bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measures of left atrial function predict incident heart failure in a low‐risk general population: the Copenhagen City Heart Study
Authors: Andersen Ditte Madsen , Sengeløv Morten , Olsen Flemming Javier , Marott Jacob Louis , Jensen Gorm Boje , Schnohr Peter , Platz Elke , Schou Morten , Mogelvang Rasmus , Biering‐Sørensen Tor
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study investigated left atrial (LA) parameters as measured on transthoracic echocardiography as predictors of incident heart failure (HF) in a community cohort.

Methods and results

In a large general population study (n = 2221), participants underwent a health examination with echocardiography. The maximum and minimum LA volumes indexed to body surface area (LAVImax and LAVImin) were measured and the LA emptying fraction (LAEF) and LA expansion index (LAEI) were calculated. Among 1951 participants without atrial fibrillation or significant valve disease, the mean age was 59 ± 16 years and 58% were women. At baseline, 1% (n = 16) had a left ventricular ejection fraction of <50%, 44% had hypertension, and 10% had diabetes. During follow‐up (median 15.8 years, interquartile range: 11.3–16.2 years), 187 (10%) participants were diagnosed with incident HF. Participants who were diagnosed with HF during follow‐up had a larger LAVImax and LAVImin and a lower LAEF and LAEI compared to participants without HF. In unadjusted analysis, LAVImax, LAVImin, LAEF and LAEI were predictors of incident HF. After multivariable adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic parameters, only LAVImin remained an independent predictor of incident HF (hazard ratio per 1 standard deviation increase: 1.22 [95% confidence interval 1.01–1.47], p = 0.038).

Conclusion

In the general population, LAVImin is an independent predictor of incident HF. LAVImax, currently the only LA measure in a routine echocardiographic examination, was not an independent predictor of incident HF.
Effects of Diclofenac on the Reproductive Health, Respiratory Rate, Cardiac Activity, and Heat Tolerance of Aquatic Animals
Authors: Berezina Nadezhda A. , Sharov Andrey N. , Chernova Ekaterina N. , Malysheva Olga A.
Published: December 2021

Diclofenac is an important pharmaceutical present in the water cycle of wastewater treatment and one of the most distributed drugs in aquatic ecosystems. Despite the great interest in the fate of diclofenac in freshwaters, the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations on invertebrates are still unclear. Two species of freshwater invertebrates, the amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus and the bivalve mollusk Unio pictorum, were exposed to diclofenac concentrations of 0.001–2 μg/L (environmentally relevant levels) for 96 h. A set of biological endpoints (survival, fecundity, embryo abnormalities, respiration and heart rates, heat tolerance, and cardiac stress tolerance) were estimated in exposed invertebrates. Effects of diclofenac on amphipod metabolic rate and reproduction (number and state of embryos) and adaptive capacity (cardiac stress tolerance) in both species were evident. The oxygen consumption of amphipods exposed to diclofenac of 0.1–2 μg/L was 1.5–2 times higher than in the control, indicating increased energy requirements for standard metabolism in the presence of diclofenac (>0.1 μg/L). The heart rate recovery time in mollusks after heating to critical temperature (30 °C) was 1.7 and 9 times greater in mollusks exposed to 0.1 and 0.9 μg/L, respectively, than in the control (24 min). A level of diclofenac >0.9 μg/L adversely affected amphipod embryos, leading to an increase in the number of embryos with impaired development, which subsequently died. Thus, the lowest effective concentration of diclofenac (0.1 μg/L) led to increased energy demands of animals while reducing cardiac stress tolerance, and at a level close to 1 μg/L reproductive disorders (elevated mortality of the embryos) occurred. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:677–686. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

A set of biological endpoints (survival, fecundity, embryo abnormalities, respiration and heart rates, heat tolerance, and cardiac stress tolerance) were estimated after 96-h exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of diclofenac in the freshwater amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus and the bivalve mollusk Unio pictorum. The results showed adverse effects of diclofenac on the metabolism and embryo survival in amphipods and tolerance in mollusks.
Different sensorimotor mechanism in fast and slow progression amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Li Qianwen , Zhu Wenjia , Wen Xinmei , Zang Zhenxiang , Da Yuwei , Lu Jie
Published: December 2021

