bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Versatile and Highly Efficient trans‐[Pd(NHC)Cl2(DMS/THT)] Precatalysts for C−N and C−C Coupling Reactions in Green Solvents
Authors: Liu Yaxu , Voloshkin Vladislav A. , Scattolin Thomas , Peng Min , Van Hecke Kristof , Nolan Steven P. , Cazin Catherine S. J.
Published: March 2022

A straightforward synthetic procedure to well‐defined, air‐ and moisture‐ stable trans‐[Pd(NHC)Cl2(DMS/THT)] (NHC=IPr, SIPr, IMes, IPrCl, IPr*, IPr#) pre‐catalysts is reported. These complexes were obtained by reacting NHC ⋅ HCl imidazolium salts with trans‐[PdCl2(DMS/THT)2] precursors with the assistance of the weak base K2CO3 in green acetone at 40 °C. The scalability of this protocol was demonstrated. The catalytic activity of the synthesized complexes was studied in the Buchwald‐Hartwig and Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions. Remarkably, most of the synthesized complexes exhibit higher catalytic activity with respect to their PEPPSI congeners in the Buchwald‐Hartwig amination in 2‐MeTHF. In particular, complex trans‐[Pd(IPr#)Cl2(DMS)] enabled the coupling of various (hetero)aryl chlorides and primary/secondary amines with a 0.2 mol% catalyst loading. In addition, trans‐[Pd(IPr)Cl2(DMS)] showed excellent performance in the room‐temperature Suzuki‐Miyaura reaction involving various (hetero)aryl chlorides and aryl boronic acids. In summary, the synthesized complexes, especially trans‐[Pd(NHC)Cl2(DMS)], can be considered as greener alternatives to classical PEPPSI type catalysts based on the lower toxicity of the throw‐away DMS ligand compared to 3‐chloropyridine.
On the body‐mind nexus in chronic musculoskeletal pain: A scoping review
Authors: Oliveira I. , Garrido M. V. , Bernardes S. F.
Published: March 2022

Background and objective

Bodily experience disturbances are frequent among chronic musculoskeletal pain patients and associated with important pain‐related psychosocial outcomes (e.g., disability, quality of life). However, the relationship between bodily experience and the psychological dimensions of chronic pain (e.g., affective, cognitive) has only recently garnered attention. This scoping review aimed to identify trends and gaps in research on the nexus between body awareness, body image, and body schema, and psychological processes/outcomes in adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain to inform future directions for research and practice.

Databases and data treatment

This study was guided by Arksey and O’Malley's guidelines and PRISMA‐ScR recommendations. Keywords related to body awareness/body image/body schema and pain were searched on PsycInfo and PubMed from database inception until 16 February 2021; 2045 articles were screened, and 41 met the inclusion criteria (i.e., primary quantitative studies investigating body awareness/body image/body schema in relation to pain‐related psychological outcomes/processes in chronic musculoskeletal pain).

Results

The referred bodily experience constructs have been inconsistently defined. Body awareness was the most investigated construct, with consistent operationalization strategies. The links between body schema/body image and pain‐related psychological processes/outcomes are still under‐investigated. Most studies examined the role of bodily experience as a correlate/predictor of psychological outcomes/processes; overall, a better relationship with one's own body was associated with better pain‐related psychological outcomes/processes.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the relevance of further investigating body‐mind relations in musculoskeletal pain and the development of therapies designed to improve the bodily experience within multidisciplinary treatment programmes. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

Significance

This scoping review identifies trends/gaps in current research on the relationship between body awareness/body image/body schema and pain‐related psychological processes/outcomes in adults with musculoskeletal pain. Overall, findings suggest that better bodily experiences are associated to lower fear‐avoidance beliefs, better self‐regulation strategies and better chronic pain adjustment, being important targets in pain management interventions. Nonetheless, the results also emphasize the need to further investigate the causal relationships and other outcomes related to psychological resilience, as well as to develop gold standard treatments focused on bodily experience.
Structural regulation chemistry of lithium ion solvation for lithium batteries
Authors: Wang Zhongsheng , Wang Huaping , Qi Shihan , Wu Daxiong , Huang Junda , Li Xiu , Wang Caiyun , Ma Jianmin
Published: March 2022

The performance of Li batteries is influenced by the Li+ solvation structure, which can be precisely adjusted by the components of the electrolytes. In this review, we overview the strategies for optimizing electrolyte solvation structures from three different perspectives, including anion regulation, binding energy regulation, and additive regulation. These strategies can optimize the composition of the electrode‐electrolyte interface, enhance the anti‐oxidative stability of electrolytes as well as regulate the behaviors of anions, solvents, and Li+ during the cycling process. Moreover, we also provide our insights into these aspects as well as present perspectives on high‐performance Li batteries.

