bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syndiospecific Polymerization of Styrene Catalyzed by Half‐titanocenes Containing Monodentate Anionic Nitrogen Ligands
Authors: Pan Dan‐Dan , Fan Ke‐Xin , Zhang Shu , Wu Yi‐Xian
Published: June 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Styrene polymerization catalyzed by the half‐titanocenes CpTiCl2[1,3‐R2(CH2N)2C=N] (6b: R= 2,6‐Me2C6H3, T4: R = 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2; T5: R = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) was carried out in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO). Compared to the styrene conversion (31%) and syndiospecific index (45%) using reported 6b as precatalyst, T5 bearing ligand with isopropyl substitutes on the N‐aryl‐rings exhibits much higher styrene conversion (61%) and syndiospecific index (99%), indicating that the catalytic behavior could be improved obviously by the introduction of electronic donating and steric bulky substituents. One N atom in imidazolin‐2‐iminato ligand was replaced by O atom, affording half‐titanocenes CpTiCl2[3‐C6H5(CH2N)(CH2O)C=N (T1) and CpTiCl2[2,6‐Me2(C6H3O)(NiPr2)C=N] (T2). Compared to 6b, both higher styrene conversion and syndiospecific index are afforded by using half‐titanocene T1 containing 2‐imino‐3‐phenyloxazolidine ligand. All the results illustrate that both the chemical structure and the nature of substituents of the ligand have obvious influence on the styrene conversion and syndiospecific index in the polymerization of styrene. All the resulting syndiotactic polystyrenes (sPSs) are highly syndiospecific (rrr > 99%). Correspondingly, the sPS prepared using T5/MAO catalytic system exhibits high melting point and narrow molecular weight distribution. The results might show new light on designing more efficient half‐titanocenes for styrene polymerization with both high styrene conversion and high syndiospecific selectivity.
First symptoms and health care pathways in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure: ICPS2 survey. A report from the Heart Failure Working Group (GICC) of the French Society of Cardiology
Authors: Beauvais Florence , Tartière Lamia , Pezel Théo , Motet Chloé , Aumont Marie‐Claude , Baudry Guillaume , Eicher Jean‐Christophe , Galinier Michel , Gellen Barnabas , Guihaire Julien , Legallois Damien , Lequeux Benoit , Mika Delphine , Mouquet Frederic , Salvat Muriel , Taieb Charles , Zorès Florian , Berthelot Emmanuelle , Damy Thibaud
Published: June 2021

Background

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a common serious condition that contributes to about 5% of all emergency hospital admissions in Europe.

Hypothesis

To assess the type and chronology of the first AHF symptoms before hospitalization and to examine the French healthcare system pathways before, during and after hospitalization.

Material and Methods

A retrospective observational study including patients hospitalized for AHF

Results

793 patients were included, 59.0% were men, 45.6% identified heart failure (HF) as the main cause of hospitalization; 36.0% were unaware of their HF. Mean age was 72.9 ± 14.5 years. The symptoms occurring the most before hospitalization were dyspnea (64.7%) and lower limb edema (27.7%). Prior to hospitalization, 47% had already experienced symptoms for 15 days; 32% of them for 2 months. Referral to hospital was made by the emergency medical assistance service (SAMU, 41.6%), a general practitioner (GP, 22.3%), a cardiologist (19.5%), or the patient (16.6%). The modality of referral depended more on symptom acuteness than on type of symptoms. A sudden onset of AHF symptoms led to making an emergency call or to spontaneously attending an emergency room (ER), whereas cardiologists were consulted when symptoms had already been present for over 15 days. Cardiologists referred more patients to cardiology departments and fewer patients to the ER than general practitioners or the SAMU.

Conclusion

This study described the French healthcare system pathways before, during and after hospitalization AHF. AHF clinic network should be developed to provide adequate care for all HF patients and create awareness regarding AHF symptoms.
Structural Basis of Selective Human Indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (hIDO1) Inhibition
Authors: Kassab Shaymaa Emam , Mowafy Samar
Published: June 2021

hIDO1 is a heme−dioxygenase overexpressed in the tumor microenvironment and is implicated in the survival of cancer cells. Metabolism of tryptophan to N‐formyl−kynurenine by hIDO1 leads to immune suppression to result in cancer cell immune escape. In this article, we discuss the discovery of selective hIDO1 inhibitors for therapeutic intervention that have been promoted to clinical trials and for which crystallographic structural information is available for the respective inhibitor−enzyme complex. The structural insights are based on the complex crystal structures and the relative biological data profiles. The structural basis of selective hIDO1 inhibition, as discussed herein, opens new avenues to the discovery of novel inhibitors with improved activity profiles, selectivity, and distinct structure frameworks.
Polycomb Paralog Chromodomain Inhibitors Active against Both CBX6 and CBX8**
Authors: Milosevich Natalia , Wilson Chelsea R. , Brown Tyler M. , Alpsoy Aktan , Wang Sijie , Connelly Katelyn E. , Sinclair Kirsten A. D. , Ponio Felino R. , Hof Rebecca , Dykhuizen Emily C. , Hof Fraser
Published: June 2021