The huge heterogeneity of the disease progression rate may cause inconsistent findings between local activity and functional connectivity of the primary sensorimotor area (PSMA) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For illustration of this hypothesis, resting‐state fMRI (RS‐fMRI) data were collected and analyzed on 38 “definite” or “probable” ALS patients (19 fast and 19 slow, cut off median = 0.41) and 37 matched healthy controls. Amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and functional connectivity strength (FCS) were analyzed within the PSMA. There was a decreased ALFF (pFDR <.05) and FCS (p = .022) in all ALS patients. The two metrics shared about 50% of variance (R = .7) and both showed significant positive correlation with ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R) in the fast (p values <.034) but not in the slow progression groups. Interestingly, when regressing out the ALFF, the PSMA network FCS, especially the inter‐hemisphere FCS, showed negative correlation with the ALSFRS‐R score in the slow (R = −.54, p = .026) but not the fast progression group. In summary, the current results suggest that RS‐fMRI local activity and network functional connectivity accounts for the severity differently in the slow and fast progression ALS patients.
Circular RNAs: Functions and mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Wanpeng , Xu Rui , Zhu Bijun , Wang Huan , Zhang Huankang , Hu Li , Li Houyong , Sun Xicai , Yu Hongmeng , Wang Dehui
Published: December 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor of the nasopharyngeal mucosa with a high incidence rate in southern China and Southeast Asia and an evident ethnic and geographical distribution. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single‐stranded noncoding RNAs with covalent, closed‐loop structures. They are characterized by high stability and abundance, are evolutionarily conserved, and exhibit tissue/developmental stage specificity. Previous studies have shown that circRNAs are associated with the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors. However, the expression patterns and clinical significance of circRNAs in NPC remain ambiguous. Hence, the present review focuses on the biogenesis and regulation of circRNAs, and the functional roles of abnormally expressed circRNAs in NPC. In addition, the current review discusses the possibility of utilizing circRNAs as potential clinical biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.
Radiation and slip effects on MHD point flow of nanofluid towards a stretching sheet with melting heat transfer
Authors: Kumar Navin , Jat Ram Niwas , Sinha Sharad , Dadheech Praveen Kumar , Agrawal Priyanka , Purohit Sunil Dutt , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: December 2021

In the present paper, the melting heat transfer of a nanofluid over a stretching sheet is investigated. Magnetohydrodynamic stagnation point flow with thermal radiation and slip effects is considered for this study. The governing model of the flow is solved by Runge–Kutta fourth‐order method using appropriate similarity transformations. Temperature and velocity fields are presented for various flow pertinent parameters. Nondimensional physical parameters such as Prandtl number, radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, Lewis number, thermophoresis parameter, magnetic parameter, and melting parameter on fluid velocity, heat, concentration, skin friction, Sherwood number, and Nusselt number are presented graphically and discussed numerically. Heat transfer rate can be increased by increasing slip, melting, or radiation parameter. Mass transfer increases for greater values of melting parameter or slip parameter while radiation parameter shows the opposite impact on mass transfer.
Adapting psychophysiological data collection for COVID‐19: The “Virtual Assessment” model
Authors: Tabachnick Alexandra R. , Sellers Tabitha , Margolis Emma , Labella Madelyn , Neff Dylan , Crowell Sheila , Raby K. Lee , Saenz Celine , Conradt Elisabeth , Dozier Mary
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly disrupted research activities globally. Researchers need safe and creative procedures to resume data collection, particularly for projects evaluating infant mental health interventions. Remote research is uniquely challenging for psychophysiological data collection, which typically requires close contact between researchers and participants as well as technical equipment frequently located in laboratory settings. In accordance with public health guidance, we adapted procedures and developed novel protocols for a “virtual assessment” in which women and infants provided behavioral and psychophysiological data from their own homes while researchers coordinated remotely. Data collected at virtual visits included video‐recorded parent–child interactions and autonomic nervous system data. Adaptations were designed to optimize safety and data quality while minimizing participant burden. In the current paper, we describe these adaptations and present data evaluating their success across two sites in the United States (University of Delaware and University of Utah), focusing specifically on autonomic nervous system data collected during the well‐validated Still‐Face Paradigm (SFP). We also discuss advantages and challenges of translating traditional lab procedures into the virtual assessment model. Ultimately, we hope that disseminating these procedures will help other researchers resume safe data collection related to infant mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.
Development and assessment of biologically compatible anterior cruciate ligament using braided ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Karuppuswamy , Bhoobalan Krishnamoorthy , Jayaraman Dhasarathi , Sounderraj Shanmugam , Muthuukumar K Rajendran , Santhini Elango
Published: December 2021

In this study, a ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) braided structure was surface modified with low temperature plasma and was coated with cationized gelatin and hyaluronic acid to improve its biocompatibility for the reconstruction of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ligament was studied for its various mechanical properties. Surface modifications were studied through FESEM. Biological compatibility of the ligament was assessed in accordance to ISO 10993 standard. Tensile strength of the UHMWPE reconstructed ligament ranges between 2628 and 5937 N; maximum tensile strength was attained in 1600 denier 2/2 pattern of triple braided structure along with higher strain at failure of 36.1%. In 1600 denier 2/2 pattern of triple braid structure, the linear stiffness was found to be high at 375 N/mm. Among the developed materials, four braided structures namely as 800 denier 2/2 pattern of double braids and triple braids, 1600 denier 1/1 pattern of double braid and 2/2 pattern of triple braid were found to be mechanically suitable. Specifically, the 1600 denier 2/2 pattern of triple braid having higher mechanical properties was selected for coating. The results of in‐vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity confirmed the extract of ACL to non‐toxic and non‐mutant. Furthermore, in‐vivo analysis of the extract and the coated ACL graft proved the ligament to be non‐irritant, non‐sensitizer and also found to promote new tissue formation around the graft. Based on the results, the CG and HA coated ACL graft were concluded to be biocompatible and having considerable potential as an alternate for autograft/allograft.
BF3‐CatalyzedMukaiyama aldol reaction of acetaldehyde with 2‐siloxy‐1‐propene
Authors: Li Xuening , Li Ying , Sun Yuanyuan , Meng Lingpeng , Zeng Yanli
Published: December 2021

