bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National wealth, individualism, generalised trust, and religiosity as moderators of the relationship between helping strangers and life satisfaction in 137 societies
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen , Bond Michael Harris
Published: December 2022

We predicted that the relationship between helping strangers and life satisfaction would depend partially on the wealth of the country in which one lives. We argue that wealthy societies provide a wide range of welfare provisions for assisting their citizens. By contrast, people living in poorer countries with associated lower individualism, lower generalised trust, and higher religiosity have fewer financial and institutional supports for their daily welfare. They thus receive greater personal and interpersonal rewards for helping strangers in their societies and experience greater life satisfaction. Using a 137‐country sample, we found that the relationship between helping strangers and life satisfaction was weaker in wealthier nations and in nations with more individualistic, more trusting, but less religious citizens. When all four moderators were used, only trust and religiosity remained significant moderators. In a supplementary mediated moderation model, we also found that trust and religiosity mediated the effect of national wealth on the relationship between kindness and life satisfaction. We conclude that the relationship between kindness and life satisfaction depends on various aspects of national culture that may reduce or increase people's dependence in their daily lives on the help of others as opposed to dependence on welfare institutions.
Progress and challenges of mRNA vaccines
Authors: Lin Liangru , Pei Yusheng , Li Zhou , Luo Dan
Published: December 2022

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are third‐generation nucleic acid vaccines developed after first‐generation inactivated and live‐attenuated vaccines and second‐generation subunit and viral vector vaccines, characterized by a rapid response to pathogen mutation, simple production process, and high production capacity. The basic mechanism through which mRNA vaccines provide immune protection is the introduction into the body of mRNA expressing a target antigen through a specific delivery system and expression of the corresponding protein in vivo, which stimulates a specific immunological response. Multiple mRNA vaccine platforms against infectious diseases and cancers have shown encouraging results in both animal models and human subjects; in particular, mRNA vaccines against COVID‐19 have been widely adopted around the world. However, the development of mRNA vaccines has not been straightforward. The rapid progress of mRNA vaccines would not have been possible without major recent advances in innate immune sensing and in vivo delivery strategies. Creative research in mRNA design, lipid/polymer/novel nanocarrier development, and coupling to wearable/implantable electrostimulation medical devices may drive the evolution of mRNA vaccines.
lncRNA SND1‐IT1 delivered via intracerebral hemorrhage‐derived exosomes affect the growth of human microglia by regulating the miR‐124‐3p/MTF1 axis
Authors: Wang Jian , Teng Fei , Liu Shuhan , Pan Xiaoqiang , Yang Bo , Wu Wei
Published: December 2022

In this study, we investigated the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SND1‐IT1 on human microglia (HMC3 cells) delivered by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)‐derived exosomes (ICH‐exos) as well as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Exosomes obtained from ICH plasma were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and western blot. RNA sequencing was performed to study the lncRNA transcriptome from ICH‐exos and the healthy control‐derived exosomes (HC‐exos) and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE‐lncRNAs) were identified. HMC3 cells were treated with ICH‐exos or transfected with pcDNA3.1‐SND1‐IT1, and then cell viability and apoptosis were measured. The ceRNA network (lncRNA SND1‐IT1/miR‐124‐3p/messenger RNA MTF1) was chosen for further investigation. NTA, TEM, and western blot showed that exosomes were successfully separated and could be absorbed by HMC3 cells. The expression of lncRNA SND1‐IT1 in ICH‐exos was significantly higher than that of HC‐exos (p < 0.05). In addition, lncRNA SND1‐IT1 overexpression and ICH‐exos significantly inhibited cell viability and enhanced apoptosis. A total of 162 DE‐lncRNAs were identified by sequencing, and a ceRNA network was constructed. The dual‐luciferase reporter gene indicated that lncRNA SND1‐IT1, miR‐124‐3p, and MTF1 interacted with each other. Cell experiments showed that lncRNA SND1‐IT1 affected the growth of HMC3 cells through miR‐124‐3p/MTF1. In conclusion, ICH‐exos delivered lncRNA SND1‐IT1 to HMC3 cells, and exosomal lncRNA SND1‐IT1 can regulate cell viability and apoptosis to influence HMC3 cell growth via the SND1‐IT1/miR‐124‐3p/MTF1 axis.
Deep learning‐based assessment of body composition and liver tumour burden for survival modelling in advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Keyl Julius , Hosch René , Berger Aaron , Ester Oliver , Greiner Tobias , Bogner Simon , Treckmann Jürgen , Ting Saskia , Schumacher Brigitte , Albers David , Markus Peter , Wiesweg Marcel , Forsting Michael , Nensa Felix , Schuler Martin , Kasper Stefan , Kleesiek Jens
Published: December 2022

Background

Personalized therapy planning remains a significant challenge in advanced colorectal cancer care, despite extensive research on prognostic and predictive markers. A strong correlation of sarcopenia or overall body composition and survival has been described. Here, we explore whether automated assessment of body composition and liver metastases from standard of care CT images can add to clinical parameters in personalized survival risk prognostication.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed clinical imaging data from 85 patients (50.6% female, mean age 58.9 SD 12.2 years) with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. Pretrained deep learning models were used to assess body composition and liver metastasis geometry from abdominal CT images before the initiation of systemic treatment. Abdominal muscle‐to‐bone ratio (MBR) was calculated by dividing abdominal muscle volume by abdominal bone volume. MBR was compared with body mass index (BMI), abdominal muscle volume, and abdominal muscle volume divided by height squared. Differences in overall survival based on body composition and liver metastasis parameters were compared using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results were correlated with clinical and biomarker data to develop a machine learning model for survival risk prognostication.

