bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harbour porpoises exhibit localized evasion of a tidal turbine
Authors: Gillespie Douglas , Palmer Laura , Macaulay Jamie , Sparling Carol , Hastie Gordon
Published: July 2021

Tidal energy generators have the potential to injure or kill marine animals, including small cetaceans, through collisions with moving turbine parts. Information on the fine scale behaviour of animals close to operational turbines is required to inform regulators of the likely impact of these new technologies.

Harbour porpoise movements were monitored in three dimensions around a tidal turbine for 451 days between October 2017 and April 2019 with a 12‐channel hydrophone array.

Echolocation clicks from 344 porpoise events were localized close to the turbine. The data show that porpoises effectively avoid the turbine rotors, with only a single animal clearly passing through the rotor swept area while the rotors were stationary, and none passing through while rotating.

The results indicate that the risk of collisions between the tidal turbine and porpoises is low; this has important implications for the potential effects and the sustainable development of the tidal energy industry.
Genital anatomy and copulatory interactions in the broad snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Authors: Moore Brandon C. , Kelly Diane A. , Piva Milan , Does Mark , Kim Dong Kyu , Simoncini Melina , Leiva Pamela M.L. , Pina Carlos I.
Published: July 2021

The broad snouted caiman is a crocodylian native to South America that is subject to extensive conservation management in both wild and farming environments. Although reproductive behaviors like egg laying and clutch care have been examined in this species, little else is known about their copulatory system. We examined the anatomy of male and female cloacal and genital tissues ex vivo to build hypotheses of their interactions during copulation and the effects of that interaction on insemination. Male phallic glans tissues were artificially inflated to expand into their copulatory state, allowing the examination and quantification of structural changes at the gross and tissue levels. Digital reconstruction of MRI stacks yielded three‐dimensional tissue compartment specific glans models of the inflated state. Silicone molds of female cloacae and oviducts in conjunction with dissection and diceCT analysis allowed us to assess internal geometry and infer how male and female features interact in copulo. We observed glans expansion within the female proctodeum would result in a copulatory lock limiting deeper intromission or retraction. Intromission and subsequent creation of the copulatory lock produces extensive clitoral compression, providing a possible mechanism for female assessment of male copulatory performance. Further, glans expansion forms a distal lumen that positions the glans tip in or near the vaginal openings. A coiled, muscular vagina provides a possible mechanism for postcopulatory sexual selection by excluding semen. Together, the complex male–female interaction supports evidence for cryptic selection by female choice, which can act as a driver of genital coevolution.
Gold‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of Polyfluoroalkylated Oxazoles from N‐Propargylamides Under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Liu Yantao , Shi Yating , Wei Lanen , Zhao Ke , Zhao Jingjing , Zhang Puyu , Xu Xuejun , Li Pan
Published: July 2021

A gold‐catalyzed synthesis of polyfluoroalkylated oxazoles from N‐propargylamides under visible‐light irradiation has been developed. These reactions display excellent compatibility of radicals and gold catalysts under visible‐light irradiation. Mechanistic experiments indicate that polyfluoroalkyl iodides play a dual role in enhanced compatibility of radicals and gold catalysts through assisted protodeauration of vinyl gold and reactivated the gold catalyst. In addition, PPh3AuNTf2 not only activates N‐propargylamide to generate vinyl gold intermediate, but also greatly promotes homolysis of polyfluoroalkyl iodides under blue light irradiation.
Thermally‐Induced Intramolecular [4+2] Cycloaddition of Allylamino‐ or Allyloxy‐Tethered Alkylidenecyclopropanes
Authors: Tao Leyi , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: July 2021

A thermally‐induced intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of allylamino‐ or allyloxy‐tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes has been reported in this paper, giving a new protocol for the rapid construction of polycyclic skeleton molecules in moderate to excellent yields with a broad substrate scope. On the basis of control experiments and DFT calculations, we disclosed that the reaction proceeded through a [4+2] cycloaddition and trace of water assisted 1,3‐H shift process to give the target product.
Output feedback finite‐time dissipative control for uncertain nonlinear fractional‐order systems
Authors: Thi Hong Duong , Huu Sau Nguyen , Viet Thuan Mai
Published: July 2021

This paper solves the robustly finite‐time dissipativity control problems for uncertain nonlinear fractional‐order systems (FOS). Firstly, by using some basic mathematical transformations associated with linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques, a novel condition for the existence of output feedback controllers is established to ensure the closed‐loop FOS is finite‐time stabilizable. Then, based on the proposed stabilization criterion combined with some well‐known properties of fractional calculus, the finite‐time dissipativity control problem for nonlinear FOS subject to uncertainties is studied for the first time. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Arylation of Cyclometalated Difluorinated 2‐Arylisoquinolinyl Iridium(III) Complexes
Authors: Peng Marie , Lin Jinqiang , Lu Wei , Roisnel Thierry , Guerchais Véronique , Doucet Henri , Soulé Jean‐François
Published: July 2021

