bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glial TDP‐43 and TDP‐43 induced glial pathology, focus on neurodegenerative proteinopathy syndromes
Authors: Prater Katherine E. , Latimer Caitlin S. , Jayadev Suman
Published: September 2021

Since its discovery in 2006, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) has driven rapidly evolving research in neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and limbic predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy (LATE). TDP‐43 mislocalization or aggregation is the hallmark of TDP‐43 proteinopathy and is associated with cognitive impairment that can be mapped to its regional deposition. Studies in human tissue and model systems demonstrate that TDP‐43 may potentiate other proteinopathies such as the amyloid or tau pathology seen in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in the combination of AD+LATE. Despite this growing body of literature, there remain gaps in our understanding of whether there is heterogeneity in TDP‐43 driven mechanisms across cell types. The growing observations of correlation between TDP‐43 proteinopathy and glial pathology suggest a relationship between the two, including pathogenic glial cell‐autonomous dysfunction and dysregulated glial immune responses to neuronal TDP‐43. In this review, we discuss the available data on TDP‐43 in glia within the context of the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD and highlight the current lack of information about glial TDP‐43 interaction in AD+LATE. TDP‐43 has proven to be a significant modulator of cognitive and neuropathological outcomes. A deeper understanding of its role in diverse cell types may provide relevant insights into neurodegenerative syndromes.
Effects of social and emotional context on neural activation and synchrony during movie viewing
Authors: Dziura Sarah L. , Merchant Junaid S. , Alkire Diana , Rashid Adnan , Shariq Deena , Moraczewski Dustin , Redcay Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

Sharing emotional experiences impacts how we perceive and interact with the world, but the neural mechanisms that support this sharing are not well characterized. In this study, participants (N = 52) watched videos in an MRI scanner in the presence of an unfamiliar peer. Videos varied in valence and social context (i.e., participants believed their partner was viewing the same (joint condition) or a different (solo condition) video). Reported togetherness increased during positive videos regardless of social condition, indicating that positive contexts may lessen the experience of being alone. Two analysis approaches were used to examine both sustained neural activity averaged over time and dynamic synchrony throughout the videos. Both approaches revealed clusters in the medial prefrontal cortex that were more responsive to the joint condition. We observed a time‐averaged social‐emotion interaction in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, although this region did not demonstrate synchrony effects. Alternatively, social‐emotion interactions in the amygdala and superior temporal sulcus showed greater neural synchrony in the joint compared to solo conditions during positive videos, but the opposite pattern for negative videos. These findings suggest that positive stimuli may be more salient when experienced together, suggesting a mechanism for forming social bonds.
A national study of health‐related quality of life in patients with cancer of the base of the tongue compared to the general population and to patients with tonsillar carcinoma
Authors: Berg Malin , Adnan Ali , Högmo Anders , Sjödin Helena , Gebre‐Medhin Maria , Laurell Göran , Reizenstein Johan , Farnebo Lovisa , Norberg Lena Spaak , Notstam Isak , Holmberg Erik , Cange Hedda Haugen , Hammerlid Eva ,   Swedish Head and Neck Cancer Register (SweHNCR)
Published: September 2021

Background

This exploratory, registry‐based, cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in a subsite of oropharyngeal cancer: cancer of the base of the tongue (CBT).

Methods

CBT patients, treated with curative intent, completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐H&N35 questionnaires 15 months after diagnosis. The HRQOL of CBT patients was compared to reference scores from the general population and to that of tonsillar carcinoma patients.

Results

The 190 CBT patients scored significantly worse than members of the general population on most scales. CBT patients with human papilloma virus (HPV)‐positive tumors had significantly better HRQOL on 8 of 28 scales than HPV‐negative patients. Compared to 405 tonsillar carcinoma patients, CBT patients had significantly worse HRQOL on 8 of the 28 scales, the majority local head and neck related problems.

Conclusion

One year after treatment, CBT patients' HRQOL was significantly worse in many areas compared to that of the general population and slightly worse than that of tonsillar carcinoma patients.
Numerical prediction of heat transfer characteristics on a turbine nozzle guide vane under various combustor exit hot‐streaks
Authors: Mansouri Zakaria
Published: September 2021

The precise prediction of the aerothermal conditions at the outlet of modern combustors of aero engines is of primary interest in the aerothermal design of high‐pressure turbines. The use of high swirling flows to stabilize the flame in the new generation of lean‐burn combustors (LBCs) leads to shorter combustor length and high degrees of unsteady temperature. These aspects generate high levels of turbulence and complex temperature nonuniformity patterns at the combustor–turbine interface. Therefore, the nozzle guide vane (NGV) located at the interface exhibits a high inlet temperature gradient called a hot‐streak. The transport mechanism of the hot‐streak across the NGV needs to be decrypted to increase turbine service life and enhance its performance. In this context, the present study aims to examine numerically the effect of three new distorted hot‐streak gradients on the heat transfer characteristics across a turbine NGV. An innovative LBC is used to generate the three inlet hot‐streaks, which are highly swirled and distorted similar to real aero‐engine conditions. The use of such a generation approach avoids any simplification associated with uniform or circular contours that are widely used by researchers. A solid NGV cascade developed by NASA is adopted for the investigations. The results show significant differences in the thermal field on the cascade at each distorted thermal condition. The transport of the hot‐streak behaves differently under axial and swirl conditions. The presence of a swirl induces flow mixing and results in thermal load increasing on the cascade surfaces (NGV, hub, and shroud).
Afatinib treatment in a large real‐world cohort of nonsmall cell lung cancer patients with common and uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor mutation
Authors: Huang Chi‐Hsien , Ju Jia‐Shiuan , Chiu Tzu‐Hsuan , Huang Allen Chung‐Cheng , Tung Pi‐Hung , Wang Chin‐Chou , Liu Chien‐Ying , Chung Fu‐Tsai , Fang Yueh‐Fu , Guo Yi‐Ke , Kuo Chih‐Hsi Scott , Yang Cheng‐Ta
Published: September 2021

The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) afatinib improves survival in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation. We analysed the outcome between EGFR mutation subtypes in a large afatinib‐treated cohort in which 516 EGFR‐mutated NSCLC patients receiving afatinib as front‐line treatment. EGFR uncommon mutations include exon 20 insertion, de novo T790M of high or low allele frequency (dT790MHAF/dT790MLAF), non‐T790M compound mutation and others, where EGFR exon 20 insertion and dT790MHAF were defined as type‐I and the rest as type‐II uncommon mutation. Four hundred and sixty‐one (89.3%) and 55 (10.7%) patients were common and uncommon mutation, respectively. Exon 20 insertion and dT790MHAF patients demonstrated a significantly shortened progression‐free survival (PFS) (2.6 and 4.1 months) compared to EGFR common mutation, dT790MLAF and other uncommon mutation patients (15.1, 27.0 and 18.4 months; P = 3 × 10−8). Type‐I uncommon mutation was an independent predictor of PFS (HR 4.46 [95% CI, 2.60‐7.64]; P < .001) and OS (HR 2.56 [95% CI, 1.37‐4.75]; P = .003). EGFR L858R patients demonstrated a significantly higher CNS progression (cause‐specific HR, 3.16; 95% CI 1.24‐8.08; P = .016), and type‐I uncommon mutation patients exhibited a significantly higher systemic progression (cause‐specific HR, 4.95; 95% CI 2.30‐10.60; P = 4.3 × 10−5). Tendencies of higher CNS and lower systemic progression were observed in type‐II uncommon mutation patients. A PFS ≥ 12 months (OR 2.38 [95% CI, 1.18‐4.89]; P = .016) and uncommon EGFR mutation (OR 0.08 [95% CI, 0.01‐0.48]; P = .021) were independent predictors of secondary T790M. Afatinib‐treated NSCLC patients presented an EGFR genotype‐specific pattern of disease progression and outcome.
Conformity on moral, social conventional and decency issues in the United Kingdom and Kuwait
Authors: Alshaalan Hessah , Gummerum Michaela
Published: September 2021

Theories in moral psychology have debated whether people's moral judgements are influenced by social processes, such as others' opinions, arguments, and actions. This research investigated conformity with moral, social conventional and decency issues in adults from the United Kingdom (Study 1, N = 50) and Kuwait (Study 2, N = 164). Participants first had to make individual judgements regarding moral, social conventional and decency transgressions. Using a conformity paradigm with low social presence, 5–10 days afterwards participants were presented with the judgements of a more permissive majority. British participants conformed to the majority for decency, and to a lesser extent moral, transgressions. Kuwaiti participants conformed across domains. Furthermore, females in Kuwait conformed more than males. These findings are discussed with reference to the influence of cultural, moral and gender norms on conformity. Furthermore, we consider the contributions of these findings in light of theories of moral judgement and conformity.
A case of sarcoidosis‐like reaction associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Katagiri Akiyoshi , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Ikeda Taro
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are one of the standard treatments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Among immune‐related adverse events, the sarcoidosis‐like reaction is frequently difficult to differentiate from cancer progression.

Case presentation

A 58‐year‐old man with renal cell carcinoma with multiple lung metastases was treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab after nephrectomy. Computed tomography after three courses of treatment revealed hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathies, pleural nodules, and pulmonary interstitial lesions, whereas lung metastases were markedly regressed. Considering positive findings of Gallium scintigraphy and serological tests together, we clinically judged the new lesions as a sarcoidosis‐like reaction and continued the treatment until cessation by liver dysfunction. After discontinuation of the immunotherapy, the sarcoidosis‐like reaction was regressed without cancer relapse.

Conclusion

We report here the first case of a clinically diagnosed sarcoidosis‐like reaction in metastatic renal cell carcinoma following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Knockdown of ST6Gal‐I expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells inhibits their exosome‐mediated proliferation‐ and migration‐promoting effects
Authors: Wang Liping , Chen Xixi , Wang Lingyan , Wang Shujing , Li Wenli , Liu Yubo , Zhang Jianing
Published: September 2021

Abnormal sialylation is a distinctive feature of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is closely related to its malignant properties. Exosomes have characteristic protein and lipid composition; however, the results concerning glycoprotein composition and glycosylation are scarce. In this study, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) identified multiple microvesicle‐related sialylated proteins including CD63, a classic marker of exosomes. The silencing of α2,6‐sialyltransferase I (ST6Gal‐I) significantly reduced the levels of α2,6‐sialylated glycoconjugates on CD63 and the surface of HCC‐derived exosomes (HCC‐exo). And surface glycoconjugates play important roles in exosomes biogenesis and in their interaction with other cells. Compared to exosomes derived from naive HCC cells, α2,6‐sialylation degradation abolished both the proliferation‐promoting and migration‐promoting effects of HCC‐exo. Further analysis revealed that the Akt/GSK‐3β or JNK1/2 signaling mediates HCC‐exo‐mediated proliferation in HCC cells, while ST6Gal‐I silencing deactivated this pathway. These findings suggest that a loss of α2,6‐sialylation decreases HCC progression through the loss of cancer cell‐derived exosomes; furthermore, it opens novel perspectives to further explore the functional role of glycans in the biology of exosomes.
Synthesis of ethyl levulinate from cellulose over a double acid site catalyst
Authors: Huang Zhihang , Hao Songyuan , Yuan Hong
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

A novel double acid site solid catalyst (Al‐OCS‐0.1) having an ordered mesoporous structure was synthesized by grafting sulfonic acid groups on an oxidized ordered mesoporous carbon (OOMC) support and loading 10% Al2(SO4)3.

RESULT

Assessments using Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction showed that the OMC structure remained unchanged after the chemical modification and Al2(SO4)3 loading. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and average pore size of Al‐OCS‐0.1 decreased to 181 m2 g−1 and 7.1 nm after loading Al2(SO4)3, respectively. Ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD) and Pyridine adsorption infrared spectroscopy (Py‐IR) demonstrated that Al‐OCS‐0.1 had abundant Brønsted and Lewis acid sites. The ammonia desorption of Al‐OCS‐0.1 increased from 2.0 to 7.2 mmol g−1 after loading Al2(SO4)3.

CONCLUSION

The Al‐OCS‐0.1 was used to catalyze the synthesis of ethyl levulinate from cellulose in ethanol and gave an extremely high yield of 50.8 mol% after 5 h at 200 °C. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal in a structured bed reactor subjected to intermittent aeration (SBRIA): effect of support material diameter and bed porosity
Authors: de Souza João VR , Silva Bruno G , dos Santos Carla ED , de Souza Theo SO , de Moura Rafael B
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

A structured bed reactor subjected to intermittent aeration (SBRIA) is a new reactor configuration that simultaneously promotes the removal of COD and nitrogen in a single reactor. Although studies have shown positive results with this reactor model, some reactor construction and operation parameters remain empirical. This study aimed to optimise the support material diameter and bed porosity for simultaneous COD and total nitrogen (TN) removal in an SBRIA.

RESULTS

Support material diameter and bed porosity did not affect COD removal and nitrification efficiencies, which achieved average values of 80% and 90%, respectively. However, the denitrification and TN removal efficiencies were significantly affected. The highest denitrification and TN removal were achieved by adopting a support material diameter of 3 cm and 60% of bed porosity.

CONCLUSION

The response surface methodology demonstrated that the increase in the support material diameter had a positive effect on denitrification due to the existence of an anoxic zone inside the PU foam. Conversely, when the system was operated at low support material diameters, the increase in the bed porosity increased the denitrification process, improving the overall TN removal. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Investigation of ICP‐MS/MS for total sulfur quantification in freshwater dissolved organic matter
Authors: Kneer Marissa L. , Lazarcik James , Ginder‐Vogel Matthew
Published: September 2021

Sulfur‐containing functional groups in dissolved organic matter (DOM) interact with trace metals, which in turn affects trace metal mobility and bioavailability in aquatic environments. Typical methods for identification and quantification of sulfur in DOM are costly, complex, and time intensive. Triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS/MS) is capable of part per billion–level sulfur quantification in environmental samples and is a more accessible analytical technique compared with other available methods. This study is the first published investigation of ICP‐MS/MS for the direct quantification of sulfur in freshwater DOM. Sulfur (32S) detection occurs at a mass‐to‐charge ratio of 48 as 32S16O+ after removal of interferences and reaction with oxygen gas. We compare three commonly used DOM preparation methods to assess variability among replicate samples. Preparation of freshwater DOM samples by solid phase extraction followed by evaporation overnight and dissolution in 2% nitric acid results in the most accurate quantification of sulfur. Analysis of sulfur in Suwannee River Fulvic Acid standard serves as method validation, measuring a carbon‐normalized sulfur concentration that is ∼20% higher than previously reported methods. We apply the ICP‐MS/MS analysis method to determine sulfur concentrations in DOM from nine lakes in the northern Midwest. Carbon‐normalized sulfur concentrations in the selected lakes are in general agreement with previously reported percentages of sulfur‐containing formulas in DOM found by Fourier transform–ion cyclotron resonance–mass spectroscopy.
Management of phosphorus nutrient amid climate change for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Maharajan Theivanayagam , Ceasar Stanislaus Antony , Krishna Thumadath Palayullaparambil Ajeesh , Ignacimuthu Savarimuthu
Published: September 2021

Nutrients are essential for plant growth and development and influence overall agricultural production. Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient required for many physiological and biochemical functions of a plant. Phosphate rock is the major source of phosphate fertilizer but is becoming increasingly limited in both developing and developed countries. The resources of phosphate rock need to be conserved, and import dependency on phosphate fertilizer needs to be minimized; this will help increase the availability of phosphate fertilizer over the next 300 yr. Climate change creates new challenges in the management of nutrients including P, affecting the overall production of crops. The availability, acquisition, and translocation of P are influenced by the fluctuation of temperatures, pH, drought, and elevated CO2. Both lower and higher soil temperatures reduce uptake and translocation of P. High soil pH affects P concentration and decreases the rate of plant P uptake. Low soil pH decreases the activity of soil microorganisms, the rate of transpiration, and P uptake and utilization. Elevated CO2 decreases P uptake from soil by the plants. Future research is needed on chemical, molecular, microbiological, and physiological aspects to improve the understanding on how temperature, pH, drought, and elevated CO2 affect the availability, acquisition, and transport of P by plants. Better P management strategies are required to secure the P supply to ensure long‐term protection of soil fertility and to avoid environmental impacts such as eutrophication and water pollution, ensuring sustainable food production.
Standardized applications for genetic counseling graduate programs: Opinions of program directors
Authors: Beasley Erin , Mauer Caitlin , Mersch Jacqueline , Pirzadeh‐Miller Sara , Lahiri Sayoni
Published: September 2021

Genetic Counseling Graduate Programs (GCGPs) have progressively increased in number and class size, and implementation of the National Matching Services in 2018 was a major step toward streamlining the admissions process. Standardized applications (SAs), which have been incorporated into the admissions process for undergraduate studies as well as several professional graduate programs, could also be considered for GCGPs. In this study, we assessed the opinions of GCGP Program Directors (PDs) regarding the implementation of an SA for GCGP admissions processes. GCGP PDs participated in an anonymous online survey designed to evaluate interest in an SA and assess perceived implementation barriers. The survey collected GCGP and PD demographic information, data on current application components, and PD opinions of an SA. Thirty PDs were included in this study, and just over half (n = 16/30, 53.3%) reported their current application structure would allow for SA implementation. While 40% (n = 12/30) of respondents anticipated an SA would benefit GCGPs, an additional 23.3% (n = 7/30) anticipated no impact to GCGPs. Most respondents (n = 26/30, 86.6%) anticipated that an SA would be beneficial for GCGP applicants. The main perceived benefit to GCGPs was an efficient application process, while perceived benefits to applicants included decreased redundancy and increased application access. Perceived harms to GCGPs included more generic applications, while perceived harms to applicants included increased competition for admission to individual GCGPs. The most common SA implementation barrier cited by respondents was current administrative structures. This study demonstrates that while GCGP leadership largely perceives an SA to be beneficial for applicants, opinions on impact to GCGPs vary. While the majority of respondents perceive implementation of an SA to be feasible, there are implementation barriers that must be addressed. Interestingly, GCGP leadership had mixed perceptions about the structure of a hypothetical SA, and thus overall impact, demonstrating the need for further study.
The maximum number of induced C5's in a planar graph
Authors: Ghosh Debarun , Győri Ervin , Janzer Oliver , Paulos Addisu , Salia Nika , Zamora Oscar
Published: September 2021

Finding the maximum number of induced cycles of length in a graph on vertices has been one of the most intriguing open problems of Extremal Graph Theory. Recently Balogh, Hu, Lidický and Pfender answered the question in the case . In this paper we determine precisely, for all sufficiently large , the maximum number of induced 5‐cycles that an ‐vertex planar graph can contain.
Dynamic changes in human single-cell transcriptional signatures during fatal sepsis
Authors: Qiu Xinru , Li Jiang , Bonenfant Jeff , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Mittal Aarti , Klein Walter , Godzik Adam , Nair Meera G
Published: September 2021

Systemic infections, especially in patients with chronic diseases, may result in sepsis: an explosive, uncoordinated immune response that can lead to multisystem organ failure with a high mortality rate. Patients with similar clinical phenotypes or sepsis biomarker expression upon diagnosis may have different outcomes, suggesting that the dynamics of sepsis is critical in disease progression. A within-subject study of patients with Gram-negative bacterial sepsis with surviving and fatal outcomes was designed and single-cell transcriptomic analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected during the critical period between sepsis diagnosis and 6 h were performed. The single-cell observations in the study are consistent with trends from public datasets but also identify dynamic effects in individual cell subsets that change within hours. It is shown that platelet and erythroid precursor responses are drivers of fatal sepsis, with transcriptional signatures that are shared with severe COVID-19 disease. It is also shown that hypoxic stress is a driving factor in immune and metabolic dysfunction of monocytes and erythroid precursors. Last, the data support CD52 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for sepsis as its expression dynamically increases in lymphocytes and correlates with improved sepsis outcomes. In conclusion, this study describes the first single-cell study that analyzed short-term temporal changes in the immune cell populations and their characteristics in surviving or fatal sepsis. Tracking temporal expression changes in specific cell types could lead to more accurate predictions of sepsis outcomes and identify molecular biomarkers and pathways that could be therapeutically controlled to improve the sepsis trajectory toward better outcomes.
Do high‐dose corticosteroids improve outcomes in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients?
Authors: Kumar Gagan , Patel Dhaval , Hererra Martin , Jefferies David , Sakhuja Ankit , Meersman Mark , Dalton Drew , Nanchal Rahul , Guddati Achuta Kumar
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is characterized by dysregulated hyperimmune response and steroids have been shown to decrease mortality. However, whether higher dosing of steroids results in better outcomes has been debated. This was a retrospective observation of COVID‐19 admissions between March 1, 2020, and March 10, 2021. Adult patients (≥18 years) who received more than 10 mg daily methylprednisolone equivalent dosing (MED) within the first 14 days were included. We excluded patients who were discharged or died within 7 days of admission. We compared the standard dose of steroids (<40 mg MED) versus the high dose of steroids (>40 mg MED). Inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) was used to examine whether higher dose steroids resulted in improved outcomes. The outcomes studied were in‐hospital mortality, rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring hemodialysis, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), hospital‐associated infections (HAI), and readmissions. Of the 1379 patients meeting study criteria, 506 received less than 40 mg of MED (median dose 30 mg MED) and 873 received more than or equal to 40 mg of MED (median dose 78 mg MED). Unadjusted in‐hospital mortality was higher in patients who received high‐dose corticosteroids (40.7% vs. 18.6%, p < 0.001). On IPWRA, the use of high‐dose corticosteroids was associated with higher odds of death (odds ratio [OR] 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45–3.14, p < 0.001) but not with the development of HAI, readmissions, or requirement of IMV. High‐dose corticosteroids were associated with lower rates of AKI requiring hemodialysis (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18–0.63). In COVID‐19, corticosteroids more than or equal to 40 mg MED were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality.
Wooden‐based materials: Eco‐friendly materials for direct mass spectrometric analysis and microextraction
Authors: Millán‐Santiago Jaime , Lucena Rafael , Cárdenas Soledad
Published: September 2021

Lignocellulosic materials have arisen as a sustainable alternative in microextraction techniques during the last 10 years. As they are natural materials, their use fits into some of the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. Their inherent porosity, narrow shape, and rigidity permit their use in ambient ionization mass spectrometry techniques. In particular, the combination of wooden‐based materials and direct analysis gives birth to the so‐called wooden‐tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry technique. This approach has been used for the direct analysis of complex samples, and as a streamlined tool for fingerprint quality analysis. Also, wooden‐based materials can be superficially modified to boost the interaction with target compounds, allowing their isolation from complex samples. This review describes the potential and applicability of direct analysis using lignocellulosic materials, as well as other alternatives related to their use in microextraction.
Upregulation of long non‐coding RNA myocardial infarction‐associated transcription is correlated with coronary artery stenosis and elevated inflammation in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease
Authors: Yan Zhi‐Sheng , Zhang Nian‐Cai , Li Kun , Sun Hai‐Xia , Dai Xiao‐Mei , Liu Gao‐Li
Published: September 2021

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) is a chronic disease caused by multiple risk factors. Aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been regarded as an independent risk factor of CAD. This study evaluated lncRNA myocardial infarction‐associated transcription (MIAT) expression in CAD patients and its clinical significance. Totally, 155 CAD patients and 76 non‐CAD controls were enrolled. MIAT expression was detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The clinical diagnostic significance of MIAT was evaluated by plotting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. microRNA (miR)‐29b‐3p expression and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPPA) level were detected. MIAT expression in CAD patients (4.23 [1.22–6.50]) was higher than that in non‐CAD controls (1.64 [0.05–2.93]) (p < 0.01) and had an independent correlation with CAD. The area under ROC curve of predicting CAD was calculated as 0.790, the specificity as 71.40%, and the sensitivity as 70.00%. MIAT expression was positively correlated with the C‐reactive protein level (r = 0.769, p < 0.0001) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and IL‐8 levels, while negatively correlated with the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. MIAT was positively correlated with Gensini score and had an independent correlation with it. LncRNA MIAT sponged miR‐29b‐3p and miR‐29b‐3p targeted PAPPA. In conclusion, lncRNA MIAT was upregulated in the peripheral blood of CAD patients and elicited clinical diagnostic significance. MIAT participated in the development of CAD via miR‐29b‐3p/PAPPA axis. This study provides insights into a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of CAD.
Association of Internet gaming disorder with catechol‐O‐methyltransferase: Role of impulsivity and fun‐seeking
Authors: Yen Ju‐Yu , Lin Pai‐Cheng , Lin Huang‐Chi , Lin Pei‐Yun , Chou Wei‐Po , Ko Chih‐Hung
Published: September 2021

Dopamine functioning is an essential mechanism underlying addictive behaviors. This paper evaluates the association of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) with the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism and examines the roles of impulsivity and reinforcement sensitivity in this association. Using diagnostic interviews, this study recruited 69 participants with IGD and 138 participants without. All participants underwent diagnostic interviews for IGD and an evaluation for the COMT val158met polymorphism, impulsivity, and reinforcement sensitivity. Among participants with the Val/Val genotype, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for IGD was 2.09 (1.15–3.80). The IGD–Val/Val genotype association was mediated by impulsivity and fun‐seeking. The Val/Val genotype is indicative of low frontal functioning and is a predictive factor of IGD, with this effect being confounded by impulsivity and fun‐seeking. Interventions targeting impulsivity and fun‐seeking might attenuate the risk of IGD, particularly among individuals with the Val/Val genotype. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate the possible role of dopamine functioning.
Carbon and alkalinity outwelling across the groundwater‐creek‐shelf continuum off Amazonian mangroves
Authors: Cabral Alex , Dittmar Thorsten , Call Mitchell , Scholten Jan , de Rezende Carlos E. , Asp Nils , Gledhill Martha , Seidel Michael , Santos Isaac R.
Published: September 2021

Lateral fluxes (i.e., outwelling) of dissolved organic (DOC) and inorganic (DIC) carbon and total alkalinity were estimated using radium isotopes at the groundwater, mangrove creek, and continental shelf scales in the Amazon region. Observations of salinity and radium isotopes in the creek indicated tidally driven groundwater exchange as the main source of carbon. Radium‐derived transport rates indicate that mangrove carbon is exported out of the continental shelf on timescales of 22 ± 7 d. Bicarbonate was the main form (82% ± 11%) of total dissolved carbon in all samples, followed by DOC (13% ± 12%) and CO2 (5% ± 4%). DIC (18.7 ± 15.7 mmol m−2 d−1) exceeded DOC (3.0 ± 4.1 mmol m−2 d−1) outwelling at all spatial scales. The interpretation of outwelling across the mangrove‐ocean continuum is related to the spatial and temporal scales investigated. At all scales, outwelling represented a major coastal carbon pathway driving bicarbonate storage in the ocean.
Offer Acceptance Patterns for Liver Donors Aged 70 and Older
Authors: Haugen Christine E. , Bowring Mary G. , Jackson Kyle R. , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline , Massie Allan B. , Chiang Teresa Po‐Yu , Philosophe Benjamin , Segev Dorry L. , Halazun Karim J.
Published: September 2021

Despite a documented survival benefit, older liver donor (OLD, age ≥70) graft offers are frequently declined, with utilization worsening over the last decade. To understand how offer acceptance varies by center, we studied 1113 eventually transplanted OLD grafts from 2009 to 2017 using Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) data and random‐intercept multilevel logistic regression. To understand how center‐level acceptance of OLD graft offers might be associated with waitlist and posttransplant outcomes, we studied all adult, actively listed, liver‐only candidates and recipients during the study period using Poisson regression (transplant rate), competing risks regression (waitlist mortality), and Cox regression (posttransplant mortality). Among 117 centers, OLD offer acceptance ranged from 0 (23 centers) to 95 acceptances, with a median odds ratio of 2.88. Thus, a candidate may be three times as likely to receive an OLD graft simply by listing at a different center. Centers in the highest quartile (Q4) of OLD acceptance (accepted 39% of OLD offers) accepted more nationally shared organs (Q4 versus Q1: 14.1% versus 0.0%, P < 0.001) and had higher annual liver transplant volume (Q4 versus Q1: 80 versus 21, P < 0.001). After adjustment, nationally shared OLD offers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13‐0.20) and offers to centers with higher median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) at transplant (aOR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62‐0.87) were less likely to be accepted. OLD offers to centers with higher annual transplant volume were more likely to be accepted (aOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.14‐1.30). Additionally, candidates listed at centers within the highest quartile of OLD graft offer acceptance had higher deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) rates (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.41‐1.50), lower waitlist mortality (adjusted subhazard ratio: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72‐0.76), and similar posttransplant survival (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86‐1.01) when compared with those listed at centers in the lowest quartile of OLD graft offer acceptance. The wide variation in OLD offer acceptance supports the need for optimizing the organ offer process and efficiently directing OLD offers to centers more likely to use them.
Impact of Race‐Adjusted Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation on Eligibility for Simultaneous Liver‐Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Panchal Sarjukumar , Serper Marina , Bittermann Therese , Asrani Sumeet K. , Goldberg David S. , Mahmud Nadim
Published: September 2021

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is adjusted for Black race in commonly used formulas. This has potential implications for access to simultaneous liver‐kidney transplantation (SLKT) as qualifying criteria rely on eGFR. We performed a retrospective study of United Network for Organ Sharing national transplant registry data between February 28, 2002, and March 31, 2019, to evaluate the proportion of Black patients who would be reclassified as meeting SLKT criteria (as defined per current policies) if race adjustment were removed from 2 prominent eGFR equations (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease–4 [MDRD‐4] and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration [CKD‐EPI]). Of the 7937 Black patients listed for transplant during the study period, we found that 3.6% would have been reclassified as qualifying for chronic kidney disease (CKD)–related SLKT with removal of race adjustment for MDRD‐4, and 3.0% would have been reclassified with CKD‐EPI; this represented 23.7% and 18.7% increases in SLKT candidacy, respectively. Reclassification impacted women more than men (eg, 4.5% versus 3.0% by MDRD‐4; P < 0.05). In an exploratory analysis, patients meeting SLKT criteria by race‐unadjusted eGFR equations were significantly more likely to receive liver transplantation alone (LTA) compared with SLKT. Approximately 2.0% of reclassified patients required kidney transplantation within 1 year of LTA versus 0.3% of nonreclassified patients. In conclusion, race adjustment in eGFR equations may impact SLKT candidacy for 3.0% to 4.0% of Black patients listed for LTA overall. Approximately 2.0% of patients reclassified as meeting SLKT criteria require short‐term post‐LTA kidney transplantation. These data argue for developing novel algorithms for glomerular filtration rate estimation free of race to promote equity.
A Deeper Insight into the Influence of the Electric Field Strength When Melt‐Electrowriting on Non‐Planar Surfaces
Authors: Saha Uttariyo , Nairn Rory , Keenan Orla , Monaghan Michael G.
Published: September 2021

Defined structures for tissue engineering can be achieved by a variety of techniques, one of which includes melt‐electrowriting (MEW), a technology that deposits spatially defined microfibers of a molten polymer across an electric field. In this study, the authors investigate how to microfabricate biomaterial‐meshes using MEW to non‐planar surfaces that will have more applicability to anatomical structures. By modeling the electric field strength associated with MEW, it is found that incorporation of a non‐conductive 3D printed mould on the conductive collector plate offers the ability to accurately print patterns on non‐planar surfaces successfully. Importantly, if the applied voltage at the nozzle or collector plate is kept constant in the MEW process, the electrostatic behavior of the deposited polymer, and the electric field strength between the collector and nozzle (which is greatest at the nozzle) has the greatest impact on the accuracy of fiber patterning and stacking. Consequently, controlled fiber deposition is exhibited, provided that a constant voltage and a constant vertical distance between the nozzle and the mould are maintained. Overall, this study establishes the groundwork to support further developments in MEW technologies, from flat to anatomically relevant 3D structures in the fields of regenerative medicine and biofabrication.
Selberg's zeta function for the modular group in the critical strip
Authors: Hashimoto Yasufumi
Published: September 2021

In the present paper, we study the growth of the Selberg zeta function for the modular group in the critical strip.
Role of mass spectrometry in the study of interactions between amylin and metal ions
Authors: Moracci Laura , Crotti Sara , Traldi Pietro , Agostini Marco , Cosma Chiara , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: September 2021

Amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide [IAPP]) is a neuroendocrine hormone synthesized with insulin in the beta cells of pancreatic islets. The two hormones act in different ways: in fact insulin triggers glucose uptake in muscle and liver cells, removing glucose from the bloodstream and making it available for energy use and storage, while amylin regulates glucose homeostasis. Aside these positive physiological aspects, human amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) readily forms amyloid in vitro. Amyloids are aggregates of proteins and in the human body amyloids are considered responsible of the development of various diseases. These aspects have been widely described and discussed in literature and to give a view of the highly complexity of this biochemical behavior the different physical, chemical, biological and medical aspects are shortly described in this review. It is strongly affected by the presence on metal ions, responsible for or inhibiting the formation of fibrils. Mass spectrometry resulted (and still results) to be a particularly powerful tool to obtain valid and effective experimental data to describe the hIAPP behavior. Aside classical approaches devoted to investigation on metal ion‐hIAPP structures, which reflects on the identification of metal–protein interaction site(s) and of possible metal‐induced conformational changes of the protein, interesting results have been obtained by ion mobility mass spectrometry, giving, on the basis of collisional cross‐section data, information on both the oligomerization processes and the conformation changes. Laser ablation electrospray ionization—ion mobility spectrometry‐mass spectrometry (LAESI‐IMS‐MS), allowed to obtain information on the binding stoichiometry, complex dissociation constant, and the oxidation state of the copper for the amylin–copper interaction. Alternatively to inorganic ions, small organic molecules have been tested by ESI‐IMS‐MS as inhibitor of amyloid assembly. Also in this case the obtained data demonstrate the validity of the ESI‐IMS‐MS approach as a high‐throughput screen for inhibitors of amyloid assembly, providing valid information concerning the identity of the interacting species, the nature of binding and the effect of the ligand on protein aggregation. Effects of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions in the degradation of human and murine IAPP by insulin‐degrading enzyme were studied by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The literature data show that mass spectrometry is a highly valid and effective tool in the study of the amylin behavior, so to individuate medical strategies to avoid the undesired formation of amyloids in in vivo conditions.
Pandemic Tic‐like Behaviors Following Social Media Consumption
Authors: Paulus Theresa , Bäumer Tobias , Verrel Julius , Weissbach Anne , Roessner Veit , Beste Christian , Münchau Alexander
Published: September 2021

Background

Currently, there is a marked increase of young people with sudden onset of tic‐like behaviors (TLBs) resembling movements and vocalizations presented on social media videos as “Tourette's syndrome.”

Objective

To delineate clinical phenomenology of TLBs after social media exposure in comparison with clinical features of Tourette's syndrome.

Methods

We compared demographic and clinical variables between 13 patients with TLBs and 13 age‐ and sex‐related patients with Tourette's syndrome.

Results

Patients with TLBs had several characteristics allowing to distinguish them from patients with Tourette's syndrome, some of which discriminated perfectly (ie, abrupt symptom onset, lack of spontaneous symptom fluctuations, symptom deterioration in the presence of others) and some nearly perfectly (ie, predominantly complex movements involving trunk/extremities). Also, symptom onset was significantly later.

Conclusions

TLBs after social media consumption differ from tics in Tourette's syndrome, strongly suggesting that these phenomena are categorically different conditions. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
60 GHz dual‐polarized magneto‐electric dipole antenna array with hybrid gap waveguide feeding network in low temperature co‐fired ceramic technology
Authors: Wang Hao , Cao Jianyin , Tao Shifei , Quan Yu , Mou Shanxiang , Guo Yongxin
Published: September 2021

A 60 GHz 8 × 8 dual‐polarized aperture‐coupled magneto‐electric (ME) dipole antenna array in low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) technology is proposed. Taking advantage of the LTCC technology of high integration, the antenna array is composed of three parts, including the wideband ME dipole elements, dual‐polarized strip‐line series feeding network and low‐loss gap waveguide (GWG) feeding network. The ME dipole antenna element is fed by aperture coupling with 45° rotation. Two separate orthogonal strip lines are located right below the aperture to realize dual polarization performance. The simulated −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the dual‐polarized antenna element is 50–66.5 GHz with an isolation lower than −20 dB for two input ports. By employing the proposed radiating element, a 4 × 4 wide‐band dual‐polarized antenna subarray is realized by using strip‐line series‐feed technology. A compact hybrid low‐loss feeding network is realized by combing the GWG technology with the strip‐line series feed technology. For demonstration, one prototype was fabricated. The measured impedance bandwidth is 14.2% and 16.7% respectively for dual polarizations with |S11| < −8 dB, and the port isolation is lower than −20 dB over the entire frequency band of interest.
A time‐course study of actively stained mouse brains: Diffusion tensor imaging parameters and connectomic stability over 1 year
Authors: Xiao Jaclyn , Hornburg Kathryn J. , Cofer Gary , Cook James J. , Pratson Forrest , Qi Yi , Johnson G. Allan
Published: September 2021

While the application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), tractography, and connectomics to fixed tissue is a common practice today, there have been limited studies examining the effects of fixation on brain microstructure over extended periods. This mouse model time‐course study reports the changes of regional brain volumes and diffusion scalar parameters, such as fractional anisotropy, across 12 representative brain regions as measures of brain structural stability. The scalar DTI parameters and regional volumes were highly variable over the first 2 weeks after fixation. The same parameters were consistent over a 2–8‐week window after fixation, which means confounds from tissue stability over that scanning window were minimal. Quantitative connectomes were analyzed over the same time with extension out to 1 year. While there was some change in the scalar metrics at 1 year after fixation, these changes were sufficiently small, particularly in white matter, to support reproducible connectomes over a period ranging from 2‐weeks to 1‐year post‐fixation. These findings delineate a scanning period, during which brain volumes, diffusion scalar metrics, and connectomes are remarkably consistent.
Gastroliths in archaeology: A note of caution
Authors: Lucas Spencer G. , Hunt Adrian P.
Published: September 2021

Polished stones at archaeological sites are often identified as avian gastroliths, even though they lack a skeletal association. Such identification is based on the misconception that high polish characterizes gastroliths, an old idea refuted by diverse research. Thus, polished stones at archaeological sites are not necessarily gastroliths, and more rigor is urged in the identification and interpretation of such stones.
The effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on global stock markets: Return, volatility, and bad state probability dynamics
Authors: Basuony Mohamed A. K. , Bouaddi Mohammed , Ali Heba , EmadEldeen Rehab
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on stock returns, conditional volatility, conditional skewness and bad state probability. This study utilizes an asymmetric exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model to capture the asymmetric effect of positive and negative shocks (news) on conditional volatility. Using a sample consisting of international stock market indices in Brazil, China, Italy, India, Germany, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States, over the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2020, we find unprecedented increases in conditional volatilities and bad state probabilities across all the markets. However, this impact is not symmetric across markets. Furthermore, we find that the negative affect of deaths is more pronounced, compared to the positive impact of recovered cases.