bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcome of patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and angiographic evidence of coronary artery ectasia
Authors: Baldi Cesare , Silverio Angelo , Esposito Luca , Di Maio Marco , Tarantino Fabio , De Angelis Elena , Fierro Giuseppe , Attisano Tiziana , Di Muro Michele Roberto , Maione Antongiulio , Pierri Adele , Vigorito Francesco , Vecchione Carmine , Galasso Gennaro
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to compare the long‐term outcome of subjects with and without CAE undergoing emergent coronary angiography.

Background

The prognostic impact of CAE in STEMI patients has been poorly investigated.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐center, study included consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing emergent coronary angiography from January 2012 to December 2017. The primary endpoint was the assessment of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with versus those without CAE at the longest available follow‐up. The propensity score weighting technique was employed to account for potential selection bias between groups.

Results

From 1,674 patients with STEMI, 154 (9.2%) had an angiographic evidence of CAE; 380 patients were included in the no CAE group. CAE patients were more often males and smokers, and showed a lower prevalence of diabetes than no CAE patients. After percutaneous coronary intervention, the corrected thrombolysis in MI frame count (p < .001) and the myocardial blush grade (p < .001) were significantly lower in CAE than in no CAE patients.

The mean follow‐up was 1,218.3 ± 574.8 days. The adjusted risk for the primary outcome resulted significantly higher in patients with CAE compared to those without (adjusted HR: 1.84; p = .017). No differences in terms of all‐cause and cardiac death were found between groups.

Conclusions

In this study, STEMI patients with CAE had a distinct clinical and angiographic profile, and showed a significantly higher risk of recurrent MI than those without CAE.
Dapsone‐induced methemoglobinemia—A case report
Authors: Kabir Hasanul , Lakshmanan Ramnathan , Gopinath Sumana , Bhonagiri Deepak
Published: May 2021

Dapsone therapy is associated with methemoglobinemia. Pulse oximetry is used to indicate adequate oxygen saturations, and co‐oximetry is needed to diagnose low arterial oxygen saturations. Clinicians should aware while prescribing dapsone.
Quetiapine‐induced sleep‐related eating disorder: A case report
Authors: Kanagasundram Sharmilla
Published: May 2021

This is the first case report of two depressed Malay females prescribed quetiapine, the first patient developed sleep related eating disorder (SRED) on 200 mg per day and the second patient at 50 mg per day. Both resolved with discontinuation of the drug. Assessment for SRED should be done at every follow up.
3D printing‐enabled advanced electrode architecture design
Authors: Chu Tiankuo , Park Soyeon , Fu Kun (Kelvin)
Published: May 2021

A high‐performance energy storage device plays an important role in controlling carbon emissions. The emerging additive manufacturing techniques bring a great revolution of electrode fabrication process and promote the performance of energy storage devices through the advanced electrode architecture design. In this paper, recent studies on the three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed electrode with advanced architecture have been mainly reviewed, including interdigitated structure, through‐thickness aligned structure, hierarchical porous structure and fiber and fibric structure of electrodes, and expectations for the development of novel advanced electrode architecture generated and optimized by computational simulation and machine learning. The strategy of advanced electrode architecture design and fabrication enabled by the 3D printing technique represents a promising direction toward future energy storage devices with high electrochemical and mechanical performance.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Gold‐Catalyzed Hydroamination of 1,1‐Dimethylallene with N‐Methylaniline
Authors: Harris Robert J. , Nakafuku Kohki , Duncan Alethea N. , Carden Robert G. , Timmerman Jacob C. , Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: May 2021

The mechanism of the intermolecular hydroamination of 3‐methylbuta‐1,2‐diene (1) with N‐methylaniline (2) catalyzed by (IPr)AuOTf has been studied by employing a combination of kinetic analysis, deuterium labelling studies, and in situ spectral analysis of catalytically active mixtures. The results of these and additional experiments are consistent with a mechanism for hydroamination involving reversible, endergonic displacement of N‐methylaniline from [(IPr)Au(NHMePh)]+ (4) by allene to form the cationic gold π‐C1,C2‐allene complex [(IPr)Au(η2‐H2C=C=CMe2)]+ (I), which is in rapid, endergonic equilibrium with the regioisomeric π‐C2,C3‐allene complex [(IPr)Au(η2‐Me2C=C=CH2)]+ (I′). Rapid and reversible outer‐sphere addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I′ to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CH2)CMe2NMePh] (II) is superimposed on the slower addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CMe2)CH2NMePh] (III). Selective protodeauration of III releases N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐methylbut‐2‐en‐1‐yl)aniline (3 a) with regeneration of 4. At high conversion, gold vinyl complex II is competitively trapped by an (IPr)Au+ fragment to form the cationic bis(gold) vinyl complex {[(IPr)Au]2[C(=CH2)CMe2NMePh]}+ (6).
Influence of the Impaction Angle on the Triboelectric Charging of Aerosol Nanoparticles
Authors: Bierwirth Malte , Gensch Manuel , Weber Alfred P.
Published: May 2021