Methyllysine reader proteins bind to methylated lysine residues and alter gene transcription by changing either the compaction state of chromatin or by the recruitment of other multiprotein complexes. The polycomb paralog family of methyllysine readers bind to trimethylated lysine on the tail of histone 3 (H3) via a highly conserved aromatic cage located in their chromodomains. Each of the polycomb paralogs are implicated in several disease states. CBX6 and CBX8 are members of the polycomb paralog family with two structurally similar chromodomains. By exploring the structure‐activity relationships of a previously reported CBX6 inhibitor we have discovered more potent and cell permeable analogs. Our current report includes potent, dual‐selective inhibitors of CBX6 and CBX8. We have shown that the −2 position in our scaffold is an important residue for selectivity amongst the polycomb paralogs. Preliminary cell‐based studies show that the new inhibitors impact cell proliferation in a rhabdoid tumor cell line.
Forty‐eight‐year‐old female MUTYH carrier presenting with five concurrent primary cancers
Authors: Arroyave Aaron , Nodit Laurentia , Clegg Devin , Russ Andrew
Published: June 2021

Background

MUTYH‐associated polyposis is a rare disorder resulting from mutations involved in DNA mismatch repair. This results in an increased susceptibility to colonic adenomatosis and other cancers. Studies have examined the resulting frequency of extracolonic manifestations; however, these typically occur alone, concurrently, or temporally separate from an already diagnosed colorectal cancer in individuals with a biallelic mutation.

Case

Reported here is a case of five distinct primary neoplasms presenting simultaneously in a patient monoallelic for an MYH mutation. These neoplasms included squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, rectal adenocarcinoma, synchronous anal adenocarcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and ovarian serous psammocarcinoma. Throughout her course, she underwent multiple surgical procedures, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, with further adjuvant therapy, and treatment ongoing. Due to her unique presentation, she underwent genetic testing that demonstrated she was monoallelic for an MYH mutation.

Conclusion

The patient had a positive response to her treatment and surgical procedures with ongoing adjuvant therapy. She will continue to undergo further genetic testing, and testing for her children is being considered. This case demonstrates a unique presentation associated with a monoallelic MYH mutation that is not described in the current literature and warrants further investigation.
Cytodiagnosis of chondroid syringoma—Series of three cases
Authors: Agarwal Ruchi , Kulhria Amrita , Singh Kulwant , Agarwal Deepti
Published: June 2021

Chondroid syringoma is a rare, benign, appendegeal neoplasm. It was initially termed as mixed tumor as it comprises both epithelial cells and chondromyxoid stroma. It usually presents as a slow growing, solitary, painless, subcutaneous, or intracutaneous mass, frequently in the head and neck region. Cytological features usually include the presence of both components, similar to histology but aspiration of only one component or atypical features can pose challenges in diagnosis. According to literature, only a few single case reports describing the cytological features of chondroid syringoma has been published. We report three cases of chondroid syringoma and its differential diagnosis on cytology.
Effects of notoginsenoside R1 on attenuating depressive behavior induced by chronic stress in rats through induction of PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhan Qiongqiong , Wu Yanfeng , Liu Lin
Published: June 2021

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) can cause a series of depressive symptoms in depression patients. Recently, notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) has been reported to play crucial roles in the anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐apoptotic. However, the role and mechanisms of NGR1 in improving symptoms of depressive behavior remain unknown. Evaluating and identifying its value and exploring the mechanisms of NGR1 on CUMS‐induced depressive behavior were the aims of this study. Here, rats were separated into five different groups and treated with or without different concentrations of the NGR1. Then, the body weight, sucrose preference rate, immobility time, crossing number, rearing number, and grooming number were determined to evaluate the effect of NGR1 on improving the depressive behavior of CUMS rats. Subsequently, the morphology of hippocampal neurons and protein expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in each group were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and western blot to show the neuroprotective effects of NGR1. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β were also detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to verify the anti‐inflammatory effects of NGR1 on CUMS rats. In addition, the cell apoptosis‐related proteins were examined to reveal that NGR1 can inhibit cell apoptosis in CUMS rats. Moreover, it was confirmed that NGR1 attenuated the symptoms of depressive behavior by mediated PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB pathway. Together, this study shows that NGR1 improves depressive behavior induced by chronic stress in rats through activation of PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathway.
Fathering behavior, attachment, and engagement in childcare predict testosterone and cortisol
Authors: Ahnert Lieselotte , Deichmann Felix , Bauer Markus , Supper Barbara , Piskernik Bernhard
Published: June 2021

The present study examined testosterone (T) and cortisol (Cort) in fathers engaged with caregiving. We collected saliva samples in the mornings and evenings of two consecutive days in 150 fathers of 1‐ to 5‐year‐old children. Fathers completed questionnaires on socioeconomic status, family structure and life, sleep characteristics and body mass index (BMI), and reported on their engagement in childcare. Fathers used smartphone‐based experience sampling throughout 1 week to sample ongoing activities with their children, including times of supervision, joint play, rough‐and‐tumble play, and cuddling episodes. External observers rated father–child attachment during a home visit.

