bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triangle‐free equimatchable graphs
Authors: Büyükçolak Yasemin , Özkan Sibel , Gözüpek Didem
Published: September 2021

A graph is called equimatchable if all of its maximal matchings have the same size. Frendrup et al. provided a characterization of equimatchable graphs with girth at least 5. In this paper, we extend this result by providing a complete structural characterization of equimatchable graphs with girth at least 4, that is, equimatchable graphs with no triangle, by identifying the equimatchable triangle‐free graph families. Our characterization also extends the result given by Akbari et al., which proves that the only connected triangle‐free equimatchable ‐regular graphs are , , and , where is a positive integer. Given a nonbipartite graph, our characterization implies a linear time recognition algorithm for triangle‐free equimatchable graphs.
Excellent survival after R‐Hyper‐CVAD in hospitalized patients with high‐risk large B‐cell lymphoma: The Karolinska experience
Authors: Sonnevi Kristina , Ljungqvist Maria , Jóelsson Jóel Kristinn , Harrysson Sara , Wästerlid Tove , Bernell Per , Wahlin Björn Engelbrekt
Published: September 2021

Patients with high‐risk aggressive B‐cell lymphoma exhibit poor survival after R‐CHOP. More intensive regimens yield higher rates of remission but also of complication. We investigated all 401 patients < 70 years with high‐risk (age‐adjusted [aa] international prognostic index [IPI] ≥2, extranodal, or bulky) aggressive B‐cell lymphoma hospitalized at Karolinska for urgent start of immunochemotherapy (129 R‐Hyper‐CVAD; 261 R‐CHOP/R‐CHOEP). Patients showed IPI 3–5 (70%), WHO PS ≥2 (49%), bulky disease (70%), extranodal (75%) and CNS (8%) involvement. Five‐year overall/progression‐free survival (OS/PFS) was better in patients who started R‐Hyper‐CVAD (84%/77%) compared with R‐CHOP/R‐CHOEP (66%/55%). Differences were independent in multivariable analysis, seen in all patient categories, and accentuated in extreme high‐risk disease: R‐Hyper‐CVAD vs. R‐CHOP/R‐CHOEP showed 5‐year PFS 69% vs.40% in aaIPI 3 and 88% vs. 38% in CNS involvement. For validation, survival was compared between the two Karolinska sites and calendar periods. Survival was superior 2006–2010 at the site that introduced R‐Hyper‐CVAD/R‐MA 2006, identical at both sites 2011–2017 after the other site adopted R‐Hyper‐CVAD/R‐MA 2011, and excellent 2018–2020 when R‐Hyper‐CVAD/R‐MA use increased to 75% of patients. Despite considerable toxicity, also patients aged 61–69 years showed better survival with R‐Hyper‐CVAD/R‐MA. This is the largest single‐centre series of patients treated with R‐Hyper‐CVAD/R‐MA, showing favourable outcome in high‐risk aggressive B‐cell lymphoma.
Mechanism of increased efficacy of recombinant Fc‐μTP‐L309C compared to IVIg to ameliorate mouse immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lewis Bonnie J.B. , Binnington Beth , Blacquiere Megan , Spirig Rolf , Käsermann Fabian , Branch Donald R.
Published: September 2021

Recombinant Fc‐μTP‐L309C is more efficacious than intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) at ameliorating antibody‐mediated autoimmune diseases through its effects on Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Fc‐μTP‐L309C inhibited in‐vitro FcγR‐mediated phagocytosis 104/105‐fold better than IVIg. Fc‐μTP‐L309C, given subcutaneously, recovered platelet counts in an immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) mouse model to a higher degree than IVIg at a 10‐fold lower dose. We show, using confocal microscopy, that Fc‐μTP‐L309C binds to monocyte‐macrophages and is rapidly internalized, whereas, IVIg remains on the cell surface. Western blotting showed that internalized FcγRIII is degraded through a lysosomal pathway, and this reduction of cell surface FcγRIII is likely responsible for the increased efficacy to ameliorate ITP.
Loss of mTORC2-induced metabolic reprogramming in monocytes uncouples migration and maturation from production of proinflammatory mediators
Authors: Jangani Maryam , Vuononvirta Juho , Yamani Lamya , Ward Eleanor , Capasso Melania , Nadkarni Suchita , Balkwill Frances , Marelli-Berg Federica
Published: September 2021

Monocyte migration to the sites of inflammation and maturation into macrophages are key steps for their immune effector function. Here, we show that mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2)-dependent Akt activation is instrumental for metabolic reprogramming at the early stages of macrophage-mediated immunity. Despite an increased production of proinflammatory mediators, monocytes lacking expression of the mTORC2 component Rictor fail to efficiently migrate to inflammatory sites and fully mature into macrophages, resulting in reduced inflammatory responses in vivo. The mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation of Akt is instrumental for the enhancement of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, required to sustain monocyte maturation and motility. These observations are discussed in the context of therapeutic strategies aimed at selective inhibition of mTORC2 activity.
Paroxysmal hyperthermia, dysautonomia and rhabdomyolysis in a patient with Lesch–Nyhan syndrome
Authors: Rana Mandeep , Cuttin Karen , Berry Gerard T. , Torres Alcy
Published: September 2021