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Wind power resources assessment at 10 different locations using wind measurements at five heights
Authors: Rehman Shafiqur
Published: March 2022

Globally, people from all walks of life are working towards a sustainable globe and the availability of energy to all human beings using clean, self‐renewed, freely available, and distributive sources. Present study utilizes wind speed data measured at 40, 60, 80, 98, and 100 m above ground level and other meteorological parameters near ground level to analyze the wind characteristics, energy yield, cost of energy, and greenhouse gasses reduction at chosen locations. The data analysis showed an increasing trend of wind shear exponent with longitude and a decreasing trend of ambient temperature with latitude. The analysis recommends Yanbu North, Hafar Al‐Batin, Sharourah, and Turaif sites with annual energy delivered to the grid of 213.5, 179.4, 167.1, and 166.7 GWh from a wind farm of 49.5 MW installed capacity as the first, second, third, and fourth choice for wind power deployment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On an average, 28.45 thousand tons CO2 equivalent greenhouse gasses can be avoided from entering into the local atmosphere at each site with a maximum of 41.1 thousand tons at Yanbu North site alone.
A 3D analytical model for predicting horizontal‐axis wind turbines wake based on a 2D analytical wake model
Authors: Asad Ayoubi Peyman , Eftekhari Yazdi Mohammad , Harsini Iraj
Published: March 2022

The development of easy‐to‐implement 3D analytical models of the wake is highly desirable, due to the critical role played by the prediction of the wake velocity profile in the estimation of power generation and the layout optimization of wind turbines in wind farms. Herein, a 3D analytical model of the wake (based on a 2D analytical model) has been proposed, which is easy to implement thanks to using the Gaussian function for the description of the velocity profile and assuming an isotropic value for the wake decay coefficient. Validation of the model was carried out using six cases of wind tunnel, field measurement, and simulation data in horizontal and vertical planes, where the model was compared with three 3D analytical models of the literature. The predictions of the model for the normalized wind velocity typically exhibited mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values of MAPE ≤3 at downwind distances of x ≥ dt (dt is the rotor diameter), which are the economically‐ and power harvesting‐optimized inter‐turbine spacing in wind farms. In addition to its theoretical significance, the model bears utility potentials in applications concerning solving practical problems in wind farms.
Sand production behaviors during gas recovery from sandy and clayey‐silty hydrate‐bearing sediments: A comparative analysis
Authors: Ning Fulong , Fang Xiangyu , Liu Zhichao , Yu Yanjiang , Li Yanlong , Wang Linjie , Lu Hongfeng , Sun Jiaxin , Cao Xinxin , Shi Haoxian
Published: March 2022

Sand production is a crucial geotechnical issue for safe and efficient gas recovery from natural gas hydrate (NGH) reservoirs. Although the same gas production method of depressurization was chosen for the production trials in the Nankai Trough and the Northern South China Sea, their sand production behaviors differed greatly due to the skeleton diversity of sand in the Nankai Trough and clayey‐silt in the Northern South China Sea, which resulted in different sand control and sand production characteristics. In this study, we conducted experiments to compare sediment responses and sand production behaviors from these two typical gas hydrate‐bearing sediments (GHBSs) before, during, and after hydrate dissociation under depressurization. The results reveal the fluid and sand production rates in both GHBSs are relatively low before and after hydrate dissociation. However, the sand production rate in sandy GHBS keeps stable at a relatively high value during the whole hydrate dissociation period, accompanied by a high fluid production rate and continuous sample subsidence. In contrast, the fluid and sand production rates are proved to be high only at the early stages of hydrate dissociation in clayey‐silty GHBS with sand production decreasing obviously afterward, and the sample subsidence rate exponentially decay until the ultimate subsidence is reached. After experiments, two kinds of particle plugging phenomena, sand bridge and mud cake, are found to form outside sand screens in sandy and clayey‐silty GHBSs, respectively. Differences in permeability, particle migration, and plugging characteristics are thought to be the main inducement of the variability in sand production behaviors in different GHBS types. These findings indicate that sand‐production control strategies should obey geological engineering integration and differ according to the GHBS type. Specifically, we should concern sand production risk in sandy GHBS during and after hydrate dissociation, whereas more attention should be paid to the early stages of hydrate dissociation in clayey‐silty GHBS.
Drug‐grafted DNA as a novel chemogene for targeted combinatorial cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Yuhe , Zhang Jiao , Guo Yuanyuan , Wang Ping , Su Yue , Jin Xin , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhang Chuan
Published: March 2022

Combinatorial therapy based on chemotherapeutic drugs and gene agents to achieve synergistic antitumor effects has emerged as a new direction for cancer treatment. However, simple and efficient co‐delivery of those two drug categories remains a key challenge in this hot area owing to their substantially different pharmacodynamics, impeding the translational potentials of combinatorial approaches. To address this issue, herein we propose a simple strategy to site‐specifically graft camptothecins (CPTs, a representative chemodrug) onto a DNA with dual functional segments, including an AS1411 aptamer sequence to target the cancer cell and a BCL‐2 antisense sequence to down‐regulate the anti‐apoptotic gene. The obtained DNA‐drug conjugate possesses precise chemical composition, controllable drug loading ratio, and responsive disulfide linkage, which can serve as a novel type of chemogene for combinatorial cancer therapy. In both in vitro and in vivo evaluations, our CPT‐bearing chemogene exhibit the targeted co‐delivery of chemo and gene agents to tumor site, efficient BCL‐2 gene knockdown, and strong induced apoptosis of cancer cells, together leading into an enhanced antitumor efficacy. With simple and precise structure as well as facile synthetic procedure, the new chemogene may turn into a promising drug formulation for combinatorial antitumor treatment.
Effect of altitude on vertical temperature distribution and longitudinal smoke layer thickness in long tunnel fires
Authors: Bin Liu , Jun Mao , Yanhong Xi , Jiawei Hu
Published: March 2022

