bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclopentane peptide nucleic acid: Gold nanoparticle conjugates for the detection of nucleic acids in a microfluidic format
Authors: Amarasekara Harsha , Oshaben Kaylyn M. , Jeans Kendra B. , Rezvan Sangsari Paniz , Morgan Nicole Y. , O'Farrell Brian , Appella Daniel H.
Published: November 2021

Routine patient testing for viral infections is critical to identify infected individuals for treatment and to prevent spreading of infections to others. Developing robust and reliable diagnostic tools to detect nucleic acids of viruses at the point‐of‐care could greatly assist the clinical management of viral infections. The remarkable stability and high binding affinity of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to target nucleic acids could make PNA‐based biosensors an excellent starting point to develop new nucleic acid detection technologies. We report the application of cyclopentane‐modified PNAs to capture target nucleic acids in a microfluidic channel, and the use of bioorthogonal PNAs conjugated to gold nanoparticles as probes to semi‐quantitatively signal the presence of a target nucleic acid derived from HIV‐1. The basic results presented could be used to develop more advanced devices to detect nucleic acids from viruses such as HIV, SARS‐CoV‐2, and a wide range of other human diseases.
Coupling of cryptocurrency trading with the sustainable environmental goals: Is it on the cards?
Authors: Mustafa Fairouz , Lodh Suman , Nandy Monomita , Kumar Vikas
Published: November 2021

Following the systematic review and bibliometric analysis of current literature, this paper attempts to investigate whether the wealth generated through cryptocurrency trading can assist in attaining the United Nations' (UN) sustainable development goal (SDG) 7, affordable and clean energy and UN SDG 13 related to climate action. The critical analysis of literature indicates a growing interest in cryptocurrency, the UN's SDGs and the negative effect that crypto mining has on the use of enormous energy. However, there is a clear gap in the literature that focuses on the possibility of using the wealth generated through cryptocurrency trading in financing environmentally friendly projects and attaining the UN's SDG 7 and SDG 13. The findings and the future research direction of this study aim to firstly expand the academic literature related to SDG 7 and SDG 13 and secondly to examine the relationship between cryptocurrency and sustainability even during an uncertain period. This study provides evidence pertaining to the theoretical models that can be applied within discussion of the complex relationship between cryptocurrency, clean energy and climate action. Our findings will provide policymakers with information regarding actions that need to be taken in order to convert cryptocurrency generated wealth and consequently attaining sustainable socio‐economic goals in the future.
Analysis of risk factors and gene mutation characteristics of different metastatic sites of lung cancer
Authors: Wang Bin , Chen Shu , Xiao He , Zhang Jiao , Liang Dandan , Shan Jinlu , Zou Hua
Published: November 2021

Risk factors vary in terms of the pattern of lung cancer metastasis and specific metastatic organs. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical risk factors of tumor metastasis in lung cancer patients and used second‐generation gene sequencing to characterize relevant gene mutations. The risk factors of different metastatic sites of real‐world lung cancer were explored to find the differentially expressed genes and risk factors in different metastatic organs, which laid a foundation for further study on the metastasis patterns and mechanisms of lung cancer. The clinical risk factors of tumor metastasis in 137 lung cancer patients who attended our department from May 2017 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed and grouped based on bone metastasis, brain metastasis, other distant metastasis, and no metastasis. Single‐ or multi‐factor logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the effect of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio/platelet/lymphocyte ratio/lymphocyte to monocyte ratio on platelets (PLTs) and bone metastasis by combining PLT values, age, pathology type, gender, and smoking history. Based on the presence or absence of bone metastasis, distal metastasis, and PLT values of lung cancer, 39 tissue specimens of primary lung cancer were taken for 773 gene grouping and gene mutation characterization. The tumor mutation load, gene copy number instability, microsatellite instability, and tumor heterogeneity among different groups were analyzed. Age and PLT level were independent risk factors for bone metastasis and distal metastasis, but not for brain metastasis. The RB1 gene was mutated during bone metastasis, and tumor heterogeneity was less in the elevated PLT group. PLT values were an independent risk factor for distant metastases from lung cancer other than the brain. Age has a significant effect on bone metastasis formation. RB1 gene mutation was significantly associated with bone metastasis.
Comprehensive diagnostic catheterization in children with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries: A review of catheterization technique and anatomic nomenclature
Authors: Adamson Gregory T. , Peng Lynn F. , Perry Stanton B. , Hanley Frank L. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: November 2021

Achieving an optimal surgical result in patients with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) requires a thorough preoperative evaluation of the anatomy and physiology of the pulmonary circulation. This review provides a detailed description of diagnostic catheterization in patients with MAPCAs, including a summary of catheterization techniques, an overview of commonly used terms, and a review of MAPCA and pulmonary artery angiographic anatomy.
Chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis due to extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli infection: a case report
Authors: Shittu Saheed Akinola , Athar Sufia , Shaukat Adila , Alansari Lolwa
Published: November 2021

