bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assembly‐Type Wireless Communication Patch for Miniaturized Flexible Wearable Sensors
Authors: Song Min‐Su , Kang Sung‐Gu , Kim Joon‐Woo , Kim Jeonghyun
Published: June 2021

Wearable devices for diagnosing health conditions or monitoring the surrounding environment are being increasingly developed. Continuous monitoring using wearable devices requires suitable sensors, data processing systems, and wireless communication systems. Although these components are widely available, they are often rigid and bulky, hindering their application to wearable devices. Moreover, dedicated systems should be developed with specific circuitry and sensors because data acquisition and processing require different systems and algorithms depending on the device type and purpose. In this study, devices and assembly‐type concepts toward miniaturized flexible devices are analyzed to acquire and process biosignals and environmental measurements. The concepts are applied to a wireless communication system for transmitting data obtained from a sensor. The resulting modular devices provide high compatibility and enable various functions and physical configurations. The operation of a wireless communication system is verified using a pulse oximeter, a UV sensor, a gyroscope, and a temperature sensor that provide quantitative information after postprocessing using a microcontroller. The experimental results suggest the system applicability in various fields such as healthcare and the Internet of Things, especially suited for wearable device solutions.
4D Ultra‐High‐Density Long Data Storage Supported by a Solid‐State Optically Active Polymeric Material with High Thermal Stability
Authors: Gao Le , Zhang Qiming , Evans Richard A. , Gu Min
Published: June 2021

The big data era has presented major challenges for data centers worldwide in information preservation aspects, such as storage capacity and long‐term sustainability. Here, a newly synthesized optically active polymeric material based on a highly thermally stable penta‐functional monomer dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate is reported. This material supports ultra‐high storage density with century‐long data lifetime utilizing the galvo‐dithered direct laser writing nanofabrication technique. Eighty layers of bit arrays and 16 grayscale‐level coding examples are demonstrated to confirm the feasibility of the 4D data storage with a data density reaching 10 terabytes per digital video disc. With the much‐improved thermal stability (the data degradation point reaches beyond 600 K) than average plastic materials, such as polymethylmethacrylate, this new polymeric material allows a data lifetime of nearly 250 years at room temperature (300 K), as confirmed by the accelerated aging test. This material offers a suitable storage medium solution for next generation optical data storage centers.
A Highly Stretchable and Sensitive Strain Sensor Based on Dopamine Modified Electrospun SEBS Fibers and MWCNTs with Carboxylation
Authors: Zhou Bangze , Liu Zhanxu , Li Chenchen , Liu Mengsi , Jiang Liang , Zhou Yanfen , Zhou Feng‐Lei , Chen Shaojuan , Jerrams Stephen , Yu Jianyong
Published: June 2021

Wearable flexible electronic strain sensor devices have developed rapidly in recent years due to their potential capacity to detect human motion in various situations. However, it still remains still a big challenge to fabricate strain sensors with high sensitivity over a wide workable strain range. In order to meet this challenge, a new type of strain sensor based on elastomer/carbon nanotube composite fiber is reported in this work. Elastomer fibers are initially prepared via the electrospinning of styrene ethylene butene styrene block copolymer (SEBS). The resultant SEBS fibers are then functionalized by sequentially coating with dopamine (DA) coating and carboxyl group (‐COOH) grafted multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) under vacuum filtration and ultrasonication. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis reveals that a large amount of MWCNTs is firmly bonded onto the SEBS fibers and evenly distributed. SEBS@PDA/MWCNTs composite fibers based strain sensors exhibit excellent performance, including a high gauge factor of 3717 and large workable strain range up to 530%. Furthermore, the developed sensors demonstrate excellent washing fastness and superior sensitivity in monitoring both small strains (e.g., pulse beats and vocal cord vibrations) and large strains (e.g., finger, elbow, and knee bending).
Advances in Zeolite Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) Derived Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts and Their Application in Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Arafat Yasir , Azhar Muhammad Rizwan , Zhong Yijun , Abid Hussein Rasool , Tadé Moses O. , Shao Zongping
Published: June 2021

