bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multistage carbon dioxide compressor efficiency enhancement using waste heat powered absorption chillers
Authors: Ul Haq Sheikh Ehsan , Uddin Fahim , Taqvi Syed Ali Ammar , Naqvi Muhammad , Naqvi Salman Raza
Published: May 2021

The performance of a multistage centrifugal compressor is highly influenced by the ambient conditions, especially during the summer seasons; their capacity shrinks and thus the power requirement for compression will increase. The prime cause of these constraints is the interstage cooling limitations. This study simulates various suction conditions of a multistage compressor on Aspen HYSYS® and suggests its debottlenecking by making the suction temperatures comparable to winter seasons. This is achieved by installing an additional exchanger at the downstream of each interstage cooler, cooling down the gas further by using absorption refrigeration chillers. These chillers are powered up by the waste heat recovered from the exhaust steam coming from the prime mover, steam turbine, of the same compressor. This modification will save a considerable amount of power (663 kW), net savings (Gross Savings – OPEX: 72 289 $/y), and reduce the carbon footprint (954 ton/y) of the overall process.
Reducing post‐harvest losses and improving quality in sweet corn (Zea mays L.): challenges and solutions for less food waste and improved food security
Authors: Becerra‐Sanchez Felipe , Taylor Gail
Published: May 2021

Demand for fresh‐cut fruit and vegetables is increasing, in the face of global population growth and new interest in plant‐based diets. At the same time, year‐round supply across the world of popular vegetables means that post‐harvest losses, which can be significant, need to be minimized in the face of complex global supply chains and markets. Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) is harvested before physiological maturity when the kernel has high water and sugar concentrations making it a very perishable fresh produce and effective post‐harvest handling essential to reduce losses and ensure quality. Taste, aroma and colour are the main customer‐appreciated characteristics, hence the most important to preserve. Among the sweet corn post‐harvest disorders, loss of sweetness, dehydration, fungal growth and post‐cooking browning are the biggest issues impacting sweet corn quality, leading to post‐harvest losses. The critical factor driving these losses in sweet corn is temperature. Sweet corn is not a chilling sensitive product and has high sugar content. For this reason, temperatures as close as 0°C and the appropriate use of packaging films to create an altered gas composition with high CO2 and low O2 concentrations can significantly prevent post‐harvest decay. The use of low temperatures and effective choice of appropriate packaging films can control sweet corn respiration rates and prevent microorganism growth, subsequently delaying quality loss. This comprehensive review assembles a description of the most customer‐appreciated sweet corn characteristics. And it describes the major sweet corn post‐harvest challenges and provides a summary of four approaches to improve post‐harvest quality in this popular fresh‐cut vegetable.
Forecasting regular and extreme gold price volatility: The roles of asymmetry, extreme event, and jump
Authors: Li Xiafei , Li Dongxin , Zhang Xuhui , Wei Guiwu , Bai Lan , Wei Yu
Published: May 2021

Gold as a vital hedging asset plays increasing critical roles in risk management during turmoil macroeconomic environments. For the massive and indistinct impactors of gold price volatility, this paper tries to investigate whether the short‐ and long‐term asymmetry, extreme observations, and jump components in past gold volatility help to obtain higher forecasting accuracy in future volatility from both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample perspectives. A variety of evaluation methods are utilized to compare the performances of GARCH‐MIDAS models incorporating these volatility components and the standard ones without them. The results of in‐sample estimation show first that all the short‐term and long‐term asymmetry, extreme observations, and jump components have significantly impact on gold volatility. The evaluation results of out‐of‐sample forecasts suggest that the forecasting accuracy of gold volatility can be significantly improved by most of the extended GARCH‐MIDAS models including asymmetry, extreme observations, and jump components. The model including short‐term jump intensity and the model with both long‐term asymmetry and long‐term leverage effects have better forecasting performances than other models for gold volatility, especially for regular volatility. Moreover, GARCH‐MIDAS models incorporating long‐term leverage and long‐term jump have better performances in forecasting accuracy of extreme gold volatility.
Application of ε‐polylysine in extending the storage period of pork jerky
Authors: Zhang Yizhuo , Zhao Changqing , Zhao Xingxiu , He Yiguo
Published: May 2021

In this experiment, natural nontoxic preservative ε‐polylysine (ε‐PL) was used as a natural preservative in pork jerky. The pork jerky samples with ε‐PL (experimental group) and without ε‐PL (blank group) were stored at the 27 and 37℃. Then, the number of microorganisms, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), pH, and water activity (Aw) of each group were tested to test the antiseptic effect of ε‐PL. The results showed that due to the Staphylococcus aureus was detected, the storage period of the blank group at 27 and 37°C was 15 and 9 days, respectively. However, Coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Shigella were not detected in the experimental group on the 60th day. The experimental group all accord with the national standard for the quantity of microorganisms in meat jerky. The TVB‐N content of the blank group reached 14.00 mg/100 g (15th day, 27°C) and 14.93 mg/100 g (9th day, 37°C) at the end of the storage period, while the TVB‐N content of the experimental group was 11.20 mg/100 g (60th day, 27℃) and 15.86 mg/100 g (60th day, 37℃), and the increase rate of TVB‐N in the blank group was greater than the experimental group, indicating that ε‐PL can play a better microbial stabilization effect in pork jerky. The test of pH and Aw showed that ε‐PL can stabilize the quality of pork jerky. Finally, the antiseptic effect of ε‐PL was comparable to many chemical preservatives. This experiment confirms that ε‐PL played an important role in extending the storage period of pork jerky.
Comparison of the composition and function of the gut microbiome in herdsmen from two pasture regions, Hongyuan and Xilingol
Authors: Yang Chengcong , Peng Chuantao , Jin Hao , You Lijun , Wang Jiao , Xu Haiyan , Sun Zhihong
Published: May 2021

