bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The physiological characteristics of the basal microvilli microvessels in pancreatic cancers
Authors: Ma Lixiang , Han Xu , Gu Jichun , Li Ji , Lou Wenhui , Jin Chen , Saiyin Hexige
Published: June 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal tumor with controversial high glucose uptake and hypomicrovascularity, and the hypomicrovasculature, which is considered to have poor perfusion, blocks the delivery of drugs to tumors. The preferential existence of a novel endothelial projection with trafficking vesicles in PCs, referring to basal microvilli, was described previously. However, the perfusion and nutrients delivering status of the basal microvilli microvessels are unknown. Here, we used the perfusion of fluorescently labeled CD31 antibody, lectin, and 2‐NBDG to autochthonous PC‐bearing mice, immunostaining, probe‐based confocal laser endoscopy and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction to study the nutrient trafficking, and perfusion status of the basal microvilli microvasculature in PC. Our data showed that the coperfusion of lectin and CD31 is an efficient way to show the microcirculation in most healthy organs. However, coperfusion with lectin and CD31 is inefficient for showing the microcirculation in PCs compared with that in healthy organs and immunostaining. This method does not reflect the nutrient trafficking status in the microvessels, especially in basal microvilli microvessels of PCs. In basal microvilli microvessels that were poorly labeled by lectin, we observed large vesicle‐like structures with 2‐NBDG preferentially located at the base of the basal microvilli or in basal microvilli, and there were long filopodia on the luminal surface of the human PC microvasculature. Our observations suggest that the PC microvasculature, especially basal microvilli microvessels, is well perfused and might be highly efficient in the trafficking of glucose or other nutrients, indicating that macropinocytosis might participate in the nutrient trafficking.
Differences in diagnosis, treatment, and survival rate of acute myeloid leukemia with or without disabilities: A national cohort study in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kwon Jihyun , Kim So Young , Yeob Kyoung Eun , Han Hye Sook , Lee Ki Hyeong , Shin Dong Wook , Kim Yeon‐Yong , Park Jong Heon , Park Jong Hyock , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: June 2020

We analyzed the patterns of diagnosis, treatment, and prognoses of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with and without disabilities. The data were collected from the National Disability Database, the Korean Central Cancer Registry, and the Korean National Health Insurance claim database. We built a cohort of 2 776 450 people with disabilities and a nondisabled cohort of 8 329 350 people who were selected at a ratio of 1:3 by matching age and sex. From this population, adult patients who were diagnosed with AML were analyzed. The number of patients with AML were 26.74 per 100 000 in people without disabilities and 20.39 per 100 000 in those with disabilities (P < .0001). The proportion of AML patients receiving chemotherapy and those of patients receiving transplants were significantly lower in the disabled population than that of nondisabled populations (71.2% vs 77.1%, P = .0031, and 17.5% vs 26.9%, P = .002). This trend was more pronounced in subgroups of communication disability and major internal organ disorder. The median survival was 10.8 months for patients with disabilities, which was significantly shorter than 17.1 months for those without a disability (P = .002). Individuals with disabilities have a low diagnosis rate of AML and undergo less active treatment, which results in inferior prognosis.
Counselling and psychotherapy post‐COVID‐19
Authors: Vostanis Panos , Bell Chance A.
Published: June 2020

We consider how the prolonged, complex and uncertain aftermath of the COVID‐19 crisis will present challenges and opportunities for counselling and psychotherapy. Increased mental strain on populations, individuals and professionals is likely to be compounded by further constraints in therapeutic resources. Nevertheless, emerging needs and priorities will offer ground for systems thinking in linking the application of a range of therapeutic frameworks, theories to address global challenges, integration of counselling and psychotherapy into new sectors, service models for the most vulnerable, use of digital approaches, support mechanisms for professionals and interdisciplinary research.
Analysis of Modified Nucleotide Aptamer Library Generated by Thermophilic DNA Polymerases
Authors: Percze Krisztina , Mészáros Tamás
Published: June 2020

One of the pivotal steps in aptamer selection is the amplification of target‐specific oligonucleotides by thermophilic DNA polymerases; it can be a challenging task if nucleic acids possessing modified nucleotides are to be amplified. Hence, the identification of compatible DNA polymerase and modified nucleotide pairs is necessary for effective selection of aptamers with unnatural nucleotides. We present an in‐depth study of using 5‐indolyl‐AA‐dUTP (TAdUTP) to generate oligonucleotide libraries for aptamer selection. We found that, among the eight studied DNA polymerases, only Vent(exo‐) and KOD XL are capable of adapting TAdUTP, and that replacing dTTP did not have a significant effect on the productivity of KOD XL. We demonstrated that water‐in‐oil emulsion PCR is suitable for the generation of aptamer libraries of modified nucleotides. Finally, high‐throughput sequence analysis showed that neither the error rate nor the PCR bias was significantly affected by using TAdUTP. In summary, we propose that KOD XL and TAdUTP could be effectively used for aptamer selection without distorting the sequence space of random oligonucleotide libraries.
Non‐Symmetrical Sterically Challenged Phenanthroline Ligands and Their Homoleptic Copper(I) Complexes with Improved Excited‐State Properties
Authors: Gimeno Lea , Blart Errol , Rebilly Jean‐Noël , Coupeau Marina , Allain Magali , Roisnel Thierry , Quarré de Verneuil Alexis , Gourlaouen Christophe , Daniel Chantal , Pellegrin Yann
Published: June 2020