The Mukaiyama aldol reaction is a powerful tool for the construction of the carbon–carbon bond and the formation of β‐hydroxycarbonyl compounds. In this work, the mechanism of acetaldehyde and 2‐siloxy‐1‐propene both in the absence and presence of the catalyst BF3was investigated based on density functional theory. The mechanism includes two major steps: the formation of the carbon–carbon bond and the removal of SiH3/BF2by water. The energy barrier of the carbon–carbon bond formation process in the presence of BF3is obviously lower, indicating that BF3is a good catalyst for this reaction. In terms of molecular configuration, the different tensions between the five‐membered‐ring and six‐membered‐ring can be considered as the possible reason for the catalytic effect of BF3. In terms of charge transfer, the charges of natural population analysis in the carbon atom of the carbonyl group in acetaldehyde becomes more positive, which is easier to attack by nucleophiles and promote the nucleophilic process.
Overexpression and biochemical characterization of a carboxyspermidine dehydrogenase from Agrobacterium fabrum str. C58 and its application to carboxyspermidine production
Authors: Liang Xinxin , Deng Huaxiang , Xiong Tianzhen , Bai Yajun , Fan Tai‐Ping , Zheng Xiaohui , Cai Yujie
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Carboxyspermidine (C‐Spd) is a potentially valuable polyamine carboxylate compound and an excellent building block for spermidine synthesis, which is a critical polyamine with significant implications for human health and longevity. C‐Spd can also be used to prepare multivalent cationic lipids and modify nucleoside probes. Because of these positive effects on human health, C‐Spd is of considerable interest as a food additive and pharmaceutical target.

RESULTS

A putative gene afcasdh from Agrobacterium fabrum str. C58, encoding carboxyspermidine dehydrogenase with C‐Spd biosynthesis activity, was synthesized and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for overexpression. The recombinant AfCASDH was purified and fully characterized. The optimum temperature and pH for the recombinant enzyme were 30 °C and 7.5, respectively. The coupled catalytic strategy of AfCASDH and various NADPH regeneration systems were developed to enhance the efficient production of C‐Spd compound. Finally, the maximum titer of C‐Spd production successfully achieved 1.82 mmol L−1 with a yield of 91% by optimizing the catalytic conditions.

CONCLUSION

A novel AfCASDH from A. fabrum str. C58 was characterized that could catalyze the formation of C‐Spd from putrescine and l‐aspartate‐β‐semialdehyde (L‐Asa). A whole‐cell catalytic strategy coupled with NADPH regeneration was established successfully for C‐Spd biosynthesis for the first time. The coupled system indicated that AfCASDH might provide a feasible method for the industrial production of C‐Spd. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of preoperative sarcopenia in patients undergoing sacral tumor resection
Authors: Brinkmann Elyse J. , Wenger Doris E. , Johnson Joshua D. , Karim Syed M. , Blezek Daniel J. , Rose Peter S. , Houdek Matthew T.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Sacral tumor resection is known for a high rate of complications. Sarcopenia has been found to be associated with wound complications; however, there is a paucity of data examining the impact of sarcopenia on the outcome of sacral tumor resection.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients (31 primary sarcomas, 17 locally recurrent carcinomas) undergoing sacrectomy were reviewed. Central sarcopenia was assessed by measuring the psoas:lumbar vertebra index (PLVI), with the 50th percentile (0.97) used to determine which patients were high (>0.97) versus low (<0.97).

Results

Twenty‐four (50%) patients had a high PLVI and 24 (50%) had a low PLVI (sarcopenic). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the demographics of patients with or without sarcopenia. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative wound complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0, p = 1.0) or deep infection (OR = 0.83, p = 1.0). Sarcopenia was not associated with death due to disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.04, p = 0.20) or metastatic disease (HR = 2.47, p = 0.17), but was associated with local recurrence (HR = 6.60, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Central sarcopenia was not predictive of wound complications or infection following sacral tumor resection. Sarcopenia was, however, an independent risk factor for local tumor recurrence following sacrectomy and should be considered when counseling patients on the outcome of sacrectomy.
PAX9 functions as a tumor suppressor gene for cervical cancer via modulating cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Ya‐Qi , Niu Hai‐Bo , Zhang Chun‐Xiao
Published: December 2021