Lesch–Nyhan syndrome is an x‐linked genetic disorder of purine metabolism that results in the overproduction of uric acid and neurologic deficits manifesting as intellectual disability, dystonia, other movement disorders and self‐mutilation. We describe a 12‐year‐old patient with a history of Lesch–Nyhan syndrome, G6PD deficiency and central diabetes insipidus and multiple admissions for fever, acute kidney injury and transaminitis in the setting of rhabdomyolysis. The patient's temperature dysregulation and dysautonomia is likely attributable to abnormal neurotransmitter release, particularly that of dopamine, in the central nervous system. Our patient presented similarly to that of a patient with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), with symptoms including altered mental status, fever, dysautonomia and renal failure, and laboratory findings including elevated serum creatinine kinase, leukocytosis, transaminitis, hypernatremia and metabolic acidosis. Similar to NMS, disruption of dopamine neurotransmission results in dysregulated sympathetic activity and hyperthermia.
Association of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status with COVID‐19 30‐day mortality at a Philadelphia medical center using a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cheney‐Peters Dianna R. , Lee Crystal Y. , Mitsuhashi Shuji , Zaret Dina S. , Riley Joshua M. , Venkataraman Chantel M. , Schaefer Joseph W. , George Brandon J. , Li Chris J. , Smaltz Christa M. , Bradley Conor G. , Fitzpatrick Danielle M. , Ney David B. , Chalikonda Divya M. , Mairose Joshua D. , Chauhan Kashyap , Szot Margaret V. , Jones Robert B. , Bashir‐Hamidu Rukaiya , Kubey Alan A.
Published: September 2021

COVID‐19 has disproportionately affected low‐income communities and people of color. Previous studies demonstrated that race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) are not independently correlated with COVID‐19 mortality. The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of race/ethnicity and SES on COVID‐19 30‐day mortality in a diverse, Philadelphian population. This is a retrospective cohort study in a single‐center tertiary care hospital in Philadelphia, PA. The study includes adult patients hospitalized with polymerase‐chain‐reaction‐confirmed COVID‐19 between March 1, 2020 and June 6, 2020. The primary outcome was a composite of COVID‐19 death or hospice discharge within 30 days of discharge. The secondary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The study included 426 patients: 16.7% died, 3.3% were discharged to hospice, and 20.0% were admitted to the ICU. Using multivariable analysis, race/ethnicity was not associated with the primary nor secondary outcome. In Model 4, age greater than 75 (odds ratio [OR]: 11.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96–61.97) and renal disease (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.31–5.90) were associated with higher odds of the composite primary outcome. Living in a “very‐low‐income area” (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12–0.71) and body mass index (BMI) 30–35 (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08–0.69) were associated with lower odds of the primary outcome. When controlling for demographics, SES, and comorbidities, race/ethnicity was not independently associated with the composite primary outcome. Very‐low SES, as extrapolated from census‐tract‐level income data, was associated with lower odds of the composite primary outcome.
Sub‐second transient activated patterns to sad expressions in major depressive disorders discovered via hidden Markov model
Authors: Dai Zhongpeng , Zhang Siqi , Wang Xinyi , Wang Huan , Zhou Hongliang , Tian Shui , Chen Zhilu , Lu Qing , Yao Zhijian
Published: September 2021

The pathological mechanisms of major depressive disorders (MDDs) is associated with the overexpression of negative emotions, and the fast transient‐activated patterns underlying overrepresentation in depression still remain to be revealed to date. We hypothesized that the aberrant spatiotemporal attributes of the process of sad expressions are related to the neuropathology of MDD and help to detect the depression severity. We enrolled a total of 96 subjects including 47 patients with MDD and 49 healthy controls (HCs), and recorded their magnetoencephalography data under a sad expression recognition task. A hidden Markov model (HMM) was applied to separate the whole neural activity into several brain states, then to characterize the dynamics. To find the disrupted temporal–spatial characteristics, power estimations and fractional occupancy (FO) of each state were estimated and contrasted between MDDs and HCs. Three states were found over the period of emotional stimuli processing procedure. The early visual stage (0–270 ms) was mainly manifested by state 1, and the emotional information processing stage (270–600 ms) was manifested by state 2, while the state 3 remained a steady proportion across the whole period. MDDs activated statistically more in limbic system during state 2 (p = 0.0045) and less in frontoparietal control network during state 3 (p = 5.38 × 10–5) relative to HCs. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were significantly correlated with the predicted disorder severity using FO values (p = 0.0062, r = 0.3933). Relative to HCs, MDDs perceived the sad contents quickly and spent more time overexpressing the negative emotions. These phenomena indicated MDD patients might easily indulge in negative emotion and neglect other things. Furthermore, temporal descriptors built by HMM could be potential biomarkers for identifying the severity of depression disorders.
Pulse protein ingredient modification
Authors: Fernando Supun
Published: September 2021