The utility of C−H bond functionalization of metalated ligands for the elaboration of aryl‐functionalized difluorinated‐1‐arylisoquinolinyl Ir(III) complexes has been explored. Bis[(3,5‐difluorophenyl)isoquinolinyl](2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐heptanedionato) iridium(III) undergoes Pd‐catalyzed C−H bond arylation with aryl bromides. The reaction regioselectively occurred at the C−H bond flanked by the two fluorine atoms of the difluoroaryl unit, and on both cyclometalated ligands. This post‐functionalization gives a straightforward access to modified complexes in only one manipulation and allows to introduce thermally sensitive functional groups, such as trifluoromethyl, nitrile, benzoyl, or ester. The X‐ray crystallography, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of the diarylated complexes were investigated. Whatever the nature of the incorporated substituted aryl groups is, all obtained complexes emit red phosphorescence (622–632 nm) with similar lifetimes (1.9–2 μs).
TEMPO‐Regulated Regio‐ and Stereoselective Cross‐Dihalogenation with Dual Electrophilic X+ Reagents
Authors: Kong Yi , Cao Tongxiang , Zhu Shifa
Published: July 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A TEMPO catalyzed cross‐dihalogenation reaction was established via redox‐regulation of the otherwise complex system of dual electrophilic X+ reagents. Formally, the ICl, BrCl, I2 and Br2 were generated in‐situ, which enabled high regio‐ or stereoselective access to a myriad of iodochlorination, bromochlorination and homo‐dihalogenation products with a wide spectrum of functionalities. With its mild conditions and operational simplicity, this method could enable wide applications in organic synthesis, which was exemplified by divergent synthesis of two pharmaceuticals. Detailed mechanistic investigations via radical clock reaction, pinacol ring expansion and Hammett experiments were conducted, which confirmed the intermediacy of halonium ion. In addition, a dynamic catalytic model based on the versatile catalytic role of TEMPO was proposed to explain the selective outcomes.
Impact of social responsibility disclosure between implementation of green accounting and sustainable development: A study on heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Dhar Bablu Kumar , Sarkar Sabrina Maria , Ayittey Foster K.
Published: July 2021

Based on the empirical data of heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh from 2010 to 2019, this paper conducts an empirical analysis of the application effect of green accounting in the sustainable development of heavily polluting companies. Among 212 listed companies under Dhaka Stock Exchange, the study discovered that the effective implementation of green accounting has significantly improved the sustainable development capabilities of heavily polluting companies; there is a significant positive correlation between the quality of social responsibility information disclosure and the sustainable development capabilities of heavily polluting companies; the quality of social responsibility information disclosure can be positively adjusted the relationship between the implementation of green accounting and the sustainable development capabilities of heavily polluting companies.
Increased GM‐CSF‐producing NCR‐ ILC3s and neutrophils in the intestinal mucosa exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chang Yuna , Kim Ju Whi , Yang Siyoung , Chung Doo Hyun , Ko Jae Sung , Moon Jin Soo , Kim Hye Young
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by dysregulated mucosal immune responses associated with genetic, environmental and microbial factors. Recent therapies targeting key inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α emphasise the importance of innate immunity in the development of IBD.

Methods

We examined the distribution of innate immune cells such as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and myeloid cells in the intestinal epithelium from children diagnosed as IBD and murine models of colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) or an anti‐CD40 antibodies.

Results

We found an increased number of type 3 ILCs (ILC3s) that do not express the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) and neutrophils, in both human IBD patients and colitis‐induced mice. A co‐culture experiment of neutrophils with NCR‐ ILC3s revealed that NCR‐ ILC3s stimulate neutrophils by producing granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). Furthermore, a blockade of GM‐CSF could inhibit the development of IBD by inhibiting neutrophil activity.

Conclusion

The NCR‐ ILC3: GM‐CSF: neutrophil axis could contribute to the development of IBD.
S100A7 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma promotes M2 macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis
Authors: Lu Zhiliang , Zheng Sufei , Liu Chengming , Wang Xinfeng , Zhang Guochao , Wang Feng , Wang Sihui , Huang Jianbing , Mao Shuangshuang , Lei Yuanyuan , Wang ZhanYu , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: July 2021

Dysregulated expression of S100A7 is found in several cancers and plays an important role in tumor progression; however, its carcinogenic role in esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) is still poorly understood. Here, we identified that the levels of S100A7 were remarkably upregulated in 341 tumor tissues (P < .001) and 274 serum samples (P < .001) of ESCC patients compared with normal control. It was an independent prognostic factor (P = .026). Furthermore, a new diagnostic model for ESCC based on serum S100A7, SCC, and crfra21‐1 was established with area under curve (AUC) up to 0.863 (95% CI: 0.802‐0.925). Mechanically, we found upregulated S100A7 could promote cell migration and proliferation through intracellular binding to JAB1 and paracrine interaction with RAGE receptors and then activates the downstream signaling pathways. In addition, exocrine S100A7 could promote M2 macrophage infiltration and polarization by up‐regulating M2 macrophage associated proteins, and tumor angiogenesis by enhancing the activation of p‐ErK and p‐FAK pathways. Further animal experiments confirmed the role of S100A7 in promoting M2 macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis in ESCC. In conclusion, these findings highlighted the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of S100A7 in patients with ESCC. Meanwhile, our results reveal that S100A7 promotes tumor progression by activating oncogenic pathways and remodeling tumor microenvironment, which paving the way for the progress of S100A7 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
A comprehensive and universal approach for embryo testing in patients with different genetic disorders
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Lei Caixia , Wu Junping , Xiao Min , Zhou Jing , Zhu Saijuan , Fu Jing , Lu Daru , Sun Xiaoxi , Xu Congjian
Published: July 2021

