bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of clinical frailty scale and outcomes in older patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Ajibawo Temitope , Chauhan Priyank , Gopalan Radha S. , Agarwal Nimit K.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Heart failure impacts patients’ functional capabilities, ultimately leading to frailty. The use of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is acceptable as both destination therapy and bridge to transplant in heart failure management. We aim to evaluate the prognostic value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) on outcomes in older patients undergoing implantation of LVAD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients ≥ 60 years old that underwent LVAD implantation at our medical center from May 1, 2018, to October 30, 2020. CFS was retrospectively assigned before LVAD placement and CFS scores > 4 was considered frail. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression were used to analyze 1‐year survival estimates.

Results

Forty percent of the cohort was classified as frail according to CFS. Thirty‐day re‐admission rates were comparable between frail and non‐frail patients (46% vs 35%; P = 0.419). 1‐year survival was lower in the frail vs non‐frail group (log rank, P = 0.017). On Cox analysis, only frailty was associated with 1‐year post‐intervention mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.131–28.212; P = 0.035).

Conclusions

CFS‐defined frailty was associated with increased risk of 1‐year mortality after LVAD implantation. CFS may be a valuable tool in the frailty assessment for risk stratification of patients undergoing LVAD implantation. Multicenter studies are required to validate these findings.
Fetal skeletal dysplasia cohort of a single tertiary referral center in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Kalayci Tugba , Altunoglu Umut , Çorbacioglu Esmer Aytul , Avcı Şahin , Sarac Sivrikoz Tugba , Karaman Birsen , Kalelioğlu İbrahim , Has Recep , Uyguner Zehra Oya , Yüksel Atıl , Başaran Seher , Kayserili Hülya
Published: November 2022

We report on 314 fetal cases from 297 unrelated families with skeletal dysplasia evaluated in the postmortem period from 2000 to 2017 at a single clinical genetics center in İstanbul, Turkey. The definite diagnostic yield was 40% during the prenatal period, while it reached 74.5% when combined with postmortem clinical and radiological evaluation. Molecular analyses were performed in 25.5% (n: 76) of families, and 21 novel variants were identified. Classification according to International Skeletal Dysplasia Society‐2019 revision revealed limb hypoplasia‐reduction defects group (39) as the leading one, 24.5%, then followed by FGFR3 chondrodysplasias, osteogenesis imperfecta, and decreased mineralization and polydactyly‐syndactyly‐triphalangism groups 13.6, 11.1, and 8.9%, respectively. The inheritance pattern was autosomal recessive in 54% and autosomal dominant in 42.6% of index cases. The overall consanguinity rate of the cohort was 33%. The high prevalence of ultrarare diseases along with two or more unrelated autosomal recessive entities running in the same family was noteworthy. This study highlights the pivotal role of postmortem evaluation by an experienced clinical geneticist to achieve a high diagnostic yield in fetal skeletal dysplasia cohorts. The cohort is not only a representation of the spectrum of skeletal dysplasias in a population with a high consanguinity rate but also provides an ideal research group to work on to identify the unknowns of early fetal life.
Baseline characterization of the ARMADA (Assessing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer's Disease) study cohorts
Authors: Karpouzian‐Rogers Tatiana , Ho Emily , Novack Miriam , Chinkers Miriam , Bedjeti Katy , Nowinski Cindy , Giordani Bruno , Gershon Richard , Weintraub Sandra
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox (NIHTB) provides computerized measures of cognition, emotion, sensation, and motor abilities across the lifespan. The ARMADA (Assessing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Aging) study validated the NIHTB in individuals across the cognitive aging spectrum. This article reports the characteristics of our sample of participants.

Methods

Participants were recruited across nine sites and classified clinically as cognitively normal (NC), with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT.) They completed the NIHTB at multiple time points and many had at least one Alzheimer's biomarker previously obtained.

Results

Groups differed with respect to dementia severity levels, as anticipated, but were well‐matched across many demographic characteristics.

Discussion

The ARMADA study demographics and baseline characteristics provide a suitable sample for validating the NIHTB across the cognitive aging spectrum. Other enriched samples (African American participants, Spanish NIHTB, 85+ years of age) will be reported elsewhere.

Highlights

There is a need for assessments that can detect the early stages of cognitive decline in older adults.

The ARMADA (Assessing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Aging) study will validate the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox across the aging spectrum, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT).

Here we report the characteristics of participants.

Groups were well‐matched across most demographic characteristics, and clinical characteristics differed as expected.

ARMADA study cohorts reflect their respective clinical syndromes for validating the NIH Toolbox.
Herpes simplex virus alters Alzheimer's disease biomarkers ‐ A hypothesis paper
Authors: Goldhardt Oliver , Freiberger Robert , Dreyer Tobias , Willner Luisa , Yakushev Igor , Ortner Marion , Förstl Hans , Diehl‐Schmid Janine , Milz Esther , Priller Josef , Ramirez Alfredo , Magdolen Viktor , Thaler Markus , Grimmer Timo
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is discussed to induce amyloid‐β (Aβ) accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in cell culture and animal models. Aβ appears to be virostatic. We investigated the association between intrathecal antibodies against HSV or cytomegalovirus (CMV) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers.