Increasing population and depletion of resources have paved the way to find sustainable and nutritious alternative protein sources. Pulses have been identified as a nutritious and inexpensive alternative source of protein that can meet this market demand. Pulses can be converted into protein concentrates and isolates through dry and wet separation techniques. Wet extraction results in relatively pure protein isolates but less sustainable due to higher energy requirements and high waste generation. Dry separation focuses on ingredient functionality rather than molecular level purity. These extracted pulse protein ingredients can be incorporated into different food systems to increase the nutritional value and to achieve the desired functionality. But many plant‐based alternative proteins including pulses, face several formulation challenges especially in nutritional, sensory, and functional aspects. Native pulse protein ingredients can contain antinutrients, beany flavor, and undesirable functionality. Modification by biological (enzymatic, fermentation), chemical (acylation, deamidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation), and physical (cold plasma, extrusion, heat, high pressure, ultrasound) methods or a combination of these can improve pulse protein ingredients at the macro and micro level for their desired use. These modification processes will thermodynamically change the structural and conformational characteristics of proteins and expect to improve the quality. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Clinical biomarkers in soft tissue sarcoma A comprehensive review of current soft tissue sarcoma biomarkers
Authors: Sharma Soumya R. , Paonessa Nadia E. , Casadei Lucia , Costas De Faria Fernanda , Pollock Raphael E. , Grignol Valerie
Published: September 2021

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise from mesenchymal tissue. Investigation at the molecular level has been challenging due to the rarity of STS and the number of histologic subtypes. However, recent research has provided new insight into potential genomic, proteomic, and immunological biomarkers of STS. The identification of biomarkers can improve diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of recurrence and treatment response. This review provides an understanding of biomarkers, discussing the current status of biomarker research in STS.
High‐speed countercurrent chromatography for isolation and enrichment of betacyanins from fresh and dried leaves of Atriplex hortensis L. var. “Rubra”
Authors: Spórna‐Kucab Aneta , Jerz Gerold , Kumorkiewicz‐Jamro Agnieszka , Tekieli Anna , Wybraniec Sławomir
Published: September 2021

Betacyanins and their decarboxylated derivatives from fresh and dried edible leaves of Atriplex hortensis L. var. “Rubra” were fractionated for the first time by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography. Pigments present in fresh leaf extract were separated in systems: ethanol – acetonitrile – n‐propanol – ammonium sulphate – water (0.5:0.5:0.5:1.2:1.0, v/v/v/v/v) (tail‐to‐head mode) and tert‐butyl methyl ether – n‐butanol – acetonitrile – water with 0.7% heptafluorobutyric acid (2:2:1:5, v/v/v/v) (head‐to‐tail mode). The mobile phase flow rate was 2 mL/min and the retention of the stationary phase was 79.8 and 75.2%, respectively. Pigments from dried leaves were separated in a similar ion‐pair system with heptafluorobutyric acid in different volume proportions 1:3:1:5 (head‐to‐tail mode) and the flow rate of the mobile phase 3 mL/min. The stationary phase retention was 64.0%. The application of the countercurrent chromatography for the fractionation of betacyanins from leaves of Atriplex hortensis enabled to isolate and pre‐concentrate the pigments for further low‐ and high‐resolution liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric detection. This study revealed the presence of 10 betacyanins in fresh and 16 in dried leaves of Atriplex hortensis. Two compounds were not previously identified in the whole Amaranthaceae family. Additionally, instead of (iso)amaranthin, celosianin and its epimer were dominant betacyanins in the Atriplex hortensis.
Effect of root‐glomalin on soil carbon storage in trees' rhizosphere and interspace of a tropical dry forest
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Jiang Xiao Jin , Yang Bin , Li Hongmei , Liu Wenjie , Singh Nandita
Published: September 2021

Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration is a desirable aspect of afforestation. Glomalin‐related soil protein (GRSP) is a ubiquitous component of SOC, preferentially produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) during symbiotic association with the plant roots. Although the role of AMF in GRSP production is well established, the role of root in GRSP production is not yet clear. Hence, we aimed to assess the glomalin in different tree roots (i.e., glomalin‐related root protein; GRRP) and its influence on GRSP and SOC storage in trees’ rhizosphere and interspace. The experiment was conducted in a tropical dry forest (India) with six native trees (Hardwickia binata, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Diospyros melanoxylon, Terminalia tomentosa, Shorea robusta, and Anogeissus latifolia) and a planted Teak (Tectona grandis). The fine roots (from the rhizosphere) and topsoils (0–15 cm) were collected from the rhizosphere and interspace of each tree. We found GRRP concentration varying between trees, with higher values observed in the roots of native trees than those of Teak. The AMF colonization was positively correlated with GRRP (r2 = 0.88), and GRRP positively correlated with GRSP and SOC. The higher correlation of GRRP was observed with GRSP (r2 = 0.70–0.79) compared with SOC (r2 = 0.56–0.58), while the correlation was much stronger between GRSP and SOC (r2 = 0.91). These results indicate that GRRP influences SOC storage via mediating GRSP concentration. We suggest that GRRP can be used as an indicator for species screening during afforestation with the aim to improve SOC storage on an afforested landscape.
Terrestrial input of herbicides has significant impacts on phytoplankton and bacterioplankton communities in coastal waters
Authors: Yang Liqiang , Mou Shanli , Li Hongmei , Zhang Zenghu , Jiao Nianzhi , Zhang Yongyu
Published: September 2021

