bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated coronary disease burden and patterns to discriminate vessels benefiting from percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Dai Neng , Zhang Rui , Hu Nan , Guan Changdong , Zou Tongqiang , Qiao Zheng , Zhang Min , Duan Shaofeng , Xie Lihua , Dou Kefei , Zhang Yingmei , Xu Bo , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic implications of atherosclerosis functional pattern on ischemia‐causing vessels received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or conservative treatment.

Background

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR)‐derived pullback pressure gradient (PPG) index is recently proposed to characterize atherosclerosis functional pattern, but its prognostic value remains unclear.

Methods

QFR‐derived PPG index was retrospectively calculated in patients from the PANDA III trial. Vessels with low or high PPG treated by PCI or not were compared for the risk of 2‐year vessel‐oriented composite outcome (VOCO), which was a composite of vessel‐related ischemia‐driven revascularization, vessel‐related myocardial infarction, or cardiac death.

Results

A total of 1444 vessels were included while 94 (6.5%) VOCOs occurred within 2 years. Among physiologically ischemic vessels (QFR ≤ 0.80) treated by PCI, those with low PPG acquired higher VOCO risk than those with high PPG (8.4% vs. 3.8%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18 to 3.86), and a similar VOCO risk (8.4% vs. 7.8%; adjusted HR 1.11, 95%CI 0.70–1.78) compared to those treated by conservatively. After multiple adjustment, PPG index was an independent predictor for VOCO (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05–1.62). The addition of PPG to the model of clinical risk factors substantially improved the predictions of VOCO (C‐index 0.67 vs. 0.62, net reclassification index 0.42).

Conclusions

PCI treatment was associated with improved outcomes in vessels with high PPG, but not for those with low PPG, which acquired similar risk of VOCO compared to vessels treated conservatively. QFR‐derived PPG might assist the treatment strategy selection in ischemia‐causing vessels.
A rare case of solitary gallbladder metastasis from an early cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Doole Emily Louise , Gan Philip , Klein Oliver
Published: October 2021

Solitary gallbladder metastasis from melanoma is a rare phenomenon, in this case manifesting as biliary symptoms during and following pregnancy. It is important to consider uncommon causes of biliary symptoms to aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment. This patient was successfully treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and adjuvant immunotherapy.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum as an unusual complication of COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Ramdani Hanae , Benelhosni Khadija , Moatassim Billah Nabil , Nassar Ittimade
Published: October 2021

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is to consider in COVID‐19 patients with progressive respiratory deterioration. It possibly reflects extensive alveolar injury and prompts close monitoring. Although generally self‐limiting, it could be lifeߚthreatening.
Generalized granuloma annulare in a case of breast cancer: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Saber Mina , Khalili Tembi Roghaye Sadat , Asilian Ali
Published: October 2021

Generalized granuloma annulare can be associated with breast cancer. Atypical granuloma annulare especially in older patients should alert physicians to the possibility of an occult malignancy.
Synthesis of Iron and Phosphorous‐Embedded Nitrogen‐Containing Porous Carbon as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Ruisong , Zheng Fengyi , Rao Peng , Luo Junming , Du Yanlian , Jia Chunman , Li Jing , Deng Peilin , Shen Yijun , Tian Xinlong
Published: October 2021

Efficient and stable electrocatalysts are required for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). They must be accessible to realize industrialization. Herein, a hierarchically porous phosphorus and iron‐embedded nitrogen‐containing carbon (P/Fe‐SS) was synthesized with shrimp shells as a carbon matrix via a facile oxidation pretreatment and pyrolysis process, where FeCl3 and H3PO4 were used as the catalyst and activator, respectively. Meanwhile, both of them acted as the doping sources to induce more active sites. The optimal pyrolysis temperature (900 °C) introduced a large specific surface area (857 m2/g) and hierarchical pores, facilitating the exposure of active sites. Furthermore, the presence of pyridinic‐N and Fe/P active sites endowed P/Fe‐SS 900 with excellent activity during the oxygen reduction reaction process. In particular, P/Fe‐SS 900 showed higher long‐term stability and poisoning resistance than those of Pt/C. When P/Fe‐SS 900 was applied as an air cathode in a MFC, its maximum power density reached 96.7 % of that of Pt/C. These results provide a promising alternative to Pt/C for MFC application due to their low cost, accessibility, and high stability.
Understanding the Influence of Temperature on Phase Evolution during Lithium‐Graphite (De‐)Intercalation Processes: An Operando X‐ray Diffraction Study
Authors: Schmitt Christina , Kube Alexander , Wagner Norbert , Friedrich K. Andreas
Published: October 2021

Knowing the phase evolution behavior of battery materials is important for optimizing the operating conditions and understanding the aging behavior of the material. Phase changes of state‐of‐the‐art battery materials at room temperature are well understood, but the influence of temperature on the phase evolution is barely investigated. In this study, operando X‐ray diffraction (XRD) is applied for the observation of phase changes of graphite during cycling at different temperatures. The phase evolution is altered at lower temperatures (0 °C) compared to room temperature due to slower kinetics and diffusion rates even at low current rates of C/20. Differences in phase evolution between charge and discharge are more pronounced at 0 °C compared to higher temperatures. During delithiation at 43 °C, the formation of stage 2L is more distinct than at 25 °C whereas at 0 °C, no stage 2L formation is observed. However, at 0 °C, several phases co‐exist, supporting the theory of the shrinking annuli mechanism for phase evolution during (de‐)lithiation of graphite.
Electrochemically Converting Liquid Cu2S‐Sb2S3 to Liquid Cu2Sb and Sulfur in Molten Salt at 730 °C
Authors: Guo Yanyang , Li Xianyang , Zhao Zhuqing , Wang Hongya , Qu Jiakang , Hu Zuojun , Xie Hongwei , Yin Huayi
Published: October 2021

