bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on remote sensing methods for landslide detection using machine and deep learning
Authors: Mohan Amrita , Singh Amit Kumar , Kumar Basant , Dwivedi Ramji
Published: June 2020

Landslide, one of the most critical natural hazards, is caused due to specific compositional slope movement. In the past decades, due to inflation of urbanized area and climate change, a compelling expansion in landslide prevalence took place which is also termed as mass/slope movement and mass wasting, causing extensive collapse around the world. The principal reason for its pursuance is a reduction in the internal resistance of soil and rocks, classified as a slide, topple, fall, and flow. Slopes can be differentiated based on earth material and the nature of its movements. The downward flow of landslides occurs due to excessive rainfall, snowmelt, earthquake, volcanic eruption, and so on. This review article revisits the conventional approaches for identification of landslides, predicting future risk, associated with slope failures, followed by emphasizing the advantages of modern geospatial techniques such as aerial photogrammetry, satellite remote sensing images (ie, panchromatic, multispectral, radar images), Terrestrial laser scanning, and High‐Resolution Digital Elevation Model (HR‐DEM) in updating landslide inventory maps. Machine learning techniques like Support Vector Machine, Artificial neural network, deep learning has been extensively used with geographical data producing effective results for assessment of natural hazard/resources and environmental research. Based on recent studies, deep learning is a reliable tool addressing remote sensing challenges such as trade‐off in imaging system producing poor quality investigation, in addition, to expedite consequent task such as image recognition, object detection, classification, and so on. Conventional methods, like pixel and object‐based machine learning methods, have been broadly explored. Advanced development in deep learning technique like CNN (Convolutional neural network) has been extensively successful in information extraction from an image and has exceeded other traditional approaches. Over the past few years, minor attempts have been made for landslide susceptibility mapping using CNN. In addition, small sample sizes for training purpose will be major drawback and notably remarkable while using deep learning techniques. Also, assessment of the model's performance with diverse training and testing proportion other than commonly utilized ratio, that is, 70/30 needs to be explored further. The review article briefly highlights the remote sensing methods for landslide detection using machine learning and deep learning.
State‐dependent evaluation of predictive ability
Authors: Siliverstovs Boriss , Wochner Daniel S.
Published: June 2020

This study systematically broadens the relevance of possible model performance asymmetries across business cycles in the spirit of the recent state‐dependent forecast evaluation literature (e.g. Chauvet & Potter, 2013) to hundreds of macroeconomic indicators and deepens the forecast evaluation of the recent factor model literature on hundreds of target variables (e.g. Stock & Watson, 2012b) in a state‐dependent manner. Our results are consistent with both strands of the literature and generalize the former to over 200 macroeconomic indicators and differentiate the latter across three levels of temporal granularity: We document systematic model performance differences in both absolute and relative terms across business cycles (longitudinal) as well as across variable groups (cross‐sectional) and find these performance differences to be robust across several alternative specifications. The cross‐sectional prevalence and robustness of state dependency shown in this article encourages economic forecasters to complement model performance assessments with a state‐dependent evaluation of predictive ability.
The diversity ofSmilax(Smilacaceae) leaves from the Middle Miocene in southeastern China
Authors: Dong Jun‐Ling , Sun Bai‐Nian , Li Ai‐Jing , Chen Hui
Published: June 2020

The Fotan flora represents a tropical rainforest biome and is known by its abundance of fossil plant remains, which mainly include leaves and fruits. In this article, we describe threeSmilax(Smilacaceae) fossil taxa,S. fujianensissp. nov.,S. zhangpuensissp. nov., andSmilaxsp., from the Middle Miocene of Fujian Province, in southeastern China. Three morphotypes were examined for their gross morphological characteristics and cuticular structures, with especial reference to the venation patterns and stomata complexes. These new Miocene species increase the known diversity of the genusSmilaxin low‐latitude regions and contribute to a better understanding of its interspecific variability.Smilaxis sensitive to climatic change, and their spatial and temporal distribution fluctuates in response to the periods of warming or cooling in the Cenozoic. Moreover,Smilaxprimarily grows in warm and moist forests.
Performance analysis of hybrid/single nanofluids on augmentation of heat transport in lid‐driven undulated cavity
Authors: Nasrin Rehena , Hossain Saddam , Zahan Ishrat , Ahmed Khandker Farid Uddin , Fayaz Hussain
Published: June 2020

This numerical study reveals the heat transfer performance of hybrid/single nanofluids inside a lid‐driven sinusoidal trapezoidal‐shaped enclosure. The right and left inclined surfaces of the trapezium have been considered as insulated, whereas the bottom sinusoidal wavy and the flat top surfaces of the enclosure as hot and cold, respectively. The governing partial differential equations of fluid's velocity and temperature have been resolved by applying the finite element method. The implications of Prandtl number (4.2‐6.2), Richardson number (0.1‐10.0), undulation number (0‐3), nanoparticles volume fraction (0%‐3%), and nanofluid/base fluid (water, water–copper (Cu), water–Cu–carbon nanotube, water–Cu–copper oxide (CuO), water–Cu–TiO2, and water–Cu–Al2O3) on the velocity and temperature profiles have been studied. Simulated findings have been represented by means of streamlines, isothermal lines, and average Nusselt number of above‐mentioned hybrid nanofluids for varying the governing parameters. The comparison of heat transfer rates using hybrid nanofluids and pure water has been also shown. The heat transfer rate is increased about 15% for varying Richardson number from 0.1 to 10.0. Blending of two nanoparticles suspension in base fluid has a higher heat transfer rate—approximately 5% than a mononanoparticle. Moreover, a higher average Nusselt number is obtained by 14.7% using the wavy surface than the flat surface of the enclosure. Thus, this study showed that applying hybrid nanofluid may be beneficial to obtain expected thermal performance.
Sequential bortezomib and temozolomide treatment promotes immunological responses in glioblastoma patients with positive clinical outcomes: A phase 1B study
Authors: Rahman Mohummad A. , Brekke Jorunn , Arnesen Victoria , Hannisdal Marianne H. , Navarro Andrea G. , Waha Andreas , Herfindal Lars , Rygh Cecilie B. , Bratland Eirik , Brandal Petter , Haasz Judit , Oltedal Leif , Miletic Hrvoje , Lundervold Arvid , Lie Stein A. , Goplen Dorota , Chekenya Martha
Published: June 2020

