bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNA hsa_circRNA_102209 promotes the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer through miR‐761‐mediated Ras and Rab interactor 1 signaling
Authors: Li Chi , Zhou Hong
Published: July 2020

In our study, has_circRNA_102209 was the most elevated regulator in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues according to circRNA array data. The levels of hsa_circRNA_102209 in CRC specimens and cells, as well as its effects on CRC cells were investigated. The expression of hsa_circRNA_102209 in CRC and paired non‐cancerous samples, human CRC, and normal colonic epithelial cells were examined using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Cells with hsa_circRNA_102209 knockdown were established using lentiviral vectors. Cell proliferative ability was evaluated using CCK‐8 assay; cell migrative/invasive activities were determined using wound healing/Transwell assay. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry; apoptosis, and EMT markers were examined using RT‐qPCR and western blotting. Tumor development and levels of associated proteins were determined in hsa_circRNA_102209 knockdown mice. Our results revealed that expression of hsa_circRNA_102209 was remarkably increased in CRC tissues, where the levels of miR‐761 were notably reduced (P < .05). Additionally, the levels of hsa_circRNA_102209 were associated with histology grade and occurrence of liver metastasis in CRC patients, and the expression of hsa_circRNA_102209 and miR‐761 were negatively correlated (P < .05). Moreover, hsa_circRNA_102209 was upregulated in CRC cells compared with normal colonic epithelial cells. Knockdown of hsa_circRNA_102209 notably inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of CRC cells (P < .05), whereas cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis were enhanced (P < .05). Furthermore, miR‐761/Ras and Rab interactor 1 (RIN1) axis was the putative target of hsa_circRNA_102209 in CRC and involved in hsa_circRNA_102209‐modulated growth and metastasis of CRC cells (P < .05). Knockdown of hsa_circRNA_102209 also remarkably suppressed tumor growth in vivo (P < .05). In summary, our data revealed that the expression of hsa_circRNA_102209 was elevated in CRC samples and cells. Furthermore, hsa_circRNA_102209 could promote the progression of CRC through miR‐761/RIN1 axis. More importantly, hsa_circRNA_102209/miR‐761/RIN1 signaling may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC patients.
Trauma‐focused counselling and social effectiveness skills training interventions on impaired psychological functioning of internally displaced adolescents in Nigeria
Authors: Lawrence Kehinde Clement , Falaye Ajibola Omolola
Published: July 2020

Trauma‐focused counselling (T‐FC) and social effectiveness skills training (SEST) were used on impaired psychological functioning of early adolescents in IDP Camps in Nigeria. The factorial quasi‐experimental design was adopted. While the cluster sampling technique was used to select 60 participants from the IDP camps and were randomly assigned to T‐FC (20), SEST (20) and control (20) groups, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (α = .81) was used to screen the participants for impaired psychological functioning and adolescents' psychosocial functioning inventory scale (α = .90) was used for data collection. Analysis of covariance was used for data analysis. The two interventions significantly improved psychological functioning of displaced adolescents that was impaired [F(2,57) = 239.29; partial ῆ2 = 0.89]. It was concluded that T‐FC and SEST were found to be potent on impaired psychological functioning of adolescents in internally displaced camps in North‐Central Nigeria.
On the Case of the Misplaced Hydrogens
Authors: Kumar Prashasti , Agarwal Pratul K. , Cuneo Matthew J.
Published: July 2020

Few other elements play a more central role in biology than hydrogen. The interactions, bonding and movement of hydrogen atoms are central to biological catalysis, structure and function. Yet owing to the elusive nature of a single hydrogen atom few experimental and computational techniques can precisely determine its location. This is exemplified in short hydrogen bonds (SHBs) where the location of the hydrogen atom is indicative of the underlying strength of the bonds, which can vary from 1–5 kcal/mol in canonical hydrogen bonds, to an almost covalent nature in single‐well hydrogen bonds. Owing to the often‐times inferred position of hydrogen, the role of SHBs in biology has remained highly contested and debated. This has also led to discrepancies in computational, biochemical and structural studies of proteins thought to use SHBs in performing chemistry and stabilizing interactions. Herein, we discuss in detail two distinct examples, namely the conserved catalytic triad and the photoreceptor, photoactive yellow protein, where studies of these SHB‐containing systems have permitted contextualization of the role these unique hydrogen bonds play in biology.
RING finger protein 38 induces the drug resistance of cisplatin in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Chao , Chen Lei , Tao Haitao , Kong Lu , Hu Yi
Published: July 2020

Cisplatin resistance of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) needs to be well elucidated. RING finger protein (RNF38) has been proposed as a biomarker of NSCLC poor prognosis. However, its role in drug resistance in NSCLC is poorly understood. RNF38 expression was detected in normal lung epithelial cell and four NSCLC cell lines. RNF38 was stably overexpressed in A549 and H460 cells or silenced in H1975 and cisplatin‐resistant A549 cells (A549‐CDDP resistant) using lentiviral vectors. RNF38 expression levels were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. Cell viability in response to different concentrations of cisplatin was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. RNF38 expression levels were markedly elevated in NSCLC cells and cells harboring high RNF38 were less sensitive to cisplatin. Overexpression of RNF38 reduced, while RNF38 silencing increased the drug sensitivity of cisplatin in NSCLC cells. Cisplatin‐resistant cells expressed high RNF38 level. RNF38 silencing promoted cell apoptosis and enhanced the drug sensitivity of cisplatin in cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC cells. These findings indicate that RNF38 might induce cisplatin resistance of NSCLC cells via promoting cell apoptosis and RNF38 could be a novel target for rectify cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cases.
Enhancing ethanol yields in corn dry grind process by reducing glycerol production
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Jansen Mickel , Basu Rahul , Singh Vijay
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives

Reducing glycerol production, a major by‐product produced during fermentation by yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can improve the ethanol productivity in corn dry grind process. This study investigates the potential of glycerol reduction using an advanced engineered yeast strain and determines the effect of enzyme dosage, pH, and temperature on the granular starch hydrolysis (GSH) process efficiency using both conventional yeast and advanced yeast.

Findings

Ethanol yields in GSH process were found maximum at enzyme dosage 4.8 kg/MT grains and remained unchanged with further increase in dosage. The glycerol production was reduced by more than 50% with use of advanced enzymes compared to the conventional yeast and resulted in 2.2–3.8% higher final ethanol concentrations. Performances of both yeast were reduced and lead to stuck fermentation at 36°C temperature.

Conclusions

Use of advanced yeast strains can improve the ethanol yields by reducing glycerol production in GSH process; however, the ethanol yields are highly dependent on the process conditions, especially enzyme loadings and temperature.

Significance and novelty

GSH process is expected to produce lower glycerol compared to conventional dry grind process. This research demonstrated that advanced engineered yeasts can reduce the glycerol production in GSH process also, improving the process yields and profitability.
Helicity Control in the Aggregation of Achiral Squaraine Dyes in Solution and Thin Films
Authors: Rösch Andreas T. , Zhu Qirong , Robben Jorn , Tassinari Francesco , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Naaman Ron , Palmans Anja R. A. , Meijer E. W.
Published: July 2020

Squaraine dyes are well known for their strong absorption in the visible regime. Reports on chiral squaraine dyes are, however, scarce. To address this gap, we here report two novel chiral squaraine dyes and their achiral counterparts. The presented dyes are aggregated in solution and in thin films. A detailed chiroptical study shows that thin films formed by co‐assembling the chiral dye with its achiral counterpart exhibit exceptional photophysical properties. The circular dichroism (CD) of the co‐assembled structures reaches a maximum when just 25 % of the chiral dye are present in the mixture. The solid structures with the highest relative CD effect are achieved when the chiral dye is used solely as a director, rather than the structural component. The chiroptical data are further supported by selected spin‐filtering measurements using mc‐AFM. These findings provide a promising platform for investigating the relationship between the dissymmetry of a supramolecular structure and emerging material properties rather than a comparison between a chiral molecular structure and an achiral counterpart.
A Click Chemistry Approach to Developing Molecularly Targeted DNA Scissors
Authors: Lauria Teresa , Slator Creina , McKee Vickie , Müller Markus , Stazzoni Samuele , Crisp Antony L. , Carell Thomas , Kellett Andrew
Published: July 2020

Nucleic acid click chemistry was used to prepare a family of chemically modified triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) for application as a new gene‐targeted technology. Azide‐bearing phenanthrene ligands—designed to promote triplex stability and copper binding—were ‘clicked’ to alkyne‐modified parallel TFOs. Using this approach, a library of TFO hybrids was prepared and shown to effectively target purine‐rich genetic elements in vitro. Several of the hybrids provide significant stabilisation toward melting in parallel triplexes (>20 °C) and DNA damage can be triggered upon copper binding in the presence of added reductant. Therefore, the TFO and ‘clicked’ ligands work synergistically to provide sequence‐selectivity to the copper cutting unit which, in turn, confers high stabilisation to the DNA triplex. To extend the boundaries of this hybrid system further, a click chemistry‐based di‐copper binding ligand was developed to accommodate designer ancillary ligands such as DPQ and DPPZ. When this ligand was inserted into a TFO, a dramatic improvement in targeted oxidative cleavage is afforded.
Ladderane Natural Products: From the Ground Up
Authors: Hancock Erin N. , Brown M. Kevin
Published: July 2020

The ladderane family of natural products are well known for their linearly concatenated cyclobutane skeletal structure. Owing to their unique carbocyclic framework, several chemical syntheses have been reported since their discovery in 2002. The focus of this review is to showcase the novel tactics that have been used to generate the ladderane core and the challenges that are associated with the synthesis of these unusual and complex natural products.
Association between race and treatment patterns and survival outcomes in multiple myeloma: A Connect MM Registry analysis
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Jagannath Sundar , Lee Hans C. , Narang Mohit , Rifkin Robert M. , Terebelo Howard R. , Durie Brian G. M. , Toomey Kathleen , Hardin James W. , Gasparetto Cristina J. , Wagner Lynne , Omel James L. , He Mia , Yue Lihua , Flick Elizabeth Dawn , Agarwal Amit , Abonour Rafat ,   Connect MM Registry Investigators
Published: July 2020

Background

Studies have reported racial disparities in access to and use of multiple myeloma (MM) treatments between African American (AA) and White patients. Although AA patients demonstrate longer disease‐specific survival, this has not uniformly translated into improved survival over time. The association between race and treatment patterns and survival outcomes was analyzed using data from the Connect MM Registry.