A strategy is presented to improve the excited state reactivity of homoleptic copper–bis(diimine) complexes CuL2+ by increasing the steric bulk around CuI whereas preserving their stability. Substituting the phenanthroline at the 2‐position by a phenyl group allows the implementation of stabilizing intramolecular π stacking within the copper complex, whereas tethering a branched alkyl chain at the 9‐position provides enough steric bulk to rise the excited state energy E00. Two novel complexes are studied and compared to symmetrical models. The impact of breaking the symmetry of phenanthroline ligands on the photophysical properties of the complexes is analyzed and rationalized thanks to a combined theoretical and experimental study. The importance of fine‐tuning the steric bulk of the N–N chelate in order to stabilize the coordination sphere is demonstrated. Importantly, the excited state reactivity of the newly developed complexes is improved as demonstrated in the frame of a reductive quenching step, evidencing the relevance of our strategy.
Boronate Ester‐Capped Helicates
Authors: Giraldi Erica , Depallens Adrien B. , Ortiz Daniel , Fadaei‐Tirani Farzaneh , Scopelliti Rosario , Severin Kay
Published: June 2020

Triple‐stranded helicates were obtained by metal‐templated multicomponent reactions of bispyridyloxime ligands with arylboronic acids. The helicates feature two hexa‐coordinated MII ions (M=Fe, Zn, or Mn), which are embedded in a macrobicyclic ligand framework, and two arylboronate ester capping groups. The latter can be used to introduce functional groups such as pyridines, aldehydes, nitriles, and carboxylic acids in apical position. The functionalized helicates have the potential to be used as nanoscale building blocks for more complex assemblies, as evidenced by the synthesis of a 3 nm‐sized trianglimine.
Zinc Interactions with a Soluble Mutated Rat Amylin to Mimic Whole Human Amylin: An Experimental and Simulation Approach to Understand Stoichiometry, Speciation and Coordination of the Metal Complexes
Authors: Magrì Antonio , Tabbì Giovanni , Di Natale Giuseppe , La Mendola Diego , Pietropaolo Adriana , Zoroddu Maria Antonietta , Peana Massimiliano , Rizzarelli Enrico
Published: June 2020

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a hormone co‐secreted with insulin and zinc from pancreatic β‐cells. To overcome the low solubility of human IAPP, we characterized zinc complexes species formed with 1) a mutated form of rat‐IAPP(1–37; R18 H) able to mimic the human IAPP, 2) the r‐IAPP(1–37) and the IAPP(1–8) fragment. Stoichiometry, speciation and coordination features of zinc(II) complexes were unveiled by ESI‐MS, potentiometry and NMR measurements combined with DFT and free‐energy simulations. Mononuclear species start to form around pH 6; Zn2+ binds both His18 and N‐amino terminus in rat‐IAPP(1–37; R18 H). The in silico study allows us to assess not only a structured turn compact domain in r‐IAPP(1–37) and r‐IAPP(1–37; R18 H) featured by a different free energy barrier for the transition from the compact to elongated conformation upon the coordination of Zn2+, but also to bring into light a coordination shell further stabilized by noncovalent interactions.
Impact of body mass index on procedural complications, procedure duration, and radiation dose in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing radiofrequency ablation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Menglu , Mei Kaibo , Liu Xiao , Zhao Yujie
Published: June 2020

Background

The association of body mass index (BMI) and procedure‐related factors in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is still unclear.

Hypothesis

BMI is associated with increased the radiation dose, procedure duration, and procedural complications.

Methods

Prospective studies assessing BMI and procedure duration, radiation dose, and procedural complications in patients with AF after RFA were identified through electronic searches of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database.

Results

Ten studies with 14 735 participants undergoing RFA were included. Procedure duration was significantly longer in patients with overweight or obesity than in patients with normal BMI, with a mean difference (MD) of 0.95. Patients with overweight and obesity were exposed to a larger radiation dose, with standard MD of 1.71 and 1.98, respectively. There was no significant association between overweight or obesity and the risk of procedural complications (RR of 0.91 for overweight, 1.01 for obesity, 0.89 for stage I obesity, 1.00 for stage II obesity, and 0.94 for stage III obesity). Further analysis showed there was no significant difference regarding stroke or transient ischemic attack (overweight, RR: 0.92; obesity, RR: 1.02); cardiac tamponade (overweight, RR: 0.92; obesity, RR: 1.02); groin hematoma (overweight, RR: 0.62; obesity, RR: 0.40); or pulmonary vein stenosis (overweight, RR: 0.49; obesity, RR: 0.40) among BMI groups.

Conclusion

Based on available evidence, we first showed that patients with overweight/obesity undergoing RFA experienced a significantly increased procedure duration and received a larger radiation dose than patients with normal BMI; however, there was no significant difference in procedural complications between patients with overweight/obesity and patients with normal BMI.
Electrocardiographic criteria which have the best prognostic significance in hypertensive patients with echocardiographic hypertrophy of left ventricle: 15‐year prospective study
Authors: Djordjevic Dragan B. , Tasic Ivan S. , Kostic Svetlana T. , Stamenkovic Bojana N. , Lovic Milan B. , Djordjevic Nikola D. , Koracevic Goran P. , Lovic Dragan B.
Published: June 2020

Background

Electrocardiography is the first‐choice technique for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with arterial hypertension. It is necessary to know the probable outcome for every patient during the treatment, with the aim of improving cardiovascular event prevention.