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignant brain tumor where median survival is approximately 15 months after best available multimodal treatment. Recurrence is inevitable, largely due to O6 methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) that renders the tumors resistant to temozolomide (TMZ). We hypothesized that pretreatment with bortezomib (BTZ) 48 hours prior to TMZ to deplete MGMT levels would be safe and tolerated by patients with recurrent GBM harboring unmethylated MGMT promoter. The secondary objective was to investigate whether 26S proteasome blockade may enhance differentiation of cytotoxic immune subsets to impact treatment responses measured by radiological criteria and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Ten patients received intravenous BTZ 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, and 7 during each 4th weekly TMZ‐chemotherapy starting on day 3 and escalated from 150 mg/m2 per oral 5 days/wk via 175 to 200 mg/m2 in cycles 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Adverse events and quality of life were evaluated by CTCAE and EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire, and immunological biomarkers evaluated by flow cytometry and Luminex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Sequential BTZ + TMZ therapy was safe and well tolerated. Pain and performance of daily activities had greatest impact on patients' self‐reported quality of life and were inversely correlated with Karnofsky performance status. Patients segregated a priori into three groups, where group 1 displayed stable clinical symptoms and/or slower magnetic resonance imaging radiological progression, expanded CD4+ effector T‐cells that attenuated cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated protein‐4 and PD‐1 expression and secreted interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α in situ and ex vivo upon stimulation with PMA/ionomycin. In contrast, rapidly progressing group 2 patients exhibited tolerised T‐cell phenotypes characterized by fourfold to sixfold higher interleukin 4 (IL‐4) and IL‐10 Th‐2 cytokines after BTZ + TMZ treatment, where group 3 patients exhibited intermediate clinical/radiological responses.

Conclusion

Sequential BTZ + TMZ treatment is safe and promotes Th1‐driven immunological responses in selected patients with improved clinical outcomes (Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03643549)).
Cabazitaxel exhibits more favorable molecular changes compared to other taxanes in androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells
Authors: Cevik Ozge , Acidereli Hilal , Turut Fatma Aysun , Yildirim Sahin , Acilan Ceyda
Published: June 2020

Taxane‐based chemotherapy drugs (cabazitaxel, docetaxel, and paclitaxel) are microtubule inhibitors, which are effectively and frequently used to treat metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Among these, cabazitaxel is offered as a new therapeutic option for patients with metastatic castration‐resistant PC as that are resistant to other taxanes. Here, we investigated the cellular and molecular changes in response to cabazitaxel in comparison with docetaxel and paclitaxel in androgen‐independent human PCas. The androgen‐independent human PCa cell lines, PC3 and DU145, were treated with 1 to 5nM cabazitaxel, docetaxel, or paclitaxel, and assessed for cell viability (MTT assay), colony forming ability and migration (scratch assay). The induction of apoptosis was determined through measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential (JC‐1 assay) and caspase‐3 activity assay. The protein expression changes (caspase‐3, caspase‐8, Bax, Bcl‐2, β‐tubulin, nuclear factor‐κB [NF‐κB/p50, NF‐κB/p65], vascular endothelial growth factor, WNT1‐inducible signaling pathway protein‐1 [WISP1], transforming growth factor β [TGF‐β]) in response to drug treatment were screened via western blotting. Under our experimental conditions, all taxanes significantly reduced WISP1 and TGF‐β expressions, suggesting an anti‐metastatic/antiangiogenic effect for these drugs. On the other hand, cabazitaxel induced more cell death and inhibited colony formation compared to docetaxel or paclitaxel. The highest fold change in caspase‐3 activity and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was also detected in response to cabazitaxel. Furthermore, the induction of β‐tubulin expression was lower in cabazitaxel‐treated cells relative to the other taxanes. In summary, cabazitaxel shows molecular changes in favor of killing PCa cells compared to other taxanes, at least for the parameters analyzed herein. The differences with other taxanes may be important while designing other studies or in clinical settings.
A synthetic coumarin derivative (4‐flourophenylacetamide‐acetyl coumarin) impedes cell cycle at G0/G1 stage, induces apoptosis, and inhibits metastasis via ROS‐mediated p53 and AKT signaling pathways in A549 cells
Authors: Umar Shweta , Soni Rina , Durgapal Sunil D. , Soman Subhangi , Balakrishnan Suresh
Published: June 2020