A low pressure impactor is used to measure triboelectric charging behavior of metallic nanoparticles. Ag nanoparticles, produced by spark discharge, were impacted onto Pt sputtered targets. The influence of the impaction angle and impaction velocity on the triboelectric charging was investigated. While for perpendicular impaction the charge transfer behavior of previous work was confirmed, the oblique impaction revealed new phenomena. Additional charge transfer was observable, which increases with obliqueness. The possibility of mass transfer between particle and target due to the high‐energy collisions was also investigated. SEM characterization and Auger spectroscopy indicate mass transfer from the particle to the target surface.
Two‐Phase Flow Morphology and Phase Fractions in Larger Feed Line Sections
Authors: Döß Alexander , Schubert Markus , Hampel Uwe , Mehringer Christian , Geipel Christian , Schleicher Eckhard
Published: May 2021

The design of industrial feed line sections and the selection of appropriate inlet devices requires knowledge about the two‐phase flow morphology and phase fractions in order to reduce costly overdesign. Since experimental data for two‐phase pipe flows at industrial scale are hardly available, current prediction methods are subject to high unertainities. In this study, horizontal two‐phase flow morphologies for different industrial feed line sections were studied using wire‐mesh sensors at multiple locations along the pipe. The obtained phase fraction data are compared with correlations.
The burden of premature ventricular contractions predicts adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women without structural heart disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Jing , Qian Yanxia , Chen Qiushi , Zhang Mingming , Chen Yaoxi , Xu Ruijie , Chen Jingxian , Shi Yukang , Yang Shunxin , Luo Xinyi , Ding Qiang , Wu Xin , Wang Junhong
Published: May 2021

Background

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may increase during pregnancy, however, few studies have evaluated the relationship between PVCs and the pregnant outcomes.

Hypothesis

PVCs may increase the adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes in pregnant women.

Methods

Six thousand one hundred and forty‐eight pregnant women were prospectively enrolled in our center between 2017 and 2019 in the study. The average PVC burden was determined by calculating the number of PVCs in total beats. Those who had a PVC burden >0.5% were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of adverse fetal or neonatal events. The adverse outcomes were compared between the groups to assess the impact of PVCs on pregnancy.

Results

A total of 103 (1.68%) women with a PVC burden >0.5% were recorded. Among them, 17 adverse events (12 cases) were documented, which was significantly higher than that among women without PVCs (11.65% vs. 2.93%, p < .01). The median PVC burden among pregnant women with PVCs was 2.84% (1.02%–6.1%). Furthermore, compared with that of the women without adverse events, the median PVC burden of women with adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes was significantly higher (9.02% vs. 2.30%, p < .01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that not the LVEF, heart rate and bigeminy, but only the PVC burden was associated with adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with PVCs (OR: 1.34, 95% CI [1.11–1.61], p < .01).

Conclusions

Frequent PVCs have adverse effects on pregnancy, and the PVC burden might be an important factor associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with PVCs.
Tuning Ligand‐Coordinated Single Metal Atoms on TiO2and their Dynamic Response during Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Zhou Xuemei , Sterbinsky George E. , Wasim Eman , Chen Linxiao , Tait Steven L.
Published: May 2021

Ligand‐coordinated supported catalysts (LCSCs) are of growing interest for heterogeneous single‐atom catalysis. Here, the effect of the choice of organic ligand on the activity and stability of TiO2‐supported single‐atom Pt‐ligand catalysts was investigated for ethylene hydrogenation. The activity of these catalysts showed a significant dependence on the choice of ligand and also correlated with coordination number for Pt−ligand and Pt−Cl−. Of the three ligands examined in this study, the one with the lowest Pt coordination number, 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione (PDO), showed the lowest reaction temperature and highest reaction rate, likely due to those metal sites being more accessible to reactant adsorption. In‐situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) experiments showed that the activity also correlated with good heterolytic dissociation of hydrogen, which was supported by OH/OD exchange experiments and was the rate‐determining step of the hydrogenation reaction. In these in‐situ XAS experiments up to 190 °C, the supported Pt‐ligand catalyst showed excellent stability against structural and chemical change. Instead of Pt, the PDO ligand could be coordinated with Ir on TiO2to form Ir LCSCs that showed slow activation by loss of Ir−Cl bonds, then excellent stability in the hydrogenation of ethylene. These results provide the chance to engineer ligand‐coordinated supported catalysts at the single‐atom catalyst level by the choice of ligand and enable new applications at relatively high temperature.
A true random number generator that utilizes thermal noise in a programmable system‐on‐chip (PSoC)
Authors: Matsuoka Shunsuke , Ichikawa Shuichi , Fujieda Naoki
Published: May 2021

This study presents four designs for a true random number generator (TRNG) for Cypress programmable system‐on‐chip (SoC) (PSoC) devices, whose entropy source is the thermal noise of resistors. The first design includes a ΔΣ analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC) with two external resistors of 6 MΩ, where the resolution was set to 16 bits. The second, third, and fourth designs adopt the internal resistors of a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) as a noise source. The second design adopts a single‐stage PGA (gain 50) with a ΔΣ ADC, while the third design adopts a two‐stage PGA (gain 50 × 50) with a ΔΣ ADC. The fourth design adopts a trans‐impedance amplifier (TIA) with a ΔΣ ADC. All four designs have passed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) test suite.
Evaluating disorders of gut‐brain interaction in eating disorders
Authors: Wiklund Camilla A. , Rania Marianna , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Thornton Laura M. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Eating disorders commonly co‐occur with gastrointestinal problems. This case–control study aimed to (a) document the prevalence of disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) in eating disorders, (b) examine the specific impact of disordered eating behaviors on the risk of DGBI, and (c) explore the impact of current eating disorder psychopathology on DGBI.

