bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐processing algorithms for specific absorption rate compression
Authors: Orzada Stephan , Fiedler Thomas M. , Quick Harald H. , Ladd Mark E.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Compression of local specific absorption rate (SAR) matrices is essential for enabling SAR monitoring and efficient pulse calculation in parallel transmission. Improvements in compression result in lower error margin and/or lower number of virtual observation points (VOPs). The purpose of this work is to introduce two algorithms for post‐processing of already compressed VOP sets. One calculates individual overestimation matrices for the VOPs to reduce overestimation, the other identifies redundant VOPs.

Methods

The first algorithm was evaluated for VOP sets calculated for three different transmit arrays with either 8 or 16 channels. For each array, two different overestimation matrices were used to generate the VOP sets. Each post‐processed VOP set was evaluated using one million random excitation vectors and the results compared to the VOP set before post‐processing. The second algorithm was evaluated by utilizing the same random excitation vectors and comparing the results after removal of the redundant VOPs with the results before removal to verify that these were identical.

Results

The first algorithm reduced the mean overestimation by up to four fifths compared to the original set, while keeping the number of VOPs constant. The second algorithm decreased the number of VOPs generated by a compression with Eichfelder and Gebhardt’s algorithm by more than 40% in 40% of the investigated cases and by more than 20% in 73% of the investigated cases.

Conclusion

Two post‐processing algorithms are presented that enhance previously compressed VOP sets by improving the accuracy per number of VOPs.
The health and suffering scale: Item reduction, reliability and validity among women undergoing rehabilitation for exhaustion and long‐lasting pain
Authors: Gebhardt Anja , Langius‐Eklöf Ann , Andermo Susanne , Arman Maria
Published: July 2021

Aim

To investigate the necessity of an item reduction and to evaluate estimates of dimensionality, reliability and validity of the Health and Suffering Scale among two groups of women, one undergoing rehabilitation for exhaustion and long‐lasting pain and one reference group.

Design

Psychometric evaluation of the scale using cross‐sectional data.

Method

The Health and Suffering Scale is a self‐report scale which measures perceived suffering in relation to health on a semantic visual analogue scale. Classical and modern test theory were applied for item reduction and to explore estimates of reliability and validity.

Results

The Health and Suffering Scale was found to be unidimensional, nine of originally twenty items were part of a consistent factor structure and hierarchical order. These items were internally consistent, discriminated between patients and healthy respondents, and had an excellent level of separation of individuals experiencing various levels of health and suffering. Re‐test reliability estimates were moderate.
A Pragmatic Study Evaluating NEPA Versus Aprepitant for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Receiving Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy
Authors: Zelek Laurent , Debourdeau Philippe , Bourgeois Hugues , Wagner Jean Philippe , Brocard Fabien , Lefeuvre-Plesse Claudia , Chauffert Bruno , Leheurteur Marianne , Bachet Jean-Baptiste , Simon Hélène , Mayeur Didier , Scotté Florian
Published: July 2021

Background

Neurokinin (NK) 1 receptor antagonists (RAs), administered in combination with a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) RA and dexamethasone (DEX), have demonstrated clear improvements in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) prevention over a 5-HT3RA plus DEX. However, studies comparing the NK1RAs in the class are lacking. A fixed combination of a highly selective NK1RA, netupitant, and the 5-HT3RA, palonosetron (NEPA), simultaneously targets two critical antiemetic pathways, thereby offering a simple convenient antiemetic with long-lasting protection from CINV. This study is the first head-to-head NK1RA comparative study in patients receiving anthracycline cyclophosphamide (AC) and non-AC moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC).

Materials and Methods

This was a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized, single-cycle, open-label, prospective study designed to demonstrate noninferiority of single-dose NEPA to a 3-day aprepitant regimen in preventing CINV in chemotherapy-naive patients receiving AC/non-AC MEC in a real-life setting. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete response (no emesis/no rescue) during the overall (0–120 hour) phase. Noninferiority was achieved if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference between NEPA and the aprepitant group was greater than the noninferiority margin set at −10%.

Results

Noninferiority of NEPA versus aprepitant was demonstrated (risk difference 9.2%; 95% CI, −2.3% to 20.7%); the overall complete response rate was numerically higher for NEPA (64.9%) than aprepitant (54.1%). Secondary endpoints also revealed numerically higher rates for NEPA than aprepitant.

Conclusion

This pragmatic study in patients with cancer receiving AC and non-AC MEC revealed that a single dose of oral NEPA plus DEX was at least as effective as a 3-day aprepitant regimen, with indication of a potential efficacy benefit for NEPA.

