bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of machine learning techniques to handle imbalanced COVID-19 CBC datasets
Authors: Dorn Marcio , Grisci Bruno Iochins , Narloch Pedro Henrique , Feltes Bruno César , Avila Eduardo , Kahmann Alessandro , Alho Clarice Sampaio
Published: August 2021

The Coronavirus pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 has significantly impacted human health and the economy, especially in countries struggling with financial resources for medical testing and treatment, such as Brazil’s case, the third most affected country by the pandemic. In this scenario, machine learning techniques have been heavily employed to analyze different types of medical data, and aid decision making, offering a low-cost alternative. Due to the urgency to fight the pandemic, a massive amount of works are applying machine learning approaches to clinical data, including complete blood count (CBC) tests, which are among the most widely available medical tests. In this work, we review the most employed machine learning classifiers for CBC data, together with popular sampling methods to deal with the class imbalance. Additionally, we describe and critically analyze three publicly available Brazilian COVID-19 CBC datasets and evaluate the performance of eight classifiers and five sampling techniques on the selected datasets. Our work provides a panorama of which classifier and sampling methods provide the best results for different relevant metrics and discuss their impact on future analyses. The metrics and algorithms are introduced in a way to aid newcomers to the field. Finally, the panorama discussed here can significantly benefit the comparison of the results of new ML algorithms.
Comparative survival analyses among captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in America and Japan
Authors: Che-Castaldo Judy , Havercamp Kristin , Watanuki Koshiro , Matsuzawa Tetsuro , Hirata Satoshi , Ross Stephen R.
Published: August 2021

Detailed, long-term datasets on the life histories of long-lived species such as great apes are necessary to understand their survival patterns but are relatively rare. Such information requires prolonged and consistent record-keeping over many generations, so for chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), this equates to many decades of input. As life history variables can be altered by differences in environmental influences (whether natural or artificial), there is substantial value to being able to compare across populations. Here, we present the first comparative analysis of life history data for two ex situ chimpanzee populations residing in North America (1975–2020;n= 730) and Japan (1980–2020;n= 660). Overall, survival patterns were similar between regions, and the median life expectancy from birth is estimated at 35.7 (95% CI = [32.4–40.0]) years for females and 30.1 (27.3–34.3) years for males across both populations. Females who survive to their first birthday are estimated to survive 42.4 (40.0–46.3) years and males 35.5 (32.6–38.0) years. We found that birth type (wild-born or captive-born) did not influence survival patterns in either population, but there were differential effects of sex on longevity. In the America population, males had higher mortality rates than females, whereas in the Japan population we found no differences between the sexes. First year mortality did not differ between populations for males (18–20%), but for females it was lower in America (15%) compared to Japan (25%). Survival patterns of chimpanzees in the present study will be useful for future investigation into potential causes of regional differences and cross-species comparisons.
E-glass Coated Fibers in Novel Composite System for Constructional Applications
Authors: Safaei Shouresh
Published: August 2021

Concrete is one of the most applicable materials in construction. But it needs to reinforce with several reinforcement materials especially high performance fibers such as glass fibers to improve its properties. Among glass fibers, E-glass fiber has lower price but degrade in alkaline cementitious matrix. In this investigation for prohibition of E-glass fibers degradation along with better adhesion of E-glass fibers to cementitious matrix a doubled layer composite coating has been used. The first layer is a polysiloxane which it's permeability to water is too low so prevent alkali attack on E-glass fiber. The second layer is polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) having polar groups of acetate, produce calcium acetate in cementitious matrix, which stick firmly to cement. PVAC in alkaline solution can produce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which is again sticky to cement. This composite coating applied on E-glass fibers and used to reinforce concrete. The durability of coated fibers was investigated by alkaline stability test and SEM images. Meanwhile for studying adhesion of fibers to concrete pull out characteristics of coated fibers been investigated and compared with bare E-glass reinforced concrete.
Exact Solution of Space-Time Fractional Partial Differential Equations by Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Bhadgaonkar Vidya N. , Sontakke Bhausaheb R.
Published: August 2021

The intention behind this paper is to achieve exact solution of one dimensional nonlinear fractional partial differential equation(NFPDE) by using Adomian decomposition method(ADM) with suitable initial value. These equations arise in gas dynamic model and heat conduction model. The results show that ADM is powerful, straightforward and relevant to solve NFPDE. To represent usefulness of present technique, solutions of some differential equations in physical models and their graphical representation are done by MATLAB software.
Digital Exhaust Controller for Pressure Detection on Die Attach Oven Curing Machine
Authors: Rosa Rogel Dela , Dinglasan Jerome J. , Gomez Frederick Ray
Published: August 2021

Innovation on die attach curing process on semiconductor industry play a big role to have a robust process eliminating unwanted gross unit rejection. Resolving failures and hardware breakdowns on the exhaust system of oven curing process are the focus of this paper. Discoloration and contamination due to outgas and fumes that cannot exit the oven chamber are the effects of a failed exhaust system. Addressing the said phenomenon showing simulations, trial runs will be discussed on this paper. Promoting an innovative approach that includes real time monitoring of the system performance, and detection of its failure to prevent continuous operation with failed exhaust system are performed to have an appropriate resolution.
Chocolate Endometrial Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Hingankar Yugandhara , Taksande Vaishali , Mahakarkar Manjusha
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Chocolate cysts are noncancerous, fluid-filled cysts that typically form deep within the ovaries. They get their name from their brown, tar-like appearance, looking something like melted chocolate. They're also called ovarian endometriomas [1].

