bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative age grading of mosquitoes using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Danhui , Yang Jason , Pandya Janam , Clark John M. , Harrington Laura C. , Murdock Courtney C. , He Lili
Published: November 2021

Mosquito‐borne pathogens, including malaria, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya continue to be a major public health concern globally. Based on the understanding that only older female mosquitoes are infectious and represent a risk to human health, scientists have sought to age‐grade mosquitoes for decades. To date, however, no reliable, cost‐effective and practical methods exist to age older mosquitoes despite the tremendous epidemiological value of this approach. This study is the first attempt to develop a surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) method to age mosquitoes. The water extracts of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes aged 0–22 days were mixed with silver nanoparticles. The SERS spectra, which were analysed by principal component analysis and partial least square (PLS), demonstrated the capability of this approach to predict the calendar age of mosquitoes between 0 and 22 days with the coefficient of correlation (R) = 0.994 and 0.990 for PLS model calibration and validation, respectively. Spectral analysis with both SERS and infrared spectroscopy revealed the key biological sources leading to changes in spectra allowing mosquito age‐grading is adenine‐containing compounds and proteins. In addition, we evaluated the impact of two arthropod‐borne pathogen deactivating pre‐treatments (bleach and ethanol) on the discrimination capability of the SERS approach. The result shows the ethanol treatment has the potential to enhance the discrimination capability and the safety of the approach. This study represents the first step towards developing the SERS approach as a quick, reliable and field‐deployable method for mosquito age‐grading, which would significantly improve the effectiveness of vector‐borne disease monitoring and prevention.
Developmental O‐glycan profile analysis shows pentasaccharide mucin‐type O‐glycans are linked with pupation of Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Li Weidong , De Schutter Kristof , Van Damme Els J. M. , Smagghe Guy
Published: November 2021

Eukaryotic cells can decorate their proteins with carbohydrate structures or glycans, significantly affecting the properties and activities of these proteins. Despite the importance of protein glycosylation in numerous biological processes, our knowledge of this modification in insects is far from complete. While N‐glycosylation is the most studied, the study of O‐glycans in insects is still very fragmentary and these studies are limited to a specific developmental stage or a specific tissue. In this article, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) technology was used to analyze the O‐glycan profile for the different developmental stages of egg, larva, pupa, and adult of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, an important insect model and pest worldwide. The results on the O‐glycan profile showed that the mucin‐type glycans dominate the O‐glycome of the red flour beetle. Interestingly, some of the more complex mucin‐type O‐glycans, such as a tetra‐ (O‐GalNAcGalGlcAGalNAc) and pentasaccharide O‐glycan (O‐GalNAc(GalGlcA)GalNAcGlcA), were highly abundant during the pupa stage, the intermediate stage between larval and adult stage in holometabolous insects, demonstrating that insect metamorphosis is accompanied with a change in the insect O‐glycan profile. Together with the N‐glycan profile, the current data are a foundation to better understand the role of protein glycosylation in the development of insects.
An accelerated distributed online gradient push‐sum algorithm on time‐varying directed networks
Authors: Fang Runyue , Li Dequan , Shen Xiuyu , Zhou Yuejin
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates a distributed online optimization problem with convex objective functions on time‐varying directed networks, where each agent holds its own convex cost function and the goal is to cooperatively minimize the sum of the local cost functions. To tackle such optimization problems, an accelerated distributed online gradient push‐sum algorithm is firstly proposed, which combines the momentum acceleration technique and the push‐sum strategy. Then, we specifically analyze the regret for the proposed algorithm. The theoretical result shows that the individual regret of the proposed algorithm achieves a sublinear regret with order of
, where T is the time horizon. Moreover, we implement the proposed algorithm in sensor networks for solving the distributed online estimation problem, and the results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
A Heterostructured Sulfonated CNT/Sulfur/CNT Cathode for Promoting the Binary Conversion of Polysulfides in Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Min , Zhou Xianxian , Liu Xiaoxiao , Chen Liang , Zhang Ding , Xu Shoudong , Duan Donghong , Yuan Qinbo , Ling Lixia , Liu Shibin
Published: November 2021

The shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) and sluggish redox kinetics hinder the commercialization of lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Herein, we design a lightweight and multifunctional multi‐walled carbon nanotube (CNT)/sulfur/lithiated sulfonated CNT (M/S/M‐SO3Li) electrode as energy storage devices. Flexible CNT films ensure continuously electron/ion transmission and serve as LiPS shielding layer. Moreover, guided by DFT and experimental results, SO3 groups exert a vital adsorption effect toward sulfur species but not NH4+ groups. The SO3 groups can not only employ as LiPS immobilizer by Li−O bands between LiPS and SO3, but also serve as multifunctional electrocatalyst to propel LiPS conversion via generating thiosulfate and polythionate and Li2S decomposition by reducing reaction overpotential. As expected, M/S/M‐SO3Li electrode exhibits prominent rate capability (723.5 mAh g−1 at 5 C), high sulfur loading (7.09 mAh cm−2 at 5.0 mg cm−2 sulfur), favorable anti‐self‐discharge capabilities (rest for 72 h at 0.5 C with 2.17 %).
The Complex Role of Aluminium Contamination in Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Juhan , Amari Houari , Bahri Mounib , Shen Zonghao , Xu Chao , Ruff Zachary , Grey Clare P. , Ersen Ovidiu , Aguadero Ainara , Browning Nigel D. , Mehdi B. Layla
Published: November 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Dr B. Layla Mehdi from the University of Liverpool. The cover picture demonstrates the impact of Al impurities on the nickel‐rich NMC cathodes. This observation of increased Al content can bring new insights into the ongoing discussions concerning the capacity fading phenomenon of nickel‐rich layered oxide materials in lithium‐ion batteries. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/batt.202100110.
Therapeutic efficacy of proton transport inhibitors alone or in combination with cisplatin in triple negative and hormone sensitive breast cancer models
Authors: Balza Enrica , Carlone Sebastiano , Carta Sonia , Piccioli Patrizia , Cossu Vanessa , Marini Cecilia , Sambuceti Gianmario , Rubartelli Anna , Castellani Patrizia
Published: November 2021

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are very aggressive and have a poor prognosis due to lack of efficacious therapies. The only effective treatment is chemotherapy that however is frequently hindered by the occurrence of drug resistance. We approached this problem in vitro and in vivo on a triple negative and a hormone sensitive breast cancer cell lines: 4T1 and TS/A. A main defense mechanism of tumors is the extrusion of intracellular protons derived from the metabolic shift to glycolysis, and necessary to maintain an intracellular pH compatible with life. The resulting acidic extracellular milieu bursts the malignant behavior of tumors and impairs chemotherapy. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of combined therapies that associate cisplatin (Cis) with proton exchanger inhibitors, such as esomeprazole (ESO) and 5‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA). Our results demonstrate that in the 4T1 triple negative model the combined therapy Cis plus EIPA is significantly more effective than the other treatments. Instead, in the TS/A tumor the best therapeutic result is obtained with ESO alone. Remarkably, in both 4T1 and TS/A tumors these treatments correlate with increase of CD8+ T lymphocytes and dendritic cells, and a dramatic reduction of M2 macrophages and other suppressor myeloid cells (MDSC) in the tumor infiltrates.
Urea and Acetamide Rich Solutions Circumvent the Strand Inhibition Problem to Allow Multiple Rounds of DNA and RNA Copying
Authors: Lozoya‐Colinas Adriana , Clifton Bryce E. , Grover Martha A. , Hud Nicholas V.
Published: November 2021

For decades prebiotic chemists have attempted to achieve replication of RNA under prebiotic conditions with only limited success. One of the long‐recognized impediments to achieving true replication of a duplex (copying of both strands) is the so‐called strand inhibition problem. Specifically, while the two strands of an RNA (or DNA) duplex can be separated by heating, upon cooling the strands of a duplex will reanneal before mononucleotide or oligonucleotide substrates can bind to the individual strands. Here we demonstrate that a class of plausible prebiotic solvents, when coupled with thermal cycling and varying levels of hydration, circumvents the strand inhibition problem, and allows multiple rounds of information transfer from both strands of a duplex (replication). Replication was achieved by simultaneous ligation of oligomers that bind to their templates with the aid of the solvents. The solvents used consisted of concentrated solutions of urea and acetamide in water (UAcW), components that were likely abundant on the early Earth. The UAcW solvent system favors the annealing of shorter strands over the re‐annealing of long strands, thereby circumventing strand inhibition. We observed an improvement of DNA and RNA replication yields by a factor of 100× over aqueous buffer. Information transfer in the UAcW solvent system is robust, being achieved for a range of solvent component ratios, various drying conditions, and in the absence or presence of added salts.
Strong and Specific Recognition of CAG/CTG Repeat DNA (5’‐dWGCWGCW‐3’) by a Cyclic Pyrrole‐Imidazole Polyamide
Authors: Hirose Yuki , Ohno Tomo , Asamitsu Sefan , Hashiya Kaori , Bando Toshikazu , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

Abnormally expanded CAG/CTG repeat DNA sequences lead to a variety of neurological diseases, such as Huntington's disease. Here, we synthesized a cyclic pyrrole‐imidazole polyamide (cPIP), which can bind to the minor groove of the CAG/CTG DNA sequence. The double‐stranded DNA melting temperature (Tm) and surface plasmon resonance assays revealed the high binding affinity of the cPIP. In addition, next‐generation sequencing showed that the cPIP had high specificity for its target DNA sequence.
Stimuli‐Responsive and Reversible Nanoassemblies of G‐Triplexes
Authors: Gao Heng , Peng Shuzhen , Yan Chenxiao , Zhang Qingqing , Zheng Xiong , Yang Tong , Wang Dandan , Zhou Xiaoshun , Shao Yong
Published: November 2021