There is a close relationship between the gut microbiome and health in humans including regulation of immunity and energy metabolism. This study investigated differences in the gut microbiome of herdsmen from two regions: Hongyuan pasture in Sichuan and Xilingol pasture in Inner Mongolia. We found significant differences in the gut microbiome between the two groups. The main discriminatory species between the two groups were Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens, Prevotella stercorea, Prevotella copri, Eubacterium biforme, and Fusobacterium prausnitzii. The abundances of Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium breve were significantly lower in the gut microbiomes of Hongyuan herdsmen than in the gut microbiomes of Xilingol herdsmen. Functional metagenomic analysis showed that more genes were enriched in glycoside hydrolase and transposase in the gut microbiome of Hongyuan herdsmen compared with Xilingol herdsmen, suggesting a higher energy demand in the gut microbiome of Hongyuan herdsmen. Significantly more genes associated with glycolysis, starch degradation, and sucrose degradation were also found in the gut microbiome of Hong yuan herdsmen compared with Xilingol herdsmen. These results indicate that herdsmen from different pastoral regions had distinct gut microbiome composition and functions.
Kelly trading and option pricing
Authors: Bermin Hans‐Peter , Holm Magnus
Published: May 2021

In this paper we show that a Kelly trader is indifferent to trade a derivative if and only if the no‐arbitrage price is uniquely given by the minimal martingale measure price, thus providing a natural selection mechanism for option pricing in incomplete markets. We also show that the unique Kelly indifference price results in market equilibrium in the sense that no Kelly trader can improve the magnitude of his instantaneous Sharpe ratio, by trading the derivative, given the actions of the other market participants.
Frailty and Sarcopenia in Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Puchades Renau Lorena , Herreras López Julia , Cebrià i Iranzo Maria Àngels , Cezón Serrano Natalia , Di Maira Tommaso , Berenguer Marina
Published: May 2021

In patients with cirrhosis, sarcopenia is a critical reduction in skeletal muscle mass and frailty represents a status of global physical dysfunction caused by under nutrition, muscle wasting, and functional impairment. Both are prevalent conditions in liver transplant candidates and have shown to be independent predictors of adverse outcome. Evidence supports their incorporation into clinical practice both as a prognostic factor guiding clinical decision making and as a tool to identify candidates for physical and nutritional interventions. The wide heterogeneity of instruments used for sarcopenia and frailty measurement, the absence of a single suitable instrument for sarcopenia and frailty assessment in the outpatient versus inpatient acute‐on‐chronic clinical scenario, and the lack of strong evidence showing a beneficial effect of sarcopenia and frailty improvement on outcomes before and after transplantation are some of the questions that remain unanswered.
Point‐of‐Care Assessment of DCD Livers During Normothermic Machine Perfusion in a Nonhuman Primate Model
Authors: Kesseli Samuel J. , Gloria Jared N. , Abraham Nader , Halpern Samantha E. , Cywinska Greta N. , Zhang Min , Moris Dimitrios , Schmitz Robin , Shaw Brian I. , Fitch Zachary W. , Song Mingqing , Guy Cynthia D. , Hartwig Mathew G , Knechtle Stuart , Barbas Andrew S.
Published: May 2021