Case Presentation: The authors report an unusual case of chocolate endometrial cyst.  During history collection it found that patient develop a severe pain at midnight, after all the investigation the ultrasonography they diagnosed probe tenderness in RIF. Significant free fluid in abdominal cavity. Well circumscribed mix echoic mass lesion seen in hypogastric region more in right paraumbilical region with eccentrically placed small tubular structure visualized. Mass lesion of size 110mm×110mm. USG guided tapping done, the ascitic fluid smears shows fresh RBC’s and other blood cells entrapped in fibrin clot. Background is haemorrhagic and malignant cells are absent. Abdominal surgery was done and chocolate cyst was removed and sent to histopathology for further investigations.

Conclusion: In this study, author mainly focus on expert surgical management and excellent nursing care which leads to fast recovery of patient. After conversation with patient her response was positive and after nursing management and treatment she was discharged without any postoperative complications and satisfaction of recovery.
How Under-Nutrition (Karshya) is Responded to Ayurvedic Treatment: A Case Study
Authors: Chauhan Lakshmi Devi , Pani Sudhir Kumar
Published: August 2021

Despite numerous global sensible corrective attempts to provide nutrition, undernutrition (Kaarshya) remains one of the most pressing issues. The bulk of the population in underdeveloped nations is undernourished. It is one of the main causes of death and morbidity in both children                  and adults. One of the eight components of primary health care in the worldwide campaign                           for health for all is the promotion of appropriate diet. A person who is malnourished is prone                                     to a slew of problems. It is a condition in which the body's fat and muscles are depleted. This is why it is critical to treat it to restore the body's normalcy. With its unique approach to lifestyle management and medication therapy, Ayurveda, with its holistic perspective, can aid with this disease. Swasthavritta (Community Medicine) has a part in Kaarshya management. Ashwagandhadi avaleha acts as an excellent nutritional treatment to alleviate the symptoms                      of Kaarshya in youngsters. As a result, Ayurvedic therapy for Kaarshya was arranged. After                                 one month of treatment, the patient gained 1.5 kg of weight, and the next month, i.e., the                               follow-up period, the patient exhibited substantial improvement in weight growth. Other anthropometric measures improved as a result of the therapy. The assessment was carried out over two months.

Aim: To study the effect of Ashwagandhadi avaleha on BMI and weight in karshya.

Materials and Methods: This is a single case study on underweight female. Ashwagandhadi avaleha was given for two months. Anthropometric parameters such as weight, body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC) and mid-arm circumference (MAC) and subjective parameters were assessed before and after 2 months.

Result: Significantly increased in weight i.e. 2Kg was observed after two months.

Conclusion: Regular intake of Ashwagandhadi avaleha significantly increases weight and body mass index in Karshya.
Soft Tissue Injuries Management in Emergency Department: A Review
Authors: Al-Ruwaili Sultan Suliman Q. , Alasmari Mohammed Abdullah S. , Albalawi Reem Hammad M. , Alghazzawi Raghad Adnan M. , Alamrani Sultan Abdulrahman S. , Albalawi Ziad Saleh , Alhamdi Muath Sulaiman G. , Altemani Marwan fahad H. , AlSukairan Faisal Ibrahim S. , Alzolaibani Sarah Mohammed A. , Aljasser Renad Ibrahim , Alrofydi Abdullah Mohammed
Published: August 2021

Soft tissue injuries (STI) is the damage of muscles, ligaments and tendons and they are one of the most common injuries that also being presented to the different emergency department but often approached differently. Accident and emergency (A&E) services frequently see acute soft tissues injuries. To achieve the best potential results for patients with soft tissue injuries, the quality of emergency department (ED) care offered is crucial. The unstable situations of injured people are caused by these critical aspects, which include polytrauma in many cases, a lack of precise recovery periods, the use of definite tissue flaps, and the type of circulation. Soft tissue injuries are also sometimes complicated with another injury.
The Role of Vitamin C in the Energy Supply of Cells Hypothetical Structure for Energy Transformation
Authors: Hunyady János
Published: August 2021

The present paper represents a hypothetical structure, the structure for energy transformation (SET), which might be responsible for the proper energy transformation steps leading to the continuous production of H+ and ATP in living cells. We predict that the electron flow is realized through the electron flow device (EFD). We suppose that there are several versions of the SET. Two of them are described below [Structure of Aerobic Glycolysis (SET-AG) and Structure of Oxidative Phosphorylation (SET-OP). The hypothesis is based on the atom properties of the protonated adenine molecule and the docking computations of molecular mechanics involved, suggesting that two ascorbate molecules may occupy the empty NADPH pocket, preferably binding to the adenine binding site. We hypothesize that the adenine originates from uric acid (UA), resulting in an ATP-UA-ADP-ATP-UA cycle. It would also mean that UA is one of the oxygen sources in aerobic glycolysis.