G‐triplex (G3) structures formed with three consecutive G‐tracts have recently been identified as a new emerging guanine‐rich DNA fold. There could likely be a wide range of biological functions for G3s as occurring for G‐quadruplex (G4) structures formed with four consecutive G‐tracts. However, in comparison to the many reports on G4 nanoassemblies that organize monomers together in a controllable manner, G3‐favored nanoassemblies have yet to be explored. In this work, we found that a natural alkaloid of sanguinarine can serve as a dynamic ligand glue to reversibly switch the dimeric nanoassemblies of the thrombin binding aptamer G3 (TBA‐G3). The glue planarity was considered to be a crucial factor for realizing this switching. More importantly, external stimuli including pH, sulfite, O2 and H2O2 can be employed as common regulators to easily modulate the glue's adhesivity for constructing and destructing the G3 nanoassemblies as a result of the ligand converting between isoforms. However, this assembly behavior does not occur with the counterpart TBA‐G4. Our work demonstrates that higher‐order G3 nanoassemblies can be reversibly operated by manipulating ligand adhesivity. This provides an alternative understanding of the unique behavior of guanine‐rich sequences and focuses attention on the G3 fold since the nanoassembly event investigated herein might occur in living cells.
Impact of milling on the functional and physicochemical properties of green lentil and yellow pea flours
Authors: Guldiken Burcu , Franczyk Adam , Boyd Lindsey , Wang Ning , Choo Kristin , Sopiwnyk Elaine , House James D. , Paliwal Jitendra , Nickerson Michael
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Pulse flours with different particle sizes are available for food production. The effect of varying milling techniques on the quality characteristics of green lentil (GL) and yellow pea (YP) flours was investigated.

Findings

Using a Ferkar mill (one‐step vertical knife mill) caused wider distribution and bigger particle size in all flours than milling with a roller mill. The highest starch damage (3%), starch content (57%), but lowest protein content (22%) were found in YP break flours produced by roller milling. Foaming stability of pulse flours decreased to 51%–71% after 120 min. Lowest viscosities were determined in Ferkar milled flours during pasting. There was no difference in protein strength of GL flours; however, starch gelatinization was found the highest in Ferkar milled flours. In vitro starch digestibility and in vitro protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score were not affected from milling type within each pulse type.

Conclusion

Different flour streams and different milling technologies caused changes in various flour characteristics. However, the particle size of roller mill flours was similar in each pulse type.

Significance and novelty

The obtained results are a crucial step in better understanding the functional properties and possible food applications of pulse flours according to different milling streams and particle sizes.
Predicting Catalytic Activity from 13CCH Alkylidene Chemical Shift in Cationic Tungsten Oxo Alkylidene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Musso Janis V. , Schowner Roman , Falivene Laura , Frey Wolfgang , Cavallo Luigi , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: November 2021

A series of cationic tungsten oxo alkylidene N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes was synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The 13C NMR chemical shifts of the alkylidene C atoms of these complexes were correlated with the diamagnetic, paramagnetic and spin‐orbit chemical shifts calculated by DFT. A good correlation (R2=0.90) between the DFT isotropic chemical shifts and the experimental chemical shift as well as a strong correlation between the DFT isotropic chemical shifts and the TOF1min for the RCM of 1,7‐octadiene was found. Further, a comparison of the catalyst geometries allowed for assigning tetracoordinate pseudotetrahedral catalysts to the most deshielded alkylidenes and to the highest TOF1min, pentacoordinate square‐planar catalysts to the intermediate deshielded alkylidenes and intermediate TOF1min, and hexacoordinate and octahedral catalyst to the most shielded alkylidene and lowest TOF1min. Analysis of the magnetic shielding tensors allowed for ascribing variations in the chemical shifts to electronic transitions between occupied molecular orbitals corresponding to the alkylidene‐C and alkylidene‐H σ‐bonds and the empty molecular orbital corresponding to the W‐alkylidene σ*‐bond.
Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2@PDA Nanocomposite for the Degradation of Organic Materials
Authors: Han Kwang-Hyok , Kim Yong-Ho , Pak In-Ho , Yu Ju-Hyon , Ho In-Chol , Han Ryong-Huan
Published: November 2021

In order to enhance the effectiveness of pollutant removal by photocatalysis under visible light, a multifunctional photocatalyst was prepared by grafting polydopamine (PDA) with the core‐shell nanocomposite Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 (FST). The structural, morphological, and magnetic responses of FST@PDA were characterized by X‐ray diffraction pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, etc. FST@PDA showed a high degradation rate of rhodamine B, reaching 98.7 % and 95.7 % after 150 min of ultraviolet and visible light radiation, respectively. In addition, the prepared FST@PDA had good safety and high recyclability due to the strong covalent bonds between FST and PDA.
Hair dye use and prostate cancer risk: A prospective analysis in the Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention Study cohort
Authors: Lim Jung‐Eun , Huang Jiaqi , Mӓnnistӧ Satu , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Albanes Demetrius
Published: November 2021

Background

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, some hair dye chemicals are considered mutagenic and carcinogenic in humans. One hospital‐based study reported a positive association between hair dye use and prostate cancer risk, but no prospective analyses have been conducted.