Conventional sulfide metallurgy suffers from SOx gas emission and high energy consumption, owing to the multiple‐step extraction processes and high temperatures that are above the melting point of the extracted metals. Herein, liquid Cu2Sb alloy can be directly electrochemically extracted from the liquid Sb2S3‐Cu2S with no sulfide oxides emission in eutectic NaCl‐KCl molten electrolyte at 730 °C. The use of Sb2S3 decreases the melting point of Cu2S and the Sb decreases the melting temperature of Cu. The Sb2S3‐Cu2S mixture experiences three stages in the electrochemical desulfurization process: the insertion of Na+ into liquid sulfides, the removal of S2− and metallization, and finally the formation of uniform liquid Cu2Sb alloy. The Sb2S3‐Cu2S can be completely electro‐converted into Cu2Sb at 2.6 V for 6 hours. This study provides a straightforward and environmentally friendly route to electro‐synthesize liquid alloys from their molten sulfide minerals.
Construction of Chiral All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters by Asymmetric Friedel−Crafts Reaction of Isatin Derivatives
Authors: Li Jindong , Lu Wenjing , Lu Yangmian , Zha Zhenggen , Wang Zhiyong
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Under the catalysis of chiral Cu(II) complex, C2 and C3 alkylation of pyrrole and C3 alkylation of indole were realized simultaneously. The chiral oxindole skeleton with an all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic center at the C3‐position could be obtained exclusively with high yields (up to 95%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to > 99%).
Application of Copper Mining Waste in Radionuclide and Heavy Metal Immobilization
Authors: Dimović Slavko , Jelić Ivana , Šljivić‐Ivanović Marija , Štirbanović Zoran , Gardić Vojka , Marković Radmila , Savić Aleksandar , Zakic Dimitrije
Published: October 2021

Copper slag flotation tailings (CSFT), as the end waste from copper mining, are evaluated for radionuclide and heavy metal immobilization. Characterization of CSFT based on grain size and mineral composition, surface functional groups, pH and electrical conductivity in aqueous media, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), determination of characteristic temperatures in sample melting process, leachability, and toxicity tests is conducted. The screening sorption of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) inactive isotopes from single‐component solutions is performed. The Cd(II) ions show better sorption potential than other ions, with a sorption capacity of 0.08 mmol g−1 at the highest initial concentration. Sorption decreases in the sequence Cd(II) > Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Mn(II) > Ni(II) > Co(II) at all initial concentrations. Although CSFT shows lower sorption capability than synthetic sorbents based on fayalite and magnetite, its inexpensiveness and substantial accessible amount represent great advantages in wider utilization.
Electrochemical Etching of Germanium in Ionic Liquids without the Use of Toxic and Corrosive Reagents
Authors: Kozmenkova Anna Ya. , Farafonova Sofia D. , Saverina Evgeniya A. , Galushko Alexey S. , Ananikov Valentine P. , Egorov Mikhail P. , Jouikov Viatcheslav V. , Syroeshkin Mikhail A.
Published: October 2021

For the first time, the possibility of obtaining porous germanium from both single‐crystal and polycrystalline starting materials using environmentally friendly (in contrast to the commonly used HF and HCl) imidazolium ionic liquids (IL) was shown. It was demonstrated that pore formation depended significantly on the viscosity of the IL, on the etching current density and etching time, and on defects and imperfections of the substrate surface. By varying these parameters, the rates of two competing processes – formation and growth of pores and electropolishing – could be adjusted, consequently allowing germanium with a various structured surface, including a porous surface. In particular, using a more viscous IL (for example, [BMIM][PF6] versus [BMIM][BF4]) made it possible to reduce the rate of dissolution of the germanium dioxide surface layer; as a result, the formation and growth of pores became a dominant process. At the same time, the dissolution rate of the already formed porous layer (electropolishing) increased with the etching current density and the number of defects and imperfections of the germanium surface.
Evaluation of Russian wheat resistance sources with the spectrum of South African Diuraphis noxia biotypes
Authors: Bapela T. M. , Tolmay V. L.
Published: October 2021