Herbicide use has increased very rapidly worldwide in recent decades, and some of these herbicides eventually enter the ocean. At present, herbicide pollution in the ocean has become a global environmental problem. Here, in a field investigation of 22 commonly used herbicide residues (triazine, phenylurea, and amide) in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, we found that the detection rate of herbicide residues within 100 km from shore was 100%. Notably, triazine herbicides have reached concentrations (up to 12.07 nmol L−1) that can significantly disturb phytoplankton and bacterioplankton communities in microcosm experiments. Under exposure to triazine herbicides at close to their total in situ concentrations, the photosynthesis of the phytoplankton community was significantly inhibited, which was reflected by the significant decrease of Fv/Fm (28.7–63.8%) of the phytoplankton community and dissolved oxygen content (18.1–32.2%) in seawater. Concurrently, the phytoplankton community structure underwent significant changes with the dominant group shifting from diatoms to dinoflagellates, due to the higher atrazine sensitivity of diatoms compared to facultative dinoflagellates. Triazine herbicide also significantly altered the bacterioplankton community structure and inhibited their metabolism of many carbon sources including carbohydrates, amino acids, and carboxylic acids. As phytoplankton and bacterioplankton are closely related, the impact of herbicide on the bacterioplankton community was clearly aggravated by the phytoplankton community. In view of the significance of phytoplankton and bacterioplankton communities in supporting marine food webs and biogeochemical cycles, a continuous increase in herbicide input in the future may seriously affect the stability of coastal oceans.
Acute Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Predicting This Rare Complication Using Machine Learning
Authors: Cooper Jason P. , Perkins James D. , Warner Paul R. , Shingina Alexandra , Biggins Scott W. , Abkowitz Janis L. , Reyes Jorge D.
Published: September 2021

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) that carries high mortality. We hypothesized that machine‐learning algorithms to predict rare events would identify patients at high risk for developing GVHD. To develop a predictive model, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical features of 1938 donor‐recipient pairs at the time they underwent OLT at our center; 19 (1.0%) of these recipients developed GVHD. This population was divided into training (70%) and test (30%) sets. A total of 7 machine‐learning classification algorithms were built based on the training data set to identify patients at high risk for GVHD. The C5.0, heterogeneous ensemble, and generalized gradient boosting machine (GGBM) algorithms predicted that 21% to 28% of the recipients in the test data set were at high risk for developing GVHD, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.83 to 0.86. The 7 algorithms were then evaluated in a validation data set of 75 more recent donor‐recipient pairs who underwent OLT at our center; 2 of these recipients developed GVHD. The logistic regression, heterogeneous ensemble, and GGBM algorithms predicted that 9% to 11% of the validation recipients were at high risk for developing GVHD, with an AUROC of 0.93 to 0.96 that included the 2 recipients who developed GVHD. In conclusion, we present a practical model that can identify patients at high risk for GVHD who may warrant additional monitoring with peripheral blood chimerism testing.
Expanding the Conjugate Structure of Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Light Absorption and Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Liu Cheng , Chen Guang , Zhang Ze , You Yezi
Published: September 2021

The development of efficient and inexpensive materials for light energy conversion is very important for achieving sustainable energy supply and carbon neutrality. Polymeric carbon nitride has become a promising material for light energy conversion due to its advantages of simple preparation and high physical and chemical stability. However, the pristine polymeric carbon nitride only absorbs light with a wavelength of less than 450 nm, and the energy conversion for low‐energy photons is very limited. Here, by introducing the pyromellitic dianhydride component to construct an in‐plane heterostructure, the conjugated structure of polymeric carbon nitride is successfully expanded. This in‐plane carbon nitride‐carbon nanoribbon (C3N4‐C) heterostructure has an ultrawide absorption range from 200 to 2000 nm. Compared with the original material, the photothermal conversion performance of C3N4‐C is significantly improved under the irradiation of Xe lamp or infrared laser. Furthermore, C3N4‐C exhibits good potential for synergistic photothermal and chemotherapy. This work provides a simple strategy to construct expanded conjugate structure for improved light absorption and energy conversion materials based on polymeric carbon nitride.
Mechanically Strong, Autonomous Self‐Healing, and Fully Recyclable Silicone Coordination Elastomers with Unique Photoluminescent Properties
Authors: Zhao Peijian , Wang Linlin , Xie Lefu , Wang Wenyu , Wang Lili , Zhang Changqiao , Li Lei , Feng Shengyu
Published: September 2021