Method

We included 765 cases with eating disorders and 1,240 controls. DGBI were assessed via the ROME III questionnaire. Prevalences of DGBI were calculated across eating disorder diagnoses (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and multiple eating disorders) and in controls. The association between disordered eating behaviors and DGBI was examined using logistic regression models. Lastly, we compared the total number of DGBI in individuals with high versus low current eating disorder symptoms.

Results

A large majority (88.2–95.5%) of individuals with eating disorders reported at least one DGBI and 34.8–48.7% reported three or more DGBI. Of the DGBI categories, functional bowel disorders were the most commonly endorsed category, and of the individual DGBI, irritable bowel syndrome was the most frequently reported (43.9–58.8%). All investigated disordered eating behaviors showed a positive association with most DGBI categories. Finally, individuals reporting high current eating disorder symptoms reported higher mean number of DGBI (3.03–3.34) than those with low current symptoms (1.60–1.84).

Discussion

The directionality and mechanisms underlying the nature of the relationship between gastrointestinal and eating disorder symptoms is worthy of further study and clinicians should adopt an integrated approach by attending to both gastrointestinal and eating disorder symptoms in their patients.
Psychological factors associated with changes in physical activity in Dutch people with type 2 diabetes under societal lockdown: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Regeer Hannah , Nieuwenhuijse Emma A. , Vos Rimke C. , Kiefte‐de Jong Jessica C. , van Empelen Pepijn , de Koning Eelco J. P. , Bilo Henk J. G. , Huisman Sasja D.
Published: May 2021

Aims

To investigate changes in physical activity (PA) and psychological factors during societal lockdown in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study among Dutch adults with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected using online questionnaires. A multivariate multinomial logistic regression was performed with change in PA during societal lockdown as outcome and perceived change in stress, anxiety, perceived risk for COVID‐19 infection, emotional well‐being and former PA status as determinants.

Results

Five hundred and sixty seven respondents filled out the questionnaire, 536 were included in the final analysis: mean age of 65.9 ± 7.9 years; mean diabetes duration 13.3 ± 8 years; 54% men; 47% reported no change in PA, 27% became less active and 26% became more active during societal lockdown. Participants who were more likely to become less active were participants who experienced more stress (OR: 2.27; 95% CI 1.25–4.13) or less stress (OR: 2.20; 95% CI 1.03–4.71). Participants who were more likely to become more active were participants who experienced more stress (OR: 2.31; 95% CI 1.25, 4.26). Participants with higher emotional well‐being (OR: 0.98; 95% CI 0.97, 0.99) were less likely to become less active than to report no change in PA.

Conclusions

Changes in PA in people with type 2 diabetes during societal lockdown are associated with changes in psychological factors such as perceived stress and emotional well‐being. People with diabetes and their caregivers should be aware of these possible changes.
Enhanced Microwave Dielectric Properties in Mg2Al4Si5O18 Through Cu2+ Substitution
Authors: Wang Fanshuo , Lai Yuanming , Zeng Yiming , Yang Fan , Li Baoyang , Yang Xizhi , Su Hua , Han Jiao , Zhong Xiaoling
Published: May 2021

The Mg2Al4Si5O18 ceramic is considered as a kind of important candidates for millimeter‐wave applications. In this work, Mg2–xCuxAl4Si5O18 (0≤x≤0.16) ceramics were synthesized by solid‐state reaction, aiming to improve the microwave dielectric properties. According to the X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis, Cu2+ ions enter into the Mg2Al4Si5O18 lattice and form a solid solution. The dense microstructure was observed in the Cu‐substituted Mg2Al4Si5O18 ceramics at x=0.04 sintered at 1420 °C. The dielectric constant (ϵr) values depend on the microstructure, secondary phase and ionic polarizability of the samples. The quality factor (Qf) values are dominated by the microstructure, secondary phase and centro‐symmetry of [Si4Al2] hexagonal ring. The temperature coefficients of resonance frequency (τf) are strongly related to the Mg/Cu−O bond valance. In comparison to pure Mg2Al4Si5O18 ceramics, the excellent microwave dielectric properties with ϵr=4.56, Qf=31,100 GHz and τf=−52 ppm/°C were obtained at x=0.04 with sintering at 1420 °C. Thus, the Mg2–xCuxAl4Si5O18 (0≤x≤0.16) ceramics will be promising millimeter‐wave communication materials.
Magnesium Halide‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Oxaspiro[2.5]octenes from a Methylenecyclopropane and Acyl Cyanoalkenes
Authors: Suzuki Itaru , Ogura Kazuki , Shimazu Jun‐ya , Shibata Ikuya
Published: May 2021

MgX2‐catalyzed annulation of methylenecyclopropanes with acyl cyanoalkenes was accomplished to give oxaspiro[2.5]octenes in excellent yields. The reaction proceeded through a rare intramolecular oxa‐Michael addition of Mg enolate. The oxaspiro ring was transformed into 4H‐pyran at a higher temperature in the presence of MgX2.
Efficient Simulation of Chemical–Mechanical Coupling in Battery Active Particles
Authors: Castelli Giuseppe F. , von Kolzenberg Lars , Horstmann Birger , Latz Arnulf , Dörfler Willy
Published: May 2021