We began by testing for widely characterized covariates of T and excluded seasonal variations and known predictors associated with lowered T, such as older fathers and those with multiple and young children, lower BMI, shorter sleep duration, and sexual activity before sampling. Most interestingly, however, fathers’ engagement in childcare and attachment to the child appeared more pronounced the greater the diurnal decline in T. Cuddling predicted a similar negative association, whereas joint play and rough‐and‐tumble play (RTP) showed enhancing effects on declining T. Interestingly, all fathering behaviors (except RTP) were positively related to lower Cort. In contrast, supervision was ineffective on both Cort and T.
Enzyme electrode for glucose oxidation using low‐solubility 4‐aminodiphenylamine derivatives as electron mediator
Authors: Masakari Yosuke , Totsuka Naoya , Shinohara Yasutomo , Yoshida Shotaro , Abe Hiroya , Ito Kotaro , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: June 2021

A novel enzyme electrode system for glucose oxidation was constructed by co‐immobilization of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and N,N’‐diphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (DPPD) on carbon electrodes. This enzyme electrode system was applied to porous carbon fabric to produce a glucose oxidation current of 7 mA/cm2, while the electrode catalytic activity was maintained at approximately 100% for more than 4 h, indicating that DPPD molecules were stably retained on the electrodes during the continuous redox cycling. Further, a stable mediation was also observed for other 4‐aminodiphenylamine derivatives similar to DPPD. The difference was found in the adsorptivity between the reduced and oxidized forms of DPPD on the carbon electrode, suggesting that a portion of oxidized DPPD can access the active center of GDH without desorbing to solution. This electrode system with 4‐aminodiphenylamine derivatives can be used in sensors for glucose monitoring and to anodes of separator‐free glucose fuel cells.
Advanced Research Progress on High‐Efficient Utilization of Pt Electrocatalysts in Fuel Cells
Authors: Xing Gengyu , Wang Lei , Fu Honggang
Published: June 2021

Fuel cells, including hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells, methanol fuel cells, formic acid fuel cells, etc., as a kind of very promising energy device, have attracted global attention due to their high energy conversion efficiency and environmentally friendly emissions. However, fuel cells are still facing the challenges of poor performance, high cost, and limited durability. Understanding the basic principles of electrocatalytic reactions provides new insights into the selection and design of fuel cell electrocatalysts with excellent performance and durability. Herein, the latest progress of Pt‐based precious metal catalysts in fuel cells is focused upon, including reasonable structural design and electrochemical reaction mechanism, and the current status of efficient utilization of Pt‐based catalysts with different structures is reviewed, such as nanowires, hollow structures, nanosheets, high‐index nanocrystals, atomic‐scale dispersion, alloy structures, and carrier effects. Finally, the personal perspectives on the future directions for efficient utilization of Pt in fuel cells are proposed.
Investigation of pile‐induced filtering of seismic ground motion considering embedment effect
Authors: Varghese Ramon , Boominathan Adimoolam , Banerjee Subhadeep
Published: June 2021

The Foundation Input Motion (FIM) arising out of kinematic soil‐pile interaction forms an integral part of the seismic analysis of pile‐supported structures. Several studies in the recent past have recognized the importance of the filtering effect produced by pile foundations. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the influence of raft embedment on the Foundation Input Motion from piled rafts. A hybrid numerical methodology based on the finite element‐boundary element method is employed to rigorously model rectangular piled rafts in varying soil conditions. Analysis of transfer functions in the frequency domain suggests that the translational response is suppressed by increasing embedment of the raft. An increase in rocking response is also synchronous with this decrease in translational motion. A transient response analysis carried out using eight different earthquake time histories showed that the spectral acceleration curve is altered by the embedment effect. A set of simplified expressions are proposed to incorporate the embedment effects in the spectral acceleration ratio curve of a pile group. These proposed expressions have the potential to enable a quick estimation of the effect of embedment in the seismic design of pile‐supported structures.
Parametric study and optimization on novel fork‐type mini‐channel network cooling plates for a Li‐ion battery module under high discharge current rates
Authors: Li Qing , Shi Hang‐bo , Xie Gongnan , Xie Zhongliang , Liu Huan‐ling
Published: June 2021

When a lithium‐ion battery works under high current, its working temperature is easy to exceed the allowable working temperature, resulting in the decrease of battery life. This may cause the non‐uniformity of the internal working temperature of the battery and affect the working parameters of the battery. Therefore, an effective thermal management system is needed to enhance the thermal performance of the battery, improve the work efficiency, and extend the service life of the battery. In this study, we propose a new type of fork type mini‐channel cooling plate based on genetic optimization algorithm to reduce the working temperature of battery and obtain better thermal uniformity. First, the thermal performance of co‐current type cooling plates is experimentally and numerically studied. The heat transfer ability of cross flow cooling plates used to cool the Li‐ion Battery is evaluated by parametric method. Second, a multi‐objective genetic algorithm optimization is finally performed, considering the balance of the maximum value for temperature and pressure drop. Compared with the previous study, the reduction of temperature difference of this cooling plate can be up to 2°C. In contrast, the pressure drop penalty and thermal resistance of the optimized cooling plates can be reduced by 20% and 40%, respectively. Thirdly the thermal performance of a battery module with eight battery cells is also examined numerically. The maximum ∆T of the battery pack among cells is 4.83°C for V = 48 mL/s, which implies that the battery pack can work normally. This study indicates that batteries with the proposed new cooling plates have much better temperature uniformity.
Long‐term antipsychotic use and cognitive decline in community‐dwelling older adults with mild–moderate Alzheimer disease: Data from NILVAD
Authors: Dyer Adam H. , Murphy Claire , Lawlor Brian , Kennelly Sean P. , for the NILVAD Study Group
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Previous evidence has suggested that antipsychotic use may be associated with accelerated cognitive decline in those living with dementia. However, the cognitive effects of long‐term antipsychotic use in community‐dwelling older adults with mild–moderate Alzheimer disease (AD) has not been explored to date.

