bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Fe(II) Complexes Designed for Solar‐Energy Conversion: Current Status and Open Questions
Authors: Cebrián Cristina , Pastore Mariachiara , Monari Antonio , Assfeld Xavier , Gros Philippe C. , Haacke Stefan
Published: January 2022

One major challenge of future sustainable photochemistry is to replace precious and rare transition metals in applications such as energy conversion or electroluminescence by earth‐abundant, cheap, and recyclable materials. This involves using coordination complexes of first row transition metals such as Cu, Cr, or Mn. In the case of iron, which is attractive due to its natural abundance, fundamental limitations imposed by the small ligand field splitting energy have recently been overcome. In this review article, we briefly summarize the present knowledge and understanding of the structure‐property relationships of Fe(II) and Fe(III) complexes with excited state lifetimes in the nanosecond range. However, our main focus is to examine to which extent the ultrafast spectroscopy methods used so far provided insight into the excited state structure and the photo‐induced dynamics of these complexes. Driven by the main question of how to spectroscopically, i. e. in energy and concentration, differentiate the population of ligand‐ vs. metal‐centered states, the hitherto less exploited ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy is suggested to provide valuable complementary insights.
Molecular mechanisms governing circulating immune cell heterogeneity across different species revealed by single‐cell sequencing
Authors: Li Zhibin , Sun Chengcheng , Wang Fei , Wang Xiran , Zhu Jiacheng , Luo Lihua , Ding Xiangning , Zhang Yanan , Ding Peiwen , Wang Haoyu , Pu Mingyi , Li Yuejiao , Wang Shiyou , Qin Qiuyu , Wei Yanan , Sun Jian , Wang Xiangdong , Luo Yonglun , Chen Dongsheng , Qiu Wei
Published: January 2022

Background

Immune cells play important roles in mediating immune response and host defense against invading pathogens. However, insights into the molecular mechanisms governing circulating immune cell diversity among multiple species are limited.

Methods

In this study, we compared the single‐cell transcriptomes of immune cells from 12 species. Distinct molecular profiles were characterized for different immune cell types, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells.

Results

Our data revealed the heterogeneity and compositions of circulating immune cells among 12 different species. Additionally, we explored the conserved and divergent cellular crosstalks and genetic regulatory networks among vertebrate immune cells. Notably, the ligand and receptor pair VIM‐CD44 was highly conserved among the immune cells.

Conclusions

This study is the first to provide a comprehensive analysis of the cross‐species single‐cell transcriptome atlas for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This research should advance our understanding of the cellular taxonomy and fundamental functions of PBMCs, with important implications in evolutionary biology, developmental biology, and immune system disorders.
A novel network traffic combination prediction model
Authors: Tian Zhongda , Song Pengfei
Published: January 2022

Network has become an indispensable part of public life. To improve network utilization, network performance, network quality, and enhance network security, precise prediction of network traffic is an indispensable method and basis for solving the above problems. In order to accurately predict the network traffic, a novel combination prediction model for network traffic is proposed. In this model, local mean decomposition (LMD), bidirectional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM), and Bayesian optimization algorithm are combined. First, the LMD method decomposes the network traffic time series to obtain several product function (PF) components and a residual by LMD. Then, each PF component and residual is predicted with BiLSTM model. Meanwhile, the Bayesian optimization algorithm is introduced to optimize the hyperparameters of BiLSTM. Finally, the predicted value of each PF component and residual is linearly superimposed to obtain the final predicted value. Through the study of two groups of actual network traffic datasets and compared with a variety of state‐of‐the‐art prediction models, the proposed model has a preferable prediction results by comparison of the results.
SIRT1 rs7896005 polymorphism affects major vascular outcomes, not all‐cause mortality, in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes: A 13‐year observational study
Authors: Dardano Angela , Lucchesi Daniela , Garofolo Monia , Gualdani Elisa , Falcetta Pierpaolo , Sancho Bornez Veronica , Francesconi Paolo , Del Prato Stefano , Penno Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Aims

SIRT1 exerts effects on ageing and lifespan, as well cardiovascular (CV) disease risk. SIRT1 gene is very polymorph with a few tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) so far identified. Some SNPs, including rs7896005, were associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We aimed to ascertain whether this SNP may be associated with CV disease at baseline as well with these same outcomes and all‐cause mortality over a 13‐year follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

Genotypes of SIRT1 gene were determined using TaqMan SNP assay.