Russian wheat aphid (RWA) Diuraphis noxia is a global pest of small grains, such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena L.), and rye (Secale L.). Though laborious and time‐consuming in terms of efforts required to eliminate the unwanted traits, wheat landraces have been widely used in breeding programs to deliver resistance sources and genes responsive to RWA among other stresses. Continuous exploitation of resistance traits/alleles in the landraces should be prioritized as a RWA intervention strategy to minimize its devastating impacts on wheat. Eighty donor lines were evaluated for their resistance to four South African RWA biotypes, namely RWASA1, RWASA2, RWASA3, and RWASA4. The collection was composed of 74 donor lines and six breeding lines collected from Afghanistan (38), Iran (22), Pakistan (11), United States (4), South Africa (2), Turkey (1), Georgia (1), and Egypt (1). Majority of the accessions were susceptible to RWASA3. Of the 80 accessions evaluated, 14 were uniformly resistant to moderately resistant to RWASA1, 9 to RWASA2, 7 to RWASA3, and 9 to RWASA4. A heterogeneous resistance (resistant–moderately resistant: ≥ 50%) was recorded in 18 accessions for RWASA1, 28 for RWASA2, 13 for RWASA3, and 17 for RWASA4. In addition, 25 genotypes performed comparably to the check genotype CItr 2401, with resistance to all four RWA biotypes. Selection of resistant lines for genetic improvement of RWA resistance is of paramount importance. The use of genotypes conferring both high levels and moderate resistance could offer scope for effective resistance to RWA in wheat. The merits of their exclusive resistance should be emphasized in prebreeding programs.
Cytologic and flowcytometric findings in a case of myelomatous pleural effusion: A rare and ominous presentation of multiple myeloma
Authors: Hussain Aqeel , Khurana Ujjawal , Vijayverghia Garima , Khurana Alkesh Kumar , Goyal Abhishek , Tandon Ashwani
Published: October 2021

Plasma cell myeloma is a hematologic malignancy characterized by multifocal clonal proliferation of plasma cells usually associated with M protein secretion in serum and/or urine and evidence of organ damage. Generally, the presenting features are related to anemia, bone lesions, and renal failure. Pleural effusion is rare in multiple myeloma and when present is often due to nonmalignant causes. Myelomatous pleural effusion that is, effusions directly due to pleural infiltration by plasma cells is even rarer. We present a case of a patient presenting with dyspnea due to myelomatous pleural effusion. The fluid in such a case may be subjected to cytology examination, protein electrophoresis, flowcytometric analysis, and cytogenetics. The case highlights the utility of cytomorphology and flowcytometry in the diagnosis of myelomatous pleural effusion and also highlights that this type of presentation portends a poor prognosis to the patient.
Thermal Runaway of Lithium‐Ion Batteries Employing Flame‐Retardant Fluorinated Electrolytes
Authors: Hou Junxian , Wang Li , Feng Xuning , Terada Junpei , Lu Languang , Yamazaki Shigeaki , Su Anyu , Kuwajima Yoshiko , Chen Yongjiang , Hidaka Tomoya , He Xiangming , Wang Hewu , Ouyang Minggao
Published: October 2021

Fluorinated electrolytes possess good antioxidant capacity that provides high compatibility to high‐voltage cathode and flame retardance; thus, they are considered as a promising solution for advanced lithium‐ion batteries carrying both high‐energy density and high safety. Moreover, the fluorinated electrolytes are widely used to form stable electrolyte interphase, due to their chemical reactivity with lithiated graphite or lithium. However, the influence of this reactivity on the thermal safety of batteries is seldom discussed. Herein, we demonstrate that the flame‐retardant fluorinated electrolytes help to reduce the flammability, while the lithium‐ion batteries with flame‐retardant fluorinated electrolytes still undergo thermal runaway and disclose their different thermal runaway pathway from that of battery with conventional electrolyte. The reduction in fluorinated components (e.g., LiPF6 and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)) by fully lithiated graphite accounts for a significant heat release during battery thermal runaway. The 13% of total heat is sufficient to trigger the chain reactions during battery thermal runaway. This study deepens the understanding of the thermal runaway mechanism of lithium‐ion batteries employing flame‐retardant fluorinated electrolytes, providing guidance on the concept of electrolyte design for safer lithium‐ion batteries.
‘Time is prognosis’ in heart failure: time‐to‐treatment initiation as a modifiable risk factor
Authors: Abdin Amr , Anker Stefan D. , Butler Javed , Coats Andrew J. Stewart , Kindermann Ingrid , Lainscak Mitja , Lund Lars H. , Metra Marco , Mullens Wilfried , Rosano Giuseppe , Slawik Jonathan , Wintrich Jan , Böhm Michael
Published: October 2021

In heart failure (HF), acute decompensation can occur quickly and unexpectedly because of worsening of chronic HF or to new‐onset HF diagnosed for the first time (‘de novo’). Patients presenting with acute HF (AHF) have a poor prognosis comparable with those with acute myocardial infarction, and any delay of treatment initiation is associated with worse outcomes. Recent HF guidelines and recommendations have highlighted the importance of a timely diagnosis and immediate treatment for patients presenting with AHF to decrease disease progression and improve prognosis. However, based on the available data, there is still uncertainty regarding the optimal ‘time‐to‐treatment’ effect in AHF. Furthermore, the immediate post‐worsening HF period plays an important role in clinical outcomes in HF patients after hospitalization and is known as the ‘vulnerable phase’ characterized by high risk of readmission and early death. Early and intensive treatment for HF patients in the ‘vulnerable phase’ might be associated with lower rates of early readmission and mortality. Additionally, in the chronic stable HF outpatient, treatments are often delayed or not initiated when symptoms are stable, ignoring the risk for adverse outcomes such as sudden death. Consequently, there is a dire need to better identify HF patients during hospitalization and after discharge and treating them adequately to improve their prognosis. HF is an urgent clinical scenario along all its stages and disease conditions. Therefore, time plays a significant role throughout the entire patient's journey. Therapy should be optimized as soon as possible, because this is beneficial regardless of severity or duration of HF. Time lavished before treatment initiation is recognized as important modifiable risk factor in HF.
Fluid rheological effects on streaming dielectrophoresis in a post‐array microchannel
Authors: Bentor Joseph , Raihan Mahmud Kamal , McNeely Colin , Liu Zhijian , Song Yongxin , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: October 2021