Methods

We assessed the impact of long‐term antipsychotic use on the rate of cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale—Cognitive Subsection) and dementia progression (Clinical Dementia Rating—Sum of Boxes [CDR‐Sb]/Disability Assessment for Dementia [DAD]) over 18 months in older adults with mild–moderate AD.

Results

Of 509 participants with mild–moderate AD, one‐tenth (54/509; 10.6%) were prescribed an antipsychotic for the 18‐month study duration. Antipsychotic use was significantly associated with accelerated cognitive decline at both 12 (β: 3.53, 0.91–6.17, p = 0.008) and 18 months (β: 3.81, 0.49–7.14, p = 0.024) in addition to greater dementia progression at both 12 (β: 1.85, −0.97–2.73, p < 0.001 for CDR‐Sb/β: −3.33, −5.56–1.10, p = 0.003 for DAD) and 18 months (β: 1.41, 0.16–2.67, p = 0.027 for CDR‐Sb/β: −3.86, −6.64 to −1.08, p = 0.006 for DAD). APOE ε4 carriers experienced significantly greater cognitive decline with long‐term antipsychotic use.

Conclusions

Long‐term antipsychotic use was associated with greater cognitive decline and dementia progression in community‐dwelling older adults with mild–moderate AD. Our findings are consistent with previous evidence encouraging cautious and careful consideration of risks versus benefits of antipsychotic usage in those with AD.
A unified framework to account for selective mortality in lifecycle analyses of the social gradient in health
Authors: Allanson Paul , Petrie Dennis
Published: June 2021

This paper establishes a unified framework to fully account for the changing social gradient over the lifecycle in terms of a sufficient set of mobility indices characterizing the coevolution of socioeconomic status and health within each of a series of overlapping cohorts. We proceed to demonstrate the impact of selective mortality on health inequality changes, making use of a counterfactual health distribution for the start of the study period that leaves out those who are known to die before the end. Specifically, initial differences between the average health and educational attainment rank of survivors and nonsurvivors are found in our empirical study to be an increasingly important factor explaining changes in the education‐health gradient in older cohorts in Great Britain. Our identification strategy has the advantage that it does not require the imputation of the “would be” health of nonsurvivors, which if carried out using inverse probability weighting procedures—as in several previous studies—is shown to bias estimates of this direct effect of selective mortality toward zero. Parallel results for the income‐health gradient exhibit stronger confounding influences due to a number of other factors given that income is a less stable indicator of socioeconomic status in adulthood.
Adult‐born neurons promote cognitive flexibility by improving memory precision and indexing
Authors: Berdugo‐Vega Gabriel , Lee Chi‐Chieh , Garthe Alexander , Kempermann Gerd , Calegari Federico
Published: June 2021

Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) is an extraordinary form of plasticity fundamental for cognitive flexibility. Recent evidence showed that newborn neurons differentially modulate input to the infra‐ and supra‐pyramidal blades of the DG during the processing of spatial and contextual information, respectively. However, how this differential regulation by neurogenesis is translated into different aspects contributing cognitive flexibility is unclear. Here, we increased adult‐born neurons by a genetic expansion of neural stem cells and studied their influence during navigational learning. We found that increased neurogenesis improved both memory precision and flexibility. Interestingly, each of these gains was associated with distinct subregional patterns of activity and better separation of memory representations in the DG‐CA3 network. Our results highlight the role of adult‐born neurons in promoting memory precision and indexing and suggests their anatomical allocation within specific DG‐CA3 compartments, together contributing to cognitive flexibility.
Harmonized edge/graphitic‐nitrogen doped carbon nanopolyhedron@nanosheet composite via salt‐confined strategy for advanced K‐ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Yi Yuyang , Ma Hao , Lian Xueyu , Mei Qingqing , Zeng Zhihan , Zhao Yu , Lu Chen , Zhao Wen , Guo Wenyue , Liu Zhongfan , Sun Jingyu
Published: June 2021