Methods

The Connect MM Registry is a large US, multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed MM. Patients who received first‐line (1L) stem cell transplantation (SCT) or who did not receive SCT (non‐SCT or non–stem cell transplantation [NSCT]) were grouped by raceEffects of race and transplantation status on the use of triplet treatment were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

Treatment patterns in 1L (types and duration of induction, posttransplantation maintenance) were similar between AA and White patients. SCT rates in 1L (32% vs 36%) and triplet treatment use (AA: 44% for NSCT patients and 72% for SCT patients; and White: 48% for NSCT patients and 72% for SCT patients) during first induction were similar. No significant effect of race or transplantation status on 1L triplet treatment use was observed. Race was not found to be associated with survival outcomes among patients who underwent NSCT; however, AA patients who received SCT had significantly longer overall survival compared with White patients who underwent SCT (not reached vs 88.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.89 [P = .0141]).

Conclusions

AA and White patients were found to have similar treatment patterns in the Connect MM Registry, suggesting that both groups had equal access to health care. In this real‐world setting, AA patients received standard‐of‐care treatment, which might have contributed to better MM‐specific survival compared with White patients.
Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on perioperative morbidity after major surgery for head and neck cancer
Authors: Kiong Kimberley L. , Lin Fang‐Yu , Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Guo Theresa , Ferrarotto Renata , Weber Randal S. , Lewis Carol M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been used in patients with advanced head and neck cancers (HNCs) with the intent of downstaging tumors and suppressing distant metastases. However, to the authors' knowledge, the perioperative impact of NAC has not been systematically explored in patients with HNC. The objective of the current study was to compare perioperative outcomes with surgery upfront compared with patients treated with NAC.

Methods

Between March 1, 2016, and March 31, 2019, patients undergoing surgery for HNC with flap reconstruction at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston were included. Data were extracted from the prospectively maintained National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Postoperative complications, return to operating room, and readmission rates were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses of length of stay and overall and wound complications were performed.

Results

A total of 834 patients were analyzed, 687 of whom (82.4%) underwent surgery upfront and 147 of whom (17.6%) received NAC. A total of 631 cases (75.7%) involved the upper aerodigestive tract whereas 203 cases (24.3%) were cutaneous. A total of 317 patients (38.0%) had recurrent disease. The NAC group was younger (P < .001) and had less hypertension (P = .011), but had more advanced clinical stage tumors (P < .001) and surgeries with multiple flap reconstruction (P = .007). Patient groups did not differ with regard to wound complications (P = .47), return to operating room (P = .31), or readmission rates (P = .49). The NAC group received more blood transfusions (P < .001) but was found to have a lower risk of overall complications on multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30‐0.83). The overall complication rate was unchanged with surgery performed ≤21 days after the last chemotherapy cycle.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing NAC appear to have a higher disease burden but tend to be younger and healthier. Within the context of this inherent selection bias, NAC does not appear to increase perioperative morbidity among patients undergoing surgery for HNC.
Regulating Capacitive Performance of Monolithic Carbon Sponges by Balancing Heteroatom Content, Surface Area and Graphitization Degree
Authors: Jing Xiangxia , Zhou Lan , Kang Wenjun , Wang Lei , Wei Denghu , Qu Konggang , Li Rui , Chen Baoli , Guo Zengjing , Li Haibo
Published: July 2020

Monolithic electrodes show a great advantage in energy storage devices. Nitrogen/oxygen co‐doped carbons sponges (NOCSs) prepared from carbonized melamine foams are directly applied as the supercapacitor electrodes without any additives and binders. The influence of carbonization temperatures from 650 to 950 °C on the heteroatom (N and O) content, surface area, graphitization degree, and capacitor performance of carbon sponges are systematically investigated, and it is found that NOCS‐850 delivers a better overall capacitive properties for its balanced heteroatom content, surface area, and graphitization degree. It possess specific capacitances of 338 F g−1 at a scan rate of 1.0 mV s−1 and 168.3 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in 1.0 M H2SO4. After 5000 cycles of repeated charging/discharging process, the capacitance retention remains 107%. When being assembled into an all‐solid‐state supercapacitor, the NOCS‐850 has a energy density of 5.38 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 233 W kg−1. A red light‐emitting diode can be successfully lighted by three connected all‐solid‐state supercapacitors of NOCS‐850, illustrating its potential application in energy storage field.
Mechanical C−C Bond Formation by Laser Driven Shock Wave
Authors: Ishikawa Wakako , Sato Shunichi
Published: July 2020

