bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent pneumothorax in a case of tenascin‐X deficient Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: Broadening the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Santoreneos Renee , Vakulin Cassandra , Ellul Melissa , Rawlings Lesley , Hardy Tristan , Poplawski Nicola
Published: February 2022

The genomic region surrounding the Tenascin‐XB gene (TNXB) is a complex and duplicated region, with several pseudogenes that predispose to high rates of homologous recombination. Classical‐like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (clEDS) is the result of tenascin‐X deficiency due to biallelic loss of function variants in the TNXB gene. Here we present a patient with clEDS and spontaneous pneumothorax, a feature not previously reported to be associated with this condition. Two inherited pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified; a previously reported deletion resulting in a TNXA/TNXB chimeric gene and a novel frameshift variant. The Tenascin‐XB gene is well described in the literature to be associated with collagen metabolism, stabilization of the fibrillar‐collagen matrix and is expressed abundantly in the extracellular matrix. We propose that tenascin‐X deficiency is directly related to pneumothorax predisposition. This case expands the phenotypic spectrum of clEDS and highlights the challenges with molecular analysis and diagnosis
Recent advances in synthesis of quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones: Versatile building blocks in N‐heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Gheidari Davood , Mehrdad Morteza , Maleki Saloomeh
Published: February 2022

Quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione is a significant class of N‐fused heterocyclic with a wide range of biological functions, including anti‐HIV, anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial, antimutagenic, anticoccidial, anticonvulsant, anti‐inflammatory, antidepressant, antimalarial, antioxidant, antileukemic, and antileishmanial activities, and other activities, and has attracted great attention in organic and medicinal chemistry. As a result, all chemists and pharmaceutical chemists must be aware of many methods to make quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐dione. This review paper focuses on various methods for producing quinazoline‐2,4(1H,3H)‐diones, such as green methods and homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts from various precursors under varied conditions.
Superior Peroxidase‐Like Activity of Gold Nanorattles in Ultrasensitive H2O2 Sensing and Antioxidant Screening
Authors: Ghosh Swachhatoa , Singh Prem , Roy Shounak , Bhardwaj Keshav , Jaiswal Amit
Published: February 2022

Nanozymes are artificial enzyme systems which are easy to produce, highly stable and cost‐effective in comparison to natural enzymes. Herein, we evaluated the peroxidase‐like activity of gold nanorattles (Au NRTs) having a solid gold octahedron core and thin, porous cubic gold shell. We also prepared solid gold nanocubes and nanospheres of similar sizes and surface charge as that of Au NRTs and compared their activity with standard horse radish peroxidase (HRP). All the prepared nanostructures followed Michaelis‐Menten kinetics as observed from their substrate concentration vs. initial reaction velocity plot using 3,3’,5,5’‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a substrate. The kinetic parameters and the catalytic efficiency for the peroxidase‐like activity of the nanostructures and HRP were calculated, and it was observed that Au NRTs possess the best nanozymatic activity with lowest KM and highest catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM). The better activity of Au NRTs compared with other nanostructures and HRP could be attributed to the hollow porous structure with a solid core where different surfaces are available for reaction. Au NRTs, being the best amongst the tested nanozymes were further used for the sensing of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and were found to sense H2O2 down to 0.5 μM. Further, two naturally occurring antioxidants, tannic acid and ascorbic acid showed inhibitory effect on the peroxidase‐like activity of Au NRTs in a concentration dependent manner which can be further used for screening of antioxidants or for determining the antioxidant potential.
Upfront endoscopic band ligation for symptomatic gastric angioectasias to reduce peri‐endoscopic complexity with an automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator in situ
Authors: Zimmer Vincent
Published: February 2022

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) remains the mainstay endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal angioectasia. Vis‐a‐vis automated implanted cardioverter defibrillators (AICD) endoscopic band ligation (EBL) represents an alternative without need for heart‐rhythm specialty support.
Bladder exstrophy: An atypical journey of a rare case of an adult
Authors: Manegabe Jean de Dieu Tumusifu , Bahizire Gauthier Murhula , Nteranya Daniel Safari , Maheshe Ghislain Balemba , Cikomola Fabrice Gulimwentuga , Budema Paul Munguakonkwa , Mubenga Léon‐Emmanuel Mukengeshayi
Published: February 2022