Hypothesis

Certain electrocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy may predict outcomes of patients with left ventricular hypertrophy during a 15‐year follow‐up.

Methods

Fifteen‐year prospective study of 83 consecutive patients (53 male and 30 female; mean age 55.3 ± 8.1) with echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricular mass index 170.3 ± 31.6 g/m2). Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy was determined by means of Gubner‐Ungerleider voltage, Lewis voltage, voltage of R wave in aVL lead, Lyon‐Sokolow voltage, Cornell voltage and Cornell product, voltage RV6and RV5ratio, Romhilt‐Estes score, Framingham criterion and Perugia criterion.

Results

One or more composite events were registered in 32 (38.5%) patients during 15‐year follow‐up. Positive Lyon‐Sokolow score (17.6% vs. 47.3%;P < 0.05), Lewis voltage (9.8% vs. 21.9%;P < 0.05), Cornell voltage (15.7% vs. 37.5%;P < 0.05), and Cornell product (9.8% vs. 34.4%;P < 0.01) were more frequent in a group of patients with composite events. Odd ratio for Cornell product was 4.819 (95% CI 1.486‐15.627).

Conclusion

Patients with echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy who had positive Lewis voltage, Lyon‐Sokolow voltage, Cornell voltage, and Cornell product showed worse 15‐year outcome. The strongest predictor of cardiovascular events was positive result of Cornell product.
Geometrical Evolution and Formation of the Photoproduct in the Cycloreversion Reaction of a Diarylethene Derivative Probed by Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Sotome Hikaru , Okajima Hajime , Nagasaka Tatsuhiro , Tachii Yuka , Sakamoto Akira , Kobatake Seiya , Irie Masahiro , Miyasaka Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

The geometrical evolution of the reactant and formation of the photoproduct in the cycloreversion reaction of a diarylethene derivative were probed using time‐resolved absorption spectroscopies in the visible to near‐infrared and mid‐infrared regions. The time‐domain vibrational data in the visible region show that the initially formed Franck‐Condon state is geometrically relaxed into the minimum in the excited state potential energy surface, concomitantly with the low‐frequency coherent vibrations. Theoretical calculations indicate that the nuclear displacement in this coherent vibration is nearly parallel to that in the geometrical relaxation. Time‐resolved mid‐infrared spectroscopy directly detected the formation of the open‐ring isomer with the same time constant as the decrease of the closed‐ring isomer in the excited state minimum. This observation reveals that no detectable intermediate, in which the population is accumulated, is present between the excited closed‐ring isomer and the open‐ring isomer in the ground state.
Unraveling the Origin of Differentiable ‘Turn‐On’ Fluorescence Sensing of Zn2+ and Cd2+ Ions with Squaramides
Authors: Lasitha P. , Dasgupta S. , Naresh Patwari G.
Published: June 2020

A squaramide ring conjugated with Schiff‐bases decorated with hydroxy and methoxy functional groups differentially senses zinc and cadmium ions, which turn on the fluorescence. The feebly emitting free ligands light up in the presence of zinc and cadmium acetates, with the acetate ion playing a pivotal role as a conjugate anion. The selective and differentiable emission responses for zinc and cadmium ions make these ligands efficient multi‐analyte sensing agents. Furthermore, these ligands could be used to differentially sense zinc and cadmium ions even in aqueous environments. The NMR investigations reveal marginal differences in the binding of zinc and cadmium ions to the ligands, whereas density functional theory calculations suggest the different extent of ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) contributes to the differential behavior. Finally, comparison of the excited‐state dynamics of free ligand and the metal complexes reveal the appearance of longer lifetime (about 500–700 ps) component with complexation, due to rigidified molecular skeleton, thereby impeding the non‐radiative processes.
Polytropes in plasmas described by kappa distributions – Application in atmospheric modelling
Authors: Livadiotis George
Published: June 2020

The paper derives the complete formulations of polytropic behaviour for plasmas described by kappa distributions. This is achieved by employing both positive and negative types of phase‐space kappa distributions of a Hamiltonian for a nonzero potential energy, while the cases of positive and negative potential energies are analysed separately. Then, we develop the general polytropic‐barometric formula that describes the profiles of density, temperature, and thermal pressure. Furthermore, it is shown how the kappa and polytropic indices can be derived from observational measurements of the temperature altitude gradient. As an example, we calculated the kappa κ ≈ 3.35 and polytropic γ ≈ 0.74 indices of the terrestrial atmosphere at ∼100 km, revealing the existence of heating processes that add thermal energy to atmospheric particles.
Procedures for Flow Cytometry‐Based Sorting of Unfixed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Infected Cells and Other Infectious Agents
Authors: Reifel Kristen M. , Swan Brandon K. , Jellison Evan R. , Ambrozak David , Baijer Jan , Nguyen Richard , Monard Simon , Lyon Geoffrey , Fontes Benjamin , Perfetto Stephen P.
Published: June 2020