To investigate the effect of PAX9 on the progression of cervical cancer (CC). PAX9 expression was quantified in CC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, as well as human CC cell lines and human cervical epithelial cells (HCerEpiC). PAX9‐overexpression lentiviral vectors were transfected into CC cell lines, followed by the measurement of proliferation and apoptosis and the quantification of apoptosis‐related proteins. In vivo, mice were subcutaneously injected with CaSki cells transfected with PAX9‐overexpression lentiviral vectors and control vectors. Then, the volume and weight of tumors were measured followed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunohistochemistry. PAX9 expression in the CC tissues was lower than that in the adjacent normal tissues, which was correlated with the FIGO stage, tumor size, infiltration depth, parametrium invasion, lympho‐vascular space invasion tumor‐positive lymph nodes, and prognosis. Furthermore, PAX9 in CC cell lines was also lower than in HCerEpiC. PAX9 inhibits the CC cell proliferation and promotes the apoptosis, with the up‐regulations of caspase‐3, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), and Bax and the down‐regulation of Bcl‐2. In vivo experiments demonstrated that in the PAX9 group, the tumor weight and volume were lower than those in the vector group accompanying the decreased Ki‐67, cleaved‐caspase‐3, and Bax expressions and the increased TUNEL and Bcl‐2 expression. PAX9 was lowly expressed in the CC tissues and associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. PAX9 could inhibit proliferation of CC cell lines and promote the apoptosis, thus suppressing the tumor growth in vivo, indicating its potential therapeutic role for CC treatment.
Bilateral Cochlear Implantations in Temporal Bone Fracture: A Viable Treatment Option
Authors: Yousef Medhat F. , Theyab Rami , Garadat Soha N. , Hagr Abdulrahman
Published: December 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although it is surgically more challenging, patients with bilateral temporal bone fractures (TBFs) are potential candidates for successful bilateral cochlear implantation (CI). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of bilateral implantation in patients with sustained bilateral TBFs.

Study Design

Retrospective database study.

Methods

Seven patients with bilateral cochlear implants who were diagnosed with TBFs were included in this study. Preoperative radiological and audiological evaluations were performed. The outcomes of the CI were also investigated.

Results

Hearing levels were restored to the mild–moderate range (<40 dB) for nearly all patients and they reported an improved quality of life.

Conclusions

CI in patients with TBF is safe and offers a solution for the restoration of hearing in a population who may experience sudden bilateral deafness. However, preoperative confirmation of intact auditory nerves and patent cochlea is essential to maximize the success of CI in this population.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:2050–2055, 2022
Selective RF excitation designs enabled by time‐varying spatially non‐linear ΔB0 fields with applications in fetal MRI
Authors: Zhang Molin , Arango Nicolas , Stockmann Jason P. , White Jacob , Adalsteinsson Elfar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To demonstrate, through numerical simulations, novel designs of spatially selective radiofrequency (RF) excitations of the fetal brain by both a restricted 2D slice and 3D inner‐volume selection. These designs exploit a single‐channel RF pulse, conventional gradient fields, and the spatially non‐linear ΔB0 fields of a multi‐coil shim array, using an auto‐differentiation optimization algorithm.

Methods

The design algorithm jointly optimizes the RF pulse and the time‐varying ΔB0 fields, which is produced by a 64‐channel multi‐coil ΔB0 body array to augment the RF and the linear gradient fields, using an auto‐differentiation approach. Two design targets were specified, one a 4‐mm thick slice with a limited in‐slice extent in one dimension (“restricted slice”), and the other a 3D inner‐volume selection encompassing the fetal brain (“inner volume”). The RF duration was limited to 2 ms for the restricted slice excitation and 6 ms for the inner‐volume excitation.

Results

Excitation profiles were achieved for both the restricted slice excitation task (one‐minus‐minimum magnitude, 8%) within the region of interest (ROI) and (maximum‐minus‐zero magnitude, 8%) in the suppressed regions and the fetal brain volume excitation task (13% and 9%, respectively).

Conclusions

The proposed joint design of RF and time‐varying, spatially non‐linear ΔB0 fields achieves the target excitation profiles with short RF pulse durations and demonstrates the potential to enhance fetal MRI with multi‐channel body shim arrays.
Socioeconomic position and maintenance therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A national cohort study
Authors: Pedersen Line Hjøllund , Østergaard Anna , Bank Victoria , Nersting Jacob , Tuckuviene Ruta , Wehner Peder Skov , Albertsen Birgitte Klug , Degn Matilda , Als‐Nielsen Bodil Elise Thorhauge , Larsen Hanne Bækgaard , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg
Published: December 2021

Background

Socioeconomic differences in survival among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been reported in high‐income countries and there is an unmet need for strategies to identify vulnerable patient subgroups. Reported differences in survival for children from families with different socioeconomic positions seem to arise when starting maintenance therapy. This could reflect reduced physician's compliance or family adherence to maintenance therapy.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study with extensive monitoring of systemic methotrexate (MTX)/6‐mercaptopurine (6MP) dosing and metabolite levels, retrospectively investigated 173 Danish children treated according to The Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol from 2008 to 2016.

