bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Temperature on Cobalt Hydroxide Precipitation for Recovery from Battery Leachates
Authors: Djoudi Neila , Le Page Mostefa Marie , Muhr Hervé
Published: February 2021

As cobalt is a strategic metal essential for the energy and digital transition, the current research work focuses on cobalt recovery from Li‐ion batteries by precipitation. Simulation results allow determination of the cobalt hydroxide precipitation conditions for a complete cobalt recovery. The experimental results show the high impact of temperature on cobalt hydroxide precipitation kinetics and on particle size distribution. Indeed, cobalt recovery is optimal at 25 °C, with a yield of nearly 100 %. However, the simulation results show that it is necessary to be careful about the chosen temperature to avoid coprecipitation of cobalt with manganese. These promising results allow a better understanding of cobalt hydroxide precipitation for a complete recovery from Li‐ion battery leachates.
Rationale and design of the OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION trial: A prospective randomized multi‐center clinical trial comparing different fibrinolysis‐transfer percutaneous coronary intervention strategies in acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Zhongxiu , Wang Duolao , Ma Min , Li Chen , Wan Zhi , Zhang Li , Zhu Ye , Wang Mian , Wang Hua , He Sen , Peng Yong , Wei Jiafu , Huang Baotao , He Yong ,   for the OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION trial investigator
Published: February 2021

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), the preferred reperfusion strategy for all acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, is not universally available in clinical practice. Pharmacoinvasive strategy has been proposed as a therapeutic option in patients with STEMI when timely PPCI is not feasible. However, pharmacoinvasive strategy has potential delay between clinical patency and complete myocardial perfusion. The optimal reperfusion strategy for STEMI patients with anticipated PPCI delay according to current practice is uncertain. OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION is an investigator‐initiated, prospective, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, superiority trial with blinded evaluation of outcomes. A total of 632 STEMI patients presenting within 6 hours after symptom onset and with an expected time of first medical contact to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ≥120 minute will be randomized to a reduced‐dose facilitated PCI strategy (reduced‐dose fibrinolysis combined with simultaneous transfer for immediate invasive therapy with a time interval between fibrinolysis to PCI < 3 hours) or to standard pharmacoinvasive treatment. The primary endpoint is the composite of death, reinfarction, refractory ischemia, congestive heart failure, or cardiogenic shock at 30‐days. Enrollment of the first patient is planned in March 2021. The recruitment is anticipated to last for 12 to 18 months and to complete in September 2023 with 1 year follow‐up. The OPTIMAL‐REPERFUSION trial will help determine whether reduced‐dose facilitated PCI strategy improves clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI and anticipated PPCI delay. This study is registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04752345).
Population‐level impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on breast cancer screening and diagnostic procedures
Authors: Nyante Sarah J. , Benefield Thad S. , Kuzmiak Cherie M. , Earnhardt Kathryn , Pritchard Michael , Henderson Louise M.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

To understand how health care delays may affect breast cancer detection, the authors quantified changes in breast‐related preventive and diagnostic care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

METHODS

Eligible women (N = 39,444) were aged ≥18 years and received a screening mammogram, diagnostic mammogram, or breast biopsy between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020, at 7 academic and community breast imaging facilities in North Carolina. Changes in the number of mammography or breast biopsy examinations after March 3, 2020 (the first COVID‐19 diagnosis in North Carolina) were evaluated and compared with the expected numbers based on trends between January 1, 2019 and March 2, 2020. Changes in the predicted mean monthly number of examinations were estimated using interrupted time series models. Differences in patient characteristics were tested using least squares means regression.

RESULTS

Fewer examinations than expected were received after the pandemic's onset. Maximum reductions occurred in March 2020 for screening mammography (−85.1%; 95% CI, −100.0%, −70.0%) and diagnostic mammography (−48.9%; 95% CI, −71.7%, −26.2%) and in May 2020 for biopsies (−40.9%; 95% CI, −57.6%, −24.3%). The deficit decreased gradually, with no significant difference between observed and expected numbers by July 2020 (diagnostic mammography) and August 2020 (screening mammography and biopsy). Several months after the pandemic's onset, women who were receiving care had higher predicted breast cancer risk (screening mammography, P < .001) and more commonly lacked insurance (diagnostic mammography, P < .001; biopsy, P < .001) compared with the prepandemic population.

CONCLUSIONS

Pandemic‐associated deficits in the number of breast examinations decreased over time. Utilization differed by breast cancer risk and insurance status, but not by age or race/ethnicity. Long‐term studies are needed to clarify the contribution of these trends to breast cancer disparities.
Local Contact Fluorination of Graphene
Authors: Chilingarov Norbert S. , Skokan Eugene V. , Knot'ko Alexander V. , Eliseev Andrei A.
Published: February 2021

