bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients on Root Canal Treatment
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Rajan Sawri , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Several determinants directly affect the Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of root canal treatment (RCT) patients like knowledge, attitude, perceptions, age, gender, marital status, smoking and pre-exposure history of RCT. This study determined the sociodemographic determinants of OHRQoLamong patients underwent RCT.

Methods: This cross-sectional study determiningthe OHRQoL of patients on RCTwas conducted among patients visiting various dental clinics. A self-administered and validated questionnaire comprising of four OHRQoL themes was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver. 22.0 was used to analyze the data.One-way ANOVA and independent t-test were used to determine the p-value.

Results: For each theme of the OHRQoL research tool, its association was statistically significant with at least one demographic determinant of the RCT patients. A total of 26.3% of the participantswere males and 73.7% were females.Among the RCT patients, 38.5% were single whereas 61.5% were married.

Conclusion: In conclusion, a moderately-good level of OHRQoL was observed among the patients on RCT.
Ghrelin ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–associated infllammation and autophagy
Authors: Song Beibei , Yan Xixin , Li Rongqin , Zhang Huiran
Published: May 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and devastating condition characterized by poor airflow and breath. Smoking and other environmental factors–caused inflammations triggered excessive autophagy of normal lung epithelial cells, eventually leading to impaired lung functions. Previous studies showed that ghrelin exhibited beneficial effects on patients with COPD. However, the mechanisms underlying this impact remained largely unknown. In this study, in vitro and in vivo models of COPD‐associated inflammation were established, and we found that inflammation and autophagy were abonormally activated through nuclear factor kappa b (NF‐κB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling pathways. Interestingly, ghrelin could inhibit the excessive inflammation pathways and autophagy induced by particle matter and/or cigarette extract in bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, NF‐κB and AP‐1 signaling were both inhibited while lung functions were significantly improved. Taken together, identification of downstream signaling of ghrelin in inflammation provided a new avenue in the treatment of COPD.
Developing a base‐editing system to expand the carbon source utilization spectra of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 for enhanced pollutant degradation
Authors: Cheng Lei , Min Di , He Ru‐Li , Cheng Zhou‐Hua , Liu Dong‐Feng , Yu Han‐Qing
Published: May 2020

Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, a model strain of exoelectrogenic bacteria (EEB), plays a key role in environmental bioremediation and bioelectrochemical systems because of its unique respiration capacity. However, only a narrow range of substrates can be utilized by S. oneidensis MR‐1 as carbon sources, resulting in its limited applications. In this study, a rapid, highly efficient, and easily manipulated base‐editing system pCBEso was developed by fusing a Cas9 nickase (Cas9n (D10A)) with the cytidine deaminase rAPOBEC1 in S. oneidensis MR‐1. The C‐to‐T conversion of suitable C within the base‐editing window could be readily and efficiently achieved by the pCBEso system without requiring double‐strand break or repair templates. Moreover, double‐locus simultaneous editing was successfully accomplished with an efficiency of 87.5%. With this tool, the key genes involving in N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) or glucose metabolism in S. oneidensis MR‐1 were identified. Furthermore, an engineered strain with expanded carbon source utilization spectra was constructed and exhibited a higher degradation rate for multiple organic pollutants (i.e., azo dyes and organoarsenic compounds) than the wild‐type when glucose or GlcNAc was used as the sole carbon source. Such a base‐editing system could be readily applied to other EEB. This study not only enhances the substrate utilization and pollutant degradation capacities of S. oneidensis MR‐1 but also accelerates the robust construction of engineered strains for environmental bioremediation.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis of expression and gene regulation network of COL12A1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Yibin , Xu Ye
Published: May 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is reported to be involved in tumorigenesis and progression. Collagen IIX is a major ECM protein. Abnormal COL12A1 expression is associated with carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC), but its clinical value and function have not yet been analyzed. Expression, methylation, and survival were analyzed by using Oncomine, UNCLA, and GEPIA, while COL12A1 alterations and related functional networks were identified using cBioPortal. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways（KEGG）of COL12A1 in CRC were explored using LinkOmics. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) examined target networks of kinases, miRNAs, and transcription factors. We found that COL12A1 was overexpressed in CRC and the COL12A1 gene was often amplified in CRC. Survival analysis revealed that patients with higher COL12A1 expression had a poor prognosis. Expression of COL12A1 was linked to functional networks via regulating pathways involving focal adhesion, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and ECM‐receptor interaction. Functional network analysis suggested that COL12A1 regulated integrin binding, collage binding, and extracellular matrix structural constituent via pathways involving some several cancer‐related kinases, miRNAs, and transcription factor. Furthermore, other FACITs genes (COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, and COL6A3) for ECM in correlation with COL12A1 were identified to be related with the prognosis in CRC. These results suggested that the distinct fibril‐associated collagens with interrupted triple helices (FACITs) genes may serve as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers of CRC in the future.
Crystallization and Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Performance of a Hydrogen‐Bonded Quaterthiophene
Authors: Gebers Jan , Özen Bilal , Hartmann Lucia , Schaer Michel , Suàrez Stéphane , Bugnon Philippe , Scopelliti Rosario , Steinrück Hans‐Georg , Konovalov Oleg , Magerl Andreas , Brinkmann Martin , Petraglia Riccardo , de Silva Piotr , Corminboeuf Clémence , Frauenrath Holger
Published: May 2020