Mechanically induced C−C bond formation was demonstrated by the laser driven shock wave generated in liquid normal alkanes at room temperature. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed the dehydrogenation condensation between two alkane molecules, for seven normal alkanes from pentane to undecane. Major products were identified to be linear and branched alkane molecules with double the number of carbons, and exactly coincided with the molecules predicted by supposing that a C−C bond was formed between two starting molecules. The production of the alkane molecules showed that the C−C bond formation occurred almost evenly at all the carbon positions. The dependence of the production on the laser pulse energy clearly indicated that the process was attributed to the shock wave. The C−C bond formation observed was not a conventional passive chemical reaction but an unprecedented active reaction.
Activating both Halogen and Chalcogen Bonding Interactions in Cation Radical Salts of Iodinated Tetrathiafulavalene Derivatives
Authors: Beau Maxime , Jeannin Olivier , Lee Sunhee , Barrière Frédéric , Fourmigué Marc , Jeon Ie‐Rang
Published: July 2020

Halogen bonding (XB) interactions are investigated in cation radical salts of bis(methylthio)‐5,5’‐diiodotetrathiafulvalene (1). Electrocrystallization of 1 in the presence of Bu4NCl affords a 1 : 1 salt formulated as (E‐1)Cl. Particularly strong I⋅⋅⋅Cl− XB interactions are observed around the Cl− anion with the distances at 78 % the sum of the van der Waals radii, a consequence of the XB charge activation in the cation radical. Moreover, the Cl− environment is complemented by two extra S⋅⋅⋅Cl− chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions, an original feature among reported halide salts of TTF derivatives. Electrostatic potential calculations on the cation radical further demonstrate the efficient activation of the S atoms of the 1,3‐dithiole rings (Vs,max=87.2 kcal/mol), as strong as with the iodine atoms (Vs,max=87.9 kcal/mol). The radical cations form weakly dimerized stacks, as confirmed by the variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility and the weak conductivity (4.8×10−5 S cm−1).
Maximizing performance throughCSR: The mediator role of theCSRprinciples in the shipbuilding industry
Authors: Para‐González Lorena , Mascaraque‐Ramírez Carlos , Cubillas‐Para Clara
Published: July 2020

This research studies the relationship between the compliance with the five principles of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the performance of the shipbuilding industry. Recent studies have shown signs of a positive relationship between these concepts, although these studies are limited to certain specific fields, existing a need for detailed research in other sectors, such as shipbuilding. A longitudinal analysis of the shipbuilding sector performance is presented, considering the trends of the last five years in the five continents, considering the most relevant shipyards. Two types of results are evaluated, current contracts and new contracts, which provides respectively a perspective of the current and future strategy of the organizations. This research identifies a clear positive trend between organizations' efforts (in terms of CSR principles) and improvement in their results. This recognizes CSR as a tool that not only improves the company's image in society, but also enhances performance.
Polymer “Tape”‐Assisted Ball‐Milling Method Fabrication Few‐Atomic‐Layered Bismuth for Improving K+/Na+ Storage
Authors: Tian Yu , Li Hang , Zhang Shuyan , Zhang Haode , Li Guangze , Liu Dongqing , Qi Yanyuan , Jian Zelang , Cai Xingke , Li Fujun , Chen Wen
Published: July 2020

Few‐layered 2D analogs exhibit new physical/chemical properties, leading to a strong research interest and broad areas of application. Recently, lots of methods (such as ultrasonic and electrochemical methods) have already used to prepared 2D materials. However, these methods suffer from the drawbacks of low yield, high cost, or precarious state, which limit the large‐scale applications. Inspired by the famous Scotch tape method, we develop a ball‐milling with polymer “tape” method, fabricating few‐atomic‐layered material, showing the high‐yield, low‐cost, and much stability. As electrode material, ultrathin 2D materials can shorten the ion transfer pathway, contributing to the development of high‐power batteries. Meanwhile, few‐atomic‐layered structure can expose more active sites to increase their capacity, showing special energy storage mechanism. We use the as‐prepared few‐atomic‐layered Bi (FALB) and reduced oxide graphene composites as the anode for potassium/sodium‐ion batteries (KIBs/NIBs). The sample achieves a high reversible capacity of 395 mAh g−1 for KIBs, of which FALB contributes 438 mAh g−1 (higher than the theoretical capacity of Bi, 386 mAh g−1), and it carries outstanding cycle and rate performance in KIBs/NIBs.
The dangerous and contradictory prognostic significance of PVR<3WU when TAPSE<16mm in postcapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Raitière Olivier , Berthelot Emmanuelle , Fauvel Charles , Guignant Pierre , Si Belkacem Nassima , Sitbon Olivier , Bauer Fabrice
Published: July 2020

Aims

In 2019, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) < 3WU was adopted to stratify patients at low risk in pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH‐LHD) as well those with isolated PH‐LHD. We sought to evaluate whether supervised machine learning with decision tree analysis, which provides more information than Cox Proportional analysis by forming a hierarchy of multiple covariates, confirms this risk stratification.

