bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic closure using an over‐the‐scope clip for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related large gastrointestinal perforation (with video)
Authors: Fujita Akashi , Tashima Tomoaki , Tanisaka Yuki , Mizuide Masafumi , Ogawa Tomoya , Saito Yoichi , Katsuda Hiromune , Miyaguchi Kazuya , Mashimo Yumi , Nakano Yuya , Terada Rie , Jinushi Ryuhei , Ryozawa Shomei
Published: August 2021

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for pancreatobiliary diseases require advanced techniques. We usually use an oblique‐viewing endoscope in such procedures. Sometimes, tumor invasion causes gastrointestinal strictures. Crossing a stricture using an oblique‐viewing endoscope is more difficult than using a forward‐viewing scope. Therefore, the frequency of scope perforation is higher than other endoscopic procedures. Although surgical repair for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes has been performed, patients with pancreatobiliary diseases are often elderly and in poor general condition; therefore, patients are hesitant to undergo surgical treatments. Recently, the usefulness of over‐the‐scope clipping (OTSC) as a minimally invasive rescue method has also been reported. In this study, we report cases of successful endoscopic closure using OTSC for gastrointestinal perforations caused by endoscopes in ERCP and EUS‐related procedures. After those procedures, all cases showed no abnormalities in blood tests or symptoms, and emergency surgery was successfully avoided. Thus, endoscopic closure using OTSC for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations is safe and effective. However, OTSC requires some expertise. A good assessment of defect size and careful insertion of the scope using OTSC attached to the upper esophagus are needed to avoid clip migration or disinsertion and esophageal tears. Therefore, endoscopic closure using OTSC could be the first choice of treatment for pancreatobiliary endoscopy‐related gastrointestinal perforations. We should be familiar with its indication and perform it carefully and rapidly.
A consistent energy integral model for a film over a substrate featuring topographies
Authors: Pal Sanjib Kr , Sanyasiraju Yedida V. S. S. , Usha Ranganathan
Published: August 2021

A depth‐averaged model, based on energy integral method (EIM) has been employed to capture the steady‐state free surface profiles in a gravity‐driven thin film flow of a viscous, incompressible fluid over inclined substrates with topographical features. The model incorporates inertial effects, energy balance and is consistent up to , where , is the film thickness parameter. The governing equations are solved using a meshless numerical scheme based on radial basis functions. The predictions of the effects of inertia, inclination of the substrate, and aspect ratio of the topographical features are compared with the available finite‐element solutions and experimental observations. The steady‐state profiles generated using the EIM equations are in close agreement with the experimental observations. Being a consistent model, EIM model predictions are expected to be more reliable and accurate than the results based on the depth averaged form of the momentum equations, which are known to be not consistent. This feature is the motivating factor for the present work which is also a first attempt in implementing the meshless numerical scheme to free surface problems. The analysis paves a way for similar investigations on three‐dimensional flows related to film flow over chemically patterned substrates.
In vitro study of the effect of quinoa and quinoa polysaccharides on human gut microbiota
Authors: Zeyneb Hitache , Pei Hairun , Cao Xueli , Wang Yuxin , Win Yumon , Gong Lingxiao
Published: August 2021

It has been shown that whole grains and dietary fiber are important for their fermentation characteristics in the large intestine, drawing more and more attention to quinoa and quinoa polysaccharides. In this study, we evaluated the prebiotic effect of quinoa seeds and quinoa polysaccharides after human simulated digestion. The modulatory effect of the quinoa and quinoa polysaccharides (QPs) on the gut microbiota was evaluated by the in vitro fermentation using human fecal microbiota. The yield of polysaccharides extraction was 15.45%. The digestibility of the cooked and uncooked quinoa after simulation of human digestion was 69.04% and 64.09%, respectively. The effect on the microbiota composition and their metabolic products was determined by the assessment of pH, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and changes in the bacterial population. After 24 hr anaerobic incubation, the total SCFAs of cooked, uncooked quinoa, and quinoa polysaccharides were 82.99, 77.11, and 82.73 mM, respectively with a pH decrease. At the phylum, genus, and class level, it has been found that the quinoa substrates enhance the growth of certain beneficial bacteria such as Prevotella and Bacteroides. Quinoa polysaccharides can be considered prebiotic due to their ability to increase Bifidobacterium and Collinsella. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that there was a distinct modulating effect on the fecal microbiota which represents different distribution. Our research suggests that quinoa and quinoa polysaccharides have a prebiotic potential due to their association with the positive shifts in microbiota composition and short‐chain fatty acids production, which highlights the importance of further studies around this topic.
Androgen receptor‐neuroendocrine double‐negative tumor with squamous differentiation arising from treatment‐refractory metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Sawazaki Harutake , Asano Atsushi , Kitamura Yosuke , Katsuta Jumpei , Ito Yuji
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Treatment‐refractory metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease classified into androgen receptor‐high prostate cancer, androgen receptor‐low prostate cancer, amphicrine prostate cancer co‐expressing androgen receptor and neuroendocrine genes, double‐negative prostate cancer lacking androgen receptor and neuroendocrine gene expression, and small cell or neuroendocrine prostate cancer without androgen receptor activity. Double‐negative tumors can convert to the squamous phenotype.