Implications for Practice

In the absence of comparative neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist (RA) studies, guideline committees and clinicians consider NK1RA agents to be interchangeable and equivalent. This is the first head-to-head study comparing one NK1RA (oral netupitant/palonosetron [NEPA]) versus another (aprepitant) in patients receiving anthracycline cyclophosphamide (AC) and non-AC moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Noninferiority of NEPA versus the aprepitant regimen was demonstrated; the overall complete response (no emesis and no rescue use) rate was numerically higher for NEPA (65%) than aprepitant (54%). As a single-dose combination antiemetic, NEPA not only simplifies dosing but may offer a potential efficacy benefit over the current standard-of-care.
Plasma Cell-Free DNA Genotyping: From an Emerging Concept to a Standard-of-Care Tool in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gray Jhanelle , Thompson Jeffrey C. , Carpenter Erica L. , Elkhouly Ehab , Aggarwal Charu
Published: July 2021

Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) genotyping is an alternative to tissue genotyping, particularly when tissue specimens are insufficient or unavailable, and provides critical information that can be used to guide treatment decisions in managing patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this article, we review the evolution of plasma cfDNA genotyping from an emerging concept, through development of analytical methods, to its clinical applications as a standard-of-care tool in NSCLC.

The number of driver or resistance mutations recommended for testing in NSCLC continues to increase. Because of the expanding list of therapeutically relevant variants, comprehensive testing to investigate larger regions of multiple genes in a single run is often preferable and saves on time and cost, compared with performing serial single-gene assays. Recent advances in nucleic acid next-generation sequencing have led to a rapid expansion in cfDNA genotyping technologies. Analytic assays that have received regulatory approval are now routinely used as diagnostic companions in the setting of metastatic NSCLC. As the demand for plasma-based technologies increases, more regulatory approvals of cfDNA genotyping assays are expected in the future.

Plasma cfDNA genotyping is currently aiding oncologists in the delivery of personalized care by facilitating matching of patients with targeted therapy and monitoring emergence of resistance to therapy in NSCLC. Further advances currently underway to increase assay sensitivity and specificity will potentially expand the use of plasma cfDNA genotyping in early cancer detection, monitoring response to therapy, detection of minimal residual disease, and measurement of tumor mutational burden in NSCLC.

Implications for Practice

Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) genotyping offers an alternative to tissue genotyping, particularly when tissue specimens are insufficient or unavailable. Advances in cfDNA genotyping technologies have led to analytic assays that are now routinely used to aid oncologists in the delivery of personalized care by facilitating matching of patients with targeted therapy and monitoring emergence of resistance to therapy. Further advances underway to increase assay sensitivity and specificity will potentially expand the use of plasma cfDNA genotyping in early cancer detection, monitoring response to therapy, detection of minimal residual disease, and evaluation of tumor mutational burden in non-small cell lung cancer.
Use of a mobile app to capture supplemental health information during pregnancy: Implications for clinical research
Authors: Rothschild Claire W. , Dublin Sascha , Brown Jeffrey S. , Klasnja Predrag , Herzig‐Marx Chayim , Reynolds Juliane S. , Wyner Zachary , Chambers Christina , Martin David
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Mobile applications (“apps”) may be efficient tools for improving the quality of clinical research among pregnant women, but evidence is sparse. We assess the feasibility and generalizability of a mobile app for capturing supplemental data during pregnancy.

Methods

In 2017, we conducted a pilot study of the FDA MyStudies mobile app within a pregnant population identified through Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA), an integrated healthcare delivery system. We ascertained health conditions, medications, and substance use through app‐based questionnaires. In a post‐hoc analysis, we utilized electronic health records (EHR) to summarize sociodemographic and health characteristics of pilot participants and, for comparison, a pregnant population identified using similar methods.

Results

Six percent (64/1070) of contacted women enrolled in the pilot study. Nearly half (23/53) reported taking medication for headaches and one‐fourth for constipation (13/53) and nausea (12/53) each. Few instances (2/92) of over‐the‐counter medication use were identified in electronic dispensing records. One‐quarter to one‐third of participants with depression and anxiety/panic, respectively, reported recently discontinuing medications for these conditions. Eighty‐eight percent of pilot participants reported White race (95%CI: 81–95%), versus 67% of the comparison population (N = 2065). More pilot participants filled ≥1 prescription for antianxiety medication (22% [95%CI: 13–35%]) and antidepressants (19% [95%CI 10–31%]) pre‐pregnancy than the comparison population (10 and 9%, respectively).

Conclusions

Mobile apps may be a feasible tool for capturing health data not routinely available in EHR. Pregnant women willing to use a mobile app for research may differ from the general pregnant population, but confirmation is needed.
On the diversity of F420‐dependent oxidoreductases: A sequence‐ and structure‐based classification
Authors: Mascotti María Laura , Juri Ayub Maximiliano , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: July 2021

The F420 deazaflavin cofactor is an intriguing molecule as it structurally resembles the canonical flavin cofactor, although behaves as a nicotinamide cofactor due to its obligate hydride‐transfer reactivity and similar low redox potential. Since its discovery, numerous enzymes relying on it have been described. The known deazaflavoproteins are taxonomically restricted to Archaea and Bacteria. The biochemistry of the deazaflavoenzymes is diverse and they exhibit great structural variability. In this study a thorough sequence and structural homology evolutionary analysis was performed in order to generate an overarching classification of the F420‐dependent oxidoreductases. Five different deazaflavoenzyme Classes (I–V) are described according to their structural folds as follows: Class I encompassing the TIM‐barrel F420‐dependent enzymes; Class II including the Rossmann fold F420‐dependent enzymes; Class III comprising the β‐roll F420‐dependent enzymes; Class IV which exclusively gathers the SH3 barrel F420‐dependent enzymes and Class V including the three layer ββα sandwich F420‐dependent enzymes. This classification provides a framework for the identification and biochemical characterization of novel deazaflavoenzymes.
PDA@Ti3C2Tx as a novel carrier for pesticide delivery and its application in plant protection: NIR‐responsive controlled release and sustained antipest activity
Authors: Wu Wenneng , Wan Minghui , Fei Qiang , Tian Yu , Song Saijie , Shen He , Shen Jian
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Stimuli‐responsive pesticide controlled release system provides a new strategy for the development of high‐efficiency pesticides formulation.