Background

In vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has markedly improved clinical pregnancy outcomes for carriers of gene mutations or chromosomal structural rearrangements by the selection of embryos free of disease‐causing genes and chromosome abnormalities. However, for detecting whole or segmental chromosome aneuploidies, gene variants or balanced chromosome rearrangements in the same embryo require separate procedures, and none of the existing detection platforms is universal for all patients with different genetic disorders.

Methods

Here, we report a cost‐effective, family‐based haplotype phasing approach that can simultaneously evaluate multiple genetic variants, including monogenic disorders, aneuploidy, and balanced chromosome rearrangements in the same embryo with a single test. A total of 12 monogenic diseases carrier couples and either of them carried chromosomal rearrangements were enrolled simultaneously in this present study. Genome‐wide genotyping was performed with single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐array, and aneuploidies were analyzed through SNP allele frequency and Log R ratio. Parental haplotypes were phased by an available genotype from a close relative, and the embryonic genome‐wide haplotypes were determined through family haplotype linkage analysis (FHLA). Disease‐causing genes and chromosomal rearrangements were detected by haplotypes located within the 2 Mb region covering the targeted genes or breakpoint regions.

Results

Twelve blastocysts were thawed, and then transferred into the uterus of female patients. Nine pregnancies had reached the second trimester and five healthy babies have been born. Fetus validation results, performed with the amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood samples, were consistent with those at the blastocyst stage diagnosed by PGT.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that SNP‐based FHLA enables the accurate genetic detection of a wide spectrum of monogenic diseases and chromosome abnormalities in embryos, preventing the transfer of parental genetic abnormalities to the fetus. This method can be implemented as a universal platform for embryo testing in patients with different genetic disorders.
Fast whole‐body motor neuron calcium imaging of freely moving Caenorhabditis elegans without coverslip pressed
Authors: Li Haiwen , Feng Fan , Zhai Muyue , Zhang Jiazhi , Jiang Jingyuan , Su Yifan , Chen Liangyi , Gao Shangbang , Tao Louis , Mao Heng
Published: July 2021

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is an ideal model organism for studying neuronal functions at the system level. This article develops a customized system for whole‐body motor neuron calcium imaging of freely moving C. elegans without the coverslip pressed. Firstly, we proposed a fast centerline localization algorithm that could deal with most topology‐variant cases costing only 6 ms for one frame, not only benefits for real‐time localization but also for post‐analysis. Secondly, we implemented a full‐time two‐axis synchronized motion strategy by adaptively adjusting the motion parameters of two motors in every short‐term motion step (~50 ms). Following the above motion tracking configuration, the tracking performance of our system has been demonstrated to completely support the high spatiotemporal resolution calcium imaging on whole‐body motor neurons of wild‐type (N2) worms as well as two mutants (unc‐2, unc‐9), even the instantaneous speed of worm moving without coverslip pressed was extremely up to 400 μm/s.
Quartz grain microtextures illuminate Pliocene periglacial sand fluxes on the Antarctic continental margin
Authors: Passchier Sandra , Hansen Melissa A. , Rosenberg Jessica
Published: July 2021

On high‐latitude continental margins sediment is supplied from land to the deep sea through a variety of processes, including iceberg and sea‐ice rafting, and bottom current transport. The accurate reconstruction of sediment fluxes from these sources through time is important in palaeoclimate reconstructions. The goal of this study was to assess a shift in the intensity of glacial processes, iceberg and sea‐ice rafting during the Pliocene through an investigation of coarse sediment deposited at the AND‐2A site in the Ross Sea and at International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1359 on the Antarctic continental rise. Terrigenous particle‐size distributions and suites of quartz grain microtextures in the sand fraction of the deep‐sea sediments were compared to those from Antarctic glaciomarine diamictites as a baseline for proximal glacial sediment in its source area. Using images acquired through Scanning Electron Microscopy, and following a quantitative approach, fewer immature and potentially glacially transported grains were found in Pliocene deep‐sea sand fractions than in ice‐contact sediments. Specifically, in the lower Pliocene interval silt and fine sand percentages are elevated, and microtextures in at least half of the sand fraction are inconsistent with a primary glacial origin. Larger numbers of chemically altered and abraded grains in the deep‐sea sand fraction, along with microtextures that are diagnostic of periglacial environments, suggest a role for eolian sediment transport. These results highlight the anomalous nature of high‐latitude sediment fluxes during prolonged periods of ice retreat. Furthermore, the identification of a significant offshore sediment flux during Antarctic deglaciation has implications for estimated nutrient supply to the Southern Ocean and the potential for high‐latitude climate feedbacks under warmer climate states.
A systematic review of rehabilitation in chronic heart failure: evaluating the reporting of exercise interventions
Authors: Harwood Amy E. , Russell Sophie , Okwose Nduka C. , McGuire Scott , Jakovljevic Djordje G. , McGregor Gordon
Published: July 2021