We also suppose that the EFD contains the well-known molecules of the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) and Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) supplemented with two additional UA-originated adenine molecules, two L-ascorbic acids, and two D-glucose molecules. Based on all this, we surmise that a tetra adenine octo phosphate ring (TAR) exists, in which the UA originated adenine molecules form a ring. The molecules are linked to each other through the N7-C2 and C8-N1 atoms of the adenine molecules by H2PO4e- molecules. The four N10 atoms of the adenine molecules bind one flavin, one nicotinamide, and two L-ascorbic acid molecules. Six D-glucose molecules complete one Unit of the structure. Both Fe-S and cytochrome clusters, as well as dehydrogenases, ensure the continuous operation of the Unit. The synchronized function of the three-stoke, three twin-cylinder engine results in continuous energy, ATP, and H+ production. Eukaryotic cells are equipped with the SET-AG and the SET-OP; thus, they can live in an anoxic and oxygenized environment.

It is hoped that the SET concept developed here will help the better understanding the way of cancer treatment’s action regarding glucose deprivation or Vitamin C.
Susceptibility to Antibiotics and Reactive Oxygen Species in Escherichia coli: A Survey of Clinical and Environmental Isolates
Authors: Amábile-Cuevas Carlos F. , Martínez Leticia , Rosas Irma
Published: August 2021

Aims: Some bacterial responses to oxidative stress also diminish antibiotic susceptibility; also, some antibiotics do increase oxidative stress within bacterial cells. Linkage or cross-resistance to prooxidants and antibiotics could facilitate the selection of antibiotic resistance and/or virulence. We made this survey in order to detect this possible linkage in Escherichia coli isolates.

Methodology: The susceptibility of 102 E. coli clinical (causative of urinary or gastrointestinal infections) and environmental (rural or urban dust) isolates towards paraquat, H2O2, and antibiotics was measured using disc assays. Catalase and superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activities were measured.

Results: Susceptibility to prooxidants was similar across isolates of all four sources, but urinary and urban dust isolates were more resistant to antibiotics. H2O2 "resistant" organisms had more antibiotic resistance phenotypes, particularly towards sulfadiazine and tetracycline. Paraquat "resistance" seems associated to beta-lactam resistance; but paraquat "susceptibility" seems associated to resistance towards chloramphenicol, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin. Prooxidant disc assays correlate to catalase and superoxide-dismutase activities. A weak relationship H2O2/antibiotic-resistance, but not superoxide/antibiotic-resistance, is suggested.

Conclusion: Overall, antibiotics exerting their action through oxidative stress, do not seem to have resulted in the co-selection of oxidative stress resistance, or vice versa. However, a possible link between resistance to some antibiotics and to H2O2 might contribute to co-selection between these two chemical insults.
Enzyme‐Activated Prodrug‐Based Smart Liposomes Specifically Enhance Tumor Hemoperfusion with Efficient Drug Delivery to Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Stellate Cells
Authors: Duan Nianxiu , Li Junjun , Song Sha , Wang Feng , Yang Yiwei , Nie Di , Wang Caifen , Sheng Yingjie , Tao Yali , Gao Jie , Xu Can , Wei Yan , Gan Yong
Published: August 2021

Tumor‐specific enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutics and modulators to tumor cells and activated pancreatic stellate cells (aPSCs), respectively, represents safer and more effective therapy for pancreatic cancer. Herein, a membrane type 1‐matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP)‐cleavable spacer is used to assemble low‐density cRGDfK onto thermosensitive liposomes loaded with phosphorylated calcipotriol (PCAL) and doxorubicin (DOX), yielding MR‐T‐PD. The liposome‐linked cRGDfK prodrug on MR‐T‐PD surface is first activated by MT1‐MMP, which is selectively expressed on tumor endothelial cells, to release cRGDfK. The free cRGDfK specifically promotes tumor angiogenesis, leading to 3.4‐fold higher accumulation and a wider distribution of MR‐T‐PD in tumors. Furthermore, MR‐T‐PD rapidly releases PCAL and DOX into the interstitium under heat treatment. The released DOX enters tumor cells to induce apoptosis, whereas the PCAL prodrug is converted to CAL by alkaline phosphatase on the surface of aPSCs; CAL can then enter aPSCs to induce quiescence and promote the antitumor effect of DOX. Finally, by enhancing the exposure of DOX and CAL to tumor cells and aPSCs, respectively, in a tumor‐specific manner, MR‐T‐PD exerts superior efficacy (a 5.9‐fold decrease in tumor weight) without causing additional side effects. Overall, this prodrug‐based smart liposome system represents a promising paradigm for pancreatic cancer therapy.
3D Bioprinting of Miniaturized Tissues Embedded in Self‐Assembled Nanoparticle‐Based Fibrillar Platforms
Authors: Bakht Syeda M. , Gomez‐Florit Manuel , Lamers Tara , Reis Rui L. , Domingues Rui M. A. , Gomes Manuela E.
Published: August 2021