Case presentation

A 62‐year‐old man was newly diagnosed with prostate cancer (serum prostate‐specific antigen 2613 ng/mL, Gleason score 4 + 5 = 9, cT3aN1M1b) that progressed to castration resistance 4 months after starting abiraterone with androgen deprivation therapy. After enzalutamide and docetaxel failed, a right ilium metastasis newly emerged. Needle biopsy confirmed a metastatic tumor with squamous differentiation that was CK5/6‐positive and chromogranin A‐, synaptophysin‐, and androgen receptor‐negative.

Conclusion

We encountered a case of double‐negative prostate cancer with squamous differentiation identified by needle biopsy of a right ilium metastasis after abiraterone, enzalutamide, and docetaxel failure.
Tuning the metal–ligand bond in theσ‐complexes of stannylenes and azabenzenes
Authors: Bankiewicz Barbara , Kupfer Stephan , Matczak Piotr
Published: August 2021

The metal–ligand bond in a set of 60σ‐complexes has been investigated by electronic structure computations. Theseσ‐complexes originate from the unique combination of 12 stannylenes (SnX2) with five azabenzene ligands (pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, and s‐triazine), where the nitrogen center of the ligand acts asσ‐donor and the tin(II) center asσ‐acceptor in a 1:1 fashion. The Sn ← N bond and the total interaction between the stannylene and azabenzene moieties of theσ‐complexes are characterized in depth to relate the Sn ← N strength to the substitution pattern at SnX2and to the number and the positioning of N atoms in the azabenzenes. Such X substituents as (iso)cyano and trifluoromethyl groups enhance the interaction strength, while the presence of alkyl, phenyl, and silyl substituents in SnX2diminishes the stability ofσ‐complexes. A gradual weakening of the total interaction is associated with the growing number of N atoms in the azabenzenes, while the N‐atom positioning in pyridazine is particularly effective in strengthening the interaction with stannylenes. Variations in the Sn ← N bond strength usually follow those in the total interaction between the moieties but the interacting quantum atoms picture of Sn ← N reveals certain intriguing exceptions.
Magnetic field‐assisted photochemical oxidation of benzyl alcohol to corresponding aldehydes by introducing TiO2(P25)‐ZnO/Fe3+ as a novel nanophotocatalyst
Authors: Fallahnezhad Saied , Amoozadeh Ali
Published: August 2021

For the first time, the surface modification of nanophotocatalyst TiO2(P25)‐ZnO was reported by the introduction of Fe3+ for modulation of the photocatalytic activity. The nanophotocatalyst TiO2(P25)‐ZnO/Fe3+ was synthesized and its crystal structure, morphology, and photocatalytic activity were well determined by, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope analyses. The photocatalyst was applied for the selective oxidation of different aryl alcohols to the respective aldehyde beneath visible light (blue LED lamp, λ > 420 nm) in the presence of nitrate ion as oxidant. Also, for the first time, the effect of presence of an external magnetic field (5,000 G) contemporary with photoreaction was studied simultaneously by applying an external magnet field of 5,000 G and valuable results were obtained so that the time of photoreaction declined considerably up to 65%. This study has many advantages like the use of a magnetic field as a green technology, being clean, and zero energy. Also, the photoreaction did stop at the stage of aldehyde to provide a considerable selectivity.
Joint associations of parental personality traits and socio‐economic position with trajectories of offspring depression: Findings from up to 6925 families in a UK birth cohort
Authors: Cadman Tim , Kwong Alex S. F. , Moran Paul , O’Mahen Heather , Culpin Iryna , Lawlor Deborah A. , Pearson Rebecca M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Parental personality may influence the course of offspring depression but epidemiological evidence for associations is lacking. It is also unknown whether associations between parental personality and offspring depression differ by socio‐economic position (SEP). Our aims were to describe the trajectories of depressive symptoms across adolescence of offspring of parents with and without maladaptive personality traits and to test for effect modification by SEP.

Methods

A longitudinal study in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children birth cohort (ns = 3054–7046). Exposures were binary measures of maladaptive maternal and paternal personality traits. The outcome was depressive symptoms measured over nine occasions (ages 11–24) using the short mood and feelings questionnaire (SMFQ; range: 0–26). Effect modifiers were parental education and self‐reported material hardship. Multilevel growth curve models were used to estimate trajectories.

Results

offspring of mothers with high (vs. low) maladaptive traits showed higher levels of depressive symptoms at multiple ages of adolescence, the greatest of which was observed at age 22 (predicted SMFQ difference age 10 = 0.66, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.25 to 1.28; age 22 = 1.00, CI: 0.51 to 1.50). There was weaker and inconsistent evidence of an association between paternal maladaptive personality and offspring depressive symptoms (SMFQ difference age 10 = 0.21, CI: −0.58 to 0.99; age 22 = 0.02, CI: −0.94 to 0.90). Lower SEP was also associated with higher offspring depressive symptoms (SMFQ difference material hardship vs. no hardship age 10 = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.13; age 22 = 0.96, CI: 0.56 to 1.36). There was minimal statistical evidence for effect modification.