Secondary Zn‐air batteries (ZABs) are recognized as one of the most promising power sources for the future with lucrative features of low cost, high energy density, eco‐friendliness, and high safety. However, the widespread implementation of ZABs is still hampered by the sluggish oxygen redox reactions. Thus the deployment of cost‐effective and highly efficient air electrodes to substitute precious metals (Pt/Ir), is highly challenging, however, highly desired. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are emerging functional materials, which demonstrate several outstanding characteristics, such as high specific surface area, high conductivity, self‐doped N, open pore structure, versatile compositions and favourable chemical stability. Through varying the metal/organic moiety or by employing different synthesis protocols, ZIFs with different properties could be obtained. Being adaptable, desired functionalities may be further incorporated into ZIFs through pre‐treatment, in situ treatment, and post treatment. Thus, ZIFs are the ideal precursors for the preparation of variety of bi‐functional air electrodes for ZABs by materials tuning, morphological control, or by materials hybridization. Here, the recent advances of ZIFs‐based materials are critically surveyed from the perspective of synthesis, morphology, structure and properties, and correlated with performance indicators of ZABs. Finally, the major challenges and future prospects of ZIFs associated with ZABs are discussed.
Pseudo‐Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lin Pei‐Ying , Loganathan Aswaghosh , Raifuku Itaru , Li Ming‐Hsien , Chiu Yueh‐Ya , Chang Shao‐Tung , Fakharuddin Azhar , Lin Chen‐Fu , Guo Tzung‐Fang , Schmidt‐Mende Lukas , Chen Peter
Published: June 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 25%. Though their high PCE can be achieved by optimizing absorber layer and device interfaces, the intrinsic instability of perovskite materials is still a key issue to be resolved. Mixed‐halide perovskites using multiple halogen constituents have been proved to improve robustness; however, the anion at the X site in the ABX3 formula is not limited to halogens. Other negative monovalent ions with similar properties to halogens, such as pseudo‐halogens, have the opportunity to form perovskites with ABX3 stoichiometry. Recently, thiocyanates and formates have been utilized to synthesize stable perovskite materials. This review presents the evolution of pseudo‐halide perovskite solar cells in the past few years. The intrinsic properties, their effects on crystal structure, and bandgap engineering of the pseudo‐halide perovskites are summarized. Various thiocyanate compounds applied in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells are discussed. The fabrication process, film formation mechanism, and crystallinity of pseudo‐halide perovskites are elucidated to understand their effects on the photovoltaic performance and device stability. Other applications of pseudo‐halide perovskites are summarized in the final section. Lastly, this review concludes with suggestions and outlooks for further research directions.
An exploratory investigation of the measurement of cognitive load on shift: Application of cognitive load theory in emergency medicine
Authors: Vella Kimberly M. , Hall Andrew K. , van Merrienboer Jeroen J. G. , Hopman Wilma M. , Szulewski Adam
Published: June 2021

Background

Emergency physicians often experience a high cognitive load (CL) due to the inherent nature of working in acute care settings. CL has traditionally been measured in educational studies but has not been well studied in the clinical environment.

Methods

Emergency medicine attending physicians and residents working in an academic urgent care center completed psychometric questionnaires while on shift to measure overall CL, intrinsic cognitive load (ICL), extraneous cognitive load (ECL), and acute stress. Data regarding the patient load, patient acuity, and the number of patients in the waiting room were also collected. Correlational analysis and simple linear regression were used to evaluate predictors of CL on shift.

Results

Forty‐two questionnaires were completed (26 by attending physicians, 16 by residents). Attending physicians carried a significantly higher patient load compared to residents (p < 0.001). No differences in mean overall CL, ICL, ECL, and acute stress were observed between attending physicians and residents. Bivariate analysis demonstrated associations between ICL, ECL, acute stress, and overall CL in attending physicians. In residents, acute stress was the only variable associated with overall CL and the number of high‐acuity patients was associated with ICL.

Conclusions

Factors influencing reported CL during clinical work are different between attending emergency physicians and residents. Further study to appreciate the impact of these differences is required and may help educators elucidate strategies to better manage CL, thereby improving clinical performance and potentially improving patient care.
Yield response of field‐grown cowpea varieties to Bradyrhizobium inoculation
Authors: Ayalew Tewodros , Yoseph Tarekegn , Petra Hoegy , Cadisch Georg
Published: June 2021

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is a widely cultivated crop for food and animal feed, with a high potential for alleviation of climate change effects on crop production due to its biological nitrogen fixing ability. However, its yields are low in Ethiopia partly due to poor agronomic practices such as lack of improved varieties, low soil fertility, and limited input use including bio‐inoculants. Field experiments were conducted in the cropping seasons 2018 and 2019 at three climate change and food insecurity vulnerable sites in Ethiopia (Boricha, Dore, and Hawassa) to determine yield responses of cowpea varieties to Bradyrhizobium inoculation. Four cowpea varieties, Keti (IT99K‐1122), TVU, Black eye bean, and White wonderer trailing in combination with three inoculation levels (un‐inoculated or inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains CP‐24 or CP‐37) were used in a factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. Results revealed significant varietal differences in crop yield and yield components over years and across sites. Averaged over the seasons, seed yield of TVU was higher by 52% compared to the low‐yielding Black eye bean variety. On average of the three sites, inoculation of cowpea with strain CP‐24 significantly increased seed yield (21%), pod number (16%), and 100‐seed weight (13%) relative to the control. Furthermore, the interaction between variety and inoculant resulted in a significant increase in seed yield and number of pods per plant of TVU × CP‐24 by 60 and 68%, respectively, as compared to the un‐inoculated treatment. Overall, inoculation of the cowpea varieties TVU and White wonderer trailing with Bradyrhizobium strains CP‐24 is recommended at all the three tested sites and similar agro‐ecological environments for improved productivity of cowpea.
Asthma and delirium episodes during hospitalization
Authors: Bozek Andrzej , Fiolka Rafał , Zajac Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Background

Delirium incidences during hospitalization are an important problem in elderly patients. The problem of delirium episodes in patients with obstructive disease during hospitalization was investigated.

Material and Methods

From a total of 37,156 subjects, the following were randomly selected: 3261 patients with asthma, 4896 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 5455 without obstructive disease. Their ages ranged from 65‐95 years, and they were hospitalized between 2006 and 2015. Delirium incidences were monitored based on the International Classification of Disease (ICD)‐10 codes and medical documentation.

