bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the linker in microhydrated hydrogen dinitrate anions: From H+ to H5O2+
Authors: Gui Shaojun , Jiang Ling , Liu Zhi‐Feng
Published: May 2021

Hydrogen dinitrate anion, HNO3(NO3−), is a proton‐bound dimer with a very strong hydrogen bond. By employing ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) method, we studied the effects of the proton transfer and the rotation of the nitrates on the vibrational profiles of HNO3(NO3−)(H2O)n (n = 0–2). The AIMD results indicate that the structure of the n = 0 cluster is very flexible, even though its hydrogen bond is quite strong. Significant rotations around the hydrogen bond and frequent transfers of proton from HNO3 to NO3− are observed in AIMD simulations. Dynamic changes are therefore an important factor in understanding the broadening of vibrational features. For n = 1, the extent of structural fluctuation increases further, as H2O could move around the anion while the HNO3(NO3−) core also goes through structural changes. Its vibrational spectrum can be understood as a mixture of many isomers visited during AIMD simulations. By n = 2, the structure is stabilized around one isomer, with the linker between the two nitrates being H5O2+, rather than H+. Due to strong hydrogen bonds between nitrates and water molecules, this H5O2+ takes the extraordinary structure with the H+ localized on one H2O, rather than being shared. While this novel structure is stable during AIMD simulations, the dynamic fluctuations in hydrogen bond distances still produce significant broadening in its vibrational profile.
Applying eco‐friendly micellar liquid chromatography for the simultaneous determination of two ternary mixtures utilized for cold treatment using monolithic column
Authors: Abu El‐Enin Mohamed A. , Salem Yomna A. , El‐Ashry Saadia M. , Hammouda Mohammed E. A.
Published: May 2021

Rapid, isocratic, and sensitive micellar liquid chromatographic methods were developed successfully for the analysis of two ternary mixtures: phenylephrine hydrochloride (PHE), ibuprofen (IBU) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CP) (mixture I), and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (PSE), IBU and CP (mixture II) in their synthetic mixtures and pharmaceutical dosage forms. Analytical separation was achieved in 7 min using monolithic column adopting UV detector at 233 and 218 nm for mixture I and II, respectively. For both mixtures, a micellar mobile phase solution composed of 0.15 M sodium dodecyl sulphate, 15% n‐propanol, and 0.3% triethylamine adjusted to pH 4.0 by 0.02 M phosphoric acid was utilized applying a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min. The methods were fully validated in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The proposed methods were linear in the range of 0.5–20.0 μg/ml for PHE and 10.0–400.0 μg/ml for IBU, and CP 0.25–8.0 μg/ml (mixture I) and in the range of 3.0–60.0 μg/ml for PSE and 20.0–400.0 μg/ml for IBU, and CP 0.2–4.0 μg/ml (mixture II) and methanol was utilized as diluting solvent. Furthermore, the proposed methods exhibited good accuracy and repeatability (R.S.D. < 2.0%). The limits of detection were 0.07 (PHE), 1.85 (IBU), 0.04 (CP) for mixture I and were 0.41 (PSE), 2.37 (IBU), 0.02 (CP) for mixture II. The limits of quantitation were 0.22 (PHE), 5.61 (IBU), 0.12 (CP) for mixture I and were 1.24 (PSE), 7.17 (IBU), 0.07 (CP) for mixture II, respectively. The new chromatographic method could successfully substitute traditional hazardous liquid chromatographic methods for the separation of the provided polar compounds consuming lower percent of environmentally toxic organic solvents.
Serum nuclear factor IB as a novel and noninvasive indicator in the diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Yu Jian’gen , Song Yu , Yang Aihua , Zhang Xiaoyun , Li Lin
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic renal failure (CRF) referred to chronic progressive renal parenchymal damage caused by various causes, with metabolite retention and imbalance of water, electrolyte, and acid‐base balance as the main clinical manifestations. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) was a common complication in maintenance hemodialysis patients with CRF. Nuclear factor IB (NFIB) was a newly found tumor suppressor gene in various cancers. The present study aimed to illustrate the role of NFIB in sHPT clinical diagnosis and treatment response.

Methods

A retrospective, case‐control study, including 189 patients with sHPT and 106 CRF patients without sHPT, compared with 95 controls. Serum NFIB and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were measured by RT‐qPCR and ELISAs, respectively. ROC analysis was conducted to verify the diagnostic value of NFIB in sHPT. Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to verify the association between NFIB and bone mineral density (BMD) scores. After 6 months of treatment, the variance of NFIB and 1,25(OH)2D3 in different groups was recorded.

Results

The expression of NFIB was significantly lower in serum samples from sHPT and non‐sHPT CRF patients, compared to controls. Clinicopathological information verified sHPT was associated with NFIB, parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, serum phosphorus, time of dialysis, and serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels. Spearman's correlation analysis illustrated the positive correlation between NFIB levels and BMD scores. At receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the cutoff of 1.6508 for NFIB was able to identify patients with sHPT from healthy controls; meanwhile, NFIB could also discriminate sHPT among CRF patients as well (cutoff = 1.4741). Furthermore, we found that during 6 months of treatment, NFIB levels were gradually increased, while PTH and serum P levels were decreased.