Bladder exstrophy is a rare and complex malformation. Often associated with diverse deformations, an accurate diagnosis is a must for adequate management. In the African setting, especially in a remote area, delivery rarely occurs within a healthcare structure, thus reducing the chance of an early diagnosis. Due to a low density of specialists, people in rural areas refer to traditional healers for healthcare problems, the thing that delays the time to diagnosis. We report, according to the CARE guidelines (https://www.equator‐network.org/reporting‐guidelines/care/), a case of an 18‐year‐old male patient who was transferred to us for better management of a reddish hypogastric mass leaking urine. Initially considered as a congenital wound, his parents applied traditional products to heal it. Following the poor outcomes, the parents will consult several general physicians; unfortunately, no one gave a clear diagnosis. The clinical examination on admission revealed a good general condition and noted the presence of a reddish, ovoid structure of about 9 centimeters of the minor axis and 11 centimeters of the major axis in the hypogastric region allowing urine to flow in its upper part. The external genitalia examination revealed a retracted and short penis with urine exit at its base through the reddish structure. The patient was transferred outside the country for better management due to a lack of dedicated equipment. Although vesical exstrophy is a rare disease, an early diagnosis allows adequate management and good outcome. Thus, a well‐performed neonatal examination is required to avoid later diagnosis and complications.
Acute psychiatric symptoms in a young woman with anti‐N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis: A case of successful early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention
Authors: Tominaga Marie , Morikawa Kyoko , Yamamoto Hiroto , Ogawa Yutaro , Kamimura Naomi , Tsuneki Ikunosuke , Yahata Tetsuro , Tamura Masaki , Yanase Toru , Sato Aki , Shibuya Hiroyuki , Kurabayashi Takumi
Published: February 2022

This clinical image presents a report on the diagnosis and treatment of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis, a rare disease. This report emphasizes the importance of a differential diagnosis for acute psychiatric symptoms. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical for the selection and implementation of treatment and for optimal patient outcomes.
Nanotechnology Toolkit for Combating COVID‐19 and Beyond
Authors: Muthiah Giredhar , Sarkar Ankita , Roy Shounak , Singh Prem , Kumar Praveen , Bhardwaj Keshav , Jaiswal Amit
Published: February 2022

The outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 is unlikely to be contained anytime soon with conventional medical technology. This beckons an urgent demand for novel and innovative interventions in clinical protocols, diagnostics, and therapeutics; to manage the current “disease X” and to be poised to counter its successor of like nature if one were to ever arise. To meet such a demand requires more attention to research on the viral‐host interactions and on developing expeditious solutions, the kinds of which seem to spring from promising domains such as nanotechnology. Inducing activity at scales comparable to the viruses themselves, nanotechnology‐based preventive measures, diagnostic tools and therapeutics for COVID‐19 have been rapidly growing during the pandemic. This review covers the recent and promising nanomedicine‐based solutions relating to COVID‐19 and how some of these are possibly applicable to a wider range of viruses and pathogens. We also discuss the type, composition, and utility of nanostructures which play various roles specifically under prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. Further, we have highlighted the adoption and commercialization of some the solutions by large and small corporations alike, as well as providing herewith an exhaustive list on nanovaccines.
Poly(acrylic acid) Enabling the Synthesis of Highly Uniform Silica Nanoparticles of sub‐100 nm
Authors: Hu Feng , Rasamani Kowsalya Devi , Abeyweera Sasitha C. , Zhang Dongtang , Sun Yugang
Published: February 2022

Robust synthesis of small colloidal silica (SiO2) nanoparticles with narrow size distributions (<5%) is challenging because the possible involvement of continuous nucleation and growth of SiO2 in the widely used Stöber process usually results in silica nanoparticles with large sizes and broad size distributions. Promoting heterogeneous nucleation and growth of silica is promising to tackle the challenges by in‐situ forming transient colloidal seeds that provide nucleation surfaces for silica condensate. In this work, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is introduced to the Stöber synthesis solutions, which are usually composed of ethanol (containing a trace amount of water), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and ammonia, to mediate the nucleation of TEOS hydrolysates and growth of SiO2 nanoparticles. PAA reacts with ammonia to form soft PAA‐NH3 complex colloids that serve as transient seeds to facilitate heterogeneous nucleation and growth of SiO2 nanoparticles after adding TEOS to the synthesis solution. The number of PAA‐NH3 complex colloidal particles, which strongly depends on the molar ratio of PAA and ammonia, determines the number of the resulting SiO2 nanoparticles and thus the size of the SiO2 nanoparticles correspondingly according to the supply of TEOS. Highly uniform SiO2 nanoparticles with finely tuned diameters in the sub‐100 region have been successfully synthesized, and the synthesis protocol is feasible to be scaled up while maintaining the high quality of SiO2 nanoparticles.
Effects of Dispersion and Charge‐Transfer Interactions on Structures of Heavy Chalcogenide Compounds: A Quantum Chemical Case Study for (Et2Bi)2Te
Authors: van der Vight Felix , Schulz Stephan , Jansen Georg
Published: February 2022

The reasons for the unusually small Bi−Te−Bi bond angle of 86.6° observed in the crystal strucure of (Et2Bi)2Te are investigated by quantum chemical calculations. With the help of coupled cluster theory at the CCSD(T) level it is demonstrated that the structure of an isolated monomer should have a bond angle larger than 90°, despite a Bi−Bi distance in good agreement with the value of 4.09 Å found in the crystal structure. The discrepancy is resolved by a lengthening of the Bi−Te bond in the crystal, which is shown to be caused by partial electron transfer from neighbouring molecules to the Bi−Te σ* orbital. Through symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory at the DFT‐SAPT level it is shown that London dispersion interactions are highly important for the packing of molecules in the solid state and, in turn, for the small Bi−Te−Bi bond angle.
Association between bruxism severity and serum concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels
Authors: Allaf Bushra A. W. , Abdul‐Hak Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between bruxism and blood levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D.

