bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on the Water‐Gas Shift Reaction over Nickel‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Cao Xinyu , Han Yi‐Fan , Peng Chong , Zhu Minghui
Published: June 2022

Recent advances in supported nickel catalysts for the water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction are reviewed, focusing on the structure‐mechanism relationships. The WGS reaction can proceed via the redox, carboxyl, and formate pathways over the supported nickel catalysts. However, a discrepancy exists between the mechanism‐level understanding and catalyst design principles in literature. In this review, we summarized the mechanism‐structure relationship of nickel‐based catalysts, emphasizing the effects of the formation of alloy, modification of the support or addition of alkali metal promoters on the CO adsorption and the H2O dissociation in the process of WGS reaction. Future research is suggested to systematically investigate the reaction mechanism & kinetics for different catalyst structures. In addition, the manipulation of strong metal‐support interactions and the development of new types of supports are prospective directions.
Parameterization of Phosphine Ligands Modified Rh Complexes to Unravel Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Pathways in Hydroformylation
Authors: Wei Jie , Li Maoshuai , Ding Jie , Dai Weikang , Yang Qi , Feng Yi , Yang Cheng , Yang Wanxin , Zheng Ying , Wang Mei‐Yan , Ma Xinbin
Published: June 2022

This study has established the quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) model to predict formaldehyde hydroformylation activity using a class of phosphine‐Rh complexes and computational mechanistic pathway analysis. A group of computational parameters (e. g., cone angle, G‐parameter, buried volume, CO vibration frequency, NBO charge, HOMO and LUMO energy, Rh−P distance) describing the complex structural (e. g., steric and electronic) features were achieved for descriptor database of monodentate phosphine ligands. Mathematical modelling of the catalytic results with the descriptors via multivariate linear regression reveals the hydroformylation rate is principally under electronic control within the investigated ligands. Computational mechanistic analysis demonstrates significant impact of electronic feature on TOF‐determining transition state/intermediate and energetic span. The H2 distortion energy analysis elucidates the variation of energetic span of the transition states related to H2 oxidation addition, rationally accounting for the reaction outcomes.
Process to Reduce Particulate Matter in Ambient Air Using Bubbles of Sodium Palmitate
Authors: Yadav Akhilesh Kumar , Shirin Saba , Hopke Philip Karl , Pal Dhirendra , Jamal Aarif
Published: June 2022

Mining is a significant dust‐generating activity, and almost every major process in mining contributes to the atmospheric load of total suspended particulate matter (TSPM). Prolonged exposure to TSPM is known to cause various respiratory diseases, including pneumoconiosis among miners. Thus, the generation of airborne TSPM and its subsequent movement into the surrounding environment is a significant problem for the mining industry. The present study describes a possible approach for removing SPM from air by the environmentally friendly approach of releasing bubbles of a salt of a long‐chain fatty acid. More specifically, the study examined the production of bubbles of sodium palmitate and releasing them into the air to capture and remove SPM. TPSM was reduced by using this method at laboratory scale.
Thermisches Verhalten von Tankspeichern – Teil 2: Variation und Identifikation der Parameter
Authors: Rausendorf Jonathan , Roscher Willi , Oppelt Thomas , Mücke Jan Markus , Urbaneck Thorsten
Published: June 2022

Der erste Teil dieser Veröffentlichung stellte einen neuartigen Modellansatz für große Tankspeicher vor. Dieser Ansatz wurde durch Speicher mit einer Flachbodentank‐Konstruktion und mit einer Schwimmdecke motiviert. Die Modellierung mit einem Ansatz nach Lagrange ermöglichte die Berücksichtigung der thermischen Ausdehnung des Speicherfluids mit Füllstandsänderung. Weiterhin wurden konvektive Effekte bei der Beladung und bei der Dichteinversion besser berücksichtigt. Im zweiten Teil erfolgt die Validierung dieses Modells unter vereinfachten und realen Randbedingungen. Das Modell kann auch zur Parameteridentifikation eingesetzt werden, was zur Gewinnung praxisrelevanter Parameter von erheblicher Bedeutung ist.
Numerical simulation of homogeneous fluidization behaviour of Geldart Group A particles in gas tapered fluidized beds
Authors: Kia Lashaki Mansureh , Sayyad Amin Javad , Zendehboudi Sohrab
Published: June 2022

A two‐dimensional gas–solid tapered fluidized bed at laboratory‐scale in a homogenous fluidization regime is simulated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software COMSOL 5.4. The Eulerian–Eulerian (EE) hydrodynamic model is used to predict the minimum fluidization velocity, minimum bubbling velocity, bed height, and solid volume fraction of alumina particles (in Geldart Group A) in the bed with different tapered angles. The effects of static bed heights on the minimum fluidization velocity of tapered beds are investigated. The highest minimum fluidization velocity is 6 mm/s with a static height of 11 mm and a tapered angle of 12°. The bed height is increased with increasing superficial air velocity. At a given air velocity, the minimum bed height is obtained at a 12° tapered angle. A decrease in solid volume fraction is also observed upon an increase in the superficial air velocity. The CFD results show an almost uniform solid concentration over the bed height. The homogenous or non‐bubbling regime appears in a wider range of critical velocity at a 12° tapered angle. In the case of a 0° tapered angle, the results of this study and the discrete element method computational fluid dynamics (DEM‐CFD) simulation exhibit a good match. In the case of 6° and 12° tapered angles, the proposed model leads to good predictions based on the theory of homogenous fluidization of Geldart Group A. This research introduces a rapid and cost‐effective approach for the better design and operation of a tapered fluidized bed in large scales.
A High‐Performance Alginate Hydrogel Binder for Aqueous Zn−Ion Batteries
Authors: Xie Dongmei , Zhao Jiachang , Jiang Qiong , Wang Hao , Huang Haiji , Rao Pinhua , Mao Jianfeng
Published: June 2022

