bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutamine alleviates the renal dysfunction associated with gentamicin‐induced acute kidney injury in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Zhan Feng , Wang Xiang , Zhang Jun , Yi Shengyang , He Ping
Published: January 2021

Sepsis is a clinical condition caused by an uncontrolled response to an infection, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) and an increased risk of mortality. Although life support and antibiotic therapy are available, the mortality rate remains high in patients with sepsis. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of glutamine on

gentamicin‐induced acute kidney injury in Sprague–Dawley rats. We randomly grouped 24 male rats to the normal control, AKI (control), glutamine 50 mg/kg, and glutamine 500 mg/kg groups. The dose was administered orally for 14 consecutive days. Rats treated with glutamine 500 mg/kg showed changes in systolic blood pressure. Glutamine increased renal blood flow, creatinine clearance, and the levels of potassium, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine osmolality, while reducing the relative excretion of sodium, potassium, urinary sodium, and plasma blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. In our study, glutamine supplementation reduced gentamicin‐induced oxidative stress and increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione levels in AKI rats. In addition, glutamine supplementation attenuated the severity of pathological features in this model. Collectively, our results showed that gentamicin has therapeutic potential against gentamicin‐induced AKI due to its ability to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress.
A parametric quantile regression approach for modelling zero‐or‐one inflated double bounded data
Authors: Menezes André F. B. , Mazucheli Josmar , Bourguignon Marcelo
Published: January 2021

Over the last decades, the challenges in applied regression have been changing considerably, and full probabilistic modeling rather than predicting just means is crucial in many applications. Motivated by two applications where the response variable is observed on the unit‐interval and inflated at zero or one, we propose a parametric quantile regression considering the unit‐Weibull distribution. In particular, we are interested in quantifying the influence of covariates on the quantiles of the response variable. The maximum likelihood method is used for parameters estimation. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the maximum likelihood estimators are nearly unbiased and consistent. Also, we define a residual analysis to assess the goodness of fit.
An integrated continuous downstream process with real‐time control: A case study with periodic countercurrent chromatography and continuous virus inactivation
Authors: Löfgren Anton , Gomis‐Fons Joaquín , Andersson Niklas , Nilsson Bernt , Berghard Lotta , Lagerquist Hägglund Christine
Published: January 2021

Integrated continuous downstream processes with process analytical technology offer a promising opportunity to reduce production costs and increase process flexibility and adaptability. In this case study, an integrated continuous process was used to purify a recombinant protein on laboratory scale in a two‐system setup that can be used as a general downstream setup offering multiproduct and multipurpose manufacturing capabilities. The process consisted of continuous solvent/detergent virus inactivation followed by periodic countercurrent chromatography in the capture step, and a final chromatographic polishing step. A real‐time controller was implemented to ensure stable operation by adapting the downstream process to external changes. A concentration disturbance was introduced to test the controller. After the disturbance was applied, the product output recovered within 6 h, showing the effectiveness of the controller. In a comparison of the process with and without the controller, the product output per cycle increased by 27%, the resin utilization increased from 71.4% to 87.9%, and the specific buffer consumption was decreased by 21% with the controller, while maintaining a similar yield and purity as in the process without the disturbance. In addition, the integrated continuous process outperformed the batch process, increasing the productivity by 95% and the yield by 28%.
Is stealing still a crime? Comment on left internal mammary artery side branch intervention in the management of coronary steal syndrome following coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Kern Morton J.
Published: January 2021

Key Points

Post‐coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) angina has been attributed unligated thoracic side branches competing with LIMA‐LAD flow.

Case reports suggest thoracic branch occlusion can relieve angina.

Phasic arterial blood flow and direct measurements argue against the existence of LIMA steal.
Clinical and hemodynamic performance of the ACURATEneo bioprosthesis: Looking far and beyond randomized trials
Authors: Franzone Anna , Esposito Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Highlights

In elderly patients, TAVR with the ACURATE neo™ bioprosthesis is associated with good mid to long‐ term clinical outcomes, progressive reduction of PVL severity over time and no warnings of structural valve deterioration or bioprosthetic valve failure.

The long‐term echocardiographic performance of the ACURATE neo™ bioprosthesis in real‐world patients is better than anticipated in randomized trials.

Further studies need to clarify longer terms outcomes of TAVR with the ACURATE neo™ bioprosthesis and technical tips to mitigate the occurrence of moderare or severe PVL.
“Back to the future: Beta radiation to treat recurrent in‐stent restenosis”
Authors: Rodriguez‐Paz Enrique , Heuser Richard
Published: January 2021

Key Points

When a patient presents with restenosis and two layers of previously place drug eluting stents this is a true treatment dilemma for the interventionist.

Beta radiation has proven its efficacy to decrease in‐stent restenosis compared to standard PCI.

