclusions

With the described optimized method the most favorable screw-retained restoration can also be used in situations with unfavorable concavities of buccal bone. Especially for this indication, a special form of the horizontal deficit, the customized bone regeneration with titanium meshes is highly reliable in terms of healing and extent of augmentation. However, long-term results and a study/control group are required to evaluate the effectiveness of the presented protocol.

Clinical relevance.

Since these situations require an augmentation that is up to 5 mm thick and a procedure that is as minimally invasive as possible appears to be necessary in the visible area, an optimized method is described in this publication.