Methods

Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, pTau, and tTau were measured in CSF of 117 patients with early AD positive for amyloid pathology (A+) and 30 healthy controls (A‐). CSF‐to‐serum anti‐HSV1/2‐IgG antibody indices (AI‐IgGHSV1/2) and CMV (AI‐IgGCMV) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Exclusively in HSV1‐seropositive AD, pTau was positively and significantly predicted by AI‐IgGHSV1/2 and negatively by the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Furthermore, a significant and negative interaction between the AI‐IgGHSV1/2 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio on pTau was found.

Discussion

The results support the hypothesis that HSV infection contributes to AD.

Highlights

HSV antibody index is positively associated with tau pathology in patients with AD.

HSV antibody index is negatively associated with cerebral FDG metabolism.

Amyloid modulates the association of HSV antibody index with CSF‐pTau.

HSV in AD offers a pathophysiological model connecting tau and amyloid.
Blood levels of MCP‐1 modulate the genetic risks of Alzheimer's disease mediated by HLA‐DRB1 and APOE for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Huang Jinghan , Stein Thor D. , Wang Yixuan , Ang Ting Fang Alvin , Tao Qiushan , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Massaro Joseph , Akhter‐Khan Samia C. , Mez Jesse , Au Rhoda , Farrer Lindsay A. , Zhang Xiaoling , Qiu Wei Qiao ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2022

Introduction

C‐Reactive protein (CRP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) are both implicated in the peripheral proinflammatory cascade and blood‒brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Since the blood CRP level increases Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk depending on the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, we hypothesized that the blood MCP‐1 level exerts different effects on the AD risk depending on the genotypes.

Methods

Using multiple regression analyses, data from the Framingham Heart Study (n = 2884) and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study (n = 231) were analyzed.

Results

An elevated blood MCP‐1 level was associated with AD risk in major histocompatibility complex, Class II, DR beta 1 (HLA‐DRB1) rs9271192‐AC/CC (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50–6.28, p = 0.002) and in APOE ε4 carriers (HR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.59–6.53, p = 0.001). In contrast, among HLA‐DRB1 rs9271192‐AA and APOE ε4 noncarriers, blood MCP‐1 levels were not associated with these phenotypes.

Discussion

Since HLA‐DRB1 and APOE are expressed in the BBB, blood MCP‐1 released in the peripheral inflammatory cascade may function as a mediator of the effects of HLA‐DRB1 rs9271192‐AC/CC and APOE ε4 genotypes on AD pathogenesis in the brain via the BBB pathways.
Aufwärtskonversion von blauem Licht zu UVB‐Strahlung, Lösungsmittelsensibilisierung und anspruchsvolle Bindungsaktivierungen durch einen Benzol‐Annihilator
Authors: Zähringer Till J. B. , Moghtader Julian A. , Bertrams Maria‐Sophie , Roy Bibhisan , Uji Masanori , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kerzig Christoph
Published: November 2022

Viele energetisch anspruchsvolle Photoreaktionen benötigen schädliches UV‐Licht aus ineffizienten Lichtquellen. Die Umwandlung von niederenergetischem sichtbarem Licht in hochenergetische Singulett‐Zustände über die Aufwärtskonversion durch Triplett‐Triplett‐Annihilierung (TTA‐UC) könnte eine Lösung bieten, um solche Reaktionen unter milden Bedingungen durchzuführen. Wir präsentieren den ersten Annihilator mit einem Emissionsmaximum im UVB‐Bereich, der in Kombination mit einem organischen Sensibilisator für die Aufwärtskonversion von blauem Licht zu UVB geeignet ist. Der angeregte Singulett‐Zustand des Annihilators wurde erfolgreich als Energiedonor in einer nachgelagerten FRET‐Aktivierung von aliphatischen Carbonylen eingesetzt. Die bislang weitestgehend unbekannte UC‐FRET‐Reaktionssequenz wurde mittels Laserspektroskopie direkt untersucht und in mechanistischen Bestrahlungsexperimenten eingesetzt, um die Machbarkeit von anspruchsvoller Norrish‐Chemie zu demonstrieren. Unsere Ergebnisse liefern eindeutige Beweise für eine neuartige durch blaues Licht angetriebene Aktivierungsstrategie von Substrat‐ oder Lösungsmittelmolekülen, die im Zusammenhang mit der Entwicklung von nachhaltigen Systemen zur Umwandlung von Licht in chemische Energie von hoher Relevanz ist.
Reactable versus soluble DOPO derivatives in poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composites: Flame retardance, mechanical properties and morphology
Authors: Long Lijuan , Xu Wenjing , Xu Tao , Xu Guomin , Xiang Yushu , Shan Chunyan , He Min , Qin Shuhao , Yu Jie
Published: November 2022