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) provides clinicians an opportunity to assess marginal livers before transplantation. However, objective criteria and point‐of‐care (POC) biomarkers to predict risk and guide decision making are lacking. In this investigation, we characterized trends in POC biomarkers during NMP and compared primate donation after circulatory death (DCD) livers with short and prolonged warm ischemic injury. Following asystole, livers were subjected to either 5 minutes (DCD‐5min, n = 4) or 45 minutes (DCD‐45min, n = 4) of warm ischemia time. Livers were flushed with heparinized UW solution, and preserved in cold storage before NMP. During flow‐controlled NMP, circulating perfusate and tissue biopsies were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours for analysis. DCD‐45min livers had greater terminal portal vein pressure (8.5 vs. 13.3 mm Hg, P = 0.027) and terminal portal vein resistance (16.3 vs. 32.4 Wood units, P = 0.005). During perfusion, DCD‐45min livers had equivalent terminal lactate clearance (93% vs. 96%, P = 0.344), greater terminal alanine aminotransferase (163 vs. 883 U/L, P = 0.002), and greater terminal perfusate gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) (5.0 vs. 31.7 U/L, P = 0.002). DCD‐45min livers had higher circulating levels of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) at hours 2 and 4 of perfusion (136 vs. 250 ng/mL, P = 0.029; and 158 vs. 293 ng/mL, P = 0.003; respectively). DCD‐5min livers produced more bile and demonstrated progressive decline in bile lactate dehydrogenase, whereas DCD‐45min livers did not. On blinded histologic evaluation, DCD‐45min livers demonstrated greater injury and necrosis at late stages of perfusion, indicative of nonviability. Conclusion: Objective criteria are needed to define graft viability during NMP. Perfusate lactate clearance does not discriminate between viable and nonviable livers during NMP. Perfusate GGT and FMN may represent POC biomarkers predictive of liver injury during NMP.
ψ‐v Computation of steady‐state conjugate heat transfer in backward‐facing step flow
Authors: Dutta Sailen , Kumar Pankaj , Kalita Jiten C.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study steady‐state conjugate heat transfer over a backward‐facing step flow using a combination of a compact finite difference scheme for the ‐ form of the Navier–Stokes equations and a higher‐order compact scheme for the temperature equations on nonuniform grids. We investigate the effect of Reynolds number (), conductivity ratio (), Prandtl number (), and slab thickness () on the heat transfer characteristics. Isotherms remain clustered near the reattachment point in the fluid, while the temperature in the solid decreases vertically, with the minima at the reattachment point. Heat transfer rate (HTR) increases with Re, the maximum at the reattachment point. The HTR increases with till after, which it becomes invariant as . Isotherms at the inlet become more disorderly with increasing Pr, and progressively clustered near the interface, indicating an increase in HTR, while the temperature in the solid region decreases with Pr. Increasing b decreases the HTR. In addition to obtaining an excellent match with results previously reported in the literature, we offer more comprehensive and previously unreported insights on flow physics.
Pleomorphicskin eruptions in a COVID‐19 affected patient: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Scala Enrico , Fania Luca , Bernardini Filippo , Calarco Rodolfo , Chiloiro Sabrina , Di Campli Cristiana , Erculei Sabrina , Giani Mauro , Giordano Marzia , Panebianco Annarita , Passarelli Francesca , Trovè Andrea , Verkhovskaia Sofia , Russo Giandomenico , Sgadari Antonio , Didona Biagio , Abeni Damiano
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), during its course, may involve several organs, including the skin with a petechial skin rash, urticaria and erythematous rash, or varicella‐like eruption, representing an additional effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, as commonly observed in other viral diseases. Considering that symptomatic patients with COVID‐19 generally undergo multidrug treatments, the occurrence of a possible adverse drug reaction presenting with cutaneous manifestations should be contemplated. Pleomorphic skin eruptions occurred in a 59‐year‐old Caucasian woman, affected by a stable form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, treated with a combination of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, darunavir, ritonavir, sarilumb, omeprazole, ceftriaxone, high‐flow oxygen therapy devices, filgrastim (Zarzio®) as a single injection, and enoxaparin. The patient stopped all treatment but oxygen and enoxaparin were continued and the patient received a high‐dose Desametasone with complete remission of dermatological impairment in 10 days. It is very important to differentially diagnose COVID‐19 disease‐related cutaneous manifestations, where is justified to continue the multidrug antiviral treatment, from those caused by an adverse drug reaction, where it would be necessary to identify the possible culprit drug and to start appropriate antiallergic treatment.
Plasma levels of Th17‐associated cytokines and selenium status in autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Zake Tatjana , Kalere Ieva , Upmale‐Engela Sabine , Svirskis Simons , Gersone Gita , Skesters Andrejs , Groma Valerija , Konrade Ilze
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The contribution of Th17 cytokines to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is generally accepted. However, the roles of Th17 cells in the initiation and progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) remain unclear. Selenium deficiency, along with genetic predisposition and environmental factors, may have a role in thyroid autoimmunity.

Aim

We aimed to assess (1) the Th17 immune response by measuring plasma levels of Th17‐ and Treg‐associated cytokines and (2) the selenium status in treatment‐naïve Latvian patients with newly diagnosed GD or HT.

Methods

Eleven GD patients, 41 HT patients, and 26 healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Plasma levels of IL‐17a, IL‐22, IL‐23, IL‐6, and IL‐10 were detected by xMAP technology, while selenium was detected fluorometrically.

Results and Conclusions

No significant differences in IL‐17a, IL‐22, IL‐23, IL‐6, or IL‐10 levels were found among the HT patients, GD patients, and controls. In the HT patients, IL‐17a levels were positively correlated with IL‐22, IL‐23, IL‐6, and IL‐10, while IL‐22 was correlated with IL‐6, IL‐23, and IL‐10. In the GD patients, IL‐17a levels were positively correlated with IL‐22, IL‐23, and IL‐10; IL‐22 was positively correlated with IL‐23, IL‐6, and IL‐10; FT3 was positively correlated with IL‐17a, IL‐23, and IL‐10; and FT4 was positively correlated with IL‐17a and IL‐10 levels. Plasma selenium levels were negatively correlated with antithyroid peroxidase antibody titers in the HT patients. Although no difference in selenium levels was observed between the AITD patients and controls, the selenium status of the Latvian patients with GD or HT was at a suboptimal level.
Genomic analysis of host gene responses to cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Han , Zhang Hong‐Feng , Zhao Xiao‐Xiao , Lai Yong‐Ji , Liu Fang‐Fang
Published: May 2021

Introduction

A vaccine for malaria is urgently required but no vaccine has yet shown satisfactory protective efficacy especially for Plasmodium falciparum. P. falciparum infection can progress to cerebral malaria (CM), a neurological syndrome with exceedingly high mortality. Designing effective P. falciparum vaccines require more understanding of the protective immune response while the host immune response to CM and the mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we aim to identify host gene responses to CM and host gene networks associated with CM pathogenesis.