Nitrogen doping has readily emerged as an efficient solution to boost potassium‐ion storage of carbonaceous materials. Nevertheless, the capacity and lifespan enhancement of derived electrodes is still plagued by the incompetent in coordinating the dopant configurations. In the realm of emerging potassium‐ion hybrid capacitor (PIHC) device, dictating nitrogen doping to enhance pseudocapacitive behavior and improve K+ diffusion kinetics of carbonaceous anodes is scarcely demonstrated. Herein, we report the design of hierarchical N‐doped carbon nanopolyhedron@nanosheet composite via a salt‐confined synthetic strategy with tunable doping configurations toward advanced PIHC anode. A harmonized edge‐ to graphitic‐nitrogen ratio in such dual‐carbon materials enables outstanding rate capability (130 mAh g−1 at 10.0 A g−1) and cyclic performance (with a capacity retention of 80% after 2000 cycles at 5.0 A g−1) in half‐cell tests. As expected, the thus‐assembled PIHC full device with a working voltage of 4.2 V presents a high energy/power density (146 Wh kg−1/8000 W kg−1) and favorable cyclicability. This work is anticipated to offer an innovative insight into the coordination of nitrogen doping configurations in heteroatom‐doped carbon anode targeting high‐performance PIHC applications.

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The mechanism research on the anti‐liver fibrosis of emodin based on network pharmacology
Authors: Liang Baoyu , Gao Liyuan , Wang Feixia , Li Zhanghao , Li Yujia , Tan Shanzhong , Chen Anping , Shao Jiangjuan , Zhang Zili , Sun Lixia , Zhang Feng , Zheng Shizhong
Published: June 2021

Aims

This study was designated to illustrate the underlying mechanisms of emodin anti‐liver fibrosis via network pharmacology and experiment.

Methods

The TSMCP and Genecards database were applied to screen the relevant targets of emodin or liver fibrosis. The essential target was selected by using Cytoscape to analyze the topological network of potential targets. Furthermore, we constructed a preliminary molecule docking study to explore the binding site by Surflex‐Dock suite SYBYL X 2.0. The DAVID database was selected for gene functional annotations and KEGG enrichment analysis. Moreover, we demonstrated the ameliorating effect of emodin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury in mice. We also verified the network predictions in vitro via various techniques.

Results

The collected results showed that 35 targets were related to emodin, and 6,198 targets were associated with liver fibrosis. The Venn analysis revealed that 17 intersection targets were correlated with emodin anti‐liver fibrosis. The topological network analysis suggested that the p53 was the remarkable crucial target. Besides, the molecule docking results showed that emodin could directly interact with p53 by binding the active site residues ASN345, GLN331, and TYR347. Finally, KEGG pathway enrichment results indicated that essential genes were mainly enriched in mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Moreover, our study confirmed that emodin alleviated CCl4‐induced liver injury in mice, inducing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) apoptosis via regulating the p53/ERK/p38 axis.

Conclusions

This study partially verified the network pharmacological prediction of emodin inducing HSCs cell apoptosis through the p53/ERK/p38 axis.
Disruption of Jmjd3/p16Ink4a Signaling Pathway Causes Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (BPOP)-like Lesion in Mice
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Yingmei , Wang Yuying , Wang Xinli , Zhang Dawei , Zhao Xiong , Jiang Runmin , Gu Yu , Yang Guifang , Fu Xin , Xu Longyong , Xu Longxia , Zheng Liting , Zhang Jing , Li Zengshan , Yan Qingguo , Shi Jianguo , Roessner Albert , Wang Zhe , Li Qing , Ye Jing , Chen Charlie Degui , Guo Shuangping , Min Jie
Published: June 2021

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP), or Nora's lesion, is a rare benign osteochondromatous lesion. At present, the molecular etiology of BPOP remains unclear. JMJD3(KDM6B) is an H3K27me3 demethylase and counteracts polycomb-mediated transcription repression. Previously, Jmjd3 was shown to be critical for bone development and osteoarthritis. Here, we report that conditional deletion of Jmjd3 in chondrogenic cells unexpectedly resulted in BPOP-like lesion in mice. Biochemical investigations revealed that Jmjd3 inhibited BPOP-like lesion through p16Ink4a. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR assays indicated JMJD3 and p16INK4A level were significantly reduced in human BPOP lesion compared with normal subjects. This was further confirmed by Jmjd3/Ink4a double-gene knockout mice experiments. Therefore, our results indicated the pathway of Jmjd3/p16Ink4a may be essential for the development of BPOP in human. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Serum osteoprotegerin level in hemodialysis patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer in relation to atherosclerosis
Authors: Do Van Tung , Nguyen Minh Tuan , Dao Bui Quy Quyen , Pham Quoc Toan , Nguyen Duy Toan , Nguyen Trung Kien , Nguyen Cong Hoang , Le Thi Huong Lan , Bui Thi Thu Huong , Tran Viet Tien , Do Quyet , Can Van Mao , Le Viet Thang
Published: June 2021

Aims

To assess the relation of high serum OPG level and carotid atherosclerosis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer.

Materials and Methods

We examined 209 MHD patients with and without carotid atherosclerosis (83 patients and 126 patients) to establish the relation between OPG and atherosclerosis.

Results

The proportion of carotid atherosclerosis was 39.7%. The median serum OPG level was 45.3 pmol/L. Serum OPG had a good predicting value for atherosclerosis in MHD patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer (AUC = 0.934, p < 0.001, cutoff value = 43.35 pmol/L, Se = 81.3%, Sp = 90.9%).