A procedure for solid‐phase fluorination of graphene is described that provides fluorine addition at the interfaces of graphene with solid fluorinating reagents. Graphene sheets were formed on a copper substrate (Cu−G) with a specific wave‐like microstructure. A solid fluorinating reagent, {Pt2F6−PtF4} solid solution, was layered on a Pt substrate (Pt−F). Thermally activated fluorination is found to be localized to the linear contacts of the Pt−F surface with the “ridges” of the Cu−G waves, leading to alternating stripes of intact and fluorinated graphene. Thus, the use of specifically profiled substrates for the graphene layer and/or the solid‐phase fluorinating reagent offers a promising approach to create fluorinated zones of the desired shape and size.
Acute heart transplantation from mechanical circulatory support in a human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patient with fulminant myocarditis
Authors: Szakal‐Toth Zsofia , Szlavik Janos , Soltesz Adam , Berzsenyi Viktor , Csikos Gergely , Varga Tamas , Racz Kristof , Kiraly Akos , Sax Balazs , Hartyanszky Istvan , Fintha Attila , Prohaszka Zoltan , Monostory Katalin , Merkely Bela , Nemeth Endre
Published: February 2021

Since the establishment of highly active antiretroviral therapy, survival rates have improved among patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection giving them the possibility to become transplant candidates. Recent publications revealed that human immunodeficiency virus‐positive heart transplant recipients' survival is similar to non‐infected patients. We present the case of a 40‐year‐old human immunodeficiency virus infected patient, who was hospitalized due to severely decreased left ventricular function with a possible aetiology of acute myocarditis, that has later been confirmed by histological investigation of myocardial biopsy. Due to rapid progression to refractory cardiogenic shock, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation had been initiated, which was upgraded to biventricular assist device later. On the 35th day of upgraded support, the patient underwent heart transplantation uneventfully. Our clinical experience confirms that implementation of temporary mechanical circulatory support and subsequent cardiac transplantation might be successful in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patients even in case of new onset, irreversible acute heart failure.
Pharmacotherapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and health‐related quality of life: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Turgeon Ricky D. , Barry Arden R. , Hawkins Nathaniel M. , Ellis Ursula M.
Published: February 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to synthesize the evidence on the effect of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) pharmacotherapy on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods and results

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform in June 2020. Randomized placebo‐controlled trials evaluating contemporary HFrEF pharmacotherapy and reporting HRQoL as an outcome were included. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and GRADE certainty of evidence. The primary outcome was HRQoL at last available follow‐up analysed using a random‐effects model. We included 37 studies from 5770 identified articles. Risk of bias was low in 10 trials and high/unclear in 27 trials. High certainty evidence from meta‐analyses demonstrated improved HRQoL over placebo with sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08–0.23] and intravenous iron (SMD 0.52, 95% CI 0.04–1.00). Furthermore, high certainty evidence from ≥1 landmark trial further supported improved HRQoL with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (SMD 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.17), ivabradine (SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.04–0.23), hydralazine–nitrate (SMD 0.24, 95% CI 0.04–0.44) vs. placebo, and for angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) compared with an angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (SMD 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.17). Findings were inconclusive for ACE inhibitors, beta‐blockers, digoxin, and oral iron based on low‐to‐moderate certainty evidence.

Conclusion

ARBs, ARNIs, SGLT2 inhibitors, ivabradine, hydralazine–nitrate, and intravenous iron improved HRQoL in patients with HFrEF. These findings can be incorporated into discussions with patients to enable shared decision‐making.
Diagnostic scores predict morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Verbrugge Frederik H. , Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Sorimachi Hidemi , Omote Kazunori , Carter Rickey E. , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: February 2021

Aims

To investigate the prognostic value of diagnostic scores for heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

Consecutive patients with HFpEF admitted for unequivocal decompensated HF treated with intravenous loop diuretics were evaluated (n = 443; mean age 78 ± 12 years; 60% women). The HFA‐PEFF and H2FPEF scores were calculated for all patients with echocardiography data available within 1 year and the population was stratified according to HFA‐PEFF scores 2–4 (n = 79), 5 (n = 93), or 6 (n = 271) and H2FPEF score probabilities <90% (n = 80), 90–95% (n = 61), and 96–100% (n = 293). HF readmission rates (95% confidence intervals) increased from 28.9 (22.7–35.0) per 100 patient‐years in HFA‐PEFF 2–4 to 46.0 (38.5–53.5) in HFA‐PEFF 5 and 45.0 (40.1–49.8) in HFA‐PEFF 6. Similarly, HF readmission rates increased with increasing H2FPEF probability: <0.90 [31.8 (25.3–38.2) per 100 patient‐years], 0.90–0.95 [41.5 (32.9–50.1)], and 0.96–1.00 [45.9 (41.2–50.6]. Median survival was 65 months (36–89 months) in HFA‐PEFF score 2–4, 45 months (26–59 months) in HFA‐PEFF score 5, and 28 months (22–42 months) in HFA‐PEFF score 6 (P < 0.001), while the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for all‐cause mortality was 1.16 (1.02–1.32) per 0.10 increase in H2FPEF probability.