Results

The delirium episodes during all hospitalizations were independently associated with asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 2.91, confidence interval [CI] = 1.62‐5.84), with severe type of asthma (OR = 4.24, CI = 1.94‐8.93), partim controlled asthma (OR = 3.1, CI = 1.29‐8.46), and uncontrolled asthma (OR = 4.88, CI = 2.12‐9.42). It was comparable with COPD as follows: all incidences of delirium during hospitalization (OR = 3.17, CI = 1.42‐7.23) or severe COPD (III degree OR = 5.15, CI = 2.01‐13.69). Elderly patients with asthma with uncontrolled or partially controlled asthma with a coincidence of advanced age, dementia, or smoking had a greater predisposition to delirium episodes, particularly after surgery. Additionally, delirium incidence caused death more frequently in patients with asthma than in those with COPD.

Conclusion

Elderly patients with asthma have a higher risk of delirium episodes during any hospitalization, and, frequently, it ends in death.
Ruthenium (VIII) Catalysed Dearomative Pyridyl C−X Activation: Direct Synthesis of N‐ Alkyl‐2‐pyridones
Authors: Das Biswajit , Rout Nilendri , Sarkar Debayan
Published: June 2021

An efficient synthetic strategy employing pyridyl C−X activation, for the generation of N‐alkyl‐2‐pyridones from N‐alkyl‐2‐halopyridinium salts is described. As pyridones are dearomatised synthetic derivatives of pyridines, a versatile scope exist for pyridyl C−H functionalisation. The present strategy exemplifies a straight forward in‐situ generation of Ru(VIII), leading catalytic dearomative synthesis of pyridones. The N‐alkyl‐2‐pyridones are further reduced to N‐alkyl‐2‐piperidones and a plausible mechanism is also drawn, which is supported by some controlled reactions.
Pd‐Catalyzed Domino Cross‐Coupling: Synthesis of Functionalized 4‐(Arylethynyl)Coumarins
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Nand Sachchida , Murty Venneti N.
Published: June 2021

A Pd‐catalyzed domino cross‐coupling methodology was developed to synthesize various 4‐(arylethynyl)coumarin derivatives involving 4‐(gem‐dibromovinyl)coumarins and triarylbismuths as threefold aryl donor reagents. In these reactions, 4‐(gem‐dibromovinyl)coumarin derivatives have been cross‐coupled with sub‐stoichiometric amounts of triarylbismuth reagents. This study involving mono‐, chemoselective and bis‐couplings have been demonstrated with versatile reactivity under the established Pd‐catalyzed domino coupling conditions affording good to high product yields.
Influences of different imidization conditions on polyimide fiber properties and structure
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Zhang Junying , Niu Hongqing , Wu Dezhen , Zhang Mengying , Han Enlin , Sheng Jing , Sun Xiaoguang , Fan Chao
Published: June 2021

In the present work we prepared co‐polyimide (PI) fibers with excellent mechanical and dielectric properties by the wet‐spinning method. The co‐PI fiber exhibited high mechanical property with a tensile strength of 2.61 GPa and modulus of 86.7 Gpa as well as a low dielectric constant and a dielectric loss factor of 2.7463 and 0.00793 at 10 GHz, respectively. The relationship between the properties and the microstructure of co‐PI fibers after heat‐drawing was investigated. The results revealed that the hydrogen‐bond associations and the microvoids structure were highly affected by imidization conditions. Both the formations of the hydrogen‐bond associations and the evolution of microvoids were attributed to the change in tensile strength. Furthermore, the fibers prepared at proper conditions possessed fewer surface defects as well as homogeneous inner structure. Our work demonstrates the structure–property relationship in annealed PI fibers, which may provides a new avenue to access high‐performance PI fibers.
Improved tire tread compounds using functionalized styrene butadiene rubber‐silica filler/hybrid filler systems
Authors: Mazumder Amrita , Chanda Jagannath , Bhattacharyya Sanjay , Dasgupta Saikat , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: June 2021

Automotive industry is currently looking for an eco‐friendly tire with low rolling resistance coefficient (RRc), better traction, wear resistance, and fatigue properties. Presently, solution styrene‐butadiene rubber (SSBR)‐silica systems are pursued for balancing between traction and RRc. However, the interaction between SSBR and silica is not enough to give satisfactory results. Functionalized‐SSBR (FSSBR) leads to better rubber‐silica interaction due to introduction of polar groups in the polymer chain. The present study investigates the influence of FSSBR, highly dispersible (HD) silica, and its hybrid filler systems with organically modified nanoclay (ONC) and exfoliated graphene nanoplatelet (xGnP). Both MH, and Δtorque were higher for the FSSBR‐HD silica compound (S1) with the lowest change in storage modulus (∆G') value, due to higher polymer‐filler interaction. S1 exhibited 16% ice traction and 12% wet traction improvement with 29% lower rolling resistance over SSBR‐silica compound. S1 showed the best wet traction rating and wear resistance. Replacing small portion of silica by ONC and xGnP improved the properties further. At 5 phr of nanofiller, TEM images revealed well‐dispersed nanofillers in the FSSBR matrix. The xGnP compound showed the least crack growth. For both the cases, abradability decreased with higher nanofiller amount, due to better reinforcement of the rubber.
Predicting the Risk of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group Cohort Study
Authors: Qu Jingge , Li Mengtao , Wang Yanhong , Duan Xinwang , Luo Hui , Zhao Cheng , Zhan Feng , Wu Zhenbiao , Li Hongbin , Yang Min , Xu Jian , Wei Wei , Wu Lijun , Liu Yongtai , You Hanxiao , Qian Juyan , Yang Xiaoxi , Huang Can , Zhao Jiuliang , Wang Qian , Leng Xiaomei , Tian Xinping , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: June 2021

Objective

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, there is no algorithm to identify those at high risk. This study was undertaken to develop a prediction model for PAH in patients with lupus that provides individualized risk estimates.