Conclusions

In this study, serum OPG had a good predicting value for atherosclerosis in MHD patients using low‐flux reused dialyzer.
Organizational partnerships for a trauma‐informed community: A community‐wide social network study
Authors: King Lindsey M. , LeBeau Kelsea , Hart Mark , Vacca Raffaele
Published: June 2021

We investigated whether Peace4Tarpon's trauma‐responsive community capacity activities led to greater collaboration among community partners. We conducted longitudinal social network analysis (SNA) among organizations within Peace4Tarpon's network in 2016 and 2018 to capture cooperation around adverse childhood experiences‐related topics. We examined network structure, cohesion, organizational collaboration, and associations between centrality and organizational practices. Peace4Tarpon's network included diverse sectors, with a group of organizations forming the network core and collaborating over time. The network displayed a small increase in cohesion, more cross‐sector collaboration, and less heterophily over time. We found a significant difference between the mean betweenness centralities of organizations who assessed resilience and those who did not in the 2018 average union network. This is one of the first studies using SNA to investigate a trauma‐informed community network. Findings from this type of analysis may assist community organizations in strengthening outreach and strategically engaging organizations within a trauma‐informed network.
Retrospective study of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for Japanese patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Kobayashi Noritoshi , Wild Damian , Kaul Felix , Shimamura Takeshi , Takano Shoko , Takeda Yuma , Okubo Naoki , Suzuki Akihiro , Tokuhisa Motohiko , Ichikawa Yasushi
Published: June 2021

Background

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs is an innovative treatment for advanced somatostatin‐positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). PRRT cannot be performed in Japan because there is no approval or insurance cover so far.

Methods

We relied on foreign institutions to perform PRRT for Japanese patients with NETs. We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of PRRT. The inclusion criteria were pathologically confirmed well‐differentiated NET and visible tumor uptake on pre‐therapeutic somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. 177Lu‐DOTA‐TOC was used as the standard treatment, and patients received three infusions every 8 weeks. Until the end of 2017, combination treatment with 90Y and 177Lu‐DOTA‐TOC was performed using the same protocol.

Results

Thirty‐five patients were evaluated, and the primary lesions were pancreas, rectum, small intestine, stomach, and other locations. The partial response rate was 42.9%. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was 12.8 months and overall survival was 42.8 months. There was no significant difference in PFS between front‐line and late‐line PRRT (11.0 months vs 28.0 months; P = .383). Severe adverse events included lymphocytopenia (20.0%) and thrombocytopenia (5.7%). Myelodysplastic syndrome occurred in one case.

Conclusion

PRRT was effective and safe for Japanese patients with advanced NETs. PRRT was equally effective as front‐line and late‐line treatment.
Reducing the risk of developing walled‐off necrosis in patients with acute necrotic collection using recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin
Authors: Eguchi Takaaki , Tsuji Yoshihisa , Okada Akihiko , Inoue Dai , Tokumasu Hironobu , Iwane Kosuke , Nakai Yoshitaka , Kusaka Toshihiro , Uenoyama Yoshito , Fujita Koichi , Yokode Masataka , Yamashita Yukimasa , Sawai Yugo , Asada Masanori , Mikami Takao , Kawanami Chiharu , Kudo Yasushi , Yazumi Shujiro , Sanuki Tsuyoshi , Sakai Arata , Morita Toshihiro , Sakuma Yojiro , Uza Norimitsu , Takada Yutaka , Itani Toshinao , Kuriyama Katsutoshi , Matsumura Kazuyoshi , Ikeda Kazuki , Someda Hitoshi , Funatsu Eiji , Katsushima Shinji , Kodama Yuzo , Seno Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Background/Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of reducing clinical impacts of acute necrotic collection (ANC) on patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) using recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM).

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, 233 consecutive AP patients with ANC and acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC) from 2012 to 2016 were enrolled. To assess clinical impacts of ANC, severity on admission (JPN score, JPN CT grade, and Modified CT severity index), development of walled‐off necrosis (WON), imaging costs for follow‐up, and mortality were recorded. Finally, we investigated whether rTM could reduce the clinical impacts, adjusting the severity using propensity analysis with Inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Results

Patients with ANC developed WON with higher ratio than APFC (58/98 [59.2%] vs 20/135 [14.8%], OR = 8.3, P < .01]. Severity on admission and imaging costs for follow‐up in ANC patients were significantly higher than those in APFC (P < .01). However, regarding mortality, there was no significant difference between patients with ANC and APFC (P = .41). Adjusting severity, it was revealed that rTM administration significantly reduced the risk of ANC developed WON (OR = 0.23, P = .01).

