bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food availability and long‐term predation risk interactively affect antipredator response
Authors: Shiratsuru Shotaro , Majchrzak Yasmine N. , Peers Michael J. L. , Studd Emily K. , Menzies Allyson K. , Derbyshire Rachael , Humphries Murray M. , Krebs Charles J. , Murray Dennis L. , Boutin Stan
Published: June 2021

Food availability and temporal variation in predation risk are both important determinants of the magnitude of antipredator responses, but their effects have rarely been examined simultaneously, particularly in wild prey. Here, we determine how food availability and long‐term predation risk affect antipredator responses to acute predation risk by monitoring the foraging response of free‐ranging snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) to an encounter with a Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) in Yukon, Canada, over four winters (2015–2016 to 2018–2019). We examined how this response was influenced by natural variation in long‐term predation risk (2‐month mortality rate of hares) while providing some individuals with supplemental food. On average, snowshoe hares reduced foraging time up to 10 h after coming into close proximity (≤75 m) with lynx, and reduced foraging time an average of 15.28 ± 7.08 min per lynx encounter. Hares tended to respond more strongly when the distance to lynx was shorter. More importantly, the magnitude of hares’ antipredator response to a lynx encounter was affected by the interaction between food‐supplementation and long‐term predation risk. Food‐supplemented hares reduced foraging time more than control hares after a lynx encounter under low long‐term risk, but decreased the magnitude of the response as long‐term risk increased. In contrast, control hares increased the magnitude of their response as long‐term risk increased. Our findings show that food availability and long‐term predation risk interactively drive the magnitude of reactive antipredator response to acute predation risk. Determining the factors driving the magnitude of antipredator responses would contribute to a better understanding of the indirect effects of predators on prey populations.
Agglomeration behaviour of magnetic microparticles during separation and recycling processes in mRNA purification
Authors: Wommer Lars , Soerjawinata Winda , Ulber Roland , Kampeis Percy
Published: June 2021

Purification of mRNA with oligo(dT)‐functionalized magnetic particles involves a series of magnetic separations for buffer exchange and washing. Magnetic particles interact and agglomerate with each other when a magnetic field is applied, which can result in a decreased total surface area and thus a decreased yield of mRNA. In addition, agglomeration may also be caused by mRNA loading on the magnetic particles. Therefore, it is of interest how the individual steps of magnetic separation and subsequent redispersion in the buffers used affect the particle size distribution. The lysis/binding buffer is the most important buffer for the separation of mRNA from the multicomponent suspension of cell lysate. Therefore, monodisperse magnetic particles loaded with mRNA were dispersed in the lysis/binding buffer and in the reference system deionized water, and the particle size distributions were measured. A concentration‐dependent agglomeration tendency was observed in deionized water. In contrast, no significant agglomeration was detected in the lysis/binding buffer. With regard to magnetic particle recycling, the influence of different storage and drying processes on particle size distribution was investigated. Agglomeration occurred in all process alternatives. For de‐agglomeration, ultrasonic treatment was examined. It represents a suitable method for reproducible restoration of the original particle size distribution.
Review on Efficiency Enhancement Using Natural Extract Mediated Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell for Sustainable Photovoltaics
Authors: Bist Anup , Chatterjee Somenath
Published: June 2021

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have turned a new horizon in energy research due to their widespread exploration over two decades by improving efficiency, cost‐effectiveness, and easy process than inorganic‐based solar cells. The major challenges are metal complexes on designing the cells and sustainability implications for further rapid expansion due to its toxicity. To overcome the problems associated with metal complexes, the dyes are extracted from bionatural sources such as flowers, fruits, barks, petals, roots, leaves, and beans of plants. These organic dyes are being nontoxic, cost‐effective, abundant, environmentally friendly, and easy to extract, which is made them extensively applicable for DSSC. Through this review, readers may get an idea about the effect in the efficiency of the solar cell by applying variable semiconductors, effects of solvents, variable light‐harvesting pigments, types of electrolytes, and modification of counter electrodes by certain polymeric materials or nanomaterials. Furthermore, the effects of methodology, processing temperature, and pH of the medium during synthesis on solar cell parameters, such as the efficiency of DSSC, are critically analyzed which are reported by other researchers.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 by a Negative‐Thermal‐Expansion Material at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Xu Sheng , Jing Nana , Hao Huming , Wang Mengyao , Wang Zhiqiang , Yang Liangxuan , Wang Guan , Chen Jianyue , Wang Guixin
Published: June 2021

More measures are being developed to enhance the electrochemical stability of single‐crystal LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622), but few focus on improving the stability of NCM622 through heat and deformation management. Herein, a negative‐thermal‐expansion (NTE) material of zirconium tungstate ZrW2O8 is adopted to modify NCM622 via a facile method, and the sample with a proper content of ZrW2O8 exhibits superior cycle performance and rate capability. The capacity retention ratio of modified NCM622 is 86.2% (from 193.6 to 166.8 mAh g−1) after 100 cycles at 2  C between 2.8 and 4.5  V at 60 °C, whereas that of the pristine NCM622 is only 77.5% (from 183.8 to 142.4 mAh g−1). According to various analysis results, the possible enhancing mechanisms of ZrW2O8 for NCM622 are discussed. It is an alternative for the remaining good structure of energy materials using NTE materials.
A High‐Performance Room‐Temperature Li||Ga–Sn Liquid Metal Battery for Grid Energy Storage
Authors: Wang Kaizhao , Hu Jin , Chen Tianyou , Tang Jingtao , Wang Zhiyi , Fan Ningning , Zhang Weijun , Wang Kaijun
Published: June 2021