In response to the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, many laboratories are involved in research supporting SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine development and clinical trials. Flow cytometry laboratories will be responsible for a large part of this effort by sorting unfixed antigen‐specific lymphocytes. Therefore, it is critical and timely that we have an understanding of risk assessment and established procedures of infectious cell sorting. Here we present procedures covering the biosafety aspects of sorting unfixed SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected cells and other infectious agents of similar risk level. These procedures follow the ISAC Biosafety Committee guidelines and were recently approved by the National Institutes of Health Institutional Biosafety Committee for sorting SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected cells. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The ventilatory abnormalities and prognostic values of H2FPEF score in dyspnoeic patients with preserved left ventricle systolic function
Authors: Huang Wei‐Ming , Cheng Hao‐Min , Yu Wen‐Chung , Guo Chao‐Yu , Chiang Chern‐En , Chen Chen‐Huan , Sung Shih‐Hsien
Published: June 2020

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is one of the major diagnoses in dyspnoeic subjects, and H2FPEF score enables robust differentiation of HFpEF. Given ventilatory abnormalities prevail in subjects with HFpEF, the associations between H2FPEF score and pulmonary function remain to be elucidated.

Methods and results

Subjects who presented with exertional dyspnoea and had left ventricular ejection fraction of >50% were eligible for this study. Total lung capacity, forced expiratory volume in the 1 s, and forced vital capacity (FVC) were obtained by pulmonary function tests. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), the ratio of early ventricular filling flow velocity to the septal mitral annulus tissue velocity (E/e'), and left ventricular mass (LVM) were measured by echocardiogram. Among a total of 5849 participants (65.6 ± 6.4 years, 54% men), 2453 (41.9%) had low H2FPEF score (0 ~ 1) and 160 (2.7%) had high H2FPEF score,6~9 respectively. Subjects with high H2FPEF score were older and had higher proportion of restrictive and obstructive defect, more morbidities, poorer renal function, lower haemoglobin, higher LVM, E/e' ratio, and PASP. During a mean follow‐up duration of 30.0 ± 20.5 months, the H2FPEF score was significantly associated with mortality [hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals, 1.063(1.010–1.18)], independent of sex, haemoglobin, renal function, LVM, and comorbidities.

Conclusions

Either obstructive or restrictive ventilation defects prevail in subjects with high H2FPEF score, indicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with HFpEF. In addition, H2FPEF score was correlated with long‐term survival in dyspnoeic subjects with or without concomitant diseases of HFpEF and COPD.
Efficient Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones Catalyzed by a Phosphine‐Free Cobalt‐NHC Complex
Authors: Ibrahim Jessica Juweriah , Reddy C. Bal , Fang Xiaolong , Yang Yong
Published: June 2020

A simple phosphine‐free cobalt‐NHC pincer complex has been synthesized and utilized for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones with 2‐propanol as hydrogen donor. A broad range of ketones varying from aromatic, aliphatic and heterocyclic were effectively reduced to their corresponding alcohols in moderate to excellent yields with good tolerance of functional groups.
Enzyme‐Catalyzed Regioselective Acetylation of Functionalized Glycosides
Authors: Holmstrøm Thomas , Pedersen Christian Marcus
Published: June 2020

Novozym 435 (N435) is an immobilized lipase (Candida antarctica lipase B) capable of catalyzing transesterfications in organic media. This paper describes how this enzyme can be used for regioselective acetylation of unprotected carbohydrates providing protected monosaccharide building blocks in only one step. Unprotected thiogylcosides with both gluco, xylo, and manno stereochemistry were tolerated by the enzyme and afforded the acetylated products in high yields. The regioselective acetylation was easily scaled up to a 5.0 gram scale and in most cases, no purification was needed. Several other glycosides, including 2‐azido‐2‐deoxy glucosides, galactosides, and gluconolactones, were also acetylated and the scope and limitations using N435 has been uncovered.
Do still waters run deep? Formation processes of natural and anthropogenic deposits in the Neolithic wetland site Zug‐Riedmatt (Switzerland)
Authors: Ismail‐Meyer Kristin , Vach Werner , Rentzel Philippe
Published: June 2020

Micromorphological analysis is used to improve our understanding of wetland site taphonomy and stratigraphy. Twelve profile columns from the Neolithic lakeshore site of Zug‐Riedmatt are macroscopically described here, microscopic analyses are applied to sediment facies, defining 14 sedimentary units (U): The natural basal sediment (U1) is carbonate‐rich, U2 a transition phase to the anthropogenic units U3 to U12. Uppermost are the natural carbonate‐rich U13 and U14. The creation of a micromorphological database and the application of 27 defined indices allow a better understanding of the natural, anthropogenic and taphonomic processes taking place at the site. Natural sediment input originated from Lake Zug, the nearby river Lorze with its delta, and a local marshy waterbody. Organic rich accumulations and calcitic ash played a major role in pH changes, leading to carbonate and silica dissolution, alongside bone alteration. Signs of degradation processes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions within a single layer points to complex, multiphase processes under changing water levels, a milieu belonging to both land and water, an amphibious environment. Finally, good layer preservation seemingly correlates to low aquatic reworking in a stable depositional context linked to the marshy area.
Patient‐reported outcomes as a prognostic marker of survival in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Hopkins Ashley M. , Wagner Jordan , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Modi Natansh , Rowland Andrew , Sorich Michael J.
Published: June 2020