Methods and results

Two hundred two consecutive patients (mean age: 69 ± 11 years, female: 42%) with mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 20 mmHg and wedge pressure > 15 mmHg were recruited. Transpulmonary pressure gradient ⩾̸ 12 mmHg, PVR ⩾̸ 3WU, diastolic pressure gradient ⩾̸ 7 mmHg, pulmonary arterial capacitance < 1.1 mL/mmHg, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 16 mm, peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity < 10 cm/s, right ventricular end‐diastolic area ⩾̸ 25 cm2 were the seven categorical values entered into the model due to their prognostic significance in PH. We used the chi‐squared automatic interaction detection method to predict mortality. Each node and branch were compared using survival analysis at 6‐year follow‐up. Mean pulmonary artery pressure, wedge pressure, cardiac index, and PVR were 40.3 ± 10.0 mmHg, 22.3 ± 7.1 mmHg, 2.9 ± 0.8 L/min/m2, and 3.6 ± 2.1WU, respectively. Among the seven dichotomous, TAPSE was first selected following by PVR. Compared with patients with PVR < 3WU and TAPSE ⩾̸ 16 mm, patients with PVR ⩾̸ 3WU and TAPSE ⩾̸ 16 mm, or patients with PVR ⩾̸ 3WU and TAPSE<16 mm had significantly increased mortality, HR = 3.0, 95% CI = [1.4–6.4], P = 0.006 and HR = 3.3, 95% CI = [1.6–6.9], P = 0.002, respectively, while patients with PVR < 3WU and TAPSE < 16 mm exhibited the worst prognosis, HR = 7.2, 95% CI = [3.3–15.9], P = 0.0001.

Conclusions

Used for solving regression and classification problems, decision tree analysis confirms that PVR and TAPSE have to be analysed together in PH‐LHD and revealed the dangerous and contradictory prognostic significance of PVR < 3WU when TAPSE<16 mm.
Sex differences in patients with acute decompensated heart failure in Japan: observation from the KCHF registry
Authors: Yamamoto Erika , Kato Takao , Yaku Hidenori , Morimoto Takeshi , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Ozasa Neiko , Kitai Takeshi , Taniguchi Ryoji , Iguchi Moritake , Kato Masashi , Takahashi Mamoru , Jinnai Toshikazu , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Himura Yoshihiro , Nagao Kazuya , Kawai Takafumi , Komasa Akihiro , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Kawato Mitsunori , Seko Yuta , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Shizuta Satoshi , Ono Koh , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Kimura Takeshi ,   KCHF Study Investigators
Published: July 2020

Aims

The association between sex and long‐term outcome in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has not been fully studied yet in Japanese population. The aim of this study was to determine differences in baseline characteristics and management of patients with ADHF between women and men and to compare 1‐year outcomes between the sexes in a large‐scale database representing the current real‐world clinical practice in Japan.

Methods and results

Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry is a prospective cohort study enrolling consecutive patients hospitalized for ADHF in Japan among 19 centres. Baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, management, and 1‐year outcomes were compared between men and women. A total of 3728 patients who were alive at discharge constituted the current study population. There were 1671 women (44.8%) and 2057 men. Women were older than men [median (IQR): 83 (76–88) years vs. 77 (68–84) years, P < 0.0001]. Hypertensive and valvular heart diseases were more prevalent in women than in men (28.0% vs. 22.5%, P = 0.0001; and 26.9% vs. 14.0%, P < 0.0001, respectively), whereas ischaemic aetiology was less prevalent in women than in men (20.0% vs. 32.5%, P < 0.0001). Women less often had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<40%) than men (27.5% vs. 45.1%, P < 0.0001). The cumulative incidence of all‐cause death or hospitalization for heart failure was not significantly different between women and men (33.6% vs. 34.3%, P = 0.71), although women were substantially older than men. After multivariable adjustment, the risk of all‐cause death or hospitalization for heart failure was significantly lower among women (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.74–0.96, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Women with heart failure were older and more often presented with preserved EF with a non‐ischaemic aetiology and were associated with a reduced adjusted risk of 1‐year mortality compared with men in the Japanese population.
Expansion of plasmablasts and loss of memory B cells in peripheral blood from COVID‐19 patients with pneumonia
Authors: De Biasi Sara , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Meschiari Marianna , Gibellini Lara , Bellinazzi Caterina , Borella Rebecca , Fidanza Lucia , Mattioli Marco , Paolini Annamaria , Gozzi Licia , Jaacoub Dina , Faltoni Matteo , Volpi Sara , Milić Jovana , Sita Marco , Sarti Mario , Pucillo Carlo , Girardis Massimo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: July 2020

Studies on the interactions between SARS‐CoV‐2 and humoral immunity are fundamental to elaborate effective therapies including vaccines. We used polychromatic flow cytometry, coupled with unsupervised data analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), to interrogate B cells in untreated patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia. COVID‐19 patients displayed normal plasma levels of the main immunoglobulin classes, of antibodies against common antigens or against antigens present in common vaccines. However, we found a decreased number of total and naïve B cells, along with decreased percentages and numbers of memory switched and unswitched B cells. On the contrary, IgM+ and IgM− plasmablasts were significantly increased. In vitro cell activation revealed that B lymphocytes showed a normal proliferation index and number of dividing cells per cycle. PCA indicated that B‐cell number, naive and memory B cells but not plasmablasts clustered with patients who were discharged, while plasma IgM level, C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, and SOFA score with those who died. In patients with pneumonia, the derangement of the B‐cell compartment could be one of the causes of the immunological failure to control SARS‐Cov2, have a relevant influence on several pathways, organs and systems, and must be considered to develop vaccine strategies.
Effects of dielectric gradients‐mediated ions partitioning on the electrophoresis of composite soft particles: An analytical theory
Authors: Mahapatra Paramita , Gopmandal Partha P. , Duval Jérôme F. L.
Published: July 2020