Crystalline thin films of π‐conjugated molecules are relevant as the active layers in organic electronic devices. Therefore, materials with enhanced control over the supramolecular arrangement, crystallinity, and thin‐film morphology are desirable. Herein, it is reported that hydrogen‐bonded substituents serve as additional structure‐directing elements that positively affect crystallization, thin‐film morphology, and device performance of p‐type organic semiconductors. It is observed that a quaterthiophene diacetamide exhibits a denser packing than that of other quaterthiophenes in the single‐crystal structure and, as a result, displays enhanced intermolecular electronic interactions. This feature was preserved in crystalline thin films that exhibited a layer‐by‐layer morphology, with large domain sizes and high internal order. As a result, organic field‐effect transistors of these polycrystalline thin films showed mobilities in the range of the best mobility values reported for single‐crystalline quaterthiophenes. The use of hydrogen‐bonded groups may, thus, provide an avenue for organic semiconducting materials with improved morphology and performance.
Cross‐Linked Polymers as Scaffolds for the Low‐Temperature Preparation of Nanostructured Metal Oxides
Authors: Centomo Paolo , Zecca Marco , Biffis Andrea
Published: May 2020

The current state of the art of the use of cross‐linked organic polymers, both insoluble (resins or gels) and soluble (micro‐ and nanogels), as aids for the low‐temperature preparation of stable metal oxide nanoparticles or nanostructured metal oxides is reviewed herein. Synthetic strategies for inorganic oxide nanomaterials of this kind can greatly benefit from the use of cross‐linked polymers, which may act as scaffolds/exotemplates during inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, or as stabilizers following post‐synthetic modification of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the peculiar properties of the organic cross‐linked polymers add to those of the inorganic oxide nanoparticles, producing materials with combined properties. The potential applications of such highly promising composite nanomaterials will be also briefly sketched.
Intermittent ultrasound‐assisted ceramic membrane fouling control in ultrafiltration
Authors: Lee Kyu Min , Doan Huu , Ein‐Mozaffari Farhad
Published: May 2020

In this study, remediation of ceramic membrane fouling by an in‐line intermittent ultrasound system was investigated. A piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer was integrated into a membrane unit that provided ultrafiltration (UF) of a diluted skim milk solution containing 0.10 wt% of protein. The effects of ultrasound at varied frequencies (20, 28, and 40 kHz) and power intensities (1.44, 2.88, and 5.76 W/cm2) under continuous operation and intermittent mode at various intervals (0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 minutes) on membrane fouling were studied. The quality and flow rate of the permeate stream were monitored for the evaluation of the UF process performance. Optimal conditions of continuous ultrasound were found at 28 kHz and 2.88 W/cm2. Moreover, at optimal ultrasonic conditions, the optimal intermittent time was found at 0.50 minute. At optimal ultrasonic conditions, the permeate amount increased by 79.8% and 94.2% for 0.50 minute intermittent ultrasound and continuous ultrasound, respectively, as compared with that of the UF process without ultrasound. Also, intermittent ultrasound induced better fouling control at a lower protein concentration of 0.05% by weight. The cleaning effect of ultrasound could be attributed to the cavitation bubbles generated by the rarefaction and pressure cycles of the applied ultrasound.
Characterization of a cell bridge variant connecting the nodose and superior cervical ganglia in the mouse: Prevalence, anatomical features, and practical implications
Authors: Bookout Angie L. , Gautron Laurent
Published: May 2020

While autonomic ganglia have been extensively studied in rats instead of mice, there is renewed interest in the anatomy of the mouse autonomic nervous system. This study examined the prevalence and anatomical features of a cell bridge linking two autonomic ganglia of the neck, namely, the nodose ganglion (NG) and the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) in a cohort of C57BL/6J mice. We identified a cell bridge between the NG and the cranial pole of the SCG. This cell bridge was tubular shaped with an average length and width of 700 and 240 μm, respectively. The cell bridge was frequently unilateral and significantly more prevalent in the ganglionic masses from males (38%) than females (21%). On each of its extremities, it contained a mixed of vagal afferents and postganglionic sympathetic neurons. The two populations of neurons abruptly replaced each other in the middle of the cell bridge. We examined the mRNA expression for selected autonomic markers in samples of the NG with or without cell bridge. Our results indicated that the cell bridge was enriched in both markers of postganglionic sympathetic and vagal afferents neurons. Lastly, using FluoroGold microinjection into the NG, we found that the existence of a cell bridge may occasionally lead to the inadvertent contamination of the SCG. In summary, this study describes the anatomy of a cell bridge variant consisting of the fusion of the mouse NG and SCG. The practical implications of our observations are discussed with respect to studies of the mouse vagal afferents, an area of research of increasing popularity.
Sustainable Synthesis of Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Particles for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Monga Yukti , Kumar Pawan , Sharma Rakesh K. , Filip Jan , Varma Rajender S. , Zbořil Radek , Gawande Manoj B.
Published: May 2020