There has been minimal research on the prognostic value of patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The relative performance of PROs compared to established markers such as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG‐PS) and the Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI) is unknown. In our study, data from the advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) single‐arm atezolizumab trials BIRCH, FIR and randomised‐trials OAK, POPLAR (atezolizumab vs docetaxel) were pooled. The study included 1548 participants who initiated atezolizumab. The associations between pretreatment PROs and overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were modelled using Cox proportional hazards regression. Prediction performance was assessed using the C‐statistic (c). PROs were recorded via the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐LC13. Patient‐reported physical function, fatigue, global health, appetite, role function, pain, dyspnoea, social function, constipation, nausea‐vomiting, emotional function and coughing were significantly associated with OS and PFS on univariable and adjusted analysis (P < .05). Physical function (c = 0.654), fatigue (c = 0.653) and global health (c = 0.650) were the most predictive variables for OS. Comparatively, the OS prediction performance of physical function (c = 0.65) was superior to ECOG‐PS (c = .59) and LIPI (c = 0.63). On multivariable analysis physical function, ECOG‐PS and LIPI were all significant (P < .001). In conclusion, PROs were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS in advanced NSCLC patients receiving ICI therapy. Further, patient‐reported physical function was more predictive of OS than ECOG‐PS and LIPI and contained independent information. This highlights the value of PROs as prognostic and stratification factors for clinical use and research trials of ICIs.
Stress and immunity: Field comparisons among populations of invasive cane toads in Florida
Authors: Assis Vania R. , Gardner Steven T. , Smith Kyra M. , Gomes Fernando R. , Mendonça Mary T.
Published: June 2020

Cane toads (Rhinella marina) were introduced worldwide and have become invasive in multiple locations, representing a major driver of biodiversity loss through competition (food, shelter, territory), predation, and the poisoning of native species. These toads have been used in Australia as a model for studies concerning invasion biology and ecoimmunology, as longer‐established (core) and invasion front (edge) populations show altered stress and immune response profiles. Although cane toads were also introduced into the United States in the 1950s, these patterns have yet to be evaluated for the populations spanning Florida. Toads introduced into Florida have dispersed primarily northward along a latitudinal gradient, where they encounter cooler temperatures that may further impact stress and immune differences between core and edge populations. In this study, we sampled cane toads from nine different locations spanning their invasion in Florida. Cane toads from southern populations showed higher plasma bacterial killing ability and natural antibody titers than the toads from the northern populations, indicating they have a better immune surveillance system. Also, southern toads were more responsive to a novel stressor (1 hr restraint), showing a higher increase in corticosterone levels. These results indicate that possible trade‐offs have occurred between immune and stress responses as these toads have become established in northern cooler areas in Florida.
Retest positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA of “recovered” patients with COVID‐19: Persistence, sampling issues, or re‐infection?
Authors: Kang Hanyujie , Wang Yishan , Tong Zhaohui , Liu Xuefeng
Published: June 2020

“Retest Positive” for severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) from “recovered” coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) has been reported and raised several important questions for this novel coronavirus and COVID‐19 disease. In this commentary, we discussed several questions: (a) Can SARS‐CoV‐2 re‐infect the individuals who recovered from COVID‐19? This question is also associated with other questions: whether or not SARS‐CoV‐2 infection induces protective reaction or neutralized antibody? Will SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines work? (b) Why could some recovered patients with COVID‐19 be re‐tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA? (c) Are some recovered pwith atients COVID‐19 with re‐testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA infectious? and (d) How should the COVID‐19 patients with retest positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 be managed?
Distribution of species enterovirus B in patients with central nervous system infections in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Compagnoli Carmona Rita de Cássia , Caetano Machado Bráulio , Aparecida de Sousa Cleusa , Vieira Heloisa Rosa , Moraes Alves Mayara Rhaissa , Farias de Souza Karen Aparecida , de Souza Gregório Débora , Costa Vilanova Bethânia , Sampaio Tavares Timenetsky Maria do Carmo
Published: June 2020

Enteroviruses (EV) are most common cause of central nervous system (CNS) infection, mainly aseptic meningitis. In Brazil, data available concerning the distribution of EV types are scarce. The aim of this study was to describe of types EV in patients with infection of the CNS in São Paulo State. This retrospective study was conducted in clinical samples collected from patients with infections of the CNS from 2004 to 2014. We investigated the presence of EV by virus isolation in cell culture. The samples that showed cytopathic effect in the cell culture were submitted by indirect immunofluorescence assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and VP1 partial sequencing to identification of EV isolated. A total of 176 EV isolated in cell culture was detected and typed in 14.5% (n = 176/1215) of clinical samples analyzed; corresponding to 71.0% of AM, and 19.3% of encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. Echoviruses (E) were isolated most frequently, with 155 strains (88.1%), Coxsackievirus B (CV‐B), with 20 cases (11.4%), CV‐A, with 01 case (0.6%). E‐6 was the most commonly identified followed in decreasing order by E‐30; E‐18; CV‐B5; E‐4; E‐11; CV‐B2 and E‐9; E‐7; CV‐A9, CV‐B1, CV‐B3, CV‐B4, E‐13, E‐14, and E‐21. EV detected were classified as belonging to the species enterovirus B. EV were detected in all the period of the year with the highest rate in the spring and summer months. Data obtained in this study contribute to the knowledge about EV circulation implicated in CNS infections over a 11‐year period in São Paulo State, Brazil.
Seroepidemiology of enterovirus D68 in a healthy population in Beijing, China, between 2012 and 2017: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yang , Gong Cheng , Luo Ming , Zhang Tiegang , Li Maozhong , Shen Lingyu , Zhang Herun , Huang Fang
Published: June 2020