The creation of microphysiological systems like tissue and organ‐on‐chip for in vitro modeling of human physiology and diseases is gathering increasing interest. However, the platforms used to build these systems have limitations concerning implementation, automation, and cost‐effectiveness. Moreover, their typical plastic‐based housing materials are poor recreations of native tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) and barriers. Here, the controlled self‐assembly of plant‐derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) is combined with the concept of 3D bioprinting in suspension baths for the direct biofabrication of microphysiological systems embedded within an ECM mimetic fibrillar support material. The developed support CNC fluid gel allows exceptionally high‐resolution bioprinting of 3D constructs with arbitrary geometries and low restrictions of bioink choice. The further induction of CNC self‐assembly with biocompatible calcium ions results in a transparent biomimetic nanoscaled fibrillar matrix that allows hosting different compartmentalized cell types and perfusable channels, has tailored permeability for biomacromolecules diffusion and cellular crosstalk, and holds structural stability to support long‐term in vitro cell maturation. In summary, this xeno‐free nanoscale CNC fibrillar matrix allows the biofabrication of hierarchical living constructs, opening new opportunities not only for developing physiologically relevant 3D in vitro models but also for a wide range of applications in regenerative medicine.
Raising Dielectric Permittivity Mitigates Dopant‐Induced Disorder in Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Upadhyaya Meenakshi , Lu‐Díaz Michael , Samanta Subhayan , Abdullah Muhammad , Dusoe Keith , Kittilstved Kevin R. , Venkataraman Dhandapani , Akšamija Zlatan
Published: August 2021

Conjugated polymers need to be doped to increase charge carrier density and reach the electrical conductivity necessary for electronic and energy applications. While doping increases carrier density, Coulomb interactions between the dopant molecules and the localized carriers are poorly screened, causing broadening and a heavy tail in the electronic density‐of‐states (DOS). The authors examine the effects of dopant‐induced disorder on two complimentary charge transport properties of semiconducting polymers, the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity, and demonstrate a way to mitigate them. Their simulations, based on a modified Gaussian disorder model with Miller‐Abrahams hopping rates, show that dopant‐induced broadening of the DOS negatively impacts the Seebeck coefficient versus electrical conductivity trade‐off curve. Increasing the dielectric permittivity of the polymer mitigates dopant‐carrier Coulomb interactions and improves charge transport, evidenced by simultaneous increases in conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient. They verified this increase experimentally in iodine‐doped P3HT and P3HT blended with barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles. The addition of 2% w/w BaTiO3 nanoparticles increased conductivity and Seebeck across a broad range of doping, resulting in a fourfold increase in power factor. Thus, these results show a promising path forward to reduce the dopant‐charge carrier Coulomb interactions and mitigate their adverse impact on charge transport.
Survival‐Assured Liver Injury Preconditioning (SALIC) Enables Robust Expansion of Human Hepatocytes in Fah–/–Rag2–/–IL2rg–/– Rats
Authors: Zhang Ludi , Ge Jian‐Yun , Zheng Yun‐Wen , Sun Zhen , Wang Chenhua , Peng Zhaoliang , Wu Baihua , Fang Mei , Furuya Kinji , Ma Xiaolong , Shao Yanjiao , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro , Oda Tatsuya , Fan Jianglin , Pan Guoyu , Li Dali , Hui Lijian
Published: August 2021

Although liver‐humanized animals are desirable tools for drug development and expansion of human hepatocytes in large quantities, their development is restricted to mice. In animals larger than mice, a precondition for efficient liver humanization remains preliminary because of different xeno‐repopulation kinetics in livers of larger sizes. Since rats are ten times larger than mice and widely used in pharmacological studies, liver‐humanized rats are more preferable. Here, Fah–/–Rag2–/–IL2rg–/– (FRG) rats are generated by CRISPR/Cas9, showing accelerated liver failure and lagged liver xeno‐repopulation compared to FRG mice. A survival‐assured liver injury preconditioning (SALIC) protocol, which consists of retrorsine pretreatment and cycling 2‐(2‐nitro‐4‐trifluoromethylbenzoyl)‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione (NTBC) administration by defined concentrations and time intervals, is developed to reduce the mortality of FRG rats and induce a regenerative microenvironment for xeno‐repopulation. Human hepatocyte repopulation is boosted to 31 ± 4% in rat livers at 7 months after transplantation, equivalent to approximately a 1200‐fold expansion. Human liver features of transcriptome and zonation are reproduced in humanized rats. Remarkably, they provide sufficient samples for the pharmacokinetic profiling of human‐specific metabolites. This model is thus preferred for pharmacological studies and human hepatocyte production. SALIC may also be informative to hepatocyte transplantation in other large‐sized species.
Proximity‐Induced Novel Ferromagnetism Accompanied with Resolute Metallicity in NdNiO3 Heterostructure
Authors: Caputo Marco , Ristic Zoran , Dhaka Rajendra S. , Das Tanmoy , Wang Zhiming , Matt Christan E. , Plumb Nicholas C. , Guedes Eduardo B. , Jandke Jasmin , Naamneh Muntaser , Zakharova Anna , Medarde Marisa , Shi Ming , Patthey Luc , Mesot Joël , Piamonteze Cinthia , Radović Milan
Published: August 2021

Employing X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and momentum‐resolved density fluctuation (MRDF) theory, the magnetic and electronic properties of ultrathin NdNiO3 (NNO) film in proximity to ferromagnetic (FM) La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) layer are investigated. The experimental data shows the direct magnetic coupling between the nickelate film and the manganite layer which causes an unusual ferromagnetic (FM) phase in NNO. Moreover, it is shown the metal–insulator transition in the NNO layer, identified by an abrupt suppression of ARPES spectral weight near the Fermi level (EF), is absent. This observation suggests that the insulating AFM ground state is quenched in proximity to the FM layer. Combining the experimental data (XMCD and AREPS) with the momentum‐resolved density fluctuation calculation (MRDF) reveals a direct link between the MIT and the magnetic orders in NNO systems. This work demonstrates that the proximity layer order can be broadly used to modify physical properties and enrich the phase diagram of RENiO3 (RE = rare‐earth element).
Low‐Cost, Unsinkable, and Highly Efficient Solar Evaporators Based on Coating MWCNTs on Nonwovens with Unidirectional Water‐Transfer
Authors: Zhu Yaqin , Tian Guangliang , Liu Yiwen , Li Haoxuan , Zhang Pengcheng , Zhan Lei , Gao Rui , Huang Chen
Published: August 2021