Material and Methods

One hundred male and female patients from Damascus joined the study. Their ages were in the range of 18–40 years. Two groups were considered in this study, the first group included patients who were already suffering from bruxism (76 patients) and the second group consisted of patients who were not suffering from any bruxism (24 patients). The analysis of the blood samples for 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels of the two groups was carried out.

Results

The recorded results showed that there is a relationship between the levels of bruxism and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration in the blood (p < .05), enhancing that the bruxism activity has been shown the associated deficiency in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels, which can be divided into five different categories.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study in spite of the number of patients (one hundred), according to the reported study, it appears that there is a significant relationship between bruxism and the level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in the blood.
Cytology‐histology correlation of myoepithelial tumors harboring EWSR1‐POU5F1 fusions: A report of two cases
Authors: Gelarden Ian A. , Fu Lucy , Yap Kai Lee , Richardson Aida I. , Chou Pauline M.
Published: February 2022

Myoepithelial tumors (MET) constitute a group of neoplasms with a variety of morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features. Approximately half of MET of soft tissue harbor EWSR1 gene rearrangements with a subset showing EWSR1‐POU5F1 fusions and demonstrating distinctive tendency towards aggressive behavior in children. Histologically, EWSR1‐POU5F1‐positive MET typically show clear‐cell morphology with malignant features including marked pleomorphism and atypical mitotic figures. The cytomorphology of these tumors has not been well characterized. Reported here are the cytomorphologic features of two cases of EWSR1‐POUF1‐positive MET with histology correlation.
Review updates on key cases impacting higher education
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: February 2022

Three major disability rights issues — website access, captioning, and emotional distress damages — have been chronicled in previous articles. First, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit held that the website access case brought against Winn‐Dixie under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act was moot, and the appeals court vacated its original decision holding that websites were categorically excluded from coverage under Title III (Winn Dixie Stores v. Gill, 2021 U.S. App. LEXIS (11th Cir. Apr. 7, 2021, rehearing granted, vacated, and remanded as moot (Dec. 28, 2021)), https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dhe.31127).
Classifying behavior from short‐interval biologging data: An example with GPS tracking of birds
Authors: Bergen Silas , Huso Manuela M. , Duerr Adam E. , Braham Melissa A. , Katzner Todd E. , Schmuecker Sara , Miller Tricia A.
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in digital data collection have spurred accumulation of immense quantities of data that have potential to lead to remarkable ecological insight, but that also present analytic challenges. In the case of biologging data from birds, common analytical approaches to classifying movement behaviors are largely inappropriate for these massive data sets.

We apply a framework for using K‐means clustering to classify bird behavior using points from short time interval GPS tracks. K‐means clustering is a well‐known and computationally efficient statistical tool that has been used in animal movement studies primarily for clustering segments of consecutive points. To illustrate the utility of our approach, we apply K‐means clustering to six focal variables derived from GPS data collected at 1–11 s intervals from free‐flying bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) throughout the state of Iowa, USA. We illustrate how these data can be used to identify behaviors and life‐stage‐ and age‐related variation in behavior.

After filtering for data quality, the K‐means algorithm identified four clusters in >2 million GPS telemetry data points. These four clusters corresponded to three movement states: ascending, flapping, and gliding flight; and one non‐moving state: perching. Mapping these states illustrated how they corresponded tightly to expectations derived from natural history observations; for example, long periods of ascending flight were often followed by long gliding descents, birds alternated between flapping and gliding flight.

The K‐means clustering approach we applied is both an efficient and effective mechanism to classify and interpret short‐interval biologging data to understand movement behaviors. Furthermore, because it can apply to an abundance of very short, irregular, and high‐dimensional movement data, it provides insight into small‐scale variation in behavior that would not be possible with many other analytical approaches.
The effect of riparian pool‐riffles on the hydrochemistry of hyporheic habitats: The River Esk, Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Norbury Michael T. , Bracken Louise J. , Burt Timothy P.
Published: February 2022