To investigate the seroepidemiological features of enterovirus D68 (EV‐D68) in the healthy population from 2012 to 2017 in Beijing, China. A retrospective cross‐sectional investigation was conducted using serum specimens collected from healthy individuals in Beijing from 2012 to 2017. These samples were tested for neutralization antibodies (NtAbs) against EV‐D68. The sera from six EV‐D68 infected patients in the acute or convalescent phase were used to determine the protection level of NtAbs against EV‐D68. The geometric means of the titers (GMT) of EV‐D68 NtAbs in 2012 and 2017 were 92.82 and 242.91, respectively; the seroprevalences of EV‐D68 were 89.43% and 98.43%, respectively. The GMT reached its peak in the 11 to 15 age group in 2012, while in 16 to 20 age group in 2017. We also observed that EV‐D68 NtAbs titers of six sera from the acute phase were all less than equal to  1:64 and that of three sera from the convalescent phase were all more than 1:64. Anti‐EV‐D68 NtAbs in the population remained low from 2012 to 2016 but increased significantly in 2017. Although most of the EV‐D68 infections remain undetected in Beijing, the risk of a large outbreak of EV‐D68 exists and should be taken seriously.
Postoperative Utilization of Oral Nutrition Supplements in Surgical Patients in US Hospitals
Authors: Williams David G. A. , Ohnuma Tetsu , Krishnamoorthy Vijay , Raghunathan Karthik , Sulo Suela , Cassady Bridget A. , Hegazi Refaat , Wischmeyer Paul E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Postoperative nutrition delivery is essential to surgical recovery; unfortunately, postoperative dietary intake is often poor. Recent surgical guidelines recommend use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) to improve nutrition delivery. Our aim was to examine prevalence of coded ONS use over time and coded malnutrition rates in postoperative patients.

Methods

The Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) was queried for postoperative patients found to have charges for ONS between 2008–2014. ONS use identified via charge codes. Descriptive statistics utilized to examine prevalence of malnutrition and ONS utilization. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression models were fit to examine factors associated with ONS use.

Results

A total of 2,823,532 surgical encounters were identified in PHD in 172 hospitals utilizing ONS charge codes. ONS‐receiving patients were 72% Caucasian, 65% Medicare patients with mean age of 66 ± 16.5 years. Compared with patients not receiving ONS, ONS patients had higher van Walraven severity scores (7.3 ± 7.8 vs 2.3 ± 5.6,P< .001) with greater comorbidities. Overall coded malnutrition prevalence was 4.3%. Coded malnutrition diagnosis increased from 4.4% to 5.2% during study period. Only 15% of malnourished patients received ONS. Individual hospital practice explained much of variation in early postoperative ONS use.

Conclusion

In this large surgical population, inpatient ONS use is most common in older, Caucasian, Medicare patients with high comorbidity burden. Despite increased malnutrition during study period, observed ONS prescription rate did not increase. Our data indicate current ONS utilization in surgical patients, even coded with malnutrition, is limited and is a critical perioperative quality improvement opportunity.
Well‐maintained patients with a history of periodontitis still harbor a more dysbiotic microbiome than health
Authors: Lu Hongye , He Lu , Xu Jingling , Song Wenli , Feng Xianghui , Zhao Yibing , Meng Huanxin
Published: June 2020

Background

It remains unclear whether well‐maintained subjects, with periodontitis in the past, effectively treated, and maintained for a long time, have the same subgingival microbiome as healthy subjects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the subgingival microbiome in well‐maintained patients with a history of periodontitis compared with healthy subjects.

Methods

We recruited in 17 well‐maintained individuals (no evidence of clinical inflammation and progress of periodontitis) and 21 healthy individuals. Periodontal clinical parameters, consisting of missing teeth, plaque index (PLI), periodontal depth (PD), and bleeding index (BI), were recorded and analyzed. The pooled subgingival samples from mesiobuccal sites of two maxillary first molars were collected. The V3‐V4 region of 16S rRNA gene from 38 subgingival samples was sequenced and analyzed. Alpha diversity, microbial composition, types of bacteria, functional pathways between well‐maintained group and health group were compared using Mann‐Whitney U test. Spearman correlation was used in analyzing the symbiotic relationship among taxa. A classification model was constructed to distinguish two ecological types.

Results

The maintained individuals demonstrated a different microbiome from healthy subjects, with higher diversity, more disordered structure, more pathogenic microbiota, and more host‐destructive metabolism pathways. The genera Actinomyces, Streptococcus, Leptotrichia, Capnocytophaga, Lautropia, and Fusobacterium were predominant components with relative abundance >5% in the subgingival microbiome of well‐maintained patients. The classification model by microbiota got a remarkable accuracy of 83.33%.