New chemotherapeutic agents with minimum side effects are indispensable to treat non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) since the mortality rate of patients suffering from NSCLC remains high despite receiving conventional medication. In our previous study, many coumarin derivatives were screened for their anticancer properties in A549, an in vitro NSCLC model. One of these, 4‐flourophenylacetamide‐acetyl coumarin (4‐FPAC), induced cytotoxicity at a concentration as low as 0.16 nM. Herein, initially, the cytotoxic potential of 4‐FPAC was tested on a noncancerous cell line NIH3T3 and was found safe at the selected dose of 0.16 nM. Further, we investigated the mechanism by which 4‐FPAC induced cytotoxicity and arrested the progression of cell cycle as well as metastasis in A549. Results of ethidium bromide/acridine orange (EtBr/AO), 4,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole, comet, and lactate dehydrogenase assays revealed that 4‐FPAC caused cytotoxicity via reactive oxygen species‐induced p53‐mediated mechanism, which involves both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, rhodamine 123, and AO staining confirmed the involvement of both mitochondria and lysosome in inducing apoptosis. However, flow cytometric analysis revealed that it causes cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by modulating p21, CDK2, and CDK4 expression. Aggregation, soft‐agar, clonogenic, and scratch assays as well as gene expression analysis collectively confirmed that 4‐FPAC minimizes the metastatic property of A549 by downregulating Snail, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and interleukin‐8. Additional studies reaffirmed the above findings and substantiated the role of PI3K/AKT in achieving them. The cell‐type‐specific selective cytostatic and antimetastatic properties shown by 4‐FPAC indicate its potential to emerge as a drug of choice against NSCLC in the future.
Anti‐apoptotic effect of vinpocetine on cisplatin‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice: The role of Annexin‐V, Caspase‐3, and Bax
Authors: Habib Sally A. , Abdelrahman Rehab S. , Abdel Rahim Mona , Suddek Ghada M.
Published: June 2020

Hepatic damage is one of the most common complications related to cisplatin (Cis) use. Recently, liver protection lines are being discovered to avoid hepatic cell death as a result of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic disturbance. Limited data reported the hepatoprotective effect of vinpocetine (Vin) in acute liver injury models. This study was designed to determine the potential protective effect of Vin (10‐30 mg/kg, orally) against Cis‐induced liver injury (10 mg/kg, IP) in mice. Vin administration for 1 week before Cis injection until the end of the experiment. On the 6th day after Cis injection, mice were anesthetized, blood and tissue samples were collected. Hepatic function, histological changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic markers were investigated. Vin administration ameliorated liver injury as indicated by decreased liver injury parameters; serum aminotransferases, ALK‐P, GGT, and bilirubin, restored the anti‐oxidant status by decrease MDA and NOx, and increased GSH and SOD, inhibited inflammation (IL‐6, TNF‐α, NFκB‐p65, and iNOS) and apoptosis (Annexin‐V, Bax, and Caspase‐3) parameters. Vin confers dose‐dependent protection against Cis‐induced liver injury. The hepatoprotective effect of Vin involved anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic activities.
Perfluorooctanoic acid activates the unfolded protein response in pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Hocevar Sarah E. , Kamendulis Lisa M. , Hocevar Barbara A.
Published: June 2020

Perfluoroalkyl substances, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are widely used in consumer and industrial applications. Human epidemiologic and animal studies suggest that PFOA exposure elicits adverse effects on the pancreas; however, little is known about the biological effects of PFOA in this organ. In this study, we show that PFOA treatment of mouse pancreatic acinar cells results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the protein kinase‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol‐requiring kinase/endonuclease 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 arms of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. PFOA‐stimulated activation of the UPR was blocked by pretreatment with specific PERK and IRE1α inhibitors and the chemical chaperone 4‐phenyl butyrate, but not the antioxidants N‐acetyl‐
l‐cysteine and Tiron. PFOA treatment led to increased cytosolic Ca+2 levels and induction of the UPR was blocked by an inhibitor of the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor. These findings indicate that PFOA‐induced ER stress may be the mechanistic trigger leading to oxidative stress in the pancreas.
Long non‐coding RNA T‐cell factor 7 in multiple myeloma: A potential biomarker for deteriorated clinical features and poor prognosis
Authors: Zhang Cui , Chu Min , Fan Yingchao , Wu Liting , Li Zhumeng , Ma Xiaoyan , Zhuang Wenfang
Published: June 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of long non‐coding RNA T‐cell factor 7 (lnc‐TCF7) with clinical features and prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

Totally, 216 newly diagnosed symptomatic MM patients and 60 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Bone marrow samples were collected from patients before treatment and from HCs on donation to detect lnc‐TCF7 expression in plasma cells by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Besides, clinical response, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of patients were assessed.

Results

Lnc‐TCF7 expression was increased in patients with MM compared with HCs. Lnc‐TCF7 expression was highest in international staging system (ISS) stage III patients, followed by ISS stage II patients, and then ISS stage I patients, while lnc‐TCF7 expression was similar in patients with different immunoglobulin subtypes and Durie‐Salmon stages. Regarding chromosomal abnormalities, lnc‐TCF7 expression positively correlated with t(4; 14) and Del(17p), whereas no correlation of lnc‐TCF7 expression with t(14; 16), 1q21 amplification, Del(13q), or hyperdiploid was observed in patients with MM. Furthermore, lnc‐TCF7 expression positively correlated with serum creatinine, beta‐2‐microglobulin, and lactate dehydrogenase in patients. Besides, lnc‐TCF7 was negatively associated with complete response but not overall response rate in patients. Additionally, patients with lnc‐TCF7 high expression exhibited shorter PFS and OS compared to patients with lnc‐TCF7 low expression.