Recent studies have demonstrated the strong influences of fluid rheological properties on insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) in single‐constriction microchannels. However, it is yet to be understood how iDEP in non‐Newtonian fluids depends on the geometry of insulating structures. We report in this work an experimental study of fluid rheological effects on streaming DEP in a post‐array microchannel that presents multiple contractions and expansions. The iDEP focusing and trapping of particles in a viscoelastic polyethylene oxide solution are comparable to those in a Newtonian buffer, which is consistent with the observations in a single‐constriction microchannel. Similarly, the insignificant iDEP effects in a shear‐thinning xanthan gum solution also agree with those in the single‐constriction channel except that gel‐like structures are observed to only form in the post‐array microchannel under large DC electric fields. In contrast, the iDEP effects in both viscoelastic and shear‐thinning polyacrylamide solution are significantly weaker than in the single‐constriction channel. Moreover, instabilities occur in the electroosmotic flow and appear to be only dependent on the DC electric field. These phenomena may be associated with the dynamics of polymers as they are electrokinetically advected around and through the posts.
Artificial bifurcation effect on downstream channel dynamics of a large lowland river, the Atchafalaya
Authors: Tang Ming , Xu Y. Jun , Wang Bo , Xu Wei , Cheng Heqin , Tsai Frank T.‐C.
Published: October 2021

Artificial river bifurcations have been widely created for different purposes. Yet, long‐term dynamics in the bifurcated channels and natural channels downstream of the artificial bifurcation nodes are not well investigated. Herein, we employed an approach combining three decades (1977–2006) of bathymetric survey records, geographic information system (GIS) application, and bed material transport modeling to investigate riverbed dynamics in an artificially bifurcated channel and the downstream natural channel of the Atchafalaya River, the largest distributary of the Mississippi River. Decadal changes in the riverbed volume were determined, and erosion/deposition patterns in these channels were assessed. Hydraulic properties under low, medium, and high flow conditions were quantified to analyze main factors affecting the long‐term trend of channel dynamics. Our study found that flow from the Atchafalaya River into the artificially bifurcated Wax Lake outlet channel (WLOC) steadily increased. Hydraulic gradient, stream power, and shear stress under all flow conditions of the WLOC were greater than those of the Atchafalaya River natural mainstem channel (ARMC) downstream of the artificial bifurcation. On average, 52% of the total bed material loads (BMLs) from the Atchafalaya entered the steeper and straight WLOC with 41% of the river's flow from 1977 to 2006. Despite the higher sediment inflow, the WLOC degraded with an average rate of −0.12 × 105 m3 km−1 yr−1, while the ARMC downstream of the bifurcation aggraded substantially with an average rate of 0.38 × 105 m3 km−1 yr−1 over the three decades. The disproportional flow–sediment ratio and channel erosion‐aggradation patterns below the artificial bifurcation were apparently a reflection of the difference in the river hydraulic properties. These findings imply that lowland alluvial river diversions for introducing sediment to build new land in world's sinking deltas need to develop sustainable solutions in order to avoid causing severe bed scouring in one but excessive deposition in the other channel downstream of the bifurcation.
Tormenting thoughts: The posterior cingulate sulcus of the default mode network regulates valence of thoughts and activity in the brain's pain network during music listening
Authors: Koelsch Stefan , Andrews‐Hanna Jessica R. , Skouras Stavros
Published: October 2021

Many individuals spend a significant amount of their time “mind‐wandering”. Mind‐wandering often includes spontaneous, nonintentional thought, and a neural correlate of this kind of thought is the default mode network (DMN). Thoughts during mind‐wandering can have positive or negative valence, but only little is known about the neural correlates of positive or negative thoughts. We used resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and music to evoke mind‐wandering in n = 33 participants, with positive‐sounding music eliciting thoughts with more positive valence and negative‐sounding music eliciting thoughts with more negative valence. Applying purely data‐driven analysis methods, we show that medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC, part of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) and the posterior cingulate sulcus (likely area 23c of the posterior cingulate cortex), two sub‐regions of the DMN, modulate the valence of thought‐contents during mind‐wandering. In addition, across two independent experiments, we observed that the posterior cingulate sulcus, a region involved in pain, shows valence‐specific functional connectivity with core regions of the brain's putative pain network. Our results suggest that two DMN regions (mOFC and posterior cingulate sulcus) support the formation of negative spontaneous, nonintentional thoughts, and that the interplay between these structures with regions of the putative pain network forms a neural mechanism by which thoughts can become painful.
High‐quality diet, physical activity, and college education are associated with low risk of NAFLD among the US population
Authors: Vilar‐Gomez Eduardo , Nephew Lauren D. , Vuppalanchi Raj , Gawrieh Samer , Mladenovic Andrea , Pike Francis , Samala Niharika , Chalasani Naga
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

The effects of diet quality (DQ), physical activity (PA), and socioeconomic status (SES) on the risk of NAFLD are unclear. We examined the association among DQ, PA, SES, and NAFLD risk.