Conclusions

Among patients hospitalized with HFpEF, higher HFpEF probability according to diagnostic scores is associated with increased risk of subsequent HF readmissions and all‐cause mortality.
The ADUC Prizes: Early Recognition at a Crucial Stage of an Academic Career
Authors: Gade Lutz H.
Published: February 2021

Professor Lutz H. Gade, Chairman of the Editorial Board of the European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry (EurJIC), introduces the Special Collection showcasing contributions by recipients of the ADUC Prizes awarded annually to junior independent researchers in the field of inorganic chemistry.
Eu2CuSe3 Revisited by Means of Experimental and Quantum‐Chemical Techniques
Authors: Gladisch Fabian C. , Maier Stefan , Steinberg Simon
Published: February 2021

The bonding nature between chalcogenides and rare‐earth‐elements is typically described as ionic in the spirit of the Zintl‐Klemm formalism; yet, recent efforts showed that lanthanides also act as d‐metals in transition‐metal‐post‐transition‐metal‐element bonding. Hence, how can we describe the bonding nature between chalcogen and europium atoms, which have frequently acted as electron‐donors like group‐I/II‐elements? To answer this question, we prototypically explored the electronic structure of Eu2CuSe3, which was obtained in considerable yields from solid‐state reactions of the pure elements at 600 °C. The crystal structure of Eu2CuSe3 was determined based on X‐ray diffraction experiments and it is composed of diverse types of linear chains of selenium polyhedra enclosing the copper and europium atoms. These chains are condensed into
[EuCuSe3] layers, which are separated by additional europium atoms. From analyses of the crystal structure and electronic structure of Eu2CuSe3, it is clear that there are two different europium valence states, whose nature controls if europium acts as an electron‐donor like a group‐I/II‐element or as a d‐metal.
Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions
Authors: Afsina C. M. A. , Aneeja Thaipparambil , Neetha Mohan , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: February 2021

Copper‐catalyzed organic reactions have received wide attention due to the high relative abundance of copper, its cheap price, low toxicity, eco‐friendliness, sustainable nature, and versatility as a catalyst. Copper catalysts are widely used in cross‐dehydrogenative coupling and have found wide applications in heterocyclic chemistry. This review focuses on the recent advances in the synthesis of biologically important compounds such as nitrogen heterocycles, amines, amides, imines, and alkynes using copper‐catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative coupling and covers literature from 2018 to 2020.
Functionalized 2‐Hydroxybenzaldehyde‐PEG Modules as Portable Tags for the Engagement of Protein Lysine ϵ‐Amino Groups
Authors: Sacco Giovanni , Stammwitz Simon , Belvisi Laura , Pignataro Luca , Dal Corso Alberto , Gennari Cesare
Published: February 2021

The formation of reversible‐covalent interactions between a small‐molecule ligand and its protein target is emerging as a general strategy to design binders with increased affinity. In this context, 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (2HB) has been recently proposed as suitable electrophilic tag to engage primary amines, such as the ϵ‐amino group of lysine residues, in remarkably stable imines. Lys residues are often expressed in high amounts on protein surfaces and in the proximity of ligand binding sites, and a fine‐tuning of the chemical connection between the ligand and 2HB is fundamental for the affinity gain. Herein we report the synthesis of four 2HB tags functionalized with a short polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer and a suitable reactive ‘handle’ (alkyne, azide, carboxylic acid and amine, respectively) for their conjugation to virtually any type of small molecule ligand.
Sliding wear behavior of duplex coatings with different plasma nitride layers and a Cr‐Al‐Ti‐B‐N coating
Authors: Weinhold Tom , Dalke Anke , Schramm Alexander , Biermann Horst
Published: February 2021

The dry sliding wear behavior of AISI D2 tool steel is investigated under different heat treatment states in hardened, plasma nitrided, and duplex layer conditions. Plasma nitriding (PN) is performed at 510–520°C with varying N2‐H2 gas mixtures, and Cr‐Al‐Ti‐B‐N layers are deposited at 480°C by means of physical vapor deposition (PVD). This work investigates the influence of the nitride layer and, in particular, the presence of a compound layer on the tribological behavior of the duplex layer system. Therefore, as‐nitrided conditions both without and with a compound layer – as well as with a mechanically removed compound layer – are subsequently hard coated. Comparative ball‐on‐disc wear tests in linear‐reciprocating sliding motion against WC‐Co counterbody balls are conducted at a load of 120 N. Compared to sample states without a compound layer, the as‐nitrided states with a compound layer exhibit improved wear coefficients. In contrast, all duplex layer states exhibit comparably low friction coefficients and low wear coefficients independently of the presence of a compound layer. Removal of the compound layer prior to PVD coating leads to a significant reduction in wear resistance due to reduced surface roughness before the hard coating and the associated change in the bonding between the nitride layer and hard coating.
Hypoglycemic effect of Taraxacum officinale root extract and its synergism with Radix Astragali extract
Authors: Li Jingwen , Luo Jiayuan , Chai Yangyang , Guo Yang , Tianzhi Yang , Bao Yihong
Published: February 2021

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) and Radix Astragali are traditional medicinal and edible plants with high nutritional value. In this study, the synergistic hypoglycemic effect of DRE and Radix Astragali extract (RAE) was evaluated. Our results showed that water extract of dandelion (DRE‐w), mainly containing polysaccharides (63.92 ± 1.82 mg/g), total flavonoid (2.57 ± 0.06 mg/g), total phenolic compounds (8.93 ± 0.34 mg/g), and saponins (0.54 ± 0.05 mg/g), exhibited significantly inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. DRE‐w and RAE had synergistic hypoglycemic effect; we found that DRE‐w and its combination with RAE could relieve the state of insulin resistance in IR‐HepG2 cells. The combination could more significantly increase the glucose consumption and intracellular glycogen content, and improve the activity of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase in IR‐HepG2 cells. In summary, DRE and its combination with RAE can be developed as the drugs or functional foods for diabetes prevention and treatment.
Grain quality evaluation of japonica rice effected by cultivars, environment, and their interactions based on appearance and processing characteristics
Authors: Xia Yujie , Sun Yuying , Yuan Jian , Xing Changrui
Published: February 2021