Conclusions

Individuals with well‐maintained periodontitis showed a more dysbiotic microbial community than healthy individuals. Therefore, close monitoring and scheduled maintenance treatment are necessary for them to maintain a healthy periodontal condition.
Kinetic study of depolymerization of polyurethanes: A experimental and computational insight for chemical recycling
Authors: Uliana Fabricio , Ambrozio Stener R. , Filho Eloi A. S. , Gonçalves Arlan S. , Melo Carlos Vital P. , Luz Priscilla P. , Silva Carlos Vinícius G.
Published: June 2020

This work reports experimental and computational studies of polyurethanes depolymerization from industrial waste through a reaction with potassium hydroxide. A computational study was performed to identify the chemical reaction mechanism, which is more difficult to determine experimentally. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of activation process were also obtained by theoretical calculations. An experimental procedure led to products identified by 13C solid‐state NMR analysis, which agree to the computational study. A small variation of less than 5% in the activation energy values found between the data obtained through theoretical calculations and experimental methods suggests that the described computational procedure is enough to describe the process in a satisfactory manner.
Investigating the accuracy and precision of TE‐dependent versus multi‐echo QSM using Laplacian‐based methods at 3 T
Authors: Biondetti Emma , Karsa Anita , Thomas David L. , Shmueli Karin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo acquisitions for QSM enable optimizing the SNR for several tissue types through multi‐echo (TE) combination or investigating temporal variations in the susceptibility (potentially reflecting tissue microstructure) by calculating one QSM image at each TE (TE‐dependent QSM). In contrast with multi‐echo QSM, applying Laplacian‐based methods (LBMs) for phase unwrapping and background field removal to single TEs could introduce nonlinear temporal variations (independent of tissue microstructure) into the measured susceptibility. Here, we aimed to compare the effect of LBMs on the QSM susceptibilities in TE‐dependent versus multi‐echo QSM.

Methods

TE–dependent recalled echo data simulated in a numerical head phantom and gradient‐recalled echo images acquired at 3 T in 10 healthy volunteers. Several QSM pipelines were tested, including four distinct LBMs: sophisticated harmonic artifact reduction for phase data (SHARP), variable‐radius sophisticated harmonic artifact reduction for phase data (V‐SHARP), Laplacian boundary value background field removal (LBV), and one‐step total generalized variation (TGV). Results from distinct pipelines were compared using visual inspection, summary statistics of susceptibility in deep gray matter/white matter/venous regions of interest, and, in the healthy volunteers, regional susceptibility bias analysis and nonparametric tests.

Results

Multi‐echo versus TE‐dependent QSM had higher regional accuracy, especially in high‐susceptibility regions and at shorter TEs. Everywhere except in the veins, a processing pipeline incorporating TGV provided the most temporally stable TE‐dependent QSM results with an accuracy similar to multi‐echo QSM.

Conclusions

For TE‐dependent QSM, carefully choosing LBMs can minimize the introduction of LBM‐related nonlinear temporal susceptibility variations.
“To be lonely in your own loneliness”: The interplay between self‐perceived loneliness and rheumatoid arthritis in everyday life: A qualitative study
Authors: Bay Laila Twisttmann , Ellingsen Torkell , Giraldi Annamaria , Graugaard Christian , Nielsen Dorthe S.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Loneliness has a negative impact on physical health, and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can lead to social isolation. However, there is a lack of research exploring patients' perspectives on self‐perceived loneliness in everyday life with rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the meaning and importance of self‐perceived loneliness among adult patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

This study was designed as a qualitative, exploratory interview study using a narrative framework. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Danish adults with rheumatoid arthritis. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed within a narrative thematic framework.

Results

Ten women and seven men were interviewed, aged between 18 and 73 years and a disease duration between 6 months and 40 years. Three themes were identified during the analysis: (1) explanations of loneliness in everyday life with rheumatoid arthritis, (2) disclosing or disguising loneliness, and (3) feelings of loneliness in social life.

Conclusion

The findings from this study show that loneliness can be burdensome when living with RA. Narratives of loneliness can be hard for patients to disclose, so health care practitioners should take responsibility for legitimizing this subject. A narrative approach in consultations may be helpful to support patients and to encourage a dialogue about loneliness in everyday life with rheumatoid arthritis.
Pro & Contra Innovationsprinzip: Vorsorgeprinzip ist wichtig, kann aber überzogen werden
Authors: Quadbeck‐Seeger Hans‐Jürgen
Published: June 2020

Mit dem Fortschritt wachsen die Möglichkeiten, unerwünschte Wirkungen von Innovationen frühzeitig zu erkennen und zu bewerten.
Gap between patients with schizophrenia and their psychiatrists on the needs to psychopharmacological treatment: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Takahashi Kie , Yamazawa Ryoko , Suzuki Takefumi , Mimura Masaru , Uchida Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Aim

Psychopharmacological treatment is indispensable in patients with schizophrenia but data on needs, preferences, and complaints about their medications are limited. Moreover, there has been no study to assess the degree of awareness of their psychiatrists (gap in needs) regarding these issues.

Methods

Ninety‐seven Japanese patients with schizophrenia (ICD‐10) were asked to fill in the questionnaire consisting of multiple‐choice questions regarding (a) their needs and complaints about psychopharmacological treatment that they were receiving, and (b) their preference of dosage form, dosing frequency, and timing of dosing. Additionally, their psychiatrists in charge were asked to predict their patients’ response to the above questions.