Methods

This study investigated the association between hair dye use and prostate cancer risk in the Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention Study cohort, a large, well‐characterized cohort of 29,133 male Finnish smokers. Participants completed questionnaires regarding lifestyle, medical, and risk factor information, including the use of hair dye, which was available for 98.8% of the cohort (28,795 men). Prostate cancer cases were identified through linkage with the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Finnish Mortality Register. Hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated via multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

During a 28‐year period of observation, 2703 incident prostate cancer cases were diagnosed. As reported at the baseline, 75 men used hair dye, and 13 of these men were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer. After adjustments for potential confounders, men who used hair dyes experienced substantially higher prostate cancer risk than men who did not (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.03‐3.05).

Conclusions

This first prospective investigation of hair dye use and prostate cancer suggests that personal hair dye use may be related to increased risk. The findings warrant re‐examination in other prospective cohorts along with studies evaluating specific hair dyes and possible underlying biological mechanisms.
A P‐Functionalized [3]Ferrocenophane with a Dynamic SPS‐Bridge
Authors: Weller Stefan , Klenk Robert , Kelemen Zsolt , Nyulászi László , Nieger Martin , Gudat Dietrich
Published: November 2021

Ferrocene‐1,1′‐dithiol reacts with PCl3 and P(NMe2)3 to give [3]ferrocenophanes with SPS‐ansa‐bridges comprising potentially reactive P−Cl and P−N bonds at the central bridge atom. The products were characterized by NMR data and single‐crystal XRD studies. The P‐chloro‐derivative exists both in the solid state and in solution as a mixture of two energetically nearly degenerate conformers with different stereochemical disposition of the ansa‐bridge. Activation parameters for the dynamic equilibration between both isomers in solution were determined by dynamic NMR spectroscopy. Computational studies suggest that the isomerization proceeds via a torsional motion of the bridging SPS‐unit rather than via configuration inversion at the phosphorus atom.
Coating of Zucchini Slices with Balangu, Basil, and Wild Sage Seeds Gums to Improve the Frying Properties
Authors: Salehi Fakhreddin , Haseli Alireza , Roustaei Amirreza
Published: November 2021

In this study, the influence of balangu seed, basil seed, wild sage seed, and xanthan gums as edible coatings on the oil absorption and color changes kinetics of zucchini slices during frying have been studied. The color indexes including a* (redness), b* (yellowness), L* (lightness), and color change intensity (∆E) are utilized to estimate quality characteristics and appearance changes during oil frying of zucchini slices. Basil seed and xanthan gums yielded good results and they are able to carry out as edible coating materials for production of low‐fat fried zucchini slices. L* index values of zucchini slices decreased during frying. The lowest ∆E value is for the zucchini slices coated by basil seed gum. Various kinetic equations are used to fitting the empirical frying data and the results show that the Morgan–Mercer–Flodin model is the best model to describe the ∆E of fried slices. The surface area change of slices became more during frying process, and these changes are lower for the coated slices with Basil and Wild sage seeds gums. The appropriate coating for decreasing the oil absorption of fried zucchini slices is 1.0% Basil seed gum.

Practical Applications: Coating in the frying industry is the one of the ways to decreasing the oil absorption of fried food products. Coating with these gums improved the physicochemical properties and quality of fried zucchini slices. The appropriate coating for decreasing the oil absorption of fried zucchini slices and improving product appearance quality is 1.0% Basil seed gum.
How information on sexism may increase women's perceptions of being excluded, threaten fundamental needs, and lower career motivation
Authors: Doolaard Frank T. , Lelieveld Gert‐Jan , Noordewier Marret K. , van Beest Ilja , van Dijk Eric
Published: November 2021

The current research investigates the effects of exposure to information about the prevalence of sexism in society on women's perceptions, needs, expectations, and career motivation. We propose that such exposure to sexism prevalence may threaten women's fundamental need to belong, and induces perceptions of social exclusion. Study 1 provided correlational evidence that perceiving society as sexist relates to increased perceptions of being excluded. Three experimental studies demonstrated that exposure to information about sexism in the form of fictional research results (Study 2), or actual newspaper articles (Studies 3 and 4), increased women's experiences of social exclusion. Exposure to such information also lowered women's gender‐related expectations of achieving their preferred position in society, and reduced career motivation. Together, the article provides insight into the experiential and motivational reactions to sexism in society.
Identifying Efficient Cooling Approach of Cylindrical Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ahmad Taufeeq , Mishra Ashutosh , Ghosh Subrata , Casari Carlo S.
Published: November 2021

With the rapid rise in the application of the lithium‐ion battery (LIB), especially in the automotive sector, its thermal management has become an important concern. Thermal management of LIB requires numerical modeling efforts to acknowledge the battery thermal behavior at different charging and discharging rates to validate the experimental outcome and hence real performance. The present research work discusses a numerical modeling approach to simulate the temperature distribution inside a cylindrical LIB using “finite difference analysis” (FDA) formulations. A multipartition heat generation model is implemented to investigate the thermal behavior of the LIB at different discharging rates. The numerical results are validated by published data for the Li‐ion 18650 cell. Temperature distribution inside the LIB for “both‐tab” and “radial cooling” is compared. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the “both‐tab” surface cooling approach over “radial cooling” at two different discharge rates (1 and 2 C) with varying heat transfer coefficients (25, 50, and 100 W m−2 K−1). The reduced axial temperature differences of approximately 50%, i.e., 1.9 °C, in the LIB through “both‐tab” cooling compared to radial cooling indicate the significance of the choice of cooling approach.
A high‐density 256‐channel cap for dry electroencephalography
Authors: Fiedler Patrique , Fonseca Carlos , Supriyanto Eko , Zanow Frank , Haueisen Jens
Published: November 2021