No drug‐coated balloons are currently available in the United States for treatment of in‐stent restenosis.
Dual fungal infection with Lomentospora prolificans and Aspergillus fumigatus: A pathogenetic diagnosis elucidated after two decades by sequential examinations
Authors: Sugiura Yoshitsugu , Sugimoto Naoshi , Takahashi Takayuki , Matsumoto Tadahiko
Published: January 2021

A 44‐year‐old male Japanese was admitted for further post‐remission treatments for acute myeloid leukemia. He developed a right orbital abscess. An isolate of Lomentospora prolificans was obtained from the lesion, and orbital biopsy also revealed the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus. This fatal case involved a concurrent dual fungal infection.
Temporomandibular joint prosthesis in cancer reconstruction preceding radiation therapy
Authors: Pedersen Torbjørn Ø. , Lybak Stein , Lund Bodil , Løes Sigbjørn
Published: January 2021

Total joint prostheses are a viable treatment option after removal of malignancies invading the temporomandibular joint, even when adjuvant radiation therapy is required.
Enantioselective fate of famoxadone during processing of apple cider and grape wine
Authors: Xu Guofeng , Jia Xiaohui , Li Jing , Kuang Lixue , Li Haifei , Dong Fengshou
Published: January 2021

Famoxadone enantiomers were separated on Lux Amylose‐1 chiral column and determined by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). The half‐lives of R‐(−)‐famoxadone and S‐(+)‐famoxadone were 69.3 and 86.6 h in apple cider, 231.0 and 346.5 h in apple pomace, 69.3 and 77.0 h in grape wine, and 231.0 and 346.5 h in grape pomace, respectively. The enantiomeric fraction (EF) values decreased gradually from 0.498, 0.499, and 0.500 (0 h) to 0.404, 0.374, and 0.427 (144 h) and then increased gradually to 0.474, 0.427, and 0.422 (312 h) in apple cider, grape wine, and grape pomace. The EF value in apple pomace decreased gradually from 0.499 (0 h) to 0.450 (168 h) and then increased gradually to 0.482 (312 h). The processing factors (PFs) for famoxadone ranged from 0.014 to 0.024 in the overall process. The residue of famoxadone reduced 94.7–97.4% after the fermentation process.
Insight into Fructose Dehydration over Lewis Acid α‐Cu2P2O7 Catalyst
Authors: In‐noi Orrasa , Daorattanachai Pornlada , Rungnim Chompoonut , Prasitnok Kongvit , Rungtaweevoranit Bunyarat , Faungnawakij Kajornsak , Khemthong Pongtanawat
Published: January 2021

Key information on direct conversion of fructose into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) over Lewis acid sites was investigated by combining experimental and computational studies. A series of alpha‐copper pyrophosphate (α‐Cu2P2O7) was synthesized and used as a heterogeneous catalyst model for bifunctional acid‐catalyzed fructose dehydration under hot compressed water at mild temperature. Structural and phase transformations of the catalyst samples were systematically characterized by in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (in situ XAS), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The type of acidic site was verified by in situ pyridine‐adsorbed Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ Py‐FTIR). Results revealed that calcination temperature greatly impacted microstructure, acid strength, and activity of the α‐Cu2P2O7 catalysts. Lewis acid sites showed the main activity on α‐Cu2P2O7 catalyst surfaces. Catalytic performance was strongly dependent on reaction temperature and reaction time. Under optimal reaction condition, the calcined sample at 900 °C exhibited the best catalytic performance with 5‐HMF production yield of 42.0%. Results from density functional theory (DFT) revealed that fructose dehydration over α‐Cu2P2O7 catalyst was enhanced by increasing reaction thermodynamics via Lewis acid sites.
Escitalopram for anxiety mediated by pharmacokinetics
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2021

Escitalopram reduces anxiety symptoms in adolescents, but pharmacogenetics variables influence the course and degree of improvement, researchers have found. Approved for use by young people 12 years of age and older, escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in young people, but, as with many antidepressants, the efficacy and tolerability are difficult to predict.
Teens more likely to hoard and not follow pandemic recommendations if they ignore the news
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2021

Teens who engage in hoarding or who are not following health prevention behaviors during COVID‐19 are particularly likely to need messaging emphasizing the severity of the virus, as well as the social implications of pandemic‐related behaviors, researchers have found.
Teen marijuana and nicotine vaping remains high: MTF
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2021

The most recent Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of teen substance use behaviors and attitudes, released last week by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), found that nicotine and marijuana vaping levels remain markedly high but did not increase between 2019 and early 2020. From 2017 to 2019, the percentage of teenagers who said they vaped nicotine in the past 12 months roughly doubled for eighth graders from 7.5% to 16.5%, for 10th graders from 15.8% to 30.7%, and for 12th graders from 18.8% to 35.3%. In 2020, the rates held steady at a respective 16.6%, 30.7%, and 34.5%, according to the survey results released Dec. 15, 2020.
Nonlinear propagation of low‐frequency electromagnetic disturbances in plasmas
Authors: Yadav Sharad Kumar , Bera Ratan Kumar , Verma Deepa , Kaw Predhiman , Das Amita
Published: January 2021