Chorioamnionitis is an acute inflammation of the membranes and chorion of the placenta typically due to ascending polymicrobial infection in the setting of membrane rupture. It is a common complication of pregnancy associated with significant maternal, perinatal, and long‐term adverse outcomes. We present a case of placental infection leading to preterm delivery, severe neonatal sepsis, maternal wound infection, postnatal readmission, and prolonged hospital stay. This virulent infection was caused by multidrug–resistant extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), which represent a major worldwide threat according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It was managed with appropriate antibiotic therapy, patient‐centered approach, and multidisciplinary team involvement that led to favourable maternal and neonatal outcome.
Bronchopleural fistula causing persistent pneumothorax in COVID‐19 pneumonia patient with no risk factors
Authors: Habib Mhd Baraa , Mohammad Obeidat Ibrahim , Ali Khaled , Abdelrazek Mohamed , Mohamed Mouhand F. H.
Published: November 2021

Although pneumothorax is a well‐known complication of COVID‐19 pneumonia especially in patients requiring mechanical ventilation, bronchopleural fistula causing persistent pneumothorax in sole COVID‐19 pneumonia is extremely rare. In this case, we illustrate that bronchopleural fistula can be found in COVID‐19 pneumonia, even with no risk factors nor mechanical ventilation administration.
Effect of the branching morphology of a cationic polymer flocculant synthesized by controlled reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization on the flocculation and dewatering of dilute mature fine tailings
Authors: Nguyen Benjamin , Soares João B. P.
Published: November 2021

One of the methods used to treat oil sands tailings is to add water‐soluble polymer flocculants to create large flocs that settle to the bottom of the ponds, allowing the supernatant water to be recovered and reused in the oil extraction process. However, a systematic study of how polymer branching affects flocculation has not yet been done to date. Poly((vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride) (PVB), a cationic and partially hydrophobic polymer, is the focus of this paper. Its positive charges make it adsorb strongly on the negatively charged clay particles, and its partial hydrophobicity produces flocs that retain less water. We synthesized PVB in linear, 3‐arm star, and 4‐arm star configurations using activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. The 3‐arm star polymer outperformed its linear counterpart at every dosage in the initial settling rate tests, while the 4‐arm star polymer performed well only at high dosages. All polymers had similar dewatering performances.
Highly Stereoselective C‐Glycosylation by Photocatalytic Decarboxylative Alkynylation on Anomeric Position: A Facile Access to Alkynyl C‐Glycosides
Authors: Lu KaiLin , Ma Yingying , Liu Shihui , Guo Shixun , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