Methods

A multicenter, longitudinal cohort study was undertaken from January 2003 to January 2020. The study collected data on 3,624 consecutively evaluated patients diagnosed as having SLE. The diagnosis of PAH was confirmed by right‐sided heart catheterization. Cox proportional hazards regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to fit the model. Model discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis were performed for validation.

Results

Ninety‐two lupus patients (2.54%) developed PAH during a median follow‐up of 4.84 years (interquartile range 2.42–8.84). The final prediction model included 5 clinical variables (acute/subacute cutaneous lupus, arthritis, renal disorder, thrombocytopenia, and interstitial lung disease) and 3 autoantibodies (anti‐RNP, anti‐Ro/SSA and anti‐La/SSB). A 10‐year PAH probability‐predictive nomogram was established. The model was internally validated by Harrell’s concordance index (0.78), the Brier score (0.03), and a satisfactory calibration curve. According to the net benefit and predicted probability thresholds, we recommend annual screening in high‐risk (>4.62%) lupus patients.

Conclusion

We developed a risk stratification model using routine clinical assessments. This new tool may effectively predict the future risk of PAH in patients with SLE.
Inositol‐Requiring Enzyme 1α–Mediated Synthesis of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids as a Driver of B Cell Differentiation and Lupus‐like Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Zhang Yana , Gui Ming , Wang Yajun , Mani Nikita , Chaudhuri Shuvam , Gao Beixue , Li Huabin , Kanwar Yashpal S. , Lewis Sarah A. , Dumas Sabrina N. , Ntambi James M. , Zhang Kezhong , Fang Deyu
Published: June 2021

Objective

To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

B cells in peripheral blood from patients with SLE and healthy controls were stained with BODIPY dye for detection of lipids. Mice with targeted knockout of genes for B cell–specific inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE‐1α) and stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD‐1) were used for studying the influence of the IRE‐1α/SCD‐1/SCD‐2 pathway on B cell differentiation and autoantibody production. The preclinical efficacy of IRE‐1α suppression as a treatment for lupus was tested in MRL.Faslpr mice.

Results

In cultures with mouse IRE‐1α–null B cells, supplementation with monounsaturated fatty acids largely rescued differentiation of plasma cells from B cells, indicating that the compromised capacity of B cell differentiation in the absence of IRE‐1α may be attributable to a defect in monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis. Moreover, activation with IRE‐1α/X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP‐1) was required to facilitate B cell expression of SCD‐1 and SCD‐2, which are 2 critical enzymes that catalyze monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis. Mice with targeted Scd1 gene deletion displayed a phenotype that was similar to that of IRE‐1α–deficient mice, with diminished B cell differentiation into plasma cells. Importantly, in B cells from patients with lupus, both IRE‐1α expression and Xbp1 messenger RNA splicing were significantly increased, and this was positively correlated with the expression of both Scd1 and Scd2 as well as with the amount of B cell lipid deposition. In MRL.Faslpr mice, both genetic and pharmacologic suppression of IRE‐1α protected against the pathologic development and progression of lupus‐like autoimmune disease.

Conclusion

The results of this study reveal a molecular link in the dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of lupus, demonstrating that the IRE‐1α/XBP‐1 pathway controls plasma cell differentiation through SCD‐1/SCD‐2–mediated monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis. These findings provide a rationale for targeting IRE‐1α and monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis in the treatment of patients with SLE.
Bauphysikalische und ökologische Potenziale von Gebäuden in Holzbauweise
Authors: Müller Theresa , Flemming Daniela , Janowsky Isabel , Di Bari Roberta , Harder Nadine , Leistner Philip
Published: June 2021

Aufgrund des hohen und zunehmenden Ressourcenverbrauchs von Gebäuden ist der Bausektor einer der Hauptverursacher von Umweltbelastungen. Als Folge dessen wächst die Aufmerksamkeit für ressourcenschonende und nachhaltige Werkstoffe, Konstruktionen und Lösungen. Holzbauweisen bieten hierbei zahlreiche ökologische und konstruktive Anknüpfungspunkte. Ihre spezifischen stofflichen, konstruktiven und fertigungstechnischen Merkmale sind bereits Gegenstand bauphysikalischer Untersuchungen, die sich aktuell mehr und mehr auf massive Holzbauteile sowie neue Impulse der Verarbeitungs‐ und Vorfertigungstechnik ausweiten. Im Rahmen einer ganzheitlichen Betrachtung werden in diesem Beitrag sowohl die wärme‐, feuchte‐ und schalltechnischen als auch die ökologischen Eigenschaften von Flächenbauteilen in Holzrahmen‐ und Holzmassivbauweise gegenübergestellt. Im Vergleich mit Stahlbetonkonstruktionen wird gezeigt, dass die vorhandenen Daten und Methoden Planungsentscheidungen nach bauphysikalischen und ökologischen Kriterien unterstützen können. Zugleich werden Potenziale der Bauweisen erkennbar, die sich durch Weiterentwicklung einlösen lassen.
Response surface methodology guided adsorption and recovery of free fatty acids from oil using resin
Authors: Singh Ramkrishna , Dien Bruce S , Singh Vijay
Published: June 2021