Conclusions

The offspring of mothers with high levels of maladaptive personality traits show evidence of greater depressive symptoms throughout adolescence although the absolute increase in symptoms is small. Evidence for the associations with fathers' personality was weaker. Socio‐economic position and maladaptive personality traits appear to be independent risk factors for offspring depressive symptoms.
Neurostructural correlates of retinal microvascular caliber in adolescent bipolar disorder
Authors: Mio Megan , Kennedy Kody G. , Dimick Mikaela , Sultan Alysha , Fiksenbaum Lisa , Selkirk Beth , Kertes Peter , McCrindle Brian W. , Black Sandra E. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Goldstein Benjamin I.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Vascular‐brain associations are well established in adults but neglected in youth and psychiatric populations, who are at greater cardiovascular risk. We therefore examined the association of retinal vascular caliber with regional brain structure in adolescents with and without bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods

One hundred and three adolescents (n = 51 BD, n = 52 healthy control [HC]) completed retinal fundus imaging, yielding arteriolar and venular diameters, followed by T1‐weighted 3‐Tesla MRI. Region of interest (ROI) analyses examined ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, and hippocampus, complemented by vertex‐wise analyses. Linear regression assessed the association between retinal measures and brain structure, adjusting for covariates including age, sex, BMI, and intracranial volume (ICV).

Results

In the overall sample, arteriolar caliber was negatively associated with ACC volume (β = −0.20, puncorrected = .046) and surface area (β = −0.19, puncorrected = .049). There were no other significant ROI findings. Vertex‐wise analyses detected several significant positive bilateral associations of arteriovenous ratio (AVR) with volume and surface area in regions including rostral middle frontal gyrus (left p = .001; right p = .006), isthmus cingulate cortex (left and right p < .001), and left precuneus (p < .001). Significant negative associations were also observed for AVR (p = .03) and arteriolar caliber (p = .01), including a cluster encompassing the left rostral middle frontal gyrus and orbitofrontal cortical thickness. In the sole retinal‐by‐diagnosis interaction, greater AVR was more strongly associated with lower volume in the left middle temporal and fusiform gyri in BD versus HC (p = .004).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that vascular‐brain associations are already evident in adolescence, suggesting that optimizing cardiovascular health may benefit the brain. This may be particularly relevant in BD and other brain disorders. Future research focusing on subpopulations where vascular‐brain associations may be especially strong, for whom vascular‐related interventions may be most indicated, is warranted.
Projected changes in the season of hot days in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Varela Rubén , Rodríguez‐Díaz Laura , Barriopedro David , de Castro Maite , Costoya Xurxo , García‐Herrera Ricardo , Gómez‐Gesteira Moncho
Published: August 2021

The present study analyses changes in the timing and duration of the hot days season over the Middle East and North Africa region from 1970 to 2099 using model simulations of 11 regional models from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment under the RCP8.5 scenario. In general, a non‐symmetrical lengthening of the hot days season is projected, with a tendency to extend more into spring than into autumn. By the end of the century and the RCP8.5 scenario, Western Africa and the Persian Gulf display a hot days season starting 60 days earlier than in the historical period (1970–1999) (May vs. July, respectively). Southernmost latitudes are the most affected by a later retreat of the hot days season, of up to 60 days with respect to the historical period (October vs. August). The length of the extreme season is projected to increase between 100 and 120 days for the southernmost latitudes and the Persian Gulf resulting in nearly four more months with hot days conditions.
Raman spectroscopy in cell biology and microbiology
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

The Raman spectrum of living cells and microorganisms contains highly specific fingerprint‐like signatures, useful in unequivocally identifying different species and interpreting physiological and metabolic responses to environmental stressors. In situ Raman imaging with dedicated highly sensitive instruments can translate selected spectroscopic fingerprints into vivid snapshots of molecular species or specific physiological reactions. Time‐lapse experiments, crucial in characterizing growth‐dependent phenomena and metabolic response to drugs or substrates, are possible because Raman imaging is life compatible. This review covers miscellaneous examples of Raman analyses and imaging of eukaryotic cells, bacteria, and viruses. Fundamental microbiological analyses covered here include (i) identification of different species of cells, bacteria, and viruses; (ii) characterization of the metabolic responses of cells and bacteria to different substrates; (iii) time‐lapse analyses of cell metabolic reactions upon viral inoculation; (iv) chemical imaging of axon sprouting in neuronal cells; and (v) visualization of the myelinating activity of living Schwann cells in coculture with neuronal cells. The spectroscopic findings displayed here, which are based on a machine learning approach applied to Raman analysis and imaging, demonstrate the invaluable potential for Raman spectroscopy in biophysics research.
Lipid profiling using Raman and a modified support vector machine algorithm
Authors: Potcoava Mariana C. , Futia Gregory L. , Gibson Emily A. , Schlaepfer Isabel R.
Published: August 2021

Lipid droplets are dynamic organelles that play important cellular roles. They are composed of a phospholipid membrane and a core of triglycerides and sterol esters. Fatty acids have important roles in phospholipid membrane formation, signaling, and synthesis of triglycerides as energy storage. Better non‐invasive tools for profiling and measuring cellular lipids are needed. Here we demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy to determine with high accuracy the composition changes of the fatty acids and cholesterol found in the lipid droplets of prostate cancer cells treated with various fatty acids. The methodology uses a modified least squares fitting (LSF) routine that uses highly discriminatory wavenumbers between the fatty acids present in the sample using a support vector machine algorithm. Using this new LSF routine, Raman micro‐spectroscopy can become a better non‐invasive tool for profiling and measuring fatty acids and cholesterol for cancer biology.
Effect of red light on the composition of metabolites in tea leaves during the withering process using untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Lin Jiazheng , Liu Fei , Zhou Xiaofen , Tu Zheng , Chen Lin , Wang Yuwan , Yang Yunfei , Wu Xun , Lv Haowei , Zhu Hongkai , Ye Yang
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Red light withering significantly improves the sensory flavor qualities of tea, although changes in metabolites during this process have not been systematically studied until now. The present study comprehensively analyzes metabolites in withered tea leaves at 2‐h intervals up to 12 h under red light (630 nm) and dark conditions using ultra performance liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry (untargeted metabolomics).