Approach and Results

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2017–2018, which included 3589 participants with reliable information on vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) measurements, 24‐h dietary recalls, PA, and SES. DQ was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)‐2015. PA was determined by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. SES was assessed by the educational attainment and family poverty income ratio (PIR). Risk of NAFLD was considered by means of a composite outcome using VCTE measurements: non‐NAFLD versus NAFLD without clinically significant fibrosis (CSF) versus NAFLD with CSF. The NAFLD risk was lower in physically active (≥600 metabolic equivalent of task [MET] min/week) versus inactive participants (<600 MET min/week) (OR: 0.71, p = 0.043). A high‐quality diet (HQD) (HEI > 56.64) was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD (OR: 0.58, p < 0.01) compared with a non‐HQD. The lowest NAFLD risk was observed in those physically active with HQD (OR: 0.43, p < 0.01). Body mass index and waist circumference significantly mediated the effect of DQ and PA on NAFLD risk. Education (college or above) (OR: 0.65, p = 0.034), but not PIR, was associated with a reduced NAFLD risk. HQD and increased PA partially mediated the effect of education on NAFLD risk. The total effect of education on NAFLD risk mediated by DQ was 29% and by PA was 8%.

Conclusions

HQD, increased physical activity, and college education were associated with lower NAFLD risk in the US population.
Covid‐19 and Liver Injury: Role of Inflammatory Endotheliopathy, Platelet Dysfunction, and Thrombosis
Authors: McConnell Matthew J. , Kondo Reiichiro , Kawaguchi Nao , Iwakiri Yasuko
Published: October 2021

Liver injury, characterized predominantly by elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, is a common feature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) symptoms caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Additionally, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is associated with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in patients with cirrhosis and has a notably elevated mortality in patients with alcohol‐related liver disease compared to other etiologies. Direct viral infection of the liver with SARS‐CoV‐2 remains controversial, and alternative pathophysiologic explanations for its hepatic effects are an area of active investigation. In this review, we discuss the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the inflammatory environment it creates on endothelial cells and platelets more generally and then with a hepatic focus. In doing this, we present vascular inflammation and thrombosis as a potential mechanism of liver injury and liver‐related complications in COVID‐19.
Leveraging ensemble meteorological forcing data to improve parameter estimation of hydrologic models
Authors: Liu Hongli , Tolson Bryan A. , Newman Andrew J. , Wood Andrew W.
Published: October 2021

As continental to global scale high‐resolution meteorological datasets continue to be developed, there are sufficient meteorological datasets available now for modellers to construct a historical forcing ensemble. The forcing ensemble can be a collection of multiple deterministic meteorological datasets or come from an ensemble meteorological dataset. In hydrological model calibration, the forcing ensemble can be used to represent forcing data uncertainty. This study examines the potential of using the forcing ensemble to identify more robust parameters through model calibration. Specifically, we compare an ensemble forcing‐based calibration with two deterministic forcing‐based calibrations and investigate their flow simulation and parameter estimation properties and the ability to resist poor‐quality forcings. The comparison experiment is conducted with a six‐parameter hydrological model for 30 synthetic studies and 20 real data studies to provide a better assessment of the average performance of the deterministic and ensemble forcing‐based calibrations. Results show that the ensemble forcing‐based calibration generates parameter estimates that are less biased and have higher frequency of covering the true parameter values than the deterministic forcing‐based calibration does. Using a forcing ensemble in model calibration reduces the risk of inaccurate flow simulation caused by poor‐quality meteorological inputs, and improves the reliability and overall simulation skill of ensemble simulation results. The poor‐quality meteorological inputs can be effectively filtered out via our ensemble forcing‐based calibration methodology and thus discarded in any post‐calibration model applications. The proposed ensemble forcing‐based calibration method can be considered as a more generalized framework to include parameter and forcing uncertainties in model calibration.
Switching clinic‐based cervical cancer screening programs to human papillomavirus self‐sampling: A cost‐effectiveness analysis of vaccinated and unvaccinated Norwegian women
Authors: Pedersen Kine , Portnoy Allison , Sy Stephen , Hansen Bo T. , Tropé Ameli , Kim Jane J. , Burger Emily A.
Published: October 2021

Several countries have implemented primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer screening. HPV testing enables home‐based, self‐collected sampling (self‐sampling), which provides similar diagnostic accuracy as clinician‐collected samples. We evaluated the impact and cost‐effectiveness of switching an entire organized screening program to primary HPV self‐sampling among cohorts of HPV vaccinated and unvaccinated Norwegian women. We conducted a model‐based analysis to project long‐term health and economic outcomes for birth cohorts with different HPV vaccine exposure, that is, preadolescent vaccination (2000‐ and 2008‐cohorts), multiage cohort vaccination (1991‐cohort) or no vaccination (1985‐cohort). We compared the cost‐effectiveness of switching current guidelines with clinician‐collected HPV testing to HPV self‐sampling for these cohorts and considered an additional 44 strategies involving either HPV self‐sampling or clinician‐collected HPV testing at different screening frequencies for the 2000‐ and 2008‐cohorts. Given Norwegian benchmarks for cost‐effectiveness, we considered a strategy with an additional cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year below $55 000 as cost‐effective. HPV self‐sampling strategies considerably reduced screening costs (ie, by 24%‐40% across cohorts and alternative strategies) and were more cost‐effective than clinician‐collected HPV testing. For cohorts offered preadolescent vaccination, cost‐effective strategies involved HPV self‐sampling three times (2000‐cohort) and twice (2008‐cohort) per lifetime. In conclusion, we found that switching from clinician‐collected to self‐collected HPV testing in cervical screening may be cost‐effective among both highly vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts of Norwegian women.
Comparative analysis of two laser wavelengths in the stimulation of acupuncture points for analgesic effects in an animal model
Authors: Teixeira Marcos Aurélio , Papini Juliana Zampoli Boava , Garcez Aguinaldo , Tofoli Giovana Radomille
Published: October 2021