Coupling of chemistry and mechanics causes large stresses and deterioration in battery active particles, which undergo a phase change. The Cahn–Hilliard approach coupled to large deformations provides a framework to theoretically investigate the underlying physics. However, solving this model is computationally expensive, so that the current application is limited. In this article, a thermodynamically consistent phase‐field model coupling Cahn–Hilliard‐type phase separation and large deformations is developed. The model is implemented using a space and time adaptive numerical solution algorithm based on the finite element method. At the example of lithium iron phosphate, simulations are performed to investigate physical and numerical aspects of the model and the solver. The strong interrelation between chemistry, phase transformation, and mechanics is shown. In particular, the interfacial energy coefficient has a major impact on the stress inside the material. Moreover, the presented solution algorithm outperforms classical implementations. This enables the analysis of computationally demanding parameter choices and multidimensional geometries.
Spatial correlation of broadband ground motions from physics‐based numerical simulations
Authors: Infantino Maria , Smerzini Chiara , Lin Jiayue
Published: May 2021

This study assesses the spatial correlation of broadband earthquake ground motions from 3D physics‐based numerical simulations in near‐source conditions. State‐of‐the‐art models for predicting the spatial correlation are derived from wide datasets including densely recorded earthquakes in different areas worldwide and, therefore, they may be poorly representative of specific regions and near‐source effects. A large set of broadband ground motions simulated by the SPEED code, and enriched in the high‐frequency range with an Artificial Neural Network technique, is used to investigate the sensitivity of crucial parameters in geostatistical analysis (number of receivers), as well as of source, path, and site effects on spatial correlation, with a level of detail which could not be possible otherwise due to the paucity of recordings. First of all, the comparison of our results with those derived from earthquake recordings validates successfully the numerical approach in predicting the spatial correlation in a broad frequency range. Furthermore, the study points out that spatial correlation of response spectral accelerations is significantly affected by the magnitude, forward directivity effects, ground‐motion directionality (fault normal versus fault parallel), and relative position from the causative fault. These features may make critical the use of isotropic and stationary models especially in near‐fault conditions.
Safety challenges and safety measures of Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Chen Siyan , Gao Zhenhai , Sun Tianjun
Published: May 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have become the main choice for electric vehicles (EVs). However, the thermal runaway problems of LIBs largely limit the wider promotion of EVs. To provide background and insight for the improvement of battery safety, the general working mechanism of LIBs is described in this review, followed by a discussion of the thermal runaway process, including the trigger conditions and material factors. Moreover, advances made to improve battery safety are examined from the perspective of battery materials and management systems. Thus, this review provides a general picture of the thermal runaway risks of LIBs and corresponding solutions with the aim of facilitating safer battery designs.
Inferring archaic introgression from hominin genetic data
Authors: Gopalan Shyamalika , Atkinson Elizabeth G. , Buck Laura T. , Weaver Timothy D. , Henn Brenna M.
Published: May 2021

Questions surrounding the timing, extent, and evolutionary consequences of archaic admixture into human populations have a long history in evolutionary anthropology. More recently, advances in human genetics, particularly in the field of ancient DNA, have shed new light on the question of whether or not Homo sapiens interbred with other hominin groups. By the late 1990s, published genetic work had largely concluded that archaic groups made no lasting genetic contribution to modern humans; less than a decade later, this conclusion was reversed following the successful DNA sequencing of an ancient Neanderthal. This reversal of consensus is noteworthy, but the reasoning behind it is not widely understood across all academic communities. There remains a communication gap between population geneticists and paleoanthropologists. In this review, we endeavor to bridge this gap by outlining how technological advancements, new statistical methods, and notable controversies ultimately led to the current consensus.
Beneficial effects of Se/Zn co‐supplementation on body weight and adipose tissue inflammation in high‐fat diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Hasani Motahareh , Saidpour Atoosa , Irandoost Pardis , Golab Fereshteh , Khazdouz Maryam , Qorbani Mostafa , Agh Fahimeh , Mohammad Sharifi Ali , Vafa Mohammadreza
Published: May 2021

This research investigated the effect of co‐supplementation of selenium with zinc on weight control and the inflammatory and oxidative status in relation to obesity. Male Wistar rats (N = 32) were randomly divided into four groups after induction of obesity model: 1) “Zn” was supplemented with zinc sulfate (15 mg/kg BW), 2) “Se” supplemented with selenium as sodium selenate (0.5 mg/kg BW), 3) “Zn + Se” which received Zn (15 mg/kg BW) + Se (0.5 mg/kg BW), and 4) “HFD” as the control group. The intervention was done for eight weeks. At the end of treatment, serum and tissue level of Zn, Se, SOD, GSH‐Px, MDA, leptin, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 was evaluated. Weight and food intake were significantly reduced in the Se group(p < .001), while in the Zn group, weight gain due to obesity was prevented compared to the control group (p = .48). There was a significant and stronger increase in SOD, GSH‐Px levels and a remarkable decrease in MDA, leptin, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in the group receiving the combination of two supplements than either alone(p < .001). Leptin had a positive correlation with inflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation marker and showed an inverse relationship with Zn and Se levels and anti‐oxidative enzymes(p < .05). The analysis showed the mediating role of leptin in the effects of zinc. Co‐supplementation of selenium and zinc may have a synergistic effect in reduction of oxidative and inflammatory markers. Regarding the effect of zinc on inflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation, leptin can play a mediating role.
Antidiabetic effect of fucoxanthin extracted from Sargassumangustifolium on streptozotocin‐nicotinamide‐induced type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Oliyaei Najme , Moosavi‐Nasab Marzieh , Tamaddon Ali Mohammad , Tanideh Nader
Published: May 2021