RESULTS

Ninety‐four non‐volatile compounds are identified and relatively quantified, including amino acids, catechins, dimeric catechins, flavonol glycosides, glycosidically‐bound volatiles, phenolic acids and nucleosides. The results show that amino acids, catechins and dimeric catechins are most affected by red light treatment. Ten free amino acids, theaflavins and theasinensin A increase after red light irradiation, whereas epigallocatechin gallate and catechin fall.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides a comprehensive and systematic profile of the dynamic effects of red light on withering tea and a rationale for its use in tea processing quality control. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Kinetic modeling of Fischer–Tropsch‐to‐olefins process via advanced optimization
Authors: Turan Abdullah Zahid , Ataç Özlem , Kurucu Oğuz Alp , Ersöz Atilla , Sarıoğlan Alper , Okutan Hasancan
Published: August 2021

The reaction kinetics of a Fischer–Tropsch (FT) process to produce lower olefins was modeled utilizing the experimental data produced using an in‐house synthesized iron‐based catalyst. Along with FT chain growth reaction that is assumed to follow alkyl mechanism, water–gas shift reaction was also taken into consideration due to its significance. Not only the rate constants but also apparent activation energies were obtained via an integrated approach utilizing multiobjective and constrained nonlinear minimization methods in order to define a model valid at a temperature range instead of a single point. The adaption of a hybrid optimization method utilizing both population‐ and individual‐based techniques enhanced prediction accuracy compared with the case where only multiobjective genetic algorithm is used. Thanks to the developed model, the effect of process parameters on product distribution was investigated. Finally, the kinetic model was compared with Anderson–Schulz–Flory model and the deviations observed were discussed.
Selective influence of cyflumetofen in degradation and ecological risk assessment
Authors: Shi Linlin , Zhang Ping , Chen Qi , Yang Cancan , Zhang Daqi , Xu Jun , He Lin
Published: August 2021

Pesticide pollution has gradually caused land degradation. In order to avoid this problem, it is recommended to use enantiomeric pesticides that have less impact on the soil. Cyflumetofen's (CYF) microecological environmental assessment at the enantiomer level is unclear. In our study, the degradation of CYF enantiomers and the effect on soil functions are closely related to microorganisms. (+)‐CYF enantiomer is degradable preferred and further discovered that related microorganism that degrades enantiomers. CYF enantiomers alter the bacteria structure and decreased the bacteria abundance. The combination of high‐throughput and quantitative PCR results showed that the diversity of the (+)‐CYF treatment was significantly lower than that of the (−)‐CYF (−30.41 to 44.60) treatment, and the (+)‐CYF treatment (−27.80% to 56.70%) was more capable of causing the decrease in the number of soil microorganisms. In addition, (+)‐CYF severely interferes with nitrogen cycling–related functions. Furthermore, the soil microbial structure was changed to its original level by enantiomers posed. In the study of nitrogen cycle functions, we found that both enantiomers can restrain the abundance of nitrogen cycle–related genes, especially the (+)‐CYF treatment decreased more. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that g‐Massilia and g‐Arthrobacter are closely related to nitrogen fixation genes and nitrification genes, and degradation of the two enantiomers of CYF by g‐Arthrobacter is closely related. The biological effects of CYF enantiomers remain unclear. Bioassay results show that enantiomers have similar virulence to Tetranychus cinnabarinus. Therefore, while achieving the prevention and control effect, the use of a single isomer (+)‐CYF has a higher potential risk to the soil ecosystem.
Spatial microheterogeneity and selective microbial consumption of dissolved free amino acids in an oligomesotrophic lake
Authors: Krempaska Natalia , Hornˇák Karel , Silva Marisa O.D. , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: August 2021

We studied the cm to m scale spatial distribution of dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) in the upper epilimnion of oligomesotrophic Lake Zurich in 14 sampling campaigns over > 3 years and at various periods of the growing season. During each campaign, 10 sets of 10 simultaneously drawn samples (10 mL, 2 cm distance) were collected from 5 m depth. DFAA concentrations varied by one to > 3 orders of magnitude within sets, providing field evidence for DFAA release from macroscopic point sources and for substantial variability of the in‐situ growth conditions of bacterioplankton metacommunities. There was a tight relationship between the median DFAA concentration per sampling campaign and the compositional heterogeneity of the 15 most common AA: their composition was similar in samples from campaigns with high median DFAA concentrations, indicating that spatial distribution patterns were mainly a result of physical mixing. By contrast, AA composition was spatially variable in campaigns with low median DFAA concentrations, and serine, aspartate, and glycine were disproportionally high in the 10% samples with highest DFAA concentrations. We hypothesized that pelagic bacteria would preferably target pulses of such locally overrepresented AA. Short‐term incubations with radiolabeled tracers revealed substantially higher microbial uptake of serine and, to a lesser extent, aspartate, than of two amino acids with consistently low in situ concentrations (leucine, isoleucine). This illustrates a “preparedness” of the bacterioplankton to preferably incorporate those AAs that are more available in DFAA hotspots.
The nuclear trace of periodic vector‐valued pseudo‐differential operators with applications to index theory
Authors: Cardona Duván , Kumar Vishvesh
Published: August 2021