The binder is an indispensable battery component that maintains the integrity of the electrode. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is most commonly used as a binder in rechargeable batteries; however, it is associated with the toxic and expensive N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone organic solvent. Here, through the cross‐linking of sodium alginate (SA) with metal cations, a high‐performance hydrogel binder is developed that maintains the stability of MnO2 cathodes in an aqueous electrolyte. Owing to the strong adhesion, high hydrophilicity, and good mechanical stability resulting from the strong bonding of Ca2+ with SA, a commercial microsized MnO2 cathode with a Ca−SA binder delivered a capacity above 300 mAh/g at 1 C, which was larger than those of Mn−SA and Zn−SA (∼200 mAh/g) and PVDF (∼150 mAh/g) binders, and a capacity of 250 mAh/g at 3 C for over 200 cycles. These encouraging results could unlock the enormous potential of aqueous binders for practical applications in aqueous batteries.
Development of a Core–Shell Heterojunction TiO2/SrTiO3 Electrolyte with Improved Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Fang Li , Hu Enyi , Hu Xiaojian , Jiang Zheng , Shah M. A. K. Yousaf , Wang Jun , Wang Faze
Published: June 2022

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Faze Wang's group at the Southeast University. The built‐in electric field created by the semiconductor heterostructure confines the proton transport on the surface layer of the nanocomposite core–shell heterostructure imparting faster ion transport and lower activation energy. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202200170.
Detangling the role of environmental, social, and governance factors on M&A performance
Authors: Teti Emanuele , Dell'Acqua Alberto , Bonsi Paolo
Published: June 2022

We empirically investigate the different role the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors play on Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) performance. In general, our results confirm that acquiring companies have a benefit if they acquire a target with a higher ESG score, in line with recent evidence. But have the single ESG factors the same impact in the value appreciation by financial markets? To answer this question, we detangle the single effects of the ESG factors and we show that, on a stand‐alone basis, a superior social commitment and a higher environmental score are not relevant for M&A value creation, whereas better corporate governance standards affect positively the takeover performance. The analysis of residuals and the Q‐Q plot confirm the robustness of our empirical results which open new research routes for the investigation of the differential role that ESG factors may have in guiding corporate decisions towards M&A transactions capable of value creation.
A consensus view of the proteome of the last universal common ancestor
Authors: Crapitto Andrew J. , Campbell Amy , Harris AJ , Goldman Aaron D.
Published: June 2022

The availability of genomic and proteomic data from across the tree of life has made it possible to infer features of the genome and proteome of the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). A number of studies have done so, all using a unique set of methods and bioinformatics databases. Here, we compare predictions across eight such studies and measure both their agreement with one another and with the consensus predictions among them. We find that some LUCA genome studies show a strong agreement with the consensus predictions of the others, but that no individual study shares a high or even moderate degree of similarity with any other individual study. From these observations, we conclude that the consensus among studies provides a more accurate depiction of the core proteome of the LUCA and its functional repertoire. The set of consensus LUCA protein family predictions between all of these studies portrays a LUCA genome that, at minimum, encoded functions related to protein synthesis, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and the use of common, nucleotide‐derived organic cofactors.
Taking the bait: Developing a bait delivery system to target free‐ranging crocodiles and varanid lizards with a novel conservation strategy
Authors: Aiyer Abhilasha , Bunuba Rangers  , Bell Tina , Shine Richard , Somaweera Ruchira , Bruny Miles , Ward‐Fear Georgia
Published: June 2022