The combination of excellent mechanical performances, high reprocess efficiency, and wide‐range tunability for functional dynamic siloxane materials is a challenging subject. Herein, the fabrication of mechanically strong, autonomous self‐healing, and fully recyclable silicone elastomers with unique photoluminescent properties by coordination of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) containing coordination bonding motifs with Zn2+ ions is reported. Salicylaldimine groups, which are introduced into the polysiloxane backbone via mild Schiff‐base reaction, coordinate with zinc ions to form elastomeric networks The obtained supramolecular elastomers have excellent mechanical properties, with the optimized tensile strength up to 10.0 MPa, which is unprecedented among the reported thermoplastic polysiloxane‐based elastomers. Both mechanical properties and stress relaxation kinetics are tunable via adjusting the length of PDMS segments or the molar ratio of metal versus salicylaldimine. Furthermore, these elastomers can be conveniently healed and recycled to regain their original mechanical properties and integrity under mild conditions. In addition, this new kind of polysiloxane also exhibits coordination‐enhanced fluorescence, showing great promise for preparing photoluminescent elastomers or coatings.
Explicit representation of characteristic function of tempered α‐stable Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process
Authors: Gajda Janusz
Published: September 2021

The Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process is a fundamental tool in various applications ranging from finance where it is known under Vasiček process name to fractional diffusion in the context, for instance, Klein–Kramers dynamics. In this paper, we define the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process driven by a symmetric tempered α‐stable process. We investigate its properties in the non‐stationary case and its long time limit. Moreover, we provide an explicit representation of its characteristic function in terms of special functions, that is, generalized hypergeometric function and its special case hypergeometric Gauss function. Thus, using probabilistic arguments, we provide a new identity between those two functions. Our calculations are also confirmed by numerical simulations of this new process. We discuss the Fokker–Planck type equation describing the probability density function of our model as a solution of the fractional differential equation with the so‐called tempered fractional derivative.
On a system of q‐modified Laplace transform and its applications
Authors: Kilicman Adem , Sinha Arvind Kumar , Panda Srikumar
Published: September 2021

We introduce q‐modified Laplace transform and establish theoretical results. We also give some applications of q‐modified Laplace transform for solving homogeneous and non‐homogeneous Mboctara partial differential equations with initial and boundary values problems to show its effectiveness and performance of the proposed transform.
Neurodevelopmental disorders and incontinence in children and adolescents: Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability—A consensus document of the International Children's Continence Society
Authors: von Gontard Alexander , Hussong Justine , Yang Stephen S. , Chase Janet , Franco Israel , Wright Anne
Published: September 2021

Aims

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) are incapacitating disorders, which begin early in life, are mainly caused by genetic and neurobiological factors, and show a tendency to persist. They are associated with higher rates of incontinence in children and adolescents, including nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and constipation. Without diagnosis and treatment, they will interfere with incontinence treatment leading to less favorable outcomes. The aim of this International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) document is to provide an overview of the three most important NDs, that is, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability (ID).

Methods

This consensus paper was commissioned by the ICCS. A selective, nonsystematic review was performed. Guidelines, reviews, and selected studies were included. The recommendations are consensus‐based.

Results

ADHD is the most common ND with special relevance in clinical practice. ASD and ID are less common, but more severe disorders than ADHD. Basic principles of the assessment and treatment of NDs are provided. Incontinence is common among patients with NDs. Specific modifications and practical approaches in the treatment of incontinence in children with NDs are outlined.

Conclusions

Incontinence in children and adolescents with NDs is common. Effective treatment of incontinence should be adapted and modified to the specific needs of patients with NDs. A multiprofessional approach is recommended.
NRS‐2002 and mNUTRIC score: Could we predict mortality of hematological malignancy patients in the ICU?
Authors: İleri İbrahim , Özsürekci Cemile , Halil Meltem Gülhan , Gündoğan Kürşat
Published: September 2021

Background

Malnutrition is a problem that greatly affects patients with hematological malignancy (HM) throughout the course of illness. Intensity of the malignancy treatment, inadequate energy intake, complex procedures such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and treatment side effects are contributing factors for malnutrition in HM patients.

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) score and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002) in predicting hospital and long‐term mortality of HM patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify effects of malnutrition on ICU mortality.

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted in a university teaching hospital tertiary ICU service. During the study period, 112 HM patients who were >18 years old were admitted to the ICU. We excluded the patients who were discharged or died within 24 h from the statistical analysis. The patients were followed for 3 years after discharge for long‐term mortality.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients died within 24 h of admission and were excluded from the study; therefore, statistical analysis was done for 81 patients. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that high malnutrition risk, according to the NRS‐2002 score, was associated with greater odds of ICU mortality (P = 0.002, odds ratio = 19.16).