High‐density electroencephalography (HD‐EEG) is currently limited to laboratory environments since state‐of‐the‐art electrode caps require skilled staff and extensive preparation. We propose and evaluate a 256‐channel cap with dry multipin electrodes for HD‐EEG. We describe the designs of the dry electrodes made from polyurethane and coated with Ag/AgCl. We compare in a study with 30 volunteers the novel dry HD‐EEG cap to a conventional gel‐based cap for electrode‐skin impedances, resting state EEG, and visual evoked potentials (VEP). We perform wearing tests with eight electrodes mimicking cap applications on real human and artificial skin. Average impedances below 900 kΩ for 252 out of 256 dry electrodes enables recording with state‐of‐the‐art EEG amplifiers. For the dry EEG cap, we obtained a channel reliability of 84% and a reduction of the preparation time of 69%. After exclusion of an average of 16% (dry) and 3% (gel‐based) bad channels, resting state EEG, alpha activity, and pattern reversal VEP can be recorded with less than 5% significant differences in all compared signal characteristics metrics. Volunteers reported wearing comfort of 3.6 ± 1.5 and 4.0 ± 1.8 for the dry and 2.5 ± 1.0 and 3.0 ± 1.1 for the gel‐based cap prior and after the EEG recordings, respectively (scale 1–10). Wearing tests indicated that up to 3,200 applications are possible for the dry electrodes. The 256‐channel HD‐EEG dry electrode cap overcomes the principal limitations of HD‐EEG regarding preparation complexity and allows rapid application by not medically trained persons, enabling new use cases for HD‐EEG.
Prediction of meconium aspiration syndrome by data available before delivery
Authors: Amitai Komem Daphna , Meyer Raanan , Yinon Yoav , Levin Gabriel
Published: November 2021

Objective

To identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) among neonates.

Methods

A retrospective case‐control study in a university affiliated tertiary medical center, including all neonates born with meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) between March 2011 and March 2020. Patients were categorized by the occurrence of MAS. Demographic, pregnancy and delivery characteristics were compared between the two groups. Risk factors for MAS were analyzed.

Results

Of 90 579 singleton deliveries, a total of 11 856 with MSAF were included. Of these newborns, 78 (0.66%) were diagnosed with MAS Four factors were independently associated with MAS: delivery at <38 0/7 weeks (aOR [95% CI]: 3.48 (1.02–11.84), P = 0.046); higher body mass index (aOR [95% CI]: 1.09 (1.02–1.16), P = 0.003); lower amniotic fluid index (aOR [95% CI]: 0.99 (0.98–0.99), P = 0.032); higher white blood cell count (aOR [95% CI]: 1.11 (1.02–1.20), P = 0.009). The presence of one, two and three of the above‐mentioned risk factors yielded a risk for MAS of 0.8%, 2.5% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

We identified independent risk factors for MAS and developed a risk score calculator. This tool may assist physicians in the management of deliveries complicated by MSAF.
High‐intensity focused ultrasound compared with uterine artery chemoembolization with methotrexate for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Wang Wenping , Chen Yan , Yang Yamei , Qu Dacheng , Jiang Jing
Published: November 2021

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and safety of high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) versus uterine artery chemoembolization with methotrexate for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

A total of 170 women with CSP were enrolled in the retrospective cohort study from April 2016 to September 2020. One hundred women received HIFU followed by suction curettage, and 70 women were treated with uterine artery chemoembolization followed by suction curettage.

Results

The median blood loss during suction curettage was 20 ml (range 2–800 ml) in the HIFU group versus 20 ml (range 5–200 ml) in the chemoembolization group (P = 0.837). The mean time for β‐human chorionic gonadotropin normalization was 28.52 ± 10.82 days versus 26.69 ± 8.97 days (P = 0.246), respectively. The mean time of menstruation recovery was 34.36 ± 10.63 days versus 31.93 ± 8.53 days (P = 0.114), respectively. The incidence of adverse effects in the HIFU group was lower than that in the chemoembolization group (P = 0.028). The median hospitalization time in the HIFU group was longer than that in the chemoembolization group (P = 0.000).