In tropical Australia, conditioned taste aversion (CTA) can buffer vulnerable native predators from the invasion of a toxic prey species (cane toads, Rhinella marina). Thus, we need to develop methods to deploy aversion‐inducing baits in the field, in ways that maximize uptake by vulnerable species (but not other taxa). We constructed and field‐tested baiting devices, in situ with wild animals. Apparatus were set next to waterbodies and baited concurrently at multiple locations (over water, water's edge, and on the bank). Baits were checked and replaced twice daily during the trial; remote cameras recorded visitation by native predators. Bait longevity was compared at sun‐exposed and shaded locations over 12 h. The strength required to remove baits from apparatus was measured in varanids and crocodiles. The device promoted high rates of bait uptake by freshwater crocodiles (47% baits consumed), varanid lizards (19% baits consumed), and non‐target taxa (34% baits consumed). Targeting specific predators can be achieved by manipulating bait location and time of deployment, as well as the force required to dislodge the bait. Crocodiles were best targeted with over‐water baits, whereas varanid lizards preferred baits located at the edges of waterbodies. When testing bait longevity in ambient conditions, during the daytime baits desiccated fully within 12 h, and faster in the sun than in the shade. Based on studies using captive animals, the “pulling force” strength of reptilian predators scaled with body size and was greater in crocodiles than in varanid lizards. We present the first conservation baiting protocol designed specifically for reptiles. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of widespread and taxon‐specific deployment of aversion‐inducing baits to buffer the impacts of invasive cane toads, and our methods are applicable (with modification) to other research and management programs globally.
Impact of SARS‐Cov‐2 infection in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: results of an international multicentre registry
Authors: Gimeno Juan R. , Olivotto Iacopo , Rodríguez Ana Isabel , Ho Carolyn Y. , Fernández Adrián , Quiroga Alejandro , Espinosa Mari Angeles , Gómez‐González Cristina , Robledo María , Tojal‐Sierra Lucas , Day Sharlene M. , Owens Anjali , Barriales‐Villa Roberto , Larrañaga Jose María , Rodríguez‐Palomares Jose , González‐del‐Hoyo Maribel , Piqueras‐Flores Jesús , Reza Nosheen , Chumakova Olga , Ashley Euan A. , Parikh Victoria , Wheeler Matthew , Jacoby Daniel , Pereira Alexandre C. , Saberi Sara , Helms Adam S. , Villacorta Eduardo , Gallego‐Delgado María , de Castro Daniel , Domínguez Fernando , Ripoll‐Vera Tomás , Zorio‐Grima Esther , Sánchez‐Martínez José Carlos , García‐Álvarez Ana , Arbelo Elena , Mogollón María Victoria , Fuentes‐Cañamero María Eugenia , Grande Elias , Peña Carlos , Monserrat Lorenzo , Lakdawala Neal K. ,   Dilema International Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure Registry and international SHaRe (Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry) Investigators group
Published: June 2022

Aims

To describe the natural history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared with a control group and to identify predictors of adverse events.

Methods and results

Three hundred and five patients [age 56.6 ± 16.9 years old, 191 (62.6%) male patients] with HCM and SARS‐Cov‐2 infection were enrolled. The control group consisted of 91 131 infected individuals. Endpoints were (i) SARS‐CoV‐2 related mortality and (ii) severe clinical course [death or intensive care unit (ICU) admission]. New onset of atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, shock, stroke, and cardiac arrest were also recorded. Sixty‐nine (22.9%) HCM patients were hospitalized for non‐ICU level care, and 21 (7.0%) required ICU care. Seventeen (5.6%) died: eight (2.6%) of respiratory failure, four (1.3%) of heart failure, two (0.7%) suddenly, and three (1.0%) due to other SARS‐CoV‐2‐related complications. Covariates associated with mortality in the multivariable were age {odds ratio (OR) per 10 year increase 2.25 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–4.51], P = 0.0229}, baseline New York Heart Association class [OR per one‐unit increase 4.01 (95%CI: 1.75–9.20), P = 0.0011], presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction [OR 5.59 (95%CI: 1.16–26.92), P = 0.0317], and left ventricular systolic impairment [OR 7.72 (95%CI: 1.20–49.79), P = 0.0316]. Controlling for age and sex and comparing HCM patients with a community‐based SARS‐CoV‐2 cohort, the presence of HCM was associated with a borderline significant increased risk of mortality OR 1.70 (95%CI: 0.98–2.91, P = 0.0600).

Conclusions

Over one‐fourth of HCM patients infected with SARS‐Cov‐2 required hospitalization, including 6% in an ICU setting. Age and cardiac features related to HCM, including baseline functional class, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and systolic impairment, conveyed increased risk of mortality.
Thermo‐Economic Analysis of a Plasma‐Gasification‐Based Waste‐to‐Energy System Integrated with a Supercritical CO2 Cycle and a Combined Heat and Power Plant
Authors: Liu Jun , Chen Heng , Zhao Xinyue , An Jizhen , Xu Gang , Dong Yuehong , Zhao Qinxin
Published: June 2022

Herein, a novel hybrid design that combines hazardous waste plasma gasification, gas turbine, supercritical CO2 cycle, absorption heat pump, and coal‐fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant is proposed. In the integrated scheme, medical waste and concentrated solution of desulfurization wastewater are sent to the plasma gasifier and converted to syngas, which is conveyed into the gas turbine system after the necessary treatment. In terms of waste heat utilization of syngas and flue gas, some are used to drive the supercritical CO2 cycle, some are used by the absorption heat pump for heating, and the rest are used to heat the feedwater of the coal‐fired CHP plant directly. Based on a typical coal‐fired CHP plant, the benefits of this system are examined in terms of both thermodynamics and economics. Once the heat supply and the net electricity from coal remain the same, the net power generated by the waste in the hybrid design is 18.45 MW, while the net waste‐to‐electricity efficiency reaches 47.40%. In just 4.76 years, the initial investment in the proposed system is recouped, and in its 25 year lifetime, the system achieves a net present value of 150,491.81 k$.
New insight to experimental study on pore structure of different type reservoirs during alkaline‐surfactant‐polymer flooding
Authors: Zhou Runnan , Zhang Dong , Tao Jianwen , Wei Jianguang , Zhao Xiaoqing , Zhang Ao , Zhou Xiaofeng , Shi Xuedong
Published: June 2022