RESULTS

In this article, we report a novel polydopamine surface modified MXene‐Ti3C2Tx nanocarrier for pesticide delivery and plant protection. Polydopamine modified Ti3C2Tx (PDA@Ti3C2Tx) nanocarrier was prepared by biomimetic self‐polymerization of dopamine on the surface of Ti3C2Tx. A typical pesticide, emamectin benzoate (EB), was loaded on PDA@Ti3C2Tx through physisorption process, with a high pesticide loading rate of 45.37%. PDA@Ti3C2Tx exhibited excellent photothermal conversion effect (η = 34.5%). Under the irradiation of near‐infrared (NIR) laser, EB would sustained release from PDA@Ti3C2Tx nanocarrier to surrounding medium. Compared with free EB, EB@PDA@Ti3C2Tx exhibited prolonged persistence period, which can keep antipest activity at 14 days post spraying. In addition, PDA@Ti3C2Tx nanocarrier and EB@PDA@Ti3C2Tx nanoformulation are of good safety, showing no side effect to the seed germination and seedling growth.

CONCLUSION

This research developed a novel nanocarrier for water‐insoluble pesticide delivery, realizing NIR‐responsive controlled release and sustained antipest activity.
First evidence for thermal tolerance benefits of the bacterial symbiont Cardinium in an invasive whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Yang Kun , Yuan Meng‐Ying , Liu Ying , Guo Chen‐Liang , Liu Tong‐Xian , Zhang You‐Jun , Chu Dong
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUD

Cardinium symbiont is a maternally inherited bacterial endosymbiont and widely spreads in arthropods including Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). However, the potential role of Cardinium played in the biology of their hosts is largely unknown. In two genetic lines (i.e. LS and SG lines) of B. tabaci MED, collected from different locations in China, we tested the effects of Cardinium on the performance of the host whitefly under a constant high temperature (31 °C) using the age‐stage two‐sex life table method, and explored the genes influenced by Cardinium‐infection by RNA‐sequencing.

RESULTS

We found that Cardinium did provide protection of B. tabaci against heat stress under 31 °C. However, there was a significant connection between Cardinium‐infection and whitefly genetic backgrounds. Performance revealed that Cardinium infection can increase the longevity of both female and male adults and oviposition periods in both lines, but it also conferred benefits of fecundity and pre‐adult period to LS line. Additionally, the population parameters such as intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and mean generation time (T) demonstrated that Cardinium infection conferred fitness benefits to LS line but not to SG line. Transcriptome analysis indicated that several genes related to homeostasis and metamorphosis such as ubiquitin‐related genes were highly expressed in Cardinium‐infected B. tabaci.

CONCLUSION

The research provided the first evidence that Cardinium can increase the thermal tolerance of whitefly, which may be associated with host genetic background.
Scavenging Mechanical Energy from Human Motions Using Novel‐Biomaterial‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Sawhney Ravinder Singh , Singh Harminder , Singh Maninder , Godara Sachin Kumar
Published: July 2021

In today's world, people are surrounded by smart wireless devices which require sustainable and eco‐friendly power source. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is emerging as an imperative source to produce clean, cost‐effective, and easily fabricated battery‐less devices. The emphasis is on using biomaterials to play a vital role for the fabrication of such self‐ powered system. Herein, an approach is discussed to fabricate a novel TENG from the waste biomaterials (garlic tunic, onion tunic, and almond peel) which successfully harvests the electrical energy from daily human motions (walking and running). Egg shell membrane–polytetrafluoroethylene (ESM–PTFE) TENG generates 56.6 V/0.53 μA and is closely followed by garlic tunic–PTFE TENG with 44.6 V/0.36 μA, onion tunic–PTFE TENG with 41.4 V/0.32 μA, and almond peel–PTFE TENG with 40.2 V/0.29 μA, respectively. Moreover, ESM‐based TENG performance is examined using all other biomaterial combinations. These TENGs produce sufficient energy that can power an array of tens of green light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Finally, the power from human activities is harvested to control small portable electronic devices.
Sarcopenic obesity and the risk of hospitalization or death from coronavirus disease 2019: findings from UK Biobank
Authors: Wilkinson Thomas J. , Yates Thomas , Baker Luke A. , Zaccardi Francesco , Smith Alice C.
Published: July 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The role of skeletal muscle mass in modulating immune response is well documented. Whilst obesity is well established as a key factor in COVID‐19 and outcome, no study has examined the influence of both sarcopenia (low muscle mass) and obesity, termed ‘sarcopenic obesity’ on the risk of severe COVID‐19.