Results

Out of 905 T2DM, 9.1% had the AA genotype, 43.2% the AG, and 47.7% the GG. Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium was met (minor allele frequency 0.306; p = 0.8899). At baseline, there was no difference across genotypes for sex, age, diabetes duration, CV risk factors, treatments, and microangiopathy. Major CV outcomes, myocardial infarction (MI), any coronary heart disease (CHD), and peripheral artery disease (PAD) were more frequent in GG than in AA/AG (p from 0.013 to 0.027), with no association with cerebrovascular events. By fully adjusted regression, GG remained independently related to major CV outcomes, MI, CHD, and PAD. Over follow‐up, we recorded 258 major CV events (28.5%; AA/AG 25.2%, GG 32.2%; p = 0.014) with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of GG versus AA/AG of 1.296 (95% CI 1.007–1.668, p = 0.044); 169 coronary events (18.7%; AA/AG 15.4%, GG 22.2%; p = 0.006) with HR 1.522 (1.113–2.080, p = 0.008); 79 (8.7%) hospitalisation for heart failure (AA/AG 7.0%, GG 10.6%; p = 0.045) and HR 1.457 (0.919–2.309, p = 0.109); 36 PAD (4.0%; AA/AG 2.3%, GG 5.8%; p = 0.007) with HR 2.225 (1.057–4.684, p = 0.035). No association was found with cerebrovascular events, end stage renal disease, and all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

The rs7896005 SNP of SIRT1 might play a role in cardiovascular disease, mainly CHD risk in T2DM. Results call for larger association studies as well as studies to ascertain mechanisms by which this variant confers increased risk.
Embryonic and early postnatal cranial bone volume and tissue mineral density values for C57BL/6J laboratory mice
Authors: Lesciotto Kate M. , Tomlinson Lauren , Leonard Steven , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: January 2022

Background

Laboratory mice are routinely used in craniofacial research based on the relatively close genetic relationship and conservation of developmental pathways between humans and mice. Since genetic perturbations and disease states may have localized effects, data from individual cranial bones are valuable for the interpretation of experimental assays. We employ high‐resolution microcomputed tomography to characterize cranial bones of C57BL/6J mice at embryonic day (E) 15.5 and E17.5, day of birth (P0), and postnatal day 7 (P7) and provide estimates of individual bone volume and tissue mineral density (TMD).

Results

Average volume and TMD values are reported for individual bones. Significant differences in volume and TMD during embryonic ages likely reflect early mineralization of cranial neural crest‐derived and intramembranously forming bones. Although bones of the face and vault had higher TMD values during embryonic ages, bones of the braincase floor had significantly higher TMD values by P7.

Conclusions

These ontogenetic data on cranial bone volume and TMD serve as a reference standard for future studies using mice bred on a C57BL/6J genetic background. Our findings also highlight the importance of differentiating “control” data from mice that are presented as “unaffected” littermates, particularly when carrying a single copy of a cre‐recombinase gene.
Using eDNA presence/non‐detection data to characterize the abiotic and biotic habitat requirements of a rare, elusive amphibian
Authors: Perl Ronith Gila Bina , Avidor Ella , Roll Uri , Malka Yoram , Geffen Eli , Gafny Sarig
Published: January 2022