This study compares the effectiveness of two laser wavelengths for stimulating acupoints in an experimental model of acute postoperative pain. Forty‐five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive treatment on their left hind paw, contralateral to a surgical procedure. Laser treatments were performed with Green Laser—GL (532 nm, 70 mW and 7 J/cm2 of energy), Red Laser—RL (660 nm, 100 mW and 7 J/cm2 of energy), or with Laser Off—LO. After each application, the animals were evaluated with a Von Frey analgesiometer to check for painful sensitivity on their right (with surgery) and left (without surgery) hind paws. Neuropeptides and cytokine levels in the incision site tissue of the right paw were measured by ELISA after 1, 6 and 24 hours. It was possible to observe that, in this pain model, both lasers promoted analgesia and that the GL altered the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β.
From Anxious Spaces to Harmonious Relations? Interracial Marketplace Interactions Through the Lens of Consumer Psychology
Authors: Grier Sonya A. , Johnson Guillaume D. , Scott Maura L.
Published: October 2021

Interracial interactions abound in the marketplace and are at the core of many consumer experiences across commercial, health, and social settings. The creation of harmonious interracial interactions is a focal target of private, nonprofit, and governmental efforts to transform consumer markets worldwide. Yet both research and practice highlight the challenge of achieving such interactions. Despite their centrality to consumer experience and social significance, interracial interactions have received limited attention in the consumer psychology literature. Understanding the particular role of interracial interactions in how consumers choose, buy, and consume products, services, and experiences is essential to address racial inequity in the marketplace. In this research, we identify extant interdisciplinary research to conceptualize the consumer psychology underlying interracial marketplace interactions. We analyze this literature to summarize the state of the knowledge, identify important research gaps, and develop an organizing framework for prior and future research. Our analysis highlights priorities for future research supportive of harmonious interracial interactions that promote consumer equity and contribute to societal well‐being.
Skeletal muscle atrophy‐induced hemopexin accelerates onset of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nagase Tsukasa , Tohda Chihiro
Published: October 2021

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an unmet medical need worldwide, and physical inactivity is a risk factor for AD. Performing physical exercise is difficult at old age, and thus, decline in physical movement may be a cause of age‐associated lowering of the brain function. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism and onset of the skeletal muscle atrophy‐induced acceleration of AD.

Methods

Pre‐symptomatic young 5XFAD or non‐transgenic wildtype mice were used. The bilateral hindlimbs were immobilized by placing them in casts for 14 days. Cognitive function was evaluated using the object recognition and spatial memory tests. Further, the hindlimb muscles were isolated for organ culture. Conditioned media (CM) of each muscle was separated by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE). Protein expressions in the CM were analysed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis. The expression levels of candidate proteins were quantified using ELISA. After continuous intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of recombinant hemopexin, cognitive function was evaluated. Gene microarray analysis of the hippocampus was performed to investigate the molecules involved in the accelerated memory deficit. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and histological analysis confirmed the expression.

Results

Casting for 2 weeks reduced skeletal muscle weight. Object recognition memory in the cast‐attached 5XFAD mice (n = 7, training vs. test, P = 0.3390) was impaired than that in age‐matched wildtype (n = 7, training vs. test, P = 0.0523) and non‐cast 5XFAD mice (n = 7, training vs. test, P = 0.0473). On 2D‐PAGE, 88 spots were differentially expressed in muscle CM. The most increased spot in the cast‐attached 5XFAD CM was hemopexin. Hemopexin levels in the skeletal muscle (n = 3, P = 0.0064), plasma (n = 3, P = 0.0386), and hippocampus (n = 3, P = 0.0164) were increased in cast‐attached 5XFAD mice than those in non‐cast 5XFAD mice. Continuous i.c.v. infusion of hemopexin for 2 weeks induced memory deficits in young 5XFAD mice (n = 4, training vs. test, P = 0.6764). Lipocalin‐2 (Lcn2) messenger RNA (mRNA), neuroinflammation‐associated factor, was increased in the hippocampus in hemopexin‐infused 5XFAD mice than in control mice. LCN2 protein in the hippocampus was localized in the neurons, but not glial cells. Lcn2 mRNA levels in the hippocampus were also increased by cast‐immobilization of the hindlimbs (n = 6, P = 0.0043).