Results

The MBR, unlike abdominal muscle volume or BMI, was significantly associated with overall survival (HR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19–0.80, P = 0.009). The MBR (P = 0.022), liver metastasis surface area (P = 0.01) and primary tumour sidedness (P = 0.007) were independently associated with overall survival in multivariate analysis. Body composition parameters did not correlate with KRAS mutational status or primary tumour sidedness. A prediction model based on MBR, liver metastasis surface area and primary tumour sidedness achieved a concordance index of 0.69.

Conclusions

Automated segmentation enables to extract prognostic parameters from routine imaging data for personalized survival modelling in advanced colorectal cancer patients.
Retinal pigment epithelium extracellular vesicles are potent inducers of age‐related macular degeneration disease phenotype in the outer retina
Authors: Kurzawa‐Akanbi Marzena , Whitfield Phillip , Burté Florence , Bertelli Pietro Maria , Pathak Varun , Doherty Mary , Hilgen Birthe , Gliaudelytė Lina , Platt Mark , Queen Rachel , Coxhead Jonathan , Porter Andrew , Öberg Maria , Fabrikova Daniela , Davey Tracey , Beh Chia Shyan , Georgiou Maria , Collin Joseph , Boczonadi Veronika , Härtlova Anetta , Taggart Michael , Al‐Aama Jumana , Korolchuk Viktor I , Morris Christopher M , Guduric‐Fuchs Jasenka , Steel David H , Medina Reinhold J , Armstrong Lyle , Lako Majlinda
Published: December 2022

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness. Vision loss is caused by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors atrophy and/or retinal and choroidal angiogenesis. Here we use AMD patient‐specific RPE cells with the Complement Factor H Y402H high‐risk polymorphism to perform a comprehensive analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs), their cargo and role in disease pathology. We show that AMD RPE is characterised by enhanced polarised EV secretion. Multi‐omics analyses demonstrate that AMD RPE EVs carry RNA, proteins and lipids, which mediate key AMD features including oxidative stress, cytoskeletal dysfunction, angiogenesis and drusen accumulation. Moreover, AMD RPE EVs induce amyloid fibril formation, revealing their role in drusen formation. We demonstrate that exposure of control RPE to AMD RPE apical EVs leads to the acquisition of AMD features such as stress vacuoles, cytoskeletal destabilization and abnormalities in the morphology of the nucleus. Retinal organoid treatment with apical AMD RPE EVs leads to disrupted neuroepithelium and the appearance of cytoprotective alpha B crystallin immunopositive cells, with some co‐expressing retinal progenitor cell markers Pax6/Vsx2, suggesting injury‐induced regenerative pathways activation. These findings indicate that AMD RPE EVs are potent inducers of AMD phenotype in the neighbouring RPE and retinal cells.
Risk for incident comorbidities, nonhepatic cancer and mortality in acute hepatic porphyria: A matched cohort study in 1244 individuals
Authors: Lissing Mattias , Vassiliou Daphne , Floderus Ylva , Harper Pauline , Yan Jacinth , Hagström Hannes , Sardh Eliane , Wahlin Staffan
Published: December 2022

The acute hepatic porphyrias (AHP) are associated with long‐term complications such as primary liver cancer, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Data on other related comorbidities are scarce. In this register‐based, matched cohort study, we assessed the risks of nonhepatic cancers, cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases, psychiatric disorders, and mortality in relation to porphyria type, sex, and biochemical disease activity. All patients in the Swedish porphyria register with a verified AHP diagnosis during 1987–2015 were included. The biochemical activity of acute intermittent porphyria was assessed using recorded maximal urinary porphobilinogen (U‐PBG). Data on incident comorbidities and mortality were collected from national health registries. Cumulative incidences, rates, and hazards were compared to reference individuals from the general population, matched 1:10 by age, sex, and county. We identified 1244 patients with AHP with a median follow‐up of 19 years. Health registries identified 149 AHP‐subjects (12.0%) with nonhepatic cancer, similar to 1601 (13.0%) in the matched reference population (n = 12 362). Patients with AHP had a higher risk of kidney cancer (0.8% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.001), hypertension, and chronic kidney disease but no increase in risk for cardiovascular disease, except for cerebrovascular disease in patients with elevated U‐PBG, (aHR = 1.40 [95% CI:1.06–1.85]). Mortality risk during follow‐up was higher among patients with AHP (21% vs. 18%, p = 0.001), and associated with primary liver cancer, female sex, and biochemical activity. In conclusion, AHP is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and mortality but not with cardiovascular disease or other nonhepatic cancers.
Transformational Leadership and Sick Leave: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hauth Tobias , Peiró José M. , Mesa Juan M.
Published: December 2022