The highly stereoselective synthesis of diverse medicinally valuable alkynyl C‐glycosides under mild and green reaction conditions remains a great challenge. Herein, we wish to report a visible‐light induced photocatalytic decarboxylative alkynylation approach. By utilizing an iridium photocatalyst in the presence of visible light, glycosyl radicals are in‐situ generated via the decarboxylation of anomeric acids and efficiently coupled with a variety of ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs), which allows the facile synthesis of a variety of alkynyl C‐glycosides in moderate to high yields and with excellent diastereoselectivity.
Functional Hyperbranched Polythioamides Synthesized from Catalyst‐free Multicomponent Polymerization of Elemental Sulfur†
Authors: Liu Shangrun , Li Fengting , Cao Wenxia , Hu Rongrong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Hyperbranched polymers with unique topological structures, large number of branching sites and terminal groups have attracted much attention, and are expected to possess advanced functionalities compared with their linear polymer counterparts. The development of hyperbranched polymers is hence highly desired but challenging, especially for sulfur‐containing polymers which are attractive metal absorbents, optical materials, dielectric materials, and self‐healing materials. In this work, six hyperbranched polythioamides with various topological structures, well‐defined repeating units, satisfying yields (up to 99%), and high molecular weights (up to 101400 g/mol) were successfully designed and synthesized from the catalyst‐free multicomponent polymerization of elemental sulfur, aromatic alkynes and aliphatic amines, through different monomer combination strategies based on the designed three‐ or four‐functional alkyne and amine monomers. The hyperbranched polythioamides possess unique luminescence property, and strong affinity toward Hg2+, which can be utilized in the fluorescence detection of Hg2+, as well as mercury removal from aqueous solutions with high efficiency of 99.99% and low mercury residue of 0.1 ppb. Hyperbranched polythioamides with unique structures may be developed to a group of fascinating materials and find their potential applications as metal absorbents and optoelectronic materials.
Visually Intracellular Detection of Telomerase Activity Based onDNAStrand Displacement Reaction and Gold Nanoparticle Labeling
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Yan Shen , Chen Zhaoxin , Jiang Xin , Rao Shuang , Jiang Zhuoran , Qin Shanshan , Zhou Xiang , Du Yuhao
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Telomerase, which is regarded as a common biomarker for early cancer diagnostics and a potential target for clinical therapies, has attracted considerable interests concerning its detection and monitoring. Herein, we propose a sensitive method by designing a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) probe for visually intracellular detection of telomerase activity. The AuNPs were functionalized with a telomerase substrate primer (SH‐prime). A 6‐carboxy‐fluorescein (FAM) modified strand (FAM‐probe) was attached to the surface of AuNP through its complementary stand (SH‐attach).In the absence of telomerase, the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from FAM to AuNPs results in efficient fluorescence quenching. In the presence of telomerase, SH‐primers on AuNPs were extended with the repeat units (TTAGGG)n. The extension sequence triggered the strand displacement of FAM‐probe to restore the fluorescence signals. It is worth mentioning that the proposed strategy does not need to design complex hairpin structure and allows the measurement of telomerase in crude cell extracts down to 0.5 HeLa cells/μL in 2 h. In addition, the present sensing platform can be applied to the visually intracellular detection of telomerase activity in living cells.
Discovery of a Potent Botulinum Neurotoxin A Inhibitor ZM299 with Effective Protections in Botulism Mice
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Wu Yuelin , Luo Deyan , Zhuang Chunlin , Ning Nianzhi , Zhang Yanming , He Zhili , Gao Jie , Hong Zhanying , Xv Xiguo , Zhang Wannian , Li Tao , Miao Zhenyuan , Wang Hui
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Botulinum neurotoxins serotype A (BoNT/A) is the deadliest toxins known to humans and the "Category A" agent for bioterrorism. Over the past 20 years, significant efforts have been put forth to develop effective inhibitors of BoNT/A. Unfortunately, few identified inhibitors possess noteworthy efficacy against BoNT/A in vivo. Here, we performed a high‐throughput virtual screening based on the structure‐based docking simulations and found a novel potent scaffold 2‐thionicotinate that inhibits the BoNT/A light chain (LC). We then synthesized and optimized a novel series of 2‐thionicotinate derivatives and comprehensively evaluated their activity against BoNT/A in vitro and in vivo. An optimized compound ZM299 effectively exhibits anti‐BoNT/A activity in primary neurons and displayed remarkably therapeutic efficacy against BoNT/A in vivo, which could raise the survival rate of intoxicated mice to 100% (12/12) after lethal doses of BoNT/A exposures. These findings demonstrate that 2‐thionicotinates is a promising scaffold for producing more effective anti‐BoNT/A analogs, and compound ZM299 is worthy of further preclinical evaluation as a drug candidate for the treatment of botulism.
Diagnostic sensitivity and risk of malignancy for bile duct brushings categorized by the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytopathology
Authors: Layfield Lester J. , Zhang Tao , Esebua Magda
Published: November 2021

Background

The Papanicolaou Society of cytopathology developed a six‐category system for pancreaticobiliary cytology specimens. Each category is associated with a definition, diagnostic criteria, estimated risk of malignancy and management recommendations. Risks of malignancy are well defined for specimens obtained by fine‐needle aspiration but are less well defined for brushing specimens.

Methods

Diagnoses of 232 brushing specimens of the pancreatic and bile ducts were correlated with diagnoses from subsequent surgical or cytologic specimens. Sensitivity for the brushing technique was calculated. Risk of malignancy was calculated for each category using the original definitions for nondiagnostic and negative categories and for those of a modified system.

Results

Diagnostic sensitivity was 60%–64%. Risk of malignancy for the nondiagnostic, negative, atypical, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant categories was 28%, 28%, 61%, 91%, and 91%, respectively, when the original category definitions were used.

Conclusions

Diagnostic sensitivity for duct brushings is low in comparison to fine‐needle aspiration. Risk of malignancy is comparable to that of needle aspiration for the negative, atypical and suspicious categories but lower for the malignant category. There is a stepwise increase in malignancy risk as one moves from the negative to the atypical to the suspicious for malignancy categories.
Atypia in pulmonary cytology: Morphologic spectrum and causes
Authors: Layfield Lester J. , Baloch Zubair
Published: November 2021

Background

The term “atypical” has had a long history of usage in cytology but has had variable definitions and usage. Most commonly the term was used to indicate a degree of cytomorphologic abnormality greater than that clearly due to reactive or reparative changes but not associated with a high concern on the part of the cytopathologist that a malignancy is present. The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System for Reporting Respiratory Cytology provided a foundation for using the category “Atypical” along with the category “Suspicious for Malignancy” to categorize the spectrum of morphologic changes ranging from those which are clearly benign to those that are clearly malignant. The two intermediate categories of “Atypical” and “Suspicious for Malignancy” have characteristic recommendations resulting in clinical utility for both categories.

Conclusion

The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System for Reporting Respiratory Cytology represents a useful system with defined intermediate categories of Atypical and Suspicious for Malignancy.
Three‐dimensional visualization of secondary neurulation in chick embryos using microCT
Authors: Choi Sejin , Kim Kyung Hyun , Kim Seung‐Ki , Wang Kyu‐Chang , Lee Ji Yeoun
Published: November 2021

Background

Defects in secondary neurulation play an important role in neural tube defects. Researchers have investigated the processes of secondary neurulation and caudal body formation mainly by microscopic observations and molecular experiments. Although conventional histology is a powerful tool for observing the details of morphology, it has limitations in the presentation of gross three‐dimensional (3D) configurations of small embryos. The goal of this study was to visualize secondary neurulation and related structures in chick embryos in Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) stages 10–22 using microCT.