Flame retardant poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐ terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) composites containing 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐ phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) derivatives (phosphorus‐containing diol compound of DOPO‐HQ, and bis DOPO phosphonates of DIDOPO) were systematically and comparatively investigated. Results showed that the different structures of the two derivatives with reactable or soluble characteristics display different effects. DIDOPO endows a higher limiting oxygen index and a better UL‐94 rating for PLA/PBAT composites compared with DOPO‐HQ. Compared with that of PLA/PBAT, the peak heat release rate of PLA/PBAT/DIDOPO‐12.5 is 8.4% lower and that of PLA/PBAT/DOPO‐HQ‐12.5 is 30.6% lower. The flame retardant mechanism of the main gaseous and minor condensed phases is evident for the flame retardant PLA/PBAT composites. In comparison, DIDOPO displays a greater flame inhibition effect, and DOPO‐HQ shows better barrier and protective functions in PLA/PBAT composites. Besides, the elongation at break of the composites with DOPO‐HQ is slightly superior to that of PLA/PBAT/DIDOPO. After the introduction of flame retardant, the blends show dispersed particles with size reduction relative to those of PLA/PBAT. This work provides a guidance to design PLA composites with simultaneously improved flame retardancy and toughness.
Thermo‐mechanical recycling of climbing ropes: A case study on a closed loop process for PA6
Authors: du Maire Philippe , Deckert Matthias , Johlitz Michael , Öchsner Andreas
Published: November 2022

Global warming has increasingly drastic consequences, especially in the Alps but also in the rest of the world. To reduce greenhouse gases, widespread recycling of plastic waste is becoming an essential necessity. This research investigates a possible recycling process for old climbing ropes made out of polyamide 6. Old climbing ropes were collected and processed with a twin screw extruder to fabricate recycled granulate. Investigating different shredding techniques showed that pretreatment with liquid nitrogen or water and liquid nitrogen are proven to be insufficient. A good shredding was achieved using a shredding‐granulator. Tensile test specimens had been fabricated out of the recycled granulate using an injection moulding process. The tensile tests showed a sufficient material quality and higher tensile strength than the virgin polyamide 6 used for the comparison. Tensile strength and Young's modulus increased, whereas the elongation at break decreased. A previous cleaning of the old ropes showed slightly better material properties of the recycled granulate.
Novel 2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy and benzyloxy diaryl urea hybrids as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation
Authors: Ghannam Iman A. Y. , El Kerdawy Ahmed M. , Mounier Marwa M. , Abo‐elfadl Mahmoud T. , Ali Islam H.
Published: November 2022

Two series of diaryl urea derivatives, 6a–k and 7a–n, were synthesized. All the newly synthesized compounds were tested against the NCI (US) cancer cell lines via SRB assay. The p‐chloro‐m‐trifluoromethyl phenyl derivatives 6e–g and 7e–g showed the most potent cytotoxic activity with a GI50 value range of 1.2–15.9 µM. Furthermore, the p‐fluorobenzyloxy diaryl urea derivative 7g revealed the most potent cytotoxicity against eight cancer cell lines in the MTT assay with IC50 values below 5 µM. Compounds 6a–k and 7a–n were tested for their vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) kinase inhibitory activities. The p‐chloro‐m‐trifluoromethyl diaryl urea benzyloxy derivatives 7e–i and the p‐methoxydiaryl urea benzyloxy derivatives 7k, 7l, and 7n were found to be the most active compounds as VEGFR‐2 inhibitors in the benzyloxy series 7, with an IC50 range of 0.09–4.15 µM. In the 2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethoxy series 6, compounds 6e–g and 6i were reported with IC50 values of 0.94, 0.54, 2.71, and 4.81 µM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 7e and 7g induced apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. In addition, 7g showed an antimigratory effect in A‐375 cells and inhibited the VEGFR‐2 expression in an immunohistofluorescence study. Molecular docking simulations on VEGFR‐2 as well as ADME properties prediction were also performed.
Factors associated with nonsyndromic anotia and microtia, Texas, 1999–2014
Authors: Schraw Jeremy M. , Woodhouse J. P. , Benjamin Renata H. , Shumate Charles J. , Nguyen Joanne , Canfield Mark A. , Agopian A. J. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Few risk factors have been identified for nonsyndromic anotia/microtia (A/M).

Methods

We obtained data on cases and a reference population of all livebirths in Texas for 1999–2014 from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) and Texas vital records. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for A/M (any, isolated, nonisolated, unilateral, and bilateral) using Poisson regression. We evaluated trends in prevalence rates using Joinpoint regression.

Results

We identified 1,322 cases, of whom 982 (74.3%) had isolated and 1,175 (88.9%) had unilateral A/M. Prevalence was increased among males (PR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2–1.4), offspring of women with less than high school education (PR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5), diabetes (PR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.6–2.4), or age 30–39 versus 20–29 years (PR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3). The prevalence was decreased among offspring of non‐Hispanic Black versus White women (PR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.8) but increased among offspring of Hispanic women (PR: 2.9, 95% CI: 2.5–3.4) and non‐Hispanic women of other races (PR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.3). We observed similar results among cases with isolated and unilateral A/M. Sex disparities were not evident for nonisolated or bilateral phenotypes, nor did birth prevalence differ between offspring of non‐Hispanic Black and non‐Hispanic White women. Maternal diabetes was more strongly associated with nonisolated (PR: 4.5, 95% CI: 3.2–6.4) and bilateral A/M (PR: 5.0, 95% CI: 3.3–7.7). Crude prevalence rates increased throughout the study period (annual percent change: 1.82).

Conclusion

We identified differences in the prevalence of nonsyndromic A/M by maternal race/ethnicity, education, and age, which may be indicators of unidentified social/environmental risk factors.
A population‐based study of factors associated with systemic treatment in advanced prostate cancer decedents
Authors: Leigh Jennifer , Qureshi Danial , Sucha Ewa , Mahdavi Roshanak , Kushnir Igal , Lavallée Luke T. , Bosse Dominick , Webber Colleen , Tanuseputro Peter , Ong Michael
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Life‐prolonging therapies (LPTs) are rapidly evolving for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, although factors associated with real‐world uptake are not well characterized.