The environmental DNA (eDNA) approach has already been established as a valuable tool for the detection and monitoring of rare and elusive species. However, its application is not limited to assessing whether or not a species is present in a given area. In this study, we collected environmental data from 48 aquatic locations that had previously been investigated in an eDNA‐based study. We sought to determine the abiotic and biotic factors that could explain the presence or non‐detection of Hula painted frog DNA at those locations, in order to characterize this rare species’ little studied habitat requirements. We found that the detection probability of this species decreased substantially with increasing phosphorus loads as well as in the presence of the wetland plant Lythrum salicaria. By contrast, the detection probability increased markedly when Phragmites australis or Ludwigia stolonifera constituted part of the dominant aquatic vegetation. Our results expand the knowledge on this elusive frog species and contribute valuable information for future habitat restoration plans. They further show that eDNA data can also be used to characterize the putative habitats of species where such data are scarce or even totally lacking.
HFA‐PEFF score: prognosis in patients with preserved ejection fraction after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Seoudy Hatim , von Eberstein Mira , Frank Johanne , Thomann Maren , Puehler Thomas , Lutter Georg , Lutz Matthias , Bramlage Peter , Frey Norbert , Saad Mohammed , Frank Derk
Published: January 2022

Aims

Many transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) candidates have underlying heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in addition to symptomatic aortic stenosis. Diagnosis of HFpEF is challenging. The Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology proposed the HFA‐PEFF score as part of a novel diagnostic algorithm. This study assessed the prognostic value of the HFA‐PEFF score in patients with preserved ejection fraction after TAVI.

Methods and results

This single‐centre study included 570 consecutive TAVI patients with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥50%. Patients with an HFA‐PEFF score of ≥5 [n = 239 (41.9%)] were compared with those with <5 points [n = 331 (58.1%)]. The primary outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality or first heart failure rehospitalization within 1 year after TAVI. Secondary endpoints were the individual components of the primary outcome. Patients with an HFA‐PEFF score ≥ 5 had higher rates of comorbidities commonly associated with HFpEF, a higher rate of new pacemaker implantation after TAVI, were at increased risk of the primary composite endpoint (25.5% vs. 10.0%, P < 0.001), and rehospitalization for heart failure (11.7% vs. 3.9%, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed an HFA‐PEFF score ≥ 5 as an independent risk factor for the composite endpoint [hazard ratio 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70–4.28, P < 0.001] and for all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.58, 95% CI 1.46–4.53, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The HFA‐PEFF score is associated with all‐cause mortality and heart failure rehospitalization in patients with preserved ejection fraction after TAVI. This practical tool can easily be incorporated into risk stratification algorithms for TAVI patients.
Initial properdin binding contributes to alternative pathway activation at the surface of viable and necrotic cells
Authors: van Essen Mieke F. , Schlagwein Nicole , van den Hoven Elisa M.P. , van Gijlswijk‐Janssen Daniëlle J. , Lubbers Rosalie , van den Bos Ramon M. , van den Born Jacob , Ruben Jurjen M. , Trouw Leendert A. , van Kooten Cees ,   the COMBAT consortium
Published: January 2022

Properdin, the only known positive regulator of the complement system, stabilizes the C3 convertase, thereby increasing its half‐life. In contrast to most other complement factors, properdin is mainly produced extrahepatically by myeloid cells. Recent data suggest a role for properdin as a pattern recognition molecule. Here, we confirmed previous findings of properdin binding to different necrotic cells including Jurkat T cells. Binding can occur independent of C3, as demonstrated by HAP‐1 C3 KO cells, excluding a role for endogenous C3. In view of the cellular source of properdin, interaction with myeloid cells was examined. Properdin bound to the surface of viable monocyte‐derived pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory macrophages, but not to DCs. Binding was demonstrated for purified properdin as well as fractionated P2, P3, and P4 properdin oligomers. Binding contributed to local complement activation as determined by C3 and C5b‐9 deposition on the cell surfaces and seems a prerequisite for alternative pathway activation. Interaction of properdin with cell surfaces could be inhibited with the tick protein Salp20 and by different polysaccharides, depending on sulfation and chain length. These data identify properdin as a factor interacting with different cell surfaces, being either dead or alive, contributing to the local stimulation of complement activation.
Antiseizure medication discovery: Recent and future paradigm shifts
Authors: Talevi Alan
Published: January 2022