Appearance and processing characteristics of 45 japonica rice samples, collected from different regions in Jiangsu province, were investigated and evaluated in this study. Specifically, the chalkiness degree had been presented significant differences among different cultivars and regions. The average chalkiness degree varied from 6.81% to 15.34% for different regions and from 1.93% to 28.31% for different cultivars. The minimum head rice rate of cultivars from four regions, NJ9108 (HA), was 80.5%. The AC of CNG10, HD5, and PJ surpassed 13.68% and lower than 11.33% for the others. The protein content ranged from 6.1% to 11%, and the taste value was significantly different among cultivars. In addition, the RVA curves of the samples were similar, but the peak viscosities of NG8 and NJ5055 were higher than others, and there were significant differences in RVA traits among regions. Cultivars were the main reasons for the difference in appearance and processing quality of japonica rice, while environmental factors had leaded to the change of rice composition, texture, and gelatinization.
TRPV4 channels mediate the mechanoresponse in retinal microglia
Authors: Redmon Sarah N. , Yarishkin Oleg , Lakk Monika , Jo Andrew , Mustafić Edin , Tvrdik Petr , Križaj David
Published: February 2021

The physiological and neurological correlates of plummeting brain osmolality during edema, traumatic CNS injury, and severe ischemia are compounded by neuroinflammation. Using multiple approaches, we investigated how retinal microglia respond to challenges mediated by increases in strain, osmotic gradients, and agonists of the stretch‐activated cation channel TRPV4. Dissociated and intact microglia were TRPV4‐immunoreactive and responded to the selective agonist GSK1016790A and substrate stretch with altered motility and elevations in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Agonist‐ and hypotonicity‐induced swelling was associated with a nonselective outwardly rectifying cation current, increased [Ca2+]i, and retraction of higher‐order processes. The antagonist HC067047 reduced the extent of hypotonicity‐induced microglial swelling and inhibited the suppressive effects of GSK1016790A and hypotonicity on microglial branching. Microglial TRPV4 signaling required intermediary activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cytochrome P450, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid production (EETs). The expression pattern of vanilloid thermoTrp genes in retinal microglia was markedly different from retinal neurons, astrocytes, and cortical microglia. These results suggest that TRPV4 represents a primary retinal microglial sensor of osmochallenges under physiological and pathological conditions. Its activation, associated with PLA2, modulates calcium signaling and cell architecture. TRPV4 inhibition might be a useful strategy to suppress microglial overactivation in the swollen and edematous CNS.
Elimination of cervical cancer in Tanzania: Modelled analysis of elimination in the context of endemic HIV infection and active HIV control
Authors: Hall Michaela T. , Smith Megan A. , Simms Kate T. , Barnabas Ruanne , Murray John M. , Canfell Karen
Published: February 2021

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a strategic initiative for cervical cancer (CC) elimination which involves scaling up three interventions: human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, twice‐lifetime HPV‐screening screening and pre‐cancer/cancer treatment by 2030. CC is challenging to control in countries with endemic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at elevated risk of HPV infection, persistence and progression. This analysis estimated the impact of the elimination interventions on CC incidence and mortality but additionally considered more intensive screening for WLHIV, using Tanzania as an example. A dynamic HIV/HPV model was used to simulate the elimination strategy for vaccination, screening and pre‐cancer/cancer treatment, with 3‐yearly HPV‐screening in WLHIV starting at age 25 years, in the context of sustained HIV control in Tanzania from 2020 to 2119. Without vaccination or HPV screening, CC incidence rates per 100 000 women are predicted to fall from 58.0 in 2020 to 41.6 (range: 39.1‐44.7) in 2119, due to existing HIV control. HPV vaccination and twice‐lifetime HPV‐screening for the general population and 3‐yearly screening for WLHIV, would reduce CC incidence to 1.3 (range: 1.3‐2.5) by 2119, with elimination (<4/100 000) in 2076 (range: 2076‐2092). CC mortality rates per 100 000 women are predicted to reach 1.1 (range: 1.1‐2.1) with further reductions contingent on increased CC treatment access. Vaccination and 3‐yearly HPV‐screening for WLHIV is predicted to achieve elimination in the subgroup of WLHIV potentially as early as 2061 (range: 2061‐2078), with a 2119 CC incidence rate of 1.7 (range: 1.7‐3.3). Scaling‐up vaccination and HPV‐screening will substantially reduce CC incidence in Tanzania, with elimination predicted within a century. Three‐yearly HPV‐screening and HPV vaccination, at high coverage rates, would facilitate CC elimination among WLHIV, and thus accelerate elimination in the overall population.
#MultimediaResponse: Instagram as a Reading Activity in a University English Class
Authors: Ávila JuliAnna
Published: February 2021