Methods

An innovative genomic analysis strategy, the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) combined with differential gene expression analysis, was used in this study. Data for analysis contain 93 whole blood samples, derived from two previous public transcriptome datasets.

Results

This approach led to the identification of numerous differentially expressed human transcripts and dozens of coexpression gene modules. We further identified nine key genes, including MBP, SAMSN1, PSMF1, SLC39A8, EIF3B, SMPDL3A, FABP5, SPSB3, and SHARPIN, of which the last four genes were first identified to be related to CM in the present study.

Conclusion

The results provided a comprehensive characterization of host gene expression profiles in CM and offered some new insight into malaria vaccine design. These identified key genes could be potential targets or immune modulators for novel therapeutic interventions of CM.
Baseline CD4 count and the time interval between the initial HIV infection and diagnosis among PLHIV in Bhutan
Authors: khandu Lekey , Dhakal Guru P. , Lhazeen Karma
Published: May 2021

Introduction

CD4 count is an important predictor of disease progression, opportunities infection, deaths, and to understand the time interval between initial HIV infection to the first diagnosis. However, baseline CD4 count and the time period between initial infection and the diagnosis amongst PLHIV in Bhutan never been evaluated.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of the diagnosed PLHIV from the existing data system from January 10 to 30, 2021. Out of 512 reported HIV cases, 488 of those who were more than or equal to 18 years old and had their CD4 count testing within 6 months before initiating ART were considered for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the characteristics of the study population and relationship were established using the χ
2 Test. We have sought ethics approval and waiver for informed consent as it is the retrospective study of the client's record. The client's confidentiality was ensured by removing all the identifiers.

Results

The mean CD4 was 345 cells/ml for males and females. Twenty‐five percent of the clients had CD4 counts below 200, 30%, between 200 and 349, 25% between 350 and 499, and 20% above 500 cells/ml. A larger number of males showed a CD4 count below 200 cells/ml while more females showed a CD4 count more than 500 cells/ml. The mean time interval between initial infection to the first diagnosis was 4 years in males and females. However, about one‐fourth were found to have been infected between 5 and 8 years before diagnosis and less than 10% were diagnosed within less than 1 year of infection.

Conclusions

The study revealed a late diagnosis of HIV infection in Bhutan thereby risking the transmission to the community and risk of severe disease and mortality. The upscaling of voluntary counseling and testing, medical screening, and alternative methods like community‐based testing including HIV Self Testing for early detection needs to be implemented in the country.
Penetrating penile injury due to the splintering of the floorboards in the gymnasium
Authors: Kaneko Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Akihiko , Yoshida Takahiro , Yanagida Kazuki , Yoshimura Itsuki , Hagiwara Kanade , Kimura Masaki , Yamada Yukio , Nakagawa Tohru
Published: May 2021

Introduction

We present the case of a patient with penetrating penile injury caused by splintering floorboards in a gymnasium.

Case presentation

A 24‐year‐old man was brought to the emergency department of our hospital because of an unintentional penetrating penile injury sustained while playing volleyball at a gymnasium. He dove into the wooden floor to fly‐receive the ball. When sliding with his abdomen on the floor, a wooden splinter from the floorboard stuck from the base of his penis to near the glans penis. The splinter was gently removed without bleeding under local anesthesia.

Conclusions

Splintering floorboards in gymnasiums can cause serious trauma, including penile injuries. Health‐care workers and users of public facilities, such as gymnasiums, should be aware of the accident risk associated with wooden floors.
Elimination of human cytomegalovirus DNA degradation in urine
Authors: Guo Xiaoyi , Wang Han , You Ruilan , Tang Jiabao , Wang Jin , Song Qiaoqiao , Huang Yue , Zhang Xuejie , Zhang Shiyin , Li Tingdong , Ge Shengxiang , Wu Ting , Zhang Jun , Xia Ningshao
Published: May 2021

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMVi) is an important cause of sensorineural hearing loss in newborns. Detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA in urine has been used to screen for cCMVi in newborns. However, the matrix effect of urine on HCMV DNA detection is unclear. To evaluate the matrix effect of urine on HCMV DNA detection and optimize the sample process strategy to eliminate or minimize the impact of urine on HCMV DNA detection, DNA in spiked samples was extracted using different DNA extraction methods, and urine samples that could inhibit HCMV DNA detection were mixed to evaluate the inhibitory substances, inhibitory mechanism, and elimination of the inhibitory effect. The optimal urine sample process strategy was evaluated using 42 adult female urine samples and 42 newborn urine samples spiked with HCMV. Some urine samples were found to inhibit HCMV DNA detection due to DNA degradation. The addition of ≥5 mM EDTA to the urine before extraction eliminated the inhibitory effect of urine and did not affect the detection results of urine exhibiting no inhibition. Of the 42 adult female and 42 newborn urine samples, four and two samples, respectively, could inhibit HCMV DNA detection. However, the inhibitory effects of these six urine samples were eliminated after the addition of EDTA. The collective results indicate that the addition of EDTA can completely eliminate the impact of inhibitors present in urine on HCMV DNA extraction and improve the detection of HCMV in urine.
Reversible switching of primary cells between normal and malignant state by oncogenic virus KSHV and CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated targeting of a major viral latent protein
Authors: Ju Enguo , Li Tingting , Ramos da Silva Suzane , Markazi Ashley , Gao Shou‐Jiang
Published: May 2021