European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) waterbody statuses are often derived from the assemblage of mixed‐taxon organisms found within bed sediments. Yet no routine water chemistry samples are taken from riverbed substrate, despite many interstitial species being dependant on specific physicochemical conditions. This paper examines water and nutrient exchanges between stream and substrate, the hyporheic zone, and the consequent alteration to the chemistry of interstitial and in‐stream waters, which in turn leads to small‐scale but significant changes in habitat. Bed topography, principally a pool‐riffle sequence, was surveyed and hydraulically sampled to examine the hyporheic flow pathways generated between the stream, substrate, and groundwater—creating an ecotone. Hyporheic zone, in‐stream and groundwater hydrochemistry, and hydraulic measures were assessed at a braided woodland river reach using a dense monitoring approach. The findings demonstrate that through a 23‐m pool‐riffle sequence, where water infiltrates at the riffle‐head and subsequently exfiltrates at the riffle‐tail, there is a 5% reduction in mean in‐stream nitrate‐N and a 73% reduction in hyporheic zone concentration. When calcium‐enriched riffle‐tail exfiltrate meets riffle‐runoff water that is turbulently oxygenated from riffle‐flow, an interstitial redoxcline is created. Dissolved oxygen nocturnally drops, with photosynthetic rate reduction, which causes hyporheic nitrate‐N to double its daytime concentration. The results are related to the Yorkshire River Esk freshwater pearl mussels, Margaritifera margaritifera Linnaeus (1758), a declining endangered species. At present, scant monitoring of interstitial hydrochemistry and diurnal change across stream and substrate occurs.
A trait‐based framework for assessing the vulnerability of marine species to human impacts
Authors: Butt Nathalie , Halpern Benjamin S. , O'Hara Casey C. , Allcock A. Louise , Polidoro Beth , Sherman Samantha , Byrne Maria , Birkeland Charles , Dwyer Ross G. , Frazier Melanie , Woodworth Bradley K. , Arango Claudia P. , Kingsford Michael J. , Udyawer Vinay , Hutchings Pat , Scanes Elliot , McClaren Emily Jane , Maxwell Sara M. , Diaz‐Pulido Guillermo , Dugan Emma , Simmons Blake Alexander , Wenger Amelia S. , Linardich Christi , Klein Carissa J.
Published: February 2022

Marine species and ecosystems are widely affected by anthropogenic stressors, ranging from pollution and fishing to climate change. Comprehensive assessments of how species and ecosystems are impacted by anthropogenic stressors are critical for guiding conservation and management investments. Previous global risk or vulnerability assessments have focused on marine habitats, or on limited taxa or specific regions. However, information about the susceptibility of marine species across a range of taxa to different stressors everywhere is required to predict how marine biodiversity will respond to human pressures. We present a novel framework that uses life‐history traits to assess species' vulnerability to a stressor, which we compare across more than 44,000 species from 12 taxonomic groups (classes). Using expert elicitation and literature review, we assessed every combination of each of 42 traits and 22 anthropogenic stressors to calculate each species' or representative species group's sensitivity and adaptive capacity to stressors, and then used these assessments to derive their overall relative vulnerability. The stressors with the greatest potential impact were related to biomass removal (e.g., fisheries), pollution, and climate change. The taxa with the highest vulnerabilities across the range of stressors were mollusks, corals, and echinoderms, while elasmobranchs had the highest vulnerability to fishing‐related stressors. Traits likely to confer vulnerability to climate change stressors were related to the presence of calcium carbonate structures, and whether a species exists across the interface of marine, terrestrial, and atmospheric realms. Traits likely to confer vulnerability to pollution stressors were related to planktonic state, organism size, and respiration. Such a replicable, broadly applicable method is useful for informing ocean conservation and management decisions at a range of scales, and the framework is amenable to further testing and improvement. Our framework for assessing the vulnerability of marine species is the first critical step toward generating cumulative human impact maps based on comprehensive assessments of species, rather than habitats.
Underwater photogrammetry reveals new links between coral reefscape traits and fishes that ensure key functions
Authors: Urbina‐Barreto Isabel , Elise Simon , Guilhaumon François , Bruggemann J. Henrich , Pinel Romain , Kulbicki Michel , Vigliola Laurent , Mou‐Tham Gerard , Mahamadaly Vincent , Facon Mathilde , Bureau Sophie , Peignon Christophe , Dutrieux Eric , Garnier Rémi , Penin Lucie , Adjeroud Mehdi
Published: February 2022

Maintaining key functions of coral reefs is vital for the persistence of these ecosystems as well as for securing the goods and services that they provide in the Anthropocene. Underwater photogrammetry by Structure from Motion (SfM) allows the quantification of novel habitat descriptors that may be particularly relevant in assessing key reefscape traits, that is, physical and ecological characteristics of coral reef habitats. Here, we combined this new technology with fish surveys to explore how reefscape traits shape the functional structure of reef fish assemblages around three environmentally contrasted islands of the Indo‐Pacific (Europa Island, Reunion Island, and New Caledonia). At 24 sites, habitat descriptors were computed from digital elevation models (DEM) and orthomosaics, while reef fish assemblages were assessed by visual census and video footage. Four habitat descriptors were marginally correlated and presented low variance inflation factor (VIF) values, thus being the most complementary descriptors: surface complexity, total shelter capacity, Shannon Shelter Index, and total coral cover. Linear mixed models (LMM) were used to explore the relationships between these habitat descriptors and four key fish functional entities: prey, planktivores, grazers, and predators. For each model, the variance explained (i.e., marginal R2) was significantly higher when considering multiple predictors, including the novel three‐dimensional descriptors (i.e., total shelter capacity and Shannon Shelter Index). The habitat descriptors quantified from underwater photogrammetry outputs (i.e., DEM and orthomosaics) provide easily available data to assess key reefscape traits and predict fish assemblage structure in coral reef ecosystems. This trait‐based functional approach allows consistent assessment of the links between these descriptors from local to regional scales. Considering the global coral reef crisis and the increasing availability of world‐reef photogrammetric surveys, this new technology should be key to bringing solutions to 21st‐century conservation issues.
Differentiated plant defense strategies: Herbivore community dynamics affect plant–herbivore interactions
Authors: Perkovich Cindy , Ward David
Published: February 2022