Based on large eddy simulation, a series of long tunnel fire experiments with different heat release rates (HRRs) and altitudes were carried out. The vertical temperature and thickness of fire smoke are studied. The simulation results show that the higher the altitude, the lower the flame temperature rise, while the change of smoke plume temperature rise is opposite. The movement of smoke in the tunnel can be divided into four regions, and the smoke layer thickness in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel corresponds to the latter three regions. The thickness in Region II increases along the longitudinal direction, the thickness in Region III is a constant value, and the thickness in Region IV increases along the longitudinal direction. Besides, the change of altitude only has an effect on the smoke layer thickness in Region IV. Then, by considering the altitude, HRR, and smoke layer thickness, and using dimensional analysis, an empirical formula for predicting the smoke layer thickness under the influence of altitude in Region IV was established.
Textured species range maps enhance interdisciplinary science capacity across scales
Authors: Harris Nyeema C , Gámez Siria , Gadsden Gabriel I , Malhotra Rumaan
Published: March 2022

Range maps are critical for understanding and conserving biodiversity, but current range maps often omit important context, negating the dynamism and variation of populations, environmental conditions, and ecological attributes to functionally oversimplify biogeography theory. Moreover, the gross underrepresentation of spatial heterogeneity throughout a species distribution limits the utility of range maps in decision making and for community engagement, weakening applications to disciplines outside the natural sciences. As climate change and other anthropogenic factors outpace our understanding of their impacts, robust and informative range maps for species will be critical in anticipating how environmental changes affect coupled ecological, evolutionary, and social processes. Here, we highlight the expansion of “flat” range maps by adding “texture”, which can represent a myriad of conditions that are spatially explicit across a species range. Using examples of variations (in human pressures, presence of competitor species, and extent of Indigenous lands) as texture, we demonstrate how range maps can address broader questions and promote enhanced capacity for interdisciplinary research.
Palaeozoic tectonic evolution and magmatism in the Kalatag area, East Tianshan, NW China: Evidence from the geochronology and geochemistry of intrusive rocks
Authors: Zhang Zhenlong , Yang Fuquan , Zhou Taofa , Geng Xinxia , Zhang Zhixin , Yang Chengdong
Published: March 2022

The Kalatag area contains many intrusive rocks of Late Ordovician to Permian age and hosts polymetallic deposits that are associated with magmatism. It is a key area for revealing the nature and genesis of the Palaeozoic rocks in East Tianshan. The intrusive rocks of different periods preserve useful information regarding the tectonomagmatic history of the Kalatag area. Zircon U–Pb geochronological, Hf isotopic, Sr–Nd isotopic, and whole‐rock geochemical analyses are reported for the intrusions from the Meiling ore district, Yudai ore district, and Kalatag pluton to reveal their petrogenesis and geodynamic setting. The LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb analyses suggest that the quartz diorite from the Kalatag pluton formed at 420–432 Ma, and the quartz diorite porphyry from the Yudai ore district formed at 436–439 Ma. The zircons from the quartz diorite and quartz diorite porphyry mainly yield high εHf(t) values (12.2–16.2) and very young Hf model ages (TDM = 0.41–0.56 Ga; TDMC = 0.49–0.56 Ga), which are consistent with a depleted mantle origin. The geochemical characteristics of the granites and quartz diorites from the Kalatag pluton and diorite porphyry from the Meiling ore district exhibit typical subduction‐related features such as enrichment in LILEs and LREEs and depletion in HFSEs. These diorites have moderate Mg# (30–47), positive εNd(t) values (4.2–5.6), and young Nd model ages (0.62–0.83 Ga), which are consistent with a depleted mantle origin that is accompanied by limited crustal assimilation. Based on the regional geology and geochemical evidence and previous studies, the Ordovician–Carboniferous rocks from the Kalatag area are considered to have formed in an island‐arc setting and were probably formed by a subduction event.
Radiologic–pathologic correlation of major versus minor extranodal extension in oral cavity cancer
Authors: Blasco Michael A. , Noel Christopher W. , Truong Tra , Huang Shao Hui , Goldstein David P. , Irish Jonathan C. , Gilbert Ralph , Hosni Ali , Hope Andrew , O'Sullivan Brian , Waldron John , Perez‐Ordonez Bayardo , Weinreb Ilan , Smith Stephen M. , Bartlett Eric , Yu Eugene , de Almeida John R.
Published: March 2022

Background

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiologic extranodal extension (rENE) in predicting major (>2 mm) and minor (≤2 mm) pathologic ENE (pENE).

Methods

All oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent neck dissection with pathological nodal disease (pN+) between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Preoperative computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed by two head and neck neuroradiologists.

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐four patients were included. The sensitivity and specificity of rENE were 37% [95% CI 29–44] and 98% [95% CI 96–100], respectively. Sensitivity for pENE improved in the subset of patients with major ENE (48% [95% CI 38–57]). The presence of rENE was associated with inferior 3‐year overall survival: 26% [95% CI 17–41] versus 60% [95% CI 54–67].