A large body of research supports the use of exercise to improve symptoms, quality of life, and physical function in patients with chronic heart failure. Previous reviews have focused on reporting outcomes of exercise interventions such as cardiorespiratory fitness. However, none have critically examined exercise prescription. The aim of this review was to evaluate the reporting and application of exercise principles in randomised control trials of exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure. A systematic review of exercise intervention RCTs in patients with CHF, using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT), was undertaken. The Ovid Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus/Web of Science, and Cochrane Library and Health Technology Assessment Databases were searched from 2000 to June 2020. Prospective RCTs in which patients with CHF were randomized to a structured exercise programme were included. No limits were placed on the type or duration of exercise structured exercise programme or type of CHF (i.e. preserved or reduced ejection fraction). We included 143 studies, comprising of 181 different exercise interventions. The mean CERT score was 10 out of 19, with no study achieving a score of 19. Primarily, details were missing regarding motivational strategies, home‐based exercise components, and adherence/fidelity to the intervention. Exercise intensity was the most common principle of exercise prescription missing from intervention reporting. There was no improvement in the reporting of exercise interventions with time (R2 = 0.003). Most RCTs of exercise training in CHF are reported with insufficient detail to allow for replication, limiting the translation of evidence to clinical practice. We encourage authors to provide adequate details when reporting future interventions. Where journal word counts are restrictive, we recommend using supplementary material or publishing trial protocols prior to beginning the study.
Empagliflozin confers reno‐protection in acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mozawa Kosuke , Kubota Yoshiaki , Hoshika Yu , Tara Shuhei , Tokita Yukichi , Yodogawa Kenji , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Takano Hitoshi , Tsukada Yayoi , Asai Kuniya , Miyamoto Masaaki , Miyauchi Yasushi , Kodani Eitaro , Maruyama Mitsunori , Tanabe Jun , Shimizu Wataru
Published: July 2021

Aims

Although the reno‐protective effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are known in patients with heart failure or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), this effect has not been confirmed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and results

The prospective, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled EMBODY trial investigated patients with AMI and T2DM in Japan. The eligible patients included adults aged 20 years or older, diagnosed with AMI and T2DM, and who could be discharged within 2–12 weeks after the onset of AMI. One hundred and five patients were randomized (1:1) to receive once daily 10 mg empagliflozin or placebo within 2 weeks of AMI onset. In this sub‐analysis, we investigated the time course of renal functional parameters such as serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to Weeks 4, 12, and 24. Ninety‐six patients (64 ± 11 years, 78 male) were included in the full analysis (n = 46 and 50 in the empagliflozin and placebo groups, respectively). We used serum creatinine and eGFR as indicators of renal function. In the placebo group, eGFR decreased from 66.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline to 62.77 mL/min/1.73 m2 by Week 24 (P = 0.023) but remained unchanged in the empagliflozin group (from 64.60 to 64.36 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.843). In the latter group, uric acid improved from 5.8 mg/dL at baseline to 4.9 mg/dL at Week 24 (P < 0.001). In the earlier analysis of 56 patients with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, the eGFR decreased and the serum creatinine increased from baseline to 24 weeks in the placebo group, significantly different to the empagliflozin group (−6.61 vs. +0.22 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.008 and +0.063 vs. −0.001 mg/dL, P = 0.030, respectively). The changes in serum creatinine and eGFR from baseline to Week 24 were significantly correlated with those in uric acid in the placebo group (r = 0.664, P < 0.001 and r = −0.675, P < 0.001, respectively) but not in the empagliflozin group.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin prevented the kidney functional decline in patients with AMI and T2DM, especially those with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Early administration of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in these patients is considered desirable for renal protection.
Cobalt Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Hollow Carbon Nitride Nanotubes for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Guo Xin , Fan Zhaobo , Jin Zhiliang
Published: July 2021

A high‐efficiency and low‐cost photocatalytic catalyst containing cobalt nanoparticles wrapped in hollow carbon nitride nanotubes is designed and the high‐efficiency Schottky junction is constructed. Profiting from the framework support of the hollow carbon nitride nanotubes, the cobalt nanoparticles are evenly distributed. The introduction of cobalt nanoparticles not only provides a large number of active sites for hydrogen evolution, but also accelerates the migration rate of photogenerated carriers by forming a heterojunction with the carbon nitride. The narrowing of the bandgap after catalyst recombination facilitates the excitation of electrons, thereby accelerating the rate of hydrogen evolution of the catalyst. In addition, the composite catalyst has a larger specific surface area, better light absorption capacity, and higher photoresponse intensity. The hydrogen evolution rate of the composite catalyst in 5 h reaches 16 687.3 μmol g−1, equal to 84 times that of original carbon nitride. Herein, a new strategy for designing non‐noble metal nanoparticles wrapped in hollow carbon nitride nanotubes to expose more active sites to achieve an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction is provided.
An iterative method to compute conformal mappings and their inverses in the context of water waves over topographies
Authors: Flamarion Marcelo V. , Ribeiro‐Jr Roberto
Published: July 2021