Conclusions

These findings provide new evidence indicating that skeletal muscle atrophy has an unbeneficial impact on the occurrence of memory impairment in young 5XFAD mice, which is mediated by the muscle secreted hemopexin.
Biological aspects of the nasal turbinates of the Anatolian shepherd dog captured from Egypt: Using computed tomography, histological, and scanning electron microscopic observations
Authors: Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , El‐Bakary Raafat , Enany El‐Said , Karkoura Ashraf , Farid Sara
Published: October 2021

The current study was designed to describe the nasal turbinates of 15 heads of Anatolian shepherd dogs using the histology and scanning electron microscope. The caudal part of the nasal cavity is almost occupied by the ethmoidal concha that is related to the high dog's smelling. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelial lining of the rostral part of dorsal and ventral concha were interdigitated with the underlying lamina propria, with numerous sebaceous and sweat glands. The pseudostratified squamous epithelium lining of the middle part of the dorsal and ventral conchae had simple seromucous glands. The caudal third of dorsal, ventral, and ethmoidal conchae covered by olfactory epithelium that had three cell types; basal, supporting, and bipolar cells with mucous glands. SEM of the vestibular region shows that the dorsal conchae had a wrinkled surface with microvilli, little olfactory buds, and small sebaceous and sweat glands openings, while the ventral conchae had a lot of filiform‐like microvilli. SEM of the respiratory region shows that the dorsal conchae had a little number of seromucous glands and a rosette‐shape cilia, while the ventral conchae had numerous cellular cilia that cover all surface. SEM of the fundus region shows that the dorsal conchae had numerous microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells, while the ventral conchae had numerous long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. SEM of the ethmoidal nasal conchae shows a dense network of long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. We concluded that the morphological features of the dog's nasal turbinates were correlated with their environmental condition.
Nitrogen leaching and Tifway bermudagrass response to simultaneous nutrient and pre‐emergence herbicide applications
Authors: Maia Lucas O. R. , Shaddox Travis W. , Leon Ramon G. , Unruh J. Bryan
Published: October 2021

Pre‐emergence (PRE) herbicides are commonly applied simultaneously with fertilizers to turfgrass; however, the influence of PRE herbicides on nitrogen (N) uptake and leaching from turfgrass remains unclear. The hypothesis of this study was that PRE herbicides applied simultaneously with N fertilizers increase N leaching from Tifway 419 bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy, ‘Tifway’] above that from fallow soil. A nutrient leaching study was conducted from June 2017 through June 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Treatments consisted of indaziflam (25 g a.i. ha–1), prodiamine (540 g a.i. ha–1), and oxadiazon (4,480 g a.i. ha–1); a nontreated turfgrass control (turfgrass fertilized but not treated with PRE herbicides); and a fallow soil. Fertilizer (15–2–12) was applied every 60 d at 49 kg N ha–1, and PRE herbicides were applied every 120 d. Pre‐emergence herbicides resulted in a 3.6‐ and 5.5‐fold increases in NO3–N concentration compared with fallow soil during June 2017 and January 2018, respectively, whereas fallow soil resulted in increased NO3–N concentration during 10 mo and ranged from 3.8‐ to 15‐fold greater than that from turfgrass plots. Turfgrass plots resulted in reduced N leaching of ∼7% during 5 mo compared with fallow soil and did not result in increased N leaching during any month. Cumulative N leached from turfgrass plots ranged from 75 to 120 kg ha–1 and did not differ from fallow soil. Turfgrass growth rate and N uptake were not influenced by PRE herbicide. The results indicated that fertilizers applied with PRE herbicides does not result in increased N leaching or reduced N uptake.
Use of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage as a rescue of re‐intervention after the placement of multiple metallic stents for malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Kitamura Hidetoshi , Hijioka Susumu , Nagashio Yoshikuni , Sugawara Shunsuke , Nara Satoshi , Sone Miyuki , Esaki Minoru , Arai Yasuaki , Okusaka Takuji , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: October 2021

Background/Purpose

Endoscopic transpapillary re‐intervention (ETP‐RI) after multiple self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) is challenging, but endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) could be an alternative following failed ETP‐RI. We investigated appropriate re‐intervention (RI) methods in MHBO after multiple SEMS placement and evaluated RI with EUS‐BD (EUS‐RI) benefits following ETP‐RI failure.

Methods

Patients requiring RI after multiple SEMS placement for MHBO between October 2017 and April 2021 were enrolled. Patients’ characteristics, metallic‐stent type, stent‐placement configuration, overall survival, stent patency, re‐intervention results, and re‐intervention technical and clinical success rates were reviewed.

Results

Forty‐nine patients underwent ETP‐RI for MHBO. ETP‐RI’s technical success rate was 69.4%. Of 15 failed ETP‐RI cases, all underwent EUS‐RI, achieving technical and clinical success rates of 86.7% and 100%, respectively. Time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) after RI was significantly different between EUS‐RI and ETP‐RI (212 vs 84 days; P = .01). On multivariate analysis, EUS‐RI was the only factor associated with TRBO (odds ratio: 4.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.01‐19.91; P = .04). Acute pancreatitis and bile peritonitis were present in 6.1% of ETP‐RI and 13.3% of EUS‐RI cases, respectively; both improved conservatively.

Conclusions

EUS‐RI was effective and safe in difficult ETP‐RI cases after multiple SEMS placement for MHBO.
Adjuvant therapy may be omitted for oral cavity cancer with only one positive lymph node
Authors: Chen Wan‐Yu , Fang Ku‐Hao , Wang Chun‐Wei , Liao Chun‐Ta , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Fang Taun‐Jen , Lai Shih‐Fan , Liang Hsiang‐Kuang , Huang Bing‐Shen
Published: October 2021

Objective

Whether to administer adjuvant treatment is a matter of great debate for oral cavity cancer harboring a single positive node without extranodal extension and positive margin (defined as low/intermediate risk pN1new in this study).