In this paper we investigate the nuclear trace of vector‐valued Fourier multipliers on the torus and its applications to the index theory of periodic pseudo‐differential operators. First we characterise the nuclearity of pseudo‐differential operators acting on Bochner integrable functions. In this regards, we consider the periodic and the discrete cases. We go on to address the problem of finding sharp sufficient conditions for the nuclearity of vector‐valued Fourier multipliers on the torus. We end our investigation with two index formulae. First, we express the index of a vector‐valued Fourier multiplier in terms of its operator‐valued symbol and then we use this formula for expressing the index of certain elliptic operators belonging to periodic Hörmander classes.
Mapping afferent and pelvic postganglionic neurons of the urethra from female rats: The L6 DRG is the major primary afferent supplier
Authors: Mirto‐Aguilar Nancy , Morán Carolina , Díaz Alfonso , Cruz Yolanda
Published: August 2021

Aims

To map sensory and pelvic postganglionic neurons from three different regions of the female rat urethra.

Methods

The neuronal tracer True Blue (TB) was injected into the pre‐pelvic, pelvic, and clitoral regions of the urethra from female Wistar rats. Seven days after TB injection, TB+ cells from the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) were examined. The number and morphometry of TB+ cells were determined.

Results

TB+ cells were mainly distributed in lumbar 1 (L1), lumbar 2 (L2), lumbar 6 (L6), and sacral 1 (S1) DRGs, and in the MPG. The mean number of sensory neurons was 1200 ± 143. TB injection in pre‐pelvic and pelvic urethra labeled neurons in L1, L2, L6, and S1 DRGs. TB injection in clitoral urethra labeled neurons in L6 and S1 DRGs. L6 DRG contained >50% of the total urethral TB+ neurons, and ~80% of the clitoral region. The mean value of the total number of MPG TB+ neurons was 1217 ± 72. DRG and MPG neurons projecting to the urethra presented a somatotopic distribution.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that L6 DRG is the major supplier of afferent innervation to the urethra, and that the distal urethral region is exclusively innervated by lower lumbosacral DRGs. Considering that electrical stimulation of sensory pudendal nerve improves overactive bladder, and that most of the sensory neurons in the distal urethra are from L6 DRG, electrical stimulation of this ganglion may be an innovative and effective neuromodulation therapy for neurogenic urinary dysfunctions.
Pilot randomized controlled trial of a hypnosis intervention for women with bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Soriano Alex J. , Schnur Julie B. , Harvie Heidi S. , Newman Diane K. , Montgomery Guy H. , Arya Lily A.
Published: August 2021

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial of a hypnosis intervention for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in women.

Methods

We conducted a parallel arm, non‐blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial of standardized hypnosis sessions including a hypnosis web tool versus usual care in adult women with BPS/IC. Pilot study outcomes included feasibility domains: process, resources and management, safety, and acceptability. Clinical outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life were measured using validated questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the 4‐week intervention.

Results

We randomized 29 out of 30 (96.7%) eligible women. In the hypnosis group, 12 of 15 (80.0%) subjects completed the 4‐week intervention and follow up, and 13 of 14 (92.9%) in the usual care group. In the hypnosis group, adherence to the standardized sessions was 80% and participants used the web‐based tool for an average of 5.6 ± 2.7 times per week. Scores for emotional distress, relaxation, pain severity and expected bladder symptoms significantly improved during the first two of three planned hypnosis sessions (all p < 0.05). Improvement in quality of life scores was greater in the hypnosis group than the usual care group (−2.6 ± 2.3 vs. −0.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.04). There were no significant between‐group differences in urinary symptoms or bladder pain. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

A hypnosis intervention for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis is feasible, acceptable, safe, and may improve quality of life.
Urodynamics criteria of detrusor underactivity in women underwent middle urethral sling for stress urinary incontinence: What is the clinical role?
Authors: Rubilotta Emanuele , Balzarro Matteo , Gubbiotti Marilena , Cerrato Clara , Giannantoni Antonella , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Aims

To assess the role of detrusor underactivity (DUA), diagnosed by different urodynamic criteria, on outcomes of women underwent middle urethral sling (MUS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

In this prospective study, DUA criteria of women with SUI, naïve for SUI surgery, candidates to MUS were:

I Pdet@Qmax ≤10 cm H2O and Qmax ≤12 mL/s (Jeong et al.)

ii Pdet@Qmax<30 cm H2O and Qmax<10 mL/s (Abarbanel and Marcus)

iii Pdet@Qmax<20 cm H2O and Qmax<15 mL/s and BVE < 90% (BVE criteria) iv Pdet@Qmax<20 cm H2O + Qmax (PIP1 Griffiths)

Control group (CG) comprised non‐DUA patients. Preoperative and at 2‐years follow‐up evaluation included physical examination, uroflowmetry, post void residual urine (PVR), ICIQ‐FLUTS.