Plant–herbivore interactions account for much of the biodiversity observed in an ecosystem. Plants may alter defense expression dependent on the specific herbivore present. Many studies focus on the optimization of these defenses against a single herbivore, but in an ecological context, there may be a myriad of herbivores at any given time. We designed a study to examine defenses employed by swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) against insects and large mammals. We established six deer exclosures with trees located inside and outside each exclosure. Outside the exclosures, physical constraints only allow deer to feed up to abrowselineon trees, whereas insects can potentially access all portions of the tree. Trees inside exclosures were only accessible to insect herbivores. Furthermore, insecticides were applied to half of the exclosures to create insect‐free (i.e., insecticide applied), deer‐free (i.e., inside exclosures), deer‐only (i.e., outside exclosures with insecticide), and herbivore‐free (i.e., inside exclosures with insecticide) environments. This design allowed us to analyze simultaneous defensive responses of individual trees to mammal and insect herbivores. We predicted that because insects represent a continuous threat, plants should invest in fixed concentrations of defenses (e.g., polyphenols, tannins, and condensed tannins), even when deer are absent. When deer are present, plants should increase investment in defenses in tissues that deer have access to. We found that plant defense strategies varied spatially on individual trees. When only insects were present, nutritional constituents (e.g., nitrogen and non‐structural carbohydrates) did not change but antinutritional constituents increased. Contrastingly, when deer were present, both nutritional and antinutritional constituents decreased. We found a decrease in insect functional group diversity when deer were present. Our findings suggest that plants may partition defense strategies depending on the most prominent herbivore pressure. However, changes in insect functional group diversity may result from either changes in plant defense strategy or intraspecific competition among multiple herbivores. Future studies should investigate patterns of chemical heterogeneity displayed by plants in response to diverse herbivore pressures.
Fermented Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides protect UVA‐induced photoaging of human skin fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Yongtao , You Shiquan , Wang Dongdong , Zhao Dan , Zhang Jiachan , An Quan , Li Meng , Wang Changtao
Published: February 2022

In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), gel permeation chromatograph‐liquid chromatography (GPC‐LC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the molecular characteristics of fermented Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (FDOP) by Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus. The characteristic structural peak of FDOP was more prominent, showing a smaller molecular structure, and its porous structure showed better water solubility. The protective effect of FDOP on the damage of human skin fibroblasts (HSF) caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation was investigated by evaluating its antioxidative and antiaging indices. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity of HSF was improved, and the breakdown of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid was reduced, thus providing effective protection to the skin tissue. The antioxidative property of FDOP was explored using Nf‐E2‐related factor 2‐small interfering RNA‐3 (Nrf2‐siRNA‐3) (Nrf2‐si3) and qRT‐PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), and the antiaging property of FDOP was explored using Western Blot and qRT‐PCR. The results show that FDOP can up‐regulate signal transduction of the Nrf2/Keap1 (Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)/Smads pathways to reduce antioxidative damage and antiaging effects. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for FDOP as a novel functional agent that can be used in the cosmetic industry.
Lonely older adults are more likely to delay or avoid medical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Li Yue , Cheng Zijing , Cai Xueya , Holloway Melissa , Maeng Daniel , Simning Adam
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To examine the relationship between loneliness and self‐reported delay or avoidance of medical care among community‐dwelling older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

Analyses of data from a nationally representative survey administered in June of 2020, in COVID‐19 module of the Health and Retirement Study. Bivariate and multivariable analyses determined associations of loneliness with the likelihood of, reasons for, and types of care delay or avoidance.

Results

The rate of care delay or avoidance since March of 2020 was 29.1% among all respondents (n = 1997), and 10.1% higher for lonely (n = 1,150%, 57.6%) versus non‐lonely respondents (33.5% vs. 23.4%; odds ratio = 1.59, p = 0.003 after covariate adjustment). The differences were considerably larger among several subgroups such as those with emotional/psychiatric problems. Lonely older adults were more likely to cite “Decided it could wait,” “Was afraid to go,” and “Couldn't afford it” as reasons for delayed or avoided care. Both groups reported dental care and doctor's visit as the two most common care delayed or avoided.

Conclusions

Loneliness is associated with a higher likelihood of delaying or avoiding medical care among older adults during the pandemic.
Impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on system usage of an innovative care support system and the mood of older adults
Authors: Mayer Christopher C. , Mosor Erika , Bachler Martin , Stani Sabrina , Roedl Lukas , Muellner‐Rieder Markus , Cichocki‐Richtig Beatrix , von Dollen Viviane , Pasterk Sabine , Aldrian Julia , Köberl Paul , Stamm Tanja
Published: February 2022

Background

Older age is a substantial risk factor for serious illness from COVID‐19. Moreover, isolation and quarantine are more likely to cause physical, mental and social deprivation in older age. Information and Communication Tools are means to prevent such consequences.