Recently, as the demand for fossil and renewable energy continuously increases, enhancing oil recovery has become one of the key methods to meet the increased requirement. However, most of the oilfields are facing serious problems, including formation heterogeneity and low recovery factor. Therefore, further analysis is required to study the distribution of remaining oil and how to enhance oil recovery effectively. In this study, the core samples of different reservoir types were employed and characteristics of pore structure were measured by a high‐pressure mercury porosimeter. The recovery factor and distribution of remaining oil with different reservoir types were determined by core flooding experiments and nuclear magnetic resonance tests. According to the results, the heterogeneity of pore structure becomes weaker as the permeability of the reservoir increases. The recovery during different periods improved as the core permeability increased. The distribution of remaining oil in different pore sizes has an obvious difference. The contribution of the recovery factor is highest in smallpores and mesopores for type II reservoir while is greatest in mesopores and macropores for type III reservoir. These results can provide theoretical and technical support for further enhancing oil recovery.
Calculator for inadequate micronutrient intake for Ethiopia (CIMI‐Ethiopia): Validation of the software for lactating mothers and their children under 2 years
Authors: Berhanu Desalegn Beruk , Lambert Christine , Gola Ute , Riedel Simon , Negese Tegene , Biesalski Hans Konrad
Published: June 2022

Early identification of inadequate intake of nutrients from a person's diet is usually crucial to prevent the development of micronutrient malnutrition. However, there is no single dietary assessment tool for Ethiopia that can assess the nutrient intake of a person from the type of food she or he consumed with a given amount. Therefore, the Calculator for Inadequate Micronutrient Intake (CIMI) application was adapted in consideration of food and nutrition contexts in Ethiopia and validated for its suitability to compute nutrient intake and identify nutrient intake inadequacy. For this, a 24‐h recall quantitative dietary data of children aged 12–23 months (n = 781) and lactating mothers (n = 1086) were collected between February 15 and 30, 2017, from rural Genta Afeshum district, Tigray region, Ethiopia. An individual nutrient intake was estimated by calculating using CIMI‐Ethiopia and also by NutriSurvey (NS) software for comparison. The average (mean and median) intake of energy and most nutrients and the prevalence of inadequacy calculated by the two software for the children aged 12–23 months and lactating mothers were comparable, except that of the vitamin A. The correlation coefficients for the intake results calculated by CIMI‐Ethiopia and NS were between 0.85 and 0.97 for the children and between 0.5 and 0.96 for the lactating mothers' group. Most of the mean intake differences calculated by the two methods were within the acceptable limits, except for the vitamins A, D, and B12 in the Bland–Altman plots. CIMI‐Ethiopia is very sensitive to identifying energy, protein, and selected micronutrients inadequacy included in this study, both for the lactating mothers (84.1%–100%) and 12–23‐month‐old children (77.6%–100%) group. Our results showed that CIMI‐Ethiopia estimates the energy and nutrient intake, and can be also used as a screening tool to identify energy, protein, and selected micronutrients inadequacy from an individual woman's and child's diet in rural Tigray, Ethiopia.
Quantitative assessment of copy number alterations by liquid biopsy for neuroblastoma
Authors: Shirai Ryota , Osumi Tomoo , Sato‐Otsubo Aiko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Ishiwata Keisuke , Yamada Yuji , Yoshida Masanori , Yoshida Kaoru , Shioda Yoko , Kiyotani Chikako , Terashima Keita , Tomizawa Daisuke , Takasugi Nao , Takita Junko , Miyazaki Osamu , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Yoneda Akihiro , Kanamori Yutaka , Hishiki Tomoro , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Hata Kenichiro , Yoshioka Takako , Kato Motohiro
Published: June 2022

Liquid biopsy, a method of detecting genomic alterations using blood specimens, has recently attracted attention as a noninvasive alternative to surgical tissue biopsy. We attempted quantitative analysis to detect amplification of MYCN (MYCNamp) and loss of heterozygosity at 11q (11qLOH), which are clinical requisites as prognostic factors of neuroblastoma (NB). In this study, cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) was extracted from plasma samples from 24 NB patients at diagnosis. Copy numbers of MYCN and NAGK genes were quantitatively analyzed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). 11qLOH was also assessed by detecting allelic imbalances of heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 11q region. The results obtained were compared to those of specimens from tumor tissues. The correlation coefficient of MYCN copy number of cfDNA and tumor DNA was 0.88 (p < 0.00001). 11qLOH was also accurately detected from cfDNA, except for one case with localized NB. Given the high accuracy of liquid biopsy, to investigate components of cfDNA, the proportion of tumor‐derived DNA was estimated by examining the variant allele frequency of tumor‐specific mutations in cfDNA. The proportion of tumor‐derived DNA in cfDNA was 42.5% (range, 16.9%–55.9%), suggesting sufficient sensitivity of liquid biopsy for NB. In conclusion, MYCN copy number and 11qLOH could be quantitatively analyzed in plasma cfDNA by ddPCR assay. These results suggest that plasma cfDNA can be substituted for tumor DNA and can also be applied for comprehensive genomic profiling analysis.
Data Drops for Tunnel Information Modelling
Authors: Paskaleva Galina , Niedermoser Christoph , Vierhauser Michael , Mazak‐Huemer Alexandra , Hruschka Sabine , Huemer Christian
Published: June 2022