Methods

A total of 243 low/intermediate risk pN1new patients with oral cavity cancer who received curative surgery were included. Overall survival (OS), local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS), regional recurrence‐free survival (RRFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were compared between patients receiving adjuvant treatment and observation alone.

Results

For patients receiving adjuvant therapy vs observation, the differences in outcomes were not statistically significant in terms of 5‐year OS, LRFS, RRFS, and DMFS. For subgroup analysis, in low/intermediate pN1new patients with one or more minor risk factors, adjuvant therapy was not significantly associated with OS, LRFS, RRFS, or DMFS in pN1new patients.

Conclusion

For low/intermediate risk pN1new patients with oral cavity cancer, adjuvant therapy might be omitted.

Level of Evidence

4.
Highly Electrically Conductive Flexible Ionogels by Drop‐Casting Ionic Liquid/PEDOT:PSS Composite Liquids onto Hydrogel Networks
Authors: Yang Jianmin , Chang Li , Ma Chuao , Cao Ziquan , Liu Hongliang
Published: October 2021

Ionogels have been extensively studied as ideal flexible and stretchable materials by virtue of the unique properties of ionic liquids, such as non‐volatility, non‐flammability, and negligible vapor pressure. However, the generally low ionic conductivity of the current ionogels limits their applications in the market of highly conductive, flexible, and stretchable electrical devices. Here, the fabrication of highly electrically conductive ionogels is reported by combining composite liquids consisting of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([EMIM][DCA]) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with flexible negative‐charged poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) hydrogel. The generated composite film exhibits high electrical conductivity up to about 38 S cm−1 with the maximum tensile strain of 45% and fracture stress of 27 kPa. In addition, it is demonstrated that the composite film can maintain conductivity in a high level under different mechanical deformations, and can also be used as flexible sensors in a wide temperature range from −58 to 120 ℃. It is believed that the designed composite film would expand the applications of flexible conductive materials where both high conductivity and robust mechanical flexibility are required.
Diffusing Diffusivityin Dynamics of Unentangled Polymer Melts
Authors: Shukla Prakhar , Ahamad Nabi , Debnath Pallavi
Published: October 2021

The exact results for Rouse chain dynamics in the crowded environment modeled bydiffusing diffusivity(N. Ahamad and P. Debnath,Phys. A2020,549, 124335) in explaining polymer melt dynamics is explored. Theory for mode accounts for anomalous and non‐Gaussian diffusion in the center of mass (c.m.) and monomer dynamics of united atom molecular dynamics simulation trajectories of unentangled polyethylene melts, with excellent agreement. Accurate estimates of scaling relations for c.m. and monomer mean square displacement with time interval are obtained. The corresponding c.m. and monomer diffusion coefficients as a function of confirmdiffusing diffusivityin polymer melts. It is shown shown that the dependent parameters of the modified Rouse model expressed in terms of all modes are reducible to an identical set of per mode parameter values on application to real data. Analysis of velocity autocorrelation functions indicates that the theory is tested on simulation trajectories of polymer melts with friction. The theory estimates for additional power‐law exponents in the exponential of displacement distributions agree with the data. The results show fairly convincingly that the Rouse model withdiffusing diffusivitymay find scope as an alternate theoretical formalism for polymeric liquids.
Single‐Center Study of 103 Consecutive Parkinson's Disease Patients with Levodopa‐Carbidopa Intestinal Gel
Authors: Viljaharju Vili , Mertsalmi Tuomas , Pauls K. Amande M. , Koivu Maija , Eerola‐Rautio Johanna , Udd Marianne , Pekkonen Eero
Published: October 2021

Background

Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) effectively reduces off time and dyskinesia and increases on time in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). However, patients with LCIG‐infusion experience frequent complications and some discontinue treatment early on.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to find predictive factors for early dropout from the LCIG infusion, analyze the treatment burden on the tertiary health care system, and explore changes in medication during the LCIG treatment.

Methods

LCIG‐infusion was administrated to 103 patients between July 2006 and May 2020 at the Helsinki University Hospital, accumulating 350 years of follow‐up data. We evaluated, retrospectively, changes in medication during treatment, discontinuation of the infusion, and adverse events from the patient records.

Results

Living alone was a predictive factor for early dropout (OR = 3.88; 95% CI = 1.03–14.66; P = 0.045). The treatment burden on the tertiary health care system increased after the initiation of LCIG infusion mostly because of common complications related to the infusion system (median change of in‐ and out‐patient visits +1, P = 0.03). Mean levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) rose from baseline to 6 months (1246.7 vs. 1684.9, P = 0.001) and stabilized thereafter. Patients commonly switched from “polypharmacy” to “LCIG‐only” or “LCIG + oral levodopa” medication‐groups during long‐term treatment.

Conclusions

Recurrent complications related to the infusion system increase the treatment burden on tertiary healthcare system after the initiation of LCIG‐infusion. Most patients continue long‐term with the infusion. Few patients discontinue infusion during the first year after initiation and living alone appears to be a risk factor for this outcome.