The presence of free fatty acids interferes with the conversion of plant oils to biodiesel. Four strong and weak base resins were evaluated for the removal of free fatty acids (FFA) from oil. Amberlite FPA 51 showed the highest adsorption capacity of FFA. A resin concentration above 3% could enable a higher percentage FFA adsorption. The adsorption process fitted a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model and achieved equilibrium in approximately 8 h. A full factorial design was used to optimize the resin and FFA concentrations at a fixed temperature (40 °C). A ratio of resin to fatty acid concentrations above 1.875 was sufficient for 70% adsorption and the amount adsorbed continued to increase with further added resin. A two‐step washing of resin using hexane and ethanol recovered approximately 67.55% ± 4.05% of the initially added fatty acid. The resin that was used was regenerated with 5% NaOH and re‐used for a minimum of three consecutive cycles. However, the adsorption capacity diminished to 75% of the initial cycle in cycles 2 and 3. Thus, the work presents a resin‐based process for deacidification of oil to reduce fatty acid content of oil for biodiesel production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Long‐acting and extended‐release implant and nanoformulations with a synergistic antiretroviral two‐drug combination controls HIV‐1 infection in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Beloor Jagadish , Kudalkar Shalley N. , Buzzelli Gina , Yang Fan , Mandl Hanna K. , Rajashekar Jyothi K. , Spasov Krasimir A. , Jorgensen William L. , Saltzman W. Mark , Anderson Karen S. , Kumar Priti
Published: June 2021

The HIV pandemic has affected over 38 million people worldwide with close to 26 million currently accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART). A major challenge in the long‐term treatment of HIV‐1 infection is nonadherence to ART. Long‐acting antiretroviral (LA‐ARV) formulations, that reduce dosing frequency to less than once a day, are an urgent need that could tackle the adherence issue. Here, we have developed two LA‐ART interventions, one an injectable nanoformulation, and the other, a removable implant, for the delivery of a synergistic two‐drug ARV combination comprising a pre‐clinical nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), Compound I, and the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), 4′‐ethynyl‐2‐fluoro‐2′‐deoxyadenosine. The nanoformulation is poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐based and the implant is a copolymer of ω‐pentadecalactone and p‐dioxanone, poly(PDL‐co‐DO), a novel class of biocompatible, biodegradable materials. Both the interventions, packaged independently with each ARV, released sustained levels of the drugs, maintaining plasma therapeutic indices for over a month, and suppressed viremia in HIV‐1‐infected humanized mice for up to 42 days with maintenance of CD4+ T cells. These data suggest promise in the use of these new drugs as LA‐ART formulations in subdermal implant and injectable mode.
The oncogenic role of the cerebral endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CERCAM) in bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zuo Yali , Xu Xiaoliang , Chen Minfeng , Qi Lin
Published: June 2021

Bladder cancer is a menace to global health worldwide due to its high recurrence rate and its progression to invasive muscular complications. Cell adhesion molecules play an intricate role in cancer migration, growth, and invasion. Therefore, through bioinformatics analysis, it was found that the higher cerebral endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CERCAM) predicted lower chance in bladder cancer patient survival; subsequently, in vitro and in vivo investigations were performed to evaluate the specific effects of CERCAM on bladder cancer cell phenotypes and tumor growth in mice model. The PCR‐based analysis revealed an aberrant upregulation of CERCAM in bladder carcinoma tissues and cells when compared with normal controls. In vitro, functional experiments such as MTT, EdU, and Transwell assays showed that CERCAM overexpression markedly enhanced bladder cancer cell viability, DNA synthesis, and cell invasion. In contrast, CERCAM silencing suppressed bladder cancer cell viability, DNA synthesis, and cell invasion. CERCAM overexpression significantly increased PCNA, Vimentin, Twist, and N‐cadherin proteins but decreased E‐cadherin and cleaved‐caspase3, whereas CERCAM silencing exerted opposite effects on these markers. In vivo, subcutaneous implant model experiments in nude mice showed that CERCAM silencing suppressed the growth of subcutaneously implanted tumors. CERCAM altered the phosphorylation process of AKT. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 treatment manifested similar effects as CERCAM silencing on bladder cancer cell behaviors and partially impaired the promotive functions of CERCAM overexpression upon the capacity of bladder cancer cells to proliferate and invade. When taken together, the cell adhesion molecule CERCAM is overexpressed in bladder cancer tissues. In vitro, CERCAM overexpression significantly promoted bladder cancer cell viability, DNA synthesis, and cell invasion and alters the cleaved‐caspase3, E‐cadherin, and N‐cadherin expression pattern; in vivo, CERCAM silencing suppressed tumor growth in nude mice. The PI3K/AKT signaling is suspected of interfering participate in the functions of CERCAM in bladder carcinoma.
Food waste in Australian households: Role of shopping habits and personal motivations
Authors: Nabi Nazia , Karunasena Gamithri Gayana , Pearson David
Published: June 2021