Results

Significantly lower prescribed doses of MTX and 6MP were seen in the children in families with short parental education (short vs. medium vs. higher education: mMTX: 13.8, 16.2, and 18.6 mg/m2/week; p < .01; m6MP: 47.4, 64.9, and 66.1 mg/m2/day; p = .03) or parents unemployed/not in workforce (unemployed/not in workforce vs. mixed vs. at work: mMTX: 15.0, 19.9, and 17.2 mg/m2/week; p < .01; m6MP: 54.8, 72.0, and 65.1 mg/m2/day; p < .01). When assessing family adherence by analyzing MTX and 6MP metabolite levels, including per prescribed dose of MTX and 6MP, we found no significant differences by levels of parental education, affiliation to work market, or income (p > .05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

These results indicate that inferior physician compliance to protocol recommendations on drug dosage rather than families’ adherence to therapy may contribute to the association between socioeconomic position and cure rates in childhood ALL, although precise mechanisms remain to be explored.
Metabolite profiling reveals organ‐specific flavone accumulation in Scutellaria and identifies a scutellarin isomer isoscutellarein 8‐O‐β‐glucuronopyranoside
Authors: Askey Bryce C. , Liu Dake , Rubin Garret M. , Kunik Andrew R. , Song Yeong Hun , Ding Yousong , Kim Jeongim
Published: December 2021

Scutellaria is a genus of plants containing multiple species with well‐documented medicinal effects. S. baicalensis and S. barbata are among the best‐studied Scutellaria species, and previous works have established flavones to be the primary source of their bioactivity. Recent genomic and biochemical studies with S. baicalensis and S. barbata have advanced our understanding of flavone biosynthesis in Scutellaria. However, as over several hundreds of Scutellaria species occur throughout the world, flavone biosynthesis in most species remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed organ‐specific flavone profiles of seven Scutellaria species, including S. baicalensis, S. barbata, and two species native to the Americas (S. wrightii to Texas and S. racemosa to Central and South America). We found that the roots of almost all these species produce only 4′‐deoxyflavones, while 4′‐hydroxyflavones are accumulated exclusively in their aerial parts. On the other hand, S. racemosa and S. wrightii also accumulated high levels of 4′‐deoxyflavones in their aerial parts, different with the flavone profiles of S. baicalensis and S. barbata. Furthermore, our metabolomics and NMR study identified the accumulation of isoscutellarein 8‐O‐β‐glucuronopyranoside, a rare 4′‐hydroxyflavone, in the stems and leaves of several Scutellaria species including S. baicalensis and S. barbata, but not in S. racemosa and S. wrightii. Distinctive organ‐specific metabolite profiles among Scutellaria species indicate the selectivity and diverse physiological roles of flavones.
Current synthetic chemistry towards cyclic antimicrobial peptides
Authors: He Tong , Qu Rui , Zhang Jinqiang
Published: December 2021

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have great potentials for developing novel antibiotics against multi‐drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. However, the clinical application of AMPs is limited due to their poor protease stability and high hemolytic toxicity. Various strategies have been widely explored to improve the pharmacological properties of natural or artificial antimicrobial peptides, including D‐ or non‐natural amino acid residue replacement, backbone modification, cyclization, PEGlytion, and lipidation. Among others, peptide cyclization, which has been widely applied to enhance the biostability and target selectivity of bioactive peptide, is a very appealing and promising strategy for developing novel antibiotics based on AMPs. Herein, we summarize the current strategies for synthesizing cyclic antimicrobial peptides and the resulting influence of peptide cyclization on the biological activities.
Phytochemicals mediated modulation of microRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs in cancer prevention and therapy
Authors: Ruiz‐Manriquez Luis M. , Estrada‐Meza Carolina , Benavides‐Aguilar Javier A. , Ledesma‐Pacheco S. Janin , Torres‐Copado Andrea , Serrano‐Cano Francisco I. , Bandyopadhyay Anindya , Pathak Surajit , Chakraborty Samik , Srivastava Aashish , Sharma Ashutosh , Paul Sujay
Published: December 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two main categories of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that can influence essential biological functions in various ways, as well as their expression and function are tightly regulated in physiological homeostasis. Additionally, the dysregulation of these ncRNAs seems to be crucial to the pathogenesis of human diseases. The latest findings indicate that ncRNAs execute vital roles in cancer initiation and progression, and the cancer phenotype can be reversed by modulating their expression. Available scientific discoveries suggest that phytochemicals such as polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and organosulfur compounds can significantly modulate multiple cancer‐associated miRNAs and lncRNAs, thereby inhibiting cancer initiation and development. However, despite promising outcomes of experimental research, only a few clinical trials are currently being conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of these compounds. Nevertheless, understanding phytochemical‐mediated ncRNA regulation in cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms on tumor pathophysiology can aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat this deadly disease.
Histopathological evaluation of cesarean scar defect in women with cesarean scar syndrome
Authors: Higuchi Asuka , Tsuji Shunichiro , Nobuta Yuri , Nakamura Akiko , Katsura Daisuke , Amano Tsukuru , Kimura Fuminori , Tanimura Satoshi , Murakami Takashi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To explore the histopathological findings of cesarean scar defect (CSD) and the immunological component in women with cesarean scar syndrome (CSS).