Herein, a room‐temperature liquid metal battery (LMB) with a solid lithium anode electrode and gallium–tin (Ga–Sn) alloy cathode electrode is reported. With the improved wettability of the electric collector and grain‐refined liquid metal droplets cathode, the aforementioned LMB exhibits good cyclic reversibility and negligible self‐discharge. The result shows that the assembled Li||Ga–Sn battery has a satisfactory specific capacity (409 mAh g−1) and high energy efficiency (up to 92%). The low melting point Ga–Sn alloy can construct fast kinetics for the redox reaction and improve the electrode reaction kinetics, imparting the Li||Ga–Sn system with high discharge voltage (0.77 V at 1C) and smaller polarization voltage at different current densities, which ensure the high Coulomb efficiency and good rate performance of the battery. Moreover, the battery stably cycles at 35 °C for 60 cycles at the 1C rate, with no significant capacity degradation. With good electrochemical performance, simple structure, easy maintenance, and high safety, this room‐temperature Li||Ga–Sn battery may be a promising choice for power grid energy storage applications.
From zero to villain: Applying narrative analysis in research on organizational reputation
Authors: Kuenzler Johanna
Published: June 2021

What narratives accompany the emergence of a negative reputation? I combine research on public organizations’ reputation with narrative analysis. Narratives offer multiple benefits to reputational research, playing an important role in human cognition and comprising social constructions of both organizations and other actors. Organizations profit from insights of narrative analysis concerning their reputation management. I apply the Narrative Policy Framework to the Swiss Child and Adult Protection Agencies (CAPA). A quantitative analysis of 667 narratives in mass media shows that the emergence of the CAPA’s negative reputation was accompanied by villain depictions early on, with narratives assuming a different quality after an implementation scandal. Also the CAPA’s target groups underwent marked changes in their depictions, most notably with problem causers being cast as heroes in several narratives, thus questioning the CAPA’s basic legitimacy as problem‐solving organization. These findings provide the CAPA with concrete starting points to amend their reputation.
Do governments care about socioeconomic inequalities in health? Narrative review of reports of EU‐15 countries
Authors: Carrilero Neus , García‐Altés Anna , Mendicuti Viky Morón , Ruiz García Boi
Published: June 2021

Socioeconomic inequalities in health have been an issue in all European countries since the publication of the “Black Report” in the United Kingdom in 1980. However, data show that nowadays there are important socioeconomic health inequalities within EU countries. The purpose of this paper is to review EU‐15 government reports that address socioeconomic inequalities in health. We reviewed 101 reports. The pioneer countries in analyzing this topic have a Beveridge‐type health system, and they are the leaders over time. The top socioeconomic indicators used are education level, social class, deprivation level of the area, and nationality. Given the current COVID‐19 pandemic situation and its economic consequences, EU governments need to continue monitoring the existing inequalities in health and to act transversely in all public policies.
Renewable energy penetration and energy security in electricity markets
Authors: Ríos‐Ocampo Juan Pablo , Arango‐Aramburo Santiago , Larsen Erik Reimer
Published: June 2021

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies such as wind and solar is being encouraged worldwide. Renewable energy investment costs have been dropping, which, combined with growing incentives, has led to a rapid rise in renewable capacity. These changes in the electricity market entail great challenges and uncertainties, specifically due to resource availability. Wind and solar energy depend on seasonal weather conditions to generate energy, such as wind and radiation, respectively. However, few studies have focused on analyzing and measuring the impact of a progressive increase of renewable energy in a short‐term electricity market and its effect on energy security. We developed a System Dynamics model to be able to analyze alternative scenarios and levels of uncertainties. We studied the impact of different shares of renewable sources on economic dispatch and energy security through reliability, reserve margin, resilience, and vulnerability measures. High shares of renewable resources (>60%) impact the energy security—reliability (< 98%), reserve margin (<−2%), resilience (>4%), and vulnerability—and may lower the spot price due to zero variable costs, which reduce the profitability of conventional firms in the short term and give closure to firms in the middle term and long term.

Novelty Statement

In this study, a system dynamics model is proposed to assess the electricity market configuration and the spot price while renewable energy sources (wind and solar) increase and conventional sources fall (hydropower and fossil fuel). Energy security is measured by including energy measures such as reliability, resilience, vulnerability, and reserve margin in a day‐ahead market. The penetration of renewable energy creates a horizontal movement of the supply curve to the right, affecting wholesale electricity price, energy security, and firms' profitability.

Highlights

The effect of different shares of renewable energy in a day‐ahead electricity market was studied.

Energy security under renewable energy share on economic dispatch was considered.