Although prior research has established an association between transformational leadership and sick leave, there is still no clear evidence for a causal relationship between the two constructs. The present study contributes to this quest by developing and evaluating the effectiveness of a transformational leadership intervention in reducing employee sick leave. One hundred and seventeen leaders from two Spanish organizations were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 54) or control condition (n = 63). An ANCOVA analysis of 6 months of pre and post‐test sick leave data was used to examine the impact of the intervention. Results confirmed the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing total subordinate sick days, sick days due to long‐term spells and sick days of younger employees. No significant effect was found for follower sick days due to short‐term spells and sick days in older employees. As levels of sick leave rise, an evidence‐based and actionable tool is provided for organizations seeking to improve employee health.
Omicron infection increases IgG binding to spike protein of predecessor variants
Authors: Mahalingam Gokulnath , Periyasami Yogapriya , Arjunan Porkizhi , Subaschandrabose Rajesh K. , Mathivanan Tamil V. , Mathew Roshlin S. , Devi Ramya K. T. , Premkumar Prasanna S. , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Srivastava Alok , Moorthy Mahesh , Marepally Srujan
Published: December 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission in India in 2020–2022 was driven predominantly by Wild (Wuhan‐Hu‐1 and D614G), Delta, and Omicron variants. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of infections on the humoral immune response and cross‐reactivity to spike proteins of Wuhan‐Hu‐1, Delta, C.1.2., and Omicron. Residual archival sera (N = 81) received between January 2020 and March 2022 were included. Infection status was inferred by a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR and/or serology (anti‐N and anti‐S antibodies) and sequencing of contemporaneous samples (N = 18) to infer lineage. We estimated the levels and cross‐reactivity of infection‐induced sera including Wild, Delta, Omicron as well as vaccine breakthrough infections (Delta and Omicron). We found an approximately two‐fold increase in spike‐specific IgG antibody binding in post‐Omicron infection compared with the pre‐Omicron period, whilst the change in pre‐ and post‐Delta infections were similar. Further investigation of Omicron‐specific humoral responses revealed primary Omicron infection as an inducer of cross‐reactive antibodies against predecessor variants, in spite of the weaker degree of humoral response compared to Wuhan‐Hu‐1 and Delta infection. Intriguingly, Omicron vaccine‐breakthrough infections when compared with primary infections, exhibited increased humoral responses against RBD (7.7‐fold) and Trimeric S (Trimeric form of spike protein) (34.6‐fold) in addition to increased binding of IgGs towards previously circulating variants (4.2 ‐ 6.5‐fold). Despite Delta breakthrough infections showing a higher level of humoral response against RBD (2.9‐fold) and Trimeric S (5.7‐fold) compared to primary Delta sera, a demonstrably reduced binding (36%–49%) was observed to Omicron spike protein. Omicron vaccine breakthrough infection results in increased intensity of humoral response and wider breadth of IgG binding to spike proteins of antigenically‐distinct, predecessor variants.
Originality vs. Appropriateness: The Moderating Role of Culture on the Effect of Instructional Focus on Individual and Team Creativities
Authors: Zheng Mei , Niu Weihua , Wang Wei , Cheng Li , Ma Tianjiao , Park Ji Hoon
Published: December 2022

Creativity is one of the essential skills for the 21st century. Although current advancement in the research converges on its dual features (i.e., originality and appropriateness) and the effect of instructional focus, little is known about how culture and work modality (i.e., individual or collaborative) play a role in the effect. This study examined the moderating role of culture on the impact of instructional focus on creative performance at both individual and team levels. We recruited 144 participants (72 from the United States and 72 from China) to form 48 working teams of trios, half of which were instructed to focus on originality while the other half to focus on appropriateness. Our results revealed a main effect of instructional focus on creativity only at the team level but not at the individual level. More importantly, we found that the individualistic culture yielded the best creative performance with individual work modality when instructed to focus on originality, whereas the collectivistic culture yielded the best creative performance with team work modality when instructed to focus on appropriateness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effects of pea protein content and extrusion types on physicochemical properties and texture characteristic of meat analogs
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ryu Gi‐Hyung
Published: December 2022

Background

With the change in consumers' lifestyles, the global demand for meat analogs is growing rapidly. However, soy has many drawbacks as a raw material to produce meat analogs, such as its allergy potential (glycinin and β‐conglycinin) and some unpredictable alterations in genetic DNA, proteins, and biochemical processing due to genetic modification. This paper aims to study the physicochemical and textural properties of meat analogs obtained under different pea protein contents and extrusion types to explore the potential of applying pea protein to meat analogs.

Results

High‐moisture meat analog (HMMA) is superior to low‐moisture meat analog (LMMA) based on the physical properties (integrity index and nitrogen solubility index) and texture properties (texture profile analysis and cutting strength). The higher the amount of pea protein added, the higher the degree of sample texturization. At low‐moisture extrusion cooking (LMEC), higher isolated pea protein content is accompanied by lower water holding capacity and higher texturization. Hydrophobic interactions play a slightly greater role than disulfide bonds in stabilizing the protein structure of the extrudates. The type of extrusion significantly affected the free sulfhydryl and disulfide bond content of the extrudate, while the source of raw material has an important relationship with protein solubility and free sulfhydryl content. Dodecyl sulfated gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) showed that most of the protein subunits remained after extrusion.