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in a university hospital and a public hospital. A total of 63 patients with secondary infertility due to CSS who underwent laparoscopic resection of the CSD lesion were enrolled (CSS group), and 21 patients who underwent hysterectomy with a history of cesarean section were enrolled as control (non‐CSS group). We compared the differences in histopathological findings of CSD lesions by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD20, CD56, CD68, CD138, myeloperoxidase, and tryptase between the two groups.

Results

The frequency of presence of endometrium on the CSD surface was significantly lower (p = 0.0023) and that of adenomyosis was significantly higher (p = 0.0195) in the CSS group than in the non‐CSS group. The number of CD3‐, CD20‐, CD68‐, and tryptase‐positive cells was significantly lower in the CSS group than in the non‐CSS group; however, the number of CD138‐positive cells was significantly higher in the CSS group (p = 0.0042).

Conclusions

This study suggested that the absence of endometrium, presence of adenomyosis, and chronic inflammation in CSD contributes to secondary infertility due to CSS.
Cover crops can increase ammonia volatilization and reduce the efficacy of urease inhibitors
Authors: Kulesza Stephanie B. , Woodley Alex L. , Heather Kayleigh , Kilroy Grace
Published: December 2021

Surface application of urea can result in high nitrogen (N) losses through ammonia (NH3) volatilization. While management practices aim to increase the efficiency of nutrient cycling and prevent N loss, it is unknown whether the combination of multiple practices will have a synergistic or antagonistic effect. Therefore, laboratory volatilization studies were conducted to determine the effect of five cover crop treatments (surface clover [Trifolium incarnatum L.] and rye [Secale cereale L.], incorporated clover and rye, and bare soil), three N application timings (2, 4, and 8 wk after cover crop addition), and two N sources (untreated and treated urea) on the effectiveness of a urease inhibitor. Soils were incubated according to N application timing treatment, amended with the appropriate N source, and placed in chambers which captured NH3 over 7 d. There were significant interactions between cover crop treatment and N source and N source and N application timing on cumulative NH3 loss, ranging from 29 to 174 kg N ha−1. Losses were highest from treated urea when applied 2 wk after residue addition (75.9 kg N ha−1) or on top of surface residues (85.8 kg N ha−1). There was no significant effect of application timing on cumulative NH3 loss from untreated urea. However, inhibitor effectiveness did increase when residue was applied eight weeks after residue addition (77%) as compared with 2 wk after residue addition (45%). Future research should focus on alternate dosing or application timing to overcome high residue scenarios in these systems.
Light Managements and Transparent Electrodes for Semitransparent Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xiao Linge , Huang Gaosheng , Zhang Hong , Zhang Xuning , Li Yanxun , Li Shilin , Jiang Tianze , Han Bing , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: December 2021

Comparing with inorganic solar cells, organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells have attracted considerable attention owing to their unique properties such as the color tunability of their photoactive layers, low cost, catering to solution processing, and flexibility, which have been considered as the most promising technologies in wearable energy resources and show huge potential in fabricating transparent devices. In recent years, numerous light coupling constructions and transparent electrode optimization strategies have been applied to further enhance device photoelectric performance. In this review, common strategies focusing on light modulation and for semitransparent organic solar cells and semitransparent perovskite solar cells, which are crucial to increase Jsc, achieving adjustable chromaticity coordinates, high average visible transmittance and color rendering index have been summarized in detail.
FAM83A has a pro‐tumor function in ovarian cancer by affecting the Akt/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhao Juan , Zhao Fan , Yang Ting , Tian Sijuan , Zhao Minyi , Wang Shirui , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2021

Family with sequence similarity 83, member A (FAM83A) is a tumor‐exclusive gene that has a vital role in numerous tumors. However, its role in tumorigenesis remains controversial. This work is dedicated to the study of the role of FAM83A in ovarian cancer. We observed elevated levels of FAM83A in ovarian cancer specimens and cells. Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed that elevated FAM83A levels predicted a worse overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. The inhibition of FAM83A caused remarkable suppressive effects on the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, and enhanced their chemosensitivity. On the contrary, the upregulation of FAM83A had opposite effects. Mechanistically, FAM83A had an effect on the Akt and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways in ovarian cancer cells. The repression of Akt could cancel the regulatory effect of FAM83A overexpression on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Moreover, reactivation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway abolished FAM83A‐inhibition‐evoked antitumor effects. Additionally, FAM83A inhibition weakened the tumorigenic potential of ovarian cancer in vivo. Taken together, this work shows that FAM83A exerts a pro‐tumor function in ovarian cancer by affecting the Akt/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and proposes FAM83A as an effective and possible treatment target for ovarian cancer.
Changes in structural brain development after selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twins
Authors: Groene S. G. , de Vries L. S. , Slaghekke F. , Haak M. C. , Heijmans B. T. , de Bruin C. , Roest A. A. W. , Lopriore E. , van Klink J. M. M. , Steggerda S. J.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) may alter brain development permanently, resulting in lifelong structural and functional changes. However, in studies addressing this research question, FGR singletons have been compared primarily to matched appropriately grown singletons, a design which is inherently biased by differences in genetic and maternal factors. To overcome these limitations, we conducted a within‐pair comparison of neonatal structural cerebral ultrasound measurements in monochorionic twin pairs with selective FGR (sFGR).