In this article, the author describes utilizing Instagram as a reading response activity in an undergraduate English course to increase student engagement with challenging texts. Using a shared class account, students created a menu of prompts that they then chose from to create posts after reading fictional, theoretical, and philosophical texts; students’ choices of prompts are analyzed as well as their reflections on the activity as a whole. Lastly, the author shares recommendations for other educators who want to bring in social media, including, but not limited to, Instagram, as a reading response activity into their classrooms.
A mutual process of healing self and healing the community: A qualitative study of coping with and healing from stress, adversity, and trauma among diverse residents of a midwestern city
Authors: Mueller Daria , Bacalso Edwin , Ortega‐Williams Anna , Pate David J. , Topitzes James
Published: February 2021

Residents of urban American neighborhoods facing economic hardship often experience individual and collective adversities at high levels. This study explores how racially diverse adults experience stress, adversity, and trauma, and how they cope and heal in the context of their environment. Following a critical realist grounded theory methodology, four focus groups were conducted with African American, White and Latinx participants (N = 21) within an employment service program. Participants identified key stressors ranging from financial and job challenges, violence, and trauma. To cope with and heal from adversity, they practiced positivity, named trauma and its effects, sought social connection, envisioned community‐based resources, and addressed structural and systemic barriers. The data generated a theory of “a mutual process of healing self and healing the community” through intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural change. The results of this study indicate a need for peer‐led, community‐engaged initiatives and holistic, trauma‐informed, healing‐centered practices.
Lack of Mof reduces acute liver injury by enhancing transcriptional activation of Igf1
Authors: Wang Meng , Liu Haoyu , Zhang Xu , Zhao Wenbo , Li Danyang , Xu Chengpeng , Wu Zhen , Xie Fei , Li Xiangzhi
Published: February 2021

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a rapid pathological process that may cause severe liver disease and may even be life‐threatening. During ALI, the function of males absent on the first (MOF) has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we unveiled the expression pattern of MOF during carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced ALI and role of MOF in the regulation of liver regeneration. In the process of ALI, MOF is significantly overexpressed in the liver injury area. Knockdown of Mof attenuated CCl4‐induced ALI, and promoted liver cell proliferation, hepatic stellate cell activation and aggregation to the injured area, and liver fibrosis. Simultaneously, overexpression of Mof aggravated liver dysfunction caused by ALI. By directly binding to the promoter, MOF suppressed the transcriptional activation of Igf1. Knockdown of Mof promotes the expression of Igf1 and activates the Insulin‐like growth factor 1 signaling pathway in the liver. Through this pathway, Knockdown of Mof reduces CCl4‐induced ALI and promotes liver regeneration. Our results provide the first demonstration for MOF contributing to ALI. Further understanding of the role of MOF in ALI may lead to new therapeutic strategies for ALI.
Effects of reinforcement and response‐cost history on instructional control
Authors: Nergaard Siv Kristin , Couto Kalliu Carvalho
Published: February 2021

The present study compared the effects of reinforcement or punishment versus no additional consequences for instruction following on instructional control and subsequent rule‐governed insensitivity. In two experiments, adult participants were presented with repeated choices between a short progressive‐time schedule and either a fixed time‐schedule or a longer progressive‐time schedule. In Experiment 1, three groups were given an initially accurate instruction relative to the direct contingency. A control group experienced no additional consequences for compliance with instructions, whereas compliance resulted in additional points for a second group, and noncompliance led to the subtraction of points for a third group. In a subsequent phase, instructions became inaccurate and there were no additional consequences for compliance or noncompliance for any group. Consistent with previous results, rule‐governed insensitivity was observed in all participants. Experiment 2 employed the same procedure, except instructions were inaccurate throughout all sessions, and compliance in the subsequent phase resulted in diminishing points per session. Reinforcement for following instructions increased instructional control and subsequent rule‐governed insensitivity. This increase was maintained even after the termination of additional consequences, a result that supports theoretical suggestions that a history of reinforcement for complying with instructions and rules is an important factor in rule‐governed insensitivity.
Common bile duct pressure in patients with and without cholelithiasis: A case‐control study
Authors: Beltrán Marcelo A. , Beltrán Andrea A.
Published: February 2021

Background

The reflux of pancreatic enzymes into the bile duct and the gallbladder is an abnormal phenomenon that plays a role in lithogenesis and carcinogenesis. Because the pressure of the common bile duct depends on the pressures of the sphincter of Oddi, its dysfunction would be reflected in an increase in the pressure of the common bile duct in patients with cholelithiasis. The objective of this study was to measure the pressures of the common bile duct in patients with and without cholelithiasis and to relate them to the presence of pancreatobiliary reflux.

Methods

A prospective case‐control study was designed. The study universe was constituted by all patients undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer stages I and II over 30 months. The primary outcome measure was to establish differences between common bile duct pressures in patients with and without cholelithiasis.