Conclusions

This large cohort study demonstrates high specificity, but low sensitivity for preoperative imaging in the detection of pENE in OCSCC. Patients with rENE demonstrated poor OS. pENE in the absence of rENE is still an adverse risk factor.
Association of contralateral breast cancer risk with mammographic density defined at higher‐than‐conventional intensity thresholds
Authors: Watt Gordon P. , Knight Julia A. , Nguyen Tuong L. , Reiner Anne S. , Malone Kathleen E. , John Esther M. , Lynch Charles F. , Brooks Jennifer D. , Woods Meghan , Liang Xiaolin , Bernstein Leslie , Pike Malcolm C. , Hopper John L. , Bernstein Jonine L.
Published: March 2022

Mammographic dense area (MDA) is an established predictor of future breast cancer risk. Recent studies have found that risk prediction might be improved by redefining MDA in effect at higher‐than‐conventional intensity thresholds. We assessed whether such higher‐intensity MDA measures gave stronger prediction of subsequent contralateral breast cancer (CBC) risk using the Women's Environment, Cancer, and Radiation Epidemiology (WECARE) Study, a population‐based CBC case‐control study of ≥1 year survivors of unilateral breast cancer diagnosed between 1990 and 2008. Three measures of MDA for the unaffected contralateral breast were made at the conventional intensity threshold (“Cumulus”) and at two sequentially higher‐intensity thresholds (“Altocumulus” and “Cirrocumulus”) using the CUMULUS software and mammograms taken up to 3 years prior to the first breast cancer diagnosis. The measures were fitted separately and together in multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression models of CBC (252 CBC cases and 271 unilateral breast cancer controls). The strongest association with CBC was MDA defined using the highest intensity threshold, Cirrocumulus (odds ratio per adjusted SD [OPERA] 1.40, 95% CI 1.13‐1.73); and the weakest association was MDA defined at the conventional threshold, Cumulus (1.32, 95% CI 1.05‐1.66). In a model fitting the three measures together, the association of CBC with Cirrocumulus was unchanged (1.40, 95% CI 0.97‐2.05), and the lower brightness measures did not contribute to the CBC model fit. These results suggest that MDA defined at a high‐intensity threshold is a better predictor of CBC risk and has the potential to improve CBC risk stratification beyond conventional MDA measures.
Integration of hatha yoga and evidence‐based psychological treatments for common mental disorders: An evidence map
Authors: O'Shea Melissa , Capon Hannah , Evans Subhadra , Agrawal Jyotsna , Melvin Glenn , O'Brien Jennifer , McIver Shane
Published: March 2022

Background

Interest in the use of yoga to enhance engagement with and augment the benefits of psychological treatment has grown. However, a systematic approach to reviewing existing research examining the use of yoga with psychological treatment is lacking.

Materials and Methods

This mapping review identified and synthesised research trialling yoga as an integrated or adjunct therapy with evidence‐based psychological interventions for the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders.

Results

Overall, the review identified ten published and three unpublished studies, representing either single group or small quasi‐experimental research designs.

Discussion

Limited but promising findings were shown for yoga with CBT for anxiety and depression, and the integration of yoga within intensive treatment models for PTSD.

Conclusions

Future research is encouraged to focus on controlled trials that enable examination of the component effect of yoga when applied with evidence‐based psychological treatment and acceptability and feasibility data to further knowledge regarding a role for yoga in clinical practice.
Assessment of pericallosal artery at 11–14 weeks of gestation: Cohort study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vasciaveo Lorenzo , Rizzo Giuseppe , Khalil Asma , Alameddine Sara , Di Girolamo Raffaella , Candia Mariangela , De Lucia Graziana , Mappa Ilenia , Liberati Marco , Nappi Luigi , D'Antonio Francesco
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To report the rate of visualization of the pericallosal artery (PCA) in the first trimester of pregnancy (11–14 weeks).

Methods

Prospective observational study of consecutive fetuses undergoing first trimester risk assessment for chromosomal anomalies. The presence of PCA was assessed in a midsagittal view of fetal brain using high‐definition power Color Doppler. A normal course of the PCA was defined as the visualization of an artery emerging from the anterior cerebral artery running parallel the corpus callosum (CC). The reference standard was the visualization of CC and PCA between the 20 and 22 weeks of gestation. We also performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published literature. Multivariate logistic regression and random‐effect meta‐analyses of proportion were used to analyze the data.

Results

Cohort study: Five‐hundred women were included. PCA was identified trans‐abdominally or transvaginally at 11–14 weeks of gestation in 98.8% (95% CI 97.4–99.6: 494/500); of the four cases of PCA not identified one had a diagnosis of complete agenesis of the corpus callosum during the anomaly scan which was confirmed at birth.

Systematic review of the published literature: Six studies (1093 fetuses, including the present series) were included. The PCA was detected at the 11–14 weeks scan and confirmed to co‐exist with a normal CC at time of the anomaly scan in 96.9% (95% CI 93.8–99.0); 20.6% (95% CI 5.7–41.7) of fetuses with no clear identification of the PCA at the 11–14 weeks scan had a normal appearance of the CC at the time of anomaly scan.