Conclusions

Extrusion types and isolated pea protein contents showed significant effects on the properties of meat analogs, and isolated pea protein has great potential for application in the production of meat analogs.
LUMiC® endoprosthesis for pelvic reconstruction: A Canadian experience
Authors: Rizkallah Maroun , Ferguson Peter C. , Basile Georges , Kim Paul , Werier Joel , Wilson David , Turcotte Robert
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

The LUMiC® prosthesis was introduced to reduce the mechanical complications encountered with periacetabular reconstruction after pelvic tumor resection. Few have evaluated the outcomes associated with its use.

Methods

A retrospective study from five Orthopedic Oncology Canadian centers was conducted. All patients with a LUMiC® endoprosthesis were included. Their charts were reviewed for surgical and functional outcomes.

Results

A total of 16 patients were followed for 28 months (3–60). A total of 12 patients (75%) had a LUMiC® after a resection of a primary sarcoma. Mean surgical time was 555 min. Four patients (25%) had a two‐stages procedure. MSTS score was 60.3 preoperatively and 54.3 postoperatively. Patients got a dual mobility bearing and the silver coated implant was used in 7 patients (43.7%). Five patients (31.3%) underwent capsular reconstruction using a fabric. Silver‐coating was not found to reduce infection risk (p = 0.61) and capsuloplasty did not prevent dislocation (p = 0.6). Five patients had peroperative complications (31.3%). Eight patients (50%) had an infection including all four with two‐stages surgery. Dislocation occurred in five patients (31.3%) whereas no cases of aseptic loosening were reported. A total of 10 patients (62.5%) needed a reoperation.

Conclusion

LUMiC® endoprosthesis provides low rates of aseptic loosening on medium‐term follow‐up. Infection and dislocation are common complications but we were unable to show benefits of capsuloplasty and silver‐coated implants.
Enriched PUFA environment of Leishmania infantum promastigotes promotes the accumulation of lipid mediators and favors parasite infectivity towards J774 murine macrophages
Authors: Leroux Marine , Bouazizi‐Ben Messaoud Hana , Luquain‐Costaz Céline , Jordheim Lars P. , Le Faouder Pauline , Gustin Marie‐Paule , Aoun Karim , Lawton Philippe , Azzouz‐Maache Samira , Delton Isabelle
Published: December 2022

Leishmania parasites are the causative agents of visceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans and of canine leishmaniosis. The macrophage is the predilected host cell of Leishmania in which the promastigote stage is transformed into amastigote. We previously showed changes in the fatty acid composition (FA) of lipids in two strains of Leishmania donovani upon differentiation of promastigote to amastigote, including increased proportions of arachidonic acid (AA) and to a less extent of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Here, we carried out supplementation with AA or DHA on two Leishmania infantum strains, a visceral (MON‐1) and a cutaneous (MON‐24), to evaluate the role of these FA in parasite/macrophage interactions. The proportions of AA or DHA in total lipids were significantly increased in promastigotes cultured in AA‐ or DHA‐supplemented media compared to controls. The content of FA‐derived oxygenated metabolites was enhanced in supplemented strains, generating especially epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (11,12‐ and 14,15‐EET) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (5‐ and 8‐ HETE) from AA, and hydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (14‐ and 17‐HDoHE) from DHA. For both MON‐1 and MON‐24, AA‐supplemented promastigotes showed higher infectivity towards J774 macrophages as evidenced by higher intracellular amastigote numbers. Higher infectivity was observed after DHA supplementation for MON‐24 but not MON‐1 strain. ROS production by macrophages increased upon parasite infection, but only minor change was observed between control and supplemented parasites. We propose that under high AA or DHA environment that is associated with AA or DHA enrichment of promastigote lipids, FA derivatives can accumulate in the parasite, thereby modulating parasite infectivity towards host macrophages.
Global solutions to the damped MHD system
Authors: Zhai Xiaoping , Chen Zhi‐Min
Published: December 2022

The global existence of solutions to a damped MHD system in Besov spaces is obtained. This research is motivated by the open question [Wu et al., J. Nonlinear Sci. 25 (2015), 157–192, Remark 5.1] on the possibility of extension to the existence of global small solutions from a potential Banach space to a Besov space. The present result positively confirms the open question. What is more, the initial data are not required to be uniformly small.
Synthesis and Characterization of Alginate/Bentonite Hydrogels
Authors: Morant Mónica Alejandra , Horst María Fernanda , Giaroli María Carolina , Rodríguez Mario Humberto , Ninago Mario Daniel
Published: December 2022