The analyses were performed using a system dynamics model for a theoretical market.

High shares of renewable resources may lower the spot price due to zero variable costs.

Low spot price reduces the profitability of both conventional and nonconventional firms.
Effects of bromelain on the quality of smoked salted duck
Authors: Ye Ziqing , Zhang Jian , Lorenzo José M. , Zhang Mutian , Zhang Wangang
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed to assess the effects of bromelain on the eating quality of smoked salted duck. Whole ducks were marinated with different doses of bromelain (300 U/g, 600 U/g, 900 U/g, 1,200 U/g and 1,500 U/g), while the group without bromelain was considered as control (CK). After the production of smoked salted duck was completed, the pH, color, texture, electronic tongue detection, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and mass spectrometry analysis were determined. The results showed that, compared to CK, the pH, TBARS and hardness values in 900, 1,200 and 1,500 U/g groups were reduced. The cohesiveness and the springiness were increased while the values of b* were decreased in all bromelain treatments (p < .05). The SDS‐PAGE and mass spectrometry analysis indicated that myosin and actin were further hydrolyzed into small‐molecule proteins by bromelain. Electronic tongue detection showed that the umami, the saltiness and the richness of smoked salted duck were enhanced, while the bitterness was reduced at the dose of 900 U/g. Thus, bromelain improved the eating quality of smoked salted duck in particular at the level of 900 U/g.
Tourmaline and rutile geochemistry in the Early–Middle Devonian sandstones of the Padeha Formation, Alborz Range, Northern Iran
Authors: Jafarzadeh Mahdi , Bónová Katarína , Mikuš Tomáš , Bóna Ján , Rezaei‐Kahkhaei Mehdi , Taheri Azizollah
Published: June 2021

The provenance of Devonian sandstones of the Padeha Formation (Fm.), Eastern Alborz in Iran, has been investigated by standard heavy‐mineral analysis and tourmaline and rutile geochemistry. Heavy‐mineral assemblage is dominated by the ultra‐stable tourmaline, zircon, and rutile, while unstable species are completely absent. The Padeha Fm. sandstones show a very high value of zircon‐tourmaline‐rutile index signalizing either strong weathering in source area(s) or their recycled origin in older Early Palaeozoic formations. Detrital tourmaline shows predominantly dravitic, lesser Mg‐foititic, and uvitic compositions and metasedimentary origin. Metapelitic source is also indicated by rutile geochemistry. Temperature estimates according to Zr‐in‐rutile thermometry show a wide range from 519 to 872°C and indicate the presence of low‐ to upper‐amphibolite and granulite facies metapelitic rocks. Based on chemical composition of detrital tourmaline and rutile, we inferred that the crystalline basement rocks of the Arabian–Nubian Shield were potential primary sources for the Padeha Fm. deposits. Shape of tourmaline and rutile as well as their microtexture surface features indicate long‐distance transport, storage, and recycled history.
Prognostic significance of human papillomavirus status and treatment modality in hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Burbure Nina , Handorf Elizabeth , Ridge John A. , Bauman Jessica , Liu Jeffrey C. , Giri Anshu , Galloway Thomas J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Management of hypopharynx cancer is often extrapolated from larynx cancer. This report analyses treatment patterns and survival limited to hypopharynx cancer using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

There are 9314 patients diagnosed with hypopharynx cancer between 2004 and 2016. The association between treatment modality and survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression.

Results

Five‐year overall survival ranged from 45% for stage I to 21% for stage IVB. Treatment modality did not influence survival in stage I/II. For stage III/IV, chemoradiation and surgery + adjuvant therapy were equivalent. Surgery yielded improved survival for T4 disease. Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive tumors were present in 21% and were associated with improved hazard ratio of death (0.60, p = <0.0001).

Conclusions

Survival is superior for T4 hypopharynx cancer managed with surgery, while treatment modality does not impact outcomes for other T‐stages. HPV‐positive tumors are associated with improved survival regardless of treatment.
Assess hydrological responses to a warming climate at the Lysina Critical Zone Observatory in Central Europe
Authors: Zheng Wenjuan , Lamačová Anna , Yu Xuan , Krám Pavel , Hruška Jakub , Zahradníček Pavel , Štěpánek Petr , Farda Aleš
Published: June 2021

Climate warming is having profound effects on the hydrological cycle by increasing atmospheric demand, changing water availability, and snow seasonality. Europe suffered three distinct heat waves in 2019, and 11 of the 12 hottest years ever recorded took place in the past two decades, which will potentially change seasonal streamflow patterns and long‐term trends. Central Europe exhibited six dry years in a row since 2014. This study uses data from a well‐documented headwater catchment in Central Europe (Lysina) to explore hydrological responses to a warming climate. We applied a lumped parameter hydrologic model Brook90 and a distributed model Penn State Integrated Hydrologic Model (PIHM) to simulate long‐term hydrological change under future climate scenarios. Both models performed well on historic streamflow and in agreement with each other according to the catchment water budget. In addition, PIHM was able to simulate lateral groundwater redistribution within the catchment validated by the groundwater table dynamics. The long‐term trends in runoff and low flow were captured by PIHM only. We applied different EURO‐CORDEX models with two emission scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways RCP 4.5, 8.5) and found significant impacts on runoff and evapotranspiration (ET) for the period of 2071–2100. Results from both models suggested reduced runoff and increased ET, while the monthly distribution of runoff was different. We used this catchment study to understand the importance of subsurface processes in projection of hydrologic response to a warming climate.
Minimally invasive surgery and abdominal radical hysterectomy in patients with early‐stage cervical cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Yuanyi , Deng Ting , Gu Shequn
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare risk of recurrence and death related to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) in early‐stage cervical cancer (CC) patients.