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) particles represent an important material for diverse environmental applications because of their exceptional electron‐donating properties, which can be exploited for applications such as reduction, catalysis, adsorption, and degradation of a broad range of pollutants. The synthesis and assembly of nZVI by using biological and natural sustainable resources is an attractive option for alleviating environmental contamination worldwide. In this Review, various green synthesis pathways for generating nZVI particles are summarized and compared with conventional chemical and physical methods. In addition to describing the latest environmentally benign methods for the synthesis of nZVI, their properties and interactions with diverse biomolecules are discussed, especially in the context of environmental remediation and catalysis. Future prospects in the field are also considered.
Probing the Li4Ti5O12 Interface Upon Lithium Uptake by Operando Small Angle Neutron Scattering
Authors: Jafta Charl J. , Bridges Craig A. , Bai Yaocai , Geng Linxiao , Thapaliya Bishnu P. , Meyer Harry M. , Essehli Rachid , Heller William T. , Belharouak Ilias
Published: May 2020

The formation of a solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the surface of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) has become a highly controversial topic, with arguments for it and against it. However, prior studies supporting the formation of an SEI layer have typically suggested that a layer forms upon cycling of a cell, although the layer is probed after disassembling. In this study, cubic mesostructured LTO is synthesized with crystallite domain sizes between 3 and 4 nm and uniform pores with diameters ≤8 nm. The mean pore size is controlled between 4–8 nm through the use of a triblock amphipathic copolymer with a tunable hydrophobic block as template and by thermal treatment. The LTO morphology obtained is spherical and evolves upon heat treatment. These materials show excellent electrochemical performance, including high rate capability and capacity retention. The LTO material is subjected to operando small‐angle neutron scattering and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments, which reveal that the highly debated SEI forms at potentials as high as 2.2 V, first as a LiF‐rich layer and subsequently by the growth of a carbonaceous layer. These SEI products form first on the smaller pores before forming on the mesopores.
Telmisartan as tentative angiotensin receptor blocker therapeutic for COVID‐19
Authors: Rothlin Rodolfo Pedro , Vetulli Héctor Miguel , Duarte Mariano , Pelorosso Facundo Germán
Published: May 2020

In late 2019, a new coronavirus emerged in Wuhan Province, China, causing lung complications similar to those produced by the SARS coronavirus in the 2002–2003 epidemic. This new disease was named COVID‐19 and the causative virus SARS‐CoV‐2. The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus enters the airway and binds, by means of the S protein on its surface to the membrane protein ACE2 in type 2 alveolar cells. The S protein‐ACE2 complex is internalized by endocytosis leading to a partial decrease or total loss of the enzymatic function ACE2 in the alveolar cells and in turn increasing the tissue concentration of pro‐inflammatory angiotensin II by decreasing its degradation and reducing the concentration of its physiological antagonist angiotensin 1–7. High levels of angiotensin II on the lung interstitium can promote apoptosis initiating an inflammatory process with release of proinflammatory cytokines, establishing a self‐powered cascade, leading eventually to ARDS. Recently, Gurwitz proposed the tentative use of agents such as losartan and telmisartan as alternative options for treating COVID‐19 patients prior to development of ARDS. In this commentary article, the authors make the case for the election of telmisartan as such alternative on the basis of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and present an open‐label randomized phase II clinical trial for the evaluation of telmisartan in COVID‐19 patients (NCT04355936).
Repeated fire altered succession and increased fire behavior in basin big sagebrush–native perennial grasslands
Authors: Ellsworth Lisa M. , Kauffman J. Boone , Reis Schyler A. , Sapsis David , Moseley Kendra
Published: May 2020

The structure and composition of sagebrush‐dominated ecosystems have been altered by changes in fire regimes, land use, invasive species, and climate change. This often decreases resilience to disturbance and degrades critical habitat for species of conservation concern. Basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) ecosystems, in particular, are greatly reduced in distribution as land has been converted to agriculture and other land uses. The fire regime, relative proportions of shrub and grassland patches, and the effects of repeated burns in this ecosystem are poorly understood. We quantified postfire patterns of vegetation accumulation and modeled potential fire behavior on sites that were burned and first measured in the late 1980s at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon, USA. The area partially reburned 11 yr after the initial fire, allowing a comparison of one vs. two fires. Repeated burns shifted composition from shrub‐dominated to prolonged native herbaceous dominance. Fifteen years following one fire, the native‐dominated herbaceous component was 44% and live shrubs were 39% of total aboveground biomass. Aboveground biomass of twice‐burned sites (2xB; burned 26 and 15 yr prior) was 71% herbaceous and 12% shrub. Twenty‐six years after fire, total aboveground biomass was 113–209% of preburn levels, suggesting a fire‐return interval of 15–25 yr. Frequency and density of Pseudoroegneria spicata and Festuca idahoensis were not modified by fire history, but Poa secunda was reduced by repeated fire, occurring in 84% of plots burned 26 yr prior, 72% of plots burned 15 yr prior, and 49% in 2xB plots. Nonnative annual Bromus tectorum occurred at a frequency of 74%, but at low density with no differences due to fire history. Altered vegetation structure modified fire behavior, with modeled rates of fire spread in 2xB sites double that of once‐burned sites. This suggests that these systems likely were historically composed of a mosaic of shrub and grassland. However, contemporary increases in fire frequency will likely create positive feedbacks of more intense fire behavior and prolonged periods of early‐successional vegetation in basin big sagebrush communities.
Familial screening in case of acute myocarditis reveals inherited arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathies
Authors: Piriou Nicolas , Marteau Lara , Kyndt Florence , Serfaty Jean Michel , Toquet Claire , Le Gloan Laurianne , Warin‐Fresse Karine , Guijarro Damien , Le Tourneau Thierry , Conan Emilie , Thollet Aurélie , Probst Vincent , Trochu Jean‐Noël
Published: May 2020