Electromagnetic (EM) waves/disturbances are typically the best means to understand and analyse an ionized medium like plasma. However, the propagation of EM waves with a frequency lower than the plasma frequency is prohibited by the freely moving charges of the plasma. In dense plasmas, though the plasma frequency can be typically quite high, EM sources at such higher frequency are not easily available. It is, therefore, of interest to seek possibilities wherein a low frequency (lower than the plasma frequency) EM disturbance propagates inside a plasma. This is possible in the context of magnetized plasmas. However, in order to have a magnetized plasma response in high‐density plasmas, one requires an extremely strong external magnetic field. In this manuscript, it is demonstrated that the nonlinearity of the plasma medium can aid the propagation of a slow (effective frequency lower than the plasma frequency) EM wave inside an overdense plasma. A possible mechanism of guiding, collimating, and trapping of the EM pulse or electron current pulses by appropriate tailoring of the local plasma density profile is also shown. Certain interesting applications of the propagation of such slow EM pulse through the inhomogeneous plasma is also discussed.
Excitation of upper‐hybrid plasma wake wave by a low‐frequency extraordinary electromagnetic wave
Authors: Akou H.
Published: January 2021

The excitation of upper‐hybrid wake electrostatic wave by interaction of an extraordinary Gaussian wave propagating perpendicular to the external magnetic field in a cold homogeneous plasma is investigated using magnetohydrodynamics theory. The plasma oscillations can be excited due to the charge separation appeared by the ponderomotive force of the electromagnetic wave whose frequency is considered in the lower pass band. By obtaining the equation governing the plasma wake, the dependency of the wake amplitude on the physical parameters is studied. It is observed that larger wake oscillation takes place when the pulse length is approximately close to 3λp/π and the X‐wave frequency is greater than ωp, which means that the phase velocity is less than the speed of light in vacuum (vp < c).
Routing and collision avoidance techniques for unmanned aerial vehicles: Analysis, optimal solutions, and future directions
Authors: Sharma Bhisham , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Sharma Vinay , Hsiao Kuei‐Fang
Published: January 2021

Routing remains the most important problem to be explored, for discovering an ideal pathway in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Several problems for identifying and targeting location continue giving the immense motility of UAVs. In routing planning, optimum decisions have to be taken for several vital operations for solving the issues in UAVs. Many types of routing techniques of UAVs, which have been used for many years, have been analyzed in this paper. Routing techniques aim to provide striking‐free surroundings to the UAVs and not only to find an optimum path but also the smallest path. Routing techniques play a vital part in the development of a secured way in a minimal time to reach the ultimate destination and hence much needed. There are various routing techniques, real‐time applications of UAVs which are elaborated in this paper, namely, representative, cooperative, and noncooperative techniques. In UAV, collision avoidance is very important for the obstacle‐free environment. Collision avoidance techniques are discussed for a safe environment of UAV. Further, the UAVs network communication coverage and connectivity by these techniques are discussed. Finally, we discuss the security and connectivity and future directions in UAV.
Influence of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin transporters on the pharmacogenetics of Atremorine in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cacabelos Ramón , Carrera Iván , Martínez Olaia , Naidoo Vinogran , Cacabelos Natalia , Aliev Gjumrakch , Carril Juan C.
Published: January 2021

Atremorine is a potent dopamine (DA) enhancer obtained by nondenaturing biotechnological processes from a genetic species of Vicia faba. Atremorine affects the neuronal dopaminergic system by acting as a neuroprotective agent against Parkinson's disease (PD). PD patients (N = 127) responded to a single dose of Atremorine (5 g, p.o.) 1 h after administration in a sex‐, time‐, dose‐, and genotype‐dependent fashion. Drug‐free patients (N = 81) showed an increase in DA levels from 12.14 ± 0.34 pg/ml to 6463.21 ± 1306.90 pg/ml; and patients chronically treated with anti‐PD drugs (N = 46) showed an increase in DA levels from 1321.53 ± 389.94 pg/ml to 16,028.54 ± 4783.98 pg/ml, indicating that Atremorine potentiates the dopaminergic effect of conventional anti‐PD drugs. The variability in Atremorine‐induced DA response is strongly attributable to pharmacogenetic factors. Polymorphic variants in pathogenic, mechanistic, metabolic, transporter, and pleiotropic genes influence the DA response to Atremorine. Genetic variation in the DA (SLC6A3; rs460000), noradrenaline (NA) (SLC6A2; rs12708954, rs3785143, rs5569), and serotonin (5‐HT) transporter (SLC6A4; rs2020934, rs2020936, rs4251417, rs6354) genes exert a genotype‐dependent Atremorine‐induced DA response in PD, with potential impact on the DA‐related pharmacogenetic outcome and minimum effects on NA and 5‐HT levels.
Exploiting Deprotonative Co‐complexation to Access Potassium Metal(ates) Supported by a Bulky Silyl(bis)amide Ligand
Authors: Mastropierro Pasquale , Kennedy Alan R. , Hevia Eva
Published: January 2021