Results

Both the most frequently endorsed need and complaints about the current psychopharmacological treatment were “nothing in particular” (n = 14, 16.7% and n = 17, 20.2%); merely 23.1% and 15.4% of their psychiatrists correctly predicted these responses, respectively. “Once a day” (n = 56, 65.1%), “at bedtime” (n = 53, 61.6%), and “tablet” (n = 51, 59.3%) were the patients’ most favorite dosing frequency, timing, and dosage form, respectively; 59.8% (n = 49), 54.9% (n = 45), and 64.6% (n = 53) of their psychiatrists predicted them.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that there is substantial room for improvement on the side of psychiatrists to capture their patients’ needs and complaints about psychopharmacological treatment.
Ab Initio Chemical Kinetics for Nitrogen Tetroxide Reactions with 1,1‐ and 1,2‐Dimethylhydrazines
Authors: Le Huyen Trinh , Raghunath Putikam , Chang Lin Ming
Published: June 2020

This work employed the quantum‐chemical method at the CCSD(T)/6‐311+G(3df,2p)//B3LYP/6‐311+G(3df,2p) level to study the mechanisms and kinetics of N2O4 (NTO) with H2NN(CH3)2 and CH3NHNHCH3 hypergolic initiation reactions, the processes critical to the chemical rocket propulsion of the N2O4‐hydrazine propellant systems. The reaction of N2O4 with the dimethylhydrazines (DMHZ's) can be started by the fast reaction of DMHZ's with ONONO2, taking place after the novel N2O4→ONONO2 transformation with each of DMHZ's as a spectator within the NTO‐DMHZ collision complexes, through loose, roaming‐like transition states during the bimolecular encounters. The barriers for such isomerization processes were found to be 7.2 and 9.9 kcal/mol for H2NN(CH3)2 and CH3NHNHCH3, respectively. The kinetics of these reactions have been computed in the temperature range 200–2000 K; the results indicate that under the ambient temperature and pressure condition, the half‐life of NTO in the presence of an excess amount of H2NN(CH3)2 is predicted to be 3.3×10−5 s. The results of a similar estimate for CH3NHNHCH3 is about 2 orders of magnitude longer; both estimates indicate that very effective hypergolic reactions can occur upon mixing in these systems.
A Generic Methodology for Breakdown Voltage Optimization of Lateral Silicon‐On‐Insulator Power Devices
Authors: Kumar Viswanathan Naveen , Mudholkar Mihir , Quddus Mohammed Tanvir
Published: June 2020

A generic optimization methodology is presented for the design of drift region in lateral silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) power devices. The methodology targets a drift region design with a low on resistance and a high reverse blocking capability. 2D drift diffusion technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulations are used to arrive at the principles of operation. As the drift region is a critical component of any lateral power device, the simulation domain is isolated to a generic n‐doped Si drift region, with symmetric top and bottom oxide () layers. A qualitative explanation based on charge sharing and the resulting electric field modulation is provided. The presence of oxide layers causes the drift region to be modulated such that it enables one to achieve a higher breakdown at a higher doping density. The main design parameters like drift doping, thickness, drift length, and oxide thickness are varied, and optimum values are identified for each. Finally, the extension of this optimization algorithm to other variants of lateral SOI devices is discussed.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Thermal Conductivity of Silver Chalcogenides
Authors: Fukushima Shogo , Shimamura Kohei , Koura Akihide , Shimojo Fuyuki
Published: June 2020

To obtain an accurate thermal conductivity of Ag2Se considering heat‐flux effects, computational requirements such as simulation times and number of atoms are investigated for two methods: the Green–Kubo (GK) formula in equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations and perturbed MD (pMD). An empirical interatomic potential is used, which reproduces both the superionic and nonsuperionic phases of Ag2Se. It is found that the accurate thermal conductivity based on the GK formula requires at least the correlation time of 12 ps, the simulation time of 24 ns, and the number of atoms of 3000. In contrast, for the pMD, the simulation time of ≈1.2 ns is needed to obtain a comparable thermal conductivity. It is also confirmed that the heat flux must be considered in MD simulations to qualitatively reproduce the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity observed experimentally.
Enhanced Stability of Antiferromagnetic Skyrmion during Its Motion by Anisotropic Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya Interaction
Authors: Huang Zongpeng , Jin Zhejunyu , Zhang Xiaomiao , Hou Zhipeng , Chen Deyang , Fan Zhen , Zeng Min , Lu Xubing , Gao Xingsen , Qin Minghui
Published: June 2020

Searching for new methods to enhance the stability of antiferromagnetic (AFM) skyrmion during its motion is an important issue for AFM spintronic devices. Herein, the spin‐polarized current‐induced dynamics of a distorted AFM skyrmion is numerically studied, based on the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert simulations of the model with an anisotropic Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction. It is demonstrated that the DM interaction anisotropy induces the skyrmion deformation, which suppresses the distortion during the motion and enhances the stability of the skyrmion. Moreover, the effect of the DM interaction anisotropy on the skyrmion velocity is investigated in detail, and the simulated results are further explained by Thiele's theory. This work unveils a promising strategy to enhance the stability and the maximum velocity of AFM skyrmion, benefiting future spintronic applications.