Results

Common bile duct pressures in patients with gallstones showed a significant elevation (16.9 mmHg) compared to patients without gallstones (3.3 mm Hg) (p < 0.0001). These pressures correlated with the levels of amylase and lipase in gallbladder bile; higher levels were found in patients with gallstones compared to patients without gallstones (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Common bile duct pressure in patients with cholelithiasis was significantly higher compared to patients without cholelithiasis leading to pancreatobiliary reflux.
Pathological assessment of chronic kidney disease with DWI: Is there an added value for diffusion kurtosis imaging?
Authors: Mao Wei , Ding Yuqin , Ding Xiaoqiang , Wang Yaqiong , Fu Caixia , Zeng Mengsu , Zhou Jianjun
Published: February 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem, precise functional and pathological assessment is beneficial to better treatment. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) can evaluate non‐Gaussian diffusion and may help to assess renal pathology and function.

Purpose

To assess pathological and functional alterations in CKD using DKI compared with diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Study Type

Prospective study.

Population

70 CKD patients and 20 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength

1.5 T.

Assessment

All participants underwent DKI, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusivity (MD), and mean kurtosis (MK) of renal parenchyma were acquired. Correlation between renal parenchymal ADC, MD, MK, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), pathological scores were assessed. The diagnostic efficacy of ADC, MD, and MK for assessing the degree of renal pathological injury were compared.

Statistical Tests

ANOVA, Spearman correlation analysis, and ROC curve analysis.

Results

The cortical ADC, MD were significantly higher than medulla for all participants, whereas medullary MK was significantly higher than cortex (P < 0.01). Whether eGFR reduced or not, renal parenchymal MK were significantly higher in patients than controls (P < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between eGFR and ADC (cortex, r = 0.562; medulla, r = 0.527), and negative correlation between eGFR and MK (cortex, r = −0.786; medulla, r = −0.709) (all P < 0.001). There was positive correlation between MK and glomerular injury (cortex, r = 0.681; medulla, r = 0.652), tubulointerstitial lesion (cortex, r = 0.650; medulla, r = 0.599) (all P < 0.001). For discrimination between mild and m‐s renal injury group, the AUC values of ADC, MD, MK were cortex: 0.723, 0.655, 0.864 and medulla: 0.718, 0.581, 0.829. The AUC values of ADC, MD, MK were cortex: 0.708, 0.679, 0.770 and medulla: 0.713, 0.830, 0.780 for differentiating control group from mild renal injury group.

Data Conclusion

DKI is practicable for noninvasive assessment of renal pathology and function of CKD, DKI offer better diagnostic performance than DWI.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

2
Establishment of a sandwich light‐initiated chemiluminescence assay with double antigen for detecting human cytomegalovirus IgG antibody
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Yu Yang , Liu Hao , Chen Xinying , Li Liuxu , Huang Lunhui , Li Huiqiang
Published: February 2021

Determination of human cytomegalovirus IgG (HCMV IgG) level is of great importance in the diagnosis of HCMV infections. In this study, a novel, double antigen sandwich homogeneous immunoassay‐based light‐initiated chemiluminescent assay (LICA) for measuring HCMV IgG serum levels was developed. This sandwich LICA for HCMV IgG was performed by incubating serum samples with HCMV pp150 protein coated with chemibeads, streptavidin‐coated sensibeads, and biotinylated HCMV pp150 protein. The working conditions of this assay were optimized and the correlation between the results of the LICA and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated. As a homogeneous immunoassay, this sandwich LICA could accurately and rapidly determine the serum levels of HCMV IgG with a high‐throughput. Thus, this newly developed assay could be a useful analytical tool in the clinical diagnosis of HCMV infections.
Usability of Ultrasonic MicroPure Imaging for Evaluating the Vulnerability of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Yang Song , Cai Jing , He Ying , Sun Chuxue , Lian Xuegan
Published: February 2021

Objective

MicroPure is an ultrasound imaging technology used for detecting microcalcifications. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the Firefly sign in ultrasonic MicroPure imaging for detecting the vulnerability of carotid plaques.

Methods

Ultrasonic grey‐scale imaging was used to detect carotid plaques. Ultrasonic MicroPure imaging was used to detect the Firefly sign and to determine the location and number of Firefly signs.

Results

A total of 142 plaques were detected in 72 patients, and 62.0% were Firefly‐positive plaques. The length or thickness, the risk of rupture and the percentage of vulnerable plaques were greater in the Firefly‐positive plaques than in Firefly‐negative plaques. The assessment of plaque vulnerability built on the 4‐point Firefly scoring system showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.750 (P < .001). The sensitivity and specificity of vulnerable plaques with a score of 2 points were 71.9 and 73.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Firefly signs are widely present in carotid atherosclerotic plaques and can be detected with ultrasonic MicroPure imaging. Firefly signs located in fibrous caps may be associated with plaque vulnerability.
Transoral Removal of Tumors of the Dorsal Aspect of the Soft Palate: A Technical Note
Authors: Nakamura Shintaro , Ozawa Hiroyuki , Sekimizu Mariko , Ikari Yuichi , Nakahara Nana , Saito Shin , Yoshihama Keisuke , Nishiyama Yuri , Ogawa Kaoru
Published: February 2021

View Video S1 Laryngoscope, 131:2011–2014, 2021
Ebp1 p48 promotes oncogenic properties in hepatocellular carcinoma through p38 MAPK/HIF1α activation and p53 downregulation
Authors: Bao Yanqiu , Suvesh Munakarmi , Li Xiaobo , Bai Xin , Li Hua , Li Xiangdan , Xu Dongyuan , Liu Lan
Published: February 2021