Methods

In this cohort of prostate‐cancer decedents, we analyzed factors associated with LPT access. Population‐level databases from Ontario, Canada identified patients 65 years or older with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy and who died of prostate cancer between 2013 and 2017. Univariate and multivariable analyses assessed the association between baseline characteristics and receipt of LPT in the 2 years prior to death.

Results

Of 3575 patients who died of prostate cancer, 40.4% (n = 1443) received LPT, which comprised abiraterone (66.3%), docetaxel (50.3%), enzalutamide (17.2%), radium‐223 (10.0%), and/or cabazitaxel (3.5%). Use of LPT increased by year of death (2013: 22.7%, 2014: 31.8%, 2015: 41.8%, 2016: 49.1%, and 2017: 57.9%, p < 0.0001), driven by uptake of all agents except docetaxel. Adjusted odds of use were higher for patients seen at Regional Cancer Centers (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5–2.1) and who received prior prostate‐directed therapy (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5), but lower with advanced age (≥85: OR: 0.54, 95% CI:0.39–0.75), increased chronic conditions (≥6: OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43–0.92), and long‐term care residency (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17–0.89). Income, stage at presentation, and distance to the cancer center were not associated with LPT uptake.

Conclusion

In this cohort of prostate cancer‐decedents, real‐world uptake of novel prostate cancer therapies occurred at substantially higher rates for patients receiving care at Regional Cancer Centers, reinforcing the potential benefits for treatment access for patients referred to specialist centers.
Healthcare professionals' perceived barriers and facilitators of health behavior support provision: A qualitative study
Authors: Bouwman Eline , Pluijm Saskia M. F. , Stollman Iridi , Araujo‐Soares Vera , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , Follin Cecilia , Falck Winther Jeanette , Hjorth Lars , Kepak Tomas , Kepakova Katerina , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Muraca Monica , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Schneider Carina , Uyttebroeck Anne , Vercruysse Gertrui , Skinner Roderick , Brown Morven C. , Hermens Rosella P. M. G. , Loonen Jacqueline J. ,   the PanCareFollowUp Consortium
Published: November 2022

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) have an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions. Evidence suggests that poor health behaviors further increase health risks. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in survivorship care have a key role in providing health behavior support (HBS) but can feel limited in their ability to do so. This study aims to explore European HCPs perceived facilitators and barriers to providing HBS to CCSs.

Methods

Five focus groups with 30 HCPs from survivorship care clinics across Europe were conducted. Topic guides were informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to capture domains that may influence provision of HBS. Focus groups were analyzed with thematic analysis. Transcripts were inductively coded, after which axial coding was applied to organize codes into categories. Finally, categories were mapped onto the TDF domains.

Results

Nine TDF domains were identified in the data. The most commonly reported TDF domains were “Knowledge”, “Skills”, and “Environmental context and resources”. HCPs indicated that their lack of knowledge of the association between late effects and health behaviors, besides time restrictions, were barriers to HBS. Facilitators for HBS included possession of skills needed to pass on health behavior information, good clinic organization, and an established network of HCPs.

Conclusions

This study identified education and training of HCPs as key opportunities to improve HBS. Survivorship care clinics should work towards establishing well‐integrated structured care with internal and external networks including HBS being part of routine care. Proper understanding of facilitators and barriers should lead to better survivorship care for CCSs.
Oral focal mucinosis in an adolescent: A rare entity
Authors: Tonkaboni Arghavan , Hafezi Motlagh Kimia , Derakhshan Samira
Published: November 2022

Oral focal mucinosis (OFM) is an extremely rare benign lesion of the oral cavity with unknown etiology, considered the oral counterpart of cutaneous focal mucinosis. It occurs mainly in women in the fourth and fifth decades of life. It has no characteristic features, and diagnosis depends on histological evaluation. Its pathogenesis is related to the excessive production of hyaluronic acid by fibroblasts during collagen production, which leads to focal myxoid degeneration. To date, ten documented cases have been reported in the literature in adolescents. This paper reports a rare case of OFM with a narrative review of the available literature.
lrSVD: An efficient imputation algorithm for incomplete high‐throughput compositional data
Authors: Palarea‐Albaladejo Javier , Antoni Martín‐Fernández Josep , Ruiz‐Gazen Anne , Thomas‐Agnan Christine
Published: November 2022