The intensity of household food waste is of concern throughout the world, especially, in developed countries like Australia where it accounts for 34% of all food wasted along the value chain. Due to these concerns, there has been an emergence of research over the last decade to support policy interventions. This study contributes to this body of knowledge by examining the influence of consumer shopping habits and motivational factors on the intensity of food wasted by Australian households. Based on data from an online survey of 5272 Australian households, results of this study reveal that most of the shopping habits examined (except buying food based on what is on special) have significant impacts on the intensity of food wasted. Furthermore, based on two‐step cluster analysis, it was found that consumers from different backgrounds possess similar types of shopping habits, however, they are different in terms of their levels of motivations aiming to reduce food being wasted. The insights provide guidance for practitioners and policymakers regarding what actions to be taken to reduce food waste in Australian households.
Contemporary stents: Tough to get better
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Lamelas Pablo M.
Published: June 2021

Key Points

Bioabsorbable drug eluting‐stents have been tested in randomized trials, typically excluding complex coronary procedures.

In a large study, bioabsorbable polymer drug‐eluting stents performed similarly to durable polymer stents, even in complex procedures.

The incidence of stent‐related events is so low, even in complex procedures, that proving superiority of new stent platforms are becoming very challenging.
Treatment of degenerated surgical aortic valve: The importance of having a “lifetime strategy” in younger patients with severe aortic disease
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Nai Fovino Luca
Published: June 2021

Key Points

Most surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) patients under 70 years of age will see their prosthesis degenerate, as their life expectancy exceeds aortic bioprosthesis durability.

This meta‐analysis shows that redo‐SAVR and valve‐in‐valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have similar mid‐term mortality, with lower 30‐day bleeding, length of hospital stay, and higher postoperative gradients among patients undergoing ViV TAVR, despite a higher baseline risk.

ViV TAVR seems the preferred option for the treatment of most failing aortic bioprosthesis. The type of first surgical aortic intervention is of paramount importance, as it will impact future therapeutic outcomes.
Associations of Health Symptoms and Perceptions With Work Volition
Authors: Bouchard Lauren M. , Nauta Margaret M.
Published: June 2021

We used survey data to examine the associations of recent health symptomatology and illness perceptions with work volition among 129 college students who had chronic health conditions. Recent health symptomatology and illness perceptions were both negatively related to work volition. Whereas illness perceptions had incremental validity over recent health symptomatology in the prediction of work volition, recent health symptomatology did not add significantly to the explained variance beyond illness perceptions. Assessing illness perceptions provides a more complete understanding of the potential impact of health conditions on students' work volition than does recent health symptomatology alone, and counselors are advised to help clients modify illness perceptions if they are based on inaccurate information.
High frequency ultrasound‐guided pericardiocentesis performed in the sitting position: A novel apical approach
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Xue‐Fei , Liu Zhao , Liu Ying , Guo Cun‐Li , Shao Hua , Li Bo , Zhang Cui , Jing Hui , Cheng Wen
Published: June 2021

Background

So far, few approaches have been described to reduce inadvertent injury to structure of the heart and nearby organs in percutaneous pericardiocentesis.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that an in‐plane high frequency ultrasound‐guided apical approach, performed in the sitting position, would provide additional benefits in terms of feasibility and safety for draining malignant pericardial effusion (MPE).

Methods

The authors selected 53 consecutive patients with moderate or large symptomatic MPE who underwent high frequency ultrasound‐guided pericardiocentesis. After the procedure, all patients were followed for 90 days with the main purpose of detecting procedure success, procedure‐related complications, and recurrent PE.

Results

Procedure success rate for pericardiocentesis was 100%. All patients were placed in the sitting position with their left hands extended above the heads. An apical puncture approach was performed in all cases (100%). The mean duration of catheter drainage was 8.1 ± 3.2 days. The mean initial amount of pericardial fluid drained was 956.3 ± 687.5 ml. Overall, six patients (11%) had recurrent PE; 3 (6%) had repeated percutaneous pericardiocentesis. There was no major complication and minor complications occurred in four patients (8%).

Conclusion

This novel in‐plane high frequency US‐guided apical approach has several advantages for percutaneous pericardiocentesis of MPE: performed in the sitting position; a benefit for patients with orthopnea; a maximum inserted wide angle to prevent damage to the myocardium; local enlargement of the PE region; high procedure success rate of pericardiocentesis; and excellent clinical outcomes.
Prostate‐specific antigen levels of ≤4 and >4 ng/mL and risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality in men with biopsy Gleason score 9 to 10 prostate cancer
Authors: Kim Daniel W. , Chen Ming‐Hui , Wu Jing , Huland Hartwig , Graefen Markus , Tilki Derya , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: June 2021

Background

Defining workup beyond usual clinical practice that may improve treatment outcomes in men with a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of ≤4 ng/mL (vs >4 ng/mL) and Gleason score (GS) 9 to 10 prostate cancer (PC) remains to be determined.