Objective

This study aimed therefore to investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown measures on the usage of an innovative technical support system deployed in Austria (AT) and Luxembourg (LU) consisting of several tools that allow independent living in older age.

Methods

Thirty‐nine older adults (11 male; 28 female) with a mean age of 74.3 (SD 7.3) years were included in the study. In total, 18 older people were recruited in AT and 21 in LU. Descriptive statistics were computed, and longitudinal models were fitted for technology use and self‐reported mood.

Results

The number of older adults using the system significantly decreased from the time before lockdown (39 [100%]) to during lockdown (26 [67%]) and thereafter (23 [59%]; p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons revealed a significant reduction in the average number of events for calendar and medication tools, but a substantial increase in communication and messaging events. Self‐reported well‐being declined during the lockdown and increased afterwards back to baseline levels.

Conclusion

Communication was the main reason for using the support system. In addition, strategies and interventions are essential to support older adults when using information technology in the prolonged phases of the pandemic to sustain independent living.

Clinical trial registration

The DAPAS protocol was published at www.researchgate.net. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24233.34401.
Farnesoid X receptor contributes to oleanolic acid‐induced cholestatic liver injury in mice
Authors: Feng Hong , Hu Yan , Zhou Shaoyu , Lu Yuanfu
Published: February 2022

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor involved in the metabolism of bile acid. However, the molecular signaling of FXR in bile acid homeostasis in cholestatic drug‐induced liver injury remains unclear. Oleanolic acid (OA), a natural triterpenoid, has been reported to produce evident cholestatic liver injury in mice after a long‐term use. The present study aimed to investigate the role of FXR in OA‐induced cholestatic liver injury in mice using C57BL/6J (WT) mice and FXR knockout (FXR−/−) mice. The results showed that a significant alleviation in OA‐induced cholestatic liver injury was observed in FXR−/− mice as evidenced by decreases in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase as well as reduced hepatocyte necrosis. UPLC‐MS analysis of bile acids revealed that the contents of bile acids decreased significantly in liver and serum, while increased in the bile in FXR−/− mice compared with in WT mice. In addition, the mRNA expressions of hepatic transporter Bsep, bile acid synthesis enzymes Bacs and Baat, and bile acids detoxifying enzymes Cyp3a11, Cyp2b10, Ephx1, Ugt1a1, and Ugt2b5 were increased in liver tissues of FXR−/− mice treated with OA. Furthermore, the expression of membrane protein BSEP was significantly higher in livers of FXR−/− mice compared with WT mice treated with OA. These results demonstrate that knockout of FXR may alleviate OA‐induced cholestatic liver injury in mice by decreasing accumulation of bile acids both in the liver and serum, increasing the export of bile acids via the bile, and by upregulation of bile acids detoxification enzymes.
Signed (0,2)‐graphs with few eigenvalues and a symmetric spectrum
Authors: Greaves Gary R. W. , Stanić Zoran
Published: February 2022

We investigate properties of signed graphs that have few distinct eigenvalues together with a symmetric spectrum. Our main contribution is to determine all signed rectagraphs (triangle‐free signed ‐graphs) with vertex degree at most 6 that have precisely two distinct eigenvalues . Next, we consider to what extent induced subgraphs of signed graph with two distinct eigenvalues are determined by their spectra. Lastly, we classify signed rectagraphs that have a symmetric spectrum with three distinct eigenvalues and give a partial classification for signed ‐graphs with four distinct eigenvalues.
Incremental costs of integrated PrEP provision and effective use counselling in community‐based platforms for adolescent girls and young women in South Africa: an observational study
Authors: Mudimu Edinah , Sardinia Jack , Momin Sahar , Medina‐Marino Andrew , Bezuidenhout Charl , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Peebles Kathryn
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are a priority population for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective HIV prevention method. However, effective PrEP use among AGYW has been low. Interventions to support PrEP effective use may improve pill‐taking. Affordability of PrEP programs depends on their cost. We, therefore, evaluated the cost of community‐based PrEP with effective use counselling.

Methods

Cost data from a randomized controlled trial were used to evaluate the cost of PrEP provision with effective use counselling offered to AGYW through community‐based HIV testing platforms between November 2018 and November 2019. AGYW were randomized to receive (1) group‐based community health club effective use counselling, (2) individualized effective use counselling or (3) community‐based PrEP dispensary. Task shifting of effective use counselling from nurses to trained lay counsellors was implemented in groups 1 and 2. Personnel costs were estimated from time‐and‐motion observations and staff interviews. Expenditure and ingredients‐based approaches were used to estimate costs for medical and non‐medical supplies.