Results

The gross morphology of the chick embryo of various developmental stages was well visualized using microCT. Also, the detailed structures of the caudal cell mass (CCM) were presented starting from HH stage 12 to stage 16. The spatiotemporal relationship of CCM with the floor plate of the neural tube and notochord was shown. The dynamic changes of the chordoneural hinge, the cavitation of the secondary neural tube, and the primitive streak were described throughout the early stages of secondary neurulation.

Conclusions

By utilizing the advantages of the microCT technique, our study shed light on the secondary neurulation in early‐stage chick embryos and this can be the 3D reference for related structures.
Linking population dynamics models with empirically derived models through phytoplankton primary production
Authors: Genkai‐Kato Motomi
Published: November 2021

There are alternative methods for estimation of phytoplankton primary production (PP) that are fundamentally different in the calculation approach. The process‐oriented PP model is a mechanistic, empirically derived method based on the photosynthesis–light relationships. The population dynamics‐based PP calculation, which is a synthetic method, provides a production estimate based on population dynamics of phytoplankton. These alternative methods were here compared with regard to production estimates and linked to enhance the performance of the existing models of population dynamics applied to a wide variety of lakes worldwide in terms of morphometry, nutrient status, and light environments. Estimates of PP were shown to be sensitive to changes in phytoplankton sinking and zooplankton grazing rates in both methods. Production estimates in the process‐oriented PP model were also sensitive to light‐associated parameters such as day length. Although the production estimated from the population dynamics‐based PP calculation tended to be lower than that from the process‐oriented PP model irrespective of lake morphometry, production estimates calculated from both methods with standard parameterization were comparable when production was estimated on an annual timescale. However, it was also shown that the alternative methods could produce different production estimates when estimated on shorter timescales such as cyanobacterial blooms in summer. Cyanobacteria with low mortality due to grazing and sinking losses have been considered as trophic bottlenecks, but there is increasing evidence that their mortality is, to a considerable extent, due to parasitic pathogens. In the case of cyanobacterial blooms, an addition of parasite‐related loss term (19%–33% of standing stock) resulted in a resolution of the difference in production estimates between the methods. These analyses theoretically support the critical role of parasitism and resolve the bottleneck problem in aquatic ecosystem metabolism.
Kinship, dear enemies, and costly combat: The effects of relatedness on territorial overlap and aggression in a cooperative breeder
Authors: Humphries David J. , Nelson‐Flower Martha J. , Bell Matthew B. V. , Finch Fiona M. , Ridley Amanda R.
Published: November 2021

Many species maintain territories, but the degree of overlap between territories and the level of aggression displayed in territorial conflicts can vary widely, even within species. Greater territorial overlap may occur when neighboring territory holders are close relatives. Animals may also differentiate neighbors from strangers, with more familiar neighbors eliciting less‐aggressive responses during territorial conflicts (the “dear enemy” effect). However, research is lacking in how both kinship and overlap affect territorial conflicts, especially in group‐living species. Here, we investigate kinship, territorial overlap, and territorial conflict in a habituated wild population of group‐living cooperatively breeding birds, the southern pied babbler Turdoides bicolor. We find that close kin neighbors are beneficial. Territories overlap more when neighboring groups are close kin, and these larger overlaps with kin confer larger territories (an effect not seen for overlaps with unrelated groups). Overall, territorial conflict is costly, causing significant decreases in body mass, but conflicts with kin are shorter than those conducted with nonkin. Conflicts with more familiar unrelated neighbors are also shorter, indicating these neighbors are “dear enemies.” However, kinship modulates the “dear enemy” effect; even when kin are encountered less frequently, kin elicit less‐aggressive responses, similar to the “dear enemy” effect. Kin selection appears to be a main influence on territorial behavior in this species. Groups derive kin‐selected benefits from decreased conflicts and maintain larger territories when overlapping with kin, though not when overlapping with nonkin. More generally, it is possible that kinship extends the “dear enemy” effect in animal societies.
GAD65 autoantibodies and glucose tolerance in offspring born to women with and without type 1 diabetes (The EPICOM study)
Authors: Knorr Sine , Lydolph Magnus C. , Bytoft Birgitte , Lohse Zuzana , Clausen Tine D. , Jensen Rikke Beck , Damm Peter , Højlund Kurt , Jensen Dorte M. , Gravholt Claus H.
Published: November 2021