Bimetallic complexes combining an alkali‐metal with a lower electropositive metal have demonstrated unique chemical profiles which can be rationalised in terms of chemical cooperativity. Advancing the rational design of these types of complexes, a adaptable method is described to prepare a new family of potassium metal(ates) containing the highly sterically demanding silyl(bis)amide {Ph2Si(NAr*)2}2− (Ar*=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl). Using a sequential deprotonative co‐complexation approach, mono‐metallation of Ph2Si(NHAr*)2 (1) is accomplished using potassium alkyl KCH2SiMe3 yielding [{Ph2Si(NHAr*)(NAr*)K}∞] (2), which, in turn, undergoes co‐complexation with the relevant M(CH2SiMe3)2 (M=Mg, Zn, Mn) enabling metallation of the remaining NHAr* group to furnish silylbis(amido) alkyl potassium metal(ates) [{Ph2Si(NAr*)2M(THF)x(CH2SiMe3)}−{K(THF)y}+] (M=Zn, x=0, y=4, 3; M=Mg, x=1, y=3, 4; and M=Mn, x=0, y=4, 5). Reactivity studies of potassium manganate 5 with the amine HMDS(H) (HMDS=N[SiMe3]2 revealed the kinetic activation of the remaining alkyl group on Mn furnishing [K(THF)2{Ph2Si(NAr*)2}Mn(HMDS)] (6). The structures of these bimetallic complexes along with that of the potassium precursor 2 have been established by X‐ray crystallographic studies.
Evolution of Strategies in Protecting‐Group‐Free Synthesis of Natural Products: A Recent Update
Authors: Fernandes Rodney A. , Kumar Praveen , Choudhary Priyanka
Published: January 2021

The synthesis of complex natural products must be realized with high economy and efficiency, contributing largely to sustainable development in synthetic organic chemistry. The new strategies should adopt protecting‐group‐free approaches enabling step‐economy and thereby enhancing efficiency. Various approaches based on chiral pool, auxiliary‐based methods, cascade, biomimetic, enzymatic and photocatalytic used in total synthesis of natural products and following the PGF‐criteria over the last two years (2018–2019) have been reviewed here. These should guide sustainable synthesis of natural products in the future.
Pain after a motor vehicle crash: The role of socio‐demographics, crash characteristics and peri‐traumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Beaudoin Francesca L. , Kessler R. C. , Hwang I. , Lee S. , Sampson N. A. , An X. , Ressler K. J. , Koenen K. C. , McLean S. A. ,   the AURORA Study Group
Published: January 2021

Background

The vast majority of individuals who come to the emergency department (ED) for care after a motor vehicle collision (MVC) are diagnosed with musculoskeletal strain only and are discharged to home. A significant subset of this population will still develop persistent pain and posttraumatic psychological sequelae may play an important role in pain persistence.

Methods

We conducted a multisite longitudinal cohort study of adverse post‐traumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae among patients seeking ED treatment in the aftermath of a traumatic life experience. We report on a sub‐group of patients (n = 666) presenting after an MVC, the most common type of trauma and we examine associations of socio‐demographic and MVC characteristics, and persistent pain 8 weeks after MVC. We also examine the degree to which these associations are related to peritraumatic psychological symptoms and 2‐week acute stress reactions using an applied approach.

Results

Eight‐week prevalence of persistent moderate or severe pain was high (67.4%) and positively associated with patient sex (female), older age, low socioeconomic status (education and income) and pain severity in the ED. Peritraumatic stress symptoms (distress and dissociation) appear to exert some influence on both acute pain and the transition from acute to persistent pain.

Discussion and Conclusions

The early aftermath of an MVC may be an important time period for intervening to prevent and reduce persistent pain. Substantial variation in mediating pathways across predictors also suggests potential diverse and complex underlying biological and psychological pathogenic processes are at work in the early weeks following trauma.

Significance

The first several days after trauma may dictate recovery trajectories. Persistent pain, pain lasting beyond the expected time of recovery, is associated with pain early in the recovery period, but also mediated through other pathways. Future work is needed to understand the complex neurobiological processes in involved in the development of persistent and acute post‐traumatic pain.
A preliminary study of the siliceous and femic rock blocks in the Neoproterozoic diatexitic granite at Fuhu Hill in southwestern Guangdong, China
Authors: Chen Zhen , Liu Yongjiang , Jin Wei , Lou Feng , Chen Guoneng
Published: January 2021

The crystalline basement of Cathaysia Block is commonly believed to have formed before the Middle Neoproterozoic; however, the basement rock has seldom been reported in the eastern Cathaysia. Recently, numerous siliceous and femic rock blocks distributed in the diatexitic host granite were observed on the rocky beach of Fuhu Hill in the southwestern Guangdong, China. The results of geological and geochemical investigations of these rock blocks revealed that the protolith of siliceous rock blocks (SRBs) was marine silicalite deposited in a pelagic environment between the ridge‐proximal and continental margin, and the femic rock blocks (FRBs) geochemically corresponded to trachybasalt and monzogabbro, pertaining to OIB/E‐MORB types in the Ce/Y‐Zr/Nb and Zr/Y/Nb systems. 206Pb/238U ages of 995 and 1,002 Ma were obtained from zircon U–Pb dating of the FRBs. The host rocks of the SRBs and FRBs were mainly diatexitic granite that was intruded and sometimes hosted by massive granite. The zircon 206Pb/238U age gained from the diatexitic granite was 991 Ma whereas that from the massive granite was 239 Ma. It may be concluded that SRBs and FRBs were derived from a spilite‐keratophyre formation formed during 1,005–995 Ma and disintegrated around 991 Ma due to crustal anataxis. These SRBs, FRBs, and their diatexitic host granite blocks might have been brought up to the shallow crust by granitic magma in the Indosinian period or due to fault activity in the late stage. Moreover, the southwest part of the eastern Cathaysia possessed a similar basement as the western Cathaysia.
Impact of social accountability monitoring on health facility performance: Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Francetic Igor , Fink Günther , Tediosi Fabrizio
Published: January 2021