Despite the ever‐increasing number of available options for the treatment of epilepsies and the remarkable advances on the understanding of their pathophysiology, the proportion of refractory patients has remained approximately unmodified during the last 100 years. How efficient are we translating positive outcomes from basic research to clinical trials and/or the clinical scenario? It is possible that fresh thinking and exploration of new paradigms are required to arrive at truly novel therapeutic solutions, as seemingly proven by recently approved first‐in‐class antiseizure medications and drug candidates undergoing late clinical trials. Here, the author discusses some approximations in line with the network pharmacology philosophy, which may result in highly innovative (and, hopefully, safer and/or more efficacious) medications for the control of seizures, as embodied with some recent examples in the field, namely tailored multi‐target agents and low‐affinity ligands.
Reconstruction of the Grenfell Tower fire—Part 5: Contribution to the understanding of the tenability conditions inside the apartments following the façade fire
Authors: Guillaume Eric , Dréan Virginie , Girardin Bertrand , Fateh Talal
Published: January 2022

The serious fire incident at Grenfell Tower in London, involving a combustible façade system that was installed as part of a major refurbishment of the building, has raised concerns regarding the fire risk that these systems pose. The fire spread over the façade of the Tower was previously numerically modelled and this model was validated by comparison with observational data. This model was used to determine the fire behavior of the façade and the fire's propagation into apartments through windows. In the present paper, impact models are used to evaluate tenability conditions inside the Tower, especially for the apartments in the first corner of the Tower that caught fire. The source of toxic effluents includes the components used in the refurbishment of the façade and the apartment furniture. Different hypotheses of gas yields are tested to assess variability and unknowns in the burning conditions. An extensive literature review was conducted to investigate the toxic yields to be considered in the simulations. Tenability conditions are assessed for each apartment during the fire spread over the façade. This leads to the quantification of the thermal and toxic environment inside the apartments. Two different models are tested for thermal and toxic threats, and the influence of the insulation material used in the façade is investigated. The results showed that the same conclusion can be made regardless of the input data for toxicity and the model used, within the limits of the studied dataset and conditions. Fires from the apartments quickly drive tenability conditions, independently of the dataset and model used, and even if mineral wool is used instead of poly‐isocyanurate as façade insulant.
Effect of different starch acetates on the quality characteristics of frozen cooked noodles
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , Zhao Di , Ma Xiaojing , Guo Dongxu , Tong Xiaofeng , Zhang Yun , Qu Lingbo
Published: January 2022

The physicochemical properties of starch acetates with an equal degree of substitution prepared from pea, corn, and wheat starch and their effects on frozen cooked noodle (FCN) quality were investigated. The result showed that the three kinds of starch acetates had different effects on the quality of FCN due to their different blue values, freeze‐thaw stability, and crystalline morphology analyzed by XRD (p < .05). The FCN with the addition of 20% CAS exhibited slow deterioration of textural properties during holding for 30 min. The analysis of the changes in the content of free SH group and glutenin macropolymer (GMP) demonstrated that the addition of CAS promoted protein disulfide cross‐linking and decreased protein mobility during holding. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) revealed that FCN with the addition of CAS had low decrement in α‐helix and β‐sheet during holding, indicating that starch acetates contributed to the maintenance of the gluten network structure.
Psychoactive medication use and risk of suicide in long‐term care facility residents
Authors: Hedna Khedidja , Fastbom Johan , Jonson Mattias , Wilhelmson Katarina , Waern Margda
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate psychoactive medication use and risk of suicide in long‐term care facility (LTCF) residents aged 75 and above. A second aim was to investigate the role of psychiatric and medical conditions in the occurrence of suicide in LTCF residents.

Methods

A Swedish national register‐based cohort study of LTFC residents aged ≥75 years between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2015, and followed until 31 December 2016 (N = 288,305). Fine and Gray regression models were used to analyse associations with suicide.

Results

The study identified 110 suicides (15.8 per 100,000 person‐years). Half of these occurred during the first year of residence. Overall, 54% of those who died by suicide were on hypnotics and 45% were on antidepressants. Adjusted sub‐hazard ratio (aSHR) for suicide was decreased in those who were on antidepressants (aSHR 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.42–0.97), even after the exclusion of residents who had healthcare contacts for dementia or were on anti‐dementia drugs. The aSHR for suicide was more than two‐fold higher in those who were on hypnotics (2.20, 1.46–3.31). Suicide risk was particularly elevated in those with an episode of self‐harm prior to LTCF admittance (15.78, 10.01–24.87). Specialized care for depression was associated with increased risk, while medical morbidity was not.