Results

In total, 603 AGYW initiated PrEP and accrued a total of 1280 months on PrEP. Average cost per person‐month on PrEP with group‐based community health club, individualized effective use counselling and community‐based PrEP dispensary under the Department of Health scenario were similar and high (USD $55.32, $55.65 and $55.46, respectively) due to low PrEP client volume observed in the clinical trial. Increasing client volume (scaled Department of Health scenario) reduced cost per‐person month estimates to USD $15.48, $26.40 and $13.99, respectively.

Conclusions

As designed, individualized effective use counselling increased the cost of standard‐of‐care PrEP delivery by 89%, group‐based community health effective use counselling increased the cost of standard‐of‐care PrEP delivery by 11%. These estimates can inform cost‐effectiveness and budget impact analysis for PrEP provision with effective use counselling services.
Socio‐economic determinants of financial inclusion: An evaluation with a microdata multidimensional index
Authors: Balliester Reis Thereza
Published: February 2022

Financial inclusion is a central theme in development policy. While it involves changes at the individual level and comprises several interrelated financial activities, most existing measures rely on macroeconomic variables. We construct an alternative index of financial inclusion using the World Bank Findex—a microdata dataset with 451,372 observations. Applying it, we first analyse the socio‐economic determinants of financial inclusion. Second, we propose a new country ranking of financial inclusion. Our findings comprise three features. First, we do not find evidence of a gender gap in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Second, richer individuals display higher levels of financial inclusion. Third, countries with high self‐employment rates exhibit lower levels of financial inclusion. Our results suggest that financial inclusion is more related to income and employment status than gender disparities, which could lead to a different approach from policymakers on promoting the inclusion of the poor into the formal financial system.
Pancreas MRI Segmentation Into Head, Body, and Tail Enables Regional Quantitative Analysis of Heterogeneous Disease
Authors: Triay Bagur Alexandre , Aljabar Paul , Ridgway Gerard R. , Brady Michael , Bulte Daniel P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Quantitative imaging studies of the pancreas have often targeted the three main anatomical segments, head, body, and tail, using manual region of interest strategies to assess geographic heterogeneity. Existing automated analyses have implemented whole‐organ segmentation, providing overall quantification but failing to address spatial heterogeneity.

Purpose

To develop and validate an automated method for pancreas segmentation into head, body, and tail subregions in abdominal MRI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

One hundred and fifty nominally healthy subjects from UK Biobank (100 subjects for method development and 50 subjects for validation). A separate 390 UK Biobank triples of subjects including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects and matched nondiabetics.

Field strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T, three‐dimensional two‐point Dixon sequence (for segmentation and volume assessment) and a two‐dimensional axial multiecho gradient‐recalled echo sequence.

Assessment

Pancreas segments were annotated by four raters on the validation cohort. Intrarater agreement and interrater agreement were reported using Dice overlap (Dice similarity coefficient [DSC]). A segmentation method based on template registration was developed and evaluated against annotations. Results on regional pancreatic fat assessment are also presented, by intersecting the three‐dimensional parts segmentation with one available proton density fat fraction (PDFF) image.

Statistical Test

Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann–Whitney U‐test for comparisons. DSC and volume differences for evaluation. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Good intrarater (DSC mean, head: 0.982, body: 0.940, tail: 0.961) agreement and interrater (DSC mean, head: 0.968, body: 0.905, tail: 0.943) agreement were observed. No differences (DSC, head: P = 0.4358, body: P = 0.0992, tail: P = 0.1080) were observed between the manual annotations and our method's segmentations (DSC mean, head: 0.965, body: 0.893, tail: 0.934). Pancreatic body PDFF was different between T2DM and nondiabetics matched by body mass index.

Data Conclusion

The developed segmentation's performance was no different from manual annotations. Application on type 2 diabetes subjects showed potential for assessing pancreatic disease heterogeneity.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Effect of Mitral Regurgitation on Left Ventricular Deformation in Myocardial Infarction Patients: Evaluation by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wen Xiao‐Ling , Gao Yue , Guo Ying‐Kun , Zhang Yi , Yang Meng‐Xi , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi‐Gang
Published: February 2022

Background

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a comorbidity of myocardial infarction (MI), which may promote the incidence of adverse cardiovascular clinical events. However, it is not yet completely understood how MR in MI patients is associated with impaired myocardial deformation.

Purpose

To determine the damaging myocardium effects of MR in MI patients in terms of the global peak strain (PS) and left ventricular (LV) function, and evaluate the independent risk factors impacting LV deformation after MI.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred eighty‐six MI patients (17.7% female) and 84 normal control subjects (27.4% female).

Field strength/sequence

3.0T; late gadolinium enhancement sequence, balanced steady‐state free precession.

Assessment

LV function and LV global PS (global radial peak strain [GRPS]; global circumferential peak strain [GCPS]; and global longitudinal peak strain [GLPS]) were compared among normal controls, MI without MR (MR−) and MI with MR (MR+, mild, moderate, severe) patients.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple linear regressions were used. A P value <0.05 indicated statistically significant difference (two‐tailed).