Conclusion

Lnc‐TCF7 might have clinical value in aiding disease management and prognosis prediction of MM.
Prenatal Exposure to Antibiotics and Development of Epilepsy in Children
Authors: Sassonker‐Joseph Nirit , Gorodischer Rafael , Atar‐Vardi Maya , Noyman Iris , Novack Lena
Published: June 2020

We aimed to confirm or reject previous reports on the association of prenatal antibiotic exposure and development of epilepsy in offspring by accounting for known and unidentified confounding factors. In a retrospective cohort investigation, we enrolled children aged 3‐18 years born between 1998 and 2012 at a single regional hospital and their mothers. A computerized medication database was linked with hospital records. The exposed group included children whose mothers purchased 1 or more antibiotic medications for use during pregnancy. Epilepsy was defined by epilepsy diagnosis and/or by chronic dispensing of antiepileptic drugs. We analyzed maternal exposure to antibiotics 2 years after delivery (but not during pregnancy and/or the 2 years following delivery) as part of the specificity analysis. We enrolled 88 899 children and their 74 416 mothers. The group exposed prenatally to antibiotics comprised 36 622 children (41.2%). Of them, 326 (0.9%) developed epilepsy compared with 370 of 52 277 (0.7%) in the unexposed group (relative risk [RR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07‐1.44: P = .004). Exposure during the first, second, and third trimesters was characterized by incidence of epilepsy in 0.8% (P = .943), 0.9% (P = .266), and 0.9% (P = .073) of children, respectively, compared with the unexposed group, with an RR of 1.01 (95%CI, 0.83‐1.23), 1.12 (95%CI, 0.92‐1.36), and 1.19 (95%CI, 0.98‐1.45), respectively. Similarly, prenatal exposure by antibiotic class was associated with epilepsy. Nevertheless, the specificity analysis strongly suggested the possibility of confounding by indication. Our findings indicated that pregnant women should receive the indicated antibiotic treatment with no fear of the development of epilepsy in their children.
On the existence and the enumeration of bipartite regular representations of Cayley graphs over abelian groups
Authors: Du Jia‐Li , Feng Yan‐Quan , Spiga Pablo
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we are interested in the asymptotic enumeration of bipartite Cayley digraphs and Cayley graphs over abelian groups. Let be an abelian group and let be the automorphism of defined by , for every . A Cayley graph is said to have an automorphism group as small as possible if . In this paper, we show that, except for two infinite families, almost all bipartite Cayley graphs on abelian groups have automorphism group as small as possible. We also investigate the analogous question for bipartite Cayley digraphs. These results are used for the asymptotic enumeration of bipartite Cayley digraphs and graphs over abelian groups.
Hearing loss in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses‐1 and ‐6 after hematopoietic cell transplantation: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: van den Broek Brigitte T. A. , Smit Adriana L. , Boelens Jaap Jan , van Hasselt Peter M.
Published: June 2020

Hearing loss is frequently seen in mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) patients. Although hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) increases overall survival, disease progression is observed in certain tissues. This study describes the course of hearing loss (HL) over time in transplanted MPS patients. Transplanted MPS patients between 2003 and 2018 were included and received yearly audiological evaluation, including auditory brainstem response (ABR) or pure tone audiometry (PTA). Twenty‐eight MPS‐1 and four MPS‐6 patients were analyzed with a median follow‐up of 5 years (range 11 months–16 years). Air conduction threshold improved significantly over time (P < .001) with a PTA 1‐year post‐HCT of 50 ± 0.7 dB to 23 ± 11 dB 13 years post‐HCT. Bone conduction threshold worsened with a PTA 1 year post‐HCT of 10 ± 7 dB to 18 ± 9 dB 13 years post‐HCT (P = .34). The degree of HL varied from mainly mild‐severe early after HCT to normal‐mild at longer follow‐up. The type of HL consisted of mainly conductive in the first years post‐HCT in contrast to mainly sensorineural at longer follow‐up. MRIs of the cerebellopontine angle did not show abnormalities. HL is still seen in patients with MPS despite HCT and consists of a conductive type early after HCT in contrast to a sensorineural type at longer follow‐up in the majority of cases. Yearly follow‐up of HL is necessary to timely intervene, as hearing is important in the speech and language development of children and their academic achievements.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive interferon‐γ‐producing CD8+ T cells in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Giménez Estela , Albert Eliseo , Torres Ignacio , Remigia María José , Alcaraz María Jesús , Galindo María José , Blasco María Luisa , Solano Carlos , Forner María José , Redón Josep , Signes‐Costa Jaime , Navarro David
Published: June 2020