Conclusion

Prenatal ultrasonography has a high diagnostic accuracy in detecting PCA in the first trimester. Visualization of the PCA at the time of 11–14 scan is highly specific for the presence of a normal CC later in pregnancy.
Fibrin clot characteristics and anticoagulant response in a SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected endothelial model
Authors: McCafferty Conor , Lee Leo , Cai Tengyi , Praporski Slavica , Stolper Julian , Karlaftis Vasiliki , Attard Chantal , Myint David , Carey Leeanne M. , Howells David W. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Davis Stephen , Ma Henry , Crewther Sheila , Nguyen Vinh A. , Van Den Helm Suelyn , Letunica Natasha , Swaney Ella , Elliott David , Subbarao Kanta , Ignjatovic Vera , Monagle Paul
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients have increased thrombosis risk. With increasing age, there is an increase in COVID‐19 severity. Additionally, adults with a history of vasculopathy have the highest thrombotic risk in COVID‐19. The mechanisms of these clinical differences in risk remain unclear. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, influenza A/Singapore/6/86 (H1N1) or mock‐infected prior to incubation with plasma from healthy children, healthy adults or vasculopathic adults. Fibrin on surface of cells was observed using scanning electron microscopy, and fibrin characteristics were quantified. This experiment was repeated in the presence of bivalirudin, defibrotide, low‐molecular‐weight‐heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH). Fibrin formed on SARS‐CoV‐2 infected HUVECs was densely packed and contained more fibrin compared to mock‐infected cells. Fibrin generated from child plasma was the thicker than fibrin generated in vasculopathic adult plasma (p = 0.0165). Clot formation was inhibited by LMWH (0.5 U/ml) and UFH (0.1–0.7 U/ml). We show that in the context of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on an endothelial culture, plasma from vasculopathic adults produces fibrin clots with thinner fibrin, indicating that the plasma coagulation system may play a role in determining the thrombotic outcome of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Heparinoid anticoagulants were most effective at preventing clot formation.
GDF‐15 is associated with atherosclerosis in adults with transfusion‐dependent beta‐thalassemia
Authors: Efat Alaa , Wahb Rana , Shoeib Sabry Abd Allah , Dawod Ashraf Abd ElRaof , Abd ElHafez Mohamad Ahmed , Abd ElMohsen Essam Ali , Elkholy Aly
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To study serum growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) serum level in β‐thalassemia patients and its relation to carotid intima‐media thickness.

Background: Thalassemia is a common genetic disease resulting in decreased beta‐chains, leading to manifested anemia. It may be subsequently complicated by iron overload, which induces numerous morbidities and even death. Growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) is a strong and independent predictor of mortality and disease progression in patients with atherosclerosis alongside with carotid‐intimal media thickness (CIMT).

Patients and methods: This monocentric case‐control study was done on 90 subjects in the period from January 2020 to March 2021. Sixty transfusion‐dependent beta‐thalassemia (TDβT) cases (≥18 years) were selected from the thalassemia clinic of Hematology division at Menoufia University hospitals. We included also 30 sex and age matched healthy as the controls. Routine investigations were done beside. Serum GDF‐15 was measured by ELISA. CIMT was measured by Doppler Ultrasonography.

Results: CIMT on both sides was statistically significant higher in cases (median of 0.08 cm) than in the controls (median of 0.04). GDF‐15 was also significantly higher in cases (median of 1839.89 pg/dl) than in controls (median of 256.14 pg/dl). So, we found that GDF‐15 is a predictor of and associated with atherosclerosis in thalassemic adults (OR = 39.198, p value 0.008, 95% CI: 2.576–596.5).

Conclusion: GDF‐ 15 is increased in TDβT. CIMT (as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis) is increased in these patients alongside with GDF‐15, is a predictor, and associated with atherosclerosis in thalassemic adults.
Examination of control asymptomatic cohorts reveals heightened anti‐EBV and HHV‐6 A/B dUTPase antibodies in the aging populations
Authors: Alharshawi Khaled , Cox Brandon , Ariza Maria E.
Published: March 2022

Members of the human Herpesviridae are found in high prevalence in the human virome. While these viruses are known to cause numerous disease pathologies in symptomatic individuals little is known concerning the role that these viruses may have in modulating the host immune system in asymptomatic “healthy” individuals, especially during the aging process. Examination of three cohorts of “healthy asymptomatic” individuals (n = 255) for the presence of antibodies against the herpesviruses deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) as a marker for lytic/abortive‐lytic replication demonstrated that all cohorts exhibited differential anti‐herpesvirus dUTPase antibodies positivity frequencies ranging from 40.4% to 84% with some individuals in these cohorts expressing antibodies to the dUTPases of multiple herpesviruses (17.2%–56%). Furthermore, our results demonstrate that there was a statistically significant difference in anti‐human herpesvirus 6 A and 6B (HHV‐6 A/B) dUTPase antibodies in Cohort 3 (age = 66.2 ± 15.02 years) versus Cohort 1 (age 46.88 ± 8.61 years), suggesting that reactivation of HHV‐6 A/B is not attenuated by aging. It is well established/documented that herpesvirus dUTPases induce immune dysfunction, as such it is of critical importance that additional studies be performed to determine how these viral proteins alter immune responses in asymptomatic individuals.
A late 1980s shift in El Niño influence on rainfall over Uruguay during austral spring
Authors: Fernández Pablo , Barreiro Marcelo
Published: March 2022