This work aimed to study the antidiabetic effect of encapsulated fucoxanthin with porous starch (PS) in streptozotocin and nicotinamide‐induced type 2 diabetic mice. Fucoxanthin was extracted and purified from Sargassum angustifolium and encapsulated in porous starch (PS). Diabetic mice groups were gavaged daily with fucoxanthin (400 mg/kg), either free or encapsulated into PS, and metformin (50 mg/kg) for three weeks. The results exhibited that the fucoxanthin and fucoxanthin‐loaded PS markedly prevented the weight gain in treated groups (p < .05). Moreover, both free and encapsulated fucoxanthin could decrease the fasting blood glucose and increase the plasma insulin level similar to metformin (p < .05). In addition, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low‐density lipoprotein were lower in the treated groups. These results confirm antiobesity effect of fucoxanthin by regulating lipid profile parameters. Moreover, the histopathology evaluation of pancreatic tissue in diabetic mice exhibited that oral administration of metformin and fucoxanthin caused regeneration of pancreatic beta cells. This study revealed the healthy effect of seaweed pigment as a suitable bioactive compound which can be used in functional foods for natural diabetes therapy.
Branched‐chain fatty acids in the vernix caseosa and meconium of infants born at different gestational ages
Authors: Li Weidi , Jie Liang , Yu Renqiang , Jin Qingzhe , Jiang Shanyu , Yin Qitao , Wei Wei , Wang Xingguo
Published: May 2021

The functional lipid components found in breast milk, vernix caseosa, and meconium are Branched‐chain Fatty Acids (BCFA). The goal of this study was to establish the existence of BCFA in vernix and meconium in infants born at different gestational ages. TLC plates and GC‐MS were examined for the lipids in vernix caseosa and meconium. The results indicated that there were nine BCFA in vernix caseosa, including iso‐12:0, anteiso‐13:0, iso‐14:0, iso‐15:0, anteiso‐15:0, iso‐16:0, anteiso‐17:0, iso‐18:0, and iso‐20:0. Five BCFA (iso‐12:0, anteiso‐13:0, iso‐14:0, iso‐15:0, and anteiso‐15:0) were not contained in the meconium, suggesting that some of the BCFA may be digested and consumed by infants. In the vernix caseosa, the content of BCFA in triacylglycerol (TAG) and free fatty acid (FFA) was 15.59% and 11.82%, respectively. The vernix caseosa's wax ester fraction contained the highest content of BCFA, reaching up to 16.81%. The carbon chain length of fatty acids (FA) ranged from 12 to 24 in the vernix caseosa and 14 to 22 in meconium samples. The gestational age was likely to affect BCFA concentrations, with the vernix caseosa and meconium BCFA content being significantly higher in full‐term infants than in preterm infants (p < .001). Further research is required into the relationship between BCFA and gut microbiotas.
Microwave Assisted Selective Hydrolysis of Polyamides from Multicomponent Carpet Waste
Authors: Bäckström Eva , Odelius Karin , Hakkarainen Minna
Published: May 2021

Selective hydrolysis of polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) and polyamide‐66 (PA‐66) from commercial multicomponent PA‐6/PA‐66/polypropylene (PP) carpet is demonstrated by a microwave‐assisted acid catalyzed hydrothermal process, yielding monomeric products and solid polypropylene residue. First, an effective method is established to chemically recycle neat PA‐6 and PA‐66 granules using microwave irradiation. The optimized, hydrochloric acid (HCl) catalyzed process leads to selective production of monomers, 6‐aminocaproic acid or adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine, after only 30 min. A piece of commercial carpet is then recycled using the same reaction conditions, but with the alteration of the reaction time from 1 to 6 h. The produced water‐soluble products and the remaining solid residue are carefully characterized, proving that the polyamide‐part of the carpet is selectively hydrolyzed into water‐soluble monomers and the polypropylene‐part remains as an unconverted solid that can be further used to produce recycled filaments containing the carpet residue and virgin polypropylene. The developed process opens the possibility to recycle multicomponent materials, such as carpets, through selective hydrolysis. It can also contribute to a circular economy, producing original monomers and materials ready for a new life‐cycle.
Mechanistic study of the carbonated smart water in carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Al Karfry Loay , Kharrat Riyaz , Ott Holger
Published: May 2021

Carbonated smart water (CSMW) injection has drawn considerable interest, especially in the last decade. This interest stems from its results in the recovery factor enhancement and the storage of carbon dioxide. This method has been mainly studied for sandstone formations, and less devotion has been given to carbonates, especially in naturally fractured reservoirs. This paper examines the effect of the CSMW on the recovery factor in carbonate homogenous and fractured reservoirs and investigates the most effective mechanisms. Furthermore, the capability of the CSMW to store the CO2 in the reservoir has been tested. This work has been established based on core flooding experimental data, using a compositional simulator, and extending the core results to a pilot model. The composition and salinity values of the CSMW have been specified using optimization and sensitivity analysis tools. Geochemical reactions and CO2 solubility in the CSMW have been simulated using the PHREEQC.