The aims of this study were to examine presence of GAD65 autoantibodies (GAD65aab) in offspring born to women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and controls and if more were GAD65aab‐positive if diagnosed with diabetes or pre‐diabetes. This EPICOM study is a prospective follow‐up study focussing on pregnancies complicated by maternal T1D. The EPICOM study includes offspring (n = 278) born to mothers with pre‐gestational T1D between 1993 and 1999 and matched un‐exposed controls (n = 303). Age at the time of follow‐up was 16.7 years (13.0–20.4 years). GAD65aab was measured using the Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibody RIA kit from RSR©. An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was performed, and abnormal glucose tolerance was defined as having either diabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). GAD65aab could be measured in 561 participants. Of these, 17 (3%) were positive for GAD65aab (≥25 U/ml) with 11 (4%) offspring being born to women with T1D and 6 (2%) controls. The difference in GAD65aab status was not statistically significant (p = .2). One was diagnosed with GAD65aab‐negative diabetes during the study, 18 were diagnosed with IFG, and 44 with IGT. Overall, more were GAD65aab‐positive if diagnosed with abnormal glucose tolerance (p = .03). We found no association between GAD65aab status and HOMA‐IR, HOMA‐IS, birthweight, mode of delivery or maternal BMI prior to pregnancy. Our study found no overall difference in GAD65 status between offspring born to women with T1D and their matched controls. However, among the participants diagnosed with pre‐diabetes more were GAD65‐positive.
The Reactivity of the Metal Oxide‐Water and Mineral‐Water Interfaces – An Inorganic/Coordination Viewpoint
Authors: Avena Marcelo
Published: November 2021

The reactivity of the metal oxide‐water interface and that of the mineral‐water interface can be understood from the viewpoint of coordination chemistry, comparing the reactivity of a metal ion belonging to the surface of a solid with the reactivity of the same metal ion dissolved in an aqueous solution. Ligand substitution reactions are key reactions for metal complexes in solution and metal complexes at the surface. At the surface, these processes lead to the formation of adsorbed species, which can be identified by different surface spectroscopic techniques. Surface reactions, such as proton adsorption‐desorption and anion and cation adsorption‐desorption, are easily understood in this context. With the aid of kinetic measurements performed by ATR‐FTIR, it is shown that adsorption‐desorption reactions should take place through dissociative (D), associative (A), or interchange mechanisms (Id, Ia), as they also occur in solution.
Fast‐converging robust PR‐P controller designed by using symmetrical pole placement method for current control of interleaved buck converter‐based PV emulator
Authors: Yanarates Cagfer , Zhou Zhongfu
Published: November 2021

In this study, the interleaved buck converter‐based photovoltaic (PV) emulator current control is presented. A proportional‐resonant‐proportional (PR‐P) controller is designed to resolve the drawbacks of conventional PI controllers in terms of phase management, which means balancing currents evenly between active phases to avoid thermally stressing and provide optimal ripple cancelation in the presence of parameter uncertainties. The resonant path of the controller (PR) with a constant proportional unity gain is designed considering the changing dynamics of a notch filter by pole placement method (adding mutually complementary poles to the notch transfer function) at PWM switching frequency. The proportional gain path (P) of the controller is used to determine the compatibility of the controller with parameter uncertainty of the phases and designed by utilizing loop‐shaping method. The proposed controller shows superior performance in terms of 10 times faster‐converging transient response, zero steady‐state error with significant reduction in current ripple. Equal load sharing that constitutes the primary concern in multiphase converters is achieved with the proposed controller. Implementing of robust control theory involving comprehensive time and frequency domain analysis reveals 13% improvement in the robust stability margin and 12‐degree bigger phase toleration with the PR‐P controller. In addition to these, the proposed unconventional design process of the controller reduces the computational complexity and provides cost‐effectiveness and simple implementation. Moreover, implementing of auxiliary resistor‐capacitor (RC) circuits parallel with the inductors to sense the current in each phase removes the need for current measurement sensors that contribute to overall cost of the system.
Development of an incentive model for renewable energy resources using forecasting accuracy in South Korea
Authors: Kong Junhyuk , Oh Seongmun , Kang Byung O , Jung Jaesung
Published: November 2021

This study presents an incentive model for a renewable energy source (RES) supplier, based on forecasting accuracy. The incentive model imposes responsibility of forecasting to RES suppliers by providing an additional revenue or penalty, according to forecasting accuracy. For this, a profit analysis reflecting the current environment was performed. The structure of the incentive model is designed based on the results of profit analysis. Subsequently, the price parameter was determined using an artificially generated forecasting error of the RES. In addition, the utilization of energy storage system (ESS) is analyzed, including the operation algorithm and optimal sizing, to verify the utility of the ESS when the incentive model is applied. In the case study, the actual price data and RES data from South Korea were used. The results show that the incentive model can provide a high level of profit or penalty for the RES supplier, according to the forecasting accuracy. It is also shown that the optimal capacity of the ESS based on econometrics can be reduced by more than 50% compared with the current environment, thereby reducing the burden on the ESS investment of RES suppliers.
Widespread effects of dMRI data quality on diffusion measures in children
Authors: Koirala Nabin , Kleinman Daniel , Perdue Meaghan V. , Su Xing , Villa Martina , Grigorenko Elena L. , Landi Nicole
Published: November 2021