Conclusion

In this study, we showed that NRS‐2002 is superior to mNUTRIC score in predicting ICU mortality in patients with HMs. mNUTRIC score and NRS‐2002 were not superior to each other in predicting long‐term mortality.
Gauss pseudospectral‐based velocity optimization for rail transit trains with running and computation delays
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhou Lei , Chen Xiaolei , Piao Changhao , Zhou Xin
Published: September 2021

With the progress of urban intelligent construction, urban rail transit trains have become one of the most important ways for urban traffic. Optimization operation is a key to further improve the performance of urban rail transit. In this work, an energy saving velocity planning algorithm for rail transit train with running and computation delays is proposed. First, an optimization model with considering both running and computation delays is established for velocity planning. Then, the velocity planning algorithm frame is proposed based on Gauss pseudospectral distribution, where the running delay and computation delay are tackled separately. Meanwhile, the gradient information of transform nonlinear programming (NLP) problem is derived in detail so that NLP solver can be employed to obtain accuracy results. Furthermore, the implementation steps of the proposed algorithm are given. Finally, simulation tests are carried out on a two‐station running rail transit train model with three different delay situations and two different slopes railway. Numerical results and comparison show the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed method for rail transit train velocity planning with delays.
Functionalization of molten polyethylene by ozonization and its application in wood fiber reinforced polyethylene composites
Authors: Wang Chun‐Yan , He Guang‐Jian , Huang Wei‐Tao , Yin Xiao‐Chun
Published: September 2021

Here we report a fast functionalization method of PE using ozone oxidization to improve the interfacial adhesion between wood fiber (WF) and oxidized PE (OPE) for preparing wood‐plastic composites (WPC). Low density PE at molten state was oxidized (at 220°C for 1 h) to form polar groups on molecular chains and further mixed with different content of eucalyptus WF. The effect of ozone on the molecular structure of PE and the properties of WPCs were investigated by FTIR, XPS, contact angle test, rheological test, SEM and mechanical tests. After ozonization, the hydrophilicity of PE was greatly improved due to the introduction of oxygen‐containing groups. As a consequence, the interfacial adhesion between OPE and WF was greatly enhanced as a result of hydrophilicity of OPE. The tensile elongation at break of OPE/WF was maximum increased by 65% comparing to PE/WF composites. It is an effective method to improve hydrophilicity of PE, which will provide a feasible route for recycling and utilizing of recycled polyethylene.
Synthesis of novel silver nanocomposite hydrogels based on polyurethane/poly(ethylene glycol) via aqueous extract of oak fruit and their antibacterial and mechanical properties
Authors: Rahmani Sohrab , Ghaemi Farzaneh , Khaleghi Maryam , Haghi Fakhri
Published: September 2021

In this study, novel hydrogels based on polyurethane/polyethylene glycol (PU/PEG) and their silver nanocomposites (PU/PEG/Ag x, x = 100, 200, 400, and 800) were developed using click chemistry and a green method. Mechanical analysis showed that introducing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into hydrogels and increasing the content increased their mechanical properties dramatically. Tensile strength and elongation at break increased from 0.2 MPa and 105% for PU/PEG to 2.5 MPa and 210% for PU/PEG/Ag 800. Similarly, the compressive strength increased from 5 to 55 MPa. Investigation of the SEM images showed that the AgNPs were homogeneously dispersed throughout the hydrogel network, and through the incorporation of silver nanoparticles in hydrogels, the pore size of hydrogels decreased. Therefore, the swelling degree of hydrogels decreased by increasing the content of AgNPs. FTIR spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated that the interaction of network heteroatoms with AgNPs was responsible for stabilizing silver nanoparticles. The antibacterial properties of nanocomposites were evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These nanocomposites showed significant activities against S. aureus bacteria. In addition, the cell viability test showed that these nanocomposites had good biocompatibility (84% cells viable). Therefore, they could be favorable candidates for wound dressing applications.
Noninvasive prenatal testing: Advancing through a virtuous circle of science, technology and clinical applications
Authors: Lo Y. M. Dennis
Published: September 2021

Background

Since the discovery of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal blood in 1997, the interplay of basic scientific observations and technological developments have continued to drive new clinical applications in the field.

Aims

This commentary discusses a number of examples in this virtuous circle of science, technology and clinical applications.

Materials & Methods

Commentary and literature review.

Results

One example of technological developments is the detection technologies for detecting circulating DNA, moving from conventional PCR, to real‐time PCR, to massively parallel sequencing. One example of basic scientific understanding is the size and fragmentation patterns of circulating DNA.

Discussion

Beyond creating a global paradigm in prenatal medicine, the development of noninvasive prenatal testing has also impacted other areas such as cancer screening and transplantation monitoring. Finally, the commentary looks forward to what might be in store in the next decade.
Re‐evaluation of the predictive value of Quintero staging of twin‐twin transfusion syndrome for fetal death after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Kuruma Airi , Moriuchi Kaori , Shiro Michihisa , Wagata Maiko , Yamamoto Rumiko , Kawaguchi Haruna , Hayashi Shusaku , Ishii Keisuke
Published: September 2021

Objective

To elucidate the significance of sonographic indices, including Doppler waveforms, that constitute the Quintero classification for predicting death of the recipient or donor after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

Prospectively collected data of twins who underwent FLP for TTTS were reviewed. Among the abnormal indices of ultrasound performed just before FLP, factors that were significantly associated with fetal and neonatal deaths in the log‐rank test, including fetal demise of co‐twins and preterm birth before 28 weeks of gestation, were introduced into the Cox proportional‐hazards model to calculate risk ratio (RR).