Social accountability programs are increasingly used to improve the performance of public service providers in low‐income settings. Despite their growing popularity, evidence on the effectiveness of social accountability programs remains mixed. In this manuscript, we assess the impact of a social accountability intervention on health facility management exploring quasiexperimental variation in program exposure in Tanzania. We find that the social accountability intervention resulted in a 1.8 SD reduction in drug stockouts relative to the control group, but did not improve facility infrastructure maintenance. The results of this study suggest that social accountability programs may be effective in areas of health service provision that are responsive to changes in provider behavior but may not work in settings where improvements in outcomes are conditional on larger health systems features.
Characterization and Application of Precore/Core‐Related Antigens in Animal Models of Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Hong Xupeng , Luckenbaugh Laurie , Perlman David , Revill Peter A. , Wieland Stefan F. , Menne Stephan , Hu Jianming
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

The hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg), a composite antigen of precore/core gene including classical hepatitis B core protein (HBc) and HBeAg and, additionally, the precore‐related antigen PreC, retaining the N‐terminal signal peptide, has emerged as a surrogate marker to monitor the intrahepatic HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and to define meaningful treatment endpoints.

Approach and Results

Here, we found that the woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) precore/core gene products (i.e., WHV core‐related antigen [WHcrAg]) include the WHV core protein and WHV e antigen (WHeAg) as well as the WHV PreC protein (WPreC) in infected woodchucks. Unlike in HBV infection, WHeAg and WPreC proteins were N‐glycosylated, and no significant amounts of WHV empty virions were detected in WHV‐infected woodchuck serum. WHeAg was the predominant form of WHcrAg, and a positive correlation was found between the serum WHeAg and intrahepatic cccDNA. Both WHeAg and WPreC antigens displayed heterogeneous proteolytic processing at their C‐termini, resulting in multiple species. Analysis of the kinetics of each component of the precore/core‐related antigen, along with serum viral DNA and surface antigens, in HBV‐infected chimpanzees and WHV‐infected woodchucks revealed multiple distinct phases of viral decline during natural resolution and in response to antiviral treatments. A positive correlation was found between HBc and intrahepatic cccDNA but not between HBeAg or HBcrAg and cccDNA in HBV‐infected chimpanzees, suggesting that HBc can be a better marker for intrahepatic cccDNA.

Conclusions

In conclusion, careful monitoring of each component of HBcrAg along with other classical markers will help understand intrahepatic viral activities to elucidate natural resolution mechanisms as well as guide antiviral development.
Analysis of seasonal snowmelt contribution using a distributed energy balance model for a river basin in the Altai Mountains of northwestern China
Authors: Wu Xuejiao , Zhang Wei , Li Hongyi , Long Yinping , Pan Xiaoduo , Shen Yongping
Published: January 2021

Snowmelt water is a vital freshwater resource in the Altai Mountains of northwestern China. Yet its seasonal hydrological cycle characteristics could change under a warming climate and more rapid spring snowmelt. Here, we simulated snowmelt runoff dynamics in the Kayiertesi River catchment, from 2000 to 2016, by using an improved hydrological distribution model that relied on high‐resolution meteorological data acquired from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (Fnl‐NCEP) that were downscaled using the Weather Research Forecasting model. Its predictions were compared to observed runoff data, which confirmed the simulations' reliability. Our results show the model performed well, in general, given its daily validation Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.62 (from 2013 to 2015) and a monthly NSE score of 0.68 (from 2000 to 2010) for the studied river basin of the Altai Mountains. In this river basin catchment, snowfall accounted for 64.1% of its precipitation and snow evaporation for 49.8% of its total evaporation, while snowmelt runoff constituted 29.3% of the annual runoff volume. Snowmelt's contribution to runoff in the Altai Mountains can extend into non‐snow days because of the snowmelt water retained in soils. From 2000 to 2016, the snow‐to‐rain ratio decreased rapidly, however, the snowmelt contribution remained relatively stable in the study region. Our findings provide a sound basis for making snowmelt runoff predictions, which could be used prevent snowmelt‐induced flooding, as well as a generalizable approach applicable to other remote, high‐elevation locations where high‐density, long‐term observational data are currently lacking. How snowmelt contributes to water dynamics and resources in cold regions is garnering greater attention. Our proposed model is thus timely perhaps, enabling more comprehensive assessments of snowmelt contributions to hydrological processes in those alpine regions characterized by seasonal snow cover.
Sources and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter in two headwater peatland catchments at the Marcell Experimental Forest, northern Minnesota,USA
Authors: Sebestyen Stephen D. , Funke Meghan , Cotner James B.
Published: January 2021