There is limited information on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) T‐cell immune responses in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells may be instrumental in resolution of and protection from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Here, we tested 25 hospitalized patients either with microbiologically documented COVID‐19 (n = 19) or highly suspected of having the disease (n = 6) for presence of SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive CD69+ expressing interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) producing CD8+ T cells using flow‐cytometry for intracellular cytokine staining assay. Two sets of overlapping peptides encompassing the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike glycoprotein N‐terminal 1 to 643 amino acid sequence and the entire sequence of SARS‐CoV‐2 M protein were used simultaneously as antigenic stimulus. Ten patients (40%) had detectable responses, displaying frequencies ranging from 0.15 to 2.7% (median of 0.57 cells/µL; range, 0.43‐9.98 cells/µL). The detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive IFN‐γ CD8+ T cells in patients admitted to intensive care was comparable (P = .28) to the rate in patients hospitalized in other medical wards. No correlation was found between SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive IFN‐γ CD8+ T‐cell counts and SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐specific antibody levels. Likewise, no correlation was observed between either SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive IFN‐γ CD8+ T cells or S‐specific immunoglobulin G‐antibody titers and blood cell count or levels of inflammatory biomarkers. In summary, in this descriptive, preliminary study we showed that SARS‐CoV‐2‐reactive IFN‐γ CD8+ T cells can be detected in a non‐negligible percentage of patients with moderate to severe forms of COVID‐19. Further studies are warranted to determine whether quantitation of these T‐cell subsets may provide prognostic information on the clinical course of COVID‐19.
Eighteen‐year follow‐up cohort study on hepatitis B and C virus infections related long‐term prognosis among hemodialysis patients in Hiroshima
Authors: Ko Ko , Nagashima Shintaro , Yamamoto Chikako , Takahashi Kazuaki , Matsuo Junko , Ohisa Masayuki , Akita Tomoyuki , Matyakubov Jamshid , Mirzaev Ulugbek , Katayama Keiko , Masaki Takao , Tanaka Junko
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence trend of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and their genotype distribution among hemodialysis patients, determining their long‐term prognosis and the risk factors to the mortality. This cohort study used both the medical data and the blood samples of hemodialysis patients at nine dialysis centers in Hiroshima from 1999 to 2017. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti‐HCV were screened and then amplification was done to positive sera by polymerase chain reaction for genotyping. Data were employed for multiple regressions to determine the associated risk factors. A total of 3968 patients were subdivided into three groups: who started hemodialysis before 1990, during 1991 to 2001, and after 2002. The periodic prevalence of HBsAg decreased from 2.8% to 1.3% and that of anti‐HCV from 33.3% to 9.5% in the three groups. By multiple regressions, the adjusted hazard ratio of diabetes mellitus (DM) ranges from 1.59 to 2.12 and that of HCV RNA positivity ranges from 1.18 to 1.48 (P < .05). Heart failure is the primary cause of death in all groups. Genotype C2 is predominant for HBV and genotype 1b is predominant for HCV. The decreasing trend of both HBV and HCV was found in the cohort. DM and HCV RNA were the significant risk factors leading to poor prognosis among hemodialysis patients. The similar genotype distribution of both HBV and HCV was found as general population. This alarmed to provide early diagnosis, prompt, and adequate treatment to HCV infection among hemodialysis patients.
Meta‐analysis of chest CT features of patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Zheng Ying , Wang Ling , Ben Suqin
Published: June 2020

The objective of this paper is to perform a meta‐analysis regarding the chest computed tomography (CT) manifestations of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia patients. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from 1 December 2019 to 1 May 2020 using the keywords of “COVID‐19 virus,” “the 2019 novel coronavirus,” “novel coronavirus,” and “COVID‐19.” Studies that evaluated the CT manifestations of common and severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were included. Among the 9736 searched results, 15 articles describing 1453 common patients and 697 severe patients met the inclusion criteria. Based on the CT images, the common patients were less frequent to exhibit consolidation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31), pleural effusion (OR = 0.19), lymphadenopathy (OR = 0.17), crazy‐paving pattern (OR = 0.22), interlobular septal thickening (OR = 0.27), reticulation (OR = 0.20), traction bronchiectasis (OR = 0.40) with over two lobes involved (OR = 0.07) and central distribution (OR = 0.18) while more frequent to bear unilateral pneumonia (OR = 4.65) involving one lobe (OR = 13.84) or two lobes (OR = 6.95) when compared with severe patients. Other CT features including ground‐glass opacities (P = .404), air bronchogram (P = .070), nodule (P = .093), bronchial wall thickening (P = .15), subpleural band (P = .983), vascular enlargement (P = .207), and peripheral distribution (P = .668) did not have a significant association with the severity of the disease. No publication bias among the selected studies was suggested (Harbord's tests,P > .05 for all.) We obtained reliable estimates of the chest CT manifestations of COVID‐19 pneumonia patients, which might provide an important clue for the diagnosis and classification of COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Multiphasic scaffold for scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction: A study in the rabbit knee
Authors: Lui Hayman , Vaquette Cedryck , Denbeigh Janet M. , Bindra Randy , Kakar Sanjeev , van Wijnen Andre J.
Published: June 2020