The use of bentonite for organic dyes removal in the water system is an economical and highly efficient alternative against the usually applied purification methods. However, during the post‐treatment stage bentonite swells and forms highly stable colloidal suspensions, being difficult to separate from the aqueous system. In this work, calcium alginate hydrogels beads with 5 and 10% w/w of bentonite are synthetized and their capacity to adsorb methylene blue, as model dye, from aqueous media is evaluated. Structure and mechanical properties of hydrogels beads are determined, showing that hydrogels beads with bentonite present higher viscosity and hardness. Regarding methylene blue adsorption capacity, the effect the contact time (0–32 h) and the initial cadmium ion concentration (0.2–3.0 mg L−1) are studied employing hydrogel beads. The equilibrium adsorption time is reached at 300 min for all studied hydrogels and experimental data are fitted well with a pseudo‐second order kinetic model. As conclusion, alginate/bentonite hydrogel beads are accepted as a promising candidate to remove methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions.
Interaction Between Type I and II Coagents and Polybutadiene Isomers on Crosslinking Systems Using Organic Peroxide
Authors: Neumann Chaiane , Romanzini Daiane , Andrade Mara Z. , Francisquetti Edson L.
Published: December 2022

This study aims to evaluate the influence of types I and II coagents on different polybutadiene isomers vulcanized with organic peroxides. In this study, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) is used in association with coagents ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and triallyl isocianurate (TAIC) in the crosslinking of high cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene and high vinyl‐1,2‐polybutadiene isomers. The results reveal that using a type I coagent, EGDMA increases the crosslink density as the amount of coagent is increased. The curing index of the samples is positively influenced by coagent type I, mainly when vinyl‐1,2‐polybutadiene is used.
Photochemical Nitric Oxide Release from S‐Nitrosothiol‐Functionalized Chitosan
Authors: de Almeida Herllan V. , Catori Daniele M. , da Silva Laura C. E. , de Oliveira Marcelo G.
Published: December 2022

S‐nitrosothiols (RSNOs) are nitric oxide (NO) donor molecules with potential biomedical applications since they mimic NO biological functions, such as vasodilation and inflammatory process regulation. In this work, chitosan (CS), a natural biopolymer widely used as a biomaterial, is functionalized with thioglycolic acid (TGA) or mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) in reactions mediated by a carbodiimide, yielding CS with thiol contents of 88 µmol g–1 (CS‐TGA) and 126 µmol g–1 (CS‐MSA). The subsequent S‐nitrosation of CS‐TGA and CS‐MSA generates the corresponding S‐nitroso derivatives, CS‐TGA(SNO) and CS‐MSA(SNO). The UV–Vis spectral changes associated with the S‐NO bond cleavage of CS‐TGA(SNO) and CS‐MSA(SNO), monitored in solution over 18 days of storage in a common refrigerator, reveal that these S‐nitroso CS derivatives display enhanced thermal stability in the dark, with half‐life values of 36.1 for CS‐TGA(SNO) and 16.1 days for CS‐MSA(SNO). Conversely, CS‐TGA(SNO) and CS‐MSA(SNO) can release NO photochemically on‐demand under visible light irradiation in a first‐order process triggered by photon absorption that leads to a half‐life of 33 min for both S‐nitroso CS. These results show that CS‐TGA(SNO) and CS‐MSA(SNO) may emerge as new CS‐based biomaterials for providing light‐triggered local NO release in biomedical applications.
Fresh 3D Printing of Double Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid/Pectin Hydrogels
Authors: Catori Daniele M. , Lorevice Marcos V. , da Silva Laura C. E. , Candido Geovany , Millás Ana L. G. , de Oliveira Marcelo G.
Published: December 2022

3D printing has emerged as a first‐line approach for the fabrication of complex structures. In the biomedical field, extrusion‐based is the most popular printing technique. However, a limited range of biocompatible printable inks is available for this technique because, typically, low‐viscosity inks are not printable, or the resulting constructs are unable to self‐support. In this work, use of the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) extrusion‐based technique to fabricate self‐supported 3D constructs from low‐viscosity polysaccharide inks composed of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HA(GM)) and methacrylated pectin (PEC(GM)) is aimed. The use of a support bath of gelatin slurry to sustain the extruded filaments during both printing and post curing allows reaching a shape fidelity so far unreported for low‐viscosity polysaccharide inks. Moreover, the methacrylate groups of HA(GM) and PEC(GM) lead to double crosslinked hydrogels, where the calcium ions added to the gelatin slurry promote the ionotropic gelation of PEC(GM), while the methacrylate groups of both PEC(GM) and HA(GM) promote their photocrosslinking after UV irradiation. The resulting 3D constructs exhibit elastic modulus in the range of 0.5–2.3 kPa, which is suitable for the 3D printing of constructs for soft tissue repair or substitution.
Conductivity gain predictions for multiscale fibrous composites with interfacial thermal barrier resistance
Authors: Iglesias‐Rodríguez Ernesto , Bravo‐Castillero Julián , Cruz Manuel E. , Guinovart‐Díaz Raúl
Published: December 2022