Compositional methods have been successfully integrated into the chemometric toolkit to analyse and model different types of data generated by modern high‐throughput technologies. Within this compositional framework, the focus is put on the relative information conveyed in the data by using log‐ratio coordinate representations. However, log‐ratios cannot be computed when the data matrix is not complete. A new computationally efficient data imputation algorithm based on compositional principles and aimed at high‐throughput continuous‐valued compositions is introduced that relies on a constrained low‐rank matrix approximation of the data. Simulation and real metabolomics data are used to demonstrate its performance and ability to deal with different forms of incomplete data: zeros, nondetects, missing values or a combination of them. The computer routines lrSVD and lrSVDplus are implemented in the R package zCompositions to facilitate its use by practitioners.
An Extremely Stable Interprotein Tetrahedral Hg(Cys)4 Core Forms in the Zinc Hook Domain of Rad50 Protein at Physiological pH
Authors: Łuczkowski Marek , Padjasek Michał , Ba Tran Józef , Hemmingsen Lars , Kerber Olga , Habjanič Jelena , Freisinger Eva , Krężel Artur
Published: November 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Artur Krężel at the University of Wrocław in collaboration with Lars Hemmingsen at The University of Copenhagen and Eva Freisinger at the University of Zürich. The image depicts the outcomes of HgII interactions with Rad50 protein. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202202738.
Simultaneous Optimization of Process Design and Solvent in a Flowsheet Simulator
Authors: Stavrou Marina , Hoeller Johannes , Seidel Tobias , Mairhofer Jonas , Asprion Norbert
Published: November 2022

For processes using auxiliaries, the selection of the process fluid should not be separated from the process design. To solve the simultaneous process and fluid optimization problem for industrial applications, a flowsheet simulator is required. The implementation of the two‐stage CoMT‐CAMD approach in CHEMASIM, the in‐house flowsheet simulator of BASF SE, allows for large process topologies with a large variety of unit operation models to be modeled, while sustainability criteria like cost and life cycle assessment (LCA) objectives, are directly accessible and can be solved with single or multicriteria optimization methods. The modifications required for the implementation and the user interface designed for this purpose are presented here.
Comparative Effectiveness of Ticagrelor, Prasugrel, and Clopidogrel for Secondary Prophylaxis in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Propensity Score‐Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Kumar Arun , Lutsey Pamela L. , St Peter Wendy L. , Schommer Jon C. , Van't Hof Jeremy R. , Rajpurohit Abhijeet , Farley Joel F.
Published: November 2022

Comparative effectiveness evaluation of newer P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel and ticagrelor) compared with clopidogrel after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is limited in real‐world US populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular events based on ticagrelor, prasugrel, and clopidogrel use in a real‐world patient setting. This retrospective cohort study used the IBM MarketScan database (January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018) to create three propensity score‐matched pairs: ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel (N = 21,719), prasugrel vs. clopidogrel (N = 11,513), and prasugrel vs. ticagrelor (N = 11,065). The primary outcome was a composite of myocardial ischemia, unstable angina, stroke, and heart failure hospitalization. These groups were compared in a time‐to‐event analysis for the primary outcome at 30, 90, and 180 days following P2Y12 inhibitors initiation after percutaneous coronary intervention. Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor use suggested a 10% reduction in the primary outcome at 90 days (hazard ratio (HR): 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.99). There were no differences for all other matched pairs or follow‐up combinations. In the subgroup analysis of females, the results suggested a risk reduction of 27% for prasugrel at 30 days (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53–1.00) and 17% for ticagrelor at 90 days (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.98) when compared with clopidogrel. Among patients treated with bare‐metal stents, the results suggested that prasugrel vs. ticagrelor was associated with a 55% and 33% reduced risk for the primary outcome at 30 days and 180 days, respectively. With limited evidence in the United States comparing these drugs, this study helps inform clinicians when choosing P2Y12 inhibitors after ACS.
Brown adipose tissue and regulation of human body weight
Authors: Harb Elissa , Kheder Omar , Poopalasingam Gishani , Rashid Razi , Srinivasan Akash , Izzi‐Engbeaya Chioma
Published: November 2022

Background

Approximately 30% of the global population is affected by obesity. Traditional non‐surgical measures for weight loss have limited efficacy and tolerability. Therefore, there is a need for novel, effective therapies. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has been implicated in physiological energy expenditure, indicating that it could be targeted to achieve weight loss in humans. The use of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography—computed tomography—(PET‐CT) imaging has enabled the discovery of functionally active BAT in the supraclavicular, subclavian, and thoracic spine regions of human adults. This review aims to discuss the reasons behind the renewed interest in BAT, assess whether it is metabolically important in humans, and evaluate its feasibility as a therapeutic target for treating obesity.

Sources of material

PubMed Central, Europe PMC, Medline.

Findings

In vivo studies have shown that BAT activity is regulated by thyroid hormones and the sympathetic nervous system. Furthermore, BAT uniquely contains uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) that is largely responsible for non‐shivering thermogenesis. Cold exposure can increase BAT recruitment through the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT); however, this technique has practical limitations that may preclude its use. Currently available medicines for humans, such as the β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist mirabegron or the farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid, have generated excitement, although adverse effects are a concern. Capsinoids represent a tolerable alternative, which require further investigation.