Conclusion

HIFU was as effective and safe as uterine artery chemoembolization in the management of CSP, and the incidence of adverse effects was lower.
Optimal operation of water resources systems using MOICA algorithm with reservoir hedging approach in low‐water regions*
Authors: Yarmohammadi Ehsan , Izadbakhsh Mohammad Ali , Rajabi Ahmad , Yosefvand Fariborz , Shabanlou Saeid
Published: November 2021

In this study, simulation and optimization models are combined to apply the reservoir hedging policy. The simulation of the study basin is done by the Water Planning and Evaluation System (WEAP) model to operate the Doiraj dam reservoir located on Doiraj River. In addition, to optimize the system, the multi‐objective imperialist competitive algorithm (MOICA) model is employed so that the first goal is to maximize the percentage of supplying demands, while the second one is to reduce the violation of allowable capacities of the reservoir during the operation period. In this regard, modelling the operation of the reservoir is conducted based on the current condition for 720 months (i.e., from October 1960 to September 2019). Finally, by introducing the optimization scenario and applying the reservoir hedging policy, the optimization of the operation of the reservoir is done, and the outcomes are compared with the outputs of the reference scenario. In this study, by considering 24 decision variables including 12 hedging level variables and 12 hedging coefficient variables, the optimal answers are yielded after 1,000 iterations. The findings show that the violation of the allowable capacities did not occur in any period in the optimization scenario, while in the reference scenario, the reservoir level reached the dead level in sequent months with more water shortage, which might result in a lack of water supply in such months and serious damages to the system. Due to the application of the hedging principles in the optimization mode, the percentage of supplying the demands in the dry months has extended between 20% and 35% compared to the reference state, which demonstrates a significant reduction in the failure rate in such months compared to the reference mode.
The COVID‐19/racial injustice syndemic and mental health among Black Americans: The roles of general and race‐related COVID worry, cultural mistrust, and perceived discrimination
Authors: Cokley Kevin , Krueger Nolan , Cunningham Suzanne R. , Burlew Kathleen , Hall Shaina , Harris Keoshia , Castelin Stephanie , Coleman Carly
Published: November 2021

This study explored intersecting concerns about COVID‐19 and racial injustice against Black people in the United States using a syndemic perspective. Findings from a multistate COVID‐19 needs assessment project examined the association of general and race‐related concerns about COVID‐19 and concerns about police violence against Black people with mental health symptoms in a sample of 2480 Black Americans. The role of cultural mistrust in vaccination status was also examined. Concerns about COVID‐19 were positively associated with concerns about police violence and associated with worse mental health. Nonvaccinated individuals were higher in cultural mistrust but lower in perceived discrimination than vaccinated individuals. Perceived discrimination partially mediated the relationship between race‐related concerns about COVID‐19 and mental health symptoms. Findings can inform the development of culturally responsive strategies to address the syndemic effects of COVID‐19 and racial injustice.
Optimizing temperature and introducing new process arrangements for elevating clay's longevity based on the known poisons in the separation process of trace olefins from aromatics
Authors: Rouhani Hadi , Farhadi Fatola , Akbari Kenari Mahsa , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The clay treatment widely utilized to reduce unsaturated components in aromatic stream has a detrimental effect on catalyst lifetime. Due to the short lifetime of commercial clay, a huge number of studies have been carried out to address this problem over the last decade. This study aims to optimize the temperature for longer serviceability of clay by removal of unsaturated aliphatic components from aromatic streams through the adsorption and catalytic properties of clay. A novel process arrangement is introduced by scheduling the reuse of deactivated clay that is discarded after deactivation.

RESULTS

Results showed that the suitable range of temperature for olefin removal is 155–205 °C, and the optimum temperature with the lowest operational cost was 185 °C, which is then gradually elevated to 205 °C.

CONCLUSION

The new process arrangements utilize these results and elevate clay's lifetime by almost 3.5 times, leading to an economical solution on an industrial scale. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Characteristics and mechanism of heterotrophic nitrification/aerobic denitrification in a novel Halomonas piezotolerans strain
Authors: Dong Lingxi , Ge Zhewen , Qu Wu , Fan Yingping , Dai Qiuping , Wang Jianxin
Published: November 2021

A strain was isolated from an activated sludge system and identified as Halomonas piezotolerans HN2 in this study, which is the first strain in H. piezotolerans with the capability of heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification. Strain HN2 showed the maximum nitrogen removal rate of 9.10 mg/L/h by utilizing ammonium at the salinity of 3.0%. Under saline environment, HN2 could remove nitrogen efficiently in neutral and slightly alkaline environments, with the carbon sources of sodium succinate and sodium citrate and the C/N ratio of 15–20, and the maximum removal efficiencies of ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate were 100%, 96.35%, and 99.7%, respectively. The genomic information revealed the presence of amoA, napA, and nosZ genes in strain HN2, and the target bands of nirS were obtained via a polymerase chain reaction. Therefore, we inferred that ammonium was mainly utilized for the growth of strain HN2 through assimilation, and another part of the initial ammonium was converted into nitrate through nitrification, and then into gaseous nitrogen through denitrification. This report indicated the potential application of strain HN2 and other nitrifying and denitrifying Halomonas strains in the removal of nitrogen pollution in marine‐related environments and also implies the important role of Halomonas in the nitrogen cycle process of the ocean.
Oxygen‐deficient water zones in the Baltic Sea promote uncharacterized Hg methylating microorganisms in underlying sediments
Authors: Capo Eric , Broman Elias , Bonaglia Stefano , Bravo Andrea G. , Bertilsson Stefan , Soerensen Anne L. , Pinhassi Jarone , Lundin Daniel , Buck Moritz , Hall Per O. J. , Nascimento Francisco J. A. , Björn Erik
Published: November 2021