In the core scale, the CSMW showed 14, 7.6, 26.8% more oil recovery than Smart Water (SMW), Carbonated Seawater (CSW), and Seawater (SW), respectively. In the pilot model, CSMW recovered more oil than the SMW by 5–8% based on the heterogeneity and fracture availability. Viscosity reduction is one of the main mechanisms behind the oil recovery increment. More than 30% of viscosity reduction was observed for all studied cases. Ions exchange and mineral dissolution processes were also pivotal. A higher recovery has been obtained in the fractured reservoir after the breakthrough due to the CO2 diffusion from the fractures into the matrices and the spontaneous imbibition process, where those mechanisms need a long time to act effectively. More than 50% of the injected CO2 within the CSMW has been captured in the reservoir's residual oil and water. It has been concluded that the stored CO2 in the reservoir depends on the amount of residual oil saturation, where the higher the remaining oil in the reservoir, the higher the stored CO2 amount. © 2021 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Both frontal and temporal cortex exhibit phonological and semantic specialization during spoken language processing in 7‐ to 8‐year‐old children
Authors: Wang Jin , Yamasaki Brianna L. , Weiss Yael , Booth James R.
Published: May 2021

A previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study by Weiss et al. (Weiss et al., Human Brain Mapping, 2018, 39, 4334–4348) examined brain specialization for phonological and semantic processing of spoken words in young children who were 5 to 6 years old and found evidence for specialization in the temporal but not the frontal lobe. According to a prominent neurocognitive model of language development (Skeide & Friederici, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2016, 17, 323–332), the frontal lobe matures later than the temporal lobe. Thus, the current study aimed to examine if brain specialization in the frontal lobe can be observed in a slightly older cohort of children aged 7 to 8 years old using the same experimental and analytical approach as in Weiss et al. (Weiss et al., Human Brain Mapping, 2018, 39, 4334–4348). One hundred and ten typically developing children were recruited and were asked to perform a sound judgment task, tapping into phonological processing, and a meaning judgment task, tapping into semantic processing, while in the MRI scanner. Direct task comparisons showed that these children exhibited language specialization in both the temporal and the frontal lobes, with the left posterior dorsal inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) showing greater activation for the sound than the meaning judgment task, and the left anterior ventral IFG and the left posterior middle temporal gyrus (MTG) showing greater activation for the meaning than the sound judgment task. These findings demonstrate that 7‐ to 8‐year‐old children have already begun to develop a language‐related specialization in the frontal lobe, suggesting that early elementary schoolers rely on both specialized linguistic manipulation and representation mechanisms to perform language tasks.
Adding value to tumor staging in head and neck cancer: The role of metabolic parameters as prognostic factors
Authors: Rijo‐Cedeño Jefferson , Mucientes Jorge , Seijas Marcos Sara , Romero Jesús , Royuela Ana , Carbonell Sandra , Benlloch Raquel , García‐Berrocal José Ramón
Published: May 2021

Background

Validated biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are scarce.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 62 patients with HNSCC treated with radiotherapy +/− concurrent chemotherapy. Pretreatment metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured in a 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography using a liver dependent standardized uptake value threshold. Cox regression analyses were performed to find associations with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

High values of MTV (>37 ml) were independently associated with a worse DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52–7.84) and OS (HR = 3.27; 95% CI, 1.41–7.57). Similar results were found for high values of TLG (>247 g) for DFS (HR = 3.32; 95% CI, 1.44–7.65) and OS (HR = 3.42; 95% CI, 1.45–8.07).

Conclusions

MTV and TLG can be considered as independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS in patients with HNSCC. Considering how easily obtainable they are, they may be useful for predicting clinical outcomes in these patients.
Examining health sector application and utility of program‐based budgeting: County level experiences in Kenya
Authors: Tsofa Benjamin , Musotsi Protus , Kagwanja Nancy , Waithaka Dennis , Molyneux Sassy , Barasa Edwine , Maina Thomas , Chuma Jane
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In 2012, Kenya enacted a new Public Finance Management Act to guide the public‐sector planning and budgeting process. This new law replaced the previous line item budgeting, with a new program‐based budgeting (PBB) process. This study examined the experience of health sector PBB implementation at the county level in Kenya.

Methods

We carried out a review of the literature documenting the health sector application and utility of PBB in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We then collected empirical data to examine the experience of health sector application of PBB at County Level in Kenya.

Results

In the financial year 2017/18, counties utilised the PBB approach for health sector planning. The PBB approach was perceived by key stakeholders; to have improved the alignment of technical priorities with budgetary allocation, and to have increased transparency, accountability and openness of the process. Its challenges included lack of clear tools and guidelines to support implementation, low capacity at county level, political interference and the organisation of the public sector electronic financial management system around line item budgeting system.