Solar vapor generation technology is promising in seawater desalination, sewage purification, and other fields. However, wide application of this technology is still largely confined due to its high cost and difficulties for scalable production. In this study, an ever‐floating solar evaporator is fabricated by coating multiwall carbon nanotubes on a bicomponent nonwoven composed of polypropylene/polyethylene core–sheath fibers. This all‐fiber structure is highly porous and ultralight, with large specific area (for efficient water evaporation), interconnected channels (for easy vapor escape), and low thermal conductivity (to avoid heat loss). The unique unidirectional water‐transfer behavior of the nonwoven enables it to spontaneously pump an adjustable amount of water for interfacial solar heating and a delicate balance between water supply and loss may accelerate the evaporation speed of water. These distinct benefits endow the solar evaporator with excellent evaporation rates of 1.44 kg m–2 h–1 under the simulated irradiation of 1 sun and 12.81 kg m–2 d–1 under natural sunlight. Moreover, the evaporator can be fabricated by using low‐cost materials and industrialized methods (overall cost ≈2.4 USD m−2), making one believe its practical significance for commercial solar steam evaporation.
Dislocation of the gastric conduit reconstructed via the posterior mediastinal route is a significant risk factor for anastomotic disorder after McKeown esophagectomy
Authors: Nakajima Masanobu , Muroi Hiroto , Kikuchi Maiko , Fujita Junki , Ihara Keisuke , Nakagawa Masatoshi , Morita Shinji , Nakamura Takatoshi , Yamaguchi Satoru , Kojima Kazuyuki
Published: August 2021

Background

Anastomotic disorder of the reconstructed gastric conduit is a life‐threating morbidity after thoracic esophagectomy. Although there are various reasons for anastomotic disorder, the present study focused on dislocation of the gastric conduit (DGC).

Methods

The study cohort comprised 149 patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. The relationships between DGC and peri‐ and postoperative morbidities were analyzed retrospectively. Data were analyzed to determine whether body mass index (BMI) and extension of the gastric conduit were related to DGC. Uni‐ and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with anastomotic disorder.

Results

DGC was significantly related to anastomotic leakage (P < .001), anastomotic stricture (P = .018), and mediastinal abscess/empyema (P = .031). Compared with the DGC‐negative group, the DGC‐positive group had a significantly larger mean preoperative BMI (23.01 ± 3.26 kg/m2 vs. 21.22 ± 3.13 kg/m2, P = .001) and mean maximum cross‐sectional area of the gastric conduit (1024.75 ± 550.43 mm2 vs. 619.46 ± 263.70 mm2, P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that DGC was an independent risk factor for anastomotic leakage (odds ratio: 4.840, 95% confidence interval: 1.770‐13.30, P < .001). Body weight recovery tended to be better in the DGC‐negative group than in the DGC‐positive group, although this intergroup difference was not significant.

Conclusion

DGC reconstructed via the posterior mediastinal route is a significant cause of critical morbidities related to anastomosis. In particular, care is required when performing gastric conduit reconstruction via the posterior mediastinal route in patients with a high BMI.
Drying mechanism of monodisperse colloidal film: Evolution of normal stress and its correlation with microstructure
Authors: Jeong Jae Hwan , Lee Young Ki , Ahn Kyung Hyun
Published: August 2021

We investigate the drying process of monodisperse colloidal film over a wide range of Péclet numbers (Pe) by using the Brownian dynamics simulation. We analyze the detailed process in three aspects; accumulation front, normal stress, and microstructure. The evolution of particle distribution is quantified by tracking the accumulation front. The accumulated particles contribute to the continuous increase of the normal stress at the interface. At the substrate, the normal stress first stays constant and then increases as the accumulation front touches the substrate. We quantitatively analyze the stress development by a scaled normal stress difference between the two boundaries. At all tested Pe, the stress difference increases to the maximum, followed by a decrease during drying. Interestingly, a mismatch is observed between the stress difference maximum and the initial stress increase at the substrate. The microstructural analysis reveals that this mismatch is related to the microstructural development at the substrate.
Vertebral artery occlusion associated with blunt traumatic cervical spine injury
Authors: Nakamura Youhei , Kusakabe Kenji , Nakao Shota , Hagihara Yasushi , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: August 2021

Aim

Vertebral artery injury associated with blunt traumatic cervical spine injury sometimes causes severe cerebellar and brain stem infarction. No treatment guidelines for vertebral artery injury aimed at preventing stroke have been decided. We have conducted endovascular embolization in patients with up to Denver grade IV cerebrovascular injury complicated by unstable cervical spine injury before open reduction and fixation surgery. The purpose of this study was to validate the clinical course of vertebral artery injury and especially endovascular treatment for grade IV patients in our hospital.