Nanocomposites are heterogeneous media with two or more micro‐structural levels. For instance, a nano‐level is characterized by isolated nano‐inclusions, and a micro‐level is represented by the clusters resulting from aggregation processes. Based on the reiterated homogenization method, we present a procedure to study the influence of this aggregation process and interfacial thermal resistance on the effective thermal conductivity for 2‐D square arrays of circular cylinders. First, an effective intermediate thermal property is obtained by taking into account only the influence of the individual nano‐inclusions in the matrix. Second, the final effective thermal coefficient (
) is calculated considering the clusters immersed in the intermediate effective medium derived in the first step. The conductivity gain (
) is defined as the quotient (
) where
is the effective thermal coefficient computed considering only one microstructural level with the same volumetric fraction of inclusions. We apply the theory of complex variable functions deriving in an infinite system of equations solvable by truncation method. The analytical formulas of the effective coefficient used in the calculations generalize other well‐known formulas reported in the literature. We also provide formulas for several truncation orders. The main novel contribution is in the reiterative application of the obtained formulas to illustrate the gain effect in nanocomposites, expressed as a function of the Biot number, thermal conductivities, volumetric fibers fraction, and an aggregation parameter. Furthermore, this result can be used to assess numerical computations and for nano‐reinforced fibers and nanofluids applications. An appendix is included showing similarities and differences with a three‐phase model.
Analysis of optimal preconditioners for CutFEM
Authors: Gross Sven , Reusken Arnold
Published: December 2022

In this article, we consider a class of unfitted finite element methods for scalar elliptic problems. These so‐called CutFEM methods use standard finite element spaces on a fixed unfitted triangulation combined with the Nitsche technique and a ghost penalty stabilization. As a model problem we consider the application of such a method to the Poisson interface problem. We introduce and analyze a new class of preconditioners that is based on a subspace decomposition approach. The unfitted finite element space is split into two subspaces, where one subspace is the standard finite element space associated to the background mesh and the second subspace is spanned by all cut basis functions corresponding to nodes on the cut elements. We will show that this splitting is stable, uniformly in the discretization parameter and in the location of the interface in the triangulation. Based on this we introduce an efficient preconditioner that is uniformly spectrally equivalent to the stiffness matrix. Using a similar splitting, it is shown that the same preconditioning approach can also be applied to a fictitious domain CutFEM discretization of the Poisson equation. Results of numerical experiments are included that illustrate optimality of such preconditioners for the Poisson interface problem and the Poisson fictitious domain problem.
Consistent splitting schemes for incompressible viscoelastic flow problems
Authors: Pacheco Douglas R. Q. , Castillo Ernesto
Published: December 2022

Viscoelastic fluids are highly challenging from the rheological standpoint, and their discretization demands robust, efficient numerical solvers. Simulating viscoelastic flows requires combining the Navier–Stokes system with a dynamic tensorial equation, increasing mathematical and computational demands. Hence, fractional‐step methods decoupling the calculation of the flow quantities are an attractive option. In consistent fractional‐step schemes, the splitting of the equations is derived from the continuous level, so that neither mass nor momentum balance is sacrificed. Thus, no corrections or velocity projections are needed, resulting in fewer algorithmic steps than other classical approaches. Moreover, consistency guarantees the absence of both numerical boundary layers and splitting errors, enabling high‐order accuracy in space and time. This article introduces the first consistent splitting methods for incompressible flows of viscoelastic fluids, for which arbitrary constitutive laws are allowed. We present the formulation and the algorithm, along with various numerical examples testing their accuracy. First‐, second‐ and third‐order backward‐differentiation schemes are numerically tested, and optimal convergence is confirmed for several spatial and temporal discretizations. Furthermore, good numerical stability is verified in challenging benchmark problems, including steady and time‐dependent solutions.
Adaptation of the Day100 Talk communication intervention for Spanish‐speaking families of children with cancer
Authors: Merz Alexandra , Stevens Sarah E. , Das P. Jeet , Avery Madeline , Revette Anna C. , Wolfe Joanne , Feraco Angela M.
Published: December 2022

The Day100 Talk (Day100) bridges communication gaps between parents and clinicians early in pediatric cancer care through an interprofessional family conference facilitated by structured tools. We aimed to understand communication challenges and facilitators and to adapt Day100 for Spanish‐speaking parents. We interviewed Spanish‐speaking parents with limited English proficiency, Spanish‐English medical interpreters, and clinicians to gather communication experiences and adapt Day100. Results showed that communication difficulties were precipitated by linguistic and cultural differences, nonvisual technologies, and limited spontaneous communication. Interpreters enhanced communication as linguistic and cultural brokers. Nonverbal cues also facilitated communication. Participants offered recommendations to adapt Day100 for future study.
Lipidomic analysis of moss species Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Physcomitrium patens under cold stress
Authors: Lu Yi , Eiriksson Finnur Freyr , Thorsteinsdóttir Margrét , Simonsen Henrik Toft
Published: December 2022

Bryophytes, which lack lignin for protection, support themselves in harsh environments by producing various chemicals. In response to cold stress, lipids play a crucial role in cell adaptation and energy storage. Specifically, bryophytes survive at low temperatures by producing very long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (vl‐PUFAs). The in‐depth understanding of the lipid response to cold stress of bryophytes was studied by performing lipid profiling using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS). Two moss species (Bryum pseudotriquetrum and Physcomitrium patens) cultivated at 23°C and at 10°C were included in this study. Relative quantitative lipid concentrations were compared and the potential lipid biomarkers were identified by multivariate statistical analysis in each species. In B. pseudotriquetrum, it was observed that the phospholipids and glycolipids increased under cold stress, while storage lipids decreased. The accumulation of the lipids with high unsaturation degrees mostly appears in phospholipids and glycolipids for both mosses. The results also indicate that two unusual lipid classes in plants, sulfonolipids and phosphatidylmethanol are biosynthesized by the bryophytes. This has not been seen previously and show that bryophytes have a very diverse chemistry and substantially different from other plant groups.
Massive presence of off‐label medicines in Danish neonatal departments: A nationwide survey using national hospital purchase data
Authors: Gade Christina , Trolle Stine , Mørk Mette‐Louise , Lewis Anna , Andersen Peter Fruergaard , Jacobsen Thorkild , Andersen Jon , Lausten‐Thomsen Ulrik
Published: December 2022