Conclusion

PBB is potentially a useful tool for aligning health sector planning and budgeting and ensuring the Annual Work Plan is more result oriented. However, realisation of this goal would be enhanced by the developing clear tools and guidelines to support its implementation, building capacity for county health sector managers to better understand the PBB application, and reforming the public‐sector budgetary management system to align it with the PBB approach.
The effects of secreted aspartyl proteinase inhibitor ritonavir on azoles‐resistant strains of Candida albicans as well as regulatory role of SAP2 and ERG11
Authors: Feng Wenli , Yang Jing , Ma Yan , Xi Zhiqin , Zhao Xiaoqin , Zhao Xiaoxia , Zhao Min
Published: May 2021

Background

Candida albicans, the main human fungal pathogen, can cause fungal infection and seriously affect people's health and life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ritonavir (RIT) on C. albicans and the correlation between SAP2 as well as ERG11 and drug resistance.

Results

Secreted aspartyl proteinases (Saps) activities and pathogenicity of C. albicans with different drug resistance were measured. M27‐A4 broth microdilution method was used to analyze the drug sensitivity of RIT combined with fluconazole (FCA) on C. albicans. After that, SAP2 and ERG11 mutations were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, and quantitative real‐time PCR was utilized to determine the expression of the two genes. By analyzing pz values, the Saps activity of cross‐resistant strains was the highest, followed by voriconazole (VRC)‐resistant strains, FCA‐resistant strains, itraconazole (ITR)‐resistant strains, and sensitive strains. The pathogenicity of C. albicans in descending order was as follows: cross‐resistant strains, VRC‐resistant strains, ITR‐resistant strains, FCA‐resistant strains, and sensitive strains. With the increase of RIT concentrations, the Saps activity was gradually inhibited. Drug sensitivity results showed that there was no synergistic effect between RIT and FCA. Additionally, no gene mutation sites were found in SAP2 sequencing, and 17 synonymous mutations and 6 missense mutations occurred in ERG11 sequencing. Finally, the expression of SAP2 and ERG11 was significantly higher in the resistant strains compared with the sensitive strains, and there was a positive liner correlation between SAP2 and ERG11 messenger RNA expression (r = .6655, p < .001).

Conclusion

These findings may help to improve our understanding of azole‐resistant mechanisms of C. albicans and provide a novel direction for clinical therapeutics of C. albicans infection.
Optimal weighted hybrid pattern for content based medical image retrieval using modified spider monkey optimization
Authors: Darapureddy Nagadevi , Karatapu Nagaprakash , Battula Tirumula Krishna
Published: May 2021

The current approaches for image retrieval are more concentrating on numerous image features. Texture, shape, spatial information, and color are the fundamental features to deal with flexible image datasets. This paper aims to develop new Content‐Based Image Retrieval System based on Optimal Weighted Hybrid Pattern. Two relevant patters like Local Vector Pattern and Local Derivative Pattern are intended to develop a novel Content‐Based Image Retrieval system. The optimal weighted hybrid pattern is implemented to derive a new feature vector, so that the weight is optimized by a modified optimization algorithm called Improved Local Leader‐based Spider Monkey Optimization to maximize the precision and recall of the retrieved images. The retrieval of the image is done by measuring the similarity based on Mean Square Distance between the features of query image as well as training image. Finally, the performance comparison of the proposed and the traditional patterns shows its reliable performance.
A Prospective Open‐Label Observational Study of a Buffered Soluble 70 mg Alendronate Effervescent Tablet on Upper Gastrointestinal Safety and Medication Errors: The GastroPASS Study
Authors: Minisola Salvatore , Vargas Antonio P , Letizia Mauro Giulia , Bonet Madurga Fernando , Adami Giovanni , Black Dennis M , Qizilbash Nawab , Blanch‐Rubió Josep
Published: May 2021

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are a main reason for discontinuing bisphosphonate treatment, an important therapeutic option for osteoporosis patients. Consequently, the development of novel formulations with improved tolerability is warranted. In this multicenter prospective, observational, postauthorization safety study conducted in Italy and Spain, postmenopausal women (PMW) with osteoporosis (naïve to bisphosphonates) were treated weekly with a buffered soluble alendronate 70 mg effervescent (ALN‐EFF) tablet (Binosto®) and followed for 12 ± 3 months. Information was collected on adverse events (AEs), medication errors, persistence, and compliance using the Morisky‐Green questionnaire. Patients (N = 1028) aged 67 ± 9 years (mean ± SD) received ALN‐EFF weekly. The cumulative incidence of upper GI AEs (oesophageal toxicity, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and duodenitis) related to ALN‐EFF (primary endpoint) was 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.9–11.6%), the vast majority being of mild intensity. The most frequently occurring upper GI AEs related to ALN‐EFF were dyspepsia (2.7%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (2.4%), and nausea (2.2%). None of the relevant upper GI AEs listed in the primary endpoint and no serious AEs were reported. At least one medication error occurred in 29.9% (95% CI 27.1–32.8%) of patients. However, the majority of medication errors were associated with administration instructions applicable to any oral bisphosphonate and only seven medication errors were associated with the ALN‐EFF formulation. ALN‐EFF was discontinued in 209 of 1028 (20.3%) patients. The most frequent reasons for discontinuation were AEs related to ALN‐EFF (46.9%) and patients' decision (42.6%). Compliance with ALN‐EFF was high, reflected by a mean Morisky‐Green score of 92.8 ± 18.6. PMW with osteoporosis treated with ALN‐EFF in a real‐world setting experienced few upper GI AEs. In addition, they had a low discontinuation and high compliance compared with other formulations, suggesting that ALN‐EFF may increase patient satisfaction and therefore long‐term adherence and efficacy. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cautions on the laboratory indicators of COVID‐19 patients on and during admission
Authors: Liu Haiting , Shang Xueling , Chen Sai , Li Tie , Zhang Junhua
Published: May 2021

Background

Different disease severities of COVID‐19 patients could be reflected on clinical laboratory findings.