Results

The MI (MR+) patients showed significantly lower LV global PS than both MI (MR−) and control groups in three directions (GRPS 16.66 ± 7.43%; GCPS −11.27 ± 4.27%; GLPS −7.75 ± 3.44%), and significantly higher LV end‐systolic (128.85 [87.91, 188.01] mL) and end‐diastolic volumes (210.29 [164.07, 264.00] mL) and significantly lower LV ejection fraction (38.23 ± 13.02%). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that MR was independently associated with LV GCPS (β = −0.268) and GLPS (β = −0.320). LV infarct size was an independent indicator of LV GRPS (β = −0.215) and GCPS (β = −0.222). LV end‐diastolic volume was an independent indicator of LV GRPS (β = −0.518), GCPS (β = −0.503), and GLPS (β = −0.331).

Data Conclusion

MR may further exacerbate the reduction of LV global peak strains and function. The MR, infarct size, and LV end‐diastolic volume can be used as independent association indicators for LV global PS in MI (MR+) patients.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

TOC Category: Chest.
Exploring and modeling the ion mobility spectrometry of perindopril: Example of protonation‐dissociation reactions in large molecules
Authors: Douroudgari Hamed , Bahrami Hamed , Valadi Farshad Mirzaee , Tozihi Manijeh , Najafloo Nasim , Vahedpour Morteza
Published: February 2022

The current research is constructed for considering the chemical ionization and dissociation of perindopril in the positive mode of corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry. Four product ion peaks are observed in the ion mobility spectrum of perindopril erbumine at the cell temperature of 473 K. These peaks are assigned through the obtained intensity variation analysis in the ion mobility spectra over the elapsed time accompanied by the calculations backed by the validated density functional theory (DFT). In this regard, the most stable ionic species associated with each peak and the corresponding reliable generation pathways are found by the well‐confirmed meta hybrid density functional method, M06‐2X. The peaks are assigned to the protonated perindopril and its dissociation products, including counter ion and the related fragment ions. However, the structures of the neutral perindopril in the gas phase are thoroughly assessed to find a more stable one. The predicted chemical ionization products by the theory are in excellent agreement with our presented experiment here. Theoretical evaluations demonstrated that the production of a fragment by dissociation process occurs when perindopril gets a proton from the ionization region. Also, without protons, there is no dissociation process. Therefore, our mechanism investigated here is the proton transfer one. All possible sites of perindopril are considered theoretically for protonation along with their possible reactions. In addition to the computed PES, the assigned ions for obtained spectra are confirmed by the computed equilibrium constants and rate constants. Our theoretical results show that the peak of the main fragment is for M‐CH3CH2OH produced by a reaction pathway involving no barrier. This study opens new perspectives in interpreting large molecules spectra for future studies.
Projected changes in Feddema climate characteristics in the Larger Carpathian Region by the end of the 21st century
Authors: Szabó Amanda Imola , Breuer Hajnalka , Ács Ferenc , Belda Michal , Feddema Johannes
Published: February 2022

Climate change in the Larger Carpathian Region (LCR) by the end of the century has been analysed using the Feddema climate classification. Temperature (T) and precipitation (P) data for the reference period 1971–2000 were taken from the CarpatClim dataset and projected data for the period 2069–2098 were taken from the EURO‐CORDEX dataset. The delta‐corrected simulated data with EUR‐11 and EUR‐44 resolutions are based on the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Results obtained with the RCA4‐EC‐EARTH model pair are presented. Climate indices calculated from T and P describe annual heat and water availability, define the magnitude of seasonal variation and attribute seasonality to the variation of T or P. Changes in spatial coverage of climate types and seasonality types, and spatial shifts in each of the variables are presented. The analysis is performed for the total area and separately for lowlands, hills, low‐, mid‐ and high‐altitude mountain regions. There is a shift indicating warming for every climate type and the climate types indicating water deficiency are to become dryer while climate types with water surplus are to become wetter by the end of the 21st century. In most cases seasonality attributed to T is becoming dominant together with increasing magnitude of seasonality. According to RCP4.5, climate type change will affect 26.2% and seasonality type change will affect 23.2% of the study area. In case of RCP8.5 climate type change is projected on 64.4% and seasonality type change is projected on 48.5% of the study area, respectively. Changes in climate types and seasonality types are more significant in every subregion and altitudinal region of the LCR for RCP8.5 compared to RCP4.5. Climate change projections suggest not only warming but significant changes in moisture availability and seasonality, especially the magnitude of seasonality in mountainous areas.
Theoretical derivation of Darcy's law for fluid flow in thin porous media
Authors: Suárez‐Grau Francisco J.
Published: February 2022

In this paper we study stationary incompressible Newtonian fluid flow in a thin porous media. The media under consideration is a bounded perforated 3D domain confined between two parallel plates. The description of the domain includes two small parameters: ε representing the distance between plates and connected to the microstructure of the domain such that . We consider the classical setting of perforated media, i.e. ‐periodically distributed solid (not connected) obstacles of size . The goal of this paper is to introduce a version of the unfolding method, depending on both parameters ε and , and then to derive the corresponding 2D Darcy law.