Where they are present in catchments, peatlands are a dominant source of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to surrounding waterways due, in part, to high production rates. Despite the preponderance of peatlands in northern latitudes and expected peatland vulnerability to climate change, little is known about peatland DOM degradation relative to a more comprehensive understanding of degradation when DOM is sourced from upland‐dominated catchments. We compared DOM biodegradability of various sources of stream water in two catchments having peatlands (22%–33% of the area) surrounded by upland forests (70%–90% of the area, either deciduous or coniferous). We measured total organic carbon (TOC), and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon concentrations; bacterial respiration rates; streamflow; and upland runoff during and after snowmelt (March to June, 2009–2011). We also explored if DOM in upland runoff stimulated biodegradation of peatland‐derived DOM (i.e., a priming effect), and if forest cover type affected DOM biodegradability. As expected, the peatlands were the largest sources of both water (72%–80%) and TOC (92%–96%) to the streams although more area in each catchment was in uplands (70%–90%). Several results were unexpected, yet revealing: (1) DOM from peatlands sometimes had the same biodegradability as DOM from uplands, (2) upland sources of DOM had negligible effects on biodegradability in the peatland and downstream, and (3) upland deciduous cover did not yield more degradable DOM than conifer cover. The most pronounced effect of upland runoff was dilution of downstream TOC concentrations when there was upland runoff. Overall, the effects of upland DOM may have been negligible due to the overriding effect of the large amount of biodegradable DOM that originated in bogs. This research highlights that peatland‐sourced DOM has important effects on downstream DOM biodegradability even in catchments where upland area is substantially larger than peatland area.
The role of shareholders and creditors' rights in affecting cash holdings and firm value: A recent evidence from ASEAN
Authors: Akhtar Tahir , Tareq Mohammad Ali , Rashid Kashif
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the impact of shareholders' and creditors' rights (CR) on cash holdings (CH) and the firm value in emerging economies (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and based hypotheses on the characteristics of these markets. The sample contains 648 listed manufacturing firms from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines for the period 2005–2015. The results suggest that higher investor protection leads to the accumulation of more cash. Besides, a powerful country‐level framework controls the value‐destroying activities of firm managers. The results also support the flexibility hypothesis by providing evidence that strong CR in the economy lead to higher CH by the managers. Finally, investor protection in the presence of high CR reduces the incentive to hold more cash supporting stewardship theory in these markets. The results being economically robust are innovative and valuable to academics and policymakers in ASEAN.
Functional income distribution in Pakistan: Co‐integration and vector error correction model analysis
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Memon Javed Ahmed , Qader Aleem Ahmed
Published: January 2021

This research aims to explore the long‐ and short‐run impact of the functional income distribution variables of Pakistan. Three main variables were analysed, real wage, non‐agricultural wage and operating surplus (OS), as all three are the pillars of the functional income distribution. Annual data were collected from 1986 to 2019 from the State Bank of Pakistan, and time series analysis co‐integration and vector error correlation model have been applied. We found that only two variables, real wage and non‐agricultural wage, are affected in the long run while the OS is not affected in the long run. There is no short‐term effect of any variable except real wage and non‐agricultural wage. It is recommended that the government should invest in the human capital of both agriculture and industrial sectors to overcome the problem of unequal functional income distribution in Pakistan.
Neonatal and maternal outcome of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates delivered by vacuum‐assisted delivery
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Rottenstreich Amihai , Shapira Moran , Cahan Tal , Yagel Itai , Tsur Abraham , Meyer Raanan
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association between neonatal weight centile and neonatal and maternal morbidity following vacuum‐assisted delivery (VAD) among term nulliparous women.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all nulliparous women who delivered at term by VAD between 2011 and 2019. Deliveries were allocated into two groups and compared: (1) delivery of an small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate, and (2) delivery of an appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) neonate.

Results

Overall, 3116 women were included in the study; 2878 (92.4%) were AGA and 163 (5.2%) were SGA and comprised the study groups. Neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes did not vary between groups. Rates of composite neonatal adverse outcome for SGA and AGA neonates were 26 (16.0%) versus 462 (16.1%), respectively (P = 0.972). Duration of the second stage of labor and rate of prolonged second stage were significantly lower among the SGA group compared with the AGA group (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Maternal rates of anal sphincter injury and postpartum hemorrhage did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Neonatal outcomes among SGA neonates delivered by VAD at term did not differ from those of AGA neonates. Maternal outcome did not differ. These data provide reassurance for practitioners to perform VAD in SGA neonates at term.
Accuracy of noninvasive tests in the prediction of portal hypertensive gastropathy in Egyptian patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Amer Ibrahim F , El Shennawy Eslam M , El Batea Hassan , Ahmed Mohammed Hussien , El Sharawy Shimaa , Mahros Aya M
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is commonly associated with portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), and it causes gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the gold standard in diagnosing PHG. Besides its invasiveness, the disadvantages of EGD include psychological and financial problems. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different noninvasive screening tools in predicting PHG.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with LC who were divided into two groups based on EGD: group (A), 50 patients with LC with PHG, and group (B), 50 patients with LC without PHG. All patients were subjected to history taking, full clinical examination, laboratory investigations, abdominal–pelvic ultrasonography, and EGD.

Results

To predict PHG, the respective sensitivity and specificity of portal vein diameter (>10.5 mm) were 86 and 67%, of gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT) (>3.5 mm) were 64 and 68%, of platelets/GBWT (<40) were 68 and 78%, of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/platelet ratio index (APRI) score (>1.1) were 60 and 66%, of platelet/spleen diameter (<1290) were 88 and 72%, of right liver lobe diameter/albumin ratio (>4) were 74 and 80%, and of AST/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (>1.1) were 50 and 58% (P = 0.353).