Viral infection has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a plethora of human diseases. Although antiviral therapies effectively confront the viral spread and infection, how to completely eradicate the viral genome from infected cells remains a challenge. In this study, we demonstrated the reversible switching of primary cells between normal and malignant states by an oncogenic virus Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated targeting of a major viral latent protein. Primary cells can be transformed into malignant status by infection of KSHV, while elimination of the KSHV genome from latent KSHV‐infected cells reverses KSHV‐transformed primary cells back to a “normal state” by CRISPR/Cas‐mediated knockout of viral major latent gene LANA. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated efficient elimination of KSHV episome in KSHV‐associated primary effusion lymphoma cells resulting in the induction of apoptosis by liposome‐encapsulated CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes (Lipo/Cas9‐LANAsgRNA). Our work illustrates CRISPR/Cas as a promising technology for eliminating oncogenic viruses from persistently infected cells by taking advantage of the genetic differences between viral and cellular genomes. Compared to traditional antiviral therapy, our study offer an approach for antagonizing human oncogenic virus‐related cancers by directly targeting as well as clearing viral genomes.
The association between short‐term exposure to air pollutants and rotavirus infection in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Yan Li , Chen Xing , Zhang Chi
Published: May 2021

Background

The impact of various meteorological factors on rotavirus (RV) infection has been previously studied; however, few studies have explored the association between short‐term exposure to air pollutants and RV infection.

Methods

Daily RV positive cases among children aged 0–6 years were collected from July 2014 to August 2019 in Tongji hospital (Wuhan, China). Daily data on air temperature and air pollutants were obtained from the China Meteorological Network. A distributed lag model to explore the lagged effects of short‐term exposure to air pollutants and RV infection was performed. The distribution lag model was used to study the lag effect of short‐term exposure to air pollutants and RV infection.

Results

RV infection was negatively correlated with mean air temperature and O3 concentration. The RV infection risk decreased by 5.2% and 0.47% for every 1℃ increase in average temperature and 1 ug/m3 increase in O3 concentration, respectively. Increased PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 concentrations were independent risk factors for an increase in positive rates; their relative risk values were 1.0014 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0013–1.0015), 1.0050 (95% CI, 1.0047–1.0053), and 1.0030 (95% CI, 1.0028–1.0032), respectively. The highest RV‐positive rates were from January to March and November to December. Additionally, children <18 months of age and boys were more vulnerable to infection.

Conclusions

Air pollutants were important factors impacting the RV‐positivity of children in Wuhan. These findings may help develop an early environment‐based warning system to prevent and control RV infection.
Determinants of IgG antibodies kinetics after severe and critical COVID‐19
Authors: De Greef Julien , Scohy Anaïs , Zech Francis , Aboubakar Frank , Pilette Charles , Gerard Ludovic , Pothen Lucie , Yildiz Halil , Belkhir Leïla , Yombi Jean Cyr
Published: May 2021

The kinetics of IgG antibodies after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) remain poorly understood. We investigated factors influencing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) IgG antibody levels and time to seronegativation during the follow‐up of severe and critically ill patients. We retrospectively reviewed serological evaluations drawn during the follow‐up of severe or critical laboratory‐proven COVID‐19 patients hospitalized at a large academic hospital. Specific IgG titers were measured using a chemiluminescent assay targeting anti‐spike and anti‐nucleocapsid protein IgG. The influence of time, demographic factors, clinical and paraclinical characteristics, and COVID‐19 therapeutics on IgG levels were assessed through linear regression using a mixed‐effect model, and delay until IgG negativation through a Weibull regression model. The cohort included 116 patients with a total of 154 IgG measurements drawn at a median of 79 days after diagnosis. IgG antibodies were increased with age (p = 0.005) and decreased significantly over time (p = 0.0002). Using elapsed time and age as covariates, we demonstrated higher IgG levels in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.0026) and lower IgG levels in immunocompromised patients (p = 0.032). A high BMI was further found to delay and immunodeficiency to hasten significantly seronegativation, whereas no significant effect was observed with corticosteroids. These data highlight the waning over time of IgG antibodies after severe or critical COVID‐19. Age, BMI, and immunosuppression also appear to influence the IgG kinetics, while short‐term corticotherapy does not. Those data improve the understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2 serology while further research should determine the determinants of long‐term seroprotection.
What Survivorship Means to Liver Transplant Recipients: Qualitative Groundwork for a Survivorship Conceptual Model
Authors: Lieber Sarah R. , Kim Hannah P. , Baldelli Luke , Nash Rebekah , Teal Randall , Magee Gabrielle , Loiselle Marci M. , Desai Chirag S. , Lee Simon C. , Singal Amit G. , Marrero Jorge A. , Barritt A. Sidney , Evon Donna M.
Published: May 2021