Conclusions

While ANC had a higher clinical impact than that of APFC, we found that early administration of rTM may reduce the impact.
Retrospective SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG screening during the first wave (March–June 2020) of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bird Paul William , Sandhu Kyran , Fletcher Oliver , Ames Billy , Toovey Oliver , Tang Julian Wei‐Tze
Published: June 2021

During the “first wave” of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in the United Kingdom (March–June 2020), the city of Leicester was particularly hard hit, resulting in reimposed lockdown measures. Although initial polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was attempted within the community, testing was soon abandoned due to an inability to keep up with demand by local laboratories. It is therefore feasible that undiagnosed transmission of COVID‐19 in the community by asymptomatic individuals was a real possibility. Therefore, retrospective SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) testing of archived sera from out‐patients visiting University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust service was performed to investigate the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the community. A total of 1779 sera samples were tested from samples collected between 16th March and 3rd June 2020, of which 202 (11.35%) were SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG positive. Positivity was lowest in March (2.54%) at the beginning of the pandemic before peaking in April (17.16%) before a decline in May and June (11.16% and 12.68%, respectively). This retrospective screening offers some insight into the early patterns of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission within a sampled community population during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic; supporting the argument for more community screening during high incidences of pandemics.
Assessment of parametric approaches to calculate the Evaporative Demand Drought Index
Authors: Noguera Iván , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , Domínguez‐Castro Fernando , Reig Fergus
Published: June 2021

The Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI), based on atmospheric evaporative demand, was proposed by Hobbins et al. (2016) to analyse and monitor drought. The EDDI uses a nonparametric approach in which empirically derived probabilities are converted to standardized values. This study evaluates the suitability of eight probability distributions to compute the EDDI at 1‐, 3‐ and 12‐month time scales, in order to provide more robust calculations. The results showed that the Log‐logistic distribution is the best option for generating standardized values over very different climate conditions. Likewise, we contrasted this new parametric methodology to compute EDDI with the original nonparametric formulation. Our findings demonstrate the advantages of adopting a robust parametric approach based on the Log‐logistic distribution for drought analysis, as opposed to the original nonparametric approach. The method proposed in this study enables effective implementation of EDDI in the characterization and monitoring of droughts.
Reduced calf circumference is an independent predictor of worse quality of life, severity of disease, frequent exacerbation, and death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to a pulmonary rehabilitation program: A historic cohort study
Authors: Bernardes Simone , Silva Flávia Moraes , da Costa Cassia Cinara , de Souza Rafael Machado , Teixeira Paulo José Zimermann
Published: June 2021

Background

Muscle wasting is associated with worse outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. We assessed the association of calf circumference (CC) measurements with clinical outcomes in COPD patients referred to an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP).

Methods

In this single‐center, retrospective study, we analyzed demographic and clinical data ( spirometry tests, comorbidities, COPD exacerbations, dyspnea scoring, exercise capacity, quality‐of‐life scores, BMI, CC measurements, and all‐cause deaths [for 2 years]) from COPD patients PRP medical records. Patients were grouped according to CC into reduced CC (male, ≤34 cm; female, ≤33 cm) or adequate CC groups.

Results

We evaluated 144 patients (aged 64.6 ± 8.5 years; mostly males; forced expiratory volume in 1 s, 40.3% ± 15.8%, predicted). Eighteen patients (12.5%) died during the 2 years of follow‐up. Logistic regression showed that patients with reduced CC were more likely to present worse outcomes compared with COPD patients with adequate CC: more advanced disease severity (odds ratio [OR] = 5.09; 95% CI, 2.00–12.96), COPD frequent exacerbators (OR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.11–4.91), worse total quality‐of‐life score (OR = 2.70, 95% CI, 1.22–6.00), and higher mortality (OR = 3.69; 95% CI, 1.06–12.87).

Conclusion

Reduced CC in COPD patients under initial assessment for PRP admission was associated with disease severity, frequent exacerbation, poor health status, and higher mortality in 2 years of follow‐up. Considering its clinical applicability, CC measurement should be introduced in the nutrition assessment of COPD patients admitted to the PRP.
Effect of calcium hydroxide mixed with preservatives on physicochemical characteristics and sensory shelf‐life of corn tortilla
Authors: Báez‐Aguilar Ángeles M , Arámbula‐Villa Gerónimo , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , López‐Espíndola Mirna , Ramírez‐Rivera Emmanuel J , Contreras‐Oliva Adriana , Herrera‐Corredor José A
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The objective of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and shelf‐life of corn tortilla stored at room temperature (25 °C) using aw modifiers (propylene glycol and glycerol) and pH modifiers (fumaric acid and sodium benzoate) as preservatives combined with calcium hydroxide. Detection thresholds were used to determine the maximum preservative concentration and calcium hydroxide. Physicochemical characterization and sensory evaluation were used to determine the stability and sensory shelf‐life of tortillas.

RESULTS

Control, calcium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide + fumaric acid, calcium hydroxide + glycerol, calcium hydroxide + propylene glycol, and calcium hydroxide + sodium benzoate treatments had rounded half‐lives of 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, and 2 days respectively. Glycerol combined with calcium hydroxide resulted in tortillas with lower pH variations over time. Mold presence was the critical attribute causing tortilla rejection.

CONCLUSION

The use of aw modifiers had a better effect in preserving corn tortilla, as the concentration of pH modifiers at detection threshold levels was not able to reach an optimum performance when combined with calcium hydroxide. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Pediatric Chest “Masses”: When to Consider?
Authors: Jain Rupali , Jana Manisha , Gupta Amit , Naranje Priyanka
Published: June 2021

Thoracic ultrasound is radiation‐free, easily available, portable modality with added advantage of real‐time assessment. It is useful in mediastinal lesions and peripheral lung, pleural and chest wall masses. Not only is it a valuable modality in differentiating solid from cystic lesion, it can also depict internal architecture without the use of contrast material. The added advantages of its use in children are the lack of ionizing radiation, and no need for sedation or general anesthesia in most cases. Although it has its limitations with a longer learning curve, it can act as a second‐line modality to chest radiograph and adjunctive modality to CT in cases of a thoracic mass in a child.
Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy With and Without Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Glottic Cancer
Authors: Luna‐Ortiz Kuauhyama , Reynoso‐Noveron Nancy , Zacarias‐Ramon Luis C. , Alvarez‐Avitia Miguel , Luna‐Peteuil Zelik , Garcia‐Ortega Dorian Y.
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To demonstrate that a group of patients who are not considered candidates for organ preservation can achieve organ preservation through neoadjuvant chemotherapy + surgery and to determine if there are differences regarding organ preservation, disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) after comparing such group with another one undergoing standard treatment.

Methods

Patients with laryngeal cancer were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups. Group A included patients who were initially treated with supracricoid laryngectomy. Group B included patients with T3N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma with arytenoid fixation. Patients were offered neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Both groups underwent bilateral selective neck dissection of lymph nodes (II–V) and intentional search of the Delphian lymph nodes.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were assigned to group A of surgery alone, and 16 patients were included in group B of induction chemotherapy. No statistical differences were found regarding sex, tumor localization, histological diagnosis, TNM staging, recurrence, or organ preservation. DFS, OS, and CSS at 60 months were the same in both groups. No statistical differences were found when comparing induction versus noninduction groups according to the T‐stage in DFS, OS, and CSS.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy allows to perform conservative surgery in patients with poor functional prognosis or who are not good candidates for organ preservation at first. We could perform safe surgery, and there was no more recurrence. Hence DFS is not modified (i.e., there was no more recurrence); consequently, OS and CSS are not affected. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus supracricoid partial laryngectomy‐cricohyoidoepiglottopexy is an oncologically safe procedure that preserves basic functions such as breathing, phonation, and swallowing.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:156–162, 2022
Disturbance is complicated: Headward‐eroding saltmarsh creeks produce multiple responses and recovery trajectories
Authors: Wu Fengrun , Pennings Steven C. , Ortals Collin , Ruiz Jennifer , Farrell W. Reilly , McNichol Samuel M. , Angelini Christine , Spivak Amanda C. , Alber Merryl , Tong Chunfu
Published: June 2021

Disturbances are one of the most important processes affecting natural systems, but there is a gap between simple conceptual models of disturbance and complex empirical studies. We studied the perturbation caused by headward‐eroding creeks in southeastern USA salt marshes. We measured disturbance responses (magnitude and recovery trajectory) of 19 variables. Some variables (shoot density, root biomass, snail density, soil pH, soil strength, soil temperature, elevation) declined sharply, while other variables (crab burrow density, soil organic matter, soil redox) increased sharply, in response to the burrowed and grazed conditions at the creek head. These variables recovered over subsequent years or decades. Other variables (shoot height, aboveground biomass, rhizome biomass, light interception) declined sharply in the creek head, then overshot control values before recovering. Some variables (benthic algae, soil salinity) did not appear to be disturbed by the creek head. As hypothesized, plants recovered before soils and snails. Disturbance magnitude and time to recovery were often greater directly adjacent to the new creekbank than for the same variables in a parallel transect further away from the creekbank, and in some cases variables never converged with control values, indicating a persistent state change. Reducing the dimensionality of the data set into principal component axes obscured the diverse ways in which different aspects of the system responded to and recovered from the perturbation. Our study illustrates the challenges in moving from simple conceptual models of disturbance to empirical studies in which multiple variables are likely to be affected differently and follow different recovery trajectories.
Can Living Donor Liver Transplantation in the United States Reach Its Potential?
Authors: Kaplan Alyson , Rosenblatt Russell , Samstein Benjamin , Brown Robert S.
Published: June 2021

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a vital tool to address the growing organ shortage in the United States caused by increasing numbers of patients diagnosed with end‐stage liver disease. LDLT still only makes up a very small proportion of all liver transplantations performed each year, but there are many innovations taking place in the field that may increase its acceptance among both transplant programs and patients. These innovations include ways to improve access to LDLT, such as through nondirected donation, paired exchange, transplant chains, transplant of ABO‐incompatible donors, and transplants in patients with high Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores. Surgical innovations, such as laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, robotic hepatectomy, and portal flow modulation, are also increasingly being implemented. Policy changes, including decreasing the financial burden associated with LDLT, may make it a more feasible option for a wider range of patients. Lastly, center‐level behavior, such as ensuring surgical expertise and providing culturally competent education, will help toward LDLT expansion. Although it is challenging to know which of these innovations will take hold, we are already seeing LDLT numbers improve within the past 2 years.