An iterative numerical method to compute the conformal mapping in the context of propagating water waves over uneven topographies is investigated. The map flattens the fluid domain onto a canonical strip in which computations are performed. The accuracy of the method is tested by using the MATLAB Schwarz–Christoffel toolbox mapping as a benchmark. Besides, we give a numerical alternative to compute the inverse of the conformal map.
The cost of cure: Examining objective and subjective financial toxicity in head and neck cancer survivors
Authors: Baddour Khalil , Fadel Mark , Zhao Meng , Corcoran Michael , Owoc Maryanna S. , Thomas Teresa H. , Sabik Lindsay M. , Nilsen Marci L. , Ferris Robert L. , Mady Leila J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Little is documented regarding objective financial metrics and their impact on subjective financial toxicity in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional analysis, 71 survivors with available claims data for HNC‐specific out‐of‐pocket expenses (OOPE) completed a survey including patient‐reported, subjective financial toxicity outcome tools: the Comprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) and the Financial Distress Questionnaire (FDQ).

Results

Worse COST scores were significantly associated with lower earnings at survey administration (coefficient = 3.79; 95% CI 2.63–4.95; p < 0.001); loss of earnings after diagnosis (coefficient = 6.03; 95% CI 0.53–11.52; p = 0.032); and greater annual OOPE as a proportion of earnings [log10(Annual OOPE:Earnings at survey): coefficient = −5.66; 95% CI −10.28 to −1.04; p = 0.017]. Similar results were found with FDQ.

Conclusion

Financial toxicity is associated with particular socioeconomic characteristics which, if understood, would assist the development of pre‐treatment screening tools to detect at‐risk individuals and intervene early in the HNC cancer survivorship trajectory.
PRO‐C3, a Serological Marker of Fibrosis, During Childhood and Correlations With Fibrosis in Pediatric NAFLD
Authors: Cohen Catherine C. , Castillo‐Leon Eduardo , Farris Alton B. , Caltharp Shelley A. , Cleeton Rebecca L. , Sinclair Elizabeth M. , Shevell Diane E. , Karsdal Morten A. , Nielsen Mette Juul Fisker , Leeming Diana J. , Vos Miriam B.
Published: July 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease in children and may lead to cirrhosis requiring liver transplant. Thus, prompt diagnosis of advanced fibrosis is essential. Our objectives were to examine PRO‐C3 (a neo‐epitope pro‐peptide of type III collagen formation) levels across childhood/adolescence and associations with advanced fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD. This cross‐sectional study included 88 children and adolescents with biopsy‐proven NAFLD (mean age: 13.9 ± 2.9 years, 71% male) and 65 healthy participants (11.8 ± 4.5 years, 38% male). PRO‐C3, and the bone remodeling biomarkers C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX‐I; bone resorption) and osteocalcin (N‐MID; bone formation), were measured in serum by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Fibrosis was assessed by liver biopsy in participants with NAFLD, who were categorized as having advanced (Ishak score ≥ 3) or none/mild fibrosis (Ishak score ≤ 2). Overall, PRO‐C3 was similar in participants with NAFLD (median [interquartile range]: 20.6 [15.8, 25.9] ng/mL) versus healthy participants (19.0 [13.8, 26.0] ng/mL), but was significantly lower in older adolescents ≥ 15 years old (16.4 [13.0, 21.2] ng/mL) compared with children ≤ 10 years old (22.9 [18.1, 28.4] ng/mL; P < 0.001) or 11‐14 years old (22.4 [18.3, 31.2] ng/mL; P < 0.001). PRO‐C3 was also directly correlated with levels of CTX‐I and N‐MID (r = 0.64 and r = 0.62, respectively; both P < 0.001). Among participants with NAFLD, PRO‐C3 was higher in those with advanced fibrosis (median [IQR]: 28.5 [21.6, 37.6]) compared with none/mild fibrosis (20.3 [18.2, 22.8]; P = 0.020) in models adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index z‐score. However, associations were attenuated after additionally adjusting for bone‐remodeling CTX‐I (P = 0.09) or N‐MID (P = 0.08). Conclusion: Collectively, these findings show that PRO‐C3 levels are higher in children with advanced fibrosis in NAFLD, but are also influenced by age and pubertal growth spurt, assessed by bone remodeling biomarkers, and therefore may not be a reliable biomarker for liver fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD until late adolescence.
Kanban system applications in healthcare services: A literature review
Authors: Lanza‐León Paloma , Sanchez‐Ruiz Lidia , Cantarero‐Prieto David
Published: July 2021