Methods

All relevant literatures in databases were retrieved from the built time of databases to October 2020. Observational studies comparing MIS and ARH in early‐stage CC patients were involved. Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment, including studies with a score of at least 6. Main outcomes involved overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Twenty‐two studies were involved, including 14 894 patients, among which 7213 (48.6%) underwent MIS. The OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.43) and DFS (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07–1.42) of patients undergoing MIS was obviously shortened compared with those of patients undergoing ARH. Subgroup analysis revealed that OS (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.74) and DFS (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18–1.74) of patients with a tumor ≥2 cm in diameter were significantly reduced by MIS.

Conclusion

Overall survival and DFS after MIS for early‐stage CC treatment were worse than those after ARH, especially for patients with a tumor ≥2 cm in diameter.
Development and validation of a predictive model for severe postpartum hemorrhage in women undergoing vaginal delivery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Chenning , Xu Yunzhe , Li Jinsheng , Guan Zhihong , Liu Chenan , He Fang
Published: June 2021

Objective

To develop a predictive tool to accurately screen women at high risk of severe postpartum hemorrhage (SPPH) undergoing vaginal delivery.

Methods

We analyzed 28 150 mothers who underwent vaginal delivery after 28 weeks of pregnancy in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2015 to August 2019. Two‐thirds of the cohort were randomly allocated to a training set (n = 18 766) and the rest to a validation set (n = 9384). In the training set, we built a radiomic nomogram based on multivariate logistic analysis, and calibration and C‐index were evaluated. The performance of the validated nomogram was then tested in the validation cohort.

Results

Independent risk factors for SPPH in women undergoing vaginal delivery were previous cesarean section, history of PPH, in vitro fertilization, anemia, intrauterine death, prolonged labor, low‐lying placenta, placental abruption, placenta accreta spectrum, and macrosomia. Good calibration was observed for the probability of SPPH in the validation cohort, and the C‐index of the nomogram for the prediction of SPPH was 0.861 (95% confidence interval 0.820–0.902).

Conclusion

This model would be a useful tool to accurately screen for women at high‐risk of SPPH undergoing vaginal delivery. It would be expected to be an effective tool to guide clinical practice and further reduce maternal mortality.
A comparison of metal/metal and ceramic/metal taper‐trunnion modular connections in explanted total hip replacements
Authors: Cadel Eileen S. , Topoleski L.D. Timmie , Vesnovsky Oleg , Anderson Charles R. , Hopper Robert H. , Engh Charles A. , Di Prima Matthew A.
Published: June 2021

Corrosion and wear are commonly found at the taper‐trunnion connection of modular total hip arthroplasty (THA) explanted devices. While metal/metal (M/M) modular taper‐trunnion connections exhibit more wear/corrosion than ceramic/metal (C/M) modular taper‐trunnion connections, damage is present in both, regardless of material. This study used a combination of assessment techniques including clinical data, visual scoring assessment, optical imaging, profilometry, and x‐ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), to investigate wear mechanisms and damage features at the modular taper‐trunnion connection of 10 M/M and 8 C/M explanted THAs. No correlation was found between any demographic variable and corrosion wear and assessment scores. All assessment techniques demonstrated that the stem trunnions had more damage than head tapers for both explant groups and agreed that C/M explants had less corrosion and wear compared to M/M explants. However, visual assessment scores differed between assessment techniques when evaluating the tapers and trunnions within the two groups. Profilometry showed an increase (p <.05) in surface roughness for stem trunnions compared to head tapers for both explant groups. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy performed on deposits from two M/M explants found chromium and molybdenum carbides beneath the surface while chromium sulfate and aged bone mineral were found on the surface suggesting that the debris is a result of corrosion rather than wear. These results indicate that taper‐trunnion damage is more prevalent for M/M explants, but C/M explants are still susceptible to damage. More comprehensive analysis of damage is necessary to better understand the origins of taper‐trunnion damage.
The role of circRNA derived from RUNX2 in the serum of osteoarthritis and its clinical value
Authors: Wang Chengyun , Li Nanzhu , Liu Qi , Su Lianbin , Wang Sisheng , Chen Yongfa , Liu Maosheng , Lin Huirong
Published: June 2021

Background

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to affect the pathological process of osteoarthritis (OA) and is expected to become a potential marker for disease diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between circRNA derived from the gene of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and OA risk.