Methods

Participants comprised of patients diagnosed as having traumatic cervical spine injury in our hospital between January 2015 and April 2018. Among these patients, we selected those with vertebral artery injury and retrospectively examined the background characteristics of the patients, details of treatment, and complications with or without stroke.

Results

Traumatic cervical spine injury was diagnosed in 89 patients. Among these patients, 15 (16.7%) showed a complicating vertebral artery injury. Mean age was 62.6 years, and almost 50% of the patients were injured in falls. Three types of cervical spine injury caused vertebral artery injury: subluxation, Jefferson fracture, and fracture involving the foramen transversarium. Vertebral artery injury was classified as grade IV in 12 patients, of whom nine required spinal surgery. All patients who needed spinal surgery underwent endovascular therapy before surgery, and none experienced a stroke.

Conclusion

Endovascular embolization of the vertebral artery occlusion in patients with unstable cervical spine injury before open reduction and fixation surgery can be a treatment option to prevent stroke.
Immigrant Neurologists in the Physician‐Scientist Pipeline: An Intervenable Stenosis
Authors: Naqvi Imama A. , Mahajan Abhimanyu
Published: August 2021

Immigrant neurologists on a visa make up one‐fourth of our neurology resident workforce. In this article, we describe the challenges faced by them in pursuit of a career as physician‐scientists. We highlight the key role that immigration status plays in various aspects of research advancement early along the neurology pipeline, pertaining to clinical career decisions and the associated delay in achieving these milestones. We conclude with a call to action to address these key roadblocks, which would have the additional potential benefit of improving inclusion and diversity in clinical and translational science. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:542–545
Assessing the diet of the endangered Beale’s eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) using faecal content and stable isotope analyses: Implications for conservation
Authors: Sung Yik‐Hei , Liew Jia Huan , Chan Hoi Kin , Lee Wing‐Ho , Wong Billy Ho‐Fung , Dingle Caroline , Karraker Nancy E. , Spencer Ricky‐John , Fong Jonathan J.
Published: August 2021

Turtles from Asia are on the brink of extinction with 53% of species considered endangered or critically endangered. Unfortunately, the ecology of many threatened species remains largely unknown.

In this study, the diet of the endangered Beale’s eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) was investigated using two methods, visual faecal content analysis and stable isotope analysis.

Results from both methods indicated that S. bealei is highly reliant on riparian resources, especially fruits and terrestrial insects. Stable isotope data indicated that terrestrial resources made up around half (47–53%) of all assimilated food resources. These findings suggest that S. bealei facilitates energy flow from riparian forests to stream ecosystems. Moreover, S. bealei is likely to be a seed disperser for riparian plants.

This study represents the first application of stable isotope methods to examine the diet of Asian freshwater turtles and their resource use. We stress the importance of similar studies to improve our understanding of remnant turtle populations before they disappear as a result of human activities.
Associations between mastery of life and everyday life information‐seeking behavior among older adults: Analysis of the Pew Research Center's information engaged and information wary survey data
Authors: Choi Wonchan , Park Min Sook , Lee Yura
Published: August 2021

Given the aging world, it is important to understand older adults' everyday life information seeking (ELIS), which plays a vital role in healthy aging in later life. The present study analyzed national survey data collected by the Pew Research Center in 2016 based on Savolainen's ELIS model. The model's core concept, mastery of life, was measured in terms of general coping style to find information (cognitive vs. affective) and expectations about the findability of necessary information (optimistic vs. pessimistic). Weighted multiregression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between mastery of life and ELIS behavior of older Americans (65 years or older) in terms of breath and depth of interest in everyday topics, holding other sociocultural and demographic factors constant. The results showed a cognitive, as opposed to affective, coping style was associated with a wider range of ELIS topics and a deeper level of interest in political and cultural topics. However, whether an individual had an optimistic or pessimistic perspective toward information seeking was not associated with the variety or depth of interest in everyday topics. Neither dimension was related to the depth of interest in sports topics. Practical, theoretical, and methodological implications of the findings are provided.
Cabazitaxel multiple rechallenges in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Pobel Cedric , Auclin Edouard , Teyssonneau Diego , Laguerre Brigitte , Cancel Mathilde , Boughalem Elouen , Noel Johanna , Brachet Pierre Emmanuel , Maillet Denis , Barthelemy Philippe , Helissey Carole , Thibault Constance , Oudard Stéphane
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Cabazitaxel multiple rechallenges may be a treatment option in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who had a good initial response to cabazitaxel and who are still fit to receive it. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of multiple rechallenges.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively identified 22 mCRPC patients previously treated with docetaxel and/or androgen receptor‐targeted agents who received multiple cabazitaxel rechallenges in 9 French centers. Cabazitaxel was initiated at a dose of 25 mg/m2 q3week. A reduced dose (20 mg/m2 q3w) or an alternative schedule (mainly 16 mg/m2 q2w) was increasingly used for subsequent rechallenges. Progression‐free survival, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response, best clinical response, and grade ≥3 toxicities were collected. Overall survival was calculated from various time points.