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) datasets are susceptible to several confounding factors related to data quality, which is especially true in studies involving young children. With the recent trend of large‐scale multicenter studies, it is more critical to be aware of the varied impacts of data quality on measures of interest. Here, we investigated data quality and its effect on different diffusion measures using a multicenter dataset. dMRI data were obtained from 691 participants (5–17 years of age) from six different centers. Six data quality metrics—contrast to noise ratio, outlier slices, and motion (absolute, relative, translation, and rotational)—and four diffusion measures—fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, tract density, and length—were computed for each of 36 major fiber tracts for all participants. The results indicated that four out of six data quality metrics (all except absolute and translation motion) differed significantly between centers. Associations between these data quality metrics and the diffusion measures differed significantly across the tracts and centers. Moreover, these effects remained significant after applying recently proposed harmonization algorithms that purport to remove unwanted between‐site variation in diffusion data. These results demonstrate the widespread impact of dMRI data quality on diffusion measures. These tracts and measures have been routinely associated with individual differences as well as group‐wide differences between neurotypical populations and individuals with neurological or developmental disorders. Accordingly, for analyses of individual differences or group effects (particularly in multisite dataset), we encourage the inclusion of data quality metrics in dMRI analysis.
Stage at diagnosis and survival among adolescents and young adults with lymphomas following the Affordable Care Act implementation in California
Authors: Abrahão Renata , Cooley Julianne J. P. , Maguire Frances B. , Parikh‐Patel Arti , Morris Cyllene R. , Schwarz Eleonor Bimla , Wun Ted , Keegan Theresa H. M.
Published: November 2021

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15‐39 years) are the largest uninsured population in the Unites States, increasing the likelihood of late‐stage cancer diagnosis and poor survival. We evaluated the associations between the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance coverage, stage at diagnosis and survival among AYAs with lymphoma. We used data from the California Cancer Registry linked to Medicaid enrollment files on AYAs diagnosed with a primary non‐Hodgkin (NHL; n = 5959) or Hodgkin (n = 5378) lymphoma pre‐ACA and in the early and full ACA eras. Health insurance was categorized as continuous Medicaid, discontinuous Medicaid, Medicaid enrollment at diagnosis/uninsurance, other public and private. We used multivariable regression models for statistical analyses. The proportion of AYAs uninsured/Medicaid enrolled at diagnosis decreased from 13.4% pre‐ACA to 9.7% with full ACA implementation, while continuous Medicaid increased from 9.3% to 29.6% during this time (P < .001). After full ACA, AYAs with NHL were less likely to be diagnosed with Stage IV disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.73‐0.97). AYAs with lymphoma were more likely to receive care at National Cancer Institute‐Designated Cancer Centers (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.28‐1.57) and had lower likelihood of death (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.46‐0.63) after full ACA. However, AYAs from the lowest socioeconomic neighborhoods, racial/ethnic minority groups and those with Medicaid continued to experience worse survival. In summary, AYAs with lymphomas experienced increased access to healthcare and better clinical outcomes following Medicaid expansion under the ACA. Yet, socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities remain, calling for additional efforts to decrease health inequities among underserved AYAs with lymphoma.
A novel method of transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation of an ectopic ureter with a mate ureter in a duplex kidney
Authors: Nishio Hidenori , Mizuno Kentaro , Matsumoto Daisuke , Kato Taiki , Kamisawa Hideyuki , Kurokawa Satoshi , Nakane Akihiro , Maruyama Tetsuji , Yasui Takahiro , Hayashi Yutaro
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The reimplantation of an ectopic ureter is still performed as an open surgery, although laparoscopic or robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery has gained popularity as a minimally invasive treatment for pediatric urological disorders.

Case presentation

A 15‐day‐old Japanese boy was referred to our hospital with right hydronephrosis. A detailed examination revealed complete ureteral duplication on the right side and a dilated ectopic upper pole ureter, opening into the prostatic urethra. Since the patient had recurrent febrile urinary tract infections, we performed plication and ureteral reimplantation of the dilated ectopic ureter using a transvesicoscopic surgical method at the age of 2 years and 5 months.

Conclusion

We safely performed transvesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation for an ectopic upper pole ureter with a mate ureter in a duplex kidney, following the detection of an ectopic ureter within the bladder, due to the prior understanding of the wrapping of both ureters in a common sheath.
Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on regulation of myogenic regulatory factor mRNA expression in vivo: A systematic review
Authors: Shepherd David W. , Norris Joseph M. , Simpson Benjamin S. , Player Darren J. , Whitaker Hayley C.
Published: November 2021