Aims

Several data suggest that acute myocarditis could be related to genetic variants involved in familial cardiomyopathies, particularly arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, but the management of patients with acute myocarditis and their families regarding their risk for having an associated inherited cardiomyopathy is unclear.

Methods and results

Families with at least one individual with a documented episode of acute myocarditis and at least one individual with a cardiomyopathy or a history of sudden death were included in the study. Comprehensive pedigree, including genetic testing, and history of these families were analysed. Six families were included. Genetic analysis revealed a variant in desmosomal proteins genes in all the probands [five in desmoplakin (DSP) gene and one in desmoglein 2 gene]. In the five families identified with a DSP variant, genetic testing was triggered by the association of an acute myocarditis with a single case of apparently isolated dilated cardiomyopathy or sudden death. Familial screening identified 28 DSP variant carriers; 39% had an arrhythmogenic left ventricular (LV) cardiomyopathy phenotype. Familial histories of sudden death were frequent, and a remarkable phenotype of isolated LV late gadolinium enhancement on contrast‐enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance without any other structural abnormality was found in 38% of asymptomatic mutation carriers. None of the DSP variant carriers had imaging characteristics of right ventricle involvement meeting current Task Force criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions

Comprehensive familial screening including genetic testing in case of acute myocarditis associated with a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden death revealed unknown or misdiagnosed arrhythmogenic variant carriers with left‐dominant phenotypes that frequently evade arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy Task Force criteria. In view of our results, acute myocarditis should be considered as an additional criterion for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and genetic testing should be advised in patients who experience acute myocarditis and have a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden death.
Synthesis of Functionalized High‐Oleic Soybean Oil Wax Coatings and Emulsions for Postharvest Treatment of Fresh Citrus Fruit
Authors: Leyva‐Gutierrez Francisco M. A. , Fei Tao , Wang Tong
Published: May 2020

High‐oleic soybean oil is chemically functionalized in order to mimic the structure and physical properties of hydrogenated castor oil (HCO). The resulting wax‐like material is evaluated for use as an alternative to other commercial wax coatings for the postharvest treatment of fresh citrus fruit. The racemic nature of the material inhibits ordered crystalline arrangement and negatively affects its relative crystallinity (17.7%), hardness (0.59 ± 0.04 mm−1), and melting profile (44–46 °C), with respect to HCO oil (37.7%, 5.33 ± 0.01 mm−1, 83–87 °C). Nevertheless, compounding the new material with carnauba wax (CAR) imparts a very attractive gloss and prevents moisture loss significantly better than polyethylene, shellac, and CAR‐based coatings. Compounding the hydroxy‐functionalized high‐oleic soybean wax may potentially reduce dependence on imported CAR and other ingredients used in citrus coating emulsion formulations.

Practical Applications: The soybean oil‐derived material described in this contribution provides two key performance characteristics desired by citrus growers and packing houses: an efficient barrier to moisture loss and an attractive shine. The synthesis of the hydroxy‐wax is facile and mild, and the materials can be readily formulated into emulsions as required for fruit coating applications. Use of the formulated coating can be extended to other agricultural commodities such as avocados, melons, and stone fruit.
Electrorotation of leaky‐dielectric and conducting microspheres in asymmetric electrolytes and angular velocity reversal
Authors: Miloh Touvia , Nagler Jacob
Published: May 2020