Methods

This study uses data from UK Biobank. Probable sarcopenia was defined as low handgrip strength. Sarcopenic obesity was mutually exclusively defined as the presence of obesity and low muscle mass [based on two established criteria: appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted for either (i) height or (ii) body mass index]. Severe COVID‐19 was defined by a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 test result in a hospital setting and/or death with a primary cause reported as COVID‐19. Fully adjusted logistic regression models were used to analyse the associations between sarcopenic status and severe COVID‐19. This work was conducted under UK Biobank Application Number 52553.

Results

We analysed data from 490 301 UK Biobank participants (median age 70.0 years, 46% male); 2203 (0.4%) had severe COVID‐19. Individuals with probable sarcopenia were 64% more likely to have had severe COVID‐19 (odds ratio 1.638;P < 0.001). Obesity increased the likelihood of severe COVID‐19 by 76% (P < 0.001). Using either ALM index or ALM/body mass index to define low muscle mass, those with sarcopenic obesity were 2.6 times more likely to have severe COVID‐19 (odds ratio 2.619;P < 0.001). Sarcopenia alone did not increase the risk of COVID‐19.

Conclusions

Sarcopenic obesity may increase the risk of severe COVID‐19, over that of obesity alone. The mechanisms for this are complex but could be a result of a reduction in respiratory functioning, immune response, and ability to respond to metabolic stress.
Ridge‐penalized adaptive Mantel test and its application in imaging genetics
Authors: Pluta Dustin , Shen Tong , Xue Gui , Chen Chuansheng , Ombao Hernando , Yu Zhaoxia
Published: July 2021

We propose a ridge‐penalized adaptive Mantel test (AdaMant) for evaluating the association of two high‐dimensional sets of features. By introducing a ridge penalty, AdaMant tests the association across many metrics simultaneously. We demonstrate how ridge penalization bridges Euclidean and Mahalanobis distances and their corresponding linear models from the perspective of association measurement and testing. This result is not only theoretically interesting but also has important implications in penalized hypothesis testing, especially in high‐dimensional settings such as imaging genetics. Applying the proposed method to an imaging genetic study of visual working memory in healthy adults, we identified interesting associations of brain connectivity (measured by electroencephalogram coherence) with selected genetic features.
Ultrahigh Adsorption Capacity and Kinetics of Vertically Oriented Mesoporous Coatings for Removal of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Liu Yupu , Wang Jinxiu , Teng Wei , Hung Chin‐Te , Zhai Yunpu , Shen Dengke , Li Wei
Published: July 2021

Highly efficient removal of organic pollutants currently is a main worldwide concern in water treatment, and highly challenging. Here, vertically oriented mesoporous coatings (MCs) with tunable surface properties and pore sizes have been developed via the single‐micelle directing assembly strategy, which show good adsorption performances toward a wide range of organic pollutants. The micelle size and structure can be precisely regulated by oil molecules based on their n‐octanol/water partition coefficients (Log P) in the oil–water diphase assembly system, which are critical to the pore size and pore surface property of the MCs. The affinity and steric effects of the MCs can be on‐demand adjusted, as a result, the MCs show a ultrahigh adsorption capacity (263 mg g−1), surface occupancy ratio (≈41.92%), and adsorption rate (≈10.85 mg g−1 min−1) for microcystin‐LR, which is among the best performances up to date. The MCs also show an excellent universality to remove organic pollutants with different properties. Moreover, overcoming the challenges proposed by particulate absorbents, the MCs are stable and can be easily regenerated and reused without secondary contamination. This work paves a new route to the synthesis of high‐quality MCs for water purification.
Aliovalent‐Ion‐Induced Lattice Regulation Based on Charge Balance Theory: Advanced Fluorophosphate Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Full Batteries
Authors: Gu Zhen‐Yi , Guo Jin‐Zhi , Sun Zhong‐Hui , Zhao Xin‐Xin , Wang Xiao‐Tong , Liang Hao‐Jie , Zhao Bo , Li Wen‐Hao , Pan Xiu‐Mei , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: July 2021

There are still many problems that hinder the development of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), including poor rate performance, short‐term cycle lifespan, and inferior low‐temperature property. Herein, excellent Na‐storage performance in fluorophosphate (Na3V2(PO4)2F3) cathode is achieved by lattice regulation based on charge balance theory. Lattice regulation of aliovalent Mn2+ for V3+ increases both electronic conductivity and Na+‐migration kinetics. Because of the maintaining of electrical neutrality in the material, aliovalent Mn2+‐introduced leads to the coexistence of V3+ and V4+ from charge balance theory. It decreases the particle size and improves the structural stability, suppressing the large lattice distortion during cathode reaction processes. These multiple effects enhance the specific capacity (123.8 mAh g−1), outstanding high‐rate (68% capacity retention at 20 C), ultralong cycle (only 0.018% capacity attenuation per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 C) and low‐temperature (96.5% capacity retention after 400 cycles at −25 °C) performances of Mn2+‐induced Na3V1.98Mn0.02(PO4)2F3 when used as cathode in SIBs. Importantly, a feasible sodium‐ion full battery is assembled, achieving outstanding rate capability and cycle stability. The strategy of aliovalent ion‐induced lattice regulation constructs cathode materials with superior performances, which is available to improve other electrode materials for energy storage systems.
Extracellular Vesicle Nanoarchitectonics for Novel Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Sharma Shayna , Masud Mostafa Kamal , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Rewatkar Prarthana , Koradia Aayushi , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Yamauchi Yusuke , Popat Amirali , Salomon Carlos
Published: July 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can transfer intercellular messages in various (patho)physiological processes and transport biomolecules to recipient cells. EVs possess the capacity to evade the immune system and remain stable over long periods, identifying them as natural carriers for drugs and biologics. However, the challenges associated with EVs isolation, heterogeneity, coexistence with homologous biomolecules, and lack of site‐specific delivery, have impeded their potential. In recent years, the amalgamation of EVs with rationally engineered nanostructures has been proposed for achieving effective drug loading and site‐specific delivery. With the advancement of nanotechnology and nanoarchitectonics, different nanostructures with tunable size, shapes, and surface properties can be integrated with EVs for drug loading, target binding, efficient delivery, and therapeutics. Such integration may enable improved cellular targeting and the protection of encapsulated drugs for enhanced and specific delivery to target cells. This review summarizes the recent development of nanostructure amalgamated EVs for drug delivery, therapeutics, and real‐time monitoring of disease progression. With a specific focus on the exosomal cargo, diverse drug delivery system, and biomimetic nanostructures based on EVs for selective drug delivery, this review also chronicles the needs and challenges of EV‐based biomimetic nanostructures and provides a future outlook on the strategies posed.
Unveiling the Role of Li+ Solvation Structures with Commercial Carbonates in the Formation of Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: He Jian , Wang Huaping , Zhou Qing , Qi Shihan , Wu Mingguang , Li Fang , Hu Wei , Ma Jianmin
Published: July 2021

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), determined by the components of electrolytes, can endow batteries with the ability to repress the growth of Li dendrites. Nevertheless, the mechanism of commercial carbonates on in situ‐generated SEI and the consequential effect on cycling performance is not well understood yet, although some carbonates are well used in electrolytes. In this work, quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics are used to reveal the formation mechanisms of SEI with carbonate‐based electrolyte additives on the atomic level. It is confirmed that the Li‐coordinated carbonate species are the leading participant of SEI formation and their impact on battery performance is clarified. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) exhibits a completely different behavior from vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), and vinylene carbonate (VC). High reduction potential Li+‐coordinated additives, e.g. FEC and VEC can dominate the formation of SEI by excluding propylene carbonate (PC) and LiPF6 from the decomposition, and the corresponding Li||Li symmetric cells show enhanced long‐term performance compared with those with pure PC electrolyte, while the low reduction priority additives (e.g., EC and VC) cannot form a uniform SEI by winning the competitive reaction.
Severity of neurological signs in feline hypertensive encephalopathy may be reflected through brain histopathological lesions
Authors: Baka Rania D. , Soubasis Nektarios , Oevermann Anna , Koutinas Christos K. , Polizopoulou Zoe S.
Published: July 2021

Hypertensive encephalopathy (HE) was diagnosed in two aged cats with chronic kidney disease. The cause for admission was generalised epileptic seizures, with severe, interictal neurological dysfunction (dementia, locomotor dysfunction, cranial nerve deficits). Both cats had systolic hypertension (SH) (180‐220 mm Hg), bilateral retinal detachment, non‐regenerative anaemia and moderate renal azotaemia. Both cats died. Gross lesions were apparent in one cat consisting of white matter oedema in the parietal and temporal lobe and a focal area of malacia. Histopathological examination of brain tissue revealed bilateral severe oedema and astrocytic gliosis in the corona radiata, basal nuclei, thalamus and piriform lobe of both cats. Extensive hyaline and hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis, perivascular plasma exudation and haemorrhages were present throughout the meninges and neuroparenchyma. Histopathological findings reflected the severity of neurological deficits. This could indicate that the severity of the brain lesions is associated with the neurological manifestations of HE.
Managing floodplains using nature‐based solutions to support multiple ecosystem functions and services
Authors: Jakubínský Jiří , Prokopová Marcela , Raška Pavel , Salvati Luca , Bezak Nejc , Cudlín Ondřej , Cudlín Pavel , Purkyt Jan , Vezza Paolo , Camporeale Carlo , Daněk Jan , Pástor Michal , Lepeška Tomáš
Published: July 2021

Floodplains include unique environments shaped over a long time horizon along rivers and smaller streams and formed by alluvial sediments. As floodplains are flat, often with highly fertile and well‐accessible land, they have become the intrinsic focus of human society—while providing a variety of goods and ecosystem services. Intensive land use of floodplains is degrading their natural values and significantly reducing their ecosystem functions and services. A significant part of these key services is related with the ability of floodplains to retain water and nutrients, which can be understood as a flood control and a water‐retention function. Although these ecosystems serve a number of other basic functions, the importance of floodplains as a place for water retention during extreme discharges caused by intense rainfall or snowmelt and the supply of water in times of drought are essential under conditions of global change. In order to increase the ability of floodplains to perform these functions, it is increasingly required to preserve the connectivity of rivers with surrounding floodplains and adapt human activities to maintain and restore river ecosystems. This article reviews the recent understanding of floodplain delineation, the most common causes of disturbance, the ecosystem functions being performed, discussing in turn the measures being considered to mitigate the frequency and magnitude of hydrologic extremes resulting from ongoing environmental changes.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Engineering Water > Planning Water
Distinct genetic clustering in the weakly differentiated polar cod, Boreogadus saida Lepechin, 1774 from East Siberian Sea to Svalbard
Authors: Quintela María , Bhat Shripathi , Præbel Kim , Gordeeva Natalia , Seljestad Gaute W. , Hanebrekke Tanja , Mateos-Rivera Alejandro , Vikebø Frode , Zelenina Daria , Cheng Chi-Hing Christina , Johansen Torild
Published: July 2021

The cold-adapted polar cod Boreogadus saida, a key species in Arctic ecosystems, is vulnerable to global warming and ice retreat. In this study, 1257 individuals sampled in 17 locations within the latitudinal range of 75–81°N from Svalbard to East Siberian Sea were genotyped with a dedicated suite of 116 single-nucleotide polymorphic loci (SNP). The overall pattern of isolation by distance (IBD) found was driven by the two easternmost samples (East Siberian Sea and Laptev Sea), whereas no differentiation was registered in the area between the Kara Sea and Svalbard. Eleven SNP under strong linkage disequilibrium, nine of which could be annotated to chromosome 2 in Atlantic cod, defined two genetic groups of distinct size, with the major cluster containing seven-fold larger number of individuals than the minor. No underlying geographic basis was evident, as both clusters were detected throughout all sampling sites in relatively similar proportions (i.e. individuals in the minor cluster ranging between 4 and 19% on the location basis). Similarly, females and males were also evenly distributed between clusters and age groups. A differentiation was, however, found regarding size at age: individuals belonging to the major cluster were significantly longer in the second year. This study contributes to increasing the population genetic knowledge of this species and suggests that an appropriate management should be ensured to safeguard its diversity.
Neuroendoscopic surgery in neonates — indication and results over a 10-year practice
Authors: Schaumann Andreas , Bührer Christoph , Schulz Matthias , Thomale Ulrich-Wilhelm
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Neuroendoscopic procedures for treatment of term and preterm newborn infants, such as endoscopic lavage for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, are gaining popularity despite sparse data. This single-institution report compiles all neuroendoscopic surgical procedures performed in neonates during a 10-year period.

Methods

Charts and electronic records were reviewed of all consecutive newborns who underwent a neuroendoscopic procedure before reaching a postmenstrual age of 44 weeks between 09/2010 and 09/2020. Available documentation was reviewed regarding the performed neuroendoscopic procedure, course of disease, complications, and all re-operations throughout the first year of life.

Results

During the 10-year study period, 116 infants (median gestational age at birth: 29 1/7 weeks) underwent a total of 153 neuroendoscopic procedures (median postmenstrual age at surgery: 35 0/7 weeks). The most common indication at the time of the neuroendoscopic procedures (n = 153) was intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH, n = 119), intraventricular infection (n = 15), congenital malformation (n = 8), isolated 4th ventricle (n = 7), multiloculated hydrocephalus (n = 3), and tumor (n = 1). Thirty-eight of 116 children (32.8%) underwent 43 operative revisions after 153 neuroendoscopic procedure (28.1%). Observed complications requiring surgical revision were secondary infection (n = 11), CSF fistula (n = 9), shunt dysfunction (n = 8), failure of ETV (n = 6), among others. 72 children (62%) of 116 children required permanent CSF diversion via a shunt. The respective shunt rates per diagnosis were 47 of 80 (58.8%) for previously untreated IVH, 11 of 13 (84.6%) for intraventricular infection. Shunt survival rate for the first year of life was 74% for the whole cohort.

Conclusion

The experience with this large cohort of neonates demonstrates the feasibility of neuroendoscopic technique for the treatment of posthemorrhagic or postinfectious hydrocephalus. Rate and type of complications after neuroendoscopic procedures were within the expected range. Assessing the potential long-term benefits of neuroendoscopic techniques has to await results of ongoing studies.
Determining prognostic variables of treatment outcome in obsessive–compulsive disorder: effectiveness and its predictors in routine clinical care
Authors: Herzog Philipp , Osen Bernhard , Stierle Christian , Middendorf Thomas , Voderholzer Ulrich , Koch Stefan , Feldmann Matthias , Rief Winfried , Brakemeier Eva-Lotta
Published: July 2021

The objectives of this study were to investigate the naturalistic effectiveness of routine inpatient treatment for patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and to identify predictors of treatment outcome. A routinely collected data set of 1,596 OCD inpatients (M = 33.9 years, SD = 11.7; 60.4% female) having received evidence-based psychotherapy based on the cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) in five German psychotherapeutic clinics was analyzed. Effect sizes (Hedges' g) were calculated for several outcome variables to determine effectiveness. Predictor analyses were performed on a subsample (N = 514;M = 34.3 years, SD = 12.2; 60.3% female). For this purpose, the number of potential predictors was reduced using factor analysis, followed by multiple regression analysis to identify robust predictors. Effect sizes of various outcome variables could be classified as large (g = 1.34 of OCD–symptom change). Predictors of changes in OCD and depressive symptoms were symptom severity at admission and general psychopathological distress. In addition, patients with higher social support and more washing compulsions benefited more from treatment. Subgroup analyses showed a distinct predictor profile of changes in compulsions and obsessions. The results indicate that an evidence-based psychotherapy program for OCD can be effectively implemented in routine inpatient care. In addition to well-established predictors, social support, and washing compulsions in particular were identified as important positive predictors. Specific predictor profiles for changes in obsessions and compulsions are discussed.
A short review on emotion processing: a lateralized network of neuronal networks
Authors: Palomero-Gallagher Nicola , Amunts Katrin
Published: July 2021

Emotions are valenced mental responses and associated physiological reactions that occur spontaneously and automatically in response to internal or external stimuli, and can influence our behavior, and can themselves be modulated to a certain degree voluntarily or by external stimuli. They are subserved by large-scale integrated neuronal networks with epicenters in the amygdala and the hippocampus, and which overlap in the anterior cingulate cortex. Although emotion processing is accepted as being lateralized, the specific role of each hemisphere remains an issue of controversy, and two major hypotheses have been proposed. In the right-hemispheric dominance hypothesis, all emotions are thought to be processed in the right hemisphere, independent of their valence or of the emotional feeling being processed. In the valence lateralization hypothesis, the left is thought to be dominant for the processing of positively valenced stimuli, or of stimuli inducing approach behaviors, whereas negatively valenced stimuli, or stimuli inducing withdrawal behaviors, would be processed in the right hemisphere. More recent research points at the existence of multiple interrelated networks, each associated with the processing of a specific component of emotion generation, i.e., its generation, perception, and regulation. It has thus been proposed to move from hypotheses supporting an overall hemispheric specialization for emotion processing toward dynamic models incorporating multiple interrelated networks which do not necessarily share the same lateralization patterns.
CCL19 enhances CD8+ T-cell responses and accelerates HBV clearance
Authors: Yan Yan , Zhao Wei , Liu Wei , Li Yan , Wang Xu , Xun Jingna , Davgadorj Chantsalmaa
Published: July 2021

Background

Chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19) is a leukocyte chemoattractant that plays a crucial role in cell trafficking and leukocyte activation. Dysfunctional CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in persistent HBV infection. However, whether HBV can be cleared by CCL19-activated immunity remains unclear.

Methods

We assessed the effects of CCL19 on the activation of PBMCs in patients with HBV infection. We also examined how CCL19 influences HBV clearance and modulates HBV-responsive T cells in a mouse model of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In addition, C–C chemokine-receptor type 7 (CCR7) knockdown mice were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism of CCL19/CCR7 axis-induced immune activation.

Results

From in vitro experiments, we found that CCL19 enhanced the frequencies of Ag-responsive IFN-γ+ CD8+ T cells from patients by approximately twofold, while CCR7 knockdown (LV-shCCR7) and LY294002 partially suppressed IFN-γ secretion. In mice, CCL19 overexpression led to rapid clearance of intrahepatic HBV likely through increased intrahepatic CD8+ T-cell proportion, decreased frequency of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells in blood and compromised suppression of hepatic APCs, with lymphocytes producing a significantly high level of Ag-responsive TNF-α and IFN-γ from CD8+ T cells. In both CCL19 over expressing and CCR7 knockdown (AAV-shCCR7) CHB mice, the frequency of CD8+ T-cell activation-induced cell death (AICD) increased, and a high level of Ag-responsive TNF-α and low levels of CD8+ regulatory T (Treg) cells were observed.

Conclusions

Findings in this study provide insights into how CCL19/CCR7 axis modulates the host immune system, which may promote the development of immunotherapeutic strategies for HBV treatment by overcoming T-cell tolerance.
ANK3 related neurodevelopmental disorders: expanding the spectrum of heterozygous loss-of-function variants
Authors: Kloth Katja , Lozic Bernarda , Tagoe Julia , Hoffer Mariëtte J. V. , Van der Ven Amelie , Thiele Holger , Altmüller Janine , Kubisch Christian , Au Ping Yee Billie , Denecke Jonas , Bijlsma Emilia K. , Lessel Davor
Published: July 2021

ANK3 encodes multiple isoforms of ankyrin-G, resulting in variegated tissue expression and function, especially regarding its role in neuronal development. Based on the zygosity, location, and type, ANK3 variants result in different neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Autism spectrum disorder has been associated with heterozygous missense variants in ANK3, whereas a more severe neurodevelopmental phenotype is caused by isoform-dependent, autosomal-dominant, or autosomal-recessive loss-of-function variants. Here, we present four individuals affected by a variable neurodevelopmental phenotype harboring a heterozygous frameshift or nonsense variant affecting all ANK3 transcripts. Thus, we provide further evidence of an isoform-based phenotypic continuum underlying ANK3-associated pathologies and expand its phenotypic spectrum.
Can Pre-school Children Learn Programming and Coding Through Guided Play Activities? A Case Study in Computational Thinking
Authors: Critten Valerie , Hagon Hannah , Messer David
Published: July 2021