Non‐invasive promotion of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), through photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), may be a viable method of facilitating skeletal muscle regeneration post‐injury, given the importance of MRF in skeletal muscle regeneration. The aim of this systematic review was to collate current evidence, identifying key themes and changes in expression of MRF in in vivo models. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases were systematically searched and identified 1459 studies, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. Myogenic determination factor was most consistently regulated in response to PBMT treatment, and the expression of remaining MRFs was heterogenous. All studies exhibited a high risk of bias, primarily due to lack of blinding in PBMT application and MRF analysis. Our review suggests that the current evidence base for MRF expression from PBMT is highly variable. Future research should focus on developing a robust methodology for determining the effect of laser therapy on MRF expression, as well as long‐term assessment of skeletal muscle regeneration.
Association of a common genetic variant (insertion/deletion) in ACE gene with prostate cancer susceptibility in a Tunisian population
Authors: Said Rahma , Jenni Rim , Boussetta Sami , Ammous Feryel , Zouari Skander , Zaghbib Selim , Chakroun Marouene , Derouiche Amine , Chebil Mohamed , Ouerhani Slah
Published: November 2021

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) plays a pivotal role in several pathologies including cancers. The association of insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene with prostate cancer (PC) risk remains controversial. We aimed to investigate for the first time, to our Knowledge, in North Africa the potential relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism with PC susceptibility and clinical outcomes of PC patients.

Methods

This case‐control study included 143 healthy individuals and 124 patients diagnosed with PC. Using genomic DNA, the samples were genotyped for ACE I/D polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

We found that The D allele is significantly associated with an increased risk of PC and D/D + D/I genotypes were at 3 times increased risk of PC ([p = 0.005], OR = 2.95, IC 95% = 1.26–7.09) compared with I/I genotype (p = 0.003, OR = 0.3, IC 95% = 0.12–0.74). We observed an association between D/D and D/I genotypes with advanced age (≥70 years) (p = 0.014; r2 = 0.22). Furthermore, there is a significant prediction of advanced Gleason score ≥8 based on epidemiological parameters and ACE genotype (p = 0.000; R2 = 0.349), although no significant association was observed with stage and metastasis.

Conclusion

The ACE I/D polymorphism is likely to predispose to PC and could play a role in PC progression and aggressiveness.
Composite proton exchange membrane of cellulose triacetate polymer integrated with polyacrylic acid and triazole based copolymer for balanced proton conduction and methanol permeability
Authors: Karunanithi Deepa , Balaguru Sasikumar , Swaminathan Elakkiya , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) could prompt proton transport with long‐term oxidative and hydrolytic durability with little methanol crossover under humidified conditions. Cellulose triacetate (CTA)‐based PEMs were fabricated by reinforcing with 4 wt.% of polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polymerized triazole (PTZA) combination of acrylic acid/triazole acrylate copolymer.

RESULTS

The presence of PAA and PTZA copolymer in the CTA membrane was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The variations of proton conductivity, methanol crossover and water uptake of the PTZA copolymer‐reinforced CTA matrix were evaluated. Higher proton conductivity of 2.313 × 10−4 S cm−1 and minimal methanol permeability of 1.773 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 were obtained for the CTA/PTZA–20 membrane compared to a pristine CTA membrane. Furthermore, the oxidative tolerability was about 99.6% for CTA/PAA membrane, and hydrolytic stability was 97.78% for the CTA/PTZA–20 membrane, higher than that of the pristine CTA membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in proton conduction compared to pristine CTA membrane could be attributed to the presence of triazole moiety, which acts as a proton facilitator in the conduction process. Additionally, an increase in hydrolytic stability, oxidative tolerability and lower methanol crossover results indicated that the PTZA copolymer‐reinforced CTA PEMs have potential for use in fuel cell applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Lymphoid blast crisis after prolonged treatment‐free remission in chronic myeloid leukaemia after tyrosine kinase inhibitor de‐escalation during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Avenoso Daniele , Milojkovic Dragana , Clark James , Pocock Christopher , Potter Victoria , Yallop Deborah , Hannah Guy
Published: November 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, access to health services has been considerably restricted and furthermore, patients have been reluctant to attend for routine monitoring, and this may have had a negative impact in the management of patients affected with haematological disorders. Sudden blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukaemia is categorized as a rapid onset of blastic phase, after a documented ‘optimal’ response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and within 3 months of a normal complete blood count. Herein, we describe a case of patient who developed sudden blast crisis after TKI while in treatment‐free remission.
Association Between Heart Failure With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Impaired Left Atrial Phasic Function in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Evaluation by Cardiac MRI Feature Tracking
Authors: Shi Rui , Shi Ke , Huang Shan , Li Xiang , Xia Chun‐Chao , Li Yuan , He Sen , Li Zhen‐Lin , He Yong , Guo Ying‐Kun , Yang Zhi‐Gang
Published: November 2021

Background

The majority of heart failure (HF) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) manifests as a phenotype with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction; however, the exact contribution of left atrial (LA) phasic function to HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in HCM remains unresolved.

Purpose

To define the association between LA function and HFpEF in HCM patients using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) feature tracking.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred and fifty‐four HCM patients (HFpEF vs. non‐HF: 55 [34 females] vs. 99 [43 females]).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/balanced steady‐state free precession.