Conclusions

A lower risk of suicide in LTCF residents was found in users of antidepressants, while elevated risk was observed in those on hypnotics. Our findings suggest that more can be done to prevent suicide in this setting.
Contrast‐enhanced CT and liver surface nodularity for the diagnosis of porto‐sinusoidal vascular disorder: A case‐control study
Authors: Valainathan Shantha Ram , Sartoris Riccardo , Elkrief Laure , Magaz Marta , Betancourt Fabian , Pellegrino Silvia , Nivolli Arianna , Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Flattet Yves , Terraz Sylvain , Drilhon Nicolas , Lazareth Marie , Herrou Julia , Bruno Onorina , Payance Audrey , Plessier Aurélie , Durand François , Ronot Maxime , Valla Dominique‐Charles , Paradis Valérie , Garcia‐Pagan Juan Carlos , Vilgrain Valérie , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Porto‐sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD) is a rare and commonly overlooked cause of portal hypertension. The interest of CT analysis, including quantification of liver surface nodularity (LSN) for PSVD diagnosis has not been established. This study aimed at assessing the performance of LSN and CT features for a PSVD diagnosis in patients with signs of portal hypertension.

Approach and Results

This retrospective case‐control study included a learning cohort consisting of 50 patients with histologically proven PSVD, according to VALDIG criteria, and 100 control patients with histologically proven cirrhosis, matched on ascites. All patients and controls had at least one sign of portal hypertension and CT available within 1 year of liver biopsy. Principal component analysis of CT features separated patients with PSVD from patients with cirrhosis. Patients with PSVD had lower median LSN than those with cirrhosis (2.4 vs. 3.1, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified LSN < 2.5 and normal‐sized or enlarged segment IV as independently associated with PSVD. Combination of these two features had a specificity of 90% for PSVD and a diagnostic accuracy of 84%. Even better results were obtained in an independent multicenter validation cohort including 53 patients with PSVD and 106 control patients with cirrhosis (specificity 94%, diagnostic accuracy 87%).

Conclusions

This study that included a total of 103 patients with PSVD and 206 patients with cirrhosis demonstrates that LSN < 2.5 combined with normal‐sized or enlarged segment IV strongly suggests PSVD in patients with signs of portal hypertension.
Combining experimental and modelling approaches to monitor the transport of an artificial tracer through the hyporheic zone
Authors: Houzé Clémence , Durand Véronique , Mügler Claude , Pessel Marc , Monvoisin Gaël , Courbet Christelle , Noûs Camille
Published: January 2022

In order to advance methodologies used in the investigation of Hyporheic Zone (HZ) mixing processes, this article combines experimental and modelling tools to follow a tracer injected into the river and infiltrating into the HZ. A highly concentrated sodium chloride solution was injected into the river; (i) the river conductivity, (ii) the riverbed resistivity by Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and (iii) vertically distributed chloride concentrations within the HZ were monitored. Both ERT and concentration measurements showed an infiltration depth of the tracer of 35 cm, and a partial recovery after injection, which was faster within the superficial layer that was found to be more resistive according to the ERT initial image. The modelling approach used the HydroGeoSphere code to model the coupling between river surface flows and HZ groundwater flows and transport processes. The model set‐up involved a 50 cm high existing riverbed step, a vertical contrast in HZ saturated hydraulic conductivity and the aquifer discharge flux. Fitting the vertical chloride profile, the adjusted values were 5 × 10−2 m s−1 for the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the first highly permeable layer below the riverbed, and 4 × 10−6 m s−1 for the aquifer discharge flux. The bottom layer saturated hydraulic conductivity was found to be at least 10 times lower than the value within the first layer. Numerical simulations showed that the two main parameters controlling the mixing within the HZ were the groundwater discharge and the saturated hydraulic conductivity first sediment layer of the riverbed. The riverbed step was found to be less significant here compared to these two parameters. The combination of experimental and modelling tools allowed us to quantify the aquifer discharge flux, which is complicated to investigate in the field without any model. Results of this study showed that combining modelling with ERT and vertically distributed chloride sampling allows the quantification of the main factors controlling the hyporheic exchange.
Novel insertion mutation in the PLA2G6 gene in an Iranian family with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy
Authors: Rostampour Dorsa , Zolfaghari Mohammad Reza , Gholami Milad
Published: January 2022