Results

102 patients fulfilled 2‐years controls. DUA rate range was 16.7% (BVE) − 53.9% (PIP1‐Griffith). The POUR rate varied: 20% (PIP1‐Griffith) − 35.3% (BVE), 10% in CG. Tape incision rate for POUR was 3.4% in DUA, 4.5% in CG. No patients had urinary retention at 2‐years follow‐up. In DUA groups, Qmax did not change significantly after surgery and PVR was low. SUI recurrence rate was 2.8% in DUA, 4.5% in CG. Preoperatively, urgency and post‐micturition dribble were the most (82.4%) and the less (26.7%) reported symptoms, respectively. At follow‐up, frequency was the most prevalent (56.1%), reduced sensation/bladder pain the less usual (23.1%). ICIQ‐FLUTS scores were higher in DUA groups.

Conclusions

DUA did not have a negative impact on MUS outcomes in a mid‐term follow‐up. Early postoperative voiding complication rates changed according to the type of DUA urodynamic criteria.
Polyamide nanocomposites containing hydrazide–hydrazone group reinforced with functionalized polyethyleneimine modified Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles: Study on thermal properties, combustion resistance, and lead ion adsorption
Authors: Hajibeygi Mohsen , Faramarzinia Shayan
Published: August 2021

Polyamide nanocomposites (PANC) were prepared from an aliphatic–aromatic polyamide (PA) containing hydrazide–hydrazone groups in the side chain, reinforced with functionalized polyethyleneimine (FPEI)/modified Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles (FPMN). For this purpose, a new structure, aromatic diamine (DAHH), containing the hydrazide–hydrazone group, was synthesized, and used to synthesize PA by direct polycondensation. Also, polyethyleneimine (PEI) was structurally modified with salicylaldehyde for the modification of the surface of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles (MDH). The Field‐Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and X‐ray diffraction results revealed that MDH were uniformly dispersed in nano‐size in the PA matrix. The thermogravimetric analysis results in both N2 and air environments showed that PANC possesses higher thermal resistance than that of the neat PA. The 5% degradation temperature (T5) of PANC containing 8 wt% of FPMN was obtained 40°C more than that of the pure PA in the N2 environment. The microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) results exhibited that the loading of FPMN into the PA matrix can efficiently increase the combustion resistance by decreasing the MCC parameters such as the heat release rate values. In addition, the lead ions adsorption efficiency of the prepared nanostructure materials was investigated, and the results exhibited that the adsorption data were obtained following the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption efficiency was calculated to be 99.96% for PANC 8.
Insulin NPH for steroid‐induced hyperglycemia: Predictors for success
Authors: Stone Andrew C. , Dungan Kathleen , Gaborcik Joshua W.
Published: August 2021

Study Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of insulin neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) for steroid‐induced hyperglycemia and identify factors associated with achievement of euglycemia.

Design

Retrospective, single center, cohort analysis.

Setting

Quaternary care academic medical center.

Patients

Adult patients with steroid‐induced hyperglycemia on combination therapy of an intermediate‐acting steroid and once daily NPH.

Intervention

The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who achieved euglycemia on day 3 of combination therapy. Patients were divided into euglycemic and dysglycemic cohorts based on the primary outcome. Univariate analysis on baseline characteristics, NPH dose, and steroid dose based on prednisone equivalent dose (PED) was conducted to identify differences between the cohorts. Safety analysis was conducted to detect differences between the two cohorts.

Measurements and Main Results

Of 142 patients included in the primary analysis, 50 (35.2%) achieved euglycemia on day 3 of combination therapy. In univariate analysis, patients who achieved euglycemia had significantly higher median NPH dose standardized to steroid dose on day 1 (0.5 units/mg PED [25%–75% interquartile range (IQR) 0.4–0.8] vs 0.4 units/mg PED [0.2–0.8]; p = 0.046), lower median blood glucose prior to combination therapy on day 3 (111 mg/dl [96–160] vs 136 mg/dl [113–198]; p = 0.008), and lower median blood glucose 4 hours after administration of combination therapy on day 3 (147 mg/dl [116–197] vs 190 mg/dl [153–245]; p = 0.003) compared to patients who did not achieve euglycemia, respectively. Hypoglycemia and life‐threatening hypoglycemia occurred at similar rates between the two cohorts.