The ErbB3 binding protein 1 (Ebp1) has been reported in several cancers, in which it can act as either a pro‐oncogenic regulator or a tumor suppressor. However, the biological function and molecular mechanism of Ebp1 p48 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, we report that the long isoform of Ebp1, p48, is highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues. Ebp1 p48 expression was correlated with the tumor size in HCC patients. Silencing Ebp1 p48 by transduction with lentiviral shEbp1 dramatically reduced the proliferation rate, soft agar colony generation, and tumor formation in vivo. We further demonstrated that Ebp1 p48 knockdown resulted in decreased p38 phosphorylation, which subsequently reduced hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) expression. Moreover, Ebp1 p48 knockdown led to an upregulation of p53 expression through MDM2 downregulation. Taken together, these results suggest that the Ebp1/p38/HIF1α signaling pathway and the Ebp1‐mediated downregulation of p53 are involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, Ebp1 and its downstream signaling pathways may be promising therapeutic targets of HCC.
Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress: A longitudinal study. Lung cancer stigma is a predictor for psychological distress
Authors: Rose Shiho , Boyes Allison , Kelly Brian , Cox Martine , Palazzi Kerrin , Paul Christine
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To examine if baseline stigma predicts psychological distress at 3 and 6 months follow‐up among patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer.

Methods

This longitudinal study was nested within a larger randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were recruited via respiratory and oncology out‐patient clinics in Australia (n = 194). Consenting participants were asked to complete surveys at baseline, 3 and 6 months post‐recruitment. Measures included lung cancer stigma (Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire‐12 [GHQ‐12]).

Results

One‐hundred and ninety‐four participants were included for analysis. Most were male (57.7%) with a mean age of 68 years (SD = 8.8). A significant relationship between baseline lung cancer stigma and psychological distress at 6 months was found, where a one unit increase in lung cancer stigma increases psychological distress by 0.044 when adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, baseline GHQ‐12 scores and intervention allocation (as part of the larger trial; p = 0.001; β = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.010, 0.079).

Conclusion

Temporal links between lung cancer stigma and psychological distress was found at 6 months, suggesting stigma‐related experiences may have a delayed impact. Development of routine lung cancer stigma assessments is recommended to identify those at risk of psychological distress.
Improvement of polymer properties for powder bed fusion by combining in situ PECVD nanoparticle synthesis and dry coating
Authors: Gómez Bonilla Juan S. , Düsenberg Björn , Lanyi Franz , Schmuki Patrik , Schubert Dirk W. , Schmidt Jochen , Peukert Wolfgang , Bück Andreas
Published: February 2021

Polypropylene (PP) powders are coated with silica nanoparticles in a fluidized bed to improve the flow behavior of the powders and the processability in powder bed fusion. The nanoparticles are produced in situ via dusty plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) in an atmospheric‐pressure Ar/O2 plasma jet fixed at the distributor plate of the fluidized bed. Hexamethyldisiloxane is used as a precursor of the nanoparticles. The influence of the oxygen concentration in the plasma gas and the number of treatment cycles on the chemical composition of the nanoparticles, the amount of nanoparticles deposited, and the flow properties of the coated PP powders is investigated. The chemical composition of the formed silica particles is determined by X‐ray photon spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The results reveal that the composition of the nanoparticles is SiOxCy, that is, the portion of organic residues introduced by the precursor can be controlled by changing the oxygen concentration in the plasma gas. The mass of nanoparticles deposited on the polymer powder's surface, as determined by inductively coupled optical emission spectroscopy, shows a linear dependence of the number of cycles and the oxygen concentration in the plasma gas. A considerable improvement of the flow behavior of the PP powders is observed after PECVD treatment.
Successful intravascular pulmonary lithotripsy in a child with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Diepenbruck Sabine , Dalla‐Pozza Robert , Pattathu Joseph , Haas Nikolaus , Jakob André
Published: February 2021

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a novel method based on pulsatile ultrasonic pressure waves specifically aimed to modify circumferential and transmural calcium plaques. We report on the successful application of a shockwave IVL catheter® in a child with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension due to calcified thrombi in both lower lobes. Compared to conventional high‐pressure balloon angioplasty, a significant perfusion‐improvement was achieved with a shockwave IVL catheter® (4 mm) of the treated right pulmonary artery branch. Furthermore, subsequent surgical thrombectomy was reported to be considerably easier for the shockwave‐treated thrombotic areas than the high‐pressure balloon‐only‐treated thrombus. In conclusion, the shockwave IVL catheter® may be a promising option in chronic thromboembolic lesions in PA (pulmonary artery) position, and furthermore might be an option when treating children.
Impact of Iridium Oxide Electrodes on the Ferroelectric Phase of Thin Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Films
Authors: Mittmann Terence , Szyjka Thomas , Alex Hsain , Istrate Marian Cosmin , Lomenzo Patrick D. , Baumgarten Lutz , Müller Martina , Jones Jacob L. , Pintilie Lucian , Mikolajick Thomas , Schroeder Uwe
Published: February 2021