We consider the central problem of polarizable and leaky‐dielectric uncharged spherical particle freely suspended in an unbounded nonsymmetric binary electrolyte, which is forced by an ambient time‐harmonic uniform electric field. Under the assumption of a “weak field,” we employ the linearized standard electrokinetic model of binary electrolytes to account for such anion/cation asymmetry. A simplified generalized asymmetric dipole‐term approximation, valid for a dielectric/conducting microsphere, is analytically derived for an arbitrary Debye scale and for any mismatch between ion diffusivities and valances. A two‐peak unified dispersion spectrum covering all range of practical frequencies (KHz to MHz), is found for the case of a rotating electric field (ROT). The angular velocity of a free polarized particle is composed of dielectrophoretic contribution, resulting from the electrical torque (dipole term) as well as from the induced electroosmotic (ICEO) flow field. The two effects usually act in opposite directions. Under ROT excitation, we obtain a cofield rotation at high frequencies (MHz) and a counter‐field behavior at low frequencies (KHz). The low‐frequency dispersion is generally governed by electric double‐layer charging and the high frequency by a Maxwell–Wagner relaxation process. ICEO generally dominates the low‐frequency cofield response; however, it can be shown that depending on the electrolyte asymmetry, yet another dielectrophoretic related switching (reversal) point might exist. Furthermore, for large frequencies and depending on the complex permittivity ratio between the particle and electrolyte, we find a second switching point. Explicit expressions for the above two frequency reversal values are obtained in terms of the problem physical parameters and are compared against experimental results. Finally, we provide an analytical solution for the ROT ICEO velocity field of a microsphere as a function of electrolyte asymmetry and Debye length and compare it with numerical simulations.
White blood cell counting at point‐of‐care testing: A review
Authors: Luo Jianke , Chen Chunmei , Li Qing
Published: May 2020

White blood cells, which are also called leukocytes, are found in the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against infections and foreign invaders. Conventional methods of leukocyte analysis provide valuable and accurate information to medical specialists. Analyzing and diagnosing of a disease requires a combination of multiple biomarkers, in some cases, however, such as personal health care, this will occupy some medical resources and causes unnecessary consumption. Traditional method (such as flow cytometer) for WBC counting is time and labor consuming. Compared to gold standard (flow‐based fraction/micropore filtration) or improved filtration methods for WBC counting, this is still a lengthy and time consuming process and can lead to membrane fouling due to the rapid accumulation of biological materials. Therefore, the analysis of WBC counts requires more compact and efficient equipment. The microfluidic technologies, powered by different field (force, thermal, acoustic, optical, magnetic) and other methods for leukocyte counting and analysis, are much cost‐efficient and can be used in in‐home or in resource‐limited areas to achieve Point‐of‐Care (POC). In this review, we highlight the mainstream devices that have been commercialized and extensively employed for patients for WBC counting, Next, we present some recent development with regards to leucocyte counting (mainly microfluidic technologies) and comment on their relative merits. We aim to focus and discuss the possibility of achieving POC and help researchers to tackle individual challenges accordingly. Finally, we offer some technologies in addition to previous detection devices, such as image recognition technology and cloud computing, which we believe have great potential to further promote real‐time detection and improve medical diagnosis.
Longitudinal interference analysis of shale gas multi‐stage fracturing horizontal wells upon high‐precision pressure test
Authors: Gao Dapeng , Liu Yuewu , Pan Songqi , Wang Jue , Zhou Xinmao
Published: May 2020

Shale gas plays a crucial role in the national energy supply. However, fast pressure drop, production decline, and water resources pollution caused by well interference and fracture hits become more severe in multi‐layer mining shale gas fields. Such as, it is urgent to evaluate the interference of multi‐stage fracturing horizontal wells (MFHWs) between the upper and lower gas layers in Chinese Jiaoshiba shale gas field. Therefore, we put forward a comprehensive method to analyze the MFHW interference in this paper. The method contains bottom‐hole pressure response analysis (BHPRA) during neighboring well fracturing, BHPRA of well interference test, and production dynamic analysis. Our study indicates that longitudinal pressure interference exists between the Jiaoshiba upper and lower gas layers upon the apparent interference pressure response in a multi‐well test. However, MFHW interferences occur in the corresponding fracturing stages with shorter distance, and the interference strength is related to both well distance and fracturing scales. The Jiaoshiba upper gas layers can be developed to increase the gas production performance, but it is necessary to maintain a reasonable well spacing to avoid severe interference during the development.
A study of the mechanism of nonuniform production rate in shale gas based on nonradioactive gas tracer technology
Authors: Huang Shan , Li Wuguang , Wu Jianfa , Zhang Haijie , Luo Yuanping
Published: May 2020

The performance of horizontal wells in shale gas is controlled by multiple factors, and there is a difference in gas production rate between different fracturing stages. However, the mechanism of the nonuniform gas production rate is still not clear. In this paper, a typical shale gas well in the Longmaxi formation was selected to conduct the performance evaluation based on the nonradioactive gas tracer technology. The gas production profile was obtained, and the production feature of each stage was analyzed. On this basis, the production differences between fracturing stages were compared in four aspects: reservoir physical properties, distribution of natural fracture, parameters of fracturing operation, and technology of temporary plugging re‐orientation. The effect of various factors on the contribution of each stage was analyzed. And then, the mechanism of the nonuniform gas production rate was clarified. Finally, relevance analysis was performed to determine the main controlling factors, and a mathematical model for characterizing the nonuniform gas production rate feature was established by adopting the nonlinear regression method. This study provides a reliable basis for optimal fracturing designing and reasonable production planning.
Aucuba japonica extract inhibits retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy, with its bioactive components preventing VEGF‐induced retinal vascular hyperpermeability
Authors: Jung Eunsoo , Jung Woo Kwon , Park Su‐Bin , Kim Hyung Rae , Kim Junghyun
Published: May 2020