Scapholunate interosseous ligament tears are a common wrist injury in young and active patients that can lead to suboptimal outcomes after repair. This research aims to assess a multiphasic scaffold using 3D‐printing for reconstruction of the dorsal scapholunate interosseous ligament. The scaffold was surgically implanted in vivo in the position of the native rabbit medial collateral ligament. Two branches of treatment were implemented in the study. In the first group, the rabbits (n = 8) had the knee joint fixed in flexion for 4 weeks using 1.4 mm K‐wires prior to sample harvesting. The second group (n = 8) had the rabbit knee joint immobilized for 4 weeks prior to K‐wire removal and mobilization for an additional 4 weeks prior to sample harvesting. Overall, samples were harvested at 4 weeks post‐surgery (immobilized group) and eight weeks post‐surgery (mobilized group). Mechanical tensile testing (n = 5/group) and histology (n = 3/group) of the constructs were conducted. Tissue integration and maturation were observed resulting in increased mechanical strength of the operated joint at 8 weeks (P < .05). Bone and ligament tissues were regenerated in their respective compartments with structural and mechanical properties approaching those reported for the human dorsal SLIL ligament. Clinical Significance: This proof of concept study has demonstrated that the synthetic multiphasic scaffold was capable of regenerating both bone and ligament while also withstanding the physiological load once implanted in the rabbit knee. The artificial scaffold may provide an alternative to current techniques for reconstruction of scapholunate instability or other ligament injuries in the hand and wrist.
Revisiting the Gross–Zagier discriminant formula
Authors: Ye Dongxi
Published: June 2020

We derive a formula for the discriminant of the ring class polynomial of conductor N associated to the j‐invariant and an imaginary quadratic field of odd discriminant using the theory of Borcherds lifts. When d is a prime and , the formula recovers the Gross–Zagier discriminant formula.
Improving stochastic analysis for tradeoffs in multi‐criteria value models
Authors: Caddell John , Dabkowski Matthew , Driscoll Patrick J. , DuBois Patrick
Published: June 2020

In multi‐criteria value modelling (MCVM), uncertainty clouds decision making by complicating choices that inevitably must be made among an offering of competing alternatives. In stochastic MCVM settings involving value versus cost (risk) tradeoffs, exposing and communicating ramifications that choice instigates becomes increasingly difficult directly in response to the increased sophistication of mathematical methods needed to distinguish between alternatives, leaving the decision maker potentially unprepared for eventual opportunity or disaster. This article introduces an approach called realization analysis that leverages stochastic simulation, probability theory and tradespace geometry to estimate full spectrum outcome probabilities in an effort to enrich decision making and reduce the potential for surprise or regret, demonstrating its effectiveness when competing alternatives are tightly co‐mingled in their potential realizations causing issues for traditional stochastic dominance methods. The approach is surprisingly straightforward to implement, with results easily communicated to technical and non‐technical decision makers. A brief acquisition case study involving competing alternatives is presented to illustrate how this approach offers advantages for multi‐criteria decision analysis practice.
Emerging use of senolytics and senomorphics against aging and chronic diseases
Authors: Martel Jan , Ojcius David M. , Wu Cheng‐Yeu , Peng Hsin‐Hsin , Voisin Laurent , Perfettini Jean‐Luc , Ko Yun‐Fei , Young John D.
Published: June 2020

Senescence is a state of cell cycle arrest that plays an important role in embryogenesis, wound healing and protection against cancer. Senescent cells also accumulate during aging and contribute to the development of age‐related disorders and chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and liver disease. Molecules that induce apoptosis of senescent cells, such as dasatinib, quercetin, and fisetin, produce health benefits and extend lifespan in animal models. We describe here the mechanism of action of senolytics and senomorphics, many of which are derived from plants and fungi. We also discuss the possibility of using such compounds to delay aging and treat chronic diseases in humans.
During Hospitalization, Older Patients at Risk for Malnutrition Consume <0.65 Grams of Protein per Kilogram Body Weight per Day
Authors: Weijzen Michelle E. G. , Kouw Imre W. K. , Geerlings Phil , Verdijk Lex B. , van Loon Luc J. C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Malnutrition is prevalent in hospitalized patients. To support muscle maintenance in older and chronically ill patients, a protein intake of 1.2–1.5 g/kg/d has been recommended during hospitalization. We assessed daily protein intake levels and distribution in older patients at risk for malnutrition during hospitalization.

Methods

In this prospective, observational study, we measured actual food and food supplement consumption in patients (n = 102; age, 68 ± 14 years; hospital stay, 14 [8–28] days) at risk of malnutrition during hospitalization. Food provided by hospital meals, ONS, and snacks and the actual amount of food (not) consumed were weighed and recorded for all patients.

Results

Hospital meals provided 1.03 [0.77–1.26] protein, whereas actual protein consumption was only 0.65 [0.37–0.93] g/kg/d. Protein intake at breakfast, lunch, and dinner was 10 [6–15], 9 [5–14], and 13 [9–18] g, respectively. The use of ONS (n = 62) resulted in greater energy (1.26 [0.40–1.79] MJ/d, 300 [100–430] kcal/d) and protein intake levels (11 [4–16] g/d), without changing the macronutrient composition of the diet.

Conclusion

Despite protein provision of ∼1.0 g/kg/d, protein intake remains well below these values (∼0.65 g/kg/d), as 30%–40% of the provided food and supplements is not consumed. Provision of ONS may increase energy and protein intake but does not change the macronutrient composition of the diet. Current nutrition strategies to achieve the recommended daily protein intake in older patients during their hospitalization are not as effective as generally assumed.
Increased expansion ratio, cell density, and compression strength of microcellular poly(lactic acid) foams via lignin graft poly(lactic acid) as a biobased nucleating agent
Authors: Zong Qiling , Xu Ailing , Chai Kun , Zhang Yanhua , Song Yongming
Published: June 2020