Results

We included 235 cases with a prevalence of recipient and donor deaths of 7% and 14%, respectively. In the proportional‐hazards model, absent or reversed umbilical artery end‐diastolic velocity (UA AREDV) of recipients (n = 7) was independently associated with recipient death (RR = 6.97). In recipients without UA AREDV, reversed ductus venosus (DV) a‐wave of recipients (RR = 3.55) was independently associated with recipient death. In donors, UA AREDV with a visible bladder (stage III atypical donor) was independently associated with donor death (RR = 4.24).

Conclusion

Some individual components of the Quintero stage are associated with death of either recipient or donor twins following FLP.
Teaching an old dog new tricks: A lipid membrane‐based electric immunosensor for real‐time probing of the spike S1 protein subunit from SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Asandei Alina , Mereuta Loredana , Schiopu Irina , Park Yoonkyung , Luchian Tudor
Published: September 2021

Fast, cheap, and easy to implement point‐of‐care testing for various pathogens constituted a game changer in past years due to its potential for early disease diagnosis. Herein, we report on the proof‐of‐concept of a simple method enabling in vitro detection of a structural spike protein subunit from the SARS‐CoV‐2 (S1) in aqueous samples. At the core of this discovery lies the well‐known paradigm of monitoring the capacitive current across a reconstituted zwitterionic lipid membrane subjected to a periodic transmembrane potential, followed by the real‐time spectral analysis enabling the extraction of the second harmonic of the capacitive current. Subsequent changes in the amplitude of this harmonic recorded during lipid membrane–S1 interactions were correlated with alterations induced in the inner membrane potential profile by the S1 protein subunit adsorption, and were shown to be augmented by ionic strength, the presence of a specific monoclonal antibody designed against the S1 subunit and the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein receptor, and uninhibited by the presence of other human serum proteins.
Patient‐reported functional outcomes 30 days after hospitalization for COVID‐19
Authors: Qin Evelyn S. , Gold Laura S. , Hough Catherine L. , Katz Patricia P. , Bunnell Aaron E. , Wysham Katherine D. , Andrews James S.
Published: September 2021

Background

Many coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) survivors experience persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, dyspnea, and musculoskeletal pain. However, less is known about the impact of COVID‐19 on longer term functional outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate patient‐reported activity of daily living (ADL) function and fatigue symptoms 30 days after hospitalization for COVID‐19.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care university hospital.

Participants

Adults 18 years or older hospitalized for COVID‐19 and survived to 30 days after discharge.

Methods

A standardized telephone questionnaire was administered 30 days after hospital discharge.

Main Outcome Measures

Ability to perform basic and instrumental ADLs and fatigue symptoms severity (Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Fatigue Short Form 7a) were assessed by self‐report.

Results

Participants (n = 55) were 22‐95 years old. Compared to pre‐COVID hospitalization, 52% developed new difficulty and 6% new dependence with performing basic ADLs (bADLs), 48% developed new difficulty and 11% new dependence with instrumental ADLs (iADLs), and 69% experienced a clinically significant worsening in their fatigue symptom severity. The average fatigue symptom severity T‐score before hospitalization was 44.2 ± 7.4 and after hospitalization was 54.5 ± 9.8. In exploratory multivariate analyses, each additional COVID symptom at presentation was associated with a predicted increase of 1.43 units (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–2.42) in the 30‐day fatigue symptom severity T‐score, each additional day of hospitalization was associated with an 1.2 times increased odds of worsening fatigue (95% CI, 0.98–1.5; p = .08), and each unit increase in baseline body mass index was associated with 0.8 times decreased odds of new bADL or iADL dependence at 30 days (95% CI, 0.65–0.99).

Conclusions

New functional impairments are common at 30 days after discharge among survivors of hospitalization for COVID‐19. Early rehabilitation, advance care planning, and referrals to appropriate therapies should be considered in postacute COVID‐19 care to maximize patients' functional outcomes. However, ongoing research is still needed regarding management of these patients.
Enhancement of thermoelectric properties of D‐A conjugated polymer through constructing random copolymers with more electronic donors
Authors: Hu Yanchuan , Gao Yifei , Li Pengcheng , Gao Xiang , Liu Zhitian
Published: September 2021

Developing new D‐A conjugated polymer system for thermoelectric (TE) application is highly desirable. Herein, a series of random copolymers by incorporating 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) electron rich units into a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) D‐A conjugated polymer were designed and synthesized. Compared to the alternating conjugated copolymer PDPP‐3T, the HOMO level of the random copolymers are increased as part of the electron deficiency acceptor DPP units in the polymer chain were superseded by electron rich EDOT, which could contribute to effective p‐doping. Moreover, through incorporating EDOT to construct random copolymers, it can also induce an orientation change from face‐on dominated to edge‐on dominated orientation as well as enhance the packing of copolymer chains, which is beneficial to the charge transport. Under same doping condition, the electrical conductivities of the doped polymers increase and the Seebeck coefficient decrease as the increasing of EDOT content, resulting in an optimized power factor of 6.4 μW m−1 K−2 for the random polymer with EDOT content of 40% which is four times higher than that of alternating conjugated copolymer PDPP‐3T. These results demonstrated that constructing random copolymers by incorporating more electronic donors into D‐A conjugated polymers may be a promising strategy for developing TE conjugated polymers.
A Statistical Hot Spot Reaction Rate Model for Shock Initiation of Polymer‐Bonded Explosives
Authors: Bai Zhi‐ling , Duan Zhuo‐ping , Wang Xin‐jie , Huang Feng‐lei
Published: September 2021