Conclusions

Neutral protamine Hagedorn is a safe and efficacious option for acute care hospitalized patients experiencing steroid‐induced hyperglycemia. More aggressive dosing initiation of NPH based on steroid dose may allow for earlier achievement of euglycemia without a difference in hypoglycemia.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of fluorine‐containing poly(phenylene vinylene) bearing hexafluorocyclopentene‐fused phenanthrene unit
Authors: Fukumoto Hiroki , Shiitsuka Kazuki , Yamada Keisuke , Yamada Shigeyuki , Konno Tsutomu , Kubota Toshio , Agou Tomohiro
Published: August 2021

The intramolecular oxidative photocyclization of 1,2‐diarylhexafluorocyclopentene (1) under light irradiation (λ = 365 nm) provided hexafluorocyclopentene‐fused phenanthrene with formyl groups (2) in moderate yield. The copolymerization of 2 with tetraethyl(2,5‐bis(dodecyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(methylene)diphosphonate by the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction gave a fluorine‐containing poly(phenylene vinylene), Polymer‐2, in 41% yield. For comparison, a diphenylethene‐type copolymer, Polymer‐1, was also prepared analogously. The number‐average molecular weights of Polymer‐1 and Polymer‐2 were 8900 and 3300 g mol−1, respectively. The copolymers showed high thermal stability, as revealed by their thermogravimetric analysis. UV–visible spectra of the copolymers in CHCl3 showed π–π* transition peaks at around 420 nm, and the peaks shifted to longer wavelengths by ca 10 nm for samples in film form. The photoluminescence spectra of Polymer‐1 and Polymer‐2 exhibited peaks at 542 and 560 nm in CHCl3, respectively, whereas the photoluminescence intensity of Polymer‐2 was very low in the solid state, presumably owing to the partial aggregation of the polymer molecules. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Amorphous SiSn Alloy: Another Candidate Material for Temperature Sensing Layers in Uncooled Microbolometers
Authors: ElGhonimy Hazem , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed Ramy , Hezam Mahmoud , Alduraibi Mohammad , Al-Khalli Nageeb , Ilahi Bouraoui
Published: August 2021

Herein, the prospect of using amorphous Si1–xSnxalloys as alternative temperature‐sensing active materials in microbolometers is evaluated by studying their temperature‐dependent resistive properties along with their infrared optical properties. Si1–xSnxthin films (200 nm thick), with varying Sn concentrations, are prepared at room temperature by cosputtering from Si and Sn targets using simultaneous radio frequency and DC magnetron sputter deposition. Low beam energy X‐ray microanalysis is used to estimate the atomic concentrations of the prepared films. Atomic force microscopy analysis shows an increase in the root‐mean‐square surface roughness of the prepared Si1–xSnxthin films, with increasing Sn content. Sheet resistance versus temperature measurements are performed yielding temperature coefficients of resistance of 3.25, 2.65, and 1.72% K−1at resistivity values of 116.18, 27.36, and 2.34 Ω cm for Sn concentrations of 35%, 44%, and 48%, respectively. Infrared ellipsometry measurements are performed to extract the optical properties of the Si1–xSnxthin films and optical simulations confirm that a Fabry–Pérot cavity microbolometer configuration containing an Si1–xSnxthin film can achieve high absorptance in the 8–12 μm band. This study shows that Si1–xSnxalloys are a suitable, simple, and low‐cost replacement for thermometer layers used in uncooled infrared microbolometers.
Detection of Nonradiative Recombination Centers in GaPN by Combining Two‐Wavelength Excited Photoluminescence and Time‐Resolved Photoluminescence
Authors: Ferdous Sanjida , Iwai Hiroki , Kamata Norihiko , Yaguchi Hiroyuki , Yagi Shuhei
Published: August 2021

Presence and influence of nonradiative recombination (NRR) centers in an intermediate band (IB)‐type material, GaP1–xNx (), are studied by two‐wavelength excited photoluminescence (TWEPL) method and time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurement at 77 K. With the use of below‐gap excitation (BGE) light in addition to an above‐gap excitation (AGE), the PL peak intensity is found to increase which indicates the presence of NRR centers and a secondary excitation from the IB to conduction band (CB). Depending on the effect of different BGE energies, an energy diagram on the distribution of NRR centers and NRR process is interpreted. The saturation of PL increase is attributed to the trap‐filling effect in NRR centers, which allows us to modify the rate equation. The NRR parameters are evaluated by a qualitative simulation of the modified rate equations of one‐level model together with the lifetime determined by TRPL. In continuation of evaluating NRR parameters by rate equation analysis, the addition of TRPL measurement improves accuracy and approaches the determination of NRR parameters. A successful characterization of NRR centers leads to a proper optimization of IB‐type solar cells (IBSCs).
Negative pressure pulmonary oedema due to rigors and chills associated with liver abscess
Authors: Chaudhry Haroon , Nimmala Swathi , Papudesi Bhavani Nagendra , Sajjad Fizza , Paul Sanu , Gohar Zimran , Azad Reuben , Naveen Hannah , Demidovich Joseph
Published: August 2021

A 61‐year‐old male presented with progressive generalized weakness, myalgia, diaphoresis, fever, episodic chills and rigors that had started 4 days previously. Chest x‐ray (CXR) showed overlying curvilinear radio‐opacities. Abdominal computed tomography revealed liver and bilateral adrenal lesions. Empiric 7‐day intravenous Piperacillin / Tazobactam (Zosyn) was initiated, and he was admitted for sepsis. After an episode of rigors on Day 2, he developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure with inspiratory stridor. CXR revealed new, bilateral airspace disease. Racemic Epinephrine, Solumedrol, Ketorolac (Toradol) and Diphenhydramine were given, and he was transferred to the intensive care unit with presumptive diagnosis of foreign body aspiration or allergic reaction. With each subsequent episode of rigor and chills, he continued developing hypoxic respiratory failure with stridor and an incremental increase in pulmonary oedema on imaging. Pulmonologist concluded it likely secondary to negative pressure pulmonary oedema caused by transient laryngeal dyskinesia induced by the increased work of breathing associated with rigors. Symptoms resolved after the complete course of antibiotics along with supportive therapy.
Clinicopathological characteristics and imaging findings to identify adenomyosis‐related symptoms
Authors: Imanaka Shogo , Shigetomi Hiroshi , Kawahara Naoki , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study aims to identify the clinicopathological risk factors and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings for adenomyosis‐related symptoms, including menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and infertility.