Lean Management method has been applied in several fields before its implementation in healthcare area. Among the different techniques associated with Lean, in this paper, we are focused on Kanban system, which is a method that presents several benefits such as inventory holding reduction or improvement of the employees' satisfaction. Our main objective is to carry out a literature review focused on Kanban methodology applied to health care. In this sense, this study can serve as a script to improve hospital management in pandemic periods, such as the one currently lived on COVID‐19. We carry out a literature review searching in four different databases. We combine several terms to achieve our objective. We identify several articles which describe Kanban methodology applied to health field. More specifically, we present in what areas (nursing or pharmacy, among others) this method has been applied. In addition, we show all the barriers as well as benefits caused by the implementation of this system. There are a few studies focused on analysing how Kanban is applied to health care. Therefore, we can affirm that this topic is still recent.
Thermal analysis of a moving fin using the radial basis function approximation
Authors: Fallah Najafabadi Maryam , Talebi Rostami Hossein , Hosseinzadeh Khashayar , Domiri Ganji Davood
Published: July 2021

In this study, the heat transfer and temperature distribution in a moving fin have been analyzed. The fin velocity was considered constant, and the thermal conductivity coefficient was variable with temperature, and the fin was under the effect of convection, radiation, and conduction heat transfer. The main equation of the problem was solved by the radial basis function method and validated by the numerical 4th‐order Runge–Kutta method. Several parameters such as thermal conductivity parameter from 0 to 1, sink temperature parameter from 0.2 to 0.8, and Nr, Nc, Pe number from 1 to 4, were examined. The outcomes illustrate that increasing the thermal conductivity by 51.5% raises the conduction heat transfers as well as the dimensionless temperature by 3.42%. Moreover, increasing the sink temperature leads to a slow rise in ambient temperature by 22.8% in the maximum state. By raising the Nc and Nr parameters, near 33.3%, the temperature distribution profile is declined by 4% and 10.5%, respectively. And increasing the Pe number by 100% results in a rise in the temperature distribution by about 7%.
Classification with respect to colon adenocarcinoma and colon benign tissue of colon histopathological images with a new CNN model: MA_ColonNET
Authors: Yildirim Muhammed , Cinar Ahmet
Published: July 2021

Colon cancer is a common type of carcinoma that occurs in the large intestine. This type of cancer affects millions of people around the world each year. Early and accurate diagnosis is very important in the treatment of colon cancer as in other types of cancer. Thanks to early and accurate diagnosis, many people can get rid of this disease with less damage. Medical imaging techniques are widely used in the early diagnosis, follow‐up, and after the treatment process of colon cancer. Therefore, manually controlling a large number of medical images and their interpretation is a difficult process and consumes more time. In addition, the interpretation of data with traditional methods in this process can cause misdiagnosis due to human errors. For this reason, computer‐aided systems can be used in the diagnosis of colon cancer in order to both help experts and carry out the process more quickly and successfully. In this study, a novel method named by us, CNN‐based, MA_ColonNET is developed for detecting colon cancer image data. A 45‐layer model in MA_ColonNET has been used to classify. A success (accuracy) rate of 99.75% has been achieved by means of the new model. It is shown that the proposed model can detect colon cancer earlier. In this way, the treatment process can be carried out more successfully.
The effect of information technology (IT) material weaknesses in internal control on chief financial officer (CFO) turnover
Authors: Akinyele Kazeem O.
Published: July 2021

This study examines the relationship between CFO turnover and adverse SOX Section 404 opinions relating to IT material weaknesses over a 4‐year period after implementation of SOX 404 requirements. Prior research has shown that IT material weaknesses in internal controls are associated with higher audit fees than are other types of material weaknesses. Prior research also suggests an association between poor financial performance and CFO turnover. The results of this study show that companies with IT related material weaknesses are more likely to have more CFO turnover relative to companies with non‐IT related material weaknesses. These results contribute to the stream of research exploring the implications of IT material weaknesses in organizations.
Prenatal ultrasound findings of covered bladder exstrophy and persistent cloaca
Authors: Ozcan Tulin , Woo Lynn , Wien Michael , Lazebnik Noam
Published: July 2021

Unlike classic exstrophy, covered bladder exstrophy is a rare variant characterized by a cycling bladder and intact abdominal wall. We present a case of covered bladder exstrophy diagnosed prenatally and associated persistent cloaca (PC) noted only after delivery. This case report demonstrates that prenatal diagnosis of covered bladder exstrophy is possible and PC can present without any abdominal cysts, bowel, or renal findings. Covered bladder exstrophy should be considered in the differential of cystic protrusion of the bladder to the abdominal wall.
Is congenital dacryocystocele a benign, self‐limited disorder? A review of the literature with four new cases
Authors: Annac Gokce , Yassa Murat
Published: July 2021