Methods

Structural cerebral measurements on neonatal cerebral ultrasound were compared between the smaller and larger twins of monochorionic twin pairs with sFGR, defined as a birth‐weight discordance (BWD) ≥ 20%, born in our center between 2010 and 2020. Measurements from each twin pair were also compared with those of an appropriately grown singleton, matched according to sex and gestational age at birth.

Results

Included were 58 twin pairs with sFGR, with a median gestational age at birth of 31.7 (interquartile range, 29.9–33.8) weeks and a median birth weight of 1155 g for the smaller twin and 1725 g for the larger twin (median BWD, 32%). Compared with both the larger twin and the singleton, the smaller twin had significantly smaller cerebral structures (corpus callosum, vermis, cerebellum), less white/deep gray matter and smaller intracranial surface area and volume. Intracranial‐volume discordance and BWD correlated significantly (R2 = 0.228, P < 0.0001). The median intracranial‐volume discordance was smaller than the median BWD (19% vs 32%, P < 0.0001). After correction for intracranial volume, only one of the observed differences (biparietal diameter) remained significant for the smaller twin vs both the larger twin and the singleton.

Conclusions

In monochorionic twins with sFGR, neonatal cerebral ultrasound reveals an overall, proportional restriction in brain growth, with smaller cerebral structures, less white/deep gray matter and smaller overall brain‐size parameters in the smaller twin. There was a positive linear relationship between BWD and intracranial‐volume discordance, with intracranial‐volume discordance being smaller than BWD. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Unilateral blindness associated with steroid‐responsive meningitis arteritis in a 9‐month‐old Beagle
Authors: Tang Charis , Álvarez Patricia , Manning Susan , Wessmann Annette
Published: December 2021

A 9‐month‐old Beagle presented with a 24‐hour history of lethargy, pyrexia, and cervical and thoracolumbar pain. Cranial nerve examination revealed an absent menace response, an absent dazzle reflex, and absent direct and left‐to‐right consensual pupillary light reflexes in the left eye, indicating a non‐visual eye. Funduscopic examination and electroretinography were unremarkable. Complete blood profile showed moderate neutrophilia, monocytosis and elevated C‐reactive protein. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a neutrophilic pleocytosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head, thoracic and abdominal imaging, urinalysis, joint taps and infectious disease titres were unremarkable. A diagnosis of steroid‐responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA) with left optic nerve involvement was concluded. Blindness has not been reported in cases with SRMA. An extension of the leptomeningeal inflammation into the optic nerve sheaths is hypothesized as the underlying pathophysiology. SRMA should be considered as a cause of blindness in the presence of other clinical signs compatible with this condition.
German banks’ behavior in the low interest rate environment
Authors: Busch Ramona , Littke Helge C. N. , Memmel Christoph , Niederauer Simon
Published: December 2021

Using data from a quantitative survey of German banks at three points in time (2015, 2017 and 2019), we analyze the impact of changes in the interest rate level on banks’ net interest income and the countermeasures they take. A decline in the interest rate level has a more negative impact on net interest income, the longer the decline lasts and the lower the interest rate level is. This impact softens with increasing risk of changes in the present value of banking books. We do not find that banks generally increase their risks following a drop in income. However, poorly capitalized banks subsequently increase the credit risk of their bond portfolio. After a fall in operational income, banks increase their fee and commission income and reduce their costs. In addition, banks tend to extend their mortgage lending after a drop in their interest income.
Fracture Patterns in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Van Hulten V. , Rasmussen Nicklas , Driessen J.H.M. , Burden A.M. , Kvist A. , van den Bergh J.P.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of Review

In this narrative review, we have summarized the literature on fracture risk in T1DM and T2DM with a special focus on fracture site, time patterns, glucose-lowering drugs, and micro- and macrovascular complications.

Recent Findings

T1DM and T2DM were associated with an overall increased fracture risk, with preferent locations at the hip, vertebrae, humerus, and ankle in T1DM and at the hip, vertebrae, and likely humerus, distal forearm, and foot in T2DM. Fracture risk was higher with longer diabetes duration and the presence of micro- and macrovascular complications. In T2DM, fracture risk was higher with use of insulin, sulfonylurea, and thiazolidinediones and lower with metformin use.