In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, as well as in the tunnelling domain, inter‐company processes between partners in different roles in large‐scale construction projects still exhibit great potential towards digitalisation. Thereby, information should be seamlessly shared between partners according to the Building Information Modelling (BIM) paradigm. Today, different types of artefacts (e.g., models, plans, documents, etc.) are shared at different points in time, which differ in terms of requirements, information content, as well as data formats. In this article, we extend and prototypically implement the concept of Data Drops to provide those artefacts in a digitalised form via a shared Data Drop management platform. For this purpose, we have developed a formal, well‐defined indexed data structure on a metadata level. This not only facilitates traceability, but also enables searching for specific meta‐information and provides a common view on Data Drops. In addition, a networked view between different drops can be provided. The approach is being evaluated on the use case of a real tunnel construction project.
High‐resolution real‐time multipurpose tunnel surface 3D rendering
Authors: Paar Gerhard , Mett Michael , Ortner Thomas , Kup Daniel , Kontrus Heiner
Published: June 2022

Tunnel surveys making use of photogrammetric three‐dimensional (3D) tunnel reconstruction reach resolutions in the millimeter range. Classical big data visualization approaches display point clouds only, neglecting this considerable resolution difference between structure and texture. The article suggests a data structure that separates structural and textural resolution by a regular grid on the unwrapped design surface for 3D, combined with a UV mapping technique as regularly used in computer graphics. For real‐time rendering of huge multiscale data sets, the result of photogrammetric commercial‐off‐the‐shelf reconstructions is transformed into a proprietary hierarchical data structure. It facilitates to only load currently relevant parts of the tunnel surface from the hard drive, and only upload and render currently adequate levels‐of‐detail onto the graphics card for seamless exploration of high‐resolution geometric and image 3D tunnel data of arbitrary length. The solution allows for smooth interactive analysis and annotation such as crack identification and mapping, inventory, deformation assessment, and dimensional measurements. Aspects of data generation are addressed and information is given about the data structure, showing examples from entire tunnel 3D representations to demonstrate the smooth behaviour of the real‐time rendering of huge data volumes in various scales on standard graphics hardware.
Treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal: Critical analysis of persistent failures in diagnosis and surgery with a competing‐risk model
Authors: Mazzoni Antonio , Cazzador Diego , Marioni Gino , Zanoletti Elisabetta
Published: June 2022

Background

A series of temporal bone squamous cell carcinomas (TBSCCs) was analyzed with the aim of (i) better understanding the causes for the persistent high failure rate in advanced SCCs and (ii) discussing a possible way out from this stalemate in treatment.

Methods

Forty‐five TBSCCs consecutively treated surgically were reviewed.

Results

The 5‐year cumulative incidence for postoperative local recurrence was 41.8%. At multivariable analysis, pT3‐4 stages were associated with eightfold relative incidence of developing local recurrence during follow‐up (sHR = 9.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–69.46, p = 0.034) and cause‐specific death (sHR = 7.95, 95%CI = 1.01–62.27, p = 0.048).

Conclusions

The poor outcome in advanced TBSCC occurred because of local recurrence due to defective resection. The fundamental pitfall of surgery on advanced TBSCC appeared to be the insufficient knowledge of microscopic tumor growth in the different sites and subsites of the temporal bone. The serial histopathological study of the en bloc surgical specimen and autopsy temporal bones seems to represent a way to enhance our understanding of these tumors.
The robotic‐assisted extended “Sistrunk” approach for tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract with limited transoral access: First description of oncological and functional outcomes
Authors: Simon Christian , Beharry Avinash , Paleri Vinidh , Dübi Pascaline , Lambercy Karma , Holsinger F. Christopher , Todic Jelena
Published: June 2022

We report on the first clinical experience with the robotic‐assisted extended “Sistrunk” approach (RESA) for access to constrained spaces of the upper aerodigestive tract. This prospective case cohort study include six patients that underwent RESA if transoral exposure could not be achieved. Three patients received previous radiation. Patients were postoperatively followed until week 16 for perioperative complications, surgical margins, and functional outcomes. In all patients RESA allowed adequate exposure and resection with negative margins. Three patients who underwent salvage surgery experienced a minor or intermediate grade postoperative bleeding. No patient developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula. Three patients recovered their swallowing to their preoperative status and the remaining three experienced an improvement. All patients experienced complete recovery of their voice. RESA has the potential to provide a new organ preservation approach for head and neck cancer (HNC) not amenable to transoral exposure and thus warrants further prospective clinical studies.
Durable complete response is achieved by balloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shirono Tomotake , Iwamoto Hideki , Niizeki Takashi , Shimose Shigeo , Kajiwara Akira , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Kamachi Naoki , Noda Yu , Okamura Shusuke , Nakano Masahito , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Murotani Kenta , Koga Hironori , Torimura Takuji
Published: June 2022