Methods

The expression profile of RUNX2‐derived circRNAs in serum of OA patients was detected. Then, the cytological localization of screened differential circRNAs was studied. Luciferase (LUC) reporter assay was used to identify the microRNA (miRNA) sponge capacity of the circRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct the functional pathway of this circRNA‐miRNAs network. And then, the diagnostic value of RUNX2‐derived circRNAs in OA was evaluated.

Results

RUNX2‐derived hsa_circ_0005526 (circ_RUNX2) is significantly highly expressed in OA serum and mainly located in the cytoplasm within the cartilage cell by sponging multiple miRNAs (miR‐498, miR‐924, miR‐361‐3p, and miR‐665). Bioinformatics analysis showed ECM‐receptor interaction pathway ranked the most significant pathway of circ_RUNX2‐miRNAs regulatory network in KEGG database. The ROC curve showed that there may be good diagnostic value of serum circ_RUNX2 in OA.

Conclusion

RUNX2‐derived circ_RUNX2 may be involved in OA development via ECM‐receptor interaction pathways and may be used as potential clinical indicator of OA.
Estimating simazine‐treated area in watersheds based on annual stream loads
Authors: Lerch Robert N. , Willett Cammy D.
Published: June 2021

Existing data in the United States are insufficient for estimating pesticide‐treated crop areas at the watershed scale. The objective of this research was to evaluate an approach for estimating simazine usage on corn (Zea mays L.) based on its transport to streams of the Salt River Basin (SRB) of Missouri, USA. Annual loads of total simazine and atrazine (parent + metabolites) were quantified for seven SRB watersheds from 2005 to 2017. Simazine‐treated corn area was computed as the total simazine load (g) divided by total atrazine load (g ha–1) on a treated area basis; atrazine was used as surrogate in the absence of treated area simazine load data. From 2005 to 2010, an estimated 3.8–31% of the corn area within SRB watersheds was treated with simazine, and four of six watersheds had <10% of corn treated. In contrast, Long Branch Creek (2005–2017) and its sub‐watersheds (2012–2017) had ≥20% of corn area treated with simazine. Key sources of variation in treated area estimates included extremely dry years with little simazine transport and disparities between spring‐applied atrazine and fall‐applied simazine transport. However, compared with national estimates for the SRB, these results estimated simazine usage that was generally one to two orders of magnitude greater and showed far more spatial and temporal variation among watersheds. These results demonstrated that this broadly applicable output‐based method is a significant improvement over existing input‐based national data for estimating pesticide usage in watersheds.
Biodistribution of extracellular vesicles following administration into animals: A systematic review
Authors: Kang Matthew , Jordan Vanessa , Blenkiron Cherie , Chamley Lawrence W.
Published: June 2021

In recent years, attention has turned to examining the biodistribution of EVs in recipient animals to bridge between knowledge of EV function in vitro and in vivo. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to summarize the biodistribution of EVs following administration into animals. There were time‐dependent changes in the biodistribution of small‐EVs which were most abundant in the liver. Detection peaked in the liver and kidney in the first hour after administration, while distribution to the lungs and spleen peaked between 2–12 h. Large‐EVs were most abundant in the lungs with localization peaking in the first hour following administration and decreased between 2–12 h. In contrast, large‐EV localization to the liver increased as the levels in the lungs decreased. There was moderate to low localization of large‐EVs to the kidneys while localization to the spleen was typically low. Regardless of the origin or size of the EVs or the recipient species into which the EVs were administered, the biodistribution of the EVs was largely to the liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. There was extreme variability in the methodology between studies and we recommend that guidelines should be developed to promote standardization where possible of future EV biodistribution studies.
Project Khanya: results from a pilot randomized type 1 hybrid effectiveness‐implementation trial of a peer‐delivered behavioural intervention for ART adherence and substance use in HIV care in South Africa
Authors: Magidson Jessica F , Joska John A , Belus Jennifer M , Andersen Lena S , Regenauer Kristen S , Rose Alexandra L , Myers Bronwyn , Majokweni Sybil , O’Cleirigh Conall , Safren Steven A
Published: June 2021

Introduction

South Africa (SA) has the highest number of people living with HIV (PLWH) globally, and a significant burden of alcohol and other drug use (AOD). Although integrating AOD treatment into HIV care may improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, this is not typically routine practice in SA or other low‐resource settings. Identifying interventions that are feasible and acceptable for implementation is critical to improve HIV and AOD outcomes.

Methods

A pilot randomized hybrid type 1 effectiveness‐implementation trial (N = 61) was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Khanya, a task‐shared, peer‐delivered behavioral intervention to improve ART adherence and reduce AOD in HIV care in SA. Khanya was compared to enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU), a facilitated referral to on‐site AOD treatment. Implementation outcomes, defined by Proctor’s model, included feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness and fidelity. Primary pilot effectiveness outcomes were ART adherence at post‐treatment (three months) measured via real‐time electronic adherence monitoring, and AOD measured using biomarker and self‐report assessments over six months. Data collection was conducted from August 2018 to April 2020.