Rainfall over Uruguay is characterized by large interannual variability partially due to the influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), such that El Niño (La Niña) events on average lead to increased (decreased) rainfall during austral spring (October–December) particularly in the northern portion of the country. Here we document a clear shift in the late 1980s of the influence of ENSO on rainfall over Uruguay during this season. Analyses based on observed station data and a reanalysis show that before the late 1980s ENSO influence was relatively weak and only in the northern portion of the country. After the late 1980s the ENSO signal became stronger and affected both the southern and northern portions of Uruguay. Moreover, we found that this shift was mainly related to the impact of El Niño events, not of La Niña. Before the 1980s there is a negative relationship between the magnitude of El Niño events and rainfall anomalies over Uruguay, while after this date the relationship became positive so that rainfall anomalies are largest for strong El Niño events. The change in the impact of El Niño events is traced back to distinct extratropical teleconnections. To explore this, we defined a South American Teleconnection Index (ITSA), which characterizes the geopotential height anomalies over South America that determine the positive rainfall anomalies during El Niño over Uruguay. It is shown that after the late 1980s the ITSA is well connected to ENSO, while before late 1980s ITSA is more dependent on other variability modes such as the Southern Annular Mode.
Comprehensive assessment of CMIP5 and CMIP6 models in simulating and projecting precipitation over the global land
Authors: Du Yi , Wang Dagang , Zhu Jinxin , Wang Dayang , Qi Xiaoxing , Cai Jingheng
Published: March 2022

The warming climate can considerably alter the Earth's water cycle and change precipitation over land. Climate models are the primary tools for projecting precipitation changes and evaluating climate impacts in various fields. This study compares precipitation from 45 models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and 49 models in Phase 6 (CMIP6) to observations. The results reveal that the CMIP6 models outperform the CMIP5 models in simulating precipitation patterns over the global land for the historical period. The cumulative distribution function matching method is used to correct the bias in the outputs of the selected CMIP5 and CMIP6 models, and the multi‐model ensemble (MME) of the corrected models is then utilized in projecting the precipitation changes under the future scenarios over the global land. The observation‐constrained projections show that there is a significant increasing trend in the annual global land precipitation during 2021–2100 under all four scenarios, and the rates are 3.0, 4.23, 6.77 and 8.96 mm/decade under the RCP4.5, SSP2‐4.5, RCP8.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, respectively. Moreover, the average annual global land precipitation is projected to increase by 4.9% (RCP4.5), 8.1% (RCP8.5), 4.6% (SSP2‐4.5) and 10.1% (SSP5‐8.5) by 2081–2100 relative to 1986–2005. Increases in global average precipitation may result in more flood, causing higher flooding risk in the future.
Significant predictors for topiramate pharmacokinetics: a systematic review of population pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Tippayachai Patinee , Leelakanok Nattawut , Methaneethorn Janthima
Published: March 2022

Background

Topiramate (TPM) is a second‐generation antiepileptic drug with a good pharmacokinetic profile; nonetheless, several factors such as age, renal function and concomitant medications have been reported to affect TPM clearance and dosage adjustments are necessary. Several population pharmacokinetic studies of TPM were developed and the results were partially inconsistent, with different predictors for TPM pharmacokinetic parameters and different structural models. Thus, we aimed to systematically summarise clinically significant covariates influencing TPM pharmacokinetics and clinical responses.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Science Direct and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched from the date of their inception to May 2021. Studies conducted in humans employing a nonlinear mixed‐effects approach were included in this review. Information from retrieved articles were independently extracted using the prespecified data abstraction form.

Results

Ten studies were included and most of them characterised TPM pharmacokinetics with a linear one‐compartment model. The estimated TPM clearance without covariate effects ranged from 1.15 to 2.25 L/h. Significant predictors for TPM clearance included concomitant medications, weight, age, creatinine clearance and TPM daily dose. Moreover, two studies reported the effect of TPM exposure on cognitive function, with limitations on the generalisability.

Conclusions

Significant predictors for TPM clearance that are essential for individualising dosage regimens were concomitant medications, weight, age, creatinine clearance and TPM daily dose. High TPM levels had negative impacts on verbal fluency, working memory, attention and psychomotor speed; however, future studies with broader population characteristics are needed to increase generalisability.
Evidence for the development of skills for education, leadership and innovation through experiential‐based foundational pharmacy residency programs: a narrative review
Authors: Al‐Diery Tarik , Page Amy Theresa , Johnson Jacinta Lee , Walker Steven , Sandulache Diana , Wilby Kyle John
Published: March 2022

Aim

The aim of this narrative literature review was to describe the existing evidence for a post‐graduate experiential learning program, such as a foundational pharmacy residency, to support the competency development for early‐career pharmacists in conducting education, leadership and supporting innovation.

Methods

We identified publications that addressed research in skills development within foundational pharmacy residency programs. Articles were identified using the databases Scopus and Embase.

Results

It was found that foundational residency programs have supported competency development in delivering education, leadership and management, and support of innovation and quality improvement. Residency programs have fostered these skills development through the use of courses, assessments and activities, but to varying degrees. Many of these skills are attained as a benefit of inclusion and mentorship in non‐clinical tasks.