Survivorship is a well‐established concept in the cancer care continuum with a focus on disease recurrence, quality of life, and the minimization of competing risks for mortality; however, survivorship has not been well studied in liver transplantation (LT). We investigated what survivorship means to LT patients and identified motivations and coping strategies for overcoming challenges after LT. A total of 20 in‐depth home interviews were conducted among adults 3 to 6 months after LT. Interviews were conducted by trained qualitative research experts and coded and analyzed using an inductive approach. A majority of LT recipients (75%) identified themselves as survivors. Integral to the definition of survivorship was overcoming hardship (including experiences on the waiting list) and the unique experience of being given a “second chance” at life. Motivations to survive included a new chance at life (55%), family (40%), spirituality/faith (30%), and fear of rejection (15%). LT recipients and caregivers identified multiple strategies to cope with post‐LT challenges, including relying on a large network of community, spiritual, and virtual support. These findings informed a conceptual model of LT survivorship based on socioecological theory, which identified the following variables influencing survivorship: (1) pretransplant experiences, (2) individual attributes and challenges, (3) interpersonal relationships with caregivers and other social support, (4) community relationships, and (5) large‐scale factors including neighborhood and financial issues. LT recipients identified themselves as survivors, and post‐LT identities were greatly influenced by pre‐LT experiences. These perspectives informed an in‐depth conceptual model of survivorship after transplantation. We identified sources of motivation and coping strategies used in LT recovery that could be targets of survivorship interventions aimed at improving post‐LT outcomes.
Germline and somatic mutations in the pathology of pineal cyst: A whole‐exome sequencing study of 93 individuals
Authors: Yan Yuanqing , Martinez Rebecca , Rasheed Maria N. , Cahal Joshua , Xu Zhen , Rui Yanning , Qualmann Krista J. , Hagan John P. , Kim Dong H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Pineal cyst is a benign lesion commonly occurring in people of any age. Until now, the underlying molecular alterations have not been explored.

Methods

We performed whole exome sequencing of 93 germline samples and 21 pineal cyst tissue samples to illustrate its genetic architecture and somatic mutations. The dominant and recessive inheritance modes were considered, and a probability was calculated to evaluate the significance of variant overrepresentation.

Results

By analyzing pineal cyst as a Mendelian disease with a dominant inheritance pattern, we identified 42,325 rare germline variants, and NM_001004711.1:c.476A>G was highly enriched (FDR<0.2). By analyzing it as a recessive disorder, we identified 753 homozygous rare variants detected in at least one pineal cyst sample each. One STIM2 rare variant, NM_001169117.1:c.1652C>T, was overrepresented (FDR<0.05). Analyzing at a gene‐based level, we identified a list of the most commonlymutated germline genes, including POP4, GNGT2 and TMEM254. A somatic mutation analysis of 21 samples identified 16 variants in 15 genes, which mainly participated in the biological processes of gene expression and epigenetic regulation, immune response modulation, and transferase activity.

Conclusion

These molecular profiles are novel for this condition and provide data for investigators interested in pineal cysts.
Hydrodistention does not alter bladder gene expression profiles in patients with non‐Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Xu Raymond , Schachar Jeffrey , Evans Robert J. , Matthews Catherine A. , Badlani Gopal , Walker Stephen J.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Gene expression profiling of bladder biopsies in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), typically obtained following therapeutic bladder hydrodistention (HOD), is used to improve our understanding of molecular phenotypes. The objective of this study was to determine if the HOD procedure itself impacts the biopsy gene expression profile and, by extension, whether biopsies from non‐HOD bladders are appropriate controls.

Methods

Bladder biopsies were obtained just before HOD and immediately following HOD from 10 consecutively recruited IC/BPS patients undergoing therapeutic HOD. Biopsies were also obtained from four non‐IC/BPS patients who did not undergo HOD (controls). Total RNA was isolated from each of the 24 samples and used to query whole‐genome microarrays. Differential gene expression analysis was performed to compare expression profiles of IC/BPS biopsies before and after HOD, and between IC/BPS and control biopsies.

Results

Principal component analysis revealed complete separation between gene expression profiles from IC/BPS and control samples (q ≤ 0.05) and while IC/BPS samples before and after HOD showed no significant differences in expressed genes, 68 transcripts were found to be significantly different between IC/BPS and control samples (q ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The bladder HOD procedure itself does not significantly change gene expression within the IC/BPS patient bladder, a finding that provides evidence to support the use of biopsies from non‐IC/BPS patients that have not undergone HOD as controls for gene expression studies.
A qualitative study on shared decision‐making of patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ho Ya‐Fang , Chen Yu‐Chi , Li I‐Chuan
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study aims to explore the change process among chronic kidney disease patients in shared decision‐making.

Design

Qualitative research is the design applied.