In this work, we report original analytical expressions defining the electrophoretic mobility of composite soft particles comprising an inner core and a surrounding polymer shell with differentiated permeabilities to ions from aqueous background electrolyte and to fluid flow developed under applied DC field conditions. The existence of dielectric permittivity gradients operational at the core/shell and shell/solution interfaces is accounted for within the Debye–Hückel approximation and flat plate configuration valid in the thin double layer regime. The proposed electrophoretic mobility expressions, applicable to weakly to moderately charged particles with size well exceeding the Debye layer thickness, involve the relevant parameters describing the particle core/shell structure and the electrohydrodynamic features of the core and shell particle components. It is shown that the analytical expressions reported so far in literature for the mobility of hard (impermeable) or porous particles correspond to asymptotic limits of the more generic results detailed here. The impacts of dielectric‐mediated effects of ions partitioning between bulk solution and particle body on the electrophoretic response are further discussed. The obtained expressions pave the way for a refined quantitative, analytical interpretation of electrophoretic mobility data collected on soft (nano)particles (e.g., functionalized dendrimers and multilayered polyelectrolytic particles) or biological cells (e.g., viruses) for which the classical hard core‐soft shell representation is not appropriate.
Performance analysis of PV array configurations (SP, BL, HC and TT) to enhance maximum power under non‐uniform shading conditions
Authors: Bonthagorla Praveen Kumar , Mikkili Suresh
Published: July 2020

Partial shading condition (PSC) causes the significant increase in power losses of solar photovoltaic arrays. Partial shading is due to the shadows of passing clouds, chimneys, trees, bird droppings, various tall building structures etc. At the PSCs, the local hotspots are formed in the partially shaded PV modules due to increase in temperature of the shaded module during its operation in reverse bias condition. The hotspots in the PV modules can be avoided by connecting bypass diodes in anti‐parallel to the modules. But due to the functioning of bypass diodes, several peaks are produced in the I‐V and P‐V characteristics. Apart from this phenomenon, the mismatch losses are also arises between the modules with significant reduction in output power from the PV array. The objective of this paper is to model, analyze, simulate and evaluate the performance of 7 × 7 PV array configurations such as Series‐Parallel, Bridge‐Link, Honey‐Comb and Triple‐Tied in the presence of various PSCs. The PSCs considered are corner, center, right side end, bottom side end, L‐shape, frame, random and diagonal shadings. The performance of these configurations under different shading patterns have been compared and analyzed with the performance parameters like open circuit voltage, short circuit current, global peak power (GPP), voltages and currents at GPP, number of local peak powers (LPPs), voltages and currents at LPP, mismatch losses, fill factor and efficiency. All the configurations are simulated by using KYOCERA‐KC200GT PV module specifications.
Global Survey of Guidelines for the Management of Epilepsy in Pregnancy: A report from the International League Against Epilepsy Task Force on Women and Pregnancy
Authors: Tomson Torbjörn , Battino Dina , Bromley Rebecca , Kochen Silvia , Meador Kimford J. , Pennell Page B. , Thomas Sanjeev V.
Published: July 2020

The ILAE Task Force on Women and Pregnancy conducted a survey among ILAE Chapters of their use of guidelines or recommendations for the management of women with epilepsy during pregnancy. A web‐based questionnaire including 10 questions was sent to the 118 ILAE Chapters in December 2017 with repeated reminders until the end of February 2018. In total, 77 chapters (65%) responded, although not to all questions. Out of those responding, 68% reported having guidelines or recommendations, 34% of which were from 2014 or earlier. At least 20% of the guidelines did not include information on possible risk to cognitive development, information regarding specific risks with specific antiepileptic drugs, nor recommendations regarding selection of antiepileptic drugs. Among those responding to the question, 91% reported that recommendations were made regarding folate supplementation, but the recommended dose ranged from 0.4 mg/d to 4 mg/d or more; 34% did not include recommendations regarding drug level monitoring during pregnancy, and 19% did not include guidelines on breastfeeding. Our survey demonstrates that there is a need for the development of up‐to‐date, globally applicable recommendations for the management of epilepsy during pregnancy.
Model‐data fusion for seismic performance evaluation of an instrumented highway bridge
Authors: Parida Siddharth S. , Nikellis Alexandros , Sett Kallol , Singla Puneet
Published: July 2020

The paper presents a computationally efficient algorithm to integrate a probabilistic, non‐Gaussian parameter estimation approach for nonlinear finite element models with the performance‐based earthquake engineering (PBEE) framework for accurate performance evaluations of instrumented civil infrastructures. The algorithm first utilizes a minimum variance framework to fuse predictions from a numerical model of a civil infrastructure with its measured behavior during a past earthquake to update the parameters of the numerical model that is, then, used for performance prediction of the civil infrastructure during future earthquakes. A nonproduct quadrature rule, based on the conjugate unscented transformation, forms an enabling tool to drive the computationally efficient model prediction, model‐data fusion, and performance evaluation. The algorithm is illustrated and validated on Meloland Road overpass, a heavily instrumented highway bridge in El Centro, CA, which experienced three moderate earthquake events in the past. The benefits of integrating measurement data into the PBEE framework are highlighted by comparing damage fragilities of and annual probabilities of damages to the bridge estimated using the presented algorithm with that estimated using the conventional PBEE approach.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in severe, enduring anorexia nervosa: An open longer‐term follow‐up
Authors: Dalton Bethan , Lewis Yael D. , Bartholdy Savani , Kekic Maria , McClelland Jessica , Campbell Iain C. , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study assessed longer‐term outcomes from a randomised controlled feasibility trial of 20 sessions of real versus sham high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in adults with severe, enduring anorexia nervosa (SE‐AN).