Conclusion

Residency programs can serve as a strong platform for the development of non‐clinical skills in education, leadership and innovation. A mix of activities and course‐specific skills building courses have demonstrated levels of success in developing skills in education, leadership and innovation when implemented.
Perception of risk and treatment decisions in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Schumm Max A. , Shu Michelle L. , Kim Jiyoon , Tseng Chi‐Hong , Zanocco Kyle , Livhits Masha J. , Leung Angela M. , Yeh Michael W. , Sacks Greg D. , Wu James X.
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

The recent de‐escalation of care for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has broadened the range of initial treatment options. We examined the association between physicians' perception of risk and their management of DTC.

Methods

Thyroid specialists were surveyed with four clinical vignettes: (1) indeterminate nodule (2) tall cell variant papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), (3) papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (mPTC), and (4) classic PTC. Participants judged the operative risks and likelihood of structural cancer recurrence associated with more versus less aggressive treatments. A logistic mixed effect model was used to predict treatment choice.

Results

Among 183 respondents (13.4% response rate), 44% were surgical and 56% medical thyroid specialists. Risk estimates and treatment recommendation varied markedly in each case. Respondents' estimated risk of 10‐year cancer recurrence after lobectomy for a 2.0‐cm PTC ranged from 1% to 53% (interquartile range [IQR]: 3%–12%), with 66% recommending lobectomy and 34% total thyroidectomy. Respondents' estimated 5‐year risk of metastastic disease during active surveillance of an 0.8‐cm mPTC ranged from 0% to 95% (IQR: 4%–15%), with 36% choosing active surveillance. Overall, differences in perceived risk reduction explained 10.3% of the observed variance in decision‐making.

Conclusions

Most of the variation in thyroid cancer treatment aggressiveness is unrelated to perceived risk of cancer recurrence.
Preparation of two‐dimensional boron nitride‐layered double hydroxide hybrid to reinforce the corrosion protection of the epoxy coating
Authors: Zhu Aoqi , Wang Hongchao , Xue Mingjin , Cao Ying , He Jianmin , Lu Wei , Xu Yiting , Zeng Birong , Yuan Conghui , Chen Guorong , Dai Lizong
Published: March 2022

In this study, DBNs‐aminated layered double hydroxide (ALDH) was prepared by connecting ALDH with hydroxylated boron nitride nanosheet (OH–BNs) which was obtained by high‐temperature steam method from hexagonal boron nitride nanosheet (h‐BNs) through the polydopamine. DBNs‐ALDH was characterized by fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, Raman, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses to prove the success of the synthesis. Change of chloride ion concentration was chosen to evaluate the ion exchange function of DBNs‐ALDH. Then, the epoxy resin (EP) mixed with DBNs‐ALDH was coated on the Q215 steel to form a composite epoxy coating. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test and brine immersion test were used to characterize the anticorrosion performance of composite EP coating. The results revealed that the DBNs‐ALDH reinforced the anticorrosion performance of the EP coating.
Polyethylene‐Derived Activated Carbon Materials for Commercially Available Supercapacitor in an Organic Electrolyte System
Authors: Yang Inchan , Mok Ji Hye , Jung Meenkyoung , Yoo Jihoon , Kim Myung‐Soo , Choi Dalsu , Jung Ji Chul
Published: March 2022

High‐performance supercapacitors based on activated carbons (AC) derived from polyethylene (PE), which is one of the most abundant plastic materials worldwide, are fabricated. First, PE carbons (PEC) are prepared via sulfonation, which is a reported solution for successful carbonization of innately non‐carbonizable PE. Then, the physico‐electrical changes of PECs upon a chemical activation process are explored. Interestingly, upon the chemical activation, PECs are converted ACs with a large surface area and high crystallinity at the same time. Subsequently, PE‐derived ACs (PEAC) are exploited as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Resultant supercapacitors based on PEACs exhibit impressive performance. When compared to supercapacitors based on YP50f, representative commercial ACs, devices using PEACs presented considerably good capacitance, low resistance, and great rate capability. Specifically, the retention rate of devices using PEACs is significantly higher than that of YP50f‐based devices. At the high rate of charge−discharge situation reaching 7 A g−1, the capacitance of supercapacitors using PEACs is ≈70% higher than that of YP50f‐based devices. It is assumed that the carbon structure accompanying both large surface area and high conductivity endows a great electrochemical performance at the high current operating conditions. Therefore, it is envisioned that PE may be a viable candidate electrode material for commercially available supercapacitors.
Clinical and genetic characterization of three Russian patients with pycnodysostosis due to pathogenic variants in the CTSK gene
Authors: Markova Tatiana Vladimirovna , Kenis Vladimir , Melchenko Evgeniy , Guseva Darya , Osipova Darya , Galeeva Nailya , Nagornova Tatiana , Dadali Elena Leonidovna
Published: March 2022

Background

Pycnodysostosis (PD, OMIM # 265800) is a rare variant of skeletal dysplasia with an autosomal recessive type of inheritance, characterized by a combination of specific features such as disproportionate nanism, generalized osteosclerosis, and distinct craniofacial dysmorphism. Radiographic features include acro‐osteolysis of the distal phalanges in association with sclerosing bone lesions with multiple fractures. The polymorphism of the clinical manifestations of pycnodysostosis and low prevalence of the disorder lead to the difficulties with early.