Assessment

LA reservoir function (reservoir strain [εs], total ejection fraction [EF]), conduit function (conduit strain [εe], passive EF), booster‐pump function (booster strain [εa] and active EF), LA volume index, and LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) were evaluated in HCM patients.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square test, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, multivariate linear regression, logistic regression, and net reclassification analysis were used. Two‐sided P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

No significant difference was found in LV GLS between the non‐HF and HFpEF group (−10.67 ± 3.14% vs. −10.14 ± 4.01%, P = 0.397), whereas the HFpEF group had more severely impaired LA phasic strain (εs: 27.40 [22.60, 35.80] vs. 18.15 [11.98, 25.90]; εe: 13.80 [9.20, 18.90] vs. 7.95 [4.30, 14.35]; εa: 13.50 [9.90, 17.10] vs. 7.90 [5.40, 14.15]). LA total EF (37.91 [29.54, 47.94] vs. 47.49 [39.18, 55.01]), passive EF (14.70 [7.41, 21.49] vs. 18.07 [9.32, 24.78]), and active EF (27.19 [17.79, 36.60] vs. 36.64 [26.63, 42.71]) were all significantly decreased in HFpEF patients compared with non‐HF patients. LA reservoir (β = 0.90 [0.85, 0.96]), conduit (β = 0.93 [0.87, 0.99]), and booster (β = 0.86 [0.78, 0.95]) strain were independently associated with HFpEF in HCM patients. The model including reservoir strain (Net Reclassification Index [NRI]: 0.260) or booster strain (NRI: 0.325) improved the reclassification of HFpEF based on LV GLS and minimum left atrial volume index (LAVImin).

Data Conclusion

LA phasic function was severely impaired in HCM patients with HFpEF, whereas LV function was not further impaired compared with non‐HF patients.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Investigating the associations between childhood trauma and cardiovascular health in midlife
Authors: Caceres Billy A. , Britton Laura E. , Cortes Yamnia I. , Makarem Nour , Suglia Shakira F.
Published: November 2021

Growing evidence suggests that childhood trauma is associated with poorer cardiovascular health in adulthood, but few studies have examined potential mediators of these associations. We examined the links between different forms of childhood trauma (i.e., abuse, neglect, cumulative trauma) and cardiovascular health and explored potential mediators. Cross‐sectional data from 1,251 participants in the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States’ II Biomarker Project were analyzed. Path analyses were conducted to examine the associations between childhood trauma and cardiovascular health (i.e., American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 [LS7] score). Depressive symptoms and sleep quality were explored as potential mediators, and exploratory analyses examined whether these associations were moderated by sex. Women reported more severe childhood emotional and sexual abuse and emotional neglect, p < .001 to p = .018, and higher LS7 scores, p = .027, than men. Path analyses demonstrated the total effects of increasing severity of all forms of childhood trauma with LS7 scores were significant, and cumulative childhood trauma was inversely associated with LS7 score Bs = ‐0.306– ‐0.076, p < .001–p = .048. The range of total effects of different forms of childhood trauma on LS7 scores mediated by depressive symptoms and sleep quality was 26.8%–57.5%. Sex moderated the associations between all forms of childhood trauma and cardiovascular health. Longitudinal studies are needed that examine mediators of the associations between childhood trauma and cardiovascular health. Findings suggest sex‐specific, trauma‐informed approaches for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults exposed to childhood trauma may be needed.
Racial discrimination and other adverse childhood experiences as risk factors for internalizing mental health concerns among Black youth
Authors: Bernard Donte L. , Smith Quinton , Lanier Paul
Published: November 2021

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been consistently linked to a reduction in healthy psychological adjustment among youth. Emergent evidence suggests that there are culturally specific ACEs, such as racial discrimination, that are particularly harmful to the mental health of Black youth. However, the psychological impact of racial discrimination on the mental health of Black youth relative to other ACEs remains underexplored. The present study aimed to address this gap by examining the extent to which racial discrimination was associated with other ACEs and elucidating the unique associations between children's experiences of racial discrimination and internalizing problems (i.e., depression, anxiety), after controlling for other ACEs. Data consisted of a subsample of Black children from the National Survey of Children's Health (N = 8,672; Mage = 9.8 years; 51.1% male). Bivariate analyses illustrated that racial discrimination was positively associated with the co‐occurrence of all other ACEs measured within the current study. Multivariable analyses using generalized linear mixed models revealed that racial discrimination was significantly associated with youth diagnoses of depression, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.35, 95% CI [1.23, 1.49], and anxiety, aOR = 1.39, 95% CI [1.31, 1.47], after controlling for other ACEs and sociodemographic covariates. The findings demonstrate that racial discrimination is comparably associated with youth internalizing problems relative to ACEs conventionally examined within the childhood trauma literature. The importance of these results, including how this knowledge can be leveraged to inform clinical practice and policy to promote the positive mental health of Black youth, are also discussed.