There is currently insufficient knowledge of gestational age dependent medicine disposition in neonates. Accordingly, the use of off‐label medication, i.e., use of medicines outside its approved marketing authorization, is high in the neonatal departments. By using data from the Danish National Pharmaceutical Hospital Purchase Database, we identified the most commonly occurring medications and calculated the on/off‐label ratios for premature and term neonates. Data was extracted on ATC level 5 and based on defined daily doses as per WHO. Data covered the 4 high‐level NICUs and 10 of 13 of the intermediate/standard level Danish neonatal departments. Of the identified medication, 87% and 70% did not have approved marketing authorization for use in premature and full‐term neonates, respectively. Furthermore, one‐fifth of the top 100 medicines did not have a (Danish) marketing license. Overall, off‐label medication was widespread covering virtually all ATC groups and no ATC group had an off‐label level lower than 50% (range 50%–100%). Finally, in 21% of medications, additives from 8 different chemical groups with potential deleterious effects for neonates were identified. In conclusion, off‐label medication in the Danish neonatal departments is widespread. The pharmaceutical industry is unlikely to solve this problem, and we may for a very long time be occasionally forced to use off‐label medication. Practical solution must therefore come from multidisciplinary clinical and academic collaboration. Use of formulation list as guidance for prescriptions and NICU‐friendly galenic formulations may mitigate the problem temporarily while waiting for definitive studies.
Virtual clinical trials: A tool for predicting patients who may benefit from treatment beyond progression with pembrolizumab in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Qi Timothy , Cao Yanguang
Published: December 2022

Enrolling patients in immunotherapy clinical trials is becoming increasingly competitive. Virtual clinical trials can help investigators answer key questions despite this. For example, pembrolizumab is the recommended first‐line treatment for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with no driver alterations and a programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) Tumor Proportion Score ≥50%. Salvage therapies for relapsed/refractory patients are limited. Retrospective studies suggest that a subset of patients may benefit from pembrolizumab beyond progression; these results have not been validated in a prospective study. We constructed digital twins of patients and simulated clinical trials to predict the best salvage therapy after progressive disease (PD) on pembrolizumab. Response dynamics were evaluated at the lesion level to represent patients who experience systemic PD while individual lesions continue shrinking. With >25,000 radiographic lesion measurements from >500 patients, we simulated responses to pembrolizumab, chemotherapy, and PD on pembrolizumab followed by either pembrolizumab beyond progression or salvage chemotherapy. Switching all progressors to salvage chemotherapy was suboptimal. Virtual trials predicted progression‐free survival (PFS) from pembrolizumab beyond progression to be comparable with salvage chemotherapy in patients whose PD was due to nontarget progression. A PFS‐optimized regimen may improve disease control rates ≥15%. Pembrolizumab beyond progression may benefit a subset of patients with PD‐L1‐high, driver alteration–free NSCLC, but prospective studies are warranted.
Diagnosis of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma extending into the main bronchus using repeated transbronchial cryobiopsy
Authors: Tsukamoto Shinya , Kitajima Takamasa , Marumo Satoshi , Fukui Motonari
Published: December 2022

The diagnosis of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma using bronchoscopy is difficult, and surgical resection is often performed for definitive diagnosis and curative therapy. We report a case of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma, successfully diagnosed using repeated transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB). A 69‐year‐old‐woman was found to have an oval mass in the left hilar region extending into the left main bronchus on computed tomography (CT). All transbronchial biopsy specimens were necrotic, but repeated TBCB removed the necrotic tissue from the tumour and finally led to the diagnosis of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma. Proton therapy was administered, which caused shrinkage of the tumour. Thus, TBCB is useful for definitive diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma without surgical biopsy. Repeated TBCB can reduce tumour volume, eliminate atelectasis, and reduce the extent of radiotherapy exposure.
Cu(I)/Cu(II) Creutz–Taube Mixed‐Valence 2D Coordination Polymers
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Gang , Xi Shibo , Wei Fengxia , Lin Ming , Qiu Jinjun , Zheng Jin‐Cheng , Yi Jiabao , Seng Debbie Hwee Leng , Lee Coryl Jing Jun , Repaka D. V. Maheswar , Liu Xiaoming , Wong Zicong Marvin , Zhu Qiang , Yang Shuo‐Wang , Luo He‐Kuan
Published: December 2022

