bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The metabolic landscape in chronic rotator cuff tear reveals tissue‐region‐specific signatures
Authors: Olie Cyriel Sebastiaan , van Zeijl René , el Abdellaoui Salma , Kolk Arjen , Overbeek Celeste , Nelissen Rob G.H.H. , Heijs Bram , Raz Vered
Published: December 2021

Background

Degeneration of shoulder muscle tissues often result in tearing, causing pain, disability and loss of independence. Differential muscle involvement patterns have been reported in tears of shoulder muscles, yet the molecules involved in this pathology are poorly understood. The spatial distribution of biomolecules across the affected tissue can be accurately obtained with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI). The goal of this pilot study was to decipher the metabolic landscape across shoulder muscle tissues and to identify signatures of degenerated muscles in chronic conditions.

Methods

Paired biopsies of two rotator cuff muscles, torn infraspinatus and intact teres minor, together with an intact shoulder muscle, the deltoid, were collected during an open tendon transfer surgery. Five patients, average age 65.2 ± 3.8 years, were selected for spatial metabolic profiling using high‐spatial resolution (MALDI‐TOF) and high‐mass resolution (MALDI‐FTICR) MSI in negative or positive ion mode. Metabolic signatures were identified using data‐driven analysis. Verifications of spatial localization for selected metabolic signatures were carried out using antibody immunohistology.

Results

Data‐driven analysis revealed major metabolic differences between intact and degenerated regions across all muscles. The area of degenerated regions, encompassed of fat, inflammation and fibrosis, significantly increased in both rotator cuff muscles, teres minor (27.9%) and infraspinatus (22.8%), compared with the deltoid (8.7%). The intact regions were characterized by 49 features, among which lipids were recognized. Several of the identified lipids were specifically enriched in certain myofiber types. Degenerated regions were specifically marked by the presence of 37 features. Heme was the most abundant metabolite in degenerated regions, whereas Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), which catabolizes heme, was found in intact regions. Higher HO‐1 levels correlated with lower heme accumulation.

Conclusions

Degenerated regions are distinguished from intact regions by their metabolome profile. A muscle‐specific metabolome profile was not identified. The area of tissue degeneration significantly differs between the three examined muscles. Higher HO‐1 levels in intact regions concurred with lower heme levels in degenerated regions. Moreover, HO‐1 levels discriminated between dysfunctional and functional rotator cuff muscles. Additionally, the enrichment of specific lipids in certain myofiber types suggests that lipid metabolism differs between myofiber types. The signature metabolites can open options to develop personalized treatments for chronic shoulder muscles degeneration.
Chemically cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol) electrospun fibrous mats as wound dressing materials
Authors: Díez Berta , Homer W Joseph A , Leslie Laura J , Kyriakou Georgios , Rosal Roberto , Topham Paul D , Theodosiou Eirini
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a synthetic biocompatible polymer that is extensively used by the medical and pharmaceutical industries due to its FDA approval for in vivo applications. Its highly hydrophilic nature makes it an ideal wound dressing material, especially in the form of nanofibrous mats.

RESULTS

In this work, electrospun PVA‐based scaffolds suitable for wound management were created. Chemical cross‐linking with citric acid and glyoxal was employed to enhance the supports’ stability in aqueous environments, and cellulose nanocrystals were added during the electrospinning process to improve the mechanical properties of the final constructs. Varying the concentrations of the cross‐linking agents (0.12‐1 wt% citric acid and 0.06‐0.5 wt% glyoxal), allowed the control of the rate and extend of dissolution, thereby tuning the properties of the materials to the specific wound types (e.g. acute vs chronic). There was an inverse relationship between the amount of cross‐linkers used and the mats’ weight loss (ranging from 2% to 18%) after 6 days immersion in water. All supports sustained the growth of human fibroblasts (>85% viability), whereas there was no biofilm formation when in contact with S. aureus for 24 hours. The presence of cellulose nanocrystals did not affect cytocompatibility but improved the mechanical properties of the non‐woven fibres.

CONCLUSION

Tailor‐made biocompatible electrospun mats showing antimicrobial behaviour were successfully created through altering the concentration of chemical cross‐linkers. This flexible approach offers the potential of matching the dressing to the wound type and offering a more targeted solution to wound management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicumATCC 824 using electro‐fermentation in culture medium supplemented with butyrate and neutral red
Authors: Guerrero Karlo , Gallardo Roberto , González Ernesto , Veliz Fabián , Conejeros Raúl , Gentina Juan Carlos , Aroca Germán
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Butanol is a versatile chemical that can be used as fuel, solvent or intermediate in chemical synthesis. Several strategies have been used to increase the availability of reducing power in Clostridium sp. with the aim of maximizing the production of butanol, the use of electron carriers being one of the most effective. Moreover, electrons from an external power source can be transferred to cells through electron carriers such neutral red, or directly reducing NAD+. From a previous metabolic analysis, we hypothesized that adding butyrate to the culture medium and using an external electron source as a co‐reducing agent, along with glucose‐derived reducing power (electro‐fermentation), would result in an increase in the specific butanol productivity.

RESULTS

Butyrate caused a decrease in the maximum concentration of butanol reached at the concentration used (6 g L−1). The supplementation of neutral red to the culture medium by itself and along with electro‐fermentation were effective in stimulating the production of butanol. The mean specific rate of butanol production obtained for electro‐fermentation in medium supplemented with butyrate and neutral red was 307% and 156% higher than that recorded using medium supplemented with butyrate, or butyrate and neutral red, respectively, this value being even 113% higher than that recorded for the non‐supplemented medium.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of butyrate and absence of neutral red in the electro‐fermentation were detrimental for the microorganism. The electro‐fermentation in medium supplemented with neutral red led to an increase in both volumetric and specific productivities of butanol. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Establishing three warm‐season turfgrasses with tailored water: II. Root development, nitrate accumulation in plant tissue and soil, and relationship with leaching
Authors: Leinauer Bernd , Sevostianova Elena , Velasco‐Cruz Ciro , Sallenave Rossana , Serena Matteo , Horvath Isabelle , Skerker Jenny
Published: December 2021

Greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2017 to assess the feasibility of establishing three warm‐season grasses—buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Natt.) Eng.] ‘SWI 2000’, inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata L.), and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) ‘Princess77’—with tailored water (tertiary treated effluent with 15 mg L–1 of NO3–N) and to examine the impact on nitrate accumulation in soils and plant tissue and on root development. Grasses were established from seed in a loamy sand and irrigated with either tailored or potable water plus granular Ca(NO3)2 fertilizer. Leachate collected at 10‐ and 30‐cm depths was analyzed for NO3–N and electrical conductivity. Root samples were collected to measure root length density (RLD) and root surface area (RSA). Weekly clippings were collected to determine total clipping yield and measure N content. Generally, there was no difference in establishment, RLD, or RSA between the two irrigation treatments. Highest RLD values were reported for bermudagrass, followed by buffalograss and inland saltgrass. Correlation analyses suggest that nitrate levels in leachate were lower in faster‐growing grasses and in grasses with more extensive root systems, compared with slower‐growing grasses with less roots, regardless of fertilization treatment. Total N in clippings was highest in inland saltgrass and lower in buffalograss and bermudagrass, indicating that N was limiting for faster‐growing grasses. More research is needed to determine optimal N rates for establishing grasses that both optimize growth and minimize nitrate leaching.
Incidence and risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after total pancreatectomy: A first multicenter prospective study in Japan
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Kamei Keiko , Suto Hironobu , Misawa Takeyuki , Unno Michiaki , Nitta Hiroyuki , Satoi Sohei , Kawabata Yasunari , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Rikiyama Toshiki , Sudo Takeshi , Matsumoto Ippei , Okano Keiichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Sata Naohiro , Isaji Shuji , Sugiyama Masanori , Takeyama Yoshifumi
Published: December 2021

Background/Purpose

In the present study we aimed to prospectively assess the current prevalence and risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after total pancreatectomy (TP).

Methods

Between August 2015 and December 2017, we prospectively collected data from 68 Japanese centers on 148 consecutive patients who underwent TP whose computed tomography (CT) attenuation values were evaluated for 12 months. We defined post‐TP NAFLD as a liver parenchyma CT value of less than 40 Hounsfield units (HU). Data on perioperative variables were retrieved from all patients and evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the perioperative risk factors of NAFLD.

Results

In this prospective cohort study, supplementation of pancreatic exocrine enzymes was provided to all 148 patients, and 97% of them were treated with high‐titer pancrelipase (median dosage: 1800 mg) postoperatively. Indeed, 29 patients (19.6%) developed NAFLD within a year after TP. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (P = .002), higher body mass index (BMI) (P = .001), and postoperative diarrhea (P = .038) were independent risk factors for post‐TP NAFLD. However, post‐TP NAFLD ameliorated in 11 patients (37.9%) at 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Among patients with risk factors such as female sex, higher BMI, and postoperative diarrhea, attention should be paid to the occurrence of NAFLD after TP.
Validation of Phase‐Resolved Functional Lung (PREFUL) Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pulse Wave Transit Time Compared to Echocardiography in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Pöhler Gesa H. , Löffler Friederike , Klimeš Filip , Behrendt Lea , Voskrebenzev Andreas , González Cristian Crisosto , Westhoff‐Bleck Mechthild , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: December 2021

Background

Phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulmonary pulse wave transit time (pPTT) is a contrast agent free, vascular imaging biomarker, but has not been validated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Purpose

To validate PREFUL with echocardiographic pPTT as a reference standard and to compare arterial/venous pPTT mapping with spirometry and clinical parameters.

Study type

Prospective.

Population

Twenty‐one patients (62% female) with COPD and 44 healthy participants (50% female).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; 2D‐spoiled gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

Three coronal PREFUL MRI slices, echocardiography, and spirometry including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1, liter) and predicted defined as FEV1 in% divided by the population average FEV1%, were performed. Pulmonary pulse transit time from the main artery to the microvasculature (PREFUL pPTT), to the right upper lobe vein (PREFUL pPTTav, echo pPTTav), from microvasculature to right upper lobe vein (PREFULvein) and the ratio of PREFUL pPTT to PREFUL pPTTvein were calculated. Body mass index (BMI), Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) stage 1–4, disease duration, and cigarette packs smoked per day multiplied by the smoked years (pack years) were computed.

Statistical Tests

Shapiro–Wilk‐test, paired‐two‐sided‐t‐tests, Bland–Altman‐analysis, coefficient of variation, Pearson ρ were applied, pPTT data were compared between 21 subjects from the 44 healthy subjects who were age‐ and sex‐matched to the COPD cohort, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

PREFUL pPTTav significantly correlated with echo pPTTav (ρ = 0.95) with 1.85 msec bias, 95% limits of agreement: 55.94 msec, −52.23 msec in all participants (P = 0.59). In the healthy participants, PREFUL and echo pPTTav significantly correlated with age (ρ = 0.81, ρ = 0.78), FEV1 (ρ = −0.47, ρ = −0.34) and BMI (ρ = 0.56, ρ = 0.51). In COPD patients, PREFUL pPTT significantly correlated with FEV1 predicted (ρ = −0.59), GOLD (ρ = 0.53), disease duration (ρ = 0.54), and pack years (ρ = 0.49).

Data Conclusion

Arteriovenous PTT measured by PREFUL MRI corresponds precisely to echocardiography and appears to be feasible even in severe COPD.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Relationship between Surpoint Tag Index, a Radiofrequency Ablation lesion quality indicator, and Atrial wall thickness in Cavotricuspid isthmus Ablations exhibiting bidirectional block
Authors: Smith Alexander , Amin Anish K. , El‐Zein Rayan , Billakanty Sreedhar R. , Chopra Nagesh
Published: December 2021

Background

An RFA lesion quality indicator, Surpoint Tag Index® (TI) incorporates key factors: power, time, and contact force, impacting lesion quality. TI accurately estimates lesion depth in animal studies. However, the relationship between TI and in‐vivo atrial wall thickness in patients exhibiting bidirectional block remains unknown.

Objective

To describe the relationship between atrial wall thickness and TI in CTI exhibiting bidirectional block.

Methods

Data from 492 RFA lesions from 25 patients undergoing PVI and CTI ablations in SR with point‐by‐point RF lesions (<45 W) utilizing a Thermocool Smarttouch® SF ablation catheter and CARTO‐3 mapping were retrospectively analyzed. Operators were blinded to TI data and CTI thickness. CTI thickness was obtained using ICE images on Cartosound pre‐ablation. Durable lesions were defined as part of a lesion set exhibiting bidirectional block of >30 min.

Results

In lesions exhibiting bidirectional block, the thinnest (1–2 mm; 5% lesions) and thickest (8–10 mm; 6% lesions) portions of the CTI correlated with the lowest (429 ± 75) and highest (516 ± 64) TI. The bulk of thickness (2–6 mm; 80%) correlated with a TI of 455 ± 72 (p = 0.001). There was a weak but positive correlation between TI and CTI thickness (r = 0.2; p ≤ 0.01). Examined in sectors, the anterior 1/3rd CTI was the thickest (4.8 ± 1.9 mm) but correlated with a similar TI value (479 ± 75 vs. 471 ± 70; p = 0.34) as the thinner middle 1/3rd (3.8 ± 1.7 mm; p ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusion

A mean TI value of 455 correlates with bidirectional block across the bulk of CTI with lower and higher values needed for the thinner and thicker portions, respectively. Tissue composition, aside from wall thickness, influences TI values for the creation of the bidirectional block.
Public hesitancy to COVID‐19 vaccine and the role of pharmacists in addressing the problem and improving uptake
Authors: Wubishet Befikadu L. , Tesfaye Wubshet H. , Khan Md Nuruzzaman , Thomas Jackson , Tuffaha Haitham , Comans Tracy A. , Scuffham Paul , Erku Daniel A.
Published: December 2021

COVID‐19 is one of the worst pandemics in recent human history, causing huge health, economic, and psychosocial damage. Since the pandemic hit, several unsubstantiated claims regarding exposure, transmission and management have been disseminated. Misinformation and associated public confusion now extend to the COVID‐19 vaccines, spanning from claims based on possible links between some vaccine types and rare blood clots, to baseless claims. As a result, the public’s trust in COVID‐19 vaccines has been eroded, fuelling an already troubling trend of vaccine hesitancy. As medication experts and the most accessible healthcare providers, pharmacists are well equipped with the required skills and knowledge to improve COVID‐19 vaccine uptake by taking roles that range from dispelling myths, to providing reliable evidence‐based information, through to vaccine administration. This paper discusses public hesitancy to COVID‐19 vaccines, major contributing factors, and the role pharmacists can play in reducing hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake.
Whole wheat bread enriched with silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) needles extract: technological and antioxidant properties
Authors: Parenti Ottavia , Albanese Lorenzo , Guerrini Lorenzo , Zanoni Bruno , Zabini Federica , Meneguzzo Francesco
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The interest of consumers and market and scientific research for added‐value foods obtained with environmentally sustainable productive chains is increasing. Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) needles (SFNs), often by‐products of forest management and logging, represent an unexploited source of bioactive compounds.

RESULTS

For the first time, SFN aqueous extract obtained through controlled hydrodynamic cavitation was used to enrich whole wheat flour bread. The first trial found that 35% SFNs extract addition was the absolute threshold of taste perception. The second trial investigated dough rheological properties and bread technological and antioxidant properties in samples enriched with 35% and 100% SFNs extract compared with the control (0% SFNs extract). SFNs extract significantly increased bread antioxidant capacity in both 35% and 100% SFN fresh breads by ~42.5% and ~87% respectively and in 100% SFNs bread samples after 72 h of storage by ~76%. Enrichment of 35% showed higher alveograph dough extensibility (~11%) and different bread texture in terms of hardness, springiness, and chewiness. Enrichment with 100% SFNs extract significantly improved dough and bread technological quality: it increased alveograph dough extensibility L (~18%), swelling index G (~8%), and flour strength W (~14%) and showed the highest increase in bread specific volume (~0.200 L kg−1).

CONCLUSIONS

SFNs aqueous extract produced with controlled hydrodynamic cavitation appeared a valuable technical material for the manufacturing of added‐value and functional breads. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Falciform ligament tubular graft for mesenteric‐portal vein reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Balzan Silvio M. P. , Gava Vinicius G. , Rieger Alexandre , Magalhães Marcelo A. , Schwengber Alex , Ferreira Fagner
Published: December 2021

Background

Portal vein resection and reconstruction in locally advanced pancreatic cancer represents a potentially curative treatment in selected patients without increasing surgical mortality. However, vascular reconstruction after segmental venous resection is challenging. The parietal peritoneum has emerged as a venous substitute but few reports include its use as a tubular graft. We report a retrospective series of portal vein reconstruction using a falciform ligament tubular graft during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Material and Methods

Technical aspects and short‐term morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy with falciform ligament tubular graft interposition were analyzed.

Results

Among 21 patients who used parietal peritoneum for venous substitution between 2015 and 2019, eight underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous resection and reconstruction using interposition of falciform ligament tubular graft. The mean duration of surgery and clamping time were 350 and 27 min, respectively. No perioperative blood transfusion was required. All the grafts were patent the day after surgery. No complication related to venous obstruction was detected during the hospital stay. Two patients had postoperative pancreatic fistula. No further intervention was needed. The 90‐day mortality was null.

Conclusions

The use of interposition of falciform ligament tubular graft for portal venous reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy seems to be a reliable, inexpensive, and safe procedure.
Inflammation‐Based Score (Combination of Platelet Count and Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio) Predicts Pharyngocutaneous Fistula After Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Matsumoto Shin , Nakayama Masahiro , Gosho Masahiko , Nishimura Bungo , Takahashi Kuniaki , Yoshimura Tomonori , Senarita Masamitsu , Ohara Hirotatsu , Akizuki Hiromitsu , Wada Tetsuro , Tabuchi Keiji
Published: December 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Postoperative complications may depend on the systemic inflammatory response. We evaluated the predictive potential of the combination of platelet count and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (COP‐NLR) for the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients who underwent total laryngectomy between 2000 and 2020 were recruited from four hospitals. The correlations between the incidence of PCF and several risk factors, including the COP‐NLR, were examined. Patients with both elevated platelet count and elevated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were categorized as COP‐NLR 2, and patients with either one or no abnormal values of both parameters were assigned as COP‐NLR 1 and COP‐NLR 0, respectively.

Results

A total of 235 patients were identified. The overall incidence of PCF was 12.3%. The cut‐off value for NLR before surgery was set at 3.95 (sensitivity = 58.6%, specificity = 69.4%, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.635), and the platelet count was set at 320 × 109/L (sensitivity = 27.6%, specificity = 87.9%, AUC = 0.571). Multivariate analysis revealed that COP‐NLR was an independent risk factor for PCF (COP‐NLR 1 vs. COP‐NLR 0: odds ratio [OR], 4.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64 to 10.59; and COP‐NLR 2 vs. COP‐NLR 0: OR, 5.33; 95% CI, 1.38 to 20.56).

Conclusions

COP‐NLR is a novel predictive factor for the development of PCF in patients undergoing total laryngectomy.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1582–1587, 2022
COVID‐19 transmission flow through the stigmatization process in Bangladesh: A qualitative study
Authors: Miah Md. Shahgahan , Mamun Md. Razib , Hasan S. M. Murshid , Sarker Md. Golam Faruk , Miah Muhammad Salim , Khan Md. Gias Uddin , Kabir Ashraful , Haque Mohammad Ainul , Chowdhury N. M. Rabiul Awal
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) patients and survivors face stigma, discrimination, and negligence. The motives for and the different types and consequences of COVID‐19‐related stigmatization remain underexplored in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study examined how the COVID‐19 stigmatization process is interlinked with transmission flow.

Methods

Using a qualitative research design, we conducted 20 in‐depth interviews with infected and suspected caregivers and five key informant interviews with physicians, local media representatives, leaders, law enforcement officials, and local administrative officials in three divisional cities of Bangladesh. We performed thematic analysis to analyze the data.

Results

Participants expressed their experiences with multiple subthemes within three themes (stigma related to symptoms, stigma associated with isolation and quarantine, and stigma associated with health services). Participants reportedly faced stigma, for example, exclusion, hesitation to interact, avoidance, bullying, threat, and negligence caused by misinformation, rumors, and fear. Stigmatized individuals reportedly hid their symptoms and refrained from seeking healthcare services, contributing to COVID‐19 transmission flow.

Conclusion

Revealed insights may contribute to effective prevention, control, and management of such an emerging pandemic. Further in‐depth exploration of such stigmatization process will enrich unexpected outbreaks management effectively.
Evidence of partial thermal compensation in natural phytoplankton assemblages
Authors: Liu Kailin , Chen Bingzhang , Liu Hongbin
Published: December 2021

Whether phytoplankton growth is solely constrained by temperature (hotter is better) or compensated by thermal adaptation is still under debate. We measured the temperature sensitivity of natural phytoplankton communities at both short‐term and seasonal timescales using temperature manipulation experiments. The activation energy across communities (mean ± SE: Ei = 0.51 ± 0.12 eV, Q10 = 1.98) is significantly lower than that within communities (Ea = 0.80 ± 0.10 eV, Q10 = 2.80). Moreover, using a larger dataset of phytoplankton growth rates measured in (sub)tropical waters, we estimated the across‐community activation energy as 0.33 ± 0.06 eV (Q10 = 1.56), which is also lower than Ea. Our study is the first to suggest the “hotter is partially better” for natural phytoplankton communities, indicating that the phytoplankton communities can show some thermal adaptation capability. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating the differential temperature sensitivities at different timescales into the biogeochemical models to better evaluate how marine ecosystems will respond to climate changes.
Superior Long‐Term Outcomes of Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Cumulative Single‐Center Cohort Study With 20 Years of Follow‐Up
Authors: Goto Toru , Ivanics Tommy , Cattral Mark S. , Reichman Trevor , Ghanekar Anand , Sapisochin Gonzalo , McGilvray Ian D. , Sayed Blayne , Lilly Les , Bhat Mamatha , Selzner Markus , Selzner Nazia
Published: December 2021

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an attractive alternative to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Although both modalities have similar short‐term outcomes, long‐term outcomes are not well studied. We compared the 20‐year outcomes of 668 adults who received LDLT with1596 DDLTs at the largest liver transplantation (LT) program in Canada. Recipients of LDLT were significantly younger and more often male than DDLT recipients (P < 0.001). Autoimmune diseases were more frequent in LDLT, whereas viral hepatitis and alcohol‐related liver disease were more frequent in DDLT. LDLT recipients had lower Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores (P = 0.008), spent less time on the waiting list (P < 0.001), and were less often inpatients at the time of LT (P < 0.001). In a nonadjusted analysis, 1‐year, 10‐year, and 20‐year patient survival rates were significantly higher in LDLT (93%, 74%, and 56%, respectively) versus DDLT (91%, 67%, and 46%, respectively; log‐rank P = 0.02) as were graft survival rates LDLT (91%, 67%, and 50%, respectively) versus (90%, 65%, and 44.3%, respectively, for DDLT; log‐rank P = 0.31). After multivariable adjustment, LDLT and DDLT were associated with a similar hazard of patient and graft survival. Our data of 20 years of follow‐up of LDLT from a single, large Western center demonstrates excellent long‐term outcomes for recipients of LDLT.
Solution of time‐fractional stochastic nonlinear sine‐Gordon equation via finite difference and meshfree techniques
Authors: Mirzaee Farshid , Rezaei Shadi , Samadyar Nasrin
Published: December 2021

In this article, we introduce a numerical procedure to solve time‐fractional stochastic sine‐Gordon equation. The suggested technique is based on finite difference method and radial basis functions interpolation. By using this algorithm, first time‐fractional stochastic nonlinear sine‐Gordon equation is converted to elliptic stochastic differential equations. Then, the meshfree method based on radial basis functions (RBFs) is used to approximate the obtained equation. In fact, the finite difference method is used to approximate the unknown function in the time direction and generalized Gaussian RBF is applied to estimate the obtained equation in the space direction. The most important advantage of this method is that the noise terms are simulated directly at the collocation points at each time step. By employing this method, the equation decreased to a nonlinear system of algebraic equations which can be solved simply. The obtained results of solving three examples confirm the validity and capability of the proposed solution.
3D EM data‐driven artificial network‐based design optimization of circular reflectarray antenna with semi‐elliptic rings for X‐band applications
Authors: Çalışkan Alper , Güneş Filiz
Published: December 2021

In this work, the design and realization of a circular reflectarray antenna (CERA) with semi‐ elliptic rings are carried out for X‐band. In order to achieve a fast design optimization process, 3D EM simulated data‐driven multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP NN) model of the unit element is generated providing the unit reflection phase as a continuous function of the radii and gap of the ring for the width w = 0.5 mm on the FR4 with ∊r = 4.4, h = 1.5 mm. The proposed CERA consists of 148 unit cells taken symmetrical both in the Y and X‐axis. Thus, a meta‐heuristic optimization algorithm honey bee mating optimization (HBMO) is applied to 21 elements between 10 and 12 GHz to determine their optimal geometries for the required reflection angles according to the phasing scheme. The simulated and measured performances of the designed CERA have been found in good agreement and its performance is compared also with its counterpart designs in literature and resulted to exhibit superior performance.
Radial motor nerve conduction studies recorded from triceps brachii and extensor carpi radialis longus: Techniques and reference values
Authors: Mauti Emma , Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: December 2021

Introduction/Aims

Optimal timing of nerve transfer surgery in cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) depends upon the integrity of lower motor neurons (LMNs) in recipient nerves, which is best predicted by compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude. There are no established techniques for obtaining the CMAP in two recipient muscles: triceps brachii and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL). This study aimed to develop recording techniques for radial motor studies to triceps and ECRL, and to determine reference values for CMAP amplitudes in healthy volunteers.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of healthy adults aged 18 years and older. Motor nerve conduction studies were performed, stimulating the radial nerve in the axilla, over the axillary pulse at the pectoralis major insertion. Recording was from triceps (long head) and ECRL. CMAP amplitude, area, latency, and stimulus intensity were recorded. Reference values (RV) were calculated for CMAP amplitudes using a value 2 standard deviations below the mean. Cube root or logarithmic transformations were used to correct for non‐normal distributions.

Results

Twenty‐five healthy subjects participated. Triceps mean CMAP amplitude was 15.5 mV (SD 4.19), with an RV of 8.1 mV. ECRL mean CMAP amplitude was 11.5 mV (SD 3.54), with an RV of 6.2 mV. CMAP amplitude at ECRL was 75% (95% confidence interval 50%–100%) of that at triceps.

Discussion

We describe a technique for recording radial motor NCS from triceps and ECRL. Knowledge of normal CMAP amplitudes will help identify LMN injury in patients with cervical SCI being considered for nerve transfers.
Uniformly optimally reliable graphs: A survey
Authors: Romero Pablo
Published: December 2021

Which is the most reliable graph withnnodes andmedges? This celebrated problem has several aspects, according to the notion of optimality (in a local or uniform sense), failure type (either nodes or edges), or reliability model (all‐terminal connectedness, two‐terminal or multiterminal setting). This article presents a chronological survey of the multiple proposals to address the problem, together with recent trends and enigmatic conjectures posed decades ago that promote further research.
Relationships of social support and attitudes towards death: A mediator role of depression in older patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Han Hsiang‐Fan , Hsieh Chia‐Jung , Lin Pi‐Fang , Chao Cheng‐Han , Li Chia‐Yu
Published: December 2021

Aim

To explore the mediating role of depression in older people receiving haemodialysis on social support and the attitude of participants towards death.

Design

A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey.

Methods

Data were collected from older people undergoing dialysis (N = 209) at two regional hospitals in the north of Taiwan. Confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation model was used to clarify the strength of relationships and intermediary effects of three scales in which with 5,000 bootstrap samples using LISREL 9.31.

Results

The final model provided a good fit for the data. Social support and depression have statistically significant effects on dialysis older person' negative death attitudes. The direct effect of social support on depression was the strongest (p<.001). Overall, depression completely mediates social support and positive death attitudes. Depression partially mediates social support and negative death attitude.
Neurophysiological and transcriptomic predictors of chronic low back pain: Study protocol for a longitudinal inception cohort study
Authors: Starkweather Angela , Ward Kathryn , Eze Bright , Gavin Ahleah , Renn Cynthia L. , Dorsey Susan G.
Published: December 2021

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common, costly, and debilitating pain conditions worldwide. Increased mechanistic understanding of the transition from acute to chronic low back and identification of predictive biomarkers could enhance the clinical assessment performed by healthcare providers and enable the development of targeted treatment to prevent and/or better manage chronic low back pain. This study protocol was designed to identify the neurological and transcriptomic biomarkers predictive of chronic low back pain at low back pain onset. This is a prospective descriptive longitudinal inception cohort study that will follow 340 individuals with acute low back pain and 40 healthy controls over 2 years. To analyze the neurophysiological and transcriptomic biomarkers of low back pain, the protocol includes psychological and pain‐related survey data that will be collected beginning within 6 weeks of low back pain onset (baseline, 6, 12, 24, 52 weeks, and 2 years) and remotely at five additional time points (8, 10, 16, 20 weeks, and 18 months). Quantitative sensory testing and collection of blood samples for RNA sequencing will occur during the six in‐person visits. The study results will describe variations in the neurophysiological and transcriptomic profiles of healthy pain‐free controls and individuals with low back pain who either recover to pain‐free status or develop chronic low back pain.
Machine learning for polymeric materials: an introduction
Authors: Cencer Morgan M , Moore Jeffrey S , Assary Rajeev S
Published: December 2021

Polymers are incredibly versatile materials and have become ubiquitous. Increasingly, researchers are using data science and polymer informatics to design new materials and understand their structure–property relationships. Polymer informatics is an emerging field. While there are many useful tools and databases available, many are not widely utilized. Herein, we introduce the field of polymer informatics and discuss some of the available databases and tools. We cover how to share polymer data, approaches for preparing a dataset for machine learning and recent applications of machine learning to polymer property prediction and polymer synthesis. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Cold atmospheric plasma decontamination of SARS‐CoV‐2 bioaerosols
Authors: Bisag Alina , Isabelli Pasquale , Laghi Giulia , Laurita Romolo , Dirani Giorgio , Taddei Francesca , Bucci Cristiana , Capelli Filippo , Gherardi Matteo , Paglianti Alessandro , Sambri Vittorio , Colombo Vittorio
Published: December 2021

Bioaerosols (aerosolized particles with biological origin) are strongly suspected to play a significant role in the transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), especially in closed indoor environments. Thus, control technologies capable of effectively inactivating bioaerosols are urgently needed. In this regard, cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) can represent a suitable option, thanks to its ability to produce reactive species, which can exert antimicrobial action. In this study, results; on the total inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2 contained in bioaerosols treated using CAP generated in air are reported, demonstrating the possible use of CAP systems for the control of SARS‐CoV‐2 diffusion through bioaerosols.
Facile Synthesis of Conductive Flexible Composite Sn@Ag Microspheres and their Application in Anisotropic Conductive Films
Authors: Zhang Wen Hua , Fan Pei Yuan , Yu Xianglei , Cheng Jun Hua , Cheng Ding Xiang , Liu Cheng Bing , Gan Guo You , Li Jun Peng
Published: December 2021

Composite microspheres with noble metal nanoshells are advantageous in flexible circuit connections, flip chips, and chemical sensors. It is difficult for Polystyrene microspheres to cover a complete Ag layer, and hard metal microspheres have no deformability. These two reasons have contributed to this research. This report demonstrates a facile synthesis route that chemically deposits an Ag layer on the surface of 30 µm Sn microspheres to form a composite Sn@Ag double‐layer structure, which is suitable for anisotropic conductive films (ACFs) with linewidths greater than 100 µm. Scanning electron microscope analysis reveals that the surface Ag coating thickness can be controlled within the range of 737 nm–5.62 µm by varying the amount of Ag source applied, and trace free Ag particles are produced during the preparation process. An anisotropic conductive adhesive film is successfully fabricated and hot‐pressed after the film‐on‐film flexible circuit board. The microspheres form an ACF single‐layer structure after hot pressing. Hot pressing in the range of 10–20 MPa can ensure deformation and avoid Ag shell cracking, and the deformation is determined when Sn@Ag is in contact with the circuit surfaces at both ends. This approach provides a potential method of preparing low‐cost and high‐performance ACFs.
Antifungal activity and mode of action of synthetic peptides derived from the tick OsDef2 defensin
Authors: Mbuayama Kabuzi R. , Taute Helena , Strӧmstedt Adam A. , Bester Megan J. , Gaspar Anabella R. M.
Published: December 2021

Candida albicans is the principal opportunistic fungal pathogen in nosocomial settings and resistance to antifungal drugs is on the rise. Antimicrobial peptides from natural sources are promising novel therapeutics against C. albicans. OsDef2 defensin was previously found to be active against only Gram‐positive bacteria, whereas derived fragments Os and its cysteine‐free analogue, Os‐C, are active against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria at low micromolar concentrations. In this study, OsDef2‐derived analogues and fragments were screened for anticandidal activity with the aim to identify peptides with antifungal activity and in so doing obtain a better understanding of the structural requirements for activity and modes of action. Os, Os‐C and Os(11–22)NH2, a Os‐truncated carboxy‐terminal‐amidated fragment, had the most significant antifungal activities, with minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) in the micromolar range (6–28 μM). C. albicans killing was rapid and occurred within 30–60 min. Further investigations showed all three peptides interacted with cell wall derived polysaccharides while both Os and Os(11–22)NH2 permeabilized fungal liposomes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that Os‐C and Os(11–22)NH2 could enter the cytosol of live cells and subsequent findings suggest that the uptake of Os and Os‐C, in contrast to Os(11–22)NH2, is energy dependent. Although Os, Os‐C and Os(11–22)NH2 induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), co‐incubation with ascorbic acid revealed that only ROS generated by Os‐C and to a lesser extent Os(11–22)NH2 resulted in cell death. Overall, Os, Os‐C and Os(11–22)NH2 are promising candidacidal agents.
Laser Characteristic and Strain Distribution Dependence on Embedding Layer Thickness of Quantum Dots Laser Diodes Grown on InP(311)B Substrate
Authors: Matsumoto Atsushi , Akahane Kouichi , Umezawa Toshimasa , Nakajima Shinya , Yamamoto Naokatsu , Kanno Atsushi
Published: December 2021

Herein, 14 layer‐stacked quantum dots laser diodes (QD‐LDs) are fabricated with different thicknesses of embedding layers grown on InP(311)B substrate, and the lowest threshold current (Ith) of 21.6 mA is demonstrated in an as‐cleaved ridge‐structured QD‐LD with 13 nm‐thick embedding layers. Ith has the minimum value when the thickness is 13 nm. The factors unique to QDs grown on an InP(311)B substrate are assumed as the overlap integral of the wavefunction of electrons and holes and the decrease in gain owing to the formation of a miniband. According to the simulation results of the local strain profile in the embedding and QD layers, the strain in the QD and embedding layer is higher in the case of 7 nm thickness than in the case of 20 nm thickness. As a result of the large strain, because the thickness of the embedding layer decreases, a large internal electric field tends to be generated, causing the wavefunctions to become largely separated and localized. Therefore, the overlap integral of the wavefunction becomes smaller, and because of the decrease in the radiation recombination probability, the internal quantum efficiency also decreases, causing the characteristic of Ith on the thickness of the embedding layer.
TITE‐gBOIN: Time‐to‐event Bayesian optimal interval design to accelerate dose‐finding accounting for toxicity grades
Authors: Takeda Kentaro , Xia Qing , Liu Shufang , Rong Alan
Published: December 2021

The new therapeutic agents, such as molecular targeted agents and immuno‐oncology therapies, appear more likely to induce multiple toxicities at different grades than dose‐limiting toxicities defined in traditional dose‐finding trials. In addition, it is often challenging to make adaptive decisions on dose escalation and de‐escalation on time because of the fast accrual rate and/or the late‐onset toxicity outcomes, causing the potential suspension of the enrollment and the delay of the trials. To address these issues, we propose a time‐to‐event Bayesian optimal interval design to accelerate the dose‐finding process utilizing toxicity grades based on both cumulative and pending toxicity outcomes. The proposed design, named “TITE‐gBOIN” design, is a nonparametric and model‐assisted design and has the virtues of robustness, simplicity and straightforward to implement in actual oncology dose‐finding trials. A simulation study shows that the TITE‐gBOIN design has a higher probability of selecting the MTDs correctly and allocating more patients to the MTDs across various realistic settings while reducing the trial duration significantly, therefore can accelerate early‐stage dose‐finding trials.
Performance of attribute control charts for monitoring the shape parameter of modified power function distribution in the presence of measurement error
Authors: Zaka Azam , Naveed Muhammad , Jabeen Riffat
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we develop attribute control charts (CCs) using two life data distributions named as Transmuted Power function distribution (TPFD) and Survival Weighted Power function distribution (SWPFD) under a time truncated life test (TTLT). The evaluation of the presented charts is based on the average run length and presented these evaluations in form of tables. The comparative study has been done for the suggested CCs in detail based on the criteria of average run length. We take up a real‐life situation assuming that the lifespan of the items under study follows the TPFD and SWPFD to assess the competence of the proposed idea. A simulation study is given to support our idea that the CCs based on SWPFD performs better as compare to control chart based on TPFD for monitoring of non‐conforming items.
Some new results on the consensus of coupled harmonic oscillators with impulsive control
Authors: Yao Zhongsheng , Vong Seakweng
Published: December 2021

We consider the consensus of coupled harmonic oscillators with impulsive control via sampled position data in this article. Leader‐following consensus problem and leaderless consensus problem are investigated by unified analysis. Using joint spectral radius of the set of matrix, the consensus problem is solved without the assumption that the sampling interval is fixed. Some sufficient conditions which are valid for both cases of periodic and aperiodic sampled data control are obtained under a directed network topology. At last, some simulations are provided to support the theoretical analysis.
A review of soft manipulator research, applications, and opportunities
Authors: Chen Xiaoqian , Zhang Xiang , Huang Yiyong , Cao Lu , Liu Jinguo
Published: December 2021

Soft manipulator is a kind of special manipulator that uses soft material or flexible structure to perform manipulation task under the specific drive mode inspired by the soft tissue. It is developing gradually as an important component of the soft robot. In this paper, the typical design cases of the soft manipulators as well as the related research teams are firstly investigated. The characteristics of different drive modes are compared and analyzed. Based on these investigations, the enabling technologies are systematically summarized in five aspects, such as kinematic and dynamic modeling, motion control, shape detection, dynamic tactile perception, and stiffening method. Currently, the research on soft manipulator has initially formed a technical system, although it is still in the primary stage. With the development of the soft manipulator, its overall technology maturity will be gradually improved. Currently, the applications of the soft manipulator lie mainly in the fields of the ground rescue, the underwater grabbing, the medical operation, the assist maintenance, the man–machine interaction, the space manipulation and so on. The application fields, such as origami soft manipulator, biomimetic soft microrobots, self‐healing soft robot, space soft manipulator and so on, emerge new opportunities and challenges for the soft manipulators.
Conditional Gaussian graphical model for estimating personalized disease symptom networks
Authors: Xie Shanghong , McDonnell Erin , Wang Yuanjia
Published: December 2021

The co‐occurrence of symptoms may result from the direct interactions between these symptoms and the symptoms can be treated as a system. In addition, subject‐specific risk factors (eg, genetic variants, age) can also exert external influence on the system. In this work, we develop a covariate‐dependent conditional Gaussian graphical model to obtain personalized symptom networks. The strengths of network connections are modeled as a function of covariates to capture the heterogeneity among individuals and subgroups of individuals. We assess the performance of our proposed method by simulation studies and an application to a large natural history study of Huntington's disease to investigate the networks of symptoms in multiple clinical domains (motor, cognitive, psychiatric) and identify important brain imaging biomarkers that are associated with the connections. We show that the symptoms in the same clinical domain interact more often with each other than cross domains and the psychiatric subnetwork is the densest network. We validate the findings using the subjects' symptom measurements at follow‐up visits.