The increased fracture risk in T1DM and T2DM concerns specific fracture sites, and is higher in subjects with longer diabetes duration, vascular complications, and in T2DM with the use of specific glucose-lowering medication.
The Memory-Undermining Effect of Simulated Crime-Related Amnesia and Its Legal Implications: a Review
Authors: Mangiulli Ivan , Riesthuis Paul , Otgaar Henry
Published: December 2021

Pretending to suffer from amnesia for a mock crime has been shown to lead to memory impairments. Specifically, when people are asked to give up their role of simulators, they typically recall fewer crime-relevant details than those who initially confess to a crime. In the current review, we amassed all experimental work on this subject and assessed the characteristics of the memory-undermining effect of simulated amnesia for a crime procedure (i.e., crime stimuli, simulating amnesia instructions, memory tests, and memory outcomes). We specifically focused on the effect that crime-related amnesia claims may have on offenders’ final memory reports. Our review showed that simulators who initially claimed amnesia might paradoxically experience some sort of forgetting pertaining to crime-related information. This issue could likely lead to legal complications that need be taken into account in crime-related amnesia cases.
Mechanical properties of wire and arc additively manufactured high-strength steel structures
Authors: Müller Johanna , Hensel Jonas , Dilger Klaus
Published: December 2021

Additive manufacturing with steel opens up new possibilities for the construction sector. Especially direct energy deposition processes like DED-arc, also known as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), is capable of manufacturing large structures with a high degree of geometric freedom, which makes the process suitable for the manufacturing of force flow-optimized steel nodes and spaceframes. By the use of high strength steel, the manufacturing times can be reduced since less material needs to be deposited. To keep the advantages of the high strength steel, the effect of thermal cycling during WAAM needs to be understood, since it influences the phase transformation, the resulting microstructure, and hence the mechanical properties of the material. In this study, the influences of energy input, interpass temperature, and cooling rate were investigated by welding thin walled samples. From each sample, microsections were analyzed, and tensile test and Charpy-V specimens were extracted and tested. The specimens with an interpass temperature of 200 °C, low energy input and applied active cooling showed a tensile strength of ~ 860–900 MPa, a yield strength of 700–780 MPa, and an elongation at fracture between 17 and 22%. The results showed the formation of martensite for specimens with high interpass temperatures which led to low yield and high tensile strengths (Rp0.2 = 520–590 MPa, Rm = 780–940 MPa) for the specimens without active cooling. At low interpass temperatures, the increase of the energy input led to a decrease of the tensile and the yield strength while the elongation at fracture as well as the Charpy impact energy increased. The formation of upper bainite due to the higher energy input can be avoided by accelerated cooling while martensite caused by high interpass temperatures need to be counteracted by heat treatment.
Acute abdominal pain localized in right iliac fossa
Authors: Boulic Pierrick , Victor Anaïs , Kayemba-Kay's Simon
Published: December 2021

Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint in children, leading them to seek medical attention. It can have several causes, though acute appendicitis is the most feared diagnosis when pain is localized in the right iliac fossa. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy with the complaint of acute abdominal pain, initially referred by his family doctor to a radiologist for an abdominal ultrasound (US) for suspected acute appendicitis. A fortuitous diagnosis of giant hydronephrosis (GH) was made upon admission, which showed the palpation of a huge poorly delineated abdominal mass that was probably missed at the previous examination by the general physician (GP). Uroscan confirmed the diagnosis of GH secondary to obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction. A renal MAG3 (mercaptuacetyltriglycine) scan showed revealed differential renal function (15%) on the right side, normal on the left side. Robot-assisted right pyeloplasty with the transposition of right lower polar vessels via trans-peritoneal laparoscopy was performed, and JJ probe left in-situ for a month. The boy is doing well and is under active follow-up. GH is rare; its diagnosis requires both meticulous examination and a high index of suspicion. Its management is uncodified but in children, pyeloplasty is preferred to nephrectomy.
Weak Multiplex Percolation
Authors: Baxter Gareth J. , da Costa Rui A. , Dorogovtsev Sergey N. , Mendes José F. F.
Published: December 2021

In many systems consisting of interacting subsystems, the complex interactions between elements can be represented using multilayer networks. However percolation, key to understanding connectivity and robustness, is not trivially generalised to multiple layers. This Element describes a generalisation of percolation to multilayer networks: weak multiplex percolation. A node belongs to a connected component if at least one of its neighbours in each layer is in this component. The authors fully describe the critical phenomena of this process. In two layers with finite second moments of the degree distributions the authors observe an unusual continuous transition with quadratic growth above the threshold. When the second moments diverge, the singularity is determined by the asymptotics of the degree distributions, creating a rich set of critical behaviours. In three or more layers the authors find a discontinuous hybrid transition which persists even in highly heterogeneous degree distributions, becoming continuous only when the powerlaw exponent reaches $1+1/(M-1)$ for $M$ layers.