Background

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy is an autosomal recessive neurological disorder. Individuals with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy experience progressive loss of vision, mental skills and muscular control, and other variable clinical signs. Pathogenic variants in the PLA2G6 gene, encoding phospholipase A2, are recognized to be the fundamental reason for infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy. This study aimed to detect pathogenic variant in a consanguine Iranian family with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy.

Methods

The mutation screening was done by whole exome sequencing followed by direct Sanger sequencing.

Results

We identified a homozygous insertion mutation, NM_003560: c.1548_1549insCG (p.G517Rfs*29) in exon 10 of PLA2G6 in the patient. The parents were heterozygous for variant.

Conclusions

Because of the clinical heterogeneity and rarity of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, whole exome sequencing is critical to confirm the diagnosis and is an excellent tool for INAD management.
Kynurenine pathway in Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19): Potential role in prognosis
Authors: Cihan Murat , Doğan Özlem , Ceran Serdar Ceyhan , Altunçekiç Yıldırım Arzu , Kurt Celali , Serdar Muhittin A.
Published: January 2022

Background

It is known that inflammatory responses play an important role in the pathophysiology of COVID‐19.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to examine the role of kynurenine (KYN) metabolism on the severity of COVID‐19 disease AQ5.

Materials & Methods

Seventy COVID‐19 patients of varying severity and 30 controls were included in the study. In addition to the classical laboratory parameters, KYN, tryptophan (TRP), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3 hydroxykynurenine (3OHKYN), quinolinic acid (QA), and picolinic acid (PA) were measured with mass spectrometry.

Results

TRP, KYN, KYN:TRP ratio, KYNA, 3OHKYN, PA, and QA results were found to be significantly different in COVID‐19 patients (p < 0.001 for all). The KYN:TRP ratio and PA of severe COVID‐19 patients was statistically higher than that of mild‐moderate COVID‐19 patients (p < 0.001 for all). When results were examined, statistically significant correlations with KYN:TRP ratio, IL‐6, ferritin, and procalcitonin were only found in COVID‐19 patients. ROC analysis indicated that highest AUC values were obtained by KYN:TRP ratio and PA (0.751 vs 0.742). In determining the severity of COVID‐19 disease, the odd ratios (and confidence intervals) of KYN:TRP ratio and PA levels that were adjusted according to age, gender, and comorbidity were determined to be 1.44 (1.1–1.87, p = 0.008) and 1.06 (1.02–1.11, p = 0.006), respectively.

Discussion & Conclusion

According to the results of this study, KYN metabolites play a role in the pathophysiology of COVID‐19, especially KYN:TRP ratio and PA could be markers for identification of severe COVID‐19 cases.
Impact of COVID‐19 on emergency patients in the resuscitation room: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Feng Jihua , Yang Yanli , Zheng Xiaowen , Zhao Chunling , Li Hongyuan , Ji Pan , Yu Qiao , Wei Lile , Qin Han , Pang Jielong , Li Bocheng , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: January 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID‐19 outbreaks on emergency patients in a resuscitation room in Nanning, China.

Methods

A single‐center cross‐sectional retrospective study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary public hospital from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, in Nanning, Guangxi, China. We collected the data of patients in the resuscitation room to investigate the number of patients accessing emergency services during the study period. Data in 2020 were compared to the data during the same period in 2019.

Results

The number of emergency patients in the resuscitation room during the COVID‐19 pandemic has decreased in intrinsic diseases, extrinsic diseases, and pediatric cases, especially in the early stages of the pandemic. Additionally, the length of stay of emergency patients in the resuscitation room was reduced.