Method

Original transcripts from an earlier study involving a purposive sample of 31 patients with chronic kidney disease provided a source of information. The data collection was conducted from August 2017–January 2018. Data analysis applied the thematic analysis method.

Results

Three themes were identified: from avoidance to being forced to accept, decision‐making process of action and facilitating factors. After making the psychological adjustments necessary for undergoing dialysis treatment, participants experience the process of decision‐making action. The improvement of knowledge and ability increases the patient's self‐determination consciousness and strengthens confidence in decision‐making. The nurse and the patient's family are both important facilitating factors, and they assist through the entire SDM process.
Lost in Transition? Thoughts on Retirement, Part 2. “Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?”
Authors: Beltran-Bless Ana-Alicia , Vandermeer Brent , Paterson Alexander , Gunstone Ian , Kaizer Leonard , Arnaout Angel , Vandermeer Lisa , Clemons Mark
Published: May 2021

Although it is accepted that oncologists should plan for a future beyond full-time oncology, there is little practical guidance for a successful transition into retirement. Previously, we provided strategies for various aspects of retirement planning. However, this became significantly more complicated as we face newer issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the move to virtual patient care, greater awareness of burnout, and the increasing burden of regulatory issues such as the electronic medical record. It is evident that more prospective information is needed to guide oncologists in planning their retirement.
Synthesis of Tetra‐Substituted Trifluoromethyl‐3,1‐Benzoxazines by Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Cyclization of N‐Benzoyl Benzoxazinones
Authors: Uno Hiroto , Fujimoto Daichi , Harada Kyosuke , Tanaka Chika , Shibata Norio
Published: May 2021

Invited for this month's cover are the group of Norio Shibata at Nagoya Institute of Technology (Japan). The cover picture is inspired by the diversity in the ocean also in cyberspace. In the present research, we can synthesize diverse heterocyclic molecules having a trifluoromethyl group in a single step by changing the N‐substitution. You can see more variations of trifluoromethyl heterocycles in several papers by our group. Read the full text of their Communication at 10.1002/open.202000360.
Aerosol‐Wolken‐Wechselwirkungen im Klimasystem
Authors: Hoffmann Fabian , Glassmeier Franziska
Published: May 2021

Anthropogene Aerosole kühlen unser Klima, insbesondere durch ihre Wechselwirkungen mit Wolken. Die Kühlwirkung könnte jedoch schwächer ausfallen als bisher gedacht, weil sie über die Lebensdauer einer Wolke hinweg abnimmt.
Intestinal smooth muscle aberrations in pancreatic cancer patients with sarcopenia
Authors: Vaes Rianne D.W. , Welbers Tessa T.J. , van Dijk David P.J. , Rennspiess Dorit , zur Hausen Axel , Damink Steven W.M. Olde , Rensen Sander S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Cancer cachexia is characterized by impaired function of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Smooth muscle is abundantly present in the body and critical for the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Given the frequently reported gastrointestinal symptoms in cancer patients, we hypothesized that the smooth musculature could be compromised in cancer patients with sarcopenia.

Methods

Full‐thickness jejunal tissue sections from 57 pancreatic cancer patients were analysed by picrosirius red stains and immunohistochemistry for α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), smoothelin, and CD117 (c‐kit). Muscle wall thickness, contractile marker expression, and collagen deposition were quantified. Patients were assigned to a sarcopenia or non‐sarcopenia group based on their skeletal muscle index.

Results

Intestinal smooth muscle wall thickness did not differ between the sarcopenia and non‐sarcopenia group (1,661 ± 125.0 vs. 1,439 ± 93.5 μm, P = 0.41). Whereas α‐SMA staining intensity was similar in both groups, staining intensity of smoothelin, a key marker of the contractile smooth muscle cell phenotype, was reduced (143.0 ± 22.6 vs. 125.4 ± 29.3 arbitrary units, P = 0.02) in sarcopenic patients. The distribution of CD117+ interstitial cells of Cajal was similar in both groups, but pronounced collagen deposition around the myenteric plexus was more often observed in patients with sarcopenia (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

These data suggest that cancer cachexia is not only associated with skeletal and cardiac muscle wasting, but also affects the intestinal smooth musculature. Reduced contractile smooth muscle marker expression and fibrosis around the myenteric plexus suggest that both contractile function of smooth muscle cells and regulation of their contractile functionality could be compromised.
Periodic event‐triggered control with multisource disturbances and quantized states
Authors: Zhao Mingyuan , Zheng Shiqi , Ahn Choon Ki , Zong Xiaofeng , Zhang Chuan‐Ke
Published: May 2021

This study investigates periodic event‐triggered (PET) output‐feedback control method for nonlinear systems with quantized states and multisource disturbances. Based on a PET extended state observer, a novel PET composite control method is proposed. It not only can deal with the deterministic and stochastic disturbances but also can handle the quantization in the data transmission process. A PET extended state observer is used to simultaneously estimate the states and the disturbances. Moreover, both the static and dynamic event‐triggered conditions are considered. Simulations and an experiment on a direct current brush motor are conducted to validate the proposed approach.
Using drones to reduce human disturbance while monitoring breeding status of an endangered raptor
Authors: Gallego Diego , Sarasola José H.
Published: May 2021