Conclusions

The use of currently available BAT‐activating agents alone is unlikely to achieve significant weight loss in humans. A combination of BAT activation with physical exercise and modern, successful dietary strategies represents a more realistic option.
Whole‐of‐community invertebrate rewilding: Leaf litter transplants rapidly increase beetle diversity during restoration
Authors: Contos Peter , Murphy Nicholas P. , Gibb Heloise
Published: November 2022

Restoration of degraded areas is now a central tool in humanity's response to continued species‐loss. However, restoration projects often report exceedingly slow or failed recolonization of fauna, especially dispersal‐constrained groups such as invertebrates. Active interventions via reintroducing or “rewilding” invertebrates may assist recolonization and speed up restoration of communities toward a desired target. However, invertebrate rewilding is rarely implemented during ecological restoration. Here, we studied the efficacy of invertebrate rewilding as a means of reintroducing dispersal‐constrained species and improving diversity and compositional similarities to remnant communities during restoration. Rewilding was conducted by transplanting leaf litter and soil, including associated communities of invertebrates from species rich remnant sites into species poor, and geographically isolated, revegetated farmland sites. We sampled pre‐ and post‐rewilding invertebrate communities in remnant, rewilded revegetation, and control revegetation sites. We analyzed morphospecies richness, abundance, community composition, and modeled morphospecies traits (dispersal method/trophic guild) using a Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities approach to determine which biological properties facilitated establishment. Beetle (Coleoptera) morphospecies richness increased rapidly in rewilded sites and was indistinguishable from remnant communities as early as 7 months post‐rewilding. Beetle community similarity in the rewilding sites significantly deviated from the control sites 27 months post‐rewilding, however remnant communities remained distinct over the study timeframe. Establishment success varied as other taxa did not respond as consistently as beetles within the study timeframe. Furthermore, there were no discernible shifts in dispersal traits in rewilded sites. However, predatory morphospecies were more likely to establish post‐rewilding than other trophic groups. Our results demonstrate that the relatively simple act of transplanting leaf litter can result in comparatively large increases in morphospecies richness during restoration in a short timeframe. We advocate methodologies such as ours should be adopted more frequently to address failed community restoration as they are cost‐effective and can be easily applied by practitioners in various restoration settings. However, further efficacy tests (e.g., varying the number of rewilding events) and longer study timeframes are needed to ensure effectiveness for a broader range of invertebrate taxa and ecosystems.
Network topology mediates freshwater fish metacommunity response to loss of connectivity
Authors: Lee Finnbar , Simon Kevin S. , Perry George L. W.
Published: November 2022

Changes in connectivity regimes affect patterns of diversity and species richness. In riverine ecosystems, factors that vary through space and time, such as flow, the presence of barriers to movement, and network topology determine connectivity, and in turn shape patterns of diversity and richness. While the effects of network topology and changes in spatiotemporal connectivity regimes on patterns of species richness have been studied in isolation, they have not been studied simultaneously. We used a discrete‐time logistic growth metacommunity model to analyze the role of spatial and temporal functional connectivity in determining patterns of local (patch level) species richness in freshwater fish metacommunities. Our modeling suggests that: (1) the effect of spatial loss of connectivity on local species richness is mediated by network topology and where richness is measured in the system and (2) increasing temporal autocorrelation in connectivity results in increasing temporal autocorrelation in patch occupancy. Spatial and temporal loss of connectivity is a ubiquitous issue for river ecosystems, making understanding and predicting its effects of fundamental importance to both improving theory and guiding river management. Our findings highlight the importance of network topology (and hence context dependency) in shaping metacommunity response to changing connectivity regimes.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Decarboxylative and Deboronative Radical Addition to Alkenes in Two‐Molecule Photoredox System Using Dibenzo[g,p]chrysene
Authors: Yamawaki Mugen , Hashimoto Ryoga , Kawabata Yuki , Ichihashi Miwa , Nachi Yasuhiro , Inari Rinpei , Sakamoto Chisato , Morita Toshio , Yoshimi Yasuharu
Published: November 2022

Visible‐light‐induced decarboxylative and deboronative radical addition of aliphatic carboxylic acids and arylboronic acid pinacol esters to electron‐deficient alkenes using two‐molecule organic photoredox catalysts, such as dibenzo[g,p]chrysene as an electron donor and 1,4‐dicyanobenzene as an electron acceptor, proceeded efficiently to furnish radical adducts via the generation of alkyl and aryl radicals. The base and substrate play important roles in this photochemical system, and the sequential photoinduced decarboxylation of glutamic acid having two different carboxy groups was successful.
The heterogeneity of the hydromorphological responses of a stream to the urbanization of its basin
Authors: de Milleville Lucile , Gob Frédéric , Thommeret Nathalie , Lespez Laurent , Tales Évelyne , Zahm Amandine , Girondin Mathieu
Published: November 2022

Morphological adjustment mechanisms and controls of small urban rivers are rarely studied especially in France. We propose an original hydrogeomorphological approach based on a detailed study of a whole catchment using field data acquired systematically all along the river: (i) channel cross‐sections; (ii) riffle‐pool sequences and (iii) obstacles to flow and rainwater drainage pipes. The entire length of the river was surveyed and the channel geometry (depth and width at bankfull) was measured on a cross‐section every 180 m or at each riffle (depending on which of the two intervals happened to be the shortest). The 357 transects thus established constitute as many elementary units of measurement (EUM) of the hydrographic network. Nine hydromorphological variables were used as a basis to classify the profiles (principal component analysis/hierarchical clustering analysis). The types were compared with 12 anthropogenic constraining variables to explain longitudinal morphological variability and to link morphology to pressures on this scale. The results showed an average incision of 0.50 m (locally over 1 m), an average widening of nearly 1 m (locally over 3 m), and heterogeneous distribution of the riffle‐pool sequences (although not complete disappearance). Systematic analysis of within‐channel forms revealed high morphological diversity, the absence of a linear relationship between the rate of urbanization and incision/erosion, and the absence of longitudinal changes in response to urbanization. The constraints identified are commonly observed in urbanized basins, but the variety of responses to the constraints makes it difficult to understand the system as a whole and prevents uniform ecological restoration along the entire river.
Microbiological quality assessment of fish origin food along the production chain in upper Blue Nile watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Mitiku Birhan Agmas , Mitiku Marshet Adugna , Ayalew Gizachew Gelaw , Alemu Halo Yohans , Geremew Umer Masrie , Wubayehu Mekidm Tamer
Published: November 2022