Thin film metal–ferroelectric–metal capacitors with an equal mixture of hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide as the ferroelectric material are fabricated using iridium oxide as the electrode material. The influence of the oxygen concentration in the electrodes during crystallization anneal on the ferroelectric properties is characterized by electrical, chemical, and structural methods. Forming gas, O2, and N2 annealing atmospheres significantly change the ferroelectric performance. The use of oxygen‐deficient electrodes improves the stabilization of the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase and reduces the wake‐up effect. It is found that oxygen‐rich electrodes supply oxygen during anneal and reduce the amount of oxygen vacancies, but the nonferroelectric monoclinic phase is stabilized with a negative impact on the ferroelectric properties.
Giant Enhancement of External Quantum Efficiency in Near‐UV Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes via Device Aging and Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis
Authors: Li Dongliang , Yuan Yongfang , Xu Jiwen , Wang Hua , Liu Liming , Yi Zichuan , Wang Lihui , Lu Zongliu , Li Haiou , Zhang Xiaowen
Published: February 2021

The issue of device durability is scarcely reported for state‐of‐the‐art UV organic light‐emitting diodes (UV OLEDs), but it is of theoretical interest and plays a key role in commercial products. Herein, the effects of aging time on current density and radiance of near‐UV OLEDs are investigated. Devices are fabricated with 9‐(4′‐(4,5‐diphenyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)‐(1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole as the fluorescent molecule, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) as the hole injection layer, and LiF as the electron injection layer. It is found that the current density decays much faster than radiance, and accordingly promotes the device external quantum efficiency from 2.5% initially to a giant value of 8.2% after a certain period of aging. Impedance spectroscopy is performed to study the carrier injection/transport capability by configuring a hole‐only cell (HOC) and an electron‐only cell (EOC). The transition curves of the impedance, phase, and capacitance as a function of voltage indicate that carrier injection/transport gradually decreases during aging, which accounts for the reduced current density and radiance. The electroluminescence spectra are independent of the decay process. The results provide a new approach for analyzing durability and advancing applications of UV OLEDs.
The case for reviewing laboratory‐based road transport simulations for packaging optimisation
Authors: Rouillard Vincent , Lamb Matthew James , Lepine Julien , Long Michael , Ainalis Daniel
Published: February 2021

Today, there exist a number of standards designed to assist packaging engineers with implementing suitable laboratory testing regimes for road transport. However, these standards generally focus on translational vibrations and do not include other motions that may affect survival rates during transport (e.g., pitch and roll). The standards also do not account for the significant variations in vibration (root mean square [rms]) levels that are clearly evident during transport. Further, the analysis and interpretation of vibration frequency spectra typically ignore the possible presence of harmonics or shocks. Most standards also advocate some form of time compression to reduce testing duration by artificially amplifying the simulated vibrations. Each of these individual approaches combines to render the simulated vibrations currently in use unrepresentative of what occurs during transport, thereby making it difficult to optimise packaging systems. This article focuses on road transport shocks and vibrations and highlights the shortcomings of proposing and making changes to test methods based on limited data obtained from specific transport scenarios. It argues that only once all the evidence, taking into account a broader set of scenarios from multiple studies, has been collected and the correct scientific analysis applied, should changes to test protocols be proposed and implemented. The paper includes specific recommendations for further evidence collection and analysis for each of the main issues associated with road transport vibrations, namely, spectral shape, rms levels and test duration, nonvibratory events such as shocks and multiaxis vibrations.
The robustness of sufficient reduction methods for detecting shifts of various types in multivariate processes
Authors: Hinsheranan Sawaporn , Stillman Eleanor C.
Published: February 2021

Applications of shift detection are of interest in several disciplines. Sufficient reduction (SR) methods have been developed for detecting a shift in a multivariate process under different conditions in several studies. However, all methods were proposed to detect only a constant, but persistent, mean shift. In practice, there might be other types of (mean) shift to be considered. Our purpose here is to investigate the robustness of SR methods for detecting different types of shift in a multivariate process. Four shift types are considered. The performances of the SR methods are compared against other statistical techniques used in multivariate process control. The evaluation was conducted via simulation by estimating four measures. The results show that in a process of independent observations the Wessman method performs well for detecting all sizes of single spike shift and small constant, linear, and exponential shifts. In an autocorrelated process the Parallel, Frisén, and Wessman methods produce a high number of false alarms. The Siripanthana and Stillman method gives shorter delays for detecting small shifts of all types, while the vector autoregressive chart gives a shorter delay for a large constant shift. The applications of SR methods to real health surveillance data are illustrated, with examples from food poisoning and pneumonia monitoring in Thailand.
Information and thermodynamic properties of a non‐Hermitian particle ensemble
Authors: Lima Francisco Cleiton E. , Moreira Allan R. P. , Almeida Carlos Alberto S.
Published: February 2021

In the context of non‐relativistic quantum mechanics, we investigated Shannon's entropy of a non‐Hermitian system to understand how this quantity is modified with the cyclotron frequency. Subsequently, we turn our attention to the construction of an ensemble of these spinless particles in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Then, we study the thermodynamic properties of the model. Finally, we show how Shannon's entropy and thermodynamic properties are modified with the action of the magnetic field.