Conclusions

The number of emergency patients in the resuscitation room during the pandemic of COVID‐19 in 2020 was reduced compared to that in the same period in 2019 in Nanning, China. This situation shows a serious social problem, which should arouse the attention of the medical profession and the government.
Advanced diagnostic imaging of sentinel lymph node in early stage breast cancer
Authors: Li Ping , Sun Desheng
Published: January 2022

Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been regarded as the standard procedure for early staging breast cancer. One of the key steps is to locate the sentinel lymph node (SLN). The recommended method is the joint use of blue dye and radioisotope. However, due to radionuclide radiation and high cost, it is urgent to develop more convenient and sensitive imaging methods to accurately locate SLN. This article discusses the advancement of accurately locating SLN by isotope tracer imaging, magnetic tracer method, computed tomographic lymphography, and trans‐lymphatic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, as well as proposing new propose for clinical diagnosis.
Comparison of clinical competency self‐assessments among Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residents before and during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: D'Emilio Anna , Sabounchi Shabnam Seyedzadeh , Wu Yinxiang , Kim Amy , Franck Etienne , Kane Daniel , Lieberman Martin
Published: January 2022

Purpose/objectives

Self‐assessment of clinical competence is an important tool for effective learning and training for some educational programs. The New York University (NYU) Langone Hospital's Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Program has had its residents complete self‐assessment of clinical competency evaluations for many years. The evaluation is used to understand the residents’ perception of their own clinical skill upon beginning the program and to determine the necessary resources to provide to the residents for them to meet program standards. The same evaluation is completed by the residents 6 months later to determine if they perceived advancement in their clinical performance while in the program. Dental education, along with other fields of education was disrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of COVID‐19 on clinical competency self‐assessments among the NYU Langone AEGD residents before and during the pandemic.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, data was collected from two AEGD cohorts representing 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 academic years; from July 2019 (n = 196) to January 2020 (n = 189) and July 2020 (n = 202) to January 2021 (n = 184). The self‐assessment evaluations were administered via an online residency management platform on the first days of July and January of the academic year. The survey consisted of 48 questions on “clinical skills and performance” as established by CODA standards for postdoctoral general dentistry programs.

Results

Survey response rate was 100% for both cohorts. When comparing results, the findings indicate the COVID‐19 pandemic had interrupted clinical learning during dental school. However, training through the AEGD program led to improvements in perceived clinical competence by the residents in mid‐program evaluation.

Conclusion

The self‐assessment evaluation can be used as a tool to enhance training as part of the AEGD program's performance improvement plan.
The efficacy of radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Rifu Kazuma , Sasanuma Hideki , Kotani Kazuhiko , Sata Naohiro
Published: January 2022

Background/Purpose

Previous systematic reviews have shown that radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) had favorable outcomes including prognosis. However, recent large studies have shown opposite results, thus necessitating clarification of RAMPS efficacy. We aimed to update existing evidence on the clinical outcomes of RAMPS for left‐sided pancreatic cancer by comparing them to those of the conventional approach.

Methods

Electronic databases and registries were searched until August 2021 to perform random‐effect meta‐analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. The protocol was registered at protocols.io (https://doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bxhfpj3n).

Results

Thirteen cohort studies (1641 patients) and four ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified. RAMPS increased disease‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42‐0.91), but it had little effect on overall survival (HR 0.92, 95% CI = 0.79‐1.09) and recurrence‐free survival (HR 0.72, 95% CI = 0.37‐1.38) with low certainty of evidence.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis of recent studies suggests that RAMPS may have little effect on clinical outcomes. These findings highlight the necessity of further studies, including RCTs to determine the efficacy and subsequent indication of RAMPS in clinical cases.
Ultrastructural changes in mitochondria during oogenesis in two phylogenetically close fish species
Authors: Charitonidou Katerina , Panteris Emmanuel , Ganias Kostas
Published: January 2022