Conclusions

Serum NFIB was a highly accurate tool to identify sHPT from healthy controls and CRF patients. Due to its simplicity, specificity, and sensitivity, this candidate can be proposed as a first‐line examination in the diagnostic workup in sHPT.
Self‐efficacy and coping style in Iraq and Afghanistan‐era veterans with and without mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Sakamoto McKenna S. , Merritt Victoria C. , Jurick Sarah M. , Crocker Laura D. , Hoffman Samantha N. , Jak Amy J.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To examine self‐efficacy and coping style in combat‐exposed Veterans with and without mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) history and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

Veterans (N = 81) were categorized into four groups: comorbid mTBI and PTSD (n = 23), PTSD‐only (n = 16), mTBI‐only (n = 25), and combat‐exposed controls (n = 17). Outcomes included the Self‐Efficacy for Symptom Management Scale and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced.

Results

Significant group effects were found on self‐efficacy and coping style, even when adjusting for total mTBIs and psychiatric comorbidities. Post‐hoc analyses revealed that the comorbid and PTSD‐only groups generally had lower self‐efficacy than the mTBI‐only and control groups and that the PTSD‐only group used less action‐focused coping than the mTBI‐only and control groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that self‐efficacy and coping style vary as a function of mTBI history and PTSD status and that it may be important to integrate these malleable factors into interventions for this population.
Gender as a moderator of the association of military sexual trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Tannahill Hallie S. , Fargo Jamison D. , Barrett Tyson S. , Blais Rebecca K.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The current study examined the moderating role of gender on the association of military sexual trauma (MST) type (harassment‐only vs. assault) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) using the 6‐factor Anhedonia Model.

Methods

Participants were 1321 service members/veterans. Two‐part hurdle models assessed the moderating role of gender on the association of MST type with the presence (at least “moderate” symptoms endorsed within each cluster) or severity of PTSS and symptom clusters.

Results

Among those who experienced assault MST, women were at higher risk for the presence of intrusive, avoidance, negative affect, and anhedonia symptoms, and higher risk for more severe negative affect symptoms. Among those who experienced harassment‐only MST, men were at higher risk of more severe PTSS symptoms overall and in the intrusive and dysphoric arousal symptom clusters. No other significant differences were observed.

Conclusions

Gathering information on MST type may be helpful in treatment planning.
Retracted: Formalizing the use of training methods in developing a career path
Authors: Shmelev Ilya M. , Petrovsky Vadim A.
Published: May 2021

Coaching methods are aimed at motivating people to achieve career or social skills. Therewith, coaching acts only as an additional form of career development for persons engaged in certain professions. The novelty of the study lies in the need to apply coaching methods not only during the period of active career implementation, but also during its interruption. This study is aimed at implementing the program for the development of career competence, the main tasks of which are to independently regulate professional life in a wide range of development vectors. The leading methods are the theoretical method of analysis and empirical methods of questioning and observation, which allow to study the impact of coaching on a person's professional development. The study shows that career development opportunities should be based on the psychological readiness of a person and, if necessary, on the correction of such readiness by means of psychological methods.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Bedaquiline‐Clarithromycin for Dose Selection Against Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Based on a Phase 1, Randomized, Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Kurosawa Ken , Rossenu Stefaan , Biewenga Jeike , Ouwerkerk‐Mahadevan Sivi , Willems Wouter , Ernault Etienne , Kambili Chrispin
Published: May 2021

Based on the in vitro profile of bedaquiline against mycobacterial species, it is being investigated for clinical efficacy against pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (PNTM). Being a cytochrome P450 3A substrate, pharmacokinetic interactions of bedaquiline are anticipated with clarithromycin (a cytochrome P450 3A inhibitor), which is routinely used in pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment. This phase 1, randomized, crossover study assessed the impact of steady‐state clarithromycin (500 mg every 12 hours for 14 days) on the pharmacokinetics of bedaquiline and its metabolite (M2) after single‐dose bedaquiline (100 mg; n  =  16). Using these data, population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation analyses were performed to determine the effect of clarithromycin on steady‐state bedaquiline exposure. Although no effect was observed on maximum plasma concentration of bedaquiline and time to achieve maximum plasma concentration, its mean plasma exposure increased by 14% after 10 days of clarithromycin coadministration, with slower formation of M2. Simulations showed that bedaquiline plasma trough concentration at steady state was higher (up to 41% until week 48) with clarithromycin coadministration as compared to its monotherapy (400 mg once daily for 2 weeks, followed by 200 mg 3 times a week for 46 weeks; reference regimen). The overall exposure of a simulated bedaquiline regimen (400 mg once dialy for 2 weeks, followed by 200 mg twice a week for 46 weeks) with clarithromycin was comparable (<15% difference) to the monotherapy. Overall, combination of bedaquiline (400 mg once daily for 2 weeks, followed by 200 mg twice a week for 46 weeks) with clarithromycin seems a suitable regimen to be explored for efficacy and safety against pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria.
Novel alternative recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates from mixed microbial cultures using microwave‐assisted extraction
Authors: Bocaz‐Beltrán Jorge , Rocha Sebastián , Pinto‐Ibieta Fernanda , Ciudad Gustavo , Cea Mara
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of biodegradable biopolymers produced and accumulated by microorganisms. PHAs are recovered from microbial biomass through the stages of pretreatment, extraction and purification. An alternative recovery method is microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE), which involves the supply of energy through an electromagnetic field, generating high temperatures in reduced times. A study to evaluate the recovery of PHAs from mixed microbial cultures was conducted using MAE. This method was evaluated through a four‐factorial experimental design, with the efficiency as the evaluated response. PHAs were also recovered using conventional heat extraction as control.