Results and discussion

Ninety‐one percent of participants (n = 56) were retained at six months. The intervention was highly feasible, acceptable, appropriate and delivered with fidelity (>90% of components delivered as intended by the peer). There was a significant treatment‐by‐time interaction for ART adherence (estimate = −0.287 [95% CI = −0.507, −0.066]), revealing a 6.4 percentage point increase in ART adherence in Khanya, and a 22.3 percentage point decline in ETAU. Both groups evidenced significant reductions in alcohol use measured using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) (F(2,101) = 4.16, p = 0.01), significantly decreased likelihood of self‐reported moderate or severe AOD (F(2,104) = 7.02, p = 0.001), and significant declines in alcohol use quantity on the timeline follow‐back (F(2,102) = 21.53, p < 0.001). Among individuals using drugs and alcohol, there was a greater reduction in alcohol use quantity in Khanya compared to ETAU over six months (F(2,31) = 3.28, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Results of this pilot trial provide initial evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of the Khanya intervention for improving adherence in an underserved group at high risk for ongoing ART non‐adherence and HIV transmission. Implementation results suggest that peers may be a potential strategy to extend task‐sharing models for behavioral health in resource‐limited, global settings.
The moonlighting activities of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase: Biotechnological and biomedical applications
Authors: Fleminger Gideon , Dayan Avraham
Published: June 2021

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) is a homodimeric flavin‐dependent enzyme that catalyzes the NAD+‐dependent oxidation of dihydrolipoamide. The enzyme is part of several multi‐enzyme complexes such as the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase system that transforms pyruvate into acetyl‐co‐A. Concomitantly with its redox activity, DLDH produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are involved in cellular apoptotic processes. DLDH possesses several moonlighting functions. One of these is the capacity to adhere to metal‐oxides surfaces. This was first exemplified by the presence of an exocellular form of the enzyme on the cell‐wall surface ofRhodococcus ruber. This capability was evolutionarily conserved and identified in the human, mitochondrial, DLDH. The enzyme was modified with Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) groups, which enabled its interaction with integrin‐rich cancer cells followed by “integrin‐assisted‐endocytosis.” This allowed harnessing the enzyme for cancer therapy. Combining the TiO2‐binding property with DLDH's ROS‐production, enabled us to develop several medical applications including improving oesseointegration of TiO2‐based implants and photodynamic treatment for melanoma. The TiO2‐binding sites of both the bacterial and human DLDH's were identified on the proteins' molecules at regions that overlap with the binding site of E3‐binding protein (E3BP). This protein is essential in forming the multiunit structure of PDC. Another moonlighting activity of DLDH, which is described in this Review, is its DNA‐binding capacity that may affect DNA chelation and shredding leading to apoptotic processes in living cells. The typical ROS‐generation by DLDH, which occurs in association with its enzymatic activity and its implications in cancer and apoptotic cell death are also discussed.
System modeling of micro‐grid with hybrid energy sources for optimal energy management—A hybrid elephant herding optimization algorithm‐adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system approach
Authors: Durairasan M. , Ramprakash S. , Balasubramanian Divya
Published: June 2021

This manuscript proposes a hybrid method for system modeling and optimal allocation of low cost micro‐grid. The proposed hybrid method is the joint execution of the enhanced elephant herding optimization algorithm (EHOA) and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) named as EHO‐ANFIS. By using MG inputs, such as solar photovoltaic, wind turbine (WT), micro turbine (MT), fuel cell (FC), and battery energy storage system. EHO optimizes micro‐grid configuration in minimal fuel costs based on needed load requirement. Here, learning phase of ANFIS is utilized for predicting the load requirement. EHOA reduces operation and maintenance costs, emission cost on the basis of the predicted load requirement. The proposed method is executed in MATLAB/Simulink site and the robustness of the proposed method is compared with different existing methods. In the proposed method, the maximal generated power of photovoltaic represents 6 kW, wind turbine indicates 7.8 kW, micro turbine denotes 11.8 kW, FC implies 6.8 kW, and battery refers 3 kW. By utilizing genetic algorithm, the generated power of photovoltaic signifies 7 kW, WT implicates 6 kW, MT implicates 4 kW, FC refers 7 kW, and battery implies 14 kW. The proposed method has minimal cost effective depending on its load demand. The computational time of the proposed technique under 100, 250, 500, and 1000 trails is 5600, 14 000, 28 000, and 56 000 s.
Analysis of the determining factors of detectable P‐wave and amplitude of QRS complex sensed by implantable loop recorder
Authors: Ahn Jang Ho , Ryu Hyunho , Oh Il‐Young , Cho Youngjin , Lee Ji Hyun
Published: June 2021

Background

Determining factors for sufficient QRS amplitude and discernible P‐wave sensing in implantable loop recorder (ILR) are unknown. We aimed to investigate determining factors and ILR implantation angle that may improve QRS complex and P‐wave sensing in ILR.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 220 patients who underwent ILR implantation or follow‐up analysis. Patient demographic, clinical, echocardiography, electrocardiography, heart angle, and ILR angle data were collected as predictor variables. Associations between ILR QRS amplitude/P‐wave detectability and each predictor variable were investigated.