Congenital dacryocystocele (CD) is a rare disorder about which little is known. A nonsystematic review was performed with an addition of four new cases. Thirty‐seven studies were reviewed. The mean gestational age at evaluation was 32 ± 1.09 weeks suggesting that CD is a disorder of late second and third trimester. The mean diameter of dacryocystocele was 7.5 ± 1 mm. The overall associated fetal anomaly rate was 10.7%. In‐utero resolution, neonatal resolution, and surgical management was concluded in 62% (n = 108), 29% (n = 52), and 8% (n = 14), respectively. In conclusion, the need for surgical correction and rate of accompanying fetal anomaly was found high.
The evolution of genetic counseling graduate education in New York City during the COVID‐19 pandemic: In the eye of the storm
Authors: Bergner Amanda L. , Ecker Lindsey Alico , Ernst Michelle E. , Goelz Monika Zak , Habermann Kristina , Karger Lisa , Zinberg Randi E.
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has ravaged the globe in the past year, demanding shifts in all aspects of life including health profession education. The New York City area was the first major United States epicenter and is home to four genetic counseling graduate programs. We set out to explore the multifaceted programmatic changes required from the four institutions in an early pandemic epicenter, providing the longest time horizon available for assessing the implications of this restructuring on graduate education in the profession. Using practitioner‐based enquiry, our iterative reflections identified three phases of COVID‐19 response within our programs from March through December 2020. The spring months were marked by significant upheaval and reactivity, with a focus on stabilizing our programs in an unstable environment that included a significant medical response required in our area. By summer, we were reinvesting time and energy into our programs and prioritizing best practices in online learning. Relative predictability returned in the fall with noticeable improvements in flexibility and proactive problem‐solving within our new environment. We have begun to identify changes in both curricula and operations that are likely to become more permanent. Telehealth fieldwork, remote supervision, simulated cases with standardized clients, and virtual recruitment and admission events are some key examples. We explored early outcome measures, such as enrollment, retention, course evaluations, and student academic and fieldwork progress, all indicating little change from prior to the pandemic to date. Overall, we found our programs, and genetic counseling graduate education more broadly, to be much more resilient and flexible than we would ever have realized. The COVID‐19 pandemic has awakened in us a desire to move ahead with reduced barriers to educational innovation.
Early ART initiation during infancy preserves natural killer cells in young European adolescents living with HIV (CARMA cohort)
Authors: Doria Margherita , Zicari Sonia , Cotugno Nicola , Domínguez‐Rodríguez Sara , Ruggiero Alessandra , Pascucci Giuseppe R , Tagarro Alfredo , Rojo Conejo Pablo , Nastouli Eleni , Gärtner Kathleen , Cameron Mark , Richardson Brian , Foster Caroline , Williams Sion L , Rinaldi Stefano , De Rossi Anita , Giaquinto Carlo , Rossi Paolo , Pahwa Savita , Palma Paolo ,   for the EPIICAL consortium
Published: July 2021

Introduction

HIV infection causes pathological changes in the natural killer (NK) cell compartment that can be only partially restored by antiretroviral therapy (ART). We investigated NK cells phenotype and function in children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) and long‐term viral control (five years) due to effective ART in a multicentre cross‐sectional European study (CARMA, EPIICAL consortium). The impact of age at ART start and viral reservoir was also evaluated.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 40 PHIV who started ART within two years of life (early treated patients (ET), ≤6 months; late treated patients (LT), > 6 months), with at least five years of HIV‐1 suppression (<40 HIV copies/mL), were collected between November 2017 and August 2018. NK phenotype and function were analysed by flow cytometry and transcriptional profile of PBMCs by RNA‐Seq. HIV‐1 DNA was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (Data were analysed by Spearman correlation plots and multivariable Poisson regression model (adjusted for baseline %CD4 and RNA HIV viral load and for age at ART start as an interaction term, either ET or LT) to explore the association between NK cell parameters and HIV reservoir modulated by age at ART start.

Results

A significantly higher frequency of CD56neg NK cells was found in LT compared with ET. We further found in LT a positive correlation of CD56neg NK cells with HIV‐1 DNA. LT also displayed increased expression of the NKG2D and NKp46 activating receptors and perforin compared with ET. Moreover, CD107a+ and IFN‐γ+ frequencies in non‐stimulated NK were associated with HIV‐1 DNA in LT patients. Finally, RNA‐Seq analysis showed in LT an up‐regulation of genes related to NK‐activating pathways and susceptibility to apoptosis compared with ET.

Conclusions

We show that early initiation of ART during infancy preserves the NK compartment and is associated with lower HIV‐1 reservoir. Such condition persists over adolescence due to long‐term viral control achieved through effective ART.
Long‐term mortality after tuberculosis treatment among persons living with HIV in Haiti
Authors: Joseph Yvetot , Yao Zhiwen , Dua Akanksha , Severe Patrice , Collins Sean E , Bang Heejung , Antoine Jean‐Juste Marc , Ocheretina Oksana , Apollon Alexandra , McNairy Margaret L , Dupnik Kathryn , Cremieux Etienne , Byrne Anthony , Pape Jean W , Koenig Serena P
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Long‐term mortality among TB survivors appears to be higher than control populations without TB in many settings. However, data are limited among persons with HIV (PWH). We assessed the association between cured TB and long‐term mortality among persons with PWH in Haiti.

Methods

A prospective cohort of PWH from the CIPRA HT‐001 trial was followed from study enrolment (August 2005 to July 2008) to study closure (December 2018) to compare mortality between participants with and without TB. The index date for the survival analysis was defined as 240 days after TB diagnosis or randomization date. Time to death was described using Kaplan–Meier curves, and log‐rank tests were used to compare time to death between the TB and no‐TB cohorts. The association between TB and long‐term mortality was estimated with multivariable Cox models.