In 2013 and 2014, the development of microcatheters with balloons for the 4‐Fr system and new embolization materials provided various options for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), expanding the range of treatment strategies. At our hospital, balloon‐occluded TACE (B‐TACE), conventional TACE (C‐TACE), and drug‐eluting bead TACE (DEB‐TACE) have been actively performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study compared the local recurrence‐free (LRF) periods of nodules with complete necrosis (TE4) obtained using each treatment method by extracting the nodules evaluated as complete response by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. We performed 580 TACE procedures between June 2013 and April 2019. Among them, 58 HCC nodules in 43 patients, 33 nodules in 30 patients, and 45 nodules in 25 patients were evaluated as having complete necrosis after C‐TACE, DEB‐TACE, and B‐TACE, respectively. The time to local recurrence for each nodule was defined as the LRF period, and the quality of TE4 for each TACE was examined. Factors related to overall survival and the LRF period were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses, and overall survival and the LRF period were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate analysis of the LRF period showed that B‐TACE was an independent factor. The median LRF periods were 39.3, 13, and 9.1 months for B‐TACE, C‐TACE, and DEB‐TACE, respectively. Moreover, B‐TACE had a significantly longer LRF period than C‐TACE and DEB‐TACE. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between C‐TACE and DEB‐TACE. The LRF period of nodules with TE4 was the longest with B‐TACE, suggesting that B‐TACE should be used to achieve a radical cure in patients with HCC.
A phase I/II study of ivaltinostat combined with gemcitabine and erlotinib in patients with untreated locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jo Jung Hyun , Jung Dawoon E. , Lee Hee Seung , Park Soo Been , Chung Moon Jae , Park Jeong Youp , Bang Seungmin , Park Seung Woo , Cho Sangsook , Song Si Young
Published: June 2022

This phase I/II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, ivaltinostat, in combination with gemcitabine and erlotinib for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients diagnosed with unresectable, histologically confirmed PDAC who had not undergone previous therapy were eligible. Phase I had a 3 + 3 dose escalation design to determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of ivaltinostat (intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15) with gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15) and erlotinib (100 mg/day, orally) for a 28‐day cycle. In phase II, patients received a six‐cycle treatment with the MTD of ivaltinostat determined in phase I. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR) and progression‐free survival (PFS). The MTD of ivaltinostat for the phase II trial was determined to be 250 mg/m2. In phase II, 24 patients were enrolled. The median OS and PFS were 8.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3‐11.2) and 5.3 months (95% CI: 3.7‐5.8). Of the 16 patients evaluated for response, ORR and DCR were 25.0% and 93.8% with a median OS/PFS of 10.8 (95% CI: 8.3‐16.7)/5.8 (95% CI: 4.6‐6.7) months. Correlative studies showed that mutation burden detected by cfDNA and specific blood markers such as TIMP1, pro‐MMP10, PECAM1, proMMP‐2 and IGFBP1 were associated with clinical outcomes. Although the result of a small study, a combination of ivaltinostat, gemcitabine and erlotinib appeared to be a potential treatment option for advanced PDAC.
Late effects, long‐term problems and unmet needs of cancer survivors
Authors: Schmidt Martina E. , Goldschmidt Siri , Hermann Silke , Steindorf Karen
Published: June 2022

Great efforts are being made in cancer treatment, with impressive improvement in survival. The situation concerning research and care for long‐term problems and late effects in the growing population of cancer survivors, however, is unsatisfactory. Therefore, in the FiX survey 1348 disease‐free survivors about 4 years after diagnosis of different cancer types were asked to rate existing burdens and support received for them along a list of 36 potential problems. Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Determinants of burdens were explored using logistic regression analysis. While cancer survivors' global HRQoL, physical and role function ratings were comparable or better than age‐ and sex‐matched reference values of the general population, emotional and cognitive function was worse, especially among women (P < .01). Most frequently reported problems with at least moderate burden were loss of physical performance (36.3%), fatigue (35.1%), sexual problems (34.7%), sleep problems (34.1%), arthralgia (33.8%), anxiety (28.0%), neuropathy (25.6%), memory problems (23.0%) and concentration problems (21.9%). Burdened survivors often rated received support as poor, especially regarding support for problems that physicians might consider medically nonthreatening, or for which no effective pharmacologic or medical treatment is known. Determinants for burden included higher age, female gender, having ever received chemotherapy and overweight/obesity. In conclusion, a significant number of cancer survivors suffer from long‐term or late effects and have unmet care needs. Awareness of health care professionals should be increased for these issues. The results of our study can contribute to the development of targeted survivorship plans.
Adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus found during surgery
Authors: Nabeshima Yuta , Yamashita Shimpei , Deguchi Ryusuke , Iwamoto Ryuta , Warigaya Kenji , Koike Hiroyuki , Kikkawa Kazuro , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Murata Shinichi , Hara Isao
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The safety and efficacy of minimally invasive approaches for adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus have not yet been established. We report a case of large adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus found perioperatively which required conversion from a laparoscopic to an open procedure.