Guided play activities were developed so that coding clubs could promote computational thinking skills in preschool children. The clubs involved fifteen children aged between 2 and 4 years,  including a group of children with communication difficulties. The children took part in an action-research scoping study over three coding clubs involving six 45–60-min sessions. The activities were developed to teach computational skills and, ultimately, concepts of programming and coding. The findings suggested that the children began to develop many of the skills necessary for programming and coding as well as computational thinking skills such as collaboration, logical thinking and debugging algorithms. However, they found programming specific algorithms into Bee-Bots complicated and they needed support from adults to direct the robots along routes on simple maps. Overall, the guided play activities could be used in nurseries and preschool establishments to teach early computational thinking skills.
Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm: Progress in Cell Origin, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic Criteria and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Cheng Wei , Yu Tian-tian , Tang Ai-ping , He Young Ken , Yu Li
Published: July 2021

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematological malignancy characterized by recurrent skin nodules, an aggressive clinical course with rapid involvement of hematological organs, and a poor prognosis with poor overall survival. BPDCN is derived from plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and its pathogenesis is unclear. The tumor cells show aberrant expression of CD4, CD56, interleukin-3 receptor alpha chain (CD123), blood dendritic cell antigen 2 (BDCA 2/CD303), blood dendritic cell antigen 4 (BDCA4) and transcription factor (E protein) E2-2 (TCF4). The best treatment drugs are based on experience by adopting those used for either leukemia or lymphoma. Relapse with drug resistance generally occurs quickly. Stem cell transplantation after the first complete remission is recommended and tagraxofusp is the first targeted therapy. In this review, we summarize the differentiation of BPDCN from its cell origin, its connection with normal pDCs, clinical characteristics, genetic mutations and advances in treatment of BPDCN. This review provides insights into the mechanisms of and new therapeutic approaches for BPDCN.
Hydrogeophysical characterization of aquifers in Upper Denkyira East and West Districts, Ghana
Authors: Agyemang Victor Ofori
Published: July 2021

Hydrogeophysical assessment of aquifers in the Upper Denkyira East and West Districts of Ghana has been carried out for groundwater potential and protective capacity of the overburden rocks determination. The data for the study were obtained from the Regional office of Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Cape Coast. A total of thirty-seven VES probed using a Schlumberger array with maximum current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 100 m at each point using the Abeam Terameter was used. The data were interpreted using the partial curve matching and WINRESIST computer iteration program techniques. The thickness and resistivities of the various overburden layers, basement resistivity, reflection coefficient and longitudinal conductance were used for the assessment of the groundwater potential and the protective capability of the overburden layers. The study revealed three-to-six layers with an average of four (4) layers including laterite (0.34–3.57 m); clay (0.64–8.84 m); sandy-clay (0.67–27.09 m) and slightly-to-highly weathered bedrock which includes phyllites and granite (3.09–86.89 m) that show high level of heterogeneity of electrical resistivity of the geologic materials within the study area. The weathered layers serve as the aquiferous zones. About 21.6%, 62.2%, 2.7% and 13.5% showed high, medium, low and very low potential for groundwater, respectively, with higher groundwater potentials at the western and south-eastern corner of the study area underlain by the Birimian and Tarkwaian formations, respectively, indicating that the two formations have similar groundwater potentials in the study area. The lowest groundwater potential was observed at the point underlain by the granitic intrusion. The assessment of the protective capacity of the aquifer showed very good (5%), good (27%), moderate (19%), weak (22%) and poor (27%) indicating that the study area is overlain mostly by materials of different protective capacities. This study presents information on the aquifer protective capacity evaluation by using geophysical technique and it has revealed that the Birimian formation has a good aquifer protective capacity than the Tarkwaian formation and has also confirmed the effectiveness of using geophysical techniques in ground investigation.
Exact and heuristic procedures for the Heijunka-flow shop scheduling problem with minimum makespan and job replicas
Authors: Bautista-Valhondo Joaquín
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a new problem of job sequences in a workshop is presented, taking into account non-unit demands for the jobs and whose objective is to minimize the total completion time for all the jobs ($${C}_{max}$$

C

max

) satisfying a set of restrictions imposed on the problem to preserve the production mix. Two procedures are proposed to solve the new problem: Mixed Integer Linear Programming and a Metaheuristic based on Multistart and Local Search. The two proposed procedures are tested using instance set Nissan-9Eng.I, in both cases giving rise to highly satisfactory performance both in quality of solutions obtained and in the CPU times required. Through a case study of the Nissan engine manufacturing plant in Barcelona, our economic-productive analysis reveals that it is possible to save an average of € 1162.83 per day, manufacturing 270 engines, when we transform the current assembly line into a Heijunka-Flow Shop.