Green and renewable foaming poly(lactic acid) (PLA) represents one of the promising developments in PLA materials. This study is the first to use the lignin graft PLA copolymer (LG‐g‐PLA) to improve the foamability of PLA as a biobased nucleating agent. This agent was synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization of lignin and lactide. The effects of LG‐g‐PLA on cell nucleation induced by the crystallization, rheological behavior, and foamability of PLA were evaluated. Results indicated that LG‐g‐PLA can improve the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA, and play a significant nucleation role in the microcellular foam processing of PLA. LG‐g‐PLA improved the foam morphology of PLA, obtaining a reduced and uniform cell size as well as increased expansion ratio and cell density. With the addition of 3 wt% LG‐g‐PLA content, the PLA/LG‐g‐PLA foams increased the compressive strength 1.6 times than that of neat PLA foams. The improved foaming properties of PLA via a biobased nucleating agent show potential for the production and application of green biodegradable foams.
UV‐light mediated decomposition of a polyester for enrichment and release of semiconducting carbon nanotubes
Authors: Bodnaryk William J. , Li Kelvin , Adronov Alex
Published: June 2020

Purification of single‐walled carbon nanotubes using conjugated polymers to selectively disperse either semiconducting or metallic nanotubes is effective and has received significant attention. However, the interaction between the conjugated polymer and the nanotube surface is very strong, making it difficult to remove the adsorbed polymer. Here, we report a poly(carbazole‐co‐terephthalate) polymer that is not only selective for semiconducting carbon nanotubes but can also be largely removed from the nanotube surface via irradiation with UV light. Irradiation of the polymer‐nanotube dispersion causes degradation of ester linkages in the polymer backbone, effectively cutting the polymer into fragments that no longer bind strongly to the nanotube surface. Characterization of the electronic nature of the samples was carried out via the combination of absorption, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis allowed determination of the amount of polymer left on the nanotube surface after irradiation and indicated that a large proportion of the polymer is removed. The reported methodology opens new possibilities for purification of semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes and their isolation from the polymeric dispersant.
Clinical characteristics of acute respiratory syndrome with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children in South China
Authors: Zheng Guilang , Wang Bangqin , Zhang Hua , Xie Chuxing , Zhang Yuehua , Wen Zhihong , Guo Qingyun , Zhu Hong , Ye Guojing , Liang Jiayi , Meng Qiong , Xie Jingquan , Jiang Suhua , Liu Guojun , Gao Wenjun , Wang Yanhao , Guo Yuxiong
Published: June 2020

Background

A retrospective study was conducted to summarize the clinical information of childhood infections during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) epidemic.

Methods

Children with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 11 hospitals from three provinces of South China were included in the study. Clinical information was collected and compared with children and adults infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 in Wuhan.

Results

In total, 52 children were enrolled, including 28 boys. The median age was 9 years (interquartile range [IQR], 4‐12); 44.2% cases were of clustered occurrences, 40.4% patients had fever, 48.1% had cough, and 46.2% had a high lymphocyte count. No abnormalities were found in the liver and kidney function. Also, 82.7% of patients received antiviral therapy, but such therapy did not shorten the time to virus negativity or hospital stay (P = .082). The time to virus negativity was 12.0 days (IQR, 8.0‐16.8) and hospital stay was 14.5 days (IQR, 10.3‐17.9). Compared with reports in Wuhan, there were more acute upper respiratory tract infection (AURTI) and fewer pneumonia cases (P = .000). Compared with the non‐ICU adult COVID‐19 in Wuhan, these children's diseases were relatively mild, with fewer complications.

Conclusions

Children with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection had a mild fever, lymphocyte elevation was more common than reduction, and antiviral treatment had no obvious effect. The overall clinical manifestations were mild, and the prognosis was good.
Healthcare utilization and costs of pediatric home mechanical ventilation in Canada
Authors: Nonoyama Mika L. , Katz Sherri L. , Amin Reshma , McKim Douglas A. , Guerriere Denise , Coyte Peter C. , Wasilewski Marina , Zagorski Brandon , Rose Louise
Published: June 2020

Background

Children using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) live at home with better quality of life, despite financial burden for their family. Previous studies of healthcare utilization and costs have not considered public and private expenditures, including family caregiver time. Our objective was to examine public and private healthcare utilization and costs for children using HMV, and variables associated with highest costs.

Methods

Longitudinal, prospective, observational cost analysis study (2012‐2014) collecting data on public and private (out‐of‐pocket, third‐party insurance, and caregiving) costs every 2 weeks for 6 months using the Ambulatory Home Care Record. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), WeeFIM, and Caregiving Impact Scale (CIS) were measured at baseline and study completion. Regression modeling examined a priori selected variables associated with monthly costs using Andersen and Newman's framework for healthcare utilization, relevant literature, and clinical expertise. Data are reported in 2015 Canadian dollars ($1CAD = $0.78USD).

Results

Forty two children and their caregivers were enrolled. Overall median (interquartile range) monthly healthcare cost was $12 131 ($8159‐$15 958) comprising $9929 (89%) family caregiving hours, $996 (9%) publicly funded, and $252 (2%) out‐of‐pocket (<1% third‐party insurance) costs. With higher FIM score (lower dependency), median costs were reduced by 4.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.3%‐0.5%), adjusted for age, sex, tracheostomy, and daily ventilation duration. Note: since the three cost categories did not sum to the total statistically derived median cost, the percentage of each category used the sum of median public + caregiver lost time + private out‐of‐pocket + third‐party insurance as the denominator.