Methods

Thirty participants who completed the original study protocol were invited to take part in an open follow‐up (18‐months post‐randomisation), assessing body mass index (BMI), eating disorder (ED) symptoms and other psychopathology.

Results

Twenty‐four participants (12 each originally allocated to real/sham) completed the 18‐month follow‐up. Ten of 12 participants who originally received sham treatment had real rTMS at some stage during the follow‐up. A medium between‐group effect size was seen for BMI change from baseline to 18‐months, favouring those originally allocated to real rTMS. In this group at 18‐months, five participants were weight recovered (BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2), compared with one participant in the original sham group. Both groups showed further improvement in ED symptoms during the follow‐up. Effects on mood were largely maintained at follow‐up, with catch‐up effects in the original sham group.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that rTMS treatment effects on mood are durable and that BMI and ED symptom improvements need time to emerge. Large‐scale trials are needed.
Optimal probabilistic scenario‐based operation and scheduling of prosumer microgrids considering uncertainties of renewable energy sources
Authors: Faraji Jamal , Hashemi‐Dezaki Hamed , Ketabi Abbas
Published: July 2020

Uncertainties of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as wind turbine (WT) and photovoltaic (PV) units are one of the considerable challenges of prosumer microgrids (PMGs) for the optimal day‐ahead operation. In this study, a new probabilistic scenario‐based method of optimal scheduling and operation of PMGs is developed. In this regard, different scenarios are generated using Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS). Furthermore, k‐means, k‐medoids, and differential evolution algorithms (DEA) are deployed to cluster the scenarios in the proposed method. A realistic commercial PMG in Iran is selected to apply the introduced method. The validity of the developed probabilistic optimization method for PMG operation is examined by comparing the results under various scenario reduction algorithms and MCS ones. The comparison of the obtained results and those of other existing deterministic methods highlights the advantages of the presented method. Furthermore, the sensitivity analyses are carried out to investigate the robustness of the developed method against the increase in the system uncertainty level. According to the test results, it is concluded that the k‐medoids algorithm has the best performance in comparison with the k‐means and the DEA‐based clustering under various conditions.
Worldwide maternal deaths due to COVID‐19: A brief review
Authors: Nakamura‐Pereira Marcos , Betina Andreucci Carla , de Oliveira Menezes Mariane , Knobel Roxana , Takemoto Maíra Libertad Soligo
Published: July 2020

160 maternal deaths due to COVID‐19 have been reported worldwide, most of them in middle‐income countries, representing a barrier to reducing maternal mortality.
Feasibility, acceptability and future adaptation of the Chinese translated Behavioural activation (C‐BA) treatment for depression: A pilot study
Authors: Chen Yun , Anand Deepika , Li Haolin , Xu Peng , Daughters Stacey B.
Published: July 2020

Background: Although depression is prevalent among Chinese international students (CIS), only 4% of CIS seek treatment. Behavioural activation (BA) has been suggested as a culturally sensitive treatment for depression that has the potential to meet the clinical needs of CIS. The current pilot study tested the feasibility, acceptability and themes for future cultural adaptations of a Chinese translated BA treatment (C‐BA) among CIS.

Methods: Six CIS with elevated depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI ≥ 14) completed a six‐session individual C‐BA treatment and assessments at pre‐ and post‐treatment and a 1‐month follow‐up. Primary outcome measures included treatment feasibility, acceptability and qualitative interview data informing future adaption of C‐BA. Exploratory analyses examined group changes in depressive symptoms over time and clinically significant symptom changes on individual levels.

Results: All participants found the treatment to be highly feasible and culturally acceptable, and were highly engaged in the treatment. Themes of future cultural adaptions were generated from the qualitative interviews. Significant decreases in depressive symptoms were observed at a one1‐month post‐treatment follow‐up assessment.

Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that C‐BA has the potential to be a culturally sensitive treatment for depression among CIS. CIS demonstrated openness to psychotherapy and high treatment engagement.
Antiproliferative effect and autophagy induction of curcumin derivative ZYX02‐Na on the human lung cancer cells A549
Authors: Zhou Guang‐Zhou , Guo Shuang‐Shuang , Liu Deng‐Xu , Zhang Lu , Sun Gang‐Chun
Published: July 2020