Graphene‐like 2D coordination polymers (GCPs) have been of central research interest in recent decades with significant impact in many fields. According to classical coordination chemistry, Cu(II) can adopt the dsp2 hybridization to form square planar coordination geometry, but not Cu(I); this is why so far, there has been few 2D layered structures synthesized from Cu(I) precursors. Herein a pair of isostructural GCPs synthesized by the coordination of benzenehexathiol (BHT) ligands with Cu(I) and Cu(II) ions, respectively, is reported. Spectroscopic characterizations indicate that Cu(I) and Cu(II) coexist with a near 1:1 ratio in both GCPs but remain indistinguishable with a fractional oxidation state of +1.5 on average, making these two GCPs a unique pair of Creutz–Taube mixed‐valence 2D structures. Based on density functional theory calculations, an intramolecular pseudo‐redox mechanism is further uncovered whereby the radicals on BHT ligands can oxidize Cu(I) or reduce Cu(II) ions upon coordination, thus producing isostructures with distinct electron configurations. For the first time, it is demonstrated that using Cu(I) or Cu(II), one can achieve 2D isostructures, indicating an unusual fact that a neutral periodic structure can host a different number of total electrons as ground states, which may open a new chapter for 2D materials.
Assessment of animal health and production constraints: The case of three districts
Authors: Kitessa Jiregna Dugassa , Deressa Abriham Kebede , Terefa Yobsan Tamiru
Published: December 2022

Background

Animal production is an important tool for improving the living standard of humans and is the backbone of Ethiopia's agricultural development. The country is known for its high livestock potential, but it is not well exploited due to various hindering factors.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to assess the key issues related to animal health and production.

Methods

The evaluation was carried out in three purposively selected districts of East Wollega zone, namely Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo by using well‐designed and structured questionnaire surveys.

Result

During the study period, 200, 145 and 165 respondents were sampled from the animal owners in the districts of Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo, respectively. Of these, about 97.89%, 95.68% and 94.9% practice extensive management in Gidda Ayana, Jimma Arjo and Sibu Sire, respectively. The majority of respondents in Gidda Ayana (98.1%), Jimma Arjo (97.21%) and Sibu Sire (98.9%) use natural pastures. For cattle breeding, uncontrolled natural mating is used in Gidda Ayana (90.79%), Jimma Arjo (86.3%) and Sibu Sire (95.69%). The major constraints of animal health and production were also assessed. Accordingly, a lack of access to adequate animal production and health expert in Gidda Ayana (27.33%), Jimma Arjo (29.36%) and Sibu Sire (31.59%) was recorded, whereas the lack of sustainable and structured modern livestock market was observed in Gidda Ayana (25.94%), Jimma Arjo (21.31%) and Sibu Sire (19.80%).

Conclusion and recommendations

Livestock need improved animal health, management systems and breeding methods. The study revealed key issues related to animal health and production, such as poor management systems and breeding methods, limited coverage of veterinary services and a modern livestock market. Thus, it is indispensable to increase the coverage of veterinary services, animal extension services and alternative sources of animal feed.
The role of networks in policy processes in developing countries: The case of harmonized seed regulations in Malawi
Authors: Hunga Henry G. , Chiwaula Levison , Katundu Mangani
Published: December 2022

Networks have increasingly played an essential role in the economic reform policy process in developing countries. However, their policy influence and impact on agriculture and the seed sector are unknown. Therefore, this study used social network analysis to understand the role of the policy networks in Malawi's harmonized seed regulation policy process. Key informant interviews were used for primary data collection for the SNA questionnaires (N = 27). The primary data was complemented by secondary information. Data analysis used network graphs, centrality measures, and descriptive methods to understand the network's governance structure and social interaction. Three centralized networks with external affiliations were identified: seed trade and corporate citizenship representing core‐peripheral networks and the policy advocacy network as a hub‐and‐spoke. The governance structure and type of administration determined the policy networks' influence in advocating for specific policy interests. Strong technical and financial support from international organizations and the government to a network proved critical in Malawi's seed sector policy reform direction. These ensured network trust that was important in bringing cohesion and stability toward a common policy goal. This call for support for those networks representing the underprivileged in developing countries, including civil society.
PdCl(NO) – an iconic compound with corrugated Pd4Cl4 octagons built up by Pd2Cl2(NO)2 moieties
Authors: Evers Jürgen , Beck Wolfgang , Oehlinger Gilbert , Mayer Peter , Völkl Maurus Benedict Rasso , Klapötke Thomas Matthias , Zimina Anna , Wolf Silke , Köppe Ralf
Published: December 2022

During outstanding research in the late 1950s in Munich, which led to the development of the Wacker process for converting ethene into acetaldehyde by catalysis of PdCl2, black insoluble nitrosyl‐palladium chloride (PdCl(NO)) was obtained. More than sixty years after its first synthesis, its crystal structure was now determined by X‐ray diffraction. PdCl(NO) (mP16, P21/c, a=10.2684(5), b=4.0737(2), c=7.8456(4) Å, β=111.125(1)°, wR2=0.0572) consists of distorted Pd4Cl4 octagons in chair arrangement to which four distorted Pd2Cl2 squares are annulated on every second edge. In this arrangement each of the two Pd atoms of the squares are connected to one N−O group, bonded alternatively up and down to the Pd atoms with a Pd−N−O angle of 129°. Such a square has the composition of the dimer which was found in the mass spectrum at 343.6 m/e. The octagons with four squares are interconnected to corrugated layers in the b‐c‐plane as a two‐dimensional polymer.