Conclusions

For HMV children, most healthcare costs were due to family caregiving costs. More dependent children incur highest costs. The financial burden to family caregivers is substantial and needs to considered in future policy decisions related to pediatric HMV.
Design, synthesis and herbicidal evaluation of novel uracil derivatives containing an isoxazoline moiety
Authors: Yang Jichun , Guan Aiying , Wu Qiao , Cui Dongliang , Liu Changling
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate is the most widely used and successful herbicide discovered to date, but its utility is now threatened by the occurrence of several glyphosate‐resistant weed species. Saflufenacil is a relatively new herbicide developed by BASF in 2010. It is a highly effective selective herbicide showing excellent control on broadleaf weeds (more than 90 species), significantly superior to other protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor herbicides at the level of weeds controlled. It is also effective against glyphosate‐resistant Conyza canadensis if used in combination with glyphosate. A series of novel uracil‐based PPO inhibitors containing an isoxazoline moiety were designed via the intermediate derivatization method, synthesized using a key saflufenacil raw material as starting material and evaluated for herbicidal activity.

RESULTS

The target compounds were characterized by 1H NMR and high‐resolution electrospray mass spectra. Bioassays indicated that some title compounds can control efficiently and effectively both broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds at low doses, especially the glyphosate‐resistant weeds C. canadensis and Eleusine indica.

CONCLUSION

This work provides a basis for further studies of 9b for control of a wider range of weeds, particularly for glyphosate‐resistant weeds.
Comparative Study of Boron Precursors for Chemical Vapor‐Phase Deposition‐Grown Hexagonal Boron Nitride Thin Films
Authors: Yamada Hisashi , Inotsume Sho , Kumagai Naoto , Yamada Toshikazu , Shimizu Mitsuaki
Published: June 2020

Two different boron precursors, diborane (B2H6) and trimethyl boron ((CH3)3B, TMB), are investigated for chemical vapor‐phase deposition (CVD)‐grown hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) on α‐Al2O3 (0001) substrates. The BN layer grown using TMB includes a large amount (2 × 1020 cm−3) of carbon atoms, which is 60 times higher than that in the BN layer grown using B2H6. The X‐ray diffraction 2θ/ω scans for BN film grown using B2H6 exhibit the h‐BN (002) peak. The BN film obtained using TMB includes turbostratic BN (t‐BN). The E2g Raman peak frequencies in B2H6 and TMB h‐BN are observed at 1368.8 and 1369.7 cm−1, respectively. The Raman peak shift to a higher frequency indicates that a larger compressive strain is induced using TMB than using B2H6. The full width at half maximum of the B2H6 and TMB Raman peak frequencies is 21.8 and 42.7 cm−1, respectively. The cathodoluminescence spectra of B2H6 h‐BN show the band‐edge emissions at 225 and 232 nm, whereas only a 300 nm broadband is obtained in TMB h‐BN. It is suggested that the carbon atoms in TMB prevent the formation of highly crystalline h‐BN thin films.
Constructing inverse probability weights for institutional comparisons in healthcare
Authors: Tang Thai‐Son , Austin Peter C. , Lawson Keith A. , Finelli Antonio , Saarela Olli
Published: June 2020

In comparing quality of care between hospitals, disease‐specific quality indicators measure structural, process, or outcome elements related to the care of a particular condition. Such comparisons can be framed in terms of causal contrasts, answering the question of whether a patient (or a population of patients on average) would receive different care if treated at the care level of a different hospital. Fair comparisons have to be adjusted for patient case‐mix, which is equivalent to controlling for confounding by the patient‐level factors, including demographic factors, comorbidities, and disease progression. The methodological choice for such comparisons is usually between direct and indirect standardization methods. In this article, we discuss the alternative of inverse probability weighting as a tool for standardization in hospital comparisons. This involves fitting multinomial logistic hospital assignment models and using these to construct the inverse probability weights. The challenge in the present context is the presence of large number of hospitals being compared, many of which have a small patient volume. We propose methods to include small categories in the weighted analysis, as well as metrics and visualizations for checking the positivity/overlap and covariate balance in constructing such weights. The methods are illustrated in a running example using linked administrative data on surgical treatment of kidney cancer patients in Ontario.
Ultrasensitive Fluorescent Detection of Tetracycline Based on Selective Supramolecular Interaction of Nitrogen Chlorine Co–Doped Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Gu Bingli , Chen Da , Gao Bo , Liu Zhiduo , Wang Zihao , Wang Ting , Yang Yongsheng , Guo Qinglei , Wang Gang
Published: June 2020

Herein, a simple bottom‐up method for producing nitrogen and chlorine co‐doped graphene quantum dots (N, Cl‐GQDs) was proposed by utilizing citric acid and 3,4‐dichloroaniline via hydrothermal treatment, and a fluorescent sensor for the detection of tetracycline was demonstrated. These synthesized N, Cl‐GQDs consist mostly of 1–3 layers with a uniform size of about 4.5 nm. Strong blue fluorescence with a quantum yield of 23.2 % was observed from the obtained N, Cl‐GQDs when irradiated with a 365 nm UV light. Systematic studies indicate that N, Cl‐GQDs have several superior features, including excitation‐independent emission, high monodispersity, good stability and water solubility. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of N, Cl‐GQDs could be significantly quenched by the addition of a small amount of tetracycline. Finally, a fluorescent probe for the detection of tetracycline with a detection limit of 68 nM was proved, which exhibits great potentials for biosensors and biological imaging.