Methods

In this single‐centered retrospective study, demographic, clinical, and laboratory indicators on and during admission were compared among 74 participants with mild, moderate, critical severe, or severe classification. Risk factors associated with disease severity were analyzed by multivariate analyses. The AUC and 95% CI of the ROC curve were calculated.

Results

The most common manifestations of these patients were fever and cough. Critical severe or severe group owned the longest length of stay (23 (19,31), p < 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression, independent influence factors on admission for severity of disease were CK‐MB (OR 0.674; 95% CI 0.489–0.928; p = 0.016), LDH (OR 1.111 or 1.107; 95% CI 1.026–1.204 or 1.022–1.199; p = 0.009 or 0.013), normal T‐BIL (OR 4.58 × 10−8; 95% CI 3.05 × 10−9–6.88 × 10−7; p < 0.001), LYM% (OR 0.008; 95% CI 0–0.602; p = 0.029), and normal ESR (OR 0.016; 95% CI 0–0.498; p = 0.019). Factors during hospitalization were normal T‐BIL (OR 8.56 × 10−9; 95% CI 8.30 × 10−10–8.83 × 10−8; p < 0.001), LYM (OR 0.068; 95% CI 0.005–0.934; p = 0.044), albumin (OR 0.565; 95% CI 0.327–0.977; p = 0.041), and normal NEU% (OR 0.013; 95% CI 0.000–0.967; p = 0.048). Combined indicators of AUC were 0.860 (LYM, LDH, and normal ESR on admission, p < 0.001) and 0.750 (CK‐MB, LDH, and normal T‐BIL during hospitalization, p = 0.020) when predicting for severe or critical severe patients.

Conclusion

To pay close attention to the progression of COVID‐19 and take measures promptly, we should be cautious of the laboratory indicators when patients on admission especially CK‐MB, LDH, LYM%, T‐BIL as well as ESR; and T‐BIL, LYM, albumin, NEU% with the process of disease.
Transcriptomic meta‐analysis of disuse muscle atrophy vs. resistance exercise‐induced hypertrophy in young and older humans
Authors: Deane Colleen S. , Willis Craig R.G. , Phillips Bethan E. , Atherton Philip J. , Harries Lorna W. , Ames Ryan M. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Etheridge Timothy
Published: May 2021

Background

Skeletal muscle atrophy manifests across numerous diseases; however, the extent of similarities/differences in causal mechanisms between atrophying conditions in unclear. Ageing and disuse represent two of the most prevalent and costly atrophic conditions, with resistance exercise training (RET) being the most effective lifestyle countermeasure. We employed gene‐level and network‐level meta‐analyses to contrast transcriptomic signatures of disuse and RET, plus young and older RET to establish a consensus on the molecular features of, and therapeutic targets against, muscle atrophy in conditions of high socio‐economic relevance.

Methods

Integrated gene‐level and network‐level meta‐analysis was performed on publicly available microarray data sets generated from young (18–35 years)m. vastus lateralismuscle subjected to disuse (unilateral limb immobilization or bed rest) lasting ≥7 days or RET lasting ≥3 weeks, and resistance‐trained older (≥60 years) muscle.

Results

Disuse and RET displayed predominantly separate transcriptional responses, and transcripts altered across conditions were mostly unidirectional. However, disuse and RET induced directly inverted expression profiles for mitochondrial function and translation regulation genes, withCOX4I1,ENDOG,GOT2,MRPL12, andNDUFV2, the central hub components of altered mitochondrial networks, andZMYND11, a hub gene of altered translation regulation. A substantial number of genes (n = 140) up‐regulated post‐RET in younger muscle were not similarly up‐regulated in older muscle, with young muscle displaying a more pronounced extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune/inflammatory gene expression response. Both young and older muscle exhibited similar RET‐induced ubiquitination/RNA processing gene signatures with associatedPWP1,PSMB1, andRAF1hub genes.

Conclusions

Despite limited opposing gene profiles, transcriptional signatures of disuse are not simply the converse of RET. Thus, the mechanisms of unloading cannot be derived from studying muscle loading alone and provides a molecular basis for understanding why RET fails to target all transcriptional features of disuse. Loss of RET‐induced ECM mechanotransduction and inflammatory profiles might also contribute to suboptimal ageing muscle adaptations to RET. Disuse and age‐dependent molecular candidates further establish a framework for understanding and treating disuse/ageing atrophy.
Preliminary report on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Spike mutation T478K
Authors: Di Giacomo Simone , Mercatelli Daniele , Rakhimov Amir , Giorgi Federico M.
Published: May 2021

Several severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants have emerged, posing a renewed threat to coronavirus disease 2019 containment and to vaccine and drug efficacy. In this study, we analyzed more than 1,000,000 SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic sequences deposited up to April 27, 2021, on the GISAID public repository, and identified a novel T478K mutation located on the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein. The mutation is structurally located in the region of interaction with human receptor ACE2 and was detected in 11,435 distinct cases. We show that T478K has appeared and risen in frequency since January 2021, predominantly in Mexico and the United States, but we could also detect it in several European countries.