bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residence, activity patterns and behaviour of the giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata in two freshwater protected areas in the Philippines
Authors: Piper Adam , Belen Alejandro , Villanueva Bryan , Gollock Matthew
Published: August 2022

Despite the giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata being a widely distributed and locally exploited species throughout the Indo Pacific region, understanding of its life history, behaviour and movement ecology remains limited.

Knowledge of animal spatial ecology is essential for the effective design and siting of aquatic protected areas. In the current study, acoustic telemetry was used to quantify residence and explore the activity patterns and behaviour of A. marmorata (n = 68) in two freshwater protected areas (FPAs) for the first time in the Cagayan River Basin, Philippines.

The results demonstrated that FPAs of only 1 km length provided refuge for A. marmorata for an average of 25–26% of the tracked period. Residence and activity patterns varied with habitat type. In pool and riffle habitat, activity reduced with increased river flow, and eel, particularly larger individuals, were more strongly nocturnal than those in the deep pooled, slow flowing habitat. Typhoon events displaced many individuals, particularly in the pool and riffle habitat, with only 3% returning to the FPA within the study.

Findings are discussed within the context of selecting FPA sites to optimize eel protection within catchments experiencing high non‐selective fisheries exploitation and other threats.
A Bayesian data modelling framework for chemical processes using adaptive sequential design with Gaussian process regression
Authors: Fleming Liam , Emerson Joseph , Stitt Hugh , Zhang Jie , Coleman Shirley
Published: August 2022

Accurate simulators are relied upon in the process industry for plant design and operation. Typical simulators, based on mechanistic models, require considerable resources: skilled engineers, computational time, and proprietary data. This article explores the complexities of developing a statistical modelling framework for chemical processes, focusing on inherent non‐linearity in phenomena and the difficulty of obtaining data. A Bayesian approach to modelling is forwarded in this article, utilising Bayesian sequential design to maximise information gain for each experiment. Gaussian process regression is used to provide a highly flexible model class to capture non‐linearities in the process data. A non‐linear process simulator, modelled in Aspen Plus is used as a surrogate for a real chemical process, to test the capabilities of the framework.
Factors associated with Medicaid participation among infants born with birth defects in Texas, 2010–2014
Authors: Swanson Justin , Shumate Charlie , Agopian A. J. , Mitchell Laura E. , Canfield Mark A. , Salemi Jason L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Birth defects are major contributors to healthcare resource use, disability, and mortality, particularly during the perinatal period. As the nation's public insurance program for low‐income individuals, Medicaid funds a large proportion of healthcare costs associated with birth defects. Here, we explore birth defect‐related factors associated with Medicaid participation in the first year of life.

Methods

Infants born with birth defects between 2010 and 2014 were linked from the Texas Birth Defects Registry to the state's Medicaid claims database. Variation in Medicaid participation was examined by individual birth defect and by birth defect characteristics. The associations between covariates and Medicaid participation are described using percentages and adjusted prevalence ratios (APR).

Results

Of the 107,968 infants included in this study, 55,172 (51.1%) participated in Medicaid. Medicaid participation ranged from 12.1% for anencephaly to 77.8% for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. An indicator of defect severity was associated with an increased likelihood of participation (APR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.20–1.23). Medicaid participation was 60.8% for individuals with multiple major defects, compared with 45.4% for those without (APR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.22–1.25). Among individual birth defects, Medicaid participation was almost universally higher for those co‐occurring with other major defects.

Conclusions

We detected large variations in Medicaid participation by individual birth defect. Infants participating in Medicaid tended to have more severe defects and were more likely to have multiple major defects. Medicaid claims databases can serve as valuable sources of data for surveillance efforts and observational studies, but care should be taken when generalizing findings.
Using behavioral instruction to teach American Psychological Association citation formatting
Authors: Parry‐Cruwys Diana E. , Guinness Kendra E. , Atkinson Ryan S. , Domozick Kaitlin , Escobar Alexander , MacDonald Jacquelyn M.
Published: August 2022

The present study used an online behavioral instruction program to teach accurate American Psychological Association (APA) citation formatting to nine graduate students. The participants completed two self‐paced, online training modules targeting the correct formation of full reference and in‐text citations, which consisted of the three elements of behavioral instruction: multiple practice opportunities, mastery criteria, and automatic feedback provided contingent on response. Training occurred using a concurrent multiple baseline design across skills (for seven participants) or nonconcurrently across participants (for two participants). Most participants did not correctly use APA citation formatting when probed in the baseline condition. Following training, participants increased their accuracy in APA citations across trained and novel exemplars. Two participants’ data showed limited functional control due to increases in baseline. One participant required an additional visual checklist to reach the mastery criterion for one skill. Social validity was also assessed with overall confidence in using APA citation formatting increasing following completion of the modules. Participants reported overall satisfaction with the online modules stating that they were helpful in teaching correct citation implementation and were easy to use. Limitations to the current study and future uses of behavioral instruction as a technology are discussed.
A phase II trial of regorafenib in patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma and related tumors of soft tissue and bone: SARC024 trial results
Authors: Attia Steven , Bolejack Vanessa , Ganjoo Kristen N. , George Suzanne , Agulnik Mark , Rushing Daniel , Loggers Elizabeth T. , Livingston Michael B. , Wright Jennifer , Chawla Sant P. , Okuno Scott H. , Reinke Denise K. , Riedel Richard F. , Davis Lara E. , Ryan Christopher W. , Maki Robert G.
Published: August 2022

Background

Regorafenib is one of several FDA‐approved cancer therapies targeting multiple tyrosine kinases. However, there are few subtype‐specific data regarding kinase inhibitor activity in sarcomas. We report results of a single arm, phase II trial of regorafenib in advanced Ewing family sarcomas.

Methods

Patients with metastatic Ewing family sarcomas (age ≥ 18, ECOG 0–2, good organ function) who had received at least one line of therapy and experienced progression within 6 months of registration were eligible. Prior kinase inhibitors were not allowed. The initial dose of regorafenib was 160 mg oral days 1–21 of a 28‐day cycle. The primary endpoint was estimating progression‐free rate (PFR) at 8 weeks employing RECIST 1.1.

Results

Thirty patients (median age, 32 years; 33% women [10 patients]; bone primary, 40%; extraskeletal primary, 60%) enrolled at 14 sites. The most common grade 3 or higher toxicities were hypophosphatemia (5 grade 3, 1 grade 4), hypertension (2 grade 3), elevated ALT (2 grade 3). Sixteen patients required dose reductions, most often for hypophosphatemia (n = 7 reductions in 6 patients); two stopped regorafenib for toxicity. There was one death unrelated to treatment in the 30‐day post‐study period. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 14.8 weeks (95% CI 7.3–15.9); PFR at 8 weeks by Kaplan–Meier analysis was 63% (95% CI 46–81%). The RECIST 1.1 response rate was 10%. Median OS was 53 weeks (95% CI 37–106 weeks).

Conclusions

Regorafenib has modest activity in the Ewing family sarcomas. Toxicity was similar to that seen in approval studies.
Initial Recognition and Attachment of the Zika Virus to Host Cells: A Molecular Dynamics and Quantum Interaction Approach
Authors: Gómez Santiago A. , Rojas‐Valencia Natalia , Gómez Sara , Lans Isaias , Restrepo Albeiro
Published: August 2022

The zika virus (ZIKV), transmitted to humans from the bites ofAedes AegyptiandAedes Albopictusmosquitoes produces Zika fever and neurodegenerative disorders that despite affecting millions of people, most recently in Africa and the Americas, has been declared a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. In this work, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations followed by rigorous analysis of the intermolecular interactions reveal crucial aspects of the initial virus⋯cell molecular recognition and attachment, events that trigger the infectious cycle. Previous experimental studies have shown that Dermatan Sulfate (DS) and Chondroitin Sulfate A (CSA), two glycosaminoglycans which are actually epimers to each other and that are structural constituents of receptors expressed in cell membranes, are the preferred anchorage sites, with a marked preference for DS. Our calculations rationalize this preference from a molecular perspective as follows: when free of the virus, DS has one sulfate group that does not participate in intramolecular strong hydrogen bonds, thus, it is readily available to interact with the envelope protein of the virus (Zika−E), then, after formation of the complexes, Zika−E⋯DS exhibits ten strong salt brides connecting the two fragments against only six salt bridges and two hydrogen bonds in Zika−E⋯CSA. Our results complement the current view of the interaction between the virus and the receptor glycosoaminoglycans revealing that the negatively charged carboxylate groups in CSA and DS are just as important as the sulfates because of the formation of equally strong salt bridges with the positively charged Arginine and Lysine aminoacids in the envelope protein of the virus.
Corn yield response to starter nitrogen rates following a cereal rye cover crop
Authors: Preza‐Fontes Giovani , Miller Houston , Camberato James , Roth Richard , Armstrong Shalamar
Published: August 2022

Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.; CR) is promoted as a cover crop as a practice for reducing nitrate leaching losses in the U.S. Midwest. However, early‐season nitrogen immobilization during CR decomposition may contribute to yield reductions in corn (Zea mays L.). Field trials were conducted at three sites to determine if N as a starter fertilizer could increase the plant N uptake and grain yield of corn following CR. Treatments were a two‐way factorial with two cover crop treatments (CR and no CR) and four fertilizer treatments: subsurface banded (2 by 2 inches) at planting as urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) at 0, 25, 50, and 75 lb acre–1. Treatments received the same total N within sites, with the remainder injected between rows at side‐dressing as UAN. Nitrogen uptake and yield were unaffected by the starter N × CR interaction in all sites. At one of the sites, CR significantly reduced N uptake and corn yield at the R6 stage by 16 and 4.5% relative to no CR, respectively. Corn yield was unaffected by starter N at two sites, whereas applying 50 or 75 N lb acre–1 increased yields compared with 0 and 25 N lb acre–1 at the third site. These findings suggest that starter N could increase early‐season N uptake but had an inconsistent impact on corn yields. Therefore, further investigations under different soil N conditions are needed to provide insights into how starter N rates can be adjusted to optimize corn yields within a CR system.
Reaction of Pertechnetate in Highly Alkaline Solution: Synthesis and Characterization of the Nitridotrioxotechnetate Ba[TcO3N]
Authors: Badea D. , Dardenne K. , Polly R. , Rothe J. , Hanrath M. , Reimer M. , Meerholz K. , Neudörfl J.‐M. , Strub E. , Bruns J.
Published: August 2022

The preparation of novel technetium oxides, their characterization and the general investigation of technetium chemistry are of significant importance, since fundamental research has so far mainly focused on the group homologues. Whereas the structure chemistry of technetium in strongly oxidizing media is dominated by the
anion, our recent investigation yielded the new
anion. Brown single crystals of Ba[TcO3N] were obtained under hydrothermal conditions starting from Ba(OH)2 ⋅ 8H2O and NH4[TcO4] at 200 °C.
crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with the space group P21/n (a=7.2159(4) Å, b=7.8536(5) Å, c=7.4931(4) Å and β=104.279(2)°). The crystal structure of
consists of isolated
tetrahedra, which are surrounded by Ba2+ cations. XANES measurements complement the oxidation state +VII for technetium and Raman spectroscopic experiments on Ba[TcO3N] single crystals exhibit characteristic Tc−O and Tc−N vibrational modes.
An energy‐efficient auto clustering framework for enlarging quality of service in Internet of Things‐enabled wireless sensor networks using fuzzy logic system
Authors: Padmanaban Paruthi Ilam Vazhuthi , Shanmugaperumal Periasamy Manikandan , Aruchamy Prasanth
Published: August 2022

The advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies will play a vital role in the evolution of the smart city, smart healthcare, and smart grid applications. Wireless sensor network (WSN) is one of the futuristic technologies utilized for sensing and data exchange processes in IoT‐enabled applications. However, the hotspot problem, control packet overhead, and inefficient clustering are the most significant challenges to attaining an energy‐efficient IoT‐enabled WSN (IWSN) model. Most of the existing clustering schemes lagged to mitigate these aforesaid constraints since it consumes extra energy for data computation and forwarding tasks under any environmental conditions. In this article, a novel energy‐efficient auto clustering (EEAC) framework has been proposed to develop an effective IWSN model with enhanced quality of service. The EEAC framework comprises three phases such as zone formation, node classification, and auto clustering phases. The objective of the first phase is to significantly form the different zones by alleviating the hotspot problem. Subsequently, the fuzzy logic algorithm is employed in the second phase to classify the nodes as master, sub‐master, and member nodes. Finally, the third phase of the proposed framework will accomplish the auto clustering mechanism based on hop information received from the reported packet. The performance results evident that the proposed EEAC framework obtains a lesser energy consumption of 0.01 J during a dense network and the network lifetime is prolonged up to 52% when compared with existing state‐of‐the‐art clustering models.
Efficient Cas9‐based Genome Editing Using CRISPR Analysis Webtools in Severe Early‐onset‐obesity Patient‐derived iPSCs
Authors: Patel Achchhe , Iannello Grazia , Diaz Alejandro Garcia , Sirabella Dario , Thaker Vidhu , Corneo Barbara
Published: August 2022

The CRISPR system is an adaptive defense mechanism used by bacteria and archaea against viruses and plasmids. The discovery of the CRISPR‐associated protein Cas9 and its RNA‐guided cleavage mechanism marked the beginning of a new era in genomic engineering by enabling the editing of a target region in the genome. Gene‐edited cells or mice can be used as models for understanding human diseases. Given its high impact in functional genomic experiments on different model systems, several CRISPR/Cas9 protocols have been generated in the past years. The technique uses a straightforward “cut and stitch” mechanism, but requires an accurate step‐by‐step design. One of the key points is the use of an efficient programmable guide RNA to increase the rate of success in obtaining gene‐specific edited clones. Here, we describe an efficient editing protocol using a ribonucleotide protein (RNP) complex for homology‐directed repair (HDR)–based correction of a point mutation in an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line generated from a 14‐year‐old patient with severe early‐onset obesity carrying a de novo variant of ARNT2. The resulting isogenic iPSC line, named CUIMCi003‐A‐1, has a normal karyotype, expresses stemness markers, and can be differentiated into progenies from all three germ layers. We provide a detailed workflow for designing a single guide RNA and donor DNA, and for isolating clonal human iPSCs edited with the desired modification. This article also focuses on parameters to consider when selecting reagents for CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing after testing their efficiency with in silico tools. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 23 January 2023. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Design of sgRNAs and PCR primers

Basic Protocol 2: Testing the efficiency of sgRNAs

Basic Protocol 3: Design of template or donor DNA

Basic Protocol 4: Targeted gene editing

Basic Protocol 5: Selection of positive clones

Basic Protocol 6: Freezing, thawing, and expansion of cells

Basic Protocol 7: Characterization of edited cell lines
Use of hyaluronic acid for regeneration of maxillofacial bones
Authors: D'Albis Giuseppe , D'Albis Vincenzo , Palma Micol , Plantamura Marianna , Nizar Al krenawi
Published: August 2022

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely used in medicine and is currently of particular interest to maxillofacial surgeons. Several applications have been introduced, including those in which HA is used as a scaffold for bone regeneration, either alone or in combination with other grafting materials, to enhance bone growth. This review aims to analyze the available literature on the use of HA for maxillofacial bone regenerative procedures including socket preservation, sinus augmentation, and ridge augmentation. Medline and PubMed databases were searched for relevant reports published between January 2000 and April 2021. Nine publications describing the use of HA to augment bone volume were identified. Although further studies are needed, these findings are encouraging as they suggest that HA could be used effectively used, in combination with graft materials, in maxillofacial bone regenerative procedures. HA facilitates manipulation of bone grafts, improves handling characteristics and promotes osteoblast activity that stimulates bone regeneration and repair.
Electrochemically Deposited CZTSSe Thin Films for Monolithic Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells with Efficiencies Over 17%
Authors: Hwang Sun Kyung , Park Ik Jae , Seo Se Won , Park Jae Hyun , Park So Jeong , Kim Jin Young
Published: August 2022

In spite of the high potential economic feasibility of the tandem solar cells consisting of the halide perovskite and the kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe), they have rarely been demonstrated due to the difficulty in implementing solution‐processed perovskite top cell on the rough surface of the bottom cells. Here, we firstly demonstrate an efficient monolithic two‐terminal perovskite/CZTSSe tandem solar cell by significantly reducing the surface roughness of the electrochemically deposited CZTSSe bottom cell. The surface roughness (Rrms) of the CZTSSe thin film could be reduced from 424 to 86 nm by using the potentiostatic mode rather than using the conventional galvanostatic mode, which can be further reduced to 22 nm after the subsequent ion‐milling process. The perovskite top cell with a bandgap of 1.65 eV could be prepared using a solution process on the flattened CZTSSe bottom cell, resulting in the efficient perovskite/CZTSSe tandem solar cells. After the current matching between two subcells involving the thickness control of the perovskite layer, the best performing tandem device exhibited a high conversion efficiency of 17.5% without the hysteresis effect.
Prevalence and prognostic implications of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction among patients with STEMI in India
Authors: Hendrickson Michael J. , Arora Sameer , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Fonarow Gregg C. , MP Girish , Bansal Ankit , Batra Vishal , Kunal Shekhar , Bhatt Deepak L. , Gupta Mohit , Qamar Arman
Published: August 2022

Aims

To describe clinical characteristics and outcomes for those with STEMI and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in low‐income and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Methods and results

Adults presenting with STEMI to two government‐owned tertiary care centres in Delhi, India were prospectively enrolled in the North India ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NORIN‐STEMI) registry. LVEF was evaluated at presentation and clinical characteristics were compared across LVEF categories. Overall, 3597 patients were included, of whom 468 (13%) had LVEF >50%, 1482 (41%) had mildly reduced LVEF (40–49%), 1357 (38%) had moderately reduced LVEF (30–39%), and 290 (8%) had severely reduced LVEF (<30%). Presentation delay >24 h, prior MI, and hyperlipidaemia were associated with decreasing LVEF category. Although most patients with reduced LVEF were discharged on appropriate guideline‐directed therapies, adherence at 1 year was low (ACE inhibitor/ARB 91% to 41%, beta blocker 98% to 78%, aldosterone receptor antagonist 69% to 6%). After multivariable adjustment, a Cox regression model showed moderately reduced LVEF (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.20, 2.60) and severely reduced LVEF (HR 3.63, 95% CI 2.41, 5.48) were associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality compared with LVEF ≥50%.

Conclusions

On presentation for STEMI, almost 90% of NORIN‐STEMI participants had at least mildly reduced LVEF and almost half had LVEF <40%. Patients with LVEF <40% had significantly higher risk of mortality at 1 year, and adherence to guideline‐directed therapies at 1 year was poor. Systematic initiatives to improve access to timely revascularization and guideline‐directed therapies are essential in advancing STEMI care in LMICs.
Healthcare costs of a telemonitoring programme for heart failure: indirect deterministic data linkage analysis
Authors: Pathak Atul , Levy Pierre , Roubille François , Chatellier Gilles , Mercier Grégoire , Alami Sarah , Lancman Guila , Pasche Hélène , Laurelli Corinne , Delval Cécile , Ramirez‐Gil Juan Fernando , Galinier Michel
Published: August 2022

Aims

We aim to evaluate the costs associated with healthcare resource consumption for chronic heart failure (HF) management in patients allocated to telemonitoring versus standard of care (SC).

Methods and results

OSICAT‐ECO involved 745 patients from the OSICAT trial (NCT02068118) who were successfully linked to the French national healthcare database through an indirect deterministic data linkage approach. OSICAT compared a telemonitoring programme with SC follow‐up in adults hospitalized for acute HF ≤ 12 months. Healthcare resource costs included those related to hospital and ambulatory expenditure for HF and were restricted to direct costs determined from the French health data system over 18 months of follow‐up. Most of the total costs (69.4%) were due to hospitalization for HF decompensation, followed by ambulatory nursing fees (11.8%). During 18‐month follow‐up, total costs were 2% lower in the telemonitoring versus the SC group, due primarily to a 21% reduction in nurse fees. Among patients with NYHA class III/IV, a 15% reduction in total costs (€3131 decrease) was observed over 18‐month follow‐up in the telemonitoring versus the SC group, with the highest difference in hospital expenditure during the first 6 months, followed by a shift in costs from hospital to ambulatory at 12 months.

Conclusions

HF hospitalization and ambulatory nursing fees represented most of the costs related to HF. No benefit was observed for telemonitoring versus SC with regard to cost reductions over 18 months. Patients with severe HF showed a non‐significant 15% reduction in costs, largely related to hospitalization for HF decompensation, nurse fees, and medical transport.
Distribution network reconfiguration for minimizing impact of wind power curtailment on the network losses: A two‐stage stochastic optimization algorithm
Authors: Azad‐Farsani Ehsan , Zeinoddini‐Meymand Hamed , Jafari Hamed
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, with the increasing penetration rate of wind turbine generators (WTGs) in power distribution networks, possible network‐related problems should be considered. Distribution network reconfiguration (DNR) can reduce the effect of wind power curtailment by transferring loads to the other feeders and compensating for wind forecast error. In this paper, a two‐stage policy is presented to deal with the network configuration and wind power uncertainty. In the first stage, the scheduled output of WTGs is determined, and the wind power uncertainty is modeled using a scenario‐based approach. In the second stage, a modified firework (MFW) algorithm is considered for the network reconfiguration to minimize the network losses. In the MFW algorithm, a new local search method is implemented to enhance the performance of the FW algorithm by increasing the direction of the explosion. The impact of wind power curtailment in the network operation is minimized using the proposed policy that changes the network configuration. The proposed methodology is tested on a 70‐bus IEEE distribution test system. The simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm in solving the DNR problem in the presence of WTGs, considering the uncertainty of wind speed.
Targeting the source of fine sediment and associated geochemical elements by using novel fingerprinting methods in proglacial tropical highlands (Cordillera Blanca, Perú)
Authors: Navas Ana , Lizaga Iván , Santillán Nelson , Gaspar Leticia , Latorre Borja , Dercon Gerd
Published: August 2022

In the Cordillera Blanca, the glaciers delineated by some of the highest peaks in the tropical Peruvian Andes have experienced a fast retreat over the last few decades. At the foot of Artesonraju Peak, the glacier‐fed river conveys fine sediments to Parón Lake, which is enclosed in the proglacial area created by the retreating glaciers of the unique confluence of the Huandoy, Chacraraju, Nevado Caraz and Artesonraju peaks (above 6000 m.a.s.l.). This research addresses the sediment contributions of main glacial landforms to sediment mixtures delivered to the river and lake system (1.6 km2) by applying novel conservativeness and consistency methods for tracer selection and a frequentist unmixing model. A total of 27 surface soil and sediment sources (0–3 cm) were sampled from moraines, alluvial fans and recent colluvium, and 10 composite sediment mixtures, including suspended sediments, were collected to identify the sediment provenance. The unmixing results reveal large variability of the contributing sources related to their predominance and the locations of the mixtures. The largest contributions were from moraines, in percentages varying from 28% to as much as 77%. Alluvial fans contributed between 23% and 47% of the sediments, and colluvium material contributed the least, between 6% and 28%. At the time of sampling, ice melt discharge incising moraines and alluvial fans and eroding riverbanks were the main mechanisms of fine sediment delivery. Runoff over the bare surfaces of recently exposed moraines and the lack of vegetation cover in very active landforms also control sediment mobilization. Overall, highly dynamic changes in this paraglacial environment involve active sediment fluxes accompanying snow and ice melt. Our results indicate that in high tropical mountains, shrinking glaciers expose new surfaces of glacial materials, which deliver fine sediments. Identifying the contributing sources is of interest for water and sediment evaluation and management programs.
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in small cell carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Fukuta Kyotaro , Shiozaki Keito , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Izaki Hirofumi , Kudo Eiji , Fukawa Tomoya , Yamaguchi Kunihisa , Yamamoto Yasuyo , Takahashi Masayuki , Kanayama Hiro‐omi
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in small cell carcinoma of the prostate is rare.

Case presentation

A 69‐year‐old man visited our hospital due to dysuria and edema. Bilateral hydronephrosis and lymph node metastases due to a pelvic tumor were observed. Although the prostate‐specific antigen level was normal, the tumor was suspected to originate from the prostate. He underwent percutaneous nephrostomy and prostate biopsy. Histopathology revealed small cell carcinoma accompanied by increased pro‐gastrin‐releasing peptide and neuron‐specific enolase levels. After receiving systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide and radiation therapy for prostate, these lesions gradually decreased in size, and tumor markers normalized. Ten months after the initial diagnosis, he developed consciousness disorder and seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed leptomeningeal carcinomatosis without any other recurrences and elevated tumor markers. He died 4 weeks after these symptoms appeared.

Conclusion

Careful monitoring of the central nervous system should be considered in small cell carcinoma of the prostate patients.
Assessing ring‐shaped subsurface irrigation system through a conventional subsurface emitter
Authors: Norouzian Zahra , Ahmadi Hojjat
Published: August 2022

A ring‐shaped emitter is a cheap subsurface irrigation system recommended for small‐scale farms. This study compared the performance of a ring‐shaped emitter with conventional subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) under the same conditions. HYDRUS, which is a useful software that can thoroughly and adequately simulate water movement in the soil under different irrigation systems, was used to study the performance of the aforementioned irrigation systems. We used field data to calibrate and verify the numerical model. The water distribution around the irrigation systems studied was modelled as 2D in‐plane strain for ordinary SDI (vertical plane XZ) and axisymmetric geometrical states for the ring‐shaped emitter. This study mainly evaluated ring‐shaped emitters and compared them with SDI to verify whether these emitters could be a recommended alternative irrigation method in small‐scale farms. The simulation results showed that water availability in the exact coordinates in both emitters was approximately identical, except near the waterfront. Water movement in the ring‐shaped emitter was faster than that in SDI, and therefore, the waterfront in the ring‐shaped emitter was further away at all times. Finally, the water entrance to the second layer under this emitter met with less resistance.
Pre‐glycation impairs gelation of high concentration collagen solutions
Authors: Diamantides Nicole , Slyker Leigh , Martin Sara , Rodriguez Marcos R. , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: August 2022

There remains a need for stiffer collagen hydrogels for tissue engineering and disease modeling applications. Pre‐glycation, or glycation of collagen in solution prior to gelation, has been shown to increase the mechanics of collagen hydrogels while maintaining high viability of encapsulated cells. The stiffness of glycated collagen gels can be increased by increasing the collagen concentration, sugar concentration, and glycation time. However, previous studies on pre‐glycation of collagen have used low collagen concentrations and/or low sugar concentrations and have not investigated the effect of glycation time. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of pre‐glycation with high sugar concentrations (up to 500 mM) and extended glycation times (up to 21 days) on high concentration collagen (8 mg/ml). The addition of sugar to the collagen and the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were quantified. The ability to gel successfully and rheological properties were determined and correlated with biochemical characterizations. Successful collagen gelation and rheological properties of pre‐glycated collagen were found to be strongly dependent on the ratio of added sugars to added AGEs with high ratios impairing gelation and low ratios resulting in optimal storage moduli. There is likely a competing effect during pre‐glycation of the formation of AGEs resulting in crosslinking of collagen and the formation of Amadori intermediates acting to increase collagen solubility. Overall, this study shows that collagen glycation can be optimized by increasing the formation of AGEs while maintaining a low ratio of added sugar to added AGEs.
A novel algorithm for lung adenocarcinoma based on N6 methyladenosine‐related immune long noncoding RNAs as a reliable biomarker for predicting survival outcomes and selecting sensitive anti‐tumor therapies
Authors: Yan Qiuwen , Hu Bingchuan , Chen Hang , Zhu Linwen , Lyu Yao , Qian Dingding , Shao Guofeng
Published: August 2022

Background

Lung cancer is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality. Recently, increasing evidence has demonstrated that N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) play important roles in the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

In this study, we constructed a novel and reliable algorithm based on m6A‐related immune lncRNAs (mrilncRNAs), consisting of molecular subtypes and a prognostic signature.

Results

According to the analyses of molecular subtypes, patients in cluster 1 were in a more advanced stage, showed poor prognosis, were sensitive to immunotherapy (anti‐programmed cell death 1 Ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and anti‐lymphocyte activating 3 (LAG‐3)), and had a highest tumor mutational burden (TMB), while anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4) therapy seemed to be a good choice for patients in cluster 3. Subsequently, the results of the risk assessment model indicated that the low‐risk patients exhibited a survival advantage, had an earlier stage, and showed a higher response to common anti‐cancer drugs, including chemotherapy (Docetaxel, Paclitaxel), molecular targeted therapy (Erlotinib), and immunotherapy (anti‐CTLA‐4 therapy), while Gefitinib could be a good choice for patients with high‐risk scores.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the constructed algorithm exhibits promising practical prospects, and allows the selection of suitable and sensitive anti‐cancer drugs, which could provide theoretical support to predict the survival outcomes of patients with LUAD.
LAMTOR3 is a prognostic biomarker in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Gong Yun , Lv Yue , Xu Fanghua , Xiu Youcheng , Lu Yinhui , Liu Zan , Deng Leihong
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate the expression of LAMTOR3 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and its clinical significance.

Methods

The expression of LAMTOR3 in KIRC and its relationship with clinical features were analyzed using the UALCAN online database. The results were verified using KIRC gene chip data and clinical specimens. The prognosis of KIRC patients was analyzed with the GEPIA2 database. GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses were conducted to analyze the possible molecular mechanism of LAMTOR3 in KIRC. Immunohistochemical (IHC) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used for histopathological detection.

Results

UALCAN database analysis showed that LAMTOR3 expression in KIRC was significantly lower than in normal kidney tissues and correlated with the clinical stage, pathological grade, and tumor genotype (p < .05). GSE53757 dataset analysis consistently showed that the expression of LAMTOR3 in KIRC was significantly lower than in normal kidney tissues (p < .01). GEPIA2 database analysis indicated that patients with low LAMTOR3 expression had poor overall and disease‐free survival rates. GSEA analysis suggested that LAMTOR3 positively regulated the citrate cycle and drug metabolism cytochrome P450 and negatively regulated folate biosynthesis and olfactory transduction. The expression of LAMTOR3 in KIRC was also significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration. Finally, IHC showed that LAMTOR3 expression in the KIRC tissues was lower than in the adjacent normal tissues.

Conclusion

LAMTOR3 expression is significantly lower in KIRC. LAMTOR3 may be a potential marker for KIRC diagnosis and therapy.
Broad application prospects of bone turnover markers in pediatrics
Authors: Zhang Yiduo , Huang Xiaocui , Li Chao , Zhang Jing , Yu Xingnan , Li Ye , Zhou Wenjie , Yu Fan
Published: August 2022

Background

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been studied for application in clinical medicine. However, BTMs in children are challenging, and few studies explore these BTMs in children. The application of BTMs is complicated mainly due to pre‐analytical factors, variable reference intervals of age‐ and sex‐related BTMs for adolescents and children in different regions and laboratories. Therefore, laboratory testing of BTMs is critical for understanding pediatric bone development and metabolism, which provides additional information about bone development and diseases.

Methods

Literature search was conducted using the MeSH term “child” combined with the terms that bone turnover markers such as “osteocalcin,” “Procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide,” “procollagen type I C‐terminal propeptide,” “osteocalcin,” “N‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptide,” and “C‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptide,” Several databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched to obtain the relevant studies.

Results

BTMs represent the combined effects of skeletal development, growth, and remodeling in children, which can be used in clinical pediatrics to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of bone metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

BTMs are clearly helpful for diagnosis and monitoring of bone growth and development as well as bone metabolic disorders.
Prophylaxis and hemophilia care in LATAM: Baring it all—Highlights from the CLAHT 2021 symposium
Authors: DiMinno Giovanni G. , Araujo Cabrera Lida Milena , Loayza Urcia Nancy , Bordone Raul , Murillo Carlos Martinez , Beltran Juan Carlos , Mathew Prasad
Published: August 2022

A large group of countries constitute Latin American (LATAM) countries, where hemophilia care is as varied as the landscape of this region. To better understand the care provided to persons with bleeding disorders, especially hemophilia, a symposium was organized as part of the CLAHT Congress 2021 in Colombia to highlight the issues of hemophilia care and challenges faced by persons with hemophilia in four LATAM countries, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico. A summary of the symposium is provided. Four clinicians highlighted the issues in their own country, the status, and the path forward to bring the standard of care to the international level in each of these countries. The geography of the country, the health infrastructure, and the resources available are obstacles in these countries to provide state‐of‐the‐art care to the bleeding disorder community. However, depending on the country, its infrastructure and the resources available, progress is being made to upend the care provided. Indeed, the care of persons with hemophilia has been greatly improved, including personalized prophylaxis. The information summarized here first emphasizes how the geography of a country and the different healthcare infrastructures play a major role in how care is offered. It also provides a path for other countries to evaluate these issues in their own realities. In parallel, these data provide hope to many developing countries; despite obstacles, strides can be made in the care of the bleeding disorder community.
Discovery of novel 1,2,4‐triazole phenylalanine derivatives targeting an unexplored region within the interprotomer pocket of the HIV capsid protein
Authors: Jiang Xiangyi , Sharma Prem Prakash , Rathi Brijesh , Ji Xiangkai , Hu Lide , Gao Zhen , Kang Dongwei , Wang Zhao , Xie Minghui , Xu Shujing , Zhang Xujie , De Clercq Erik , Cocklin Simon , Pannecouque Christophe , Dick Alexej , Liu Xinyong , Zhan Peng
Published: August 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) capsid (CA) protein is a promising target for developing novel anti‐HIV drugs. Starting from highly anticipated CA inhibitors PF‐74, we used scaffold hopping strategy to design a series of novel 1,2,4‐triazole phenylalanine derivatives by targeting an unexplored region composed of residues 106–109 in HIV‐1 CA hexamer. Compound d19 displayed excellent antiretroviral potency against HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 strains with EC50 values of 0.59 and 2.69 µM, respectively. Additionally, we show via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrometry that d19 preferentially interacts with the hexameric form of CA, with a significantly improved hexamer/monomer specificity ratio (ratio = 59) than PF‐74 (ratio = 21). Moreover, we show via SPR that d19 competes with CPSF‐6 for binding to CA hexamers with IC50 value of 33.4 nM. Like PF‐74, d19 inhibits the replication of HIV‐1 NL4.3 pseudo typed virus in both early and late stages. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations provide binding mode information of d19 to HIV‐1 CA and rationale for improved affinity and potency over PF‐74. Overall, the lead compound d19 displays a distinct chemotype form PF‐74, improved CA affinity, and anti‐HIV potency.
Enhancing lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic drainage to vascularized lymph nodes with nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds
Authors: Yang Chin‐Yu , Tinhofer Ines E. , Nguyen Dung , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: August 2022

Background

This study investigated the effect of nanofibrillar collagen scaffold (BioBridge) implantation from the affected limb to the unaffected contralateral femoral vein or lymph node in a rat model.

Methods

Hind limb lymphedema in Lewis rats was created with lymphadenectomy and inguinal circumcision without radiation. The volumetric difference (greater than 5%) using computed tomography and indocyanine green fluorescence evaluated the progress of lymphedema at 4 weeks. The lymphedema rats have separated into Group I: Controls; Group II: implanted BioBridge to the contralateral femoral vein; and Group III: implanted BioBridge to the contralateral inguinal lymph node.

Results

A total of 14 of 30 (46.7%) rats developed hind limb lymphedema with a mean volume difference of 5.83 ± 0.99% and showed diffuse dermal backflow at 4 weeks postlymphadenectomy. Four weeks postimplantation of BioBridge, the mean volumetric difference was 5.62 ± 2.11%, 4.97 ± 0.59%, and −2.47 ± 2.37% in Group I, II, and III, respectively (p < 0.05). The dermal backflow on the affected limb increased in Groups I and II but decreased in Group III.

Conclusions

Implantation of BioBridge from the affected limb to the contralateral inguinal lymph node significantly reduced the hind limb lymphedema at 4 weeks.
Sensitive and selective bioscreening of the most commonly used coronavirus disease drug, Favipiravir, and its co‐administered therapeutic, Meropenem, in human plasma
Authors: Abdelfatah Rehab M. , Abdelaleem Eglal A. , Abdelmomen Esraa H. , Abdelmoety Refaat H. , Emam Aml A.
Published: August 2022

Favipiravir and Meropenem have been concurrently used as directly acting antiviral and antibiotic agents for the treatment of coronavirus disease in human plasma. Accurate and specific reversed phase ultra‐performance liquid chromatographic and high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic methods were developed and validated for the first time analysis of this combination in spiked human plasma using Cefepime as an internal standard. In the developed ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method, separation was performed on a BEH C18 column with a mixture of ACN and 0.05 M potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (pH = 3) in a ratio of 10:90 (v/v) as an eluate. Scanning of the separated peaks was at 298 nm. The developed method showed high sensitivity, and the drugs showed linearity in the range of 5–70 μg/ml for Favipiravir and 2–50 μg/ml for Meropenem. The proposed high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic method included the separation using a mixture of ethyl acetate:methanol:deionized water:formic acid (5:4:1.5:0.3, by volume), then spots detection at 300 nm. Methods were investigated for greenness using the eco‐scale and national environmental method index tools and were validated according to food and drug administration guidelines. Methods can be applied for bio‐analysis and therapeutic drug monitoring studies.
Marketing of luxurious gastronomic experiences on social media: The visual storytelling of luxury hotels
Authors: Michael Noela , Fusté‐Forné Francesc
Published: August 2022

The role of luxury as a source of tourism experiences is gathering growing attention, with special attention to the foundations of the relationships between gastronomy and social media marketing. Drawing from a visual methodology, this study analyses how luxury hotels (Burj Al Arab, Emirates Palace, St. Regis Saadiyat Island, and Atlantis) in the UAE promote gastronomy by identifying visual features of social media posts (N = 1866) to manage their image of luxury. Results show that the most relevant drivers of luxury gastronomy are the discovery of cultures, experiences in the hotel environment, novelty and hedonism, and promotion of a luxurious place and lifestyle that is seen as authentic, prestigious and sophisticated.
Choosing the ‘right’ journal for publication: Perceptions and practices of pandemic‐era early career researchers
Authors: Nicholas David , Herman Eti , Clark David , Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Chérifa , Rodríguez‐Bravo Blanca , Abrizah Abdullah , Watkinson Anthony , Xu Jie , Sims David , Serbina Galina , Świgoń Marzena , Jamali Hamid R. , Tenopir Carol , Allard Suzie
Published: August 2022

Presents early data from an investigation of the work lives and scholarly communication practices of 177 early career researchers (ECRs) from eight countries. Utilizing mainly coded and textual data from interviews, the paper reports on the findings that pertain to publishing papers in peer reviewed journals. We examine which factors are taken into account when choosing the journal to publish their research in, identifying similarities/differences by country, age, academic status and discipline. Also, explored is whether the pandemic has changed decision‐making. Main findings are that the aim for ECRs is to publish in the ‘best’ journals, variably measured by prestige, impact factor, standards of peer review and indexation. Appropriateness of audience is the only factor unrelated to the quality of the journal that figures highly among the factors that guide ECRs in the process of selecting a journal. The pandemic has made little difference to the majority of ECRs when they decide on a journal for publishing their research. However, there is a greater awareness of the need for a faster turnover rate, brought on by the importance accorded to speedy publication during the pandemic.