Neovascularization in the retina is common pathophysiology of diabetic retinal microvasculopathy and exudative macular degeneration. Our study assessed the inhibitory activity of an ethanol‐based extract of Aucuba japonica (AJE) on abnormal angiogenesis in the retina with a hyperoxia‐induced neovascular retinopathy model. The inhibitory effects of aucubin, quercetin, and kaempferol, bioactive compounds, from A. japonica, on retinal vascular hyperpermeability were also examined. On the 7th postnatal day (P7), the C57BL/6 pups were exposed to a hyperoxic environment with 75% oxygen to develop the experimental angiogenesis in retinas. On the 12th postnatal day (P12), the pups were then returned to the normal atmospheric pressure of oxygen. From P12 to P16, the administration was intraperitoneal. The dose per day was 250 mg per kg weight. Retinal neovascularization was measured with retinal flat mounts prepared on P17. We also measured the vascular leakage mediated by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinas. Mice treated with AJE had markedly smaller neovascular lesions, in comparison with vehicle‐administered mice. AJE downregulated the expression of both VEGF protein and mRNA. In addition, aucubin, quercetin, and kaempferol ameliorated VEGF‐induced retinal vascular leakage. The results of our study suggest that AJE is a potent antiangiogenic substance. AJE could also serve as a therapeutic agent for abnormal growth of vessels in the retina in patients with ischemic retinopathy. The bioactive compounds of AJE may be responsible for its antiangiogenic abilities.
Ethical surgical triage of patients with head and neck cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Civantos Francisco J. , Leibowitz Jason M. , Arnold David J. , Stubbs Vanessa C. , Gross Jennifer H. , Thomas Giovana R. , Sargi Zoukaa , Casiano Roy R. , Franzmann Elizabeth J. , Weed Donald , Perez Cesar , Samuels Michael , Goodman Kenneth W. , Goodwin W. Jarrard
Published: May 2020

Background

Coronavirus has serially overtaken our metropolitan hospitals. At peak, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome may outnumber mechanical ventilators. In our Miami Hospital System, COVID‐19 cases have multiplied for 4 weeks and elective surgery has been suspended.

Methods

An Otolaryngologic Triage Committee was created to appropriately allocate resources to patients. Hospital ethicists provided support. Our tumor conference screened patients for nonsurgical options. Patients were tested twice for coronavirus before performing urgent contaminated operations. N95 masks and protective equipment were conserved when possible. Patients with low‐grade cancers were advised to delay surgery, and other difficult decisions were made.

Results

Hundreds of surgeries were canceled. Sixty‐five cases screened over 3 weeks are tabulated. Physicians and patients expressed discomfort regarding perceived deviations from standards, but risk of COVID‐19 exposure tempered these discussions.

Conclusions

We describe the use of actively managed surgical triage to fairly balance our patient's health with public health concerns.
Long‐lasting efficacy and safety of lenalidomide maintenance in patients with relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma who are not eligible for or failed autologous transplantation
Authors: Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Sassone Marianna , Angelillo Piera , Zaja Francesco , Re Alessandro , Di Rocco Alice , Spina Michele , Fabbri Alberto , Stelitano Caterina , Frezzato Maurizio , Volpetti Stefano , Zambello Renato , Rusconi Chiara , De Lorenzo Daniela , Scarano Eloise , Arcari Annalisa , Bertoldero Giovanni , Nonis Alessandro , Calimeri Teresa , Perrone Salvatore , Cecchetti Caterina , Tarantino Vittoria , Steffanoni Sara , Foppoli Marco , Ciceri Fabio , Ponzoni Maurilio
Published: May 2020

We report final results of a phase II trial addressing efficacy and feasibility of lenalidomide maintenance in patients with chemosensitive relapse of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not eligible for or failed after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Patients with relapsed DLBCL who achieved at least a partial response to salvage chemoimmunotherapy were enrolled and treated with lenalidomide 25 mg/day for 21 of 28 days for 2 years or until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was 1‐year PFS. Forty‐six of 48 enrolled patients were assessable. Most patients had IPI ≥2, advanced stage and extranodal disease before the salvage treatment that led to trial registration; 28 (61%) patients were older than 70 years. Lenalidomide was well tolerated. With the exception of neutropenia, grade‐4 toxicities occurred in <1% of courses. Three patients died of complications during maintenance and three died due to second cancers at 32 to 64 months. There were 13 SAEs recorded in 12 patients; all these patients but two recovered. Lenalidomide was interrupted due to toxicity in other 6 patients, and 25 patients required dose reduction (transient in 21). At 1 year from registration, 31 patients were progression free. After a median follow‐up of 65 (range 39‐124) months, 22 patients remain progression free, with a 5‐year PFS of 48% ± 7%. The duration of response to lenalidomide was longer than response to prior treatment in 30 (65%) patients. Benefit was observed both in de novo and transformed DLBCL, germinal‐center‐B‐cell and nongerminal‐center‐B‐cell subtypes. Twenty‐six patients are alive (5‐year OS 62% ± 7%). With the limitations of a nonrandomized design, these long‐term results suggest that lenalidomide maintenance might bring benefit to patients with chemosensitive relapse of DLBCL not eligible for or failed after ASCT. Lenalidomide was associated with durable disease control and was well tolerated in this elderly population. Further investigations on immunomodulatory drugs as maintenance in these high‐risk patients are warranted.
Energy efficiency analysis of Drone Small Cells positioning based on reinforcement learning
Authors: dos Reis Ana Flávia , Brante Glauber , Parisotto Rafaela , Souza Richard D. , Klaine Paulo H. V. , Battistella João Pedro , Imran Muhammad A.
Published: May 2020