Results

Univariate linear regression showed that ILR QRS amplitude was significantly associated with age, height, ILR angle, and QRS amplitudes of 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) (lead I, II, aVR [inverted aVR], aVF, V1–V6) and Holter ECG (lead V3, V5). Among discrete variables, only left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) affected ILR QRS amplitude (P = .016). A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that ILR angle (β = −0.008, P < .001), lead aVR amplitude (β = 0.469, P = .003), Holter lead V5 amplitude (β = 0.116, P = .049), Age (β = −0.005, P = .014), and LVH (β = 0.213, P = .031) were independent determinants of ILR QRS amplitude. Logistic regression revealed that heart angle significantly affected ILR P‐wave detectability (β = 0.12, P = .008). Multiple logistic regression revealed that heart angle (β = 0.121, P = .013) and lead V1 amplitude (β = 28.1, P = .034) were independent determinants of ILR P‐wave detectability.

Conclusion

ILR insertion angle, lead aVR QRS amplitude, Holter lead V5 QRS amplitude, age, and LVH are determinants of ILR QRS amplitude. Heart angle and lead V1 P‐wave amplitude of 12‐lead ECG are determinants of ILR P‐wave detectability.
Impact of early nutrition route in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Brisard Laurent , Bailly Arthur , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Bizouarn Philippe , Lepoivre Thierry , Nicolet Johanna , Roussel Jean‐Christian , Senage Thomas , Rozec Bertrand
Published: June 2021

Background

Early nutrition management in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains controversial. Despite its potentially beneficial effect, enteral nutrition (EN) could be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) complications. Total daily energy requirements remain difficult to achieve with ECMO support. Analysis of nutrition practices could improve nutrition management of this particular population.

Methods

A monocentric retrospective study of patients requiring ECMO in a cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) between 2010 and 2014 with follow‐up ≥6 days. Nutrition support was monitored daily until ECMO weaning. We compared patients exposed (EN group, n = 49) and unexposed (No EN group (NEN), n = 63) with EN, as well as the energy and protein intakes within 4 days after initiation of ECMO. Vital status and nosocomial infections were followed up until ICU discharge. Primary outcome was the incidence of GI intolerance and risk‐factor identification. Secondary outcomes included impact of nutrition inadequacy and clinical outcome.

Results

A total 112 patients were analyzed, representing 969 nutrition days. Median ratio of energy and protein prescribed/required daily was 81% (58–113) and 56% (36–86), respectively. GI intolerance was experienced by 53% (26 of 49) of patients in the EN group and was only associated with ECMO duration (odds ratio, 1.14: 95% CI, 1.00–1.31; P = .05). Low‐energy and protein days were not associated with clinical outcomes such as nosocomial infections.

Conclusion

EN is associated with almost 50% GI intolerance without clinical benefit for patients receiving ECMO. Adequacy in energy and protein amounts did not affect clinical outcome.
Leaf gas exchange of lowland rice in response to nitrogen source and vapor pressure deficit
Authors: Vu Duy Hoang , Stuerz Sabine , Pieters Alejandro , Asch Folkard
Published: June 2021

Background

In anaerobic lowland fields, ammonium (NH4+) is the dominant form of nitrogen (N) taken up by rice plants, however, with the large expansion of water‐saving irrigation practices, nitrification is favored during drained periods, leading to an increased availability of nitrate (NO3−).

Aim

Since the uptake and assimilation of the two N‐sources differ in their demand of photosynthates, leaf gas exchange may be subject to adjustments in response to N‐sources, particularly at high evaporative demand, when stomatal conductance (gs) is very sensitive.

Methods

Three experiments were carried out to study leaf gas exchange of various lowland rice varieties in response to N‐source at low and high vapor pressure deficit (VPD). In the first experiment, seedlings of 12 rice varieties were grown at high VPD for 3 weeks. From this, four rice varieties differing in gs and CO2 assimilation rate (A) were selected and grown for 2 weeks at low VPD, and after that, they were shifted to high VPD for 1 week, whereas in the third experiment, the same varieties were grown separately at low and high VPD conditions for 2 weeks. In all three experiments, plants were grown hydroponically in nutrient solution with N‐sources as sole NH4+ or NO3−.

Results

At high VPD, NO3− nutrition led to a higher gs and A in four out of 12 varieties (IR64, BT7, NU838, and Nipponbare) relative to NH4+ nutrition, while no effect was observed at low VPD or after a short‐term exposure to high VPD. Further, varieties with a high intrinsic water‐use efficiency (WUEi; IR64 and BT7) showed the strongest response to N‐source. Higher gs was partially supported by increased root/shoot ratio, but could not be fully explained by the measured parameters. However, higher A in NO3−‐fed plants did not always result in increased plant dry matter, which is probably related to the higher energy demand for NO3− assimilation. Our results suggest that at high VPD, NO3− nutrition can improve leaf gas exchange in varieties having a high WUEi, provided a sufficient water supply.