The ultrastructure of oocyte mitochondria and their contribution to the endogenous autosynthesis of the yolk was investigated in two clupeoid species, the Mediterranean sardine, Sardina pilchardus, and the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus. The structure and abundance of mitochondria differ in secondary growth oocytes of the two species, whereas they are similar in chromatin nucleolus and primary growth oocytes. Sardine oocytes show a higher percentage of mitochondria in the cytoplasm as they develop. However, the individual size of each mitochondrion decreases, becoming smaller than those observed in anchovy oocytes. The volume fraction of cristae in mitochondria of sardine oocytes gradually increased throughout the oocyte developmental phases up to the early secondary growth phase and then slightly decreased during the mid‐secondary growth phase. In the cytoplasm of early secondary growth oocytes of anchovy, the percentage of mitochondria is larger than in mid‐secondary growth oocytes. As oocytes develop, the size of mitochondria diminishes as well. In contrast to the volume fraction of cristae in mitochondria of sardine oocytes, the volume fraction of cristae in anchovy was decreased in early secondary growth oocytes and then it was increased during the mid‐secondary growth phase. As a result, based on both cytoplasmic dynamics of each species and mitochondrial alterations, it was assumed that mitochondria in sardine play a role in the formation of yolk granules, whereas mitochondria in anchovy play a role in the lipid synthesis pathway. Both species showed exogenous heterosynthesis of yolk, through the process of pinocytosis in the zona radiata of oocytes.
T2‐Weighted MR Imaging‐Derived Radiomics for Pretreatment Determination of Therapeutic Response to Glucocorticoid in Patients With Thyroid‐Associated Ophthalmopathy: Comparison With Semiquantitative Evaluation
Authors: Hu Hao , Chen Lu , Zhang Jiu‐Lou , Chen Wen , Chen Huan‐Huan , Liu Hu , Shi Hai‐Bin , Wu Fei‐Yun , Xu Xiao‐Quan
Published: January 2022

Background

MR imaging has been applied to determine therapeutic response to glucocorticoid (GC) before treatment in thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), while the performance was still poor.

Purpose

To investigate the value of T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI)‐derived radiomics for pretreatment determination of therapeutic response to GC in TAO patients, and compare its diagnostic performance with that of semiquantitative parameters.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 110 patients (49 ± 12 years; male/female, n = 48/62; responsive/unresponsive, n = 62/48), divided into training (n = 78) and validation (n = 32) cohorts.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, T2‐weighted fast spin echo.

Assessment

W.C. and H.H. (6 and 10 years of experience, respectively) performed the measurements. Maximum, mean, and minimum signal intensity ratios (SIRs) of extraocular muscle (EOM) bellies were collected to construct a semiquantitative imaging model. Radiomics features from volumes of interest covering EOM bellies were extracted and three machine learning‐based (logistic regression [LR]; decision tree [DT]; support vector machine [SVM]) models were built.

Statistical Tests

The diagnostic performances of models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, and compared using DeLong test. Two‐sided P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The responsive group showed higher minimum signal intensity ratio (SIRmin) of EOMs than the unresponsive group (training: 1.46 ± 0.34 vs. 1.18 ± 0.39; validation: 1.44 ± 0.33 vs. 1.19 ± 0.20). In both cohorts, LR‐based radiomics model demonstrated good diagnostic performance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.968, 0.916), followed by DT‐based (AUC = 0.933, 0.857) and SVM‐based models (AUC = 0.919, 0.855). All three radiomics models outperformed semiquantitative imaging model (SIRmin: AUC = 0.805) in training cohort. In validation cohort, only LR‐based radiomics model outperformed that of SIRmin (AUC = 0.745). The nomogram integrating LR‐based radiomics signature and disease duration further elevated the diagnostic performance in validation cohort (AUC: 0.952 vs. 0.916, P = 0.063).

Data Conclusion

T2WI‐derived radiomics of EOMs, together with disease duration, provides a promising noninvasive approach for determining therapeutic response before GC administration in TAO patients.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Correlation between the elastic modulus of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and quantitative ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Jerban Saeed , Hananouchi Takehito , Ma Yajun , Namiranian Behnam , Dorthe Erik W. , Wong