Pathogenic microorganisms can grow accidentally on fish origin human food and can be a cause of human food‐borne illness. The purpose of this study was to estimate the occurrence and microbial load pattern of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella spp. along the fish origin food value chain. A total of 396 fish samples were collected by a systematic random sampling technique of cooked and raw in the three species of fish. Fish muscles were tested using selective media, followed by conventional biochemical tests. The bacterial load was assessed using a standard plate count method. Whereas the fungal load were measured by cultured in a Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) medium. The overall prevalence was Escherichia coli 84 (21.21%), Salmonella 27 (6.82%), Staphylococcus aureus 19 (4.80%), and Shigella spp. 17 (4.29%). The average mean total coliform count was observed 1.2 × 102 cfu/g and 5.10 × 104 cfu/g in cooked and raw fish samples, respectively. Whereas total viable count mean of 8.05 × 104 cfu/g and 11.5 × 104 cfu/g in cooked and raw fish, respectively. The Fungal load counts under the range 5.6 × 101 cfu/g to 1.09 × 103cfu/g were observed. The study has revealed that fish food in the study area has the possibility of microbial public health risk. Hence, it could be wise to improve the knowledge of key actors from harvesting to consumption to enhance the meals protection practices and high‐quality standards of fish foods.
“Scissors‐type” closure of the A'nyemaqen Ocean: Geochronological and geochemical constraints of Late Permian–Triassic granitoids in the East Kunlun Orogen
Authors: Wang Fuchun , Zheng Tao , Qian Ye , Yu Xiaofei , Qiao Jianfeng
Published: November 2022

The East Kunlun Orogen (EKO) is located in the western part of China and has witnessed the Late Permian–Triassic tectonic evolution involving the A'nyemaqen Ocean (a part of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean). In this study, geochronology, geochemistry, and Hf isotope analysis of Late Permian–Triassic granitoids were carried out. Zircon U–Pb dating of Dachagou granodiorite and monzogranite in the western part of the EKO (W–EKO) is 233.4 ± 1.1 and 225.8 ± 1.2 Ma, respectively. The Dachagou granodiorite and monzogranite are characterized by low values of 10, 000 Ga/Al ratios (1.75–2.06, 1.42–1.60) similar to those of I‐type granite. The εHf (t) (−2.4 to +0.1, −3.0 to +0.2) indicate that the magma forming these granites was derived from a mafic Mesoproterozoic lower crust. Zircon U–Pb age of Lalingzaohuo quartz diorite is 244.5 ± 2.6 Ma, and its εHf(t) values (−0.7 to +2.5) indicate the origin of crust–mantle mixing. Zircon U–Pb ages for Nagengkangqieer granodiorite and monzogranite in the eastern part of the EKO (E–EKO) are 250.1 ± 2.8 and 238.9 ± 2.2 Ma, respectively. These rocks are also characterized by low 10, 000 Ga/Al ratios (2.37–2.66 and 2.49–2.63) again similar to I‐type granite. The εHf(t) (−3.9 to 0.4, −3.3 to 1.1) indicate that the magma was derived from the crustal materials. As contemporaneous rocks, the Dachagou and Nagengkangqieer granodiorites and the Lalingzaohuo quartz diorites are formed in a subduction environment. However, the Dachagou and Nagengkangqieer monzogranites are formed in a collision environment. Based on this result, the closure time of the W–EKO and E–EKO of the A'nyemaqen Ocean had an age gap of ~15 Ma, hence the closure mode of the A'nyemaqen Ocean should be a “scissor‐type” closure.
Research trends analysis of chronic hepatitis C versus nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A literature review text‐mining analysis of publications
Authors: Klang Eyal , Soffer Shelly , Alper Lee , Shimon Orit , Barash Yiftach , Davidov Yana , Likhter Mariya , Cohen‐Ezra Oranit , Ben Yakov Gil , Ben‐Ari Ziv
Published: November 2022

Background

Hepatits C virus (HCV) rates have lowered due to direct‐acting antiviral treatment. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)/nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising with no available therapy. We employed text‐mining to analyze trends in HCV and NAFLD research from the past two decades.

Materials and Methods

We queried PubMed for all HCV and NASH/NAFLD entries published between 2000 and 2020. We compared the total number of publications on both etiologies. We performed subanalyses for different terms of interest and for geographic origin.

Results

Overall, 75,934 HCV‐related entries and 24,987 NASH/NAFLD‐related entries were published during the study period. Up to 2015, there was a linear upward slope in the number of annual HCV publications (154.9 publications/year, p < 0.001). In 2015, the yearly number of HCV publications started showing a downward slope (−242.2 publications/year, p < 0.001). The number of NASH/NAFLD publications showed a continuous upward slope during the study period. The NASH/NAFLD field lacks publications on screening and treatment methods.