RESULTS

It was found that the highest efficiency achieved using MAE was 68 ± 1.2% (w/w), which was close to the 66 ± 5.3% (w/w) obtained using conventional heat extraction. The following combination of factors corresponded to the optimum conditions of experimental design: extraction time of 1 min, temperature of 130 °C, chloroform‐to‐methanol ratio of 1:1 and solvent‐to‐biomass ratio of 20 volumes. The efficiency increased substantially when the solvent‐to‐biomass ratio and chloroform‐to‐methanol ratio increased, although the temperature was the least significant factor. Functional groups, decomposition temperatures (263–309 °C) and melting point (158 °C) of MAE‐recovered PHAs were similar to those measured for commercial poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)].

CONCLUSIONS

MAE is a never‐before‐reported useful method for recovering PHAs from mixed microbial cultures, which provides for a high extraction efficiency and quality of the recovered biopolymers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Phosphate‐imprinted polymer as an efficient modifier for the design of ion‐selective electrode
Authors: Birlik Özkütük Ebru , Yıldız Burak , Gündüz Murat , Hür Evrim
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, the ion‐selective electrode (ISE) based on ion‐imprinted polymer (IIP) for the determination of phosphate has been described. For selective recognition of IIP, phosphate (analyte–template), chitosan and N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyl‐trimethoxysilan (AAPTS) (functional monomers), ephychlorohydrin and tetraethoxysilicate (TEOS) (cross‐linking agents) were used.

RESULTS

The electrode was prepared using the IIP. The IIP‐1‐, IIP‐2‐ and IIP‐3‐based membranes showed a detection limit of 7.6 × 10−6, 5.1 × 10−6 and 2.5.10−7 mol L−1, respectively. Attractive features of these IIP‐based ion‐selective electrodes are a rather low detection limit and high selectivity compared with other phosphate molecules.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method has been applied successfully to analyze phosphate in household waste samples with recoveries of ≥90%. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Primary care physicians’ narratives on COVID‐19 responses in Japan: Professional roles evoked under a pandemic
Authors: Haruta Junji , Horiguchi Sachiko , Miyachi Junichiro , Teruyama Junko , Kimura Shuhei , Iida Junko , Ozone Sachiko , Goto Ryohei , Kaneko Makoto , Hama Yusuke
Published: May 2021

Background

Within the vague system of primary care and COVID‐19 infection control in Japan, we explored how primary care (PC) physicians exhibited adaptive performance in their institutions and communities to cope with the COVID‐19 pandemic from January to May 2020.

Methods

Narrative analysis conducted by a team of medical professionals and anthropologists. We purposefully selected 10 PC physicians in community‐based hospitals and clinics and conducted a total of 17 individual and group interviews. The verbatim transcript data were analyzed using the conceptual framework of adaptive performance.

Results

We identified three “phases” of the time period (January–May 2020). In Phase 1, PC physicians initially perceived the disease as a problem unrelated to them. In Phase 2, the Diamond Princess outbreak triggered adaptive performance of the physicians, who began to deal with medical issues related to COVID‐19 by using social networking services and applying the collected information to their organization and/or communities. Following this, in Phase 3, the PC physicians’ adaptive performance in their own communities and institutions emerged in the face of the pandemic. Reflecting their sensitivity to local context, the PC physicians were seen to exhibit adaptive performance through dealing with context‐dependent problems and relationships.

Conclusions

PC physicians exhibited adaptive performance in the course of coping with the realities of COVID‐19 in shifting phases and in differing localities in the early stages of the pandemic. The trajectories of adaptive performance in later stages of the pandemic remain to be seen.
Multi‐biomarker panel prediction model for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Doo‐Ho , Yoon Woongchang , Lee Areum , Han Youngmin , Byun Yoonhyeong , Kang Jae Seung , Kim Hongbeom , Kwon Wooil , Suh Young‐Ah , Choi Yonghwan , Namkung Junghyun , Han Sangjo , Yi Sung Gon , Heo Jin Seok , Han In Woong , Park Joon Oh , Park Joo Kyung , Kim Song Cheol , Jun Eunsung , Kang Chang Moo , Lee Woo Jin , Lee Hyeon Kook , Lee Huisong , Lee Seungyeoun , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Lee Kyu Eun , Han Wonshik , Park Taesung , Jang Jin‐Young
Published: May 2021

Background/Purpose

The current study aimed to develop a prediction model using a multi‐marker panel as a diagnostic screening tool for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Multi‐center cohort of 1991 blood samples were collected from January 2011 to September 2019, of which 609 were normal, 145 were other cancer (colorectal, thyroid, and breast cancer), 314 were pancreatic benign disease, and 923 were pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The automated multi‐biomarker Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit was developed using three potential biomarkers: LRG1, TTR, and CA 19‐9. Using a logistic regression model on a training data set, the predicted values for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were obtained, and the result was classification into one of the three risk groups: low, intermediate, and high. The five covariates used to create the model were sex, age, and three biomarkers.