Case presentation

A 71‐year‐old woman with right‐side 10‐cm diameter adrenocortical carcinoma was scheduled for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The operation was converted to open surgery, however, because inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, which was not detected by preoperative imaging modalities, was found during surgery.

Conclusion

In patients with large adrenocortical carcinoma, the possible presence of inferior vena cava thrombus should be considered when selecting surgical procedures.
Clinical examination of cattle. Part 1: Adult dairy and beef cattle
Authors: Nelson Rebecca , Kerby Mike , Remnant John
Published: June 2022

Background: Carrying out a thorough and systematic clinical examination is a key veterinary skill. The high value of individual animals, and the sometimes limited access to further diagnostics in the field make this particularly important when working with cattle. Cattle may require a clinical examination after presenting as unwell to reach a diagnosis or to aid development of a management plan. The principles of an individual clinical examination can also be applied to population medicine. Individual animal findings may highlight herd‐level risk factors and warrant further investigation. Additionally, a population subset of animals can undergo a targeted examination to determine prevalence of disease in a herd. Finally, a group of animals can be examined as a whole to identify behavioural signs indicative of a problem. At a population level it is important to remember to also thoroughly look at the environment and to examine both farm records and herd data.

Aim of the article: In this first article, we will outline an approach to the examination of adult cattle at both an individual and population level. A follow‐up article, to be published in a subsequent issue, will cover examination of youngstock and the use of technology and ancillary testing.
Measuring relative volatility in high‐frequency data under the directional change approach
Authors: Li Shengnan , Tsang Edward P. K. , O'Hara John
Published: June 2022

We introduce a new approach in measuring relative volatility between two markets based on the directional change (DC) method. DC is a data‐driven approach for sampling financial market data such that the data are recorded when the price changes have reached a significant amplitude rather than recording data under a predetermined timescale. Under the DC framework, we propose a new concept of DC micro‐market relative volatility to evaluate relative volatility between two markets. Unlike the time‐series method, micro‐market relative volatility redefines the timescale based on the frequency of the observed DC data between the two markets. We show that it is useful for measuring the relative volatility in micro‐market activities (high‐frequency data).
Sparse group selection and analysis offunction‐relatedresidue forprotein‐staterecognition
Authors: Bai Fangyun , Puk Kin Ming , Liu Jin , Zhou Hongyu , Tao Peng , Zhou Wenyong , Wang Shouyi
Published: June 2022

Machine learning methods have helped to advance wide range of scientific and technological field in recent years, including computational chemistry. As the chemical systems could become complex with high dimension, feature selection could be critical but challenging to develop reliable machine learning based prediction models, especially for proteins as bio‐macromolecules. In this study, we applied sparse group lasso (SGL) method as a general feature selection method to develop classification model for an allosteric protein in different functional states. This results into a much improved model with comparable accuracy (Acc) and only 28 selected features comparing to 289 selected features from a previous study. The Acc achieves 91.50% with 1936 selected feature, which is far higher than that of baseline methods. In addition, grouping protein amino acids into secondary structures provides additional interpretability of the selected features. The selected features are verified as associated with key allosteric residues through comparison with both experimental and computational works about the model protein, and demonstrate the effectiveness and necessity of applying rigorous feature selection and evaluation methods on complex chemical systems.
Screening the hub genes and analyzing the mechanisms in discharged COVID‐19 patients retesting positive through bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Fang Ke‐Ying , Liang Gui‐Ning , Zhuang Zhuo‐Qing , Fang Yong‐Xin , Dong Yu‐Qian , Liang Chuang‐Jia , Chen Xin‐Yan , Guo Xu‐Guang
Published: June 2022

Background

After encountering COVID‐19 patients who test positive again after discharge, our study analyzed the pathogenesis to further assess the risk and possibility of virus reactivation.

Methods

A separate microarray was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and its samples were divided into two groups: a “convalescent‐RTP” group consisting of convalescent and “retesting positive” (RTP) patients (group CR) and a “healthy‐RTP” group consisting of healthy control and RTP patients (group HR). The enrichment analysis was performed with R software, obtaining the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of each group were established, and the hub genes were discovered using the cytoHubba plugin.

Results

In this study, 6622 differentially expressed genes were identified in the group CR, among which RAB11B‐AS1, DISP1, MICAL3, PSMG1, and DOCK4 were up‐regulated genes, and ANAPC1, IGLV1‐40, SORT1, PLPPR2, and ATP1A1‐AS1 were down‐regulated. 7335 genes were screened in the group HR, including the top 5 up‐regulated genes ALKBH6, AMBRA1, MIR1249, TRAV18, and LRRC69, and the top 5 down‐regulated genes FAM241B, AC018529.3, AL031963.3, AC006946.1, and FAM149B1. The GO and KEGG analysis of the two groups revealed a significant enrichment in immune response and apoptosis. In the PPI network constructed, group CR and group HR identified 10 genes, respectively, and TP53BP1, SNRPD1, and SNRPD2 were selected as hub genes.