Conclusion

Trends in publications varied between both etiologies. They reflect the success of antiviral treatment for HCV. The growing rates of NAFLD/NASH and the lack of a targeted cure explain the rise in related publications.
Suicidal attempts and self‐poisoning: 1‐year retrospective cohort study from the quaternary hospital in Thai metropolitan area
Authors: Thumtecho Suthimon , Sriworasuwat Pannavach , Wainipitapong Sorawit
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

In Thailand, suicide is the leading cause of death among middle‐aged adults. We believe suicide characteristics depend on different cultural/socioeconomic status. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and associated factors of suicidal attempts by self‐poisoning in Bangkok, the metropolitan city of Thailand.

Methods

Records of all patients visiting the emergency department of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, with self‐poisoning suicidal attempts throughout 2021 were collected and analyzed.

Results

Self‐poisoning accounted for 110 attempts (by 74 patients). Females aged 11–30 were the most prevalent group. Pharmaceutical agents were commonly used. Most patients (86.4%) had underlying psychiatric illness(es), mostly major depressive disorder. Female, history of psychiatric illness and follow‐ups, personality comorbid, and previous attempts reached statistical significance by univariate regression for factors associated with reattempting suicide, but only personality comorbid was significant from multivariable study (p = 0.02). Reattempting mostly recurred within 8 days after the prior attempt.

Conclusion

Majority of self‐poisoned patients in Bangkok were young adults taking medications, which differs from the overall Thai population where most instances involve patients of older patients (30–50 years) and ingestion of agricultural substances. Appropriate strategies are needed for specific psychosocial/socioeconomic contexts and within the critical period after previous nonfatal attempts.
Diet‐induced obesity results in impaired oral tolerance induction
Authors: Streich Katharina , Klein Margarethe , Siebert Anja , Bleich André , Buettner Manuela
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Obesity increases the risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Obesity also affects the immune system. When dietary lipids are transported via the lymphatics, they pass the mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs). In these secondary lymphoid organs, immune responses towards pathogens are generated, or tolerance against harmless antigens is induced.

Methods

In this study, the effects of diet‐induced obesity (DIO) on mLN induced oral tolerance induction were examined in C57BL/6NCrl mice. Therefore, mice were fed a high‐fat or a low‐fat diet for 14 weeks. After 10 weeks of feeding oral tolerance induction started, ending up in measuring the delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction, the cell subset composition and cytokine expression.

Results

We detected an impaired oral tolerance induction during DIO, but changes were reversible after switching the feed to standard chow. Thus, the altered immunological function of mLNs depends on the intake of dietary lipids. Additionally, our results show an influence of the microenvironment on the development of oral tolerance during DIO as oral tolerance was induced in transplanted peripheral lymph nodes.

Conclusion

This indicates a functional influence of dietary lipids on stromal cells involved in immune system induction in the mLNs.
Pregnancy with an anterior abdominal wall tumor
Authors: Muthineni Rajini , Gadwalkar Sameera
Published: November 2022

Synopsis

We report a case of a pregnant woman with soft tissue sarcoma of the anterior abdominal wall diagnosed as synovial sarcoma.
Influence of pH in the synthesis of calcium phosphate based nanostructures with enhanced bioactivity and pro‐angiogenic properties
Authors: Thomas Shalini , Rajendran Ajay Rakkesh , Subramanian Balakumar
Published: November 2022

In synthetic fabrication, the process parameters decide the growth nucleation, phase translation, and the evolution of morphological facets of nanostructured materials. This work demonstrates the formation of different crystallographic phases of calcium phosphate by the influence of pH from acidic to alkaline conditions and also investigated their bone regeneration, protein adsorption, and pro‐angiogenic properties. Present results illustrate that the alteration of pH is the crucial factor for the synthesis of calcium phosphate (CP) phases. The structural analysis reveals the monetite (CaHPO4) phase with a triclinic crystal system for pH 5, dual‐phase of monetite combined with hydroxyapatite at the neutral pH 7, and pure phase of hydroxyapatite (Ca10[PO4]6OH2) with hexagonal structure at pH 10. Microscopic analysis portrays the cubic and rod‐like morphologies by changing the pH values. FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopic analyses confirm the stretching, bending, and vibrational modes of dominant phosphate groups of different CP phases. Further, the biocompatibility of the prepared CP phases was examined by hemolysis assay, which showed less than 2% of lysis and enhanced cell viability. Moreover, the bioactivity study revealed rapid mineralization and a higher protein adsorption rate for the monetite CP phase (M‐CP). Subsequently, the chick embryo angiogenesis assay elucidated 33% higher neovascularization for M‐CP compared with the other two CP phases. The fabricated M‐CP nanostructure constitutes a promising candidate for biomedical applications.
The effect of accounting conservatism on measures of financial constraints
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Lee Brandon Byunghwan , Meng Bo , Paik Daniel Gyung
Published: November 2022

This study examines the relationship between accounting conservatism and measures of financial status. We find that, in general, a higher level of accounting conservatism is associated with a lower level of financial constraints – thereby making external funds less costly. The results also show that for a firm with a higher bid‐ask spread or a higher likelihood of bankruptcy, this negative relationship between conservative financial reporting and financial constraints is intensified. In other words, a higher level of accounting conservatism is likely to make external funds less costly especially for those firms with a higher level of bid‐ask spread or a higher level of bankruptcy risk.