Methods

The following tests were used for diagnostics: genealogical analysis, clinical examination, neurological examination according to the standard method with an assessment of the psychoemotional sphere, radiological analysis, searching for pathogenic variants in the CTSK gene by the automated Sanger sequencing.

Results

We describe first clinical and genetic characteristics of three Russian patients with pycnodysostosis from unrelated families. Two patients have a novel homozygous nucleotide substitution c.746T>A (p. Ile249Asn), and one has a previously described homozygous pathogenic variant c.746T>C (p.Ile249Thr) in the CTSK gene. In all three cases, a transition or transversion was found at nucleotide position 746 in exon 6 of the CTSK gene, leading to two different amino acid substitutions in the polypeptide chain. The obtained results may indicate the presence of a major pathogenic variant in the CTSK gene, leading to the typical manifestation of the disease.

Conclusion

The data presented in the study enlarge the clinical, radiological, and mutational spectrum of pycnodysostosis. Typical clinical manifestations and the small size of the CTSK gene make the automated Sanger sequencing the optimal method for diagnosis of pycnodysostosis.
Heat management of a compact x‐ray source for microbeam radiotherapy and FLASH treatments
Authors: Winter Johanna , Dimroth Anton , Roetzer Sebastian , Zhang Yunzhe , Krämer Karl‐Ludwig , Petrich Christian , Matejcek Christoph , Aulenbacher Kurt , Zimmermann Markus , Combs Stephanie E. , Galek Marek , Natour Ghaleb , Butzek Michael , Wilkens Jan J. , Bartzsch Stefan
Published: March 2022

Background

Microbeam and x‐ray FLASH radiation therapy are innovative concepts that promise reduced normal tissue toxicity in radiation oncology without compromising tumor control. However, currently only large third‐generation synchrotrons deliver acceptable x‐ray beam qualities and there is a need for compact, hospital‐based radiation sources to facilitate clinical translation of these novel treatment strategies.

Purpose

We are currently setting up the first prototype of a line‐focus x‐ray tube (LFxT), a promising technology that may deliver ultra‐high dose rates (UHDRs) of more than 100 Gy/s from a table‐top source. The operation of the source in the heat capacity limit allows very high dose rates with micrometer‐sized focal spot widths. Here, we investigate concepts of effective heat management for the LFxT, a prerequisite for the performance of the source.

Methods

For different focal spot widths, we investigated the temperature increase numerically with Monte Carlo simulations and finite element analysis (FEA). We benchmarked the temperature and thermal stresses at the focal spot against a commercial x‐ray tube with similar power characteristics. We assessed thermal loads at the vacuum chamber housing caused by scattering electrons in Monte Carlo simulations and FEA. Further, we discuss active cooling strategies and present a design of the rotating target.

Results

Conventional focal spot widths led to a temperature increase dominated by heat conduction, while very narrow focal spots led to a temperature increase dominated by the heat capacity of the target material. Due to operation in the heat capacity limit, the temperature increase at the focal spot was lower than for the investigated commercial x‐ray tube. Hence, the thermal stress at the focal spot of the LFxT was considered uncritical. The target shaft and the vacuum chamber housing require active cooling to withstand the high heat loads.

Conclusions

The heat capacity limit allows very high power densities at the focal spot of the LFxT and thus facilitates very high dose rates. Numerical simulations demonstrated that the heat load imparted by scattering electrons requires active cooling.
Embryonic Metabolic Rate Does Not Predict Subsequent Growth Performance or Thermal Tolerance of Juvenile Rainbow Trout but May Be Related to Antimicrobial Peptide Expression
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T. , Monson Christopher , Casadei Elisa , Bowker James D. , Nepper Sean
Published: March 2022

A study involving duplicate experimental trials was conducted to determine whether differences in embryonic metabolic rate were associated with differences in growth performance, thermal tolerance, and expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fertilized eggs were screened using a quantitative resazurin-based assay to identify those in the top and bottom 18% of observed metabolic rates for subsequent evaluation. After hatch and 14 (trial 1) or 10 (trial 2) weeks of rearing, no differences in survival (trial 1 = 93–95%; trial 2 = 96–97%), weight gain (trial 1 = 10,315–10,889%; trial 2 = 2,218–2,225%), specific growth rate (trial 1 = 4.74–4.79% body weight/d; trial 2 = 4.55–4.56% body weight/d), feed conversion ratio (trial 1 = 1.06; trial 2 = 0.85–0.86), feed intake (trial 1 = 10.89–11.23% body weight/d; trial 2 = 5.71–5.75% body weight/d), or critical thermal maxima (trial 1 = 26.8–27.0°C; trial 2 = 28.3–28.5°C) were observed between fish with high versus low embryonic metabolic rates. Beta defensins omDB-1, omDB-3, and omDB-4 were up-regulated in thermally challenged low-metabolic-rate fish, whereas these AMPs were down-regulated in high-metabolic-rate fish. Our results indicate that embryonic metabolic rate is not a useful metric for predicting juvenile survival, growth performance, or thermal tolerance of domesticated Rainbow Trout, though there may be a relationship between metabolic rate and AMP expression.