Conclusion

Therefore, intensified nitrification under water‐saving irrigation measures may improve leaf gas exchange and the growth of rice plants under high transpirational demand. However, choice of variety seems crucial since large varietal differences were observed in response to N‐source. Further, breeding strategies for genotypes adapted to aerobic soil conditions should consider responses to NO3−, potentially using gas exchange measurements as a screening tool.
Off‐line two‐dimensional liquid chromatography separation for the quality control of saponins samples from Quillaja Saponaria
Authors: Lecas Lucile , Nuccio Sylvie , de Vaumas René , Faure Karine
Published: June 2021

Quil‐A is a purified extract of saponins with strong immunoadjuvant activity. While specific molecules have been identified and tested in clinical trials, Quil‐A is mostly used as a totum of the Quillaja Saponaria bark extract. Quality control of the extract stability is usually based on the monitoring of specific saponins, whereas the comparison of samples with an initial chromatogram seems more appropriate. A reference fingerprint based on comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography offers a rapid detection of nonconform samples. To fulfill quality control constraints, off‐line configuration using basic instrumentation was promoted. Hence, reversed‐phase liquid chromatography × reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction chromatography × reversed‐phase liquid chromatography methods with ultraviolet and single‐quadrupole mass spectrometry detection were kinetically optimized. The reversed‐phase liquid chromatography × reversed‐phase liquid chromatography method used a pH switch between dimensions to maximize orthogonality. Despite diagonalization, it led to a high peak capacity of 831 in 2 h. On the other hand, the combination of hydrophilic interaction chromatography and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography offered a larger orthogonality but a lower, yet satisfactory peak capacity of 673. The advantages of both methods were illustrated on degraded samples, where the reversed‐phase liquid chromatography × reversed‐phase liquid chromatography contour plot highlighted the loss of fatty acid chains, while the hydrophilic interaction chromatography × reversed‐phase liquid chromatography method was found useful to evidence enzymatic loss of sugar moieties.
Sorafenib use in hepatitis B virus‐ or hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Lee Yu‐Chi , Wang Jing‐Houng , Chen Chien‐Hung , Hung Chao‐Hung , Lo Kai‐Che , Yen Yi‐Hao , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Kuo Yuan‐Hung
Published: June 2021

Sorafenib is the recommended first‐line treatment option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related advanced HCC (HCV–HCC) seemed to have a better response than hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related HCC (HBV–HCC) in sorafenib use, but it was undetermined. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of sorafenib between HBV–HCC and HCV–HCC patients in Taiwan. From August 2012 to December 2016, 575 consecutive advanced HCC patients received sorafenib under the reimbursement of Taiwan national health insurance in our hospital. Radiologic assessment was performed at a 2‐month interval. Those patients with tumor progression or liver function deterioration were disallowed for further sorafenib use. Patients with HBV or HCV infection were, retrospectively, enrolled and followed till December 2018. There were 277 (62.4%) HBV–HCC patients and 167 (37.6%) HCV–HCC patients. Before sorafenib, 192 (69.3%) HBV–HCC patients who had used nucleoside analogs (NAs) for HBV management, whereas only 5 (3%) HCV–HCC patients received interferon‐based antiviral therapy. Overall survival (OS) of HCV–HCC patients was significantly superior to HBV–HCC patients without NAs (8.8 months vs. 4.9 months, p = 0.006), but was noninferior to HBV–HCC patients with NAs (8.8 months vs. 10.7 months, p = 0.54). Using propensity score matching, progression‐free survival (2.0 months vs. 2.1 months, p = 0.374) and OS (10.5 months vs. 9.6 months, p = 0.746) between HBV–HCC and HCV–HCC groups were not different. Antiviral therapy might increase survival benefits of advanced HBV–HCC patients underwent sorafenib use, leading to a comparable OS to HCV–HCC patients in Taiwan.
Genetic polymorphisms of regulatory T cell‐related genes modulate systemic inflammation induced by viral hepatitis
Authors: Kao Hsueh‐Hsin , Yu Rwei‐Ling , Chuang Wan‐Long , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Tan Chun‐Hsiang
Published: June 2021

Viral hepatitis is a devastating disease with the risk for cirrhosis and carcinogenicity. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play important roles in the disease course of viral hepatitis via maintaining the balance between overt‐immune responses and viral replications. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms of Treg‐related genes, such as interleukin‐2, transforming growth factor‐β 1 (TGF‐β1), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), and adenylyl cyclase type 9 modulate the hosts' immune regulation under circumstances of viral hepatitis. We examined the effect of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Treg‐related genes on the levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alanine aminotransferase, and non‐invasive hepatic fibrosis marker (Fibrosis‐4 index) in a total of 138 participants with viral hepatitis. The rs1800469 (a TGF‐β1 SNP) GG genotype is associated with higher serum CRP levels, and the rs3761547 (a FOXP3 SNP) C allele in the females is associated with higher ESR levels. Besides, female participants carrying the rs3761547 C allele had a significantly higher Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index than the females carrying the TT genotype, while the rs3761547 C allele had the opposite effect in males. With linear‐regression moderation analysis, we found that sex moderated the impact of the FOXP3 SNP on the levels of FIB‐4, whereas the FOXP3 SNP caused the opposite effect between males and females on the severity of hepatic fibrosis. These results provide evidence for the participation of TGF‐β1 and FOXP3 in the inflammatory responses associated with viral hepatitis, where FOXP3 function may be moderated by sex.