Methods

Between February 25, 1992, and February 25, 2016, 17,632 men with clinical T1‐4 PC with a biopsy GS of 6 to 10 underwent radical prostatectomy at a single academic center. Multivariable Fine and Gray regressions were used to evaluate the risk of prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) with an interaction model evaluating the prognostic significance of PSA ≤ 4 ng/mL versus PSA > 4 ng/mL among men with PC with a biopsy GS of 9 to 10 versus ≤8, with adjustments made for the time‐dependent use of adjuvant and/or salvage radiation therapy and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in addition to known PC prognostic factors.

Results

There was a significant interaction in men with a biopsy GS of 9 to 10 versus ≤8 and a PSA level of ≤4 ng/mL versus >4 ng/mL (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02‐8.08; P = .046). Specifically, among men with a biopsy GS of 9 to 10 and a PSA level of ≤4 ng/mL versus >4 ng/mL, there was a significantly higher rate of PCSM (AHR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.19‐5.67; P = .017); however, there was no significant difference in the risk of PCSM in men with a biopsy GS ≤ 8 and a PSA level of ≤4 ng/mL versus >4 ng/mL (AHR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.46‐1.78; P = .771). Moreover, the time‐dependent use of postoperative ADT was also associated with an increased risk of PCSM (AHR, 10.76; 95% CI, 6.88‐16.81; P < .0001).

Conclusions

Some men with PSA ≤ 4 ng/mL and a biopsy GS of 9 to 10 may have pathologic or genetic variants that make them less amenable to a cure with current standards of care. Additional workup assessing for small cell, neuroendocrine, and genetic variants should be considered.
The overriding role of surgery and tumor grade for long‐term survival in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Søreide Jon Arne , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Lea Dordi , Sandvik Oddvar M. , Al‐Saiddi Mohammed , Haslerud Torjan M. , Garresori Herish , Karlsen Lars N. , Gudlaugsson Einar , Søreide Kjetil
Published: June 2021

Background

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP‐NENs) comprise a heterogeneous disease group. Factors that affect long‐term survival remain uncertain. Complete population‐representative cohorts with long‐term follow‐up are scarce.

Aim

To evaluate factors of importance for the long‐term survival.

Methods and results

An Observational population‐based study on consecutive GEP‐NEN patients diagnosed from 2003 to 2013, managed according to national guidelines. Univariable and multivariable survival analyses were performed to evaluate overall survival (OS) and to identify independent prognostic factors. One hundred ninety eligible patients (males, 58.9%) (median age, 60.0 years; range, 10.0–94.2 years) were included. The small bowel, appendix, and pancreas were the most common tumor locations. The World Health Organization (WHO) tumor grade 1–3 distributions varied according to the primary location and disease stage. Primary surgery with curative intent was performed in 66% of the patients. The median OS of the study population was 183 months with 5‐ and 10‐year OS rates of 66% and 57%, respectively. Only age, WHO tumor grade, and primary surgical treatment were independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusion

The outcomes of GEP‐NEN patients are related to several factors including age and primary surgical treatment. WHO tumor grading, based on the established criteria, should be routine in clinical practice. This may improve clinical decision‐making and allow the comparison of outcomes among different centers.
Napabucasin Drug‐Drug Interaction Potential, Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics Following Oral Dosing in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Dai Xiaoshu , Karol Michael D. , Hitron Matthew , Hard Marjie L. , Goulet Matthew T. , McLaughlin Colleen F. , Brantley Scott J.
Published: June 2021

Napabucasin is an orally administered reactive oxygen species generator that is bioactivated by the intracellular antioxidant nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:quinone oxidoreductase 1. Napabucasin induces cell death in cancer cells, including cancer stem cells. This phase 1 study (NCT03411122) evaluated napabucasin drug‐drug interaction potential for 7 cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and the breast cancer resistance protein transporter/organic anion transporter 3. Healthy volunteers who tolerated napabucasin during period 1 received probe drugs during period 2, and in period 3 received napabucasin (240 mg twice daily; days 1‐11) plus a phenotyping cocktail containing omeprazole (CYP2C19), caffeine (CYP1A2), flurbiprofen (CYP2C9), bupropion (CYP2B6), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), midazolam (CYP3A) (all oral; day 6), intravenous midazolam (day 7), repaglinide (CYP2C8; day 8), and rosuvastatin (breast cancer resistance protein/organic anion transporter 3; day 9). Drug‐drug interaction potential was evaluated in 17 of 30 enrolled volunteers. Napabucasin coadministration increased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (geometric mean ratio [90% confidence interval]) of caffeine (124% [109.0%‐141.4%]), intravenous midazolam (118% [94.4%‐147.3%]), repaglinide (127% [104.7%‐153.3%]), and rosuvastatin (213% [42.5%‐1068.3%]) and decreased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinity of dextromethorphan (71% [47.1%‐108.3%]), bupropion (79% [64.6%‐97.0%]), and hydroxybupropion (45% [15.7%‐129.6%]). No serious adverse events/deaths were reported. Generally, napabucasin is not expected to induce/inhibit drug clearance to a clinically meaningful degree.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Study of a New Branded Generic Moxifloxacin Tablet Among Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Amran Atiqah , Tan Ching Yee , Tan Ka‐Liong , Ho Ranald Malcom , Anand Anil Kumar , Leong Chuei Wuei
Published: June 2021