This work proposes an algorithm to optimize the positioning and the transmit power of Drone Small Cells (DSCs) based on Q‐learning, a technique where the agents learn to maximize a given reward. We consider two different rewards in this work, the first focusing on coverage, while the second maximizes the lifetime. Then, the Q‐learning solution determines the best positioning of the DSC in the 3D space, as well as the optimal transmit power. Results show that the optimization of the transmit power is of paramount importance to reduce the outage probability. In addition, we show that the second reward can considerably increase the network lifetime with a small penalty to the coverage.
Knockdown of NEAT1 exerts suppressive effects on diabetic retinopathy progression via inactivating TGF‐β1 and VEGF signaling pathways
Authors: Shao Kan , Xi Liuqing , Cang Zhen , Chen Cheng , Huang Shan
Published: May 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is complication resulted from Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Accumulating evidence has proved the functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of DR. Recent reports exert the numerous regulatory functions of lncRNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in various diseases. However, its implications in DR remain barely known. Therefore, this study was carried out to explore the role of NEAT1 in high‐glucose (HG)‐triggered injury of human retinal endothelial cells (hRECs). Here, we found the NEAT1 level was significantly elevated in patients with DR, in the retina of diabetic rats and mice. Meanwhile, hRECs under HG stimuli also exhibited an increase of NEAT1. Moreover, the loss of NEAT1 enhanced hRECs proliferation and repressed HG‐induced apoptosis, which was accompanied by an upregulation of Bcl‐2 and a downregulation of Bax. Subsequently, the knockdown of NEAT1 obviously reduced HG‐triggered oxidative stress injury in hRECs. It was reflected that intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde level induced by HG were repressed by NEAT1 downregulation, while superoxide dismutase activity was increased. In addition, decreased NEAT1 repressed the inflammatory processes effectively as indicated by the inactivation of inflammatory cytokines Cox‐2, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) expression in patients with DR, DR rats, and HG‐incubated hRECs was obviously increased. The silence of NEAT1 could reduce the enhanced expression of VEGF and TGF‐β1 induced by HG. Hence, we concluded NEAT1 might contribute to the development of DR through activating TGF‐β1 and VEGF.
Addendum to Killeen's (2019) Bidding for Delayed Rewards
Authors: Killeen Peter R.
Published: May 2020

Killeen (2019) portrayed an intimate relation between diverse economic indices, in particular compensation functions, discount functions, and demand functions. The article bemused some experts, however, by its counterintuitive prediction of an increase in the amount bid as the delay increased. Furthermore, the article failed to provide an explicit treatment of the small–soon versus large–late choice paradigm, to cite several papers that provided precedent for the current work, and to demonstrate the adequacy of his expenditure functions for data on purchasing decisions. These shortcomings are remedied in the current note, and some additional extensions offered.
Genetic testing costs and compliance with clinical best practices
Authors: Montanez Kathleen , Berninger Taylor , Willis Mary , Harding Aaron , Lutgendorf Monica A.
Published: May 2020

We sought to determine the costs of genetic testing and compliance with published guidelines and clinical best practices at our institution. A cost analysis was performed comparing the costs of ordered tests to the cost of the recommended testing. This was an approved quality improvement project at a tertiary teaching hospital in California. We identified charts associated with the genetic testing billing codes for common genetic tests through our contracted laboratory (cystic fibrosis genotyping, Breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA 1&2), Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin gene pathogenic variant, alpha‐thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and cell‐free fetal DNA). Charts were reviewed retrospectively by a licensed, certified genetic counselor to assess the compliance with published clinical practice guidelines identified on GeneReviews and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Tests were classified as: appropriate, misordered/not indicated, misordered/false reassurance, and misordered/inadequate. We performed a cost analysis for the recommended test changes. We reviewed 114 charts over a three‐month period. Forty‐four (38.6%) of the tests were misordered based on published clinical practice guidelines: 24 (21%) were misordered/not indicated, 8 (7%) were misordered/false reassurance, and 12 (10.5%) were misordered/inadequate. Costs of ordered testing ($75,177) were compared to recommended testing after review ($54,265), with a total cost savings of $20,912. In clinical practice, over one‐third of genetic tests reviewed were misordered. As these tests are a small fraction of all genetic tests at our institution, future studies should broaden the scope of testing evaluated to understand the magnitude of this problem and potential cost savings. Genetic counselor review and involvement in genetic test ordering can decrease inappropriate healthcare expenditures and improve patient care.
Endothelial cell aging detection by means of atomic force spectroscopy
Authors: Kolodziejczyk Agnieszka M. , Kucinska Magdalena , Jakubowska Aleksandra , Sokolowska Paulina , Rosowski Marcin , Tkacz‐Szczesna Beata , Komorowski Piotr , Makowski Krzysztof , Walkowiak Bogdan
Published: May 2020