Methods

This was an observation‐based cross‐sectional study using data from the adenomyosis cohort study. The authors evaluated the clinicopathological variables and various MR imaging findings.

Results

Two hundred twenty patients with histologically confirmed adenomyosis were included in this study. Multivariate analysis showed that a middle/retroflexed uterus and adenomyosis lesions of 21 mm or more were significant independent predictors of dysmenorrhea. The history of dysmenorrhea and the maximum length from the cervix to the uterine fundus ≥103 mm were independent risk factors of menorrhagia. One of the key factors associated with non‐infertility included the absence of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and/or superficial peritoneal disease (SUP).

Conclusions

This study identified clinicopathological risk factors and imaging findings associated with adenomyosis‐related symptoms. The maximum length from the cervix to the uterine fundus and adenomyosis lesion thickness are independent predictors for the presence of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea, respectively. Infertility may be associated with the coexistence of endometriosis rather than adenomyosis itself. This result is from an analysis of a small number of infertility patients and requires further study.
Variable‐geometry exit nozzle for improving static thrust of drones ducted fans
Authors: Corva Dean M. , Adams Scott D. , Kouzani Abbas Z.
Published: August 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are a technology that has seen rapid growth. Their ability to offload tasks that are once considered labor intensive is one of their many appealing aspects. This aspect increases time for tasks of higher importance, meaning reliance on this technology is ever increasing. These tasks include land geo‐mapping, firefighting, surveillance, delivery services, search and rescue among others. As with every growing technology, however, comes the negative exposure, shadowing further expansion and growth. For drones, this includes noise pollution, and hazardous, low efficiency propulsion systems. Regulations and laws are beginning to surface, regulating the use of drones and their noise levels within airspace, as future growth can overcrowd airspace. Current drones use propulsion systems that expose the public to hazardous propellers and high levels of noise, thus unsuitable for their expected growth. This paper presents a novel variable‐geometry exit nozzle to improve the efficiency of current propulsion systems in drones, in turn reducing noise levels and hazards, that are currently foreshadowing drones. The presented propulsion method achieves results that show better performance than a ducted fan and propeller under static conditions. Three experiments are conducted, and the results are reported and discussed.
Dataset Sensitive Autotuning of Multi-versioned Code Based on Monotonic Properties
Authors: Munksgaard Philip , Breddam Svend Lund , Henriksen Troels , Gieseke Fabian Cristian , Oancea Cosmin
Published: August 2021

Functional languages allow rewrite-rule systems that aggressively generate a multitude of semantically-equivalent but differently-optimized code versions. In the context of GPGPU execution, this paper addresses the important question of how to compose these code versions into a single program that (near-)optimally discriminates them across different datasets. Rather than aiming at a general autotuning framework reliant on stochastic search, we argue that in some cases, a more effective solution can be obtained by customizing the tuning strategy for the compiler transformation producing the code versions.

We present a simple and highly-composable strategy which requires that the (dynamic) program property used to discriminate between code versions conforms with a certain monotonicity assumption. Assuming the monotonicity assumption holds, our strategy guarantees that if an optimal solution exists it will be found. If an optimal solution doesn’t exist, our strategy produces human tractable and deterministic results that provide insights into what went wrong and how it can be fixed.

We apply our tuning strategy to the incremental-flattening transformation supported by the publicly-available Futhark compiler and compare with a previous black-box tuning solution that uses the popular OpenTuner library. We demonstrate the feasibility of our solution on a set of standard datasets of real-world applications and public benchmark suites, such as Rodinia and FinPar. We show that our approach shortens the tuning time by a factor of $$6\times $$

6
×

on average, and more importantly, in five out of eleven cases, it produces programs that are (as high as $$10\times $$

10
×

) faster than the ones produced by the OpenTuner-based technique.
A look into retinal organoids: methods, analytical techniques, and applications
Authors: Afanasyeva Tess A. V. , Corral-Serrano Julio C. , Garanto Alejandro , Roepman Ronald , Cheetham Michael E. , Collin Rob W. J.
Published: August 2021

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) cause progressive loss of light-sensitive photoreceptors in the eye and can lead to blindness. Gene-based therapies for IRDs have shown remarkable progress in the past decade, but the vast majority of forms remain untreatable. In the era of personalised medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) emerge as a valuable system for cell replacement and to model IRD because they retain the specific patient genome and can differentiate into any adult cell type. Three-dimensional (3D) iPSCs-derived retina-like tissue called retinal organoid contains all major retina-specific cell types: amacrine, bipolar, horizontal, retinal ganglion cells, Müller glia, as well as rod and cone photoreceptors. Here, we describe the main applications of retinal organoids and provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-art analysis methods that apply to this model system. Finally, we will discuss the outlook for improvements that would bring the cellular model a step closer to become an established system in research and treatment development of IRDs.