A newly developed branded generic of a moxifloxacin (MOX) 400‐mg tablet formulation was manufactured prior to this study. A bioequivalence (BE) study was done to assess the pharmacokinetics of the formulation using a randomized, open‐label, 2‐period crossover, 2‐sequence, and single‐dose experiment. Thirty healthy male volunteers were recruited. The test formulation, Flonoxin 400 mg, was compared with the reference formulation, Avelox 400 mg. The pharmacokinetic parameters of MOX were calculated based on the plasma drug concentration‐time profile. Noncompartmental analysis was performed to determine its safety and tolerability. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were 88.5%‐104.6%, 96.1%‐101.1%, and 96.8%‐100.7% for Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC0‐inf, respectively. All CIs were within the 80.0%‐125.0% boundary, thus fulfilling the acceptable BE criteria according to the ASEAN guidelines.
Effect of Varying Degrees of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Omecamtiv Mecarbil
Authors: Trivedi Ashit , Oberoi Rajneet K. , Mackowski Mia , Jafarinasabian Pegah , Zhang Hanze , Flach Stephen , Hutton Shauna , Abbasi Siddique , Dutta Sandeep , Lee Edward
Published: June 2021

Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a novel selective cardiac myosin activator under investigation for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. OM is primarily eliminated via metabolism mediated by multiple cytochrome P450 enzymes. This phase 1 single‐dose, multicenter, open‐label, nonrandomized study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of OM and major metabolites M3 and M4, safety, and tolerability following oral administration of a single dose of 25‐mg MR tablet in subjects with mild (n = 6) or moderate (n = 6) hepatic impairment (according to Child‐Pugh classification) versus subjects with normal hepatic function (n = 6). Relative to subjects with normal hepatic function, for subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, OM AUCinf was 103.2% (90%CI, 58.0%‐183.6%) and 94.8% (90%CI, 54.7%‐164.1%), respectively, and OM Cmax was 126.8% (90%CI, 85.7%‐187.7%) and 117.3% (90%CI, 80.7%‐170.5%), respectively. Exposures to M3 were similar across groups, whereas slightly lower exposures were observed for M4 with worsening hepatic function. The OM, M3, and M4 tmax and t1/2 values were similar between groups. There were no serious adverse events (AEs) or treatment‐related treatment‐emergent AEs. Overall, OM, M3, and M4 PK were not meaningfully affected by mild or moderate hepatic impairment, suggesting the same dosing strategy can be used in subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.
The revised extent analysis method
Authors: Arman Hosein , Hadi‐Vencheh Abdollah
Published: June 2021

The degree of possibility is used by the extent analysis (EA) to extract the crisp local weights from a triangular fuzzy comparison matrix (FCM); while, it is just a relation for comparing two triangular fuzzy numbers. This causes EA to extract the inaccurate local weights from a FCM and sometimes to rank the alternatives incorrectly. In this study, we revise the EA to avoid this misapplication. For this purpose, we propose a procedure in which the global weights of alternatives are obtained as fuzzy values; then, the degree of possibility is used just for ranking the alternatives based on their fuzzy global weights. The advantages of the revised extent analysis (REA), proposed in this study, compared with other fuzzy analytic hierarchy process are its simplicity and low computations. This study gives three numerical examples to illustrate how REA avoids the flaws of EA.
Cloud‐based onboard prediction and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Sundharamurthy Gnanamurthy , Kaliappan Vishnu Kumar
Published: June 2021

Diabetic retinopathy remains the most daunting microvascular complication of diabetic disease. Major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy include long‐term diabetics, improper blood glucose level, and dyslipidemia. In order to investigate the presence of diabetic retinopathy‐related features and to deal with the diagnosis of various diabetic severity stages, there is a need for a cloud‐based automated screening system. So, the development of novel biomarkers should take the advantage of objective measurement and evaluation indicating the biological and pathogenic processes to all the therapeutic interventions. Current state‐of‐the‐art research studies lack accommodating large sample size, cross‐validation among the diverse populations, time, and cost‐effective diagnosis techniques. To overcome these challenges, a cloud‐based diabetic retinopathy prediction system is proposed using the recurrent convolution neural network classifier model. The proposed prediction system can provide risk stratification, optimized resource allocation, a severe form of disease prediction, risk control, and preventive interventions during the screening and diagnosis process. It also provides prognostic information to patients stating various cost‐effective predictive responses according to treatment modalities. Moreover, the proposed system clinical decision‐making will outperform the existing classifiers in terms of prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, and F1‐score.
Influence of Regioisomerism in 9‐Anthracenyl‐Substituted Dithiodicyanoethene Derivatives on Photoinduced Electron Transfer Controlled By Intramolecular Charge Transfer
Authors: Schwarze Thomas , Kelling Alexandra , Sperlich Eric , Holdt Hans‐Jürgen
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we report on the fluorescence behaviour of three regioisomers which consist of two 9‐anthracenyl fluorophores and of differently substituted dithiodicyanoethene moieties. These isomeric fluorescent probes show different quantum yields (ϕf). In these probes, an oxidative photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the excited 9‐anthracenyl fluorophore to the dithiodicyanoethene unit quenches the fluorescence. This quenching process is accelerated by an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) of the push‐pull π‐electron system of the dithiodicyanoethene group. The acceleration of the PET depends on the strength of the ICT unit. The higher the dipole moment of the ICT unit, the stronger the observed fluorescence quenching. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a regioisomeric influence on an oxidative PET by an ICT.