Endothelial cell aging is related to changes not only in cell phenotype, such as luminal changes, intimal and medial thickening, and increased vascular stiffness, but encompasses different cell responses to various substances including drugs or nanomaterials. In the present work, time‐ and dose‐dependent elasticity changes evoked by silver nanoparticles in endothelial cells in early (below 15) passages were analyzed. Silver nanoparticle concentrations of 3, 3.6, and 16 μg/mL were selected for elasticity measurements for long incubation (24 hours) and of 1 and 3 μg/mL for monitoring dynamic elasticity changes of 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐hour incubations. Surprisingly, a significant reduction in the cells elasticity modulus at lower number of passages exposed to silver nanoparticles used at 3 μg/mL for 24 hours was demonstrated. These results are in contrast to those obtained for endothelial cells in late (33‐43) passages that may result from cellular aging in response to nanosilver. Furthermore, for short incubation times (1 and 3 hours), SNP‐induced significant increase in the cell elasticity modulus was detected. In current work, we also attempted to answer the question whether the changes in cell elasticity were induced by the silver nanoparticles stabilized with polyvinyl pyrrolidone or by stabilizer itself. Elasticity measurements were supplemented by observations made with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles inside the cells and on the cell membrane. Additionally, activation of reactive oxygen species was detected for cells exposed to SNPs for 1 and 3 hours, which was accompanied by increased cell elasticity modulus suggesting a possible mechanism of observed phenomenon.
Mathematical modeling of interaction between innate and adaptive immune responses in COVID‐19 and implications for viral pathogenesis
Authors: Du Sean Quan , Yuan Weiming
Published: May 2020

We have applied mathematical modeling to investigate the infections of the ongoing coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. We first validated our model using the well‐studied influenza viruses and then compared the pathogenesis processes between the two viruses. The interaction between host innate and adaptive immune responses was found to be a potential cause for the higher severity and mortality in COVID‐19 patients. Specifically, the timing mismatch between the two immune responses has a major impact on disease progression. The adaptive immune response of the COVID‐19 patients is more likely to come before the peak of viral load, while the opposite is true for influenza patients. This difference in timing causes delayed depletion of vulnerable epithelial cells in the lungs in COVID‐19 patients while enhancing viral clearance in influenza patients. Stronger adaptive immunity in COVID‐19 patients can potentially lead to longer recovery time and more severe secondary complications. Based on our analysis, delaying the onset of adaptive immune responses during the early phase of infections may be a potential treatment option for high‐risk COVID‐19 patients. Suppressing the adaptive immune response temporarily and avoiding its interference with the innate immune response may allow the innate immunity to more efficiently clear the virus.
Characterization of chickpea genotypes of Pakistani origin for genetic diversity and zinc grain biofortification
Authors: Ullah Aman , Al‐Sadi Abdullah M , Al‐Subhi Ali M , Farooq Muhammad
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Intake of food low in essential minerals, like zinc (Zn), is one of the major reasons of malnutrition. Development of genotypes with grains enriched in essential minerals may help to solve the issue of malnutrition. In this study, 16 chickpea genotypes (eight each of desi and kabuli types) of Pakistani origin were evaluated for genetic diversity and grain Zn biofortification potential with and without Zn fertilization.

RESULTS

A wide variation was noted for agronomic, physiological, agro‐physiological, utilization, and apparent recovery efficiencies of Zn in the chickpea genotypes tested. Genotypes also differed for grain Zn concentration (37.5–48.6 mg kg−1), bioavailable Zn (3.72–4.42 mg day−1), and grain yield. The highest grain Zn concentration and bioavailable Zn were noted in genotypes NIAB‐CH‐2016 (47.1 mg kg−1 and 4.30 mg day−1 respectively) and Noor‐2013 (48.6 mg kg−1 and 4.38 mg day−1 respectively) among the desi and kabuli types respectively. The same genotypes were the highest yielders. Cluster analysis showed that all (eight) kabuli genotypes grouped together, whereas most (six) of the desi genotypes clustered in a separate group. There was low to moderate genetic diversity (0.149 for desi and 0.104 for kabuli types) and a low level of genetic differentiation between the two chickpea types (0.098).

CONCLUSION

Two populations of chickpea had low to moderate genetic diversity, with consistent gene flow. This genetic diversity in both chickpea types allows the breeding gains for improving the grain yield and grain Zn biofortification potential of chickpea genotypes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry