bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic color terms in Thai
Authors: Panitanang Nischanade , Phuangsuwan Chanprapha , Ikeda Mitsuo
Published: May 2022

This psycholinguistic study explored whether the inventory of color names and, in particular, basic color terms (BCTs) in the Thai language has changed since the seminal study of Berlin and Kay (1969), who reported 10 BCTs in Thai. We collected color‐naming data from 161 Thai native speakers from across Thailand. The speakers were requested to name each of the 330 Munsell color chips, similar to those employed in the World Color Survey, using monolexemic color terms. Mean number of color terms offered per speaker was 19.2 ± 5.2. We found that 12 color terms were offered by ≥80% of the speakers. The BCT inventory exceeded the BCTs reported by Berlin and Kay, by nam‐ngoen “dark blue”, fa “sky/light blue”, and thao “gray”; furthermore, som “orange” appears to have supplanted saet “orange trumpet”. We also found that three non‐BCTs, with Thai‐specific referents, were offered frequently: khi‐ma “horse feces” (75%), lueat‐mu “pig blood” (68%), and ban‐yen “four o'clock flower/magenta” (50%). Further scrutiny of color term object referents prompts that most Thai non‐BCTs refer to flora (31.72%) and inanimate nature (17.54%).
Pharmacometric and Electrocardiographic Evaluation of Chloroquine and Azithromycin in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Chotsiri Palang , Tarning Joel , Hoglund Richard M. , Watson James A. , White Nicholas J.
Published: May 2022

Chloroquine and azithromycin were developed in combination for the preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy, and more recently were proposed as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) treatment options. Billions of doses of chloroquine have been administered worldwide over the past 70 years but concerns regarding cardiotoxicity, notably the risk of torsades de pointes (TdP), remain. This investigation aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics and electrocardiographic effects of chloroquine and azithromycin observed in a large previously conducted healthy volunteer study. Healthy adult volunteers (n = 119) were randomized into 5 arms: placebo, chloroquine alone (600 mg base), or chloroquine with either 500 mg, 1,000 mg, or 1,500 mg of azithromycin all given daily for 3 days. Chloroquine and azithromycin levels, measured using liquid‐chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and electrocardiograph intervals were recorded at frequent intervals. Time‐matched changes in the PR, QRS, and heart rate‐corrected JT, and QT intervals were calculated and the relationship with plasma concentrations was evaluated using linear and nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. Chloroquine and azithromycin pharmacokinetics were described satisfactorily by two‐ and three‐compartment distribution models, respectively. No drug–drug interaction between chloroquine and azithromycin was observed. Chloroquine resulted in concentration‐dependent prolongation of the PR, QRS, JTc and QTc intervals with a minimal additional effect of azithromycin. QRS widening contributed ~ 28% of the observed QT prolongation. Chloroquine causes significant concentration‐dependent delays in both ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Co‐administration of azithromycin did not significantly increase these effects. The arrhythmogenic risk of TdP associated with chloroquine may have been substantially overestimated in studies which did not separate electrocardiograph QRS and JT prolongation.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Drug–Drug Interaction Predictions for Renal OCT2 and MATE1/2‐K Transporters
Authors: Krishnan Srinivasan , Ramsden Diane , Ferguson Douglas , Stahl Simone H. , Wang Joanne , McGinnity Dermot F. , Hariparsad Niresh
Published: May 2022

Transporters contribute to renal elimination of drugs; therefore drug disposition can be impacted if transporters are inhibited by comedicant drugs. Regulatory agencies have provided guidelines to assess potential drug–drug interaction (DDI) risk for renal organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) and multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 and 2‐K (MATE1/2‐K) transporters. Despite this, there are challenges with translating in vitro data using currently available tools to obtain a quantitative assessment of DDI risk in the clinic. Given the high number of drugs and new molecular entities showing in vitro inhibition toward OCT2 and/or MATE1/2‐K and the lack of translation to clinically significant effects, it is reasonable to question whether the current in vitro assay design and modeling practice has led to unnecessary clinical evaluation. The aim of this review is to assess and discuss available in vitro and clinical data along with prediction models intended to provide clinical context of risk, including static models proposed by regulatory agencies and physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models, in order to identify best practices and areas of future opportunity. This analysis highlights that different in vitro assay designs, including substrate and cell systems used, strongly influence the derived concentration of drug producing 50% inhibition values and contribute to high variability observed across laboratories. Furthermore, the lack of sensitive index substrates coupled with specific inhibitors for individual transporters necessitates the use of complex models to evaluate clinical DDI risk.
The genetics of adaptation in freshwater Eurasian shad (Alosa)
Authors: Sabatino Stephen J. , Pereira Paulo , Carneiro Miguel , Dilytė Jolita , Archer John Patrick , Munoz Antonio , Nonnis‐Marzano Francesco , Murias Antonio
Published: May 2022

Studying the genetics of phenotypic convergence can yield important insights into adaptive evolution. Here, we conducted a comparative genomic study of four lineages (species and subspecies) of anadromous shad (Alosa) that have independently evolved life cycles entirely completed in freshwater. Three naturally diverged (A. fallax lacustris, A. f. killarnensis, and A. macedonica), and the fourth (A. alosa) was artificially landlocked during the last century. To conduct this analysis, we assembled and annotated a draft of the A. alosa genome and generated whole‐genome sequencing for 16 anadromous and freshwater populations of shad. Widespread evidence for parallel genetic changes in freshwater populations within lineages was found. In freshwater A. alosa, which have only been diverging for tens of generations, this shows that parallel adaptive evolution can rapidly occur. However, parallel genetic changes across lineages were comparatively rare. The degree of genetic parallelism was not strongly related to the number of shared polymorphisms between lineages, thus suggesting that other factors such as divergence among ancestral populations or environmental variation may influence genetic parallelism across these lineages. These overall patterns were exemplified by genetic differentiation involving a paralog of ATPase‐α1 that appears to be under selection in just two of the more distantly related lineages studied, A. f. lacustris and A. alosa. Our findings provide insights into the genetic architecture of adaptation and parallel evolution along a continuum of population divergence.
Empagliflozin reduces markers of acute kidney injury in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Thiele Kirsten , Rau Matthias , Hartmann Niels‐Ulrik Korbinian , Möller Marcus , Möllmann Julia , Jankowski Joachim , Keszei András P. , Böhm Michael , Floege Jürgen , Marx Nikolaus , Lehrke Michael
Published: May 2022

Aims

In this prospective, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, exploratory study, we examined early and more delayed effects of empagliflozin treatment on haemodynamic parameters (primary endpoint: cardiac output) and kidney function including parameters of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

Patients with acute decompensated HF with or without diabetes were randomized to empagliflozin 10 mg or placebo for 30 days. Haemodynamic, laboratory, and urinary parameters were assessed after 6 h, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 30 days of treatment. Median time between hospital admission and randomization was 72 h. Baseline characteristics were not different in the empagliflozin (n = 10) and placebo (n = 9) groups. Empagliflozin led to a significant increase in urinary glucose excretion throughout the study (baseline: 37 ± 15 mg/24 h; Day 1: 14 565 ± 8663 mg/24 h; P = 0.001). Empagliflozin did not affect the primary endpoint of cardiac index or on systemic vascular resistance index at any time point. However, empagliflozin significantly reduced parameters of AKI (urinary TIMP‐2 and IGFBP7 by NephroCheck® as indicators of tubular kidney damage), which became significant after 3 days of treatment [placebo: 1.1 ± 1.1 (ng/mL)2/1000; empagliflozin: 0.3 ± 0.2 (ng/mL)2/1000; P = 0.02] and remained significant at the 7 day time point [placebo: 2.5 ± 3.8 (ng/mL)2/1000; empagliflozin: 0.3 ± 0.2 (ng/mL)2/1000; P = 0.003].

Conclusions

In this study, empagliflozin treatment did not affect haemodynamic parameters but significantly reduced markers of tubular injury in patients with acute decompensated HF.
Antigen targeting to dendritic cells: Still a place in future immunotherapy?
Authors: Stoitzner Patrizia , Romani Nikolaus , Rademacher Christoph , Probst Hans Christian , Mahnke Karsten
Published: May 2022

The hallmark of DCs is their potent and outstanding capacity to activate naive resting T cells. As such, DCs are the sentinels of the immune system and instrumental for the induction of immune responses. This is one of the reasons, why DCs became the focus of immunotherapeutical strategies to fight infections, cancer, and autoimmunity. Besides the exploration of adoptive DC‐therapy for which DCs are generated from monocytes or purified in large numbers from the blood, alternative approaches were developed such as antigen targeting of DCs. The idea behind this strategy is that DCs resident in patients' lymphoid organs or peripheral tissues can be directly loaded with antigens in situ. The proof of principle came from mouse models; subsequent translational studies confirmed the potential of this therapy. The first clinical trials demonstrated feasibility and the induction of T‐cell immunity in patients. This review will cover: (i) the historical aspects of antigen targeting, (ii) briefly summarize the biology of DCs and the immunological functions upon which this concept rests, (iii) give an overview on attempts to target DC receptors with antibodies or (glycosylated) ligands, and finally, (iv) discuss the translation of antigen targeting into clinical therapy.
Asymmetric Dual‐State Emitters Featuring Thiazole Acceptors
Authors: Belmonte‐Vázquez José L. , Hernández‐Morales Ernesto A. , Hernández Federico. , García‐González Ma. Carmen , Miranda Luis D. , Crespo‐Otero Rachel , Rodríguez‐Molina Braulio
Published: May 2022

This work describes a new approach to construct highly conjugated molecules with asymmetric donor‐acceptor‐donor’ architectures (D−A−D’). Five new emissive compounds featuring thiazole, a scarcely used acceptor, were synthesized using a three‐component Rh(II) catalytic reaction. The asymmetric fluorescent compounds show significant emission in solution (QY=73 %–100 %) and the solid‐state (QY=14 %–59 %), and therefore considered Dual‐State Emitters (DSE). We also evaluate the impact of O‐alkyl chains with varying lengths in the photophysical properties in solution, aggregates, and solid‐state. Computational studies indicate that the involved electronic transitions have a significant charge transfer character produced almost exclusively from the triphenylamine donors. According to the single crystal X‐ray data of compounds8and9, the conjugated structures have a twisted molecular conformation that contributes to the observed emission in the solid‐state. These findings show a systematic approach to design DSE materials, which may help to stimulate their use in biological or optoelectronic applications.
Structurally Forced Ion Binding Affinity: Tetraurea‐Based Macrocycle as a Receptor for Ion Pairs
Authors: Ramírez Cortés Fabricio , Eigner Václav , Cuřínová Petra , Himl Michal
Published: May 2022

A urea‐based complexation site represents a building block customarily used in the design of receptors for anion recognition. Here we report a cyclization driven change of complexation preferences, leading to a urea‐based macrocyclic receptor with selectivity for heavier alkali metal cations. Moreover, thorough 1H and 19F NMR, HRMS and X‐ray diffraction studies of the complexes revealed an inherent capability of the macrocycle to interact with selected ion pairs.
Tungsten Oxytetrachloride as a Positive Electrode for Chloride‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Karkera Guruprakash , Soans Mervyn , Dasari Bosubabu , Umeshbabu Ediga , Cambaz Musa Ali , Meng Zhen , Diemant Thomas , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: May 2022

Rechargeable chloride‐ion batteries (CIBs) are a new emerging battery technology that can potentially provide high theoretical volumetric capacities at lower cost and higher abundance. However, research on CIBs is in its early stages, and the current challenge lies in finding suitable electrodes and electrolytes. Herein, tungsten oxychloride is introduced for the first time as a cathode candidate for use in CIB. WOCl4 enables the reversible transfer of nearly one Cl− per formula unit during electrochemical cycling, corresponding to an initial discharge capacity of 120 mAh g−1. A reversible capacity of 90 mAh g−1 (75%) is retained after 50 cycles. Postmortem analysis of cycled electrodes by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy reveals the reversible chloride‐ion transfer between the electrodes through a conversion mechanism. This work paves the way for the use of tungsten chloride‐based electrode materials for battery applications.
Effect of pretreatment on solid‐state fermentation of natural lignocellulose by Aspergillus fumigatus G‐13
Authors: Feng Qian , Guo Gaijuan , Yan Hong , Li Fen
Published: May 2022

In order to efficiently utilize lignocellulosic materials, different treatment methods were used to pretreat lignin. In this research, three pretreatment methods, physical pretreatment, chemical pretreatment, and combined physical and chemical pretreatment, were used to investigate the effect of different pretreatment ways on the solid‐state fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass (straw, locust, and walnut shell) by Aspergillus fumigatus G‐13, and the physical and chemical structure changes of the materials before and after pretreatment and fermentation were also analyzed. The study concluded that physical–chemical combined pretreatment was most beneficial to enzyme production. The optimized pretreatment method is that the particle size is 60–80 mesh, the solid‐to‐liquid volume ratio is 1:1.5, and the 8% Ca(OH)2 solution is pretreated at 60°C for 48 h. The maximum enzyme activity was increased by 4.81–28.91 times for the locust, with 7.68–35.20 times for the walnut shell. Research indicated that the combined pretreatment could change the crystallinity and microcrystalline size of lignocellulose samples. In addition, it broke the ester and ether bonds between lignin and hemicellulose as well as weakened the hydrogen bond between hemicellulose and cellulose.
Effect of biomethane substitution on combustion noise and performance of a dual fuel common rail direct injection diesel engine
Authors: Abdul Hameed Nadeem , Kurien Caneon , Kaipakam Jaychandra Ramesh , Mittal Mayank
Published: May 2022

Rising pollution levels and stringent emission regulations have raised the requirement for the utilization of alternative green fuels as a sustainable energy source for engine applications. The economic and environmental benefits of using biomethane or renewable natural gas (>95% methane) in diesel engines have made it a promising solution. Sound levels caused by combustion noise, however, is an area of concern in the early stages of engine development process, and to the best of our knowledge studies related to the impact of gaseous fuel energy share on combustion noise in dual fuel diesel engines have not been reported in the literature. In the present work, experimental research on the combustion noise of a biomethane augmented dual fuel common‐rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine has been carried out with a correlational design of its performance and combustion characteristics at various engine operating conditions. Comparative results on combustion and performance characteristics of different fuel compositions at various engine loads revealed that there is a better utilization of gaseous fuel at full load conditions resulting in improved power output and reduced heat transfer losses. Cylinder pressure spectra derived from recorded in‐cylinder pressure were used for carrying out the quantitative analysis of sound levels. The results suggested that an increment in methane share is effective in controlling the sound pressure levels to 95 dB (at 1.5 Newton‐meter [Nm] and 13.5 Nm loading conditions) and it is lower than the diesel‐only operational levels at all loading conditions.
A rice protein hydrolase from Serratia marcescens and its specificity in preparation of oligopeptide‐enriched rice protein hydrolysates
Authors: Yan Zheng‐Fei , Zhou Jian‐Qiao , Yuan Shuai , Tang Cheng‐Ye , Wu Jing
Published: May 2022

A secreted 50‐kDa metalloprotease from Serratia marcescens D15 was identified as rice protein hydrolase (SeMPase), which reached the highest proteolytic activity (477.3 U/ml) in basal medium with 1.5% rice protein (RP) at 35°C and 150 rpm for 48 h. SeMPase exhibited a highest catalytic number for RP (275.8 min−1, Kcat), which contained a highly conserved Zn2+‐binding (HEIGH) domain, Met‐turn (SLMSY), and Ca2+ binding domain (GGAGND). RP hydrolysates that prepared by SeMPase showed the highest content of oligopeptides at 72.3%, compared to 64.1% from neutrase, 63.0% from alcalase, 50.2% from trypsin, 47.1% from flavourzyme, and 2.41% from pepsin. Our results showed that cleavage sites of SeMPase exposed in RP are more than those of other proteases because both SeMPase cleavage sites and the amino acid composition of RP are rich in Leu, Val, Phe, Glu, and Ala. SeMPase has significant specificity for the preparation of oligopeptide‐enriched RP hydrolysates, which provides a new and highly valued option for industrial preparation of oligopeptide‐enriched protein hydrolysates.
Provenance, production, and distribution of basalt and volcanic glass artifacts in Leeward Kohala, Hawaiʻi Island
Authors: Mills Peter R. , Lundblad Steven P. , Cauley Christina , Coleman Drew S. , Field Julie S. , Hafner Alison L. , Kahn Jennifer G. , Sinton John M. , Kirch Patrick V.
Published: May 2022

We examined 2947 basalt and volcanic glass artifacts from 38 sites in leeward Kohala. Nondestructive energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence provided initial geochemical characterizations. Wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) analyses were completed on samples from ambiguously sourced groups. No more than 13.9% of the probable and definite adze‐related debitage originated in leeward Kohala. Notably absent are lithic materials from the nearby Pololū Adze Quarry in windward Kohala. Material from the more distant Mauna Kea Adze Quarry accounts for 41.6% of the adze debitage. Another 38.8% of the adze debitage matches with a tholeiitic source or sources long assumed to be Kīlauea Volcano in Kaʻū, but WDXRF and TIMS isotopic data do not support a Kīlauea source. Centralized adze production and distribution networks best explain adze distribution. Scoria abraders appear to have been regularly transported from the Kona district to leeward Kohala. Volcanic glass sources loosely align with distance‐decay trends, but show greater reliance on Puʻuwaʻawaʻa material by 1650 CE.
Eliminating METTL1‐mediated accumulation of PMN‐MDSCs prevents hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Zeng Xuezhen , Liao Guanrui , Li Shumin , Liu Haining , Zhao Xiao , Li Shuang , Lei Kai , Zhu Shenghua , Chen Zhihang , Zhao Yi , Ren Xuxin , Su Tianhong , Cheng Alfred Sze‐Lok , Peng Sui , Lin Shuibin , Wang Ji , Chen Shuling , Kuang Ming
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an important curative therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but recurrence rate remains as high as all the other HCC therapeutic modalities. Methyltransferase 1 (METTL1), an enzyme for m7G tRNA modification, was reported to promote HCC development. Here, we assessed the role of METTL1 in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment after insufficient RFA (iRFA).

Approach and Results:

By immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining, we showed that METTL1 expression was enhanced in post‐RFA recurrent HCC, accompanied by increased CD11b+CD15+ polymorphonuclear‐myeloid–derived suppressor cells (PMN‐MDSCs) and decreased CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, heat‐mediated METTL1 upregulation enhanced TGF‐β2 translation to form the immunosuppressive environment by induction of myeloid‐derived suppressor cell. Liver‐specific overexpression or knockdown of Mettl1 significantly affected the accumulation of PMN‐MDSCs and subsequently affected CD8+ T cell infiltration. Complete RFA successfully eliminated the tumor, whereas iRFA‐treated mice exhibited enhanced tumor growth and metastasis with increased PMN‐MDSC accumulation and decreased CD8+ T cells compared to sham surgery. Interrupting METTL1‐TGF‐β2‐PMN‐MDSC axis by anti‐Ly6G antibody, or knockdown of hepatoma‐intrinsic Mettl1 or Tgfb2, or TGF‐β signaling blockade significantly mitigated tumor progression induced by iRFA and restored CD8+ T cell population.

Conclusions:

Our study sheds light on the pivotal role of METTL1 in modulating an immunosuppressive microenvironment and demonstrated that interrupting METTL1‐TGF‐β2‐PMN‐MDSC axis could be a therapeutic strategy to restore antitumor immunity and prevent HCC recurrence after RFA treatment, meriting further clinical studies.
Heat transfer and electroosmosis driven MHD peristaltic pumping in a microchannel with multiple slips and fluid properties
Authors: Choudhari Rajashekhar , Ramesh Katta , Tripathi Dharmendra , Vaidya Hanumesh , Prasad Kerehalli Vinayaka
Published: May 2022

The combined study of electroosmosis, peristalsis, and heat transfer with multiple slips like velocity slip, thermal slip, and concentration slip, is applicable in designing biomimetic thermal pumping systems at the microscale of interest in physiological transport phenomena, such as drug delivery systems. A mathematical model is developed to study the non‐Newtonian (third‐grade) fluid flow driven by the applicable forces to generate the pressure gradient under the effects of rheological properties. The analysis is performed in an electro‐magnetohydrodynamic environment to examine the Lorentz force effect. The microchannel walls are propagating and subjected to natural peristaltic pumping. The Poisson and the Nernst–Planck equations are utilized to model electroosmotic phenomena. The Debye–Hückel approximation is considered to acquire Boltzmann circulation of electric potential across the electric double layer. The low‐Reynolds‐number and long‐wavelength approximations are employed to simplify the governing equations. Simplified coupled nonlinear governing equations are simulated by the ND Solver of Mathematica software and validated with existing results. The impact of emerging physical parameters on flow, heat transfer, and pumping characteristics are discussed. Additionally, a fundamental peristaltic pumping phenomenon known as trapping is graphically provided and briefly discussed.
MHD flow of (Al2O3/H2O) nanofluid under the peristaltic mechanism in an asymmetric channel
Authors: Magesh A. , Tamizharasi P. , Vijayaragavan R.
Published: May 2022

We studied the impact of magnetic field and chemical reaction on the peristaltic motion of nanofluid in the horizontal asymmetric channel with heat and mass transfer in this paper. The unsteady governing equations of the present problem were formulated. After the unsteady equations are transformed to steady and then the implementation of lubrication theory approximation, the lengthy equations are shortened. The coupled nonlinear differential equations (temperature and concentration equations) are analytically solved using the perturbation method. The exact analytical solution of the stream function was also calculated. The results of the velocity profile, pressure rise, temperature, and concentration are plotted through the MATLAB software and the streamlines are drawn through the MATHEMATICA software. The impact of key fluid parameters is discussed using graphical results. One observes that, for large values of the thermophoresis parameter, the temperature of the fluid increases, and more energy is produced.
Cerebral infarction after cardiac surgery
Authors: Wei Shan , Cao Yi‐Ran , Liu Da‐Xing , Zhang Deng‐Shen
Published: May 2022

Cerebral infarction, a common central nervous system complication after adult cardiac surgery, is one of the main factors leading to the poor prognosis of cardiac surgery patients besides cardiac insufficiency. However, there is currently no effective treatment for cerebral infarction. Therefore, early prevention and diagnosis of postoperative cerebral infarction are particularly important. There are many factors and mechanisms during and after cardiac surgery that play an important role in the occurrence of postoperative cerebral infarction, such as intraoperative embolism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, atrial fibrillation, temperature regulation, blood pressure control, use of postoperative blood products, and so forth. The mechanism by which most risk factors act on the human body, leading to postoperative cerebral infarction, is not well understood, and further research is needed. Therefore, this paper aims to summarize and explain the relevant risk factors, mechanisms, clinical signs, imaging characteristics, and early diagnosis methods of cerebral infarction complications after cardiac surgery, and provides useful data for the establishment of related diagnosis and treatment standards.
Correlation between total deceleration area and fetal cord blood pH in neonates complicated with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid at term
Authors: Matmor Loeub Shirel , Weintraub Adi Y. , Rotem Reut , Geva Yael , Yaniv Salem Shimrit
Published: May 2022

Objective

To assess the correlation between total area under the Curve (AUC) of decelerations and accelerations and neonatal acidemia in pregnancies complicated with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who delivered with a diagnosis of MSAF. Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) patterns 120 min before delivery were interpreted by a researcher blinded to fetal outcomes. The primary outcome was fetal acidemia, defined as umbilical artery pH below 7.10. The correlation was tested using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

A total of 102 women were included; 24 delivered infants with cord blood pH < 7.20, and only five delivered infants with cord blood pH < 7.10. A significant correlation was demonstrated between total AUC of decelerations and accelerations and cord blood pH (P = 0.02). A sub‐analysis according to gestational age at delivery (up to and beyond 40 weeks) was conducted. A significant correlation was demonstrated (P = 0.02) only in the term group(n = 37).

Conclusion

A correlation was demonstrated between total AUC of decelerations and accelerations and cord blood pH in neonates with MSAF. This correlation was significant for neonates delivered before 40 weeks of gestation, but not for those delivered after 40 weeks of gestation.
iMetaLab Suite: A one‐stop toolset for metaproteomics
Authors: Li Leyuan , Ning Zhibin , Cheng Kai , Zhang Xu , Simopoulos Caitlin M. A. , Figeys Daniel
Published: May 2022

Metaproteomics is a recently thriving technique that studies the collection of proteins in complex microbiomes of the human, animal, plant, and environment. The bioinformatics workflow required for metaproteomics research, from the database search and protein quantification to downstream functional and taxonomic analysis has been challenging and thus limiting the accessibility of metaproteomics to microbiome researchers. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a set of tools named iMetaLab Suite. iMetaLab Suite includes the following components: (1) MetaLab Desktop, an automated database search software that facilities proteins identification and quantitation from microbiomes; (2) the automated iMetaReport that allows users to quickly access database search results and data set profiles; and (3) an interactive online toolset, iMetaShiny, covering most frequently used functional, taxonomic, and statistical analysis in metaproteomics. iMetaLab Suite is a free, easily accessible, and actively updated toolset available to assist researchers to explore metaproteomic data.
Automated Opportunistic Osteoporosis Screening in Routine Computed Tomography of the Spine: Comparison With Dedicated Quantitative CT
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Löffler Maximilian T. , El Husseini Malek , Sekuboyina Anjany , Dieckmeyer Michael , Rühling Sebastian , Zimmer Claus , Menze Bjoern , Joseph Gabby B. , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan S.
Published: May 2022

Opportunistic osteoporosis screening in nondedicated routine computed tomography (CT) is of increasing importance. The purpose of this study was to compare lumbar volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) assessed by a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based framework in routine CT to vBMD from dedicated quantitative CT (QCT), and to evaluate the ability of vBMD and surrogate measurements of Hounsfield units (HU) to distinguish between patients with and without osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs). A total of 144 patients (median age: 70.7 years, 93 females) with clinical routine CT (eight different CT scanners, 120 kVp or 140 kVp, with and without intravenous contrast medium) and dedicated QCT acquired within ≤30 days were included. Vertebral measurements included (i) vBMD from the CNN-based approach including automated vertebral body labeling, segmentation, and correction of the contrast media phase for routine CT data (vBMD_OPP), (ii) vBMD from dedicated QCT (vBMD_QCT), and (iii) noncalibrated HU from vertebral bodies of routine CT data as previously proposed for immanent opportunistic osteoporosis screening based on CT attenuation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for vBMD_QCT versus vBMD_OPP indicated better agreement (ICC = 0.913) than the ICC for vBMD_QCT versus noncalibrated HU (ICC = 0.704). Bland-Altman analysis showed data points from 137 patients (95.1%) within the limits of agreement (LOA) of −23.2 to 25.0 mg/cm3 for vBMD_QCT versus vBMD_OPP. Osteoporosis (vBMD <80 mg/cm3) was detected in 89 patients (vBMD_QCT) and 88 patients (vBMD_OPP), whereas no patient crossed the diagnostic thresholds from normal vBMD to osteoporosis or vice versa. In a subcohort of 88 patients (thoracolumbar spine covered by imaging for VF reading), 69 patients showed one or more prevalent VFs, and the performance for discrimination between patients with and without VFs was best for vBMD_OPP (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.862; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.771–0.953). In conclusion, automated opportunistic osteoporosis screening in routine CT of various scanner setups is feasible and may demonstrate high diagnostic accuracy for prevalent VFs. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Long-Term Ligature-Induced Periodontitis Exacerbates Development of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Mice
Authors: Williams Drake Winslow , Ho Katie , Lenon Allison , Kim Sol , Kim Terresa , Gwack Yousang , Kim Reuben H.
Published: May 2022

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a detrimental intraoral lesion that occurs in patients with long-term or high-dose use of anti-resorptive agents such as bisphosphonates. Tooth extraction is a known risk factor for BRONJ, and such intervention is often performed to eliminate existing pathological inflammatory conditions. Previously, we determined that ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP) is a risk factor for the development of osteonecrosis in mice, but it remains unclear whether the chronicity of LIP followed by extraction influences osteonecrosis development. In this study, we assess the effect of short-term and long-term LIP (ligature placed for 3 weeks [S-LIP] or 10 weeks [L-LIP], respectively) on osteonecrosis development in mice receiving 250 μg/kg/week zoledronic acid (ZOL). When compared to S-LIP, L-LIP caused 70% (p ≤ 0.0014) more bone loss without altering microbe composition. In the presence of ZOL, bone loss mediated by LIP was prevented and bone necrosis was induced. When the ligated tooth was extracted, histologic hallmarks of osteonecrosis including empty lacunae and necrotic bone were increased by 88% (p = 0.0374) and 114% (p = 0.0457), respectively, in L-LIP compared to S-LIP. We also observed significant increases in serum platelet factor 4 (PF4) and macrophage inflammatory factor 1 γ (MIP1γ) in mice that received ZOL treatment and had tooth extractions compared to controls, which may be systemic markers of inflammation-associated osteonecrosis development. Additionally, CD3+ T cells were identified as the major immune population in both health and disease, and we observed a 116% (p = 0.0402) increase in CD3+IL23R+ T cells in L-LIP compared to S-LIP lesions following extraction. Taken together, our study reveals that extracting a periodontally compromised tooth increases the formation of necrotic bone compared to extracting a periodontally healthy tooth and that osteonecrosis may be associated with the duration of the preexisting pathological inflammatory conditions. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Characterizing changes in mental health‐related outcomes for health service psychology graduate students during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Daniel Katharine E. , Szkody Erica , Aggarwal Pankhuri , Peterman Amy H. , Washburn Jason J. , Selby Edward A.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Health service psychology (HSP) graduate students experienced adverse mental health outcomes during COVID‐19. However, little is known about how mental health outcomes changed in this population after the onset of COVID‐19.

Methods

N = 496 HSP graduate students reported onset or worsening of mental health outcomes, inability to access mental health care, worry about COVID‐19, and stress at two different timepoints during the first year of the COVID‐19 outbreak (timepoint 1: May 1 to June 25, 2020; timepoint 2: September 2 to October 17, 2020). This study tested whether mental health outcomes improved, worsened, or stayed stable during this timeframe. The study also examined whether rising COVID‐19 case rates in the state where a participant lived moderated changes in mental health outcomes.

Results

Overall, HSP graduate students endorsed adverse mental health outcomes at a higher rate during the first survey relative to the second survey. Even still, 62.68% of students reported worsened mental health symptoms, 49.84% reported worsened sleep, and 23.92% reported increased alcohol and substance use in the 2 months leading up to the second survey.

Conclusion

HSP programs should monitor graduate students' evolving mental health, provide wellness resources, and adopt flexible approaches to support graduate students navigating training during periods of immense disruption.
Evaluation of pulmonary arterial stiffness and comparison with right ventricular functions in patients with cirrhosis preparing for liver transplantation
Authors: Elçioğlu Betul Cengiz , Baydar Onur , Helvacı Füsun , Karataş Cihan , Aslan Gamze , Kılıç Alparslan , Tefik Nihal , Demir Barış , Gürsoy Erol , Demirci Yasemin , Ural Dilek , Kanmaz Turan , Aytekin Vedat , Aytekin Saide
Published: May 2022

Objective

Pulmonary complications are common in patients with liver cirrhosis. Devolopment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with a poor prognosis in these patients. Pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) is considered an early sign of pulmonary vascular remodeling. The aim of this study is to investigate PAS and compare it with right ventricular (RV) functions in patients with cirrhosis who are scheduled for liver transplantation.

Methods

The study included 52 cirrhosis patients (mean age 51.01 ± 12.18 years, male gender 76.9%) who were prepared for liver transplantation and 59 age and sex matched (mean age 51.28 ± 13.63 years, male gender 62.7%) healthy individuals. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 55%, ischemic heart disease, more than mild valvular heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, rheumatic disease, moderate to high echocardiographic PH probability, rhythm or conduction disorders on electrocardiography were excluded from the study. In addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters, PAS value, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and RV ejection efficiency was calculated by the related formulas with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Results

Demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors of the groups were similar. PAS, PVR, and sPAP values were found to be significantly higher in the patient group (20.52 ± 6.52 and 13.73 ± 2.05; 1.43 ± 0.15 and 1.27 ± 0.14; 27.69 ± 3.91 and 23.37 ± 3.81 p < 0.001, respectively). RV FAC and RV Ee were significantly lower and RV MPI was significantly higher in the patient group (45.31 ± 3.85 and 49.66 ± 3.62, p < 0.001; 1.69 ± 0.35 and 1.85 ± 0.23, p = 0.005; 0.39 ± 0.07 and 0.33 ± 0.09, p = 0.001, respectively). PAS was significantly correlated with RV FAC and MPI (r = −0.423, p < 0.001; r = 0.301, p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Increased PAS in cirrhosis patients may be associated with early pulmonary vascular involvement. Evaluation of RV functions is important to determine the prognosis in these patients. FAC, MPI, and RV Ee measurements instead of TAPSE or RV S′ may be more useful in demonstrating subclinical dysfunction. The correlation of PAS with RV FAC and MPI may indicate that RV subclinical dysfunction is associated with early pulmonary vascular remodeling in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Energetic but insensitive spiro‐tetrahydrotetrazines based on oxetane‐3‐one
Authors: Fessard Thomas C. , Gospodinov Ivan , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg , Voggenreiter Michael
Published: May 2022

Energetic oxetanes were first described in the 1970s, such as 3,3‐bis(azidomethyl)oxetanes (BAMO) and 3‐(nitratomethyl)‐3‐(methyl)oxetanes (NIMMO). Over the past few years, oxetanes were hardly available only as special‐purpose chemicals for the pharmaceutical industry. Oxetan‐3‐one is condensed with energetic compounds with a hydrazino function such as amino‐nitroguanidine and picryl hydrazine to form energetic Schiff bases. Hydrazinolysis of the guanidine derivatives lead to energetic spiro‐tetrahydrotetrazines which are quite rare in literature. All products were characterized by their crystal structure using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, the new compounds were analyzed using IR, EA, DTA, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C). The sensitivities towards external stimuli such as friction and impact were determined according to BAM standards and the energetic performances were calculated using the EXPLO5 code.
Cardiac MRI Findings in COVID‐19 Vaccine‐Related Myocarditis: A Pooled Analysis of 468 Patients
Authors: Samimisedeh Parham , Jafari Afshar Elmira , Shafiabadi Hassani Neda , Rastad Hadith
Published: May 2022

Understanding the pattern and severity of myocarditis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine is imperative for improving the care of the patients, and cardiac evaluation by MRI plays a key role in this regard. Our systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to summarize cardiac MRI findings in COVID‐19 vaccine‐related myocarditis. We performed a comprehensive systematic review of literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using key terms covering COVID‐19 vaccine, myocarditis, and cardiac MRI. Individual‐level patient data (IPD) and aggregated‐level data (AD) studies were pooled through a two‐stage analysis method. For this purpose, all IPD were first gathered into a single data set and reduced to AD, and then this AD (from IPD studies) was pooled with existing AD (from the AD studies) using fixed/random effect models. I2 was used to assess the degree of heterogeneity, and the prespecified level of statistical significance (P value for heterogeneity) was <0.1. Based on meta‐analysis of 102 studies (n = 468 patients), 79% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 54%–97%) of patients fulfilled Lake Louise criteria (LLC) for diagnosis of myocarditis. Cardiac MRI abnormalities included elevated T2 in 72% (95% CI: 50%–90%), myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 93% (95% CI: 83%–99%; nearly all with a subepicardial and/or midwall pattern), impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (<50%) in 4% (95% CI: 1.0%–9.0%). Moreover, elevated T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) (>30), reported only by some IPD studies, were detected in 74.5% (76/102) and 32% (16/50) of patients, respectively. In conclusion, our findings may suggest that over two‐thirds of patients with clinically suspected myocarditis following COVID‐19 vaccination meet the LLC. COVID‐19 vaccine‐associated myocarditis may show a similar pattern compared to other acute myocarditis entities. Notably, preserved LVEF is probably a common finding in these patients.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
STAT4 genetic polymorphism significantly affected HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients receiving Peginterferon‐α therapy: A prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Qi Xun , Li Fahong , Zhang Yao , Zhu Haoxiang , Yang Feifei , Li Xinyan , Jiang Xuhua , Chen Liang , Huang Yuxian , Zhang Jiming
Published: May 2022

A variant in signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) was reported to correlate with the response of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) in a retrospective study in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) patients. Here, we conducted a prospective study to analyze the effect of STAT4 genetic polymorphism on the response of pegylated interferon‐α‐2a (PegIFN‐α‐2a) in HBeAg‐positive patients. A prospective, multicenter, open‐label, parallel cohort study was performed. One hundred and fifty treatment‐naïve and 156 nucleos(t)ide analog (NA)‐experienced HBeAg‐positive CHB patients were enrolled, respectively. All patients received PegIFN‐α‐2a treatment for 48 weeks and 24‐week follow‐up post PegIFN‐α‐2a treatment. Before treatment, STAT4 genetic polymorphism was determined by PCR and DNA sequencing. Serological markers, serum HBV DNA levels, and adverse events were collected at each visit. We observed a larger reduction of HBV DNA load and a significantly higher HBeAg seroconversion rate in the GT/TT group than in the GG group at week 72 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.023) in treatment‐naïve patients. In NA‐experienced patients, the HBeAg seroconversion rate in the GT/TT group was higher than that in the GG group at week 72 (p = 0.005). STAT4 rs7574865 gene polymorphism was the strongest independent predictor of HBeAg seroconversion in both paralleled cohorts. Also, patients in the GT/TT group had a higher hepatitis B surface antigen loss rate than in the GG group in the study. There was no significant difference in adverse events between GG and GT/TT groups. This prospective cohort study confirmed that STAT4 rs7574865 gene polymorphism is associated with HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg loss irrespective of naïve and NA‐experienced HBeAg‐positive CHB patients treated with PegIFN‐α‐2a.
Ankara Esenboga International Airport (Turkey) fog analysis and synoptical investigation of the fog event dated 17–19 December 2019
Authors: Koyuncu Rozerin , Deniz Ali , Özdemir Emrah Tuncay
Published: May 2022

The aviation industry has developed greatly in recent years. Millions of people choose air transport as a means of transportation every year, and flight safety is critically important. However, meteorological conditions can cause disruptions in flight activities and lead to accidents. One of the meteorological conditions that adversely affect flight activities is fog. Prediction of fog incidents increases flight safety. In this study, fog analysis of Ankara Esenboga International Airport was carried out between 2011 and 2020. The data used in the fog analysis are taken from the observations of Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) and Aviation Selected Special Weather Report (SPECI). The distribution of fog events in a 10‐year period was determined according to years, months, days, hours, meteorological parameters (wind, pressure, cloud cover/height, temperature, and prevailing view), and types. Over a 10‐year period, 802.02 hr of fog occurred. The average number of foggy days was determined as 17.9. According to the fog formation types, the fogs occurring at Esenboga Airport were classified as 62% radiation fog, 14% lowering cloud base, 9% precipitation fog, 2% advection fog, and 12% unknown fog. CAT categories in the foggy hours of Esenboga Airport were determined. In cases where there were foggy observations for approach and landing activities during the 10‐year period, these were found to be 40.34% according to CAT I, 72.8% according to CAT II, 93.8% according to CAT IIIA, and 100% according to CAT IIIB. Synoptic analysis of a particular fog incident, which started at 2220 UTC on December 16 and continued for 55.83 hr, was also made. When the synoptic maps and Skew‐T Log P diagrams were examined, the deepening of the high pressure center in and around Ankara and the low thermal advection caused a very stable atmosphere, resulting in a prolonged and intense fog event.
Assessing statistical downscaling in Argentina: Daily maximum and minimum temperatures
Authors: Balmaceda‐Huarte Rocio , Bettolli María Laura
Published: May 2022

Empirical statistical downscaling (ESD) under the perfect prognosis approach was carried out to simulate daily maximum (Tx) and minimum temperatures (Tn) in 101 meteorological stations over the different climatic regions of Argentina. To this end, three ESD families were evaluated: analogs (AN), generalized linear models (GLM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) considering a variety of predictor sets with multiple configurations driven by three different reanalyses (ERA, JRA, NCEP). ESD models were cross‐validated using folds of nonconsecutive years (1979–2014) and then evaluated in a warmer set of years (independent warm period, 2015–2018) to assess their extrapolation capability. Depending on the aspect analysed, AN, GLM or ANN models were more/less skilful, but no method fulfilled all the features of both predicand variables. In this sense, the predictor set and model configuration were key factors. For each ESD method, the different predictor structures (point‐wise, spatial‐wise and combinations of them) introduced the main differences, regardless of the predictand variable, region and reanalysis choice. However, some specific results could be highlighted. ERA (NCEP)‐driven ESD models were the most (least) skilful in representing Tx and Tn. In the case of Tn, models' skills considerably increased when humidity information was included in the predictor set. Our results showed that downscaling models were able to capture the general characteristics of Tx and Tn in all regions, with better performance in the latter variable. However, regions with complex topography (Argentinian Patagonia and the subtropical Andes) pose a further challenge for capturing the local variability of daily extreme temperatures. The performance of the ESD models in the atypical warm conditions was similar to the one during the cross‐validated period, showing some extrapolation skill. The results of this work set a reference for future ESD developments and comparisons in Argentina.