Human‐induced expansion of oxygen‐deficient zones can have dramatic impacts on marine systems and its resident biota. One example is the formation of the potent neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) that is mediated by microbial methylation of inorganic divalent Hg (HgII) under oxygen‐deficient conditions. A negative consequence of the expansion of oxygen‐deficient zones could be an increase in MeHg production due to shifts in microbial communities in favor of microorganisms methylating Hg. There is, however, limited knowledge about Hg‐methylating microbes, i.e., those carrying hgc genes critical for mediating the process, from marine sediments. Here, we aim to study the presence of hgc genes and transcripts in metagenomes and metatranscriptomes from four surface sediments with contrasting concentrations of oxygen and sulfide in the Baltic Sea. We show that potential Hg methylators differed among sediments depending on redox conditions. Sediments with an oxygenated surface featured hgc‐like genes and transcripts predominantly associated with uncultured Desulfobacterota (OalgD group) and Desulfobacterales (including Desulfobacula sp.) while sediments with a hypoxic‐anoxic surface included hgc‐carrying Verrucomicrobia, unclassified Desulfobacterales, Desulfatiglandales, and uncharacterized microbes. Our data suggest that the expansion of oxygen‐deficient zones in marine systems may lead to a compositional change of Hg‐methylating microbial groups in the sediments, where Hg methylators whose metabolism and biology have not yet been characterized will be promoted and expand.
A Facile Approach to Sulfur‐Rich Covalent Organic Frameworks for Selective Recovery of Trace Gold
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhang Guiqing , Dong Anjie , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2021

As one of the most precious metals with versatile uses, the global production needs of gold are much larger than its deposits. Therefore, it is imperative to recover gold from secondary sources so as to realize resource reuse and environmental protection. Due to the desirable physicochemical properties, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), especially the thiol/thioether‐functionalized sulfur‐rich COFs with strong affinity for Au ions, have exhibited promising prospects for gold recovery. However, their applications are still restricted by the commercially unavailable raw materials and complicated synthesis processes of thiol/thioether‐functionalization. Here, a kind of sulfur‐rich COFs (SCOFs) is designed and synthesized by Schiff base reaction in a single step from common commercial 4,4‐diaminophenyl sulfide and 1,3,5‐triformylbenzene, without any additional post‐synthetic modifications. The structure and physicochemical properties of SCOFs are fully characterized, and the adsorption performance for trace Au (III) ions in water is systematically investigated. The results indicate that SCOFs can efficiently and selectively recover Au (III) ions from dilute aqueous solutions. Considering the commercially available raw materials, simple preparation process, fast adsorption and high selectivity, SCOFs exhibit great potential in the field of the recovery of gold ions from various wastewater of mining industries, metal processing, electronic manufacturing, and scrap.
Mathematical modeling of the spread of the coronavirus under strict social restrictions
Authors: Al‐arydah Mo'tassem , Berhe Hailay , Dib Khalid , Madhu Kalyanasundaram
Published: November 2021

We formulate a simple susceptible‐infectious‐recovery (SIR) model to describe the spread of the coronavirus under strict social restrictions. The transmission rate in this model is exponentially decreasing with time. We find a formula for basic reproduction function and estimate the maximum number of daily infected individuals. We fit the model to induced death data in Italy, United States, Germany, France, India, Spain, and China over the period from the first reported death to August 7, 2020. We notice that the model has excellent fit to the disease death data in these countries. We estimate the model's parameters in each of these countries with 95% confidence intervals. We order the strength of social restrictions in these countries using the exponential rate. We estimate the time needed to reduce the basic reproduction function to one unit and use it to order the quality of social restrictions in these countries. The social restriction in China was the strictest and the most effective and in India was the weakest and the least effective. Policy‐makers may apply the Chinese successful social restriction experiment and avoid the Indian unsuccessful one.
Dose reduction potential in diagnostic single energy CT through patient‐specific prefilters and a wider range of tube voltages
Authors: Steidel Jörg , Maier Joscha , Sawall Stefan , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Various studies have demonstrated that additional prefilters and/or reduced tube voltages have the potential to significantly increase the contrast‐to‐noise ratios at unit dose (CNRDs) and thereby to significantly reduce patient dose in clinical CT. An exhaustive analysis, accounting for a wide range of filter thicknesses and a wide range of tube voltages extending beyond the 70 to 150 kV range of today's CT systems, including their specific choice depending on the patient size, is, however, missing. Therefore, this work analyzes the dose reduction potential for patient‐specific selectable prefilters combined with a wider range of tube voltages. We do so for soft tissue and iodine contrast in single energy CT. The findings may be helpful to guide further developments of x‐ray tubes and automatic filter changers.

Methods

CT acquisitions were simulated for different patient sizes (semianthropomorphic phantoms for child, adult, and obese patients), tube voltages (35–150 kV), prefilter materials (tin and copper), and prefilter thicknesses (up to 5 mm). For each acquisition soft tissue and iodine CNRDs were determined. Dose was calculated using Monte Carlo simulations of a computed tomography dose index (CTDI) phantom. CNRD values of acquisitions with different parameters were used to evaluate dose reduction.

