bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stage and mortality of low‐income patients with cancer: Evidence from SEER‐Medicaid
Authors: Bradley Cathy J. , Stevens Jennifer L. , Enewold Lindsey , Warren Joan L.
Published: October 2020

Background

A national data source for identifying patients with cancer enrolled in Medicaid is needed to evaluate cancer care for low‐income, publicly insured patients. In this study, a population‐based data set of patients diagnosed with cancer and enrolled in Medicaid was created and evaluated. The objective was to compare the characteristics of patients with cancer identified in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data and linked to the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) Personal Summary files with the characteristics of patients who were not linked to the MAX file.

Methods

All persons in 14 SEER registries diagnosed with cancer from 2006 to 2013 who were or were not linked to the 2006‐2013 nationwide MAX files were selected, and patient demographic characteristics were compared for 3 age groups. Common cancer sites and the timing of Medicaid enrollment with respect to patients' cancer diagnoses were reported, and the stage at diagnosis and 4‐year mortality were compared by 3 categories of Medicaid enrollment.

Results

Approximately 18% of the sample was enrolled in Medicaid within 25 months of diagnosis. Enrollees had a greater proportion of racial/ethnic minorities in comparison with patients who were not enrolled. A late‐stage diagnosis was more common among Medicaid patients and particularly among those who enrolled after their diagnosis. For every common cancer site, mortality was highest in the sample of Medicaid patients who enrolled after their diagnosis.

Conclusions

The Medicaid enrollment data newly added to SEER records enhance researchers' ability to investigate research questions related to Medicaid policies and care delivery. For patients enrolled before their diagnosis, Medicaid appears to offer protection against late‐stage disease and mortality.
Case study of the integration of electronic patient‐reported outcomes as standard of care in a head and neck oncology practice: Obstacles and opportunities
Authors: Strachna Olga , Cohen Marc A. , Allison Monica M. , Pfister David G. , Lee Nancy Y. , Wong Richard J. , McBride Sean M. , Mohammed Raia R. , Kemeny Elizabeth , Polubriaginof Fernanda C. G. , Kassa Alyse , Hannon Michael , Cracchiolo Jennifer R.
Published: October 2020

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) allow for the direct measurement of functional and psychosocial effects related to treatment. However, technological barriers, survey fatigue, and clinician adoption have hindered the meaningful integration of PROs into clinical care. The objective of the authors was to develop an electronic PROs (ePROs) program that meets a range of clinical needs across a head and neck multidisciplinary disease management team.

Methods

The authors developed the ePROs module using literature review and stakeholder input in collaboration with health informatics. They designed an ePROs platform that was integrated as the standard of care for personalized survey delivery by diagnosis across the disease management team. Tableau software was used to create dashboards for data visualization and monitoring at the clinical enterprise, disease subsite, and patient levels. All patients who were treated for head and neck cancer were eligible for ePROs assessment as part of the standard of care. A descriptive analysis of ePROs program implementation is presented herein.

Results

The Head and Neck Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has integrated ePROs into clinical care. Surveys are delivered via the patient portal at the time of diagnosis and longitudinally through care. From August 1, 2018, to February 1, 2020, a total of 4154 patients completed ePROs surveys. The average patient participation rate was 69%, with a median time for completion of 5 minutes.

Conclusions

Integration of the head and neck ePROs program as part of clinical care is feasible and could be used to assess value and counsel patients in the future. Continued qualitative assessments of stakeholders and workflow will refine content and enhance the health informatics platform.

Lay Summary

Patients with head and neck cancer experience significant changes in their quality of life after treatment.

Measuring and integrating patient‐reported outcomes as a part of clinical care have been challenging given the multimodal treatment options, vast subsites, and unique domains affected.

The authors present a case study of the successful integration of electronic patient‐reported outcomes into a high‐volume head and neck cancer practice.
The challenges of delivering cost‐effective and affordable care to children with cancer in the developing world
Authors: Barr Ronald D.
Published: October 2020

While meeting conventional thresholds for cost‐effectiveness, the care of children with cancer in low and middle‐income countries is compromised by limited access to affordable medicines of high quality. Survival prospects are constrained further by high rates of abandonment of therapy, which are linked to socioeconomic disadvantage and the financial toxicity experienced by families in the care of their children with malignant disease.
Hürthle cell lesions of the thyroid: Progress made and challenges remaining
Authors: Wong Kristine S. , Angell Trevor E. , Barletta Justine A. , Krane Jeffrey F.
Published: October 2020

Hürthle cell–predominant thyroid fine needle aspirations (FNA) are encountered frequently in routine practice, yet they are often challenging to diagnose accurately and are associated with significant interobserver variability. This is largely due to the ubiquity of Hürthle cells in thyroid pathology, ranging from nonneoplastic conditions to aggressive malignancies. Although limitations in cytomorphologic diagnoses likely will remain for the foreseeable future, our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of Hürthle cell neoplasia and application of molecular testing to cytologic material have increased dramatically within the past decade. This review provides context behind the challenges in diagnosis of Hürthle cell lesions and summarizes the more recent advances in diagnostic tools.
Formalin fixation for optimal concordance of programmed death‐ligand 1 immunostaining between cytologic and histologic specimens from patients with non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Koomen Bregje M. , van der Starre‐Gaal Jose , Vonk Judith M. , von der Thüsen Jan H. , van der Meij Jacqueline J. C. , Monkhorst Kim , Willems Stefan M. , Timens Wim , ’t Hart Nils A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Immunohistochemical staining of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is used to determine which patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may benefit most from immunotherapy. Therapeutic management of many patients with NSCLC is based on cytology instead of histology. In this study, concordance of PD‐L1 immunostaining between cytology cell blocks and their histologic counterparts was analyzed. Furthermore, the effect of various fixatives and fixation times on PD‐L1 immunoreactivity was studied.

Methods

Paired histologic and cytologic samples from 67 patients with NSCLC were collected by performing fine‐needle aspiration on pneumonectomy/lobectomy specimens. Formalin‐fixed, agar‐based or CytoLyt/PreservCyt‐fixed Cellient cell blocks were prepared. Sections from cell blocks and tissue blocks were stained with SP263 (standardized assay) and 22C3 (laboratory‐developed test) antibodies. PD‐L1 scores were compared between histology and cytology. In addition, immunostaining was compared between PD‐L1–expressing human cell lines fixed in various fixatives at increasing increments in fixation duration.

Results

Agar cell blocks and tissue blocks showed substantial agreement (κ = 0.70 and κ = 0.67, respectively), whereas fair‐to‐moderate agreement was found between Cellient cell blocks and histology (κ = 0.28 and κ = 0.49, respectively). Cell lines fixed in various alcohol‐based fixatives showed less PD‐L1 immunoreactivity compared with those fixed in formalin. In contrast to SP263, additional formalin fixation after alcohol fixation resulted in preserved staining intensity using the 22C3 laboratory‐developed test and the 22C3 pharmDx assay.

Conclusions

Performing PD‐L1 staining on cytologic specimens fixed in alcohol‐based fixatives could result in false‐negative immunostaining results, whereas fixation in formalin leads to higher and more histology‐concordant PD‐L1 immunostaining. The deleterious effect of alcohol fixation could be reversed to some degree by postfixation in formalin.
Non‐financial disclosure and information asymmetry: A stakeholder view on US listed firms
Authors: Romito Stefano , Vurro Clodia
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this paper is to test whether the structure of non‐financial disclosure, defined as the diffusion of financial, social, and environmental information as part of the dialog between a firm and its stakeholders, reduce information asymmetry. We adopt a stakeholder view of the firm to analyze the structure of non‐financial disclosure along three dimensions: non‐financial disclosure depth, breadth, and concentration. To operationalize the variables, we applied content analysis technique to non‐financial reports released by US firms included in S&P500 index over the period 2004–2014. We combined content data and Bid‐Ask spread data to test our hypotheses relying on feasible least squared (FLGS) estimation method. Results show that both the level of non‐financial disclosure and the breadth of stakeholder‐related themes covered in the reports reduce information asymmetry. In addition, firms that are consistent in how information is distributed across the different stakeholder categories benefit from lower opacity and reduced information asymmetry. Our findings contribute to the debate on the need to move beyond a one‐fits‐all approach to the study of non‐financial disclosure and its related impacts.
Corporate environmental performance and financing constraints: An empirical study in the Chinese context
Authors: Liu Zhenjie , Li Weian , Hao Chen , Liu Huan
Published: October 2020

Between 2006 and 2017, 2,965 Chinese firms listed on the Shanghai/Shenzhen Stock Exchange have been studied to investigate whether better corporate environmental performance (CEP) leads to better access to capital and mitigates firms' financing constraints. It is hypothesized that better access to finance can be attributed to the increased government support due to enhanced firm political legitimacy and market legitimacy. Event studies find that the firms with better CEP suffer significantly lower finance constraints, and the evidence from the studies proves that firms' political legitimacy and market legitimacy are important in mitigating finance constraints. The results of the studies are confirmed by using two alternative measures of capital constraints and CEP, an instrumental variable approach, and a simultaneous equations approach.
The impact of type 2 diabetes on the development of tendinopathy
Authors: Cannata Francesca , Vadalà Gianluca , Ambrosio Luca , Napoli Nicola , Papalia Rocco , Denaro Vincenzo , Pozzilli Paolo
Published: October 2020

Tendinopathy is a chronic and often painful condition affecting both professional athletes and sedentary subjects. It is a multi‐etiological disorder caused by the interplay among overload, ageing, smoking, obesity (OB) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several studies have identified a strong association between tendinopathy and T2D, with increased risk of tendon pain, rupture and worse outcomes after tendon repair in patients with T2D. Moreover, consequent immobilization due to tendon disorder has a strong impact on diabetes management by reducing physical activity and worsening the quality of life. Multiple investigations have been performed to analyse the causal role of the individual metabolic factors occurring in T2D on the development of tendinopathy. Chronic hyperglycaemia, advanced glycation end‐products, OB and insulin resistance have been shown to contribute to the development of diabetic tendinopathy. This review aims to explore the relationship between tendinopathy and T2D, in order to define the contribution of metabolic factors involved in the degenerative process and to discuss possible strategies for the clinical management of diabetic tendinopathy.
Disjunction between canola distribution and the genetic structure of its recently described pest, the canola flower midge (Contarinia brassicola)
Authors: Campbell Erin O. , Dupuis Julian R. , Holowachuk Jennifer , Hladun Shane , Vankosky Meghan A. , Mori Boyd A.
Published: October 2020

Population genomics is a useful tool to support integrated pest management as it can elucidate population dynamics, demography, and histories of invasion. Here, we use a restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing approach combined with whole‐genome amplification (WGA) to assess genomic population structure of a newly described pest of canola, the diminutive canola flower midge, Contarinia brassicola. Clustering analyses recovered little geographic structure across the main canola production region but differentiated several geographically disparate populations at edges of the agricultural zone. Given a lack of alternative hypotheses for this pattern, we suggest these data support alternative hosts for this species and thus our canola‐centric view of this midge as a pest has limited our understanding of its biology. These results speak to the need for increased surveying efforts across multiple habitats and other potential hosts within Brassicaceae to improve both our ecological and evolutionary knowledge of this species and contribute to effective management strategies. We additionally found that use of WGA prior to library preparation was an effective method for increasing DNA quantity of these small insects prior to restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing and had no discernible impact on genotyping consistency for population genetic analysis; WGA is therefore likely to be tractable for other similar studies that seek to randomly sample markers across the genome in small organisms.
Mechanisms governing avian phylosymbiosis: Genetic dissimilarity based on neutral and MHC regions exhibits little relationship with gut microbiome distributions of Galápagos mockingbirds
Authors: Fleischer Ramona , Risely Alice , Hoeck Paquita E. A. , Keller Lukas F. , Sommer Simone
Published: October 2020

The gut microbiome of animals, which serves important functions but can also contain potential pathogens, is to varying degrees under host genetic control. This can generate signals of phylosymbiosis, whereby gut microbiome composition matches host phylogenetic structure. However, the genetic mechanisms that generate phylosymbiosis and the scale at which they act remain unclear. Two non‐mutually exclusive hypotheses are that phylosymbiosis is driven by immunogenetic regions such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) controlling microbial composition, or by spatial structuring of neutral host genetic diversity via founder effects, genetic drift, or isolation by distance. Alternatively, associations between microbes and host phylogeny may be generated by their spatial autocorrelation across landscapes, rather than the direct effects of host genetics. In this study, we collected MHC, microsatellite, and gut microbiome data from separate individuals belonging to the Galápagos mockingbird species complex, which consists of four allopatrically distributed species. We applied multiple regression with distance matrices and Bayesian inference to test for correlations between average genetic and microbiome similarity across nine islands for which all three levels of data were available. Clustering of individuals by species was strongest when measured with microsatellite markers and weakest for gut microbiome distributions, with intermediate clustering of MHC allele frequencies. We found that while correlations between island‐averaged gut microbiome composition and both microsatellite and MHC dissimilarity existed across species, these relationships were greatly weakened when accounting for geographic distance. Overall, our study finds little support for large‐scale control of gut microbiome composition by neutral or adaptive genetic regions across closely related bird phylogenies, although this does not preclude the possibility that host genetics shapes gut microbiome at the individual level.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the threatened African endemic tree species Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir.
Authors: Johnson Benziwa Nathalie , Quashie Marie Luce Akossiwoa , Chaix Gilles , Camus‐Kulandaivelu Letizia , Adjonou Kossi , Segla Kossi Novinyo , Kokutse Adzo Dzifa , Ouinsavi Christine , Bationo Babou André , Rabiou Habou , Kokou Kouami , Vignes Hélène
Published: October 2020

To study the genetic diversity and structure of the forest species Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., seventeen polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized, using next‐generation sequencing. Three hundred and sixty‐five (365) individuals were analyzed within fifteen (15) West African populations. The number of alleles for these loci varied from 4 to 30, and the heterozygosity varied from 0.23 to 0.82. The seventeen (17) primers designed here will allow characterizing the genetic diversity of this threaten species on its natural stands and to better understand the population differentiation mechanisms shaping it.
Foundation species across a latitudinal gradient in China
Authors: Qiao Xiujuan , Zhang Jiaxin , Wang Zhong , Xu Yaozhan , Zhou Tianyang , Mi Xiangcheng , Cao Min , Ye Wanhui , Jin Guangze , Hao Zhanqing , Wang Xugao , Wang Xihua , Tian Songyan , Li Xiankun , Xiang Wusheng , Liu Yankun , Shao Yingnan , Xu Kun , Sang Weiguo , Zeng, Fuping , Ren Haibao , Jiang Mingxi , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: October 2020

Foundation species structure forest communities and ecosystems but are difficult to identify without long‐term observations or experiments. We used statistical criteria––outliers from size‐frequency distributions and scale‐dependent negative effects on alpha diversity and positive effects on beta diversity––to identify candidate foundation woody plant species in 12 large forest‐dynamics plots spanning 26 degrees of latitude in China. We used these data (1) to identify candidate foundation species in Chinese forests, (2) to test the hypothesis––based on observations of a midlatitude peak in functional trait diversity and high local species richness but few numerically dominant species in tropical forests––that foundation woody plant species are more frequent in temperate than tropical or boreal forests, and (3) to compare these results with data from the Americas to suggest candidate foundation genera in northern hemisphere forests. Using the most stringent criteria, only two species of Acer, the canopy tree Acer ukurunduense and the shrubby treelet Acer barbinerve, were identified in temperate plots as candidate foundation species. Using more relaxed criteria, we identified four times more candidate foundation species in temperate plots (including species of Acer, Pinus, Juglans, Padus, Tilia, Fraxinus, Prunus, Taxus, Ulmus, and Corlyus) than in (sub)tropical plots (the treelets or shrubs Aporosa yunnanensis, Ficus hispida, Brassaiopsis glomerulata, and Orophea laui). Species diversity of co‐occurring woody species was negatively associated with basal area of candidate foundation species more frequently at 5‐ and 10‐m spatial grains (scale) than at a 20‐m grain. Conversely, Bray‐Curtis dissimilarity was positively associated with basal area of candidate foundation species more frequently at 5‐m than at 10‐ or 20‐m grains. Both stringent and relaxed criteria supported the hypothesis that foundation species are more common in mid‐latitude temperate forests. Comparisons of candidate foundation species in Chinese and North American forests suggest that Acer be investigated further as a foundation tree genus.
Regional protein expression changes within the left ventricle in a mouse model of dyssynchronous and resynchronized heart failure
Authors: Nordin Hugo , Nakagawa Ryo , Wallin Marita , Pernow John , Kass David A. , Ståhlberg Marcus
Published: October 2020

Aims

The biological mechanisms conveying the salutary effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure remain elusive. We have recently developed a mouse model of heart failure with dyssynchrony/resynchronization. The aim of this study was to characterize regional left ventricular heterogeneity in protein expression comparing early (septum) and late (lateral) activated left ventricular wall segments in synchronous (SHF), dyssynchronous (DHF), and resynchronized heart failure (RHF).

Methods and results

Mice subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion were divided into three groups: sinus rhythm for 4 weeks (SHF), right ventricular pacing for 4 weeks (DHF), and right ventricular pacing for 2 weeks and 2 weeks of sinus rhythm (RHF). Relative concentrations of 92 proteins from septal and lateral left ventricular wall segments (n = 10 per group) were compared within each group. We also analysed the effect of DHF vs. SHF and RHF vs. DHF on protein expression pattern comparing the same left ventricular segments between the groups. Proteins with significantly differential expression between left ventricular segments were analysed for protein–protein correlations, protein–protein interactions, and biological and signalling pathways. Eight proteins were significantly down‐regulated in the late activated (compared with early activated) lateral wall uniquely in RHF (P < 0.05 adjusted for a 5% false discovery rate): Erbb4, Ntf3, Pdgfb, Tnf, Notch3, Qdpr, Tpp1, and Itgb6. Protein correlation matrix showed that six of these were strongly and positively correlated and five had known protein–protein interactions. Biological pathways mainly down‐regulated in late activated myocardium in RHF were MAPK signalling and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There were no significantly differentially expressed proteins comparing the same left ventricular segments between the DHF and SHF (range of P‐values: 0.05–1.00) and RHF and DHF (range of P‐values: 0.32–1.00).

Conclusions

In a mouse model of heart failure with dyssynchrony and resynchronization, we observed down‐regulation of several proteins in the late activated lateral wall, compared with the septum, in resynchronized mice. These proteins display significant protein–protein correlation and share biological signalling pathways, including MAPK activation and hypertrophy signalling.
Delayed acute myocarditis and COVID‐19‐related multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Nicol Martin , Cacoub Lea , Baudet Mathilde , Nahmani Yoram , Cacoub Patrice , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Henry Patrick , Adle‐Biassette Homa , Logeart Damien
Published: October 2020

Precise descriptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐related cardiac damage as well as underlying mechanisms are scarce. We describe clinical presentation and diagnostic workup of acute myocarditis in a patient who had developed COVID‐19 syndrome 1 month earlier. A healthy 40‐year‐old man suffered from typical COVID‐19 symptoms. Four weeks later, he was admitted because of fever and tonsillitis. Blood tests showed major inflammation. Thoracic computed tomography was normal, and RT–PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 on nasopharyngeal swab was negative. Because of haemodynamic worsening with both an increase in cardiac troponin and B‐type natriuretic peptide levels and normal electrocardiogram, acute myocarditis was suspected. Cardiac echographic examination showed left ventricular ejection fraction at 45%. Exhaustive diagnostic workup included RT–PCR and serologies for infectious agents and autoimmune blood tests as well as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsies. Cardiac magnetic resonance with T2 mapping sequences showed evidence of myocardial inflammation and focal lateral subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement. Pathological analysis exhibited interstitial oedema, small foci of necrosis, and infiltrates composed of plasmocytes, T‐lymphocytes, and mainly CD163+ macrophages. These findings led to the diagnosis of acute lympho‐plasmo‐histiocytic myocarditis. There was no evidence of viral RNA within myocardium. The only positive viral serology was for SARS‐CoV‐2. The patient and his cardiac function recovered in the next few days without use of anti‐inflammatory or antiviral drugs. This case highlights that systemic inflammation associated with acute myocarditis can be delayed up to 1 month after initial SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and can be resolved spontaneously.
Ordered array structures for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cao Fengren , Wang Min , Sun Haoxuan , Tian Wei , Li Liang
Published: October 2020

In the past few years, metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted widespread attention in the photovoltaic field, and their power conversion efficiency has rapidly exceeded 25%. Among the adopted effective strategies to realize the high efficiency, the introduction and utilization of ordered array structure in the PSCs are particularly prominent, which can simultaneously enhance light harvesting efficiency and carrier transport properties by manipulating the light paths (reflection, scattering, extraction, and propagation) and constructing direct charge transport paths. The full utilization of sunlight contributes to high short‐circuit current density (Jsc), and strong carriers transport is favorable for high charge collection and reducing charge recombination. Moreover, for flexible PSCs, ordered array structured device can be greatly relaxed during bending, thereby suppressing the formation of cracks in PSCs. Herein, this article focuses on the ordered array structure design, reviews the recent research progress of the ordered array structures in PSCs, and provides some promising perspectives for further improvement.
Lysimachia christinae Hance as an anticancer agent against breast cancer cells
Authors: Kim Hyun A. , Lee Dong‐Sung , Lee Hwan , Lee Joomin
Published: October 2020

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and metastasis is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients. Although chemoprevention is widely employed to treat breast cancer, anticancer drugs can cause significant adverse effects. Lysimachia christinae Hance (LH) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic effects. However, its potential anticancer activity has not been fully investigated in breast cancers to date. Using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, we found that the main constituent of LH extract (LHE) was rutin. Our results indicated that LHE or rutin markedly decreased the proliferation and viability of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive MCF‐7 and ER‐negative HCC38 human breast cancer cells. LHE treatment induced morphological changes in apoptotic nuclei using 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) propidium iodide (PI) staining assay revealed that apoptosis significantly increased in both breast cancer cell types after LHE treatment. Additionally, the expression of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), Bcl‐2, and phospho‐Akt decreased, while that of cleaved PARP and p53 increased, in both cell types. Furthermore, LHE treatment inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). LHE treatment significantly upregulated E‐cadherin level in MCF‐7 and HCC38 cells, while vimentin level was downregulated in HCC38 cells. In addition, transwell and wound‐healing assays revealed that LHE or rutin inhibited breast cancer cell migration. Overall, these findings demonstrate that LHE is a promising therapeutic agent that acts by promoting apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation, EMT, and cell migration in ER‐positive and ER‐negative breast cancer cells.
A Long‐term Energy Management Strategy for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhou Y. F. , Huang L. J. , Sun X. X. , Li L. H. , Lian J.
Published: October 2020

The two power sources of a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) are proton electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and Li‐ion battery (LIB). The health status of PEMFC and LIB decreases with the use of FCEV, so the energy management strategy (EMS) needs to give an optimal power distribution based on the health status of power sources throughout the lifetime. However, rule‐based control strategies cannot achieve this. To prolong the service lifetime of two power sources by optimizing power distribution, this article proposes a long‐term energy management strategy (LTEMS) for FCEV, which contains a reinforcement learning module and an improved thermostat controller. By designing a reward function, the reinforcement learning module outputted various LIB state of charge (SOC) boundary which changes with power source attenuation. Based on SOC boundary, the improved thermostat controller will control the fuel cell current under specific driving conditions. Simulation was carried out based on different LIB state of health (SOH) and external temperature, and the simulation results were compared with the data collected from FCEV under rule‐based (RB) strategies. It can be found that the proposed LTEMS can effectively reduce fuel cell and LIB attenuation, and meet the FCEV power demand.
Enhancement of intrinsic neuronal excitability‐mediated by a reduction in hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih) in hippocampal CA1 neurons in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Karimi Seyed Asaad , Hosseinmardi Narges , Sayyah Mohammad , Hajisoltani Razieh , Janahmadi Mahyar
Published: October 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with epileptiform activity in the hippocampus; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully determined. The goal was to understand what changes take place in intrinsic neuronal physiology in the hippocampus after blunt force trauma to the cortex. In this context, hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih) currents may have a critical role in modulating the neuronal intrinsic membrane excitability; therefore, its contribution to the TBI‐induced hyperexcitability was assessed. In a model of TBI caused by controlled cortical impact (CCI), the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of pyramidal neurons were examined 1 week after TBI induction in rats. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were performed under current‐ and voltage‐clamp conditions following ionotropic receptors blockade. Induction of TBI caused changes in the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal neurons, as shown by a significant increase and decrease in firing frequency and in the rheobase current, respectively (p < .05). The evoked firing rate and the action potential time to peak were also significantly increased and decreased, respectively (p < .05). In the TBI group, the amplitude of instantaneous and steady‐state Ih currents was both significantly smaller than those in the control group (p < .05). The Ih current density was also significantly decreased (p < .001). Findings indicated that TBI led to an increase in the intrinsic excitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons and changes in Ih current could be, in part, one of the underlying mechanisms involved in this hyperexcitability.
Thermal radiation effects on oscillatory squeeze flow with a particle‐fluid suspension
Authors: Abbas W. , Mekheimer Kh. S. , Ghazy M. M. , Moawad A. M. A.
Published: October 2020

The study of squeezing flow has attracted considerable interest in recent years for its important applications in industrial, biomedical and engineering domains such as fibre‐reinforced, cell squeeze technology. The aim of this study is to analyze the flow and heat transfer of a squeezed particle fluid with thermal radiation effects between parallel plates. The governing partial differentials are reduced to ordinary differential equations by a similarity transformation and solved numerically using the finite difference method. The effects of different physical parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles are discussed with the help of graphs coupled with comprehensive discussions. The results indicate that the thermal radiation parameter enhanced the fluid and particle temperature distribution and for the plate oscillation case, reverse flow is observed. To show the biological relevance of the analysis, the results obtained analyzed the influence of the squeezed artery wall on the suspension blood flow for normal and diseased blood using the experimental data from the published literature. Finally, a comparison between the present similarity solutions and previously published results shows the accuracy of the current results.
Alterations in pulsatile bloodstream with the heat and mass transfer through asymmetric stenosis artery: Erythrocytes suspension model
Authors: Sweed N. S. , Mekheimer Kh. S. , EL‐Kholy A. , Abdelwahab A. M.
Published: October 2020

In the present study, blood is considered as a two‐phase flow system that consists of red blood cells and blood plasma. Effects of pulsatile flow of blood in stenosis artery (atherosclerosis) are studied. The mathematical model of suspension (two phases) is represented for momentum and energy. The coupled differential equations for the fluid phase (plasma) and particles (red cells, also called erythrocytes) are solved for the relevant quantities in the reasonable limits. The characteristics of the flow such as volumetric flow rate, wall shear stress (WSS), flow resistance (impedance), WSS at throat, and wall shear stress gradient are calculated. The numerical cases for various parametric values are discussed. The results reflect a positive impact of the various parameters on the flow. The shear stress at the stenosis throat is discussed and represented for different value of parameters. A comparative study is presented between the steady and unsteady state. Finally, the results obtained may be relevant to the transport of physiological fluids and their industrial applications.
Credit rating and competition
Authors: Camanho Nelson , Deb Pragyan , Liu Zijun
Published: October 2020

We analyze the effect of competition between credit rating agencies (RA) which trade‐off reputation (future income) and rating inflation (current income). We find that relative to monopoly, RA are more likely to inflate ratings under duopoly. Moreover, competition reduces welfare (the net income of the projects that are rated good) if the new entrant has low reputation and increases it if the new entrant has high reputation. Therefore, our results suggest that lowering barriers to entry (thus, allowing low‐reputation credit RA to enter the market) might increase the level of rating inflation and reduce welfare.
Early detection of melanoma images using gray level co‐occurrence matrix features and machine learning techniques for effective clinical diagnosis
Authors: Thiyaneswaran B. , Anguraj K. , Kumarganesh S. , Thangaraj K.
Published: October 2020

Melanoma is an early stage of skin cancer. The objective of the proposed work is to detect the symptoms of melanoma early through images of the moles obtained from image processing device and classify the types. The procedure involves converting raw melanoma skin image initially into hue, saturation, and intensity for digital processing. The required information for detecting melanoma is available in the intensity part of the color image. The intensity of the image is down sampled to decrease the bit depth. If the illumination of the down sampled image is not uniform, then gamma correction is applied to get the uniform illumination. A K‐means clustering is applied on gamma corrected image which segments the melanoma part from the skin. Textural features are extracted from the segmented image using gray level co‐occurrence matrix. Machine learning technique is applied to classify the melanoma images into types like lentigo, acral, nodular, and superficial. Melanoma is detected in this process with an accuracy of 90%.
Design aspects of electrolytes for fast charge of Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Sheng S.
Published: October 2020

The electrolytes of Li‐ion batteries consist mainly of a LiPF6 salt dissolved in a carbonate‐based solvent mixture. Such electrolytes cannot support fast charge without detrimental impacts on performance and lifetime. Fast charge aggravates parasitic reactions of the electrolyte solvents and structural degradation of the lithium layered transition metal oxide cathode materials. This leads to not only the depletion of electrolyte solvents but also the loss of cyclable Li+ ions, accompanied by impedance growth and volumetric swelling of the battery. In this perspective, the design aspects of the electrolytes for fast charge of Li‐ion batteries are discussed and proposed.

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The potential therapeutic effects of curcumin on pregnancy complications: Novel insights into reproductive medicine
Authors: Ghaneifar Zahra , Yousefi Zahra , Tajik Fatemeh , Nikfar Banafsheh , Ghalibafan Fatemeh , Abdollahi Elham , Momtazi‐Borojeni Amir Abbas
Published: October 2020

Pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and gestational diabetes are the main adverse reproductive outcomes. Excessive inflammation and oxidative stress play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of pregnancy disorders. Curcumin, the main polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, is mainly known by its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There are in vitro and in vivo reports revealing the preventive and ameliorating effects of curcumin against pregnancy complications. Here, we aimed to seek mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of curcumin on dysregulated inflammatory and oxidative responses in various pregnancy complications.
On the many‐body nature of intramolecular forces in FFLUX and its implications
Authors: Konovalov Anton , Symons Benjamin C.B. , Popelier Paul L.A.
Published: October 2020

FFLUX is a biomolecular force field under construction, based on Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) and machine learning (kriging), with a minimalistic and physically motivated design. A detailed analysis of the forces within the kriging models as treated in FFLUX is presented, taking as a test example a liquid water model. The energies of topological atoms are modeled as 3Natoms‐6 dimensional potential energy surfaces, using atomic local frames to represent the internal degrees of freedom. As a result, the forces within the kriging models in FFLUX are inherently N‐body in nature where N refers to Natoms. This provides a fuller picture that is closer to a true quantum mechanical representation of interactions between atoms. The presented computational example quantitatively showcases the non‐negligible (as much as 9%) three‐body nature of bonded forces and angular forces in a water molecule. We discuss the practical impact on the pressure calculation with N‐body forces and periodic boundary conditions (PBC) in molecular dynamics, as opposed to classical force fields with two‐body forces. The equivalence between the PBC‐related correction terms in the general virial equation is shown mathematically.
Analytical performance evaluation of five RT‐PCR kits for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Chen Dayang , Wu Wei , Tang Huamei , Kan Lijuan , Zong Zengyan , Dou Xiaowen , Ji Xiang , Xiong Dan , Zhang Xiuming
Published: October 2020

Background

We aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of five commercial RT‐PCR kits (Genekey, Daan, BioGerm, Liferiver, and Yaneng) commonly used in China, since such comparison data are lacking.

Methods

A total of 20 COVID‐19 confirmed patients and 30 negative nasopharyngeal swab specimens were analyzed by five kits. The detection ability of five RT‐PCR kits was evaluated with 5 concentration gradients diluted by a single positive sample. The limit of detection was evaluated by N gene fragment solid standard. Two positive clinical specimens were used to evaluate the repeatability and imprecision. Finally, we used six human coronaviruses plasmid and four respiratory pathogens plasmid to check for cross‐reactivity.

Results

The positive detection rate was 100% for Genekey, Daan, and BioGerm,and 90% for Liferiver and Yaneng in 20 clinical SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The coincidence rate of five kits in 10 negative samples was 100%. The detection rate of target genes for Daan, BioGerm, Liferiver, and Yaneng was 100% from Level 1 to Level 3. In Level 4, only Daan detection rate was 100%. In Level 5, five kits presented poor positive rate. The limit of detection declared by each manufacturer was verified. The repeatability for target genes was less than 5% and so did the total imprecision. There is no cross‐reactivity of five kits with six human coronaviruses and four respiratory pathogens for ORF1ab and N gene.

Conclusions

Five RT‐PCR kits assessed in this study showed acceptable analytical performance characteristics and are useful tools for the routine diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2.
miR‐375 induces adipogenesis through targeting Erk1 in pancreatic duct cells under the influence of sodium palmitate
Authors: Gezginci‐Oktayoglu Selda , Sancar Serap , Karatug‐Kacar Ayse , Bolkent Sehnaz
Published: October 2020

The goal of this study was to research long‐term saturated fatty acid overexposure that can induce differentiation of pancreatic duct cells into adipocytes and also into β‐cells. The important findings can be summarized as follows: (i) adipogenesis and early stage β‐cell differentiation were stimulated in duct cells under lipotoxicity and glucolipotoxicity conditions, (ii) miR‐375 expression was upregulated while its target Erk1 was downregulated and miR‐375 inhibitor upregulated Erk1 while expression of adipogenesis markers was downregulated in duct cells under both conditions, (iii) apoptosis was induced in β and duct cells under both conditions, (iv) lipotoxicity induced proliferation of co‐cultured β‐cells. These findings suggest that long‐term saturated fatty acid overexposure may cause intrapancreatic fat accumulation by inducing differentiation of duct cells into adipocytes and it may contributes to β‐cell compensation by stimulating the early stage of β‐cell differentiation in duct cells. In addition, miR‐375 may have the potential to be a new target in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and NAFPD due to its role in the adipogenesis of duct cells.
Adult neuronal regeneration in the telencephalon of the killifish Aphaniops hormuzensis
Authors: Soltani Amir Reza , Motamedi Mina , Teimori Azad
Published: October 2020

The potential of central nervous system regeneration was evaluated for the first time in the injured brain of the old world killifish Aphaniops hormuzensis. The histomorphological organization in the regeneration procedure was evaluated using the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry technique. The histological tissue sections were sampled daily for 10 days. Based on the H&E staining, a large gliosis reaction was detected along with vacuolization and telencephalon deformation on 1‐day post‐lesion (dpl). The vacuolated zone declined fast and the telencephalon hemisphere recovered on 3 dpl. The symptoms of injured telencephalon nervous tissue were resolved within 7 dpl in both genders. In the BrdU test of the control group, BrdU‐labeled cells were observed in the ventricular zone (VZ), pallium (Pa), and lateral pallium (LPa). On 1 dpl, the BrdU+ cells accumulated in the VZ, Pa, and LPa (located near the injury area). From 3 dpl onwards, the BrdU+ cells were reduced in the telencephalic VZ, Pa, and LPa. Based on the BrdU+ results, the adult brain in A. hormuzensis possesses a remarkable capacity for neuronal regeneration. By taking into account the high neural regeneration potency of A. hormuzensis and its relatively short lifespan, it could be concluded that besides the currently known models, the members of aphaniid fishes could probably be valuable animals to study the regeneration phenomenon in the vertebrates.
Cost‐effectiveness of a 12 country‐intervention to scale up short course TB preventive therapy among people living with HIV
Authors: Shin Hyejeong , Jo Youngji , Chaisson Richard E , Turner Karin , Churchyard Gavin , Dowdy David W.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

In 2017, the Aurum Institute, with support from Unitaid, launched an initiative to expand short‐course therapy for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB) in 12 high‐burden countries. This study aimed to investigate the importance of “catalytic” effects beyond the original project timeframe when estimating cost‐effectiveness of such large investments.

Methods

We estimated the cost‐effectiveness of the IMPAACT4TB (I4TB) initiative from a health system perspective, using a 10‐year time horizon. We first conservatively estimated costs using a “top‐down” approach considering only the direct health benefits of providing TB preventive therapy to people initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) through I4TB activities. We then re‐estimated the incremental cost‐effectiveness of I4TB incorporating the costs and health benefits of potential catalytic effects beyond the program itself.

Results

We estimated that TB preventive therapy through the I4TB initiative alone would prevent 14 201 cases of active TB and 1562 TB deaths over 10 years with an up‐front investment of $52.5 million; the estimated incremental cost‐effectiveness was $1580 per disability‐adjusted life year (DALY) averted. If this initiative could achieve its desired catalytic effects, an additional 375 648 cases and 41 321 deaths could be averted, at an incremental cost of $546 million and cost‐effectiveness of $713 per DALY averted.

Conclusions

Our findings provide donors with reasonable evidence of value for money to support investment in short‐course TB preventive therapy for people initiating ART in high‐burden settings. Our study also illustrates the importance of considering long‐term secondary (“catalytic”) effects when evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of large‐scale initiatives designed to change a global policy landscape.
Unexpected high frequency of unspecific reactivities by testing pre‐epidemic blood specimens from Europe and Africa with SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG–IgM antibody rapid tests points to IgM as the Achilles heel
Authors: Mboumba Bouassa Ralph‐Sydney , Péré Hélène , Tonen‐Wolyec Serge , Longo Jean De Dieu , Moussa Sandrine , Mbopi‐Keou Francois‐Xavier , Mossoro‐Kpinde Christian Diamant , Grésenguet Gérard , Veyer David , Bélec Laurent
Published: October 2020

We aimed to evaluate the rates of false‐positive test results of three rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM detection. Two serum panels from patients hospitalized in Paris, France, and from patients living in Bangui, Central African Republic, acquired before the 2019 COVID‐19 outbreak, were tested by 3 CE IVD‐labeled RDTs for SARS‐CoV‐2 serology (BIOSYNEX® COVID‐19 BSS [IgG/IgM]; SIENNA™ COVID‐19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette; NG‐Test® IgG–IgM COVID‐19). Detectable IgG or IgM reactivities could be observed in 31 (3.43%) of the 902 IgG and IgM bands of the 3 RDTs used with all pre‐epidemic sera. The frequencies of IgG/IgM reactivities were similar for European (3.20%) and African (3.55%) sera. IgM reactivities were observed in 9 European and 14 African sera, while IgG reactivity was observed in only 1 African serum (15.1% vs. 0.66%). The test NG‐Test® IgG–IgM COVID‐19 showed the highest rates of IgG or IgM reactivities (6.12% [18/294]), while the test BIOSYNEX® COVID‐19 BSS (IgG/IgM) showed the lowest rate (1.36% [4/294]). Some combinations of 2 RDTs in series allowed decreasing significantly the risk of false‐positive test results. Our observations point to the risk of false‐positive reactivities when using currently available RDT for SARS‐CoV‐2 serological screening, especially for the IgM band, even if the test is CE IVD‐labeled and approved by national health authorities, and provide the rational basis for confirmatory testing by another RDT in case of positive initial screening.