Results

Participants were categorized into four groups as normal (n = 609), other cancer (n = 145), pancreatic benign disease (n = 314), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 923). The normal, other cancer, and pancreatic benign disease groups were clubbed into the non‐pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma group (n = 1068). The positive and negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were 94.12, 90.40, 93.81, and 90.86, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a significant diagnostic performance of the multi‐marker panel in distinguishing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from normal and benign pancreatic disease states, as well as patients with other cancers.
Synthesis, cytotoxicity assessment and antioxidant activity of some new thiazol‐2‐yl carboxamides
Authors: Sofan Mamdouh A. , El‐Mekabaty Ahmed , Hasel Ali M. , Said Samy B.
Published: May 2021

Dependence on the biological activity of 2‐aminothiazole, the synthesis and chemical reactions of ethyl 3‐oxo‐3‐(thiazol‐2‐ylamino)propanoate (1) with some different reagents were described for cytotoxic and antioxidant evaluation. The new derivatives 2–19 could be synthesized and characterized by correct analytical and spectral data. In addition to the thiazole ring, these compounds contain 2H‐1,2,3‐triazole (3), 1H‐pyrazole (5, 12), 1,3‐dithiane (7), benzothiazole (10), thiazolidine (13), thiazolidinone (14, 15), 2H‐chromene (17), pyridine (19) moieties. The preparation of compounds 2–19 was performed through the formation of the isolable 2‐(2‐phenylhydrazineylidene) 2, 2‐dimethylaminomethylidene 4, 2‐phenylcarbamothioyl 9, 2‐(methylthio)(phenylamino) methylidene 11 and non‐isolable potassium bis(thiolate) 6, potassium thiolate 8 intermediates from precursor 1. The activity of these derivatives 1–19 against human lung fibroblast (WI38) and human prostate cancer (PC3) were examined in vitro using the MTT assay. The assessment of their antioxidant activities was carried out by following the ABTS method to evaluate their pharmaceutical importance.
Design, syntheses and antitumor activities evaluation of 1,5‐diaryl substituted pyrazole secnidazole ester derivatives
Authors: Teng Qing‐Hu , Sun Gui‐Xia , Luo Shu‐Ying , Wang Kai , Liang Fu‐Pei
Published: May 2021

According to the drug hybridization principle, a series of novel 1,5‐diaryl substituted pyrazole secnidazole ester derivatives (6aa–6gc) have been synthesized by the combinations of various 1,5‐diarylpyrazole‐3‐carboxylic acids with secnidazole. The in vitro antitumor/cytotoxicities activities against tumor and normal cell lines, including NCI‐H460 (lung tumor cell), MCG‐803 (gastric tumor cell), Skov‐3 (ovarian tumor cell), BEL‐7404 (liver tumor cell) and HL‐7702 (normal liver cell), have been evaluated using MTT assay. All compounds showed promising inhibitory activities against four tumor cell lines. The IC50 of 6bc against the BEL‐7404 cell was 2.03 μM, and those of 6fc against the NCI‐H460, MCG‐803 and Skov‐3 were 1.34, 0.14, and 0.87 μM, respectively. All these values were much lower than those of the cisplatin. Furthermore, 6fc and 6bc were also verified to be considerably safe for normal human liver cell, since the lower IC50 values than cisplatin. Based on these results, the cell cycle analysis, apoptosis ratio detection and mitochondrial membrane potential assay of 6fc and 6bc were further performed aiming to investigate their inhibition mechanism of BEL‐7404 cells. It is revealed that they have effectively inhibited the cell growth by arresting the BEL‐7404 cells at S phase and induced apoptosis through the mitochondria‐mediated pathway.
Copper‐mediated radioiodination reaction through aryl boronic acid or ester precursor and its application to direct radiolabeling of a cyclic peptide
Authors: Kondo Yuto , Kimura Hiroyuki , Fukumoto Chiaki , Yagi Yusuke , Hattori Yasunao , Kawashima Hidekazu , Yasui Hiroyuki
Published: May 2021

A copper‐mediated radioiodination using aryl boronic precursors is attracting attention as a solution to oxidative iododestannylation and nickel‐mediated radioiodination drawbacks. The copper‐mediated radiolabeling method allows radioiodination at room temperature with stable aryl boronic precursors without preparing complex starting materials or reagents and can be performed in a reaction vessel exposed to air. This method has good potential in radiochemistry; however, studies on the scope of copper‐mediated radioiodination through boronic precursors are insufficient. In particular, few reports have demonstrated the effect of protecting groups on radiolabeling efficiency. Therefore, the effect of the protecting group of aryl boronic acids on the copper‐mediated radioiodination was investigated. In addition, this method, which does not require heating, is expected to be useful for direct radiolabeling of peptides. Thus, we attempted direct radioiodination of c(RGDyk) as an example. The resulting radioiodination method was well tolerated in various substrates and was unaffected by the pinacol ester‐type protecting group. Also, c(RGDyk) was labeled with 125I via copper‐mediated radioiodination using an aryl boronic acid precursor. The reaction time and yield were improved, compared with the indirect method. Furthermore, the large difference in polarity between the boronic acid precursor and the radiolabeled compound facilitated purification.
Phylogeny and evolutionary history of the amniote egg
Authors: Starck J. Matthias , Stewart James R. , Blackburn Daniel G.
Published: May 2021

We review morphological features of the amniote egg and embryos in a comparative phylogenetic framework, including all major clades of extant vertebrates. We discuss 40 characters that are relevant for an analysis of the evolutionary history of the vertebrate egg. Special attention is given to the morphology of the cellular yolk sac, the eggshell, and extraembryonic membranes. Many features that are typically assigned to amniotes, such as a large yolk sac, delayed egg deposition, and terrestrial reproduction have evolved independently and convergently in numerous clades of vertebrates. We use phylogenetic character mapping and ancestral character state reconstruction as tools to recognize sequence, order, and patterns of morphological evolution and deduce a hypothesis of the evolutionary history of the amniote egg. Besides amnion and chorioallantois, amniotes ancestrally possess copulatory organs (secondarily reduced in most birds), internal fertilization, and delayed deposition of eggs that contain an embryo in the primitive streak or early somite stage. Except for the amnion, chorioallantois, and amniote type of eggshell, these features evolved convergently in almost all major clades of aquatic vertebrates possibly in response to selective factors such as egg predation, hostile environmental conditions for egg development, or to adjust hatching of young to favorable season. A functionally important feature of the amnion membrane is its myogenic contractility that moves the (early) embryo and prevents adhering of the growing embryo to extraembryonic materials. This function of the amnion membrane and the liquid‐filled amnion cavity may have evolved under the requirements of delayed deposition of eggs that contain developing embryos. The chorioallantois is a temporary embryonic exchange organ that supports embryonic development. A possible evolutionary scenario is that the amniote egg presents an exaptation that paved the evolutionary pathway for reproduction on land. As shown by numerous examples from anamniotes, reproduction on land has occurred multiple times among vertebrates—the amniote egg presenting one “solution” that enabled the conquest of land for reproduction.
Value of Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced (DCE) MRI in Predicting Response to Foam Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations
Authors: Xia Zhipeng , Gu Hao , Yuan Ying , Xiang Shiyu , Zhang Zimin , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: May 2021

Background

Preoperative imaging assessment of venous malformations (VMs) and prediction of foam sclerotherapy efficacy might be achievable by DCE‐MRI but elaborate quantitive analysis was absent.

Purpose

To evaluate the value of DCE‐MRI in predicting the effectiveness of foam sclerotherapy in VMs.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Fifty‐five patients (M:F = 17:38; mean age ± SD, 15.4 ± 13.0 years) with VMs.

Field Strength/Sequence

Three Tesla MRI with 3D T1‐weighted volume interpolated body examination.

Assessment

Patients who underwent pretreatment DCE‐MRI were divided into “effective” and “ineffective” groups according to the response to foam sclerotherapy. Clinical characteristics and morphologic features were assessed. The semiquantitative parameters, such as maximum intensity time ratio (MITR), enhancement ratio (ER), and Slope, were obtained from ROI and volume of interest (VOI). The quartile and mean values of these parameters were acquired from VOI, while mean values denoted as Mean# were acquired from ROI. Establishment of two predictive models was based on ROI and VOI respectively. Model 1 was based on morphologic parameters and ROI semiquantitative parameters, while model 2 was based on morphologic parameters and VOI semiquantitative parameters.

Statistical Analysis

Mann–Whitney U‐test, Cohen's kappa, multivariate logistic regression analysis (backward stepwise), and ROC analyses.

Results

The lesion classification, presence of phlebolith, semiquantitative parameters of VOI (quartile and mean of MITR), and semiquantitative parameters of ROI (Slopemean#, MITRmean#) were significantly different between two groups. Lesion classification (P = 0.002) and MITRmean# (P = 0.027) were independent predictors for poor efficacy in model 1 as determined by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. For model 2, lesion classification (P = 0.006) and MITR25 (P = 0.001) were independent predictors. The predictive model based on VOI (AUC = 0.961) performed better than that based on ROI (AUC = 0.909) in predicting therapeutic response.

Data Conclusion

DCE‐MRI is promising in predicting the response to foam sclerotherapy for VMs. The whole lesion VOI‐based model showed better performance and could instruct surgical approach in the future.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Amide Proton Transfer‐Weighted Imaging and Multiple Models Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging Facilitates Preoperative Risk Stratification of Early‐Stage Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Meng Nan , Fang Ting , Feng Pengyang , Huang Zhun , Sun Jing , Wang Xuejia , Shang Jie , Wang Kaiyu , Han Dongming , Wang Meiyun
Published: May 2021

Background

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) risk stratification is generally based on histological assessment. It would be beneficial to perform risk stratification noninvasively by MRI.

Purpose

To investigate the application of amide proton transfer‐weighted imaging (APTWI), monoexponential, biexponential, and stretched exponential intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) for the evaluation of risk stratification in early‐stage EC.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Eighty patients with early‐stage EC (47 classified as low risk, 20 as medium risk, and 13 as high risk by histological grade and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage).

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐weighted imaging, T2‐weighted imaging, IVIM, APTWI, and DKI MRI at 3 T.

Assessment

The magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym [3.5 ppm]), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC), water molecular diffusion heterogeneity index (α), mean kurtosis (MK), and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated and compared between low‐risk and non‐low‐risk groups.

Statistical Tests

Individual sample t test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The α, ADC, D, DDC, and MD were significantly higher and the f, MK, and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were significantly lower in the low‐risk group than in the non‐low‐risk group. The difference in D* between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.289). MTRasym (3.5 ppm), D, and MK were independent predictors of risk stratification. The combination of these three parameters was better able to identify low‐ and non‐low‐risk groups than each individual parameter.

Data Conclusion

The IVIM, DKI, and APTWI parameters have potential as imaging markers for risk stratification in early‐stage EC.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Vitamin D and COVID‐19: Role of ACE2, age, gender, and ethnicity
Authors: Getachew Bruk , Tizabi Yousef
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus, disproportionally targets older people, particularly men, ethnic minorities, and individuals with underlying diseases such as compromised immune system, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The discrepancy in COVID‐19 incidence and severity is multifaceted and likely involves biological, social, as well as nutritional status. Vitamin D deficiency, notably common in Black and Brown people and elderly, is associated with an increased susceptibility to many of the diseases comorbid with COVID‐19. Vitamin D deficiency can cause over‐activation of the pulmonary renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) leading to the respiratory syndrome. RAS is regulated in part at least by angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which also acts as a primary receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2 entry into the cells. Hence, vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate COVID‐19, via its effects on ACE2. In this review we focus on influence of age, gender, and ethnicity on vitamin D‐ACE2 interaction and susceptibility to COVID‐19.
Association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms with COVID‐19 susceptibility and its outcome
Authors: Abbas Mohammad , Verma Sushma , Verma Shrikant , Siddiqui Sahabjada , Khan Faizan H. , Raza Syed T. , Siddiqi Zeba , Eba Ale , Mahdi Farzana
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has become a global health issue and develops into a broad range of illnesses from asymptomatic to fatal respiratory diseases. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is associated with oxidative stress that triggers cytokine production, inflammation, and other pathophysiological processes. Glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) is an important enzyme that catalyzes the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) with electrophiles to protect the cell from oxidative damage and participates in the antioxidant defense mechanism in the lungs. Thus, in this study, we investigated the role of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphism with COVID‐19 susceptibility, as well as its outcome. The study included 269 RT‐PCR confirmed COVID‐19 patients with mild (n = 149) and severe (n = 120) conditions. All subjects were genotyped for GSTM1 and GSTT1 by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) followed by statistical analysis. The frequency of GSTM1−/−, GSTT1−/− and GSTM1−/−/GSTT1−/− was higher in severe COVID‐19 patients as compared to mild patients but we did not observe a significant association. In the Cox hazard model, death was significantly 2.28‐fold higher in patients with the GSTT1−/− genotype (p = 0.047). In combination, patients having GSTM1+/+ and GSTT1−/− genotypes showed a poor survival rate (p = 0.02). Our results suggested that COVID‐19 patients with the GSTT1−/− genotype showed higher mortality.
Immunological aspects and gender bias during respiratory viral infections including novel Coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19): A scoping review
Authors: Vadakedath Sabitha , Kandi Venkataramana , Mohapatra Ranjan K. , Pinnelli Venkata B. K. , Yegurla Richa R. , Shahapur Praveen R. , Godishala Vikram , Natesan Senthilkumar , Vora Kranti S. , Sharun Khan , Tiwari Ruchi , Bilal Muhammad , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: May 2021

The human immune system is not adequately equipped to eliminate new microbes and could result in serious damage on first exposure. This is primarily attributed to the exaggerated immune response (inflammatory disease), which may prove detrimental to the host, as evidenced by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. From the experiences of Novel Coronavirus Disease‐19 to date, male patients are likely to suffer from high‐intensity inflammation and disease severity than the female population. Hormones are considered the significant pillars of sex differences responsible for the discrepancy in immune response exhibited by males and females. Females appear to be better equipped to counter invading respiratory viral pathogens, including the novel SARS‐CoV‐2, than males. It can be hypothesized that females are more shielded from disease severity, probably owing to the diverse action/influence of estrogen and other sex hormones on both cellular (thymus‐derived T lymphocytes) and humoral immunity (antibodies).
Prevalence and genetic diversity of gastroenteritis viruses in hospitalized children < 5 years of age in Maharashtra state, Western India, 2017–2019
Authors: Gopalkrishna Varanasi , Joshi Madhuri S. , Chavan Nutan A. , Shinde Manohar S. , Walimbe Atul M. , Sawant Pradeep M. , Kalrao Vijay R. , Dhongade Ram K. , Bavdekar Ashish R.
Published: May 2021

Four gastroenteritis viruses were responsible for 54% of the acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases in children hospitalized between May 2017 and December 2019 in Pune city of Maharashtra state, Western India. The majority (79%) of the children were <2 years of age. The prevalence of Rotavirus A (RVA) was 30.5% followed by 14.3% for norovirus, 8.4% for adenovirus, and 5.5% for astrovirus. The severity of the disease was highest in patients with coinfections compared with the patients with a single infection or negative for all (p = 0.024). Genotyping analysis showed that the majority of the RVA‐positive samples (66%) could be typed as G3P[8], 63.6% of the norovirus as GII.4 Sydney [P16], 44% of the adenovirus as type 41%, and 56.2% of the astrovirus as astrovirus type 1. The almost equivalent prevalence of rotavirus and nonrotaviruses and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases without known etiology in around 46% of the cases was noted in the present study. Our data highlight that after the recent inclusion of rotavirus vaccines as a part of the National Immunization schedule in India, conducting extensive AGE surveillance in children should include nonrotaviruses such as norovirus.
Genomic surveillance activities unveil the introduction of the SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.525 variant of interest in Brazil: Case report
Authors: Pereira Felicidade , Tosta Stephane , Lima Maricélia M. , Reboredo de Oliveira da Silva Luciana , Nardy Vanessa B. , Gómez Marcela K. A. , Lima Jaqueline G. , Fonseca Vagner , de Oliveira Tulio , Lourenço Jose , Alcantara Luiz C. , Giovanetti Marta , Leal Arabela
Published: May 2021

The appearance of new variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 has recently challenged public health authorities with respect to tracking transmission and mitigating the impact in the evolving pandemic across countries. B.1.525 is considered a variant under investigation since it carries specific genetic signatures present in P.1, B.1.1.7, and B.1.351. Here we report genomic evidence of the first likely imported case of the SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.525 variant, isolated in a traveler returning from Nigeria.
The natural course of COVID‐19 patients without clinical intervention
Authors: Wu Daxian , Rao Qunfang , Zhang Wenfeng
Published: May 2021

The natural course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients without clinical intervention has not yet been documented. One hundred and fifty‐eight patients from two hospitals were enrolled to identify the indicators of severe COVID‐19 and observe the natural course of COVID‐19 patients without clinical intervention. The total computed tomography (CT) score, a quantitative score based on assessment of the number, quadrant, and area of the lesions in CT, tended to perform better than assessment based only on the number or area of the lesions (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0887, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the total CT score, chest tightness, lymphocyte, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were independent factors for severe COVID‐19. For patients admitted in 2 weeks from onset to hospitalization, the frequency of severe COVID‐19 was gradually increased with the delayed hospitalization. The symptoms of fatigue, dry cough, sputum production, chest tightness, and polypnea were gradually more frequent. The levels of C‐reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, LDH, and d‐dimer were also gradually increased, as well as the scores based on CT. Conversely, the lymphocyte count and the albumin level were gradually decreased with the delayed hospitalization. Detail turning points of the above alterations were observed after 10–14 days from onset to hospitalization. Total CT score was a simple and feasible score for identifying severe COVID‐19. COVID‐19 patients without clinical intervention deteriorated gradually during the initial 10–14 days but gradually improved thereafter.
CNTFET‐based active grounded inductor using positive and negative current conveyors and applications
Authors: Jogad Seema , Alkhammash Hend I. , Afzal Neelofer , Loan Sajad A.
Published: May 2021

In this work, we design and simulate novel 32 nm carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) as well as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)‐based negative class AB second generation current conveyors (CC) (CNTFET‐CCII and CMOS‐CCII−). The comparative analyses of various performance measuring parameters of both these CCII's have been performed. A significant improvement in current and voltage bandwidths, terminal X and Y impedances at lesser total harmonic distortions and reduced power consumption have been observed in the proposed CNTFET‐based CCII− in comparison to its CMOS‐based counterpart. Further, a CNTFET‐based active grounded inductor (AGI) has been designed and simulated for the first time using the proposed CNTFET‐CCII− and our recently designed CNTFET‐CCII+ and has been compared with the CMOS‐based AGI. To validate the performance of the simulated AGI's, single input multi output current mode filter and third‐order high pass Butterworth filter have also been designed and simulated. The simulation results reveal that the performance of the CNTFET‐AGI‐based applications are close to ideal response with less power consumption and temperature insensitivity with reduced active chip die area of 0.16 μm2 and can be efficiently used for low voltage, low power, and high frequency applications.
Identification and coregulation pattern analysis of long noncoding RNAs following subacute spinal cord injury
Authors: Wang Wenzhao , Ma Liang , Li Jun , Yang Shang‐You , Yi Zheng , Sun Mingjie , Chen Jianan , Xie Wei
Published: May 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play critical regulatory roles in posttranscriptional and transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic cells. However, the characteristics of many lncRNAs, particularly their expression patterns in the lesion epicenter of spinal tissues following subacute spinal cord injury (SCI), remain unclear. In this study, we determined the expression profiles of lncRNAs in the lesion epicenter of spinal tissues after traumatic SCI and predicted latent regulatory networks. Standard Allen's drop surgery was conducted on mice, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the damaged area. High‐throughput sequencing was performed to identify the differential expression profiles of lncRNAs. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to evaluate the quality of the sequencing results. Bioinformatics analyses, including Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, coexpression analysis, and protein–protein interaction analysis, were performed. Targeted binding of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA was predicted by TargetScan and miRanda. A total of 230 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified and preliminarily verified, and some potential regulatory networks were constructed. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying subacute SCI; differentially expressed lncRNAs are closely involved in pathophysiological processes by regulating multiple pathways. Further studies are essential for revealing the exact mechanism underlying competing endogenous RNA pathways in vivo and in vitro.
Metabolic regime shifts and ecosystem state changes are decoupled in a large river
Authors: Diamond Jacob S. , Moatar Florentina , Cohen Matthew J. , Poirel Alain , Martinet Cécile , Maire Anthony , Pinay Gilles
Published: May 2021

Aquatic ecosystem recovery from anthropogenic degradation can be hampered by internal feedbacks that stabilize undesirable states. The challenges of managing and predicting alternative states in lakes are well known, but state shifts in rivers and their attendant effects on ecosystem function remain understudied despite strong recent evidence that such shifts can and do occur. Using three decades of measurements of key state variables such as turbidity, nutrient concentrations, Corbicula fluminea clam densities, and chlorophyll a, including hourly dissolved oxygen, we investigated a sudden shift from phytoplankton to macrophyte dominance in the middle Loire River (France), and its associated effects on the rivers metabolic regime. We show, instead, that despite large and synchronous shifts across all state variables, changes in gross primary production and ecosystem respiration were modest (25% and 14% declines, respectively) and that these shifts lagged the ecosystem state changes by a decade or more. The shift to a macrophyte‐dominated state reduced the sensitivity of primary production to abiotic drivers, altered element cycling efficiency, flipped the net carbon balance from positive to negative, and, crucially, weakened the temporal coupling between production and respiration. This weakened coupling, detected using Granger causality, increased the temporal autocorrelation of net ecosystem production, yielding a robust early warning indicator of both state‐ and metabolic‐shifts that may provide valuable guidance for river restoration.
Energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence methodology and analysis of suspended particulate matter in seawater for trace element compositions and an intercomparison with high‐resolution inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Buck Nathaniel J. , Barrett Pamela M. , Morton Peter L. , Landing William M. , Resing Joseph A.
Published: May 2021

A modification of energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) for analysis of trace element concentrations in suspended particulate matter (SPM) in seawater and intercomparison with high‐resolution inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (HR ICP‐MS) is presented. Approximately 250 SPM samples were collected on polycarbonate track‐etched filters in the Indian Ocean during the U.S. CLIVAR/CO2 Repeat Hydrography meridional section I09N cruise in 2007. Samples were first analyzed by ED‐XRF, a nondestructive technique, for Al, P, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn and subsequently digested and quantified by HR ICP‐MS, creating two blind, basin‐scale data sets used for a paired statistical comparison. Our results found (1) ED‐XRF analysis using thin‐film principles can quantify the elemental composition of SPM at nanomolar concentrations found in the open ocean; (2) there was excellent agreement between ED‐XRF and HR ICP‐MS analyses for Al, Fe, and Mn and good agreement for P and Ti; (3) analytical differences were the largest for Cu, Ni, and Zn; (4) HR ICP‐MS methods have lower detection limits for most elements when compared to the ED‐XRF; (5) ED‐XRF analysis has a closer agreement to reported values for the NIST SRM 2783 standard and lower relative standard deviations when compared to the HR ICP‐MS. We recommend continued refinement of nondestructive ED‐XRF methods as this would allow for the easy exchange of filtered samples between lab groups for intercalibration and intercomparison of basin‐scale hydrographic cruises and archival for future analysis.
Large and interacting effects of temperature and nutrient addition on stratified microbial ecosystems in a small, replicated, and liquid‐dominated Winogradsky column approach
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Choffat Yves , Daugaard Uriah , Petchey Owen L.
Published: May 2021

Aquatic ecosystems are often stratified, with cyanobacteria in oxic layers and phototrophic sulfur bacteria in anoxic zones. Changes in stratification caused by the global environmental change are an ongoing concern. Increasing understanding of how such aerobic and anaerobic microbial communities, and associated abiotic conditions, respond to multifarious environmental changes is an important endeavor in microbial ecology. Insights can come from observational and experimental studies of naturally occurring stratified aquatic ecosystems, theoretical models of ecological processes, and experimental studies of replicated microbial communities in the laboratory. Here, we demonstrate a laboratory‐based approach with small, replicated, and liquid‐dominated Winogradsky columns, with distinct oxic/anoxic strata in a highly replicable manner. Our objective was to apply simultaneous global change scenarios (temperature, nutrient addition) on this micro‐ecosystem to report how the microbial communities (full‐length 16S rRNA gene seq.) and the abiotic conditions (O2, H2S, TOC) of the oxic/anoxic layer responded to these environmental changes. The composition of the strongly stratified microbial communities was greatly affected by temperature and by the interaction of temperature and nutrient addition, demonstrating the need of investigating global change treatments simultaneously. Especially phototrophic sulfur bacteria dominated the water column at higher temperatures and may indicate the presence of alternative stable states. We show that the establishment of such a micro‐ecosystem has the potential to test global change scenarios in stratified eutrophic limnic systems.