A statistical hot spot reaction rate model for shock initiation and detonation of heterogeneous solid explosives is developed to devote a physically realistic description of the formation, growth, or coalescence of hot spots, combustion, and rapid transition to detonation. One of the most significant advantages of the statistical model is that it predicts well the influence of mesoscopic void size distribution and critical size of activated hot spots on the shock initiation and detonation growth of PBXs. The calculated pressure histories in both TATB‐based LX‐17 and HMX‐based PBX9501 are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. It is found that the shock initiation behavior of the HMX‐based PBX is mainly controlled by the number density of hot spots and shows an accelerated reaction characteristic and that of the TATB‐based PBX is determined by the combustion reaction process, which featured by a stable reaction characteristic. It is also found that the void size inside the explosive should be restricted as small as possible to effectively reduce the initiation sensitivity. The results could advance our knowledge of shock initiation of PBXs and provide guidelines for the synthesis of insensitive high composite explosives.
Dizziness and physical health are associated with pain in dizzy patients—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gustavsen Ingvild Ølfarnes , Wilhelmsen Kjersti , Goode Adam P. , Nordahl Stein Helge Glad , Goplen Frederik Kragerud , Nilsen Roy Miodini , Magnussen Liv Heide
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose

Associations between dizziness, health‐related quality of life, and musculoskeletal pain have not been systematically explored in patients with vestibular disorders. Such knowledge may be important for choice of treatments. The study objectives were to examine the extent and localization of musculoskeletal pain and explore whether pain was associated with dizziness and health‐related quality of life.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study investigated anonymized data from an earlier survey on patients with long‐lasting dizziness (>3 months) examined in an oto‐rhino‐laryngological department. The sample includes patient between 18 and 70 years with Ménière's disease, vestibular schwannoma, benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, vestibular neuritis, non‐otogenic dizziness, and cervicogenic dizziness. General musculoskeletal, that is, pain in muscles, tendons, and joints was registered by a yes/no question. A pain drawing registered localization of pain. Multiple binary logistic regression models were used to determine the association between pain and vertigo‐balance and autonomic‐anxiety related dizziness by the short Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) and sub‐scales (VSS‐V, VSS‐A), and between pain and health‐related quality of life by the SF‐36, mental and physical component summary scale (SF‐36 MCS, SF‐36 PCS).

Results

The sample consisted of 503 patients, 60.2% were women, the median age was 50 years. General musculoskeletal pain was reported by 72.8% of patients, neck pain by 59.2% and widespread pain by 21.9%. Multiple binary logistic regression models demonstrated that all the pain measures were significantly associated with VSS‐V and VSS‐A and SF‐36 PCS, but not SF‐36 MCS.

Discussions

Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in patients with long‐lasting dizziness. The strong associations between pain, VSS, and SF‐36 PCS could result in a self‐sustaining complex condition. The findings imply that in addition to assessing and treating the vestibular symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms and physical health should be addressed.
Polypharmacology of clinical sodium glucose co‐transport protein 2 inhibitors and relationship to suspected adverse drug reactions
Authors: Matharu Karan , Chana Kiran , Ferro Charles J. , Jones Alan M.
Published: September 2021

Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a promising second‐line treatment strategy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a developing landscape of both beneficial cardio‐ and nephroprotective properties and emerging adverse drug reactions (ADRs) including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), genetic mycotic infections, and amputations among others. A national register study (MHRA Yellow Card, UK) was used to quantify the SGLT2i's suspected ADRs relative to theirRxrate (OpenPrescribing, UK). The polypharmacology profiles of SGLT2i were data‐mined (ChEMBL) for the first time. The ADR reports (n = 3629) and prescribing numbers (Rxn = 5,813,325) for each SGLT2i in the United Kingdom (from launch date to the beginning December 2019) were determined. Empagliflozin possesses the most selective SGLT2/SGLT1 inhibition profile at ~2500‐fold, ~10‐fold more selective than cangliflozin (~260‐fold). Canagliflozin was found to also inhibit CYP at clinically achievable concentrations. We find that for overall ADR rates, empagliflozin versus dapagliflozin and empagliflozin versus canagliflozin are statistically significant (χ2,p < .05), while dapagliflozin versus canagliflozin is not. In terms of overall ADRs, there is a greater relative rate for canagliflozin > dapagliflozin > empagliflozin. For fatalities, there is a greater relative rate for dapagliflozin > canagliflozin > empagliflozin. An organ classification that resulted in a statistically significant difference between SGLT2i was suspected infection/infestation ADRs between empagliflozin and dapagliflozin. Our findings at this stage of SGLT2i usage in the United Kingdom suggest that empagliflozin, the most selective SGLT2i, had the lowest suspected ADR incident rate (relative to prescribing) and in all reported classes of ADRs identified including infections, amputations, and DKA.