Results

Of the 816 participants in the CIPRA HT‐001 trial, 77 were excluded for a history of TB prior to study enrolment and 31 were excluded due to death or attrition prior to the index date, leaving 574 in the no‐TB and 134 in the TB cohort. Twenty‐four (17.9%) participants in the TB and 48 (8.4%) in the no‐TB cohort died during follow‐up. Five and 10‐year mortality rates were 14.2% and 17.9% respectively, in the TB cohort, and 6.1% and 8.4% in the no‐TB cohort. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, participants in the TB cohort had a significantly shorter time to death (log‐rank p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, TB treatment was the only predictor of mortality (HR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.61, 4.79). Sensitivity analyses, which included only baseline TB cases, an index date of two years after TB diagnosis, and study enrolment and case‐control matching yielded results that were consistent with primary analyses.

Conclusions

PWH who are successfully treated for TB have higher long‐term mortality than those who are never diagnosed with TB, even after accounting for acute TB‐related mortality. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with TB sequelae is critically needed to guide specific interventions. Until then, more aggressive measures for health promotion and disease prevention are essential to improve long‐term survival for PWH after TB treatment.
Development and validation of the HIV adolescent readiness for transition scale (HARTS) in South Africa
Authors: Zanoni Brian C , Archary Moherndran , Sibaya Thobekile , Musinguzi Nicholas , Kelley Mary E , McManus Shauna , Haberer Jessica E
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV have low rates of retention in care and viral suppression after the transition from paediatric to adult care. In this study, we developed and validated a tool to identify adolescent transition readiness.

Methods

We developed the HIV Adolescent Readiness for Transition Scale (HARTS) from June 2016 to May 2019 by iteratively adapting existing transition readiness scales for other chronic illnesses by conducting focus groups with 11 healthcare providers and 20 adolescents in South Africa. We administered a preliminary questionnaire to 131 adolescents to determine psychometric properties and assess test–retest variability. We used confirmatory factor analysis to verify the proposed scale structure using the underlying variable approach. We correlated responses to self‐described transition readiness and age using linear regression. We subsequently validated the scale by prospectively administering it to 199 adolescents in a second South African setting before their transition. We then used multivariable logistic regression to assess the effects of the HARTS and relevant socio‐behavioural covariates on viral suppression one year after transition.

Results

We identified four domains relevant to transition readiness: disclosure, health navigation, self‐advocacy and health literacy. Fifteen questions with a significant factor loading of 0.3 to 0.9 were identified. No significant test–retest variability was seen among 10% of participants. Positive correlations with self‐described transition readiness were significant with the overall HARTS and domains of health navigation, self‐advocacy and health literacy. In the prospective analysis, for adolescents not using drugs, each 10‐point increase in the HARTS was associated with 0.62 odds of viral failure (95% CI 0.45 to 0.86; p = 0.004). The individual domains of self‐advocacy (AOR 0.56; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.94; p = 0.029), disclosure (AOR 0.02; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.25; p = 0.002), health navigation (AOR 0.51; 95%CI 0.25 to 1.02; p = 0.056) and health literacy (AOR 0.37; 95% CI 0.10 to 1.30; p = 0.121) were associated with viral failure adjusting for age at antiretroviral therapy initiation, ART regimen, sex, disclosure status, and alcohol use in both analyses.

Conclusions

The HARTS is a validated scale that can be used to identify which adolescents may require additional interventions prior to transitioning to adult care to improve viral suppression after transition.
SERS and DFT studies of 2‐(trichloroacetyl)pyrrole chemisorbed on the surface of silver and gold coated thin films: In perspective of biosensor applications
Authors: Premkumar R. , Hussain Shamima , Koyambo‐Konzapa Stève‐Jonathan , Jayram Naidu Dhanpal , Meera M.R. , Mathavan T. , Benial A. Milton Franklin
Published: July 2021

The adsorption and orientations of 2‐(trichloroacetyl)pyrrole (TCAP) adsorbed on a fabricated silver‐coated thin film (SCF), and gold‐coated thin film (GCF) were investigated using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) studies and compared with the normal Raman scattering (nRs) spectrum of TCAP. The observed nRs and SERS spectra of TCAP were validated theoretically using DFT quantum chemical calculations. Initially, the molecular structure of TCAP, TCAP‐Ag3, and TCAP‐Au4 molecular systems were optimized and analyzed. The fabricated SCF and GCF are characterized using FESEM analysis, which confirms that the silver and gold nanoparticles of the corresponding films are spherical in shape. The obtained significant red‐shift in UV‐visible spectra of TCAP added on SCF and GCF surfaces reveal that the TCAP strongly adsorbed on SCF and GCF surfaces. The frontier molecular orbitals analysis authenticates the charge‐transfer interaction from Ag3 and Au4 metal clusters to the TCAP molecule, leading to the adsorption of TCAP molecule on Ag3 and Au4 metal clusters, which validates the UV‐vis results. SERS spectral analysis confirms that the TCAP chemisorbed on SCF and GCF surfaces with tilted orientation and the corresponding results were validated theoretically. The calculated SERS enhancement factor values illustrate that the GCF surface exhibits a higher SERS signal enhancement than the SCF surface. Therefore, the present investigation will be useful for the development of active SERS substrates and pyrrole‐related biosensors.