Conclusion

Portal vein diameter, platelet/spleen diameter, and right liver lobe diameter/albumin ratio were independently associated with PHG and were good predictors of the PHG, whereas AST/ALT ratio and King score are poor predictors.
Acrylamide in non‐centrifugal sugars and syrups
Authors: Phaeon Nuchnicha , Chapanya Pisittinee , Mueangmontri Rattana , Pattamasuwan Anutin , Lipan Leontina , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A , Sriroth Klanarong , Nitayapat Nuttakan
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide in foods has been widely studied because of its possible carcinogenicity. Most of the foods investigated were prepared using low moisture and high temperature conditions. Non‐centrifugal sugars (NCSs), which have been promoted as ‘non‐chemical’ natural sweeteners, contain precursors of acrylamide and their production processes involved prolonged heating. The acrylamide content in 32 commercial NCSs from coconut, cane and palmyra palm purchased in Asian countries was investigated. Additionally, syrups (80 oBrix) produced from coconut and palmyra raw saps and cane juice were prepared by evaporation with prolonged heating (2.5 h to reach 100 °C, 1 h to increase to 110 °C, held at 110 °C for 30 min). The compositions and contents of sugars, amino acids and minerals, as well as the physical characteristics of the raw saps, juice and syrups, were determined.

RESULTS

The acrylamide content of these 32 products ranged from < 15 to 4011 μg kg−1. The raw saps and juice were mildly acidic (pH 5.14–5.66) and similar values were observed for their syrups (4.73–5.73). The contents of sucrose, fructose and glucose in the saps and juice from these plants were similar, whereas their compositions varied with respect to amino acids. The variation of the ornithine content was significant, demonstrating a striking influence on the extent of acrylamide formation (867–1564 μg kg−1) in the syrups prepared from these materials.

CONCLUSION

The present study emphasizes the importance of a careful monitoring and control of the critical steps invloved in the manufacturing process of NCSs (particularly the evaporation phase), aiming to protect the health and safety of consumers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Perfusion Patterns of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions in COVID‐19 Patients Using Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)
Authors: Safai Zadeh Ehsan , Beutel Björn , Dietrich Christoph Frank , Keber Corinna Ulrike , Huber Katharina Paulina , Görg Christian , Trenker Corinna
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To describe perfusion patterns of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) in COVID‐19 patients using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

Patients and methods

From April 2020 until July 2020, 11 consecutive patients with RT‐PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 and PPLs sized over 5 mm were investigated by B‐mode ultrasound (B‐US) and CEUS. The homogeneity of enhancement (homogeneous and inhomogeneous) was examined retrospectively using CEUS. An inhomogeneous enhancement was defined as a perfused lesion with coexisting non‐perfused areas (NPA).

Results

On B‐US, all 11 patients showed an interstitial syndrome (B‐lines) with PPLs between 0.5 and 6 cm. On CEUS, all cases showed peripheral NPA during the complete CEUS examination. One patient underwent a partial lung resection with subsequent histopathological examination. The histological examination showed vasculitis, microthrombus in the alveolar capillary, and small obliterated vessels.

Conclusion

In our case series, PPLs in patients with RT‐PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 infection presented a CEUS pattern with NPA during the complete CEUS examination. Our findings suggest a peripheral pulmonary perfusion disturbance in patients with COVID‐19 infection. In 1 case, the histopathological correlation with the perfusion disturbance in the PPL was proven.
Computed Tomography to Diagnose Paranasal Sinus Chemical Burns and Tissue Damage: A Case Report
Authors: Saito Kosuke , Goto Fumiyuki , Sekine Motoki , Yamamoto Hikaru , Kaneda Shoji , Sakai Akihiro , Ebisumoto Koji , Maki Daisuke , Iijima Hiroaki , Yamauchi Mayu , Watanabe Takane , Okami Kenji
Published: January 2021

Chemical burns of the paranasal sinus are rare; therefore, assessment methods for treatment of and prognoses for the exposure site are unknown. We experienced a case in which a hydrochloric acid burn of the paranasal sinuses caused irreversible tissue damage. Computed tomography is useful for identifying the exposure site and assessing tissue damage over time. Identification of the exposure site and proactive washing are recommended for patients with chemical burns of the paranasal sinuses. Laryngoscope, 131:E2490–E2493, 2021
Sustaining the properties of black soil in Central India through crop residue management in a conservation‐agriculture‐based soybean–wheat system
Authors: Yadav Devideen , Vishwakarma Anand Kumar , Sharma Narinder Kumar , Biswas Ashis Kumar , Ojasvi Prabhat Ranjan , Kumar Dinesh , Kumawat Anita , Singh Deepak
Published: January 2021