Conclusions

Using the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression data from GSE166253, we found TP53BP1, SNRPD1, and SNRPD2 as hub genes in RTP patients, which is vital to the management and prognostic prediction of RTP patients.
The utility of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein in laboratory diagnosis
Authors: Li Xinwei , Xiong Mengyuan , Deng Qiaoling , Guo Xiaobing , Li Yirong
Published: June 2022

Background

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which has now become a global pandemic owing to its high transmissibility. The SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein tests are playing an important role in screening and diagnosing patients with COVID‐19, and studies about the utility of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein tests are increasing now.

Methods

In this review, all the relevant original studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases including Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. “SARS‐CoV‐2”, “COVID‐19”, “nucleocapsid protein”, and “antigen detection” were used as keywords.

Results

In this review, we summarized the utility of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein in laboratory diagnosis. Among the representative researches, this review analyzed, the sensitivity of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein detection varies from 13% to 87.9%, while the specificity could almost reach 100% in most studies. As a matter of fact, the sensitivity is around 50% and could be higher or lower due to the influential factors.

Conclusion

It is well suggested that SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein is a convenient method with a short turnaround time of about half an hour, and the presence of N antigen is positively related to viral transmissibility, indicating that SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein immunoassays contribute to finding out those infected people rapidly and segregating them from the uninfected people.
Are supermeres a distinct nanoparticle?
Authors: Jeppesen Dennis K. , Zhang Qin , Franklin Jeffrey L. , Coffey Robert J.
Published: June 2022

We have recently reported the discovery of a new distinct nanoparticle by ultracentrifugation of the supernatant of exomeres at 376,000 x g for 16 hours. We termed the resulting pellet, supermeres (supernatant of exomeres). The Witwer team raised the legitimate question that these two membraneless nanoparticles may arise from a continuous population of extracellular particles. We have reviewed our data here and present additional analyses that reinforce supermeres as distinct nanoparticles.
Prediction of margin‐negative resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant therapy: Diagnostic performance of NCCN criteria for resection vs CT‐determined resectability
Authors: Jang Jong Keon , Choi Se Jin , Byun Jae Ho , Kim Jin Hee , Lee Seung Soo , Kim Hyoung Jung , Yoo Changhoon , Kim Kyu‐pyo , Hong Seung‐Mo , Seo Dong‐Wan , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol
Published: June 2022

Background

Accurate assessment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resectability after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is crucial. Recently, the NCCN introduced criteria for resection of PDAC following NAT.

Methods

We analyzed 127 patients who underwent NAT and pancreatectomy for PDAC between January 2010 and March 2020. CT‐determined resectability according to the NCCN guideline and CA 19‐9 level was evaluated before and after NAT. Diagnostic performance of the NCCN criteria for margin‐negative (R0) resection was investigated and compared with CT alone.

Results

R0 resection was achieved in 104 (81.9%) patients. After NAT, there were 30 (23.6%) resectable, 90 (70.9%) borderline resectable, and seven (5.5%) locally advanced tumors. Significantly decreased or stable CA 19‐9 levels were noted in 114 (89.8%) patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the NCCN criteria were 87.5% (91/104) and 21.7% (5/23), respectively, which were significantly different from CT including only resectable PDAC (26.9% [28/104] and 91.3% [21/23]; P < .001), but less prominently different from CT including resectable and borderline resectable PDAC (95.2% [99/104]; P = .022 and 8.7% [2/23]; P = .375).

Conclusions

The NCCN criteria for resection following NAT showed high sensitivity and low specificity for predicting R0 resection. It had supplementary benefit over CT alone, mainly in preventing underestimation of R0 resection.
The A2c111nt‐dup variants of human metapneumovirus predominantly circulating in Qingdao, China, during 2018 and 2019
Authors: Liu Ziran , Xie Zhibo , Sun Rui , Zhang Feng , Xu Wenbo , Wang Zhaoguo , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2022

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) plays an important role in acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), especially in children. We investigated the epidemiology of HMPV associated with ARTIs among pediatric inpatients and identified HMPV genetic variations in Qingdao, China, from January 2018 to June 2019. HMPV‐positive samples were identified from throat swabs by multiplex real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The G gene sequences of HMPV were obtained, followed by phylogenetic analysis. As a result, 71 out of 1051 (6.76%) patients were HMPV positive, and the HMPV‐positive rate in children under 5 years of age was three times higher than that in those aged 5−17 years. The epidemic season of HMPV was in spring, with a peak mainly in March. Thirty‐two nucleotide sequences of the HMPV G gene successfully obtained were clustered into three genotypes, A2c (25/32, 78.13%), B1 (3/32, 9.38%) and B2 (4/32, 12.50%). In addition, 76% (19/25) of A2c viruses were identified as the emerging A2c111nt‐dup variants, which were predominantly circulating among pediatric inpatients with ARTIs between January 2018 and June 2019 in Qingdao. The emerging A2c111nt‐dup variants have spread between countries and cities and might spread more widely in the future. Further prevalence monitoring of this duplication variant is needed to clarify the potentially expanding transmission and to provide a scientific basis for disease control and vaccine development.