Results

Twenty‐two patients with an initial response to cabazitaxel were rechallenged at least twice. The median number of cabazitaxel cycles was 7 at first cabazitaxel treatment, 6 at first rechallenge, and 5 at subsequent rechallenges. Median progression‐free survival at first rechallenge was 9.6 months and 5.6 months at second rechallenge. Median overall survival was 50.9 months from the first cabazitaxel dose, 114.9 months from first life‐extending therapy initiation in mCRPC, and 105 months from mCRPC diagnosis. There was no cumulative grade ≥3 neuropathy or nail disorder and one case of febrile neutropenia.

Conclusion

Cabazitaxel multiple rechallenges may be a treatment option without cumulative toxicity in heavily pretreated patients having a good response to first cabazitaxel use and still fit to receive it.

Novelty & Impact Statements

Patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer can be treated with Cabazitaxel after docetaxel and androgen receptor‐targeted agent. This chemotherapy can be used multiple times with efficacy and manageable toxicity.
Identification of a novel 10 immune‐related genes signature as a prognostic biomarker panel for gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Tingna , Yang Chaogang , Dou Rongzhang , Xiong Bin
Published: August 2021

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that immune infiltrating cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) correlates with the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to systematically investigate the immune‐related genes (IRGs) to develop a prognostic signature to predict the overall survival (OS) in GC.

Method

The gene expression profiles of training dataset (GSE62254), validation dataset I (GSE15459), and validation dataset II (GSE84437) were retrieved from GEO and TCGA databases. In the present study, we developed a 10 IRGs prognostic signature with the combination of weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method (LASSO) COX model.

Results

In the training dataset, the accuracy of the signature was 0.681, 0.741, and 0.72 in predicting 1, 3, and 5‐year OS separately. The signature also had good performance in validation dataset Ⅰ with the accuracy of 0.57, 0.619, and 0.694, and in validation dataset Ⅱ with the accuracy of 0.559, 0.624, and 0.585. Then, we constructed a nomogram using the signature and clinical information which had strong discrimination ability with the c‐index of 0.756. In the immune infiltration analysis, the signature was correlated with multiple immune infiltrating cells such as CD8 T cells, CD4 memory T cells, NK cells, and macrophages. Furthermore, several significant pathways were enriched in gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis, including TGF‐beta signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The signature of 10 IRGs we identified can effectively predict the prognosis of GC and provides new insight into discovering candidate prognostic biomarkers of GC.
PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors‐based treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma: Mechanisms affecting efficacy and combination therapies
Authors: Ding Lei , Dong Hui yu , Zhou Tian ren , Wang Yu hao , Yan Tao , Li Jun chen , Wang Zhong yuan , Li Jie , Liang Chao
Published: August 2021

With the widespread use of PD‐1/PD‐L1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the treatment of multiple malignant tumors, they were also gradually applied to advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). Nowadays, multiple PD‐1/PD‐L1 mAbs, such as nivolumab, avelumab, and pembrolizumab, have achieved considerable efficacy in clinical trials. However, due to the primary, adaptive, and acquired resistance to these mAbs, the efficacy of this immunotherapy is not satisfactory. Theories also vary as to why the difference in efficacy occurs. The alterations of PD‐L1 expression and the interference of cellular immunity may affect the efficacy. These mechanisms demand to be revealed to achieve a sustained and complete objective response in patients with aRCC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been proven to have synergistic mechanisms with PD‐1/PD‐L1 mAb in the treatment of aRCC, and CTLA‐4 mAb has been shown to have a non‐redundant effect with PD‐1/PD‐L1 mAb to enhance efficacy. Although combinations with targeted agents or other checkpoint mAbs have yielded enhanced clinical outcomes in multiple clinical trials nowadays, the potential of PD‐1/PD‐L1 mAbs still has a large development space. More potential mechanisms that affect the efficacy demand to be developed and transformed into the clinical treatment of aRCC to search for possible combination regimens. We elucidate these mechanisms in RCC and present existing combination therapies applied in clinical trials. This may help physicians’ select treatment options for patients with refractory kidney cancer.
A New Fusicoccane‐Type Norditerpene and a New Indone from the Marine‐Derived Fungus Aspergillus aculeatinus WHUF0198
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Hong , He Li‐Ming , Xue Ya‐Qing , Jia Jia , Wang Shou‐Bao , Zhu Kong‐Kai , Hong Kui , Cai You‐Sheng
Published: August 2021

A new norditerpene named aculeaterpene A (1) and a new indone named aculeaindone A (2), along with eight known compounds 3–10 were isolated from the culture extract of Aspergillus aculeatinus WHUF0198. The structural characterization of compounds 1 and 2 were performed by spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS experiments, whereas the absolute configurations were determined by comparing their experimental or calculated ECD spectra. Compound 1 was the first report of fusicoccane‐based norditerpene, in which the C‐20 was degraded and tured into a hydroxy group.
Alpha Synuclein only Forms Fibrils In Vitro when Larger than its Critical Size of 70 Monomers
Authors: Sanchez Santiago Enrique , Whiten Daniel R. , Meisl Georg , Ruggeri Francesco Simone , Hidari Eric , Klenerman David
Published: August 2021