Soybean–wheat cropping system is the most commonly used in the black soil of India which produces enormous amounts of nutrient‐rich residues. However, black soil has some production limitations, such as rapid drying, high bulk density, low nutrients, and poor microbial populations, making it vulnerable to degradation. Optimal retention of soybean and wheat residues in black soil under the zero‐tillage (no‐till) system can improve soil properties and help protect the land from degradation. Thus, the main objective of this study was to test the effect of different levels of soybean and wheat residue retention on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of black soil. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in the zero‐tillagesoybean–wheat system at the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India from 2014 to 2018. In this study, the effect of four levels of soybean and wheat residue retention (no residue, 30, 60, and 90%) on soil properties was evaluated. Results revealed that soil organic carbon (C) significantly increased from 0.67 to 1.0% in 5 years through 90% residue retention. Retaining 90% (7.0 t) of soybean residue added 2.9 t C, 197.3 kg nitrogen (N), 32.4 kg phosphorus (P), and 89.7 kg potassium (K) in 5 years, while 6.2 t C, 85.7 kg N, 15.3 kg P, and 232.2 kg K were added through 90% (13.8 t) wheat residue during the same period. Different pools of soil C (oxidizable, labile, and particulate organic matter (OM)‐carbon), soil OM, soil moisture, soil porosity, available nutrients, and bacterial, fungal, and actinomycetes count was significantly enhanced due to retention of 90% residue over 60 and 30%. It was observed that retention of 90% soybean and wheat residues (7.0 and 13.8 t ha−1, respectively) significantly improved the physical, chemical, and biological properties of black soil in 5 years, therefore protected the soil from degradation.
Building resilience through cooperation: Two case studies
Authors: Brown Josh , Jones Phill , Meadows Alice , Murphy Fiona
Published: January 2021

Key points

There is evidence that cooperatives provide greater resilience in times of crisis than conventional enterprises.

Cooperatives subscribe to seven values associated with economic and governance participation, as well as equality and concern for community.

We present two case studies, one well established (Crossref) and one new (the UK National Research Identifier Coordinating Committee), that have adopted some cooperative principles.

There is a strong push towards greater cooperation in the scholarly communications sector.

There is enough evidence from our own sector and the wider socio‐economic landscape to justify prioritizing cooperation and cooperative values in our common endeavours in coming years.
Publishing during a pandemic: Resilience and change
Authors: O'Connor Niamh
Published: January 2021

Key points

The scholarly publishing industry must be prepared to step back, consider our value, reset our relationships, and be prepared to accept and embrace real change.

Three areas of focus during these times should be (1) the importance of community; (2) racism, bias, and structural inequities; and (3) openness, transparency, and trust.

We need to recognize the importance of the humanities and social sciences, as well as of science, technology, and medicine in addressing the impacts of the pandemic.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Primary Liver Transplantation Versus Hepatoportoenterostomy in the Management of Biliary Atresia in the United States
Authors: Raghu Vikram K. , Squires James E. , Mogul Douglas B. , Squires Robert H. , McKiernan Patrick J. , Mazariegos George V. , Smith Kenneth J.
Published: January 2021

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading indication to perform a pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Timely hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE) attempts to interrupt the natural history and allow for enteric bile flow; however, most patients who are treated with HPE require LT by the age of 10 years. We determined the cost‐effectiveness of foregoing HPE to perform primary LT (pLT) in children with BA compared with standard‐of‐care HPE management. A Markov model was developed to simulate BA treatment over 10 years. Costs were measured in 2018 US dollars and effectiveness in life‐years (LYs). The primary outcome was incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) between treatments. Model parameters were derived from the literature. In the base model, we assumed similar LT outcomes after HPE and pLT. Sensitivity analyses on all model parameters were performed, including a scenario in which pLT led to 100% patient and graft survival after LT. Children undergoing HPE accumulated $316,692 in costs and 8.17 LYs per patient. Children undergoing pLT accumulated $458,059 in costs and 8.24 LYs per patient, costing $1,869,164 per LY gained compared with HPE. With parameter variation over plausible ranges, only post‐HPE and post‐LT costs reduced the ICER below a typical threshold of $100,000 per LY gained. On probabilistic sensitivity analysis, 93% of iterations favored HPE at that threshold. With 100% patient and graft survival after pLT, pLT cost $283,478 per LY gained. HPE is more economically favorable than pLT for BA. pLT is unfavorable even with no graft or patient loss. The ability to predict those patients who may experience high costs after HPE or low costs after LT may help identify those patients for whom pLT could be considered.
Green Fabrication of Chitin/Chitosan Composite Hydrogels and Their Potential Applications
Authors: Xu Huan , Zhang Li , Zhang Hongli , Luo Jie , Gao Xiaofang
Published: January 2021

Chitin is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide with biocompatibility and bioactivity. Aqueous KOH/urea solution is reported for rapid dissolution of chitin, therefore providing a greener and more efficient avenue to fabricate chitin‐based functional materials. Chitosan is the most important derivative of chitin with the acetylation degree lower than 60%. Herein, novel chitin/chitosan composite hydrogels are fabricated from the green and highly efficient KOH/urea aqueous system for the first time. Both chitin and chitosan are dissolved in aqueous KOH/urea solutions, then cross‐linked by epichlorohydrin to form bulk chitin/chitosan composite hydrogels (CCGEL). The structural, thermal, mechanical, and swelling properties of CCGEL are thoroughly studied. The cell studies show that NIH‐3T3 cells self‐assemble to form regular 3D multicellular spheroids on the CCGEL samples with high viability. L929 cells proliferate and intend to form cell aggregates, and the size of the cell aggregates becomes greater with the increase of chitosan loading. Additionally, the CCGEL samples exhibit antibacterial activities. Thus, this pioneering work has provided crucial information for novel chitin/chitosan composite materials constructed via the direct dissolution of chitin and chitosan in aqueous KOH/urea solutions, and presented their potential applications in the cell culture and antibacterial fields.