In birds, obtaining information related to nest occupancy, offspring status or breeding success is essential for population monitoring, particularly for species of conservation concern. Traditionally, nest monitoring demands a lot of time and effort in order to gather accurate information and avoiding nest disturbance. Instead, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, hereafter drones) present an alternative to traditional methods, but few studies have been done measuring their influence on birds’ behavior and reproductive success. We addressed the utility of drones equipped with an on‐board camera in examining nesting status of the endangered Chaco Eagle Buteogallus coronatus in semiarid environments of central Argentina, as well as the degree of disturbance of drone flights to individuals. We performed 76 drone flights at 41 Chaco Eagle nests registering flight duration, tree height, nest relative height and pilot proximity to nest. Of those, 38 flights were done over occupied nests where we recorded adult behavior. Before drone took off, most adult eagles remained in the nests or in the surroundings (<100 m away), particularly during the incubation period and in tall trees. During drone flights, only one adult flew as a response to drone flights. The rest of them remained vigilant or emitted alarm calls while incubating or perched on the nest platform. No attack toward drones was registered. The use of drones for monitoring Chaco Eagle’s nests significantly reduced levels of disturbance when compared with traditional methods where all adults flew away during climbing. Additionally, this method was almost three times faster in comparison to traditional climbing (performed at the end of the reproductive season) and had no negative effects on reproductive success of Chaco Eagles. Although responses to drones could be species‐specific, our results encourage researchers to consider and test the use of drones as a less disturbing and rapid method to monitor breeding raptor populations.
Psychosocial Aspects of Obesity in Adults with Psoriasis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pavlova N.T. , Kioskli K. , Smith C. , Picariello F. , Rayner L. , Moss-Morris R.
Published: May 2021

Background

Excess weight is a common (30%–40%) multifactorial concern that remains understudied in adults with psoriasis.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence on the psychosocial factors associated with body weight in psoriasis and to use these findings to inform clinical practice. The review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020201138).

Methods

Electronic databases, related reviews and associated reference lists were searched. Observational and experimental studies reporting on the relationship of psychosocial factors to weight-related outcomes in adults with body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 and psoriasis were eligible. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).

Results

Eighteen studies were included in the review, the majority of which (n = 16) examined cross-sectional associations between psychosocial factors and weight outcomes. Although the strengths of the associations were heterogeneous, most studies confirmed the positive association between high BMI and increased reports of depression and anxiety, impaired quality of life, deteriorated sleep quality, sexual dysfunction, and daily functioning issues. Only four studies were rated as high quality.

Conclusions

The current evidence of the association between psychosocial factors and weight-related outcomes is largely cross-sectional with unclear directionality of causality. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine the replicability and generalisability of the examined obesity-related psychosocial factors in psoriasis. Theoretical exploration of subgroup differences and similarities may pave the way towards intervention personalisation, and ultimately, improved patient outcomes.
Extraction Behavior of Germanium in Kelex 100 and LIX 63 Systems
Authors: Fleitlikh Isaac Yu. , Grigorieva Natalya A. , Logutenko Olga A.
Published: May 2021

In this study, 7‐(4‐ethyl‐1‐methyloctyl)‐8‐quinolinol (HL, Kelex 100) and 5,8‐diethyl‐7‐hydroxydodecane‐6‐oxime (LIX 63, HA) were employed to recover Ge(IV) from sulfuric acid solutions in the presence of singly charged inorganic anions. Under comparable conditions, the germanium extraction efficiency was in the order Cl−<NO3−<I−<<CNS−. In the presence of thiocyanate ion, the germanium complexes extracted by Kelex 100 and LIX 63 were [GeL3]+[CNS]− and Ge(OH)2A(CNS) respectively. An increase in the pH values was shown to lead to a decrease in the extraction of Ge(IV) with HL from sulfate‐thiocyanate solutions. At pH values of ≥5.9, the degree of germanium recovery is <2.0 % which makes stripping with alkaline aqueous solutions possible. When adding bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)acid (HR, CYANEX 301) to the HL and HA mixture, a significant synergistic effect takes place. The composition of the extracted complex with Kelex 100 was found to be [GeL3]+[R−]. The use of extraction systems based on both Kelex 100 and LIX 63, and on their mixture with CYANEX 301 in the presence of thiocyanate ion is of undoubted practical interest for hydrometallurgical processes to recover germanium..
Synthesis and Application of Asymmetry Diphenylketone Photoinitiators
Authors: Zhao Ziren , Song Lu , Liu Feng , Zhang Bianxiang
Published: May 2021

In this study, a series of novel functionalized benzophenone derivatives were elaborately designed and efficiently synthesized with low‐cost raw materials through a simple esterification reaction of heteroatoms/heterocycles substituted hydroxybenzophenone with acyl chloride. The chemical structures of the compounds were carefully characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). All compounds exhibited a strong and broad UV‐visible light absorption spectrum in comparison with BP. Moreover, owing to the breaking symmetry and higher molecular weight, these compounds displayed efficient photoinitiating activity and low mobility and self‐quenching as free radical photoinitiators. The resulting films exhibited much better mechanical properties compared with commercially available BP and Irgacure 184, implying potential application in industrial UV curing.