The aggregation of α‐synuclein into small soluble aggregates and then fibrils is important in the development and spreading of aggregates through the brain in Parkinson's disease. Fibrillar aggregates can grow by monomer addition and then break into fragments that could spread into neighboring cells. The rate constants for fibril elongation and fragmentation have been measured but it is not known how large an aggregate needs to be before fibril formation is thermodynamically favorable. This critical size is an important parameter controlling at what stage in an aggregation reaction fibrils can form and replicate. We determined this value to be approximately 70 monomers using super‐resolution and atomic force microscopy imaging of individual α‐synuclein aggregates formed in solution over long time periods. This represents the minimum size for a stable α‐synuclein fibril and we hypothesis the formation of aggregates of this size in a cell represents a tipping point at which rapid replication occurs.
Indole‐3‐Glycerol Phosphate Synthase From Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Potential New Drug Target
Authors: Esposito Nikolas , Konas David W. , Goodey Nina M.
Published: August 2021

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affects millions of people worldwide. Several TB drugs have lost efficacy due to emerging drug resistance and new anti‐TB targets are needed. Recent research suggests that indole‐3‐glycerol phosphate synthase (IGPS) in M. tuberculosis (MtIGPS) could be such a target. IGPS is a (β/α)8‐barrel enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 1‐(o‐carboxyphenylamino)‐1‐deoxyribulose 5’‐phosphate (CdRP) into indole‐glycerol‐phosphate (IGP) in the bacterial tryptophan biosynthetic pathway. M. tuberculosis over expresses the tryptophan pathway genes during an immune response and inhibition of MtIGPS allows CD4 T‐cells to more effectively fight against M. tuberculosis. Here we review the published data on MtIGPS expression, kinetics, mechanism, and inhibition. We also discuss MtIGPS crystal structures and compare them to other IGPS structures to reveal potential structure‐function relationships of interest for the purposes of drug design and biocatalyst engineering.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

Using the internet to treat OCD with CBT

Lack of increase in alcohol and marijuana use during pandemic

Dangers of simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use
Behavioral treatments effective for children with ADHD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

Some families prefer behavioral treatment to medication for their children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but access is limited. In addition, not all children benefit from behavioral treatment equally. So, researchers conducted a meta‐analysis looking at individual participant data, based on data from randomized controlled trials. However, this method of looking at RCTs did focus on individuals rather than populations.
Apps may give away privacy of young drug users
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

Addiction treatment “apps” (or computer applications, especially those downloaded to a mobile devise) do not safeguard privacy, according to an explosive report from ExpressVPN. The ExpressVPN Digital Security Lab, working with the LAC and the Opioid Policy Institute, looked at the privacy and security issues of 10 apps, some of which we have written about. Many of them claim to treat all substance use disorders (SUDs), not just opioid use disorders (OUDs).
Parenting styles: Where do you fall?
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2021

You have probably heard that there are distinct types of parenting styles: four, to be exact. Well, it's not quite as simple as that. There are likely as many parenting styles as there are parents. You can't lump all parents into four categories any more than you can lump all children into four categories.
Cocatalyst‐Free Reduction of 4,4′‐Dinitrodiphenyl Ether to 4,4′‐Diaminodiphenyl Ether Over Twin‐Crystal ZnxCd1−xS under Visible Light
Authors: Hu Yujia , Yu Guiyang , Xing Chuanwang , Liu Shanshan , Wei Chuangyu , Liu Heyuan , Jiang Jianzhuang , Li Xiyou
Published: August 2021

Semiconductor‐based photocatalytic conversion of solar energy is a promising method for the synthesis of high value‐added chemicals. In this paper, a cocatalyst‐free nano‐twin crystal ZnxCd1−xS (T−ZnxCd1−xS) semiconductor was employed to achieve almost complete conversion of DNDPE and the yield of ODA product achieves >99 % in 40 min reaction time without additional hydrogen source. As far as we know, this is the first time to apply the photocatalytic technology for reducing DNDPE to ODA, and the photocatalytic efficiency has greatly exceeded the result of traditional catalytic method. Theoretical calculation and isotope labeling in situ HPLC‐MS analysis demonstrates that the reduction mechanism of DNDPE is two nitro groups of DNDPE are separately instead of simultaneously reduced, following the process of DNDPE→NO2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NO→NO2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NHOH→NO2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NH2→NO−C6H4−O−C6H4−NH2→NH2−C6H4−O−C6H4−NHOH→ODA. Hydrogen protons of water, instead of ethanol, provide the hydrogen source for the photocatalytic reduction of DNDPE to ODA.
Towards an Understanding of the Molecular Mechanisms of Variable Unnatural Base‐Pair Behavior: A Biophysical Analysis of dNaM‐dTPT3
Authors: Karadeema Rebekah J. , Morris Sydney E. , Lairson Luke L. , Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan
Published: August 2021

The series of unnatural base pairs (UBPs) developed by the Romesberg lab, which pair via hydrophobic and packing interactions have been replicated, transcribed, and translated inside of a living organism. However, as to why these UBPs exhibit variable fidelity and efficiency when used in different contexts is not clear. In an effort to gain some insights, we investigated the thermal stability and pairing selectivity of the (d)NaM‐(d)TPT3 UBP in 11nt duplexes via UV spectroscopy and the effects on helical structure via CD spectroscopy. We observed that while the duplexes containing a UBP are less stable than fully natural duplexes, they are generally more stable than duplexes containing natural mispairs. This work provides the first insights connecting the thermal stability of the (d)NaM‐(d)TPT3 UBP to the molecular mechanisms for varying replication fidelity in different sequence contexts in DNA, asymmetrical transcription fidelity, and codon:anticodon interactions and can assist in future UBP development.