Results

Dose reduction through patient‐specific prefilters depends on patient size and available tube current among others. With an available tube current time product of 1000 mAs dose reductions of 17% for the child, 32% for the adult and 29% for the obese phantom were achieved for soft tissue contrast. For iodine contrast dose reductions were 57%, 49%, and 39% for child, adult, and obese phantoms, respectively. Here, a tube voltage range extended to lower kV is important.

Conclusions

Substantial dose reduction can be achieved by utilizing patient‐specific prefilters. Tube voltages lower than 70 kV are beneficial for dose reduction with iodine contrast, especially for small patients. The optimal implementation of patient‐specific prefilters benefits from higher tube power. Tin prefilters should be available in 0.1 mm steps or lower, copper prefilter in 0.3 mm steps or lower. At least 10 different prefilter thicknesses should be used to cover the dose optima of all investigated patient sizes and contrast mechanisms. In many cases it would be advantageous to adapt the prefilter thickness rather than the tube current to the patient size, that is, to always use the maximum available tube current and to control the exposure by adjusting the thickness of the prefilter.
Glutamate correlates negatively with cognitive theory of mind in schizotypy
Authors: Chen Si‐yu , Wang Ling‐ling , Li Gai‐ying , Wang Yi , Chu Min‐yi , Yan Chao , Lui Simon S. Y. , Li Jian‐qi , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: November 2021

This study showed a negative correlation between the glutamate level in the anterior cingulate cortex and cognitive theory of mind in individuals with high level of schizotypy but not in non‐schizotypy individuals.
Internalized stigma among cancer patients enrolled in a smoking cessation trial: The role of cancer type and associations with psychological distress
Authors: Warner Erica T. , Park Elyse R. , Luberto Christina M. , Rabin Julia , Perez Giselle K. , Ostroff Jamie S.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Cancer patients who smoke may experience significant stigma due both to their disease, and negative attitudes and beliefs regarding smoking. We investigated whether internalized stigma differed between currently smoking cancer patients diagnosed with lung or head and neck cancers, other smoking related cancers, and non smoking‐related cancers, and whether internalized stigma was associated with psychological distress.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis used baseline data on 293 participants enrolled in a multi‐site randomized smoking cessation intervention trial of patients with recently diagnosed cancer. Internalized stigma was assessed using five Internalized Shame items from the Social Impact of Disease Scale. Smoking‐related cancers included lung, head and neck, esophageal, bladder, kidney, liver, pancreatic, colorectal, anal, small intestinal, gastric, and cervical. We used multivariable linear regression to examine whether mean internalized stigma levels differed between individuals with lung and head and neck cancers, other smoking‐related cancers, and non smoking‐related cancers, adjusting for potential confounders. We further examined the association of internalized stigma with depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, overall and among cancer type groups.

Results

Thirty‐nine percent of participants were diagnosed with lung or head and neck cancer, 21% with another smoking‐related cancer, and 40% with a non smoking‐related cancer. In multivariable‐adjusted models, participants with lung or head and neck cancers (11.6, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 10.8–12.2;p < 0.0001) or other smoking‐related cancers (10.7, 95% CI = 9.8–11.7;p = 0.03) had higher mean internalized stigma scores compared to those non‐smoking‐related cancers (9.3, 95% CI = 8.6–10.0). We observed similar positive associations between internalized stigma and depressive symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress among participants with smoking‐related and non smoking‐related cancers.

Conclusions

Among smokers, those with smoking‐related cancers experienced the highest levels of internalized stigma, and greater internalized stigma was associated with greater psychological distress across cancer types. Providers should assess patients for internalized and other forms of stigma, refer patients for appropriate psychosocial support services, and address stigma in smoking cessation programs.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: Incidence and severity in premature infants born at high altitude
Authors: Buendía Jefferson A. , Ramírez_Velasquez Cristian , Benjumea‐Bedoya Dione
Published: November 2021

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common cause of chronic lung disease in children born prematurely. There is little information about the epidemiology and severity of BPD places with high altitude. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of BPD severity levels and the associated risk factors with severity in a cohort of preterm newborns ≤36weeks of gestational age born in Rionegro, Colombia

Materials and Methods

We carried out a retrospective analytical cohort of preterm newborns without major malformations from Rionegro, Colombia between 2011 and 2018 admitted to neonatal intensive unit at high altitude (2200 m above sea level). The main outcomes were the incidence and severity of BPD.

Results

The BPD incidence was 23.5% 95% (confidence interval [CI], 19.6–27.7). BPD was grade 1 in 69.9%, grade 2 in 15.5% and grade 3 in 14.5% of patients. After modeling regression analysis, the final variables associated with BPD severity levels were: sepsis (odds ratio [OR], 4.15; 95% CI, 1.33–12.96) and pulmonary hypertension (OR: 3.86; 95% CI, 1.30‐11.4).

Conclusion

The incidence of BPD was higher and similar to cities with higher altitudes. In our population, the variables associated with BPD severity levels were: sepsis and pulmonary hypertension. It is necessary to increase the awareness of risk factors, the effect of clinical practices, and early recognition of BPD to reduce morbidity in patients with this pathology.