At present, a large number of curcumin derivatives had been produced and identified aiming to replace the curcumin in view of its low bioavailability and stability. Here, a novel curcumin derivative ZYX02‐Na was first used to reduce the cell viability of human non–small cell lung cells A549, which was confirmed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis showed that ZYX02‐Na could lead to cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, which demonstrated that ZYX02‐Na inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells. Furthermore, the AMPK/mTOR/4E‐BP1 signaling pathway was activated in ZYX02‐Na‐treated A549 cells. Besides, wounding healing and transwell experiments showed that ZYX02‐Na could also inhibited the migration ability of A549 cells. Moreover, we also found that ZYX02‐Na could induce autophagy of A549 cells by acridine orange staining, GFP‐LC3 subcellular localization observation and Western blotting analysis, respectively. In short, our current studies indicated that ZYX02‐Na possessed the antiproliferation effect and autophagy induction on A549 cells, while in vivo anticancer study of ZYX02‐Na needs to be done in future.
Application of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model to predict dental students’ behavioral intention to use teledentistry
Authors: Alabdullah Jafar H. , Van Lunen Bonnie L. , Claiborne Denise M. , Daniel Susan J. , Yen Cherng‐Jyh , Gustin Tina S.
Published: July 2020

Teledentistry is an innovative technology that can be used to improve access to care and oral health outcomes. Dental students’ intention to use teledentistry after completing dental school has not been investigated.

Purpose

The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was used to predict intentions to use teledentistry among 4th‐year U.S. dental students.

Methods

A cross‐sectional approach was performed for a 7‐week period in Spring 2019. All U.S. dental schools (N = 66) were invited to participate and 16 schools agreed to participate. An anonymous survey link was emailed to academic deans for dissemination to students. A total of 1416 4th‐year dental students received the anonymous survey link and 210 students completed the survey (response rate = 14.8%). The survey included questions and scales that measured the UTAUT constructs of performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), and behavioral intentions (BI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. The study was deemed exempt by institutional review board.

Results

The dental students’ BI to use teledentistry was significantly predicted by PE (R2 = 33%, P < 0.01), EE (R2 = 24%, P < 0.01), SI (R2 = 24%, P < 0.01), and FC (R2 = 14%, P < 0.01). The UTAUT model was statistically significant in predicting the BI and explained 40% of BI variance (R2 = .40, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Dental students’ perceptions about PE, EE, SI, and FC were associated with BI. Therefore, exposure to teledentistry while in dental school could increase the likelihood of use as a practicing provider.
Changes in genetic variant results over time in pediatric cardiomyopathy and electrophysiology
Authors: Cherny Sara , Olson Rachael , Chiodo Kathryn , Balmert Lauren C. , Webster Gregory
Published: July 2020

Genetic testing for cardiac disorders continues to change. Our objective was to assess trends in variant classification in pediatric arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. We conducted a retrospective review of patients tested for genetic arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy disorders from 2006–2017. Variants were classified by CLIA laboratories. Trends were assessed by the Spearman correlation. There were 914 variants in 583 patients from 337 families. The total number of tests ordered increased over time, accelerating after 2012. There was a strong positive correlation between the average number of genes tested per panel and year of testing (r = .97, p < .001) and a weak correlation between the year and a decrease in the percentage of clinically actionable variants (r = −.20, p = .005). By 2011, VUS represented >50% of variants reported on panels. Over 12 years, 203 genes were interrogated; one or more variants were reported in 91 of 203 genes (45%). 32% of patients had at least one clinically actionable variant; 28% had at least one VUS. Reclassification is an important long‐term issue, with 21.5% variants changing clinical interpretation. We observed an increase over time in three areas: total number of tests ordered, average number of genes/panel, and percentage of VUS. Providers may need to interpret results from 90 + genes, and ongoing education is critical. Due to their specific training in test result interpretation, we recommend the inclusion of a genetic counselor in pediatric electrophysiology and cardiomyopathy teams.
Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of some novel anthracene heterocycles derivatives
Authors: Dardeer Hemat M. , Taha Ahmed G. , Elamary Rokaya B.
Published: July 2020

A series of novel heterocyclic compounds containing anthracene moiety was synthesized. Reaction of (11R,15S)‐9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐[3,4]furanoanthracene‐12,14‐dione with 2‐cyanoacetohydrazide gave 2‐cyano‐pyrroloanthracen acetamide (1), which acts as an adaptable material for the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds. The synthesized compounds were examined for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus via p‐iodonitrotetrazolium violet formazon assay. The results exhibited great activity against the tested strains with a minimum bactericidal concentration range from 0.636 to 3.8 mg/mL) and 0.159 to 3.6 mg/mL for E coli and S aureus, respectively. Interestingly, the highest activity was recorded for chromene derivative (6) against both strains.
Need, Merit, Self‐Interest or Convenience? Exploring Aid Allocation Motives of Grassroots International NGOs
Authors: Davis John‐Michael , Swiss Liam
Published: July 2020

Despite substantial scholarly attention given to aid allocation motives of state agencies and professionalized non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), privately funded grassroots international NGOs (GINGOs), which have rapidly emerged in the global North, have escaped academic analysis. Using an original dataset of 948 Canadian NGOs, this study compares country aid allocation patterns along competing variables of need, merit, self‐interest and convenience between professionalized, mid‐sized independent and grassroots international NGOs. Our results underscore the importance of a disaggregated analysis yet reveal similar aid allocation trends between all three NGO groups and show significant herding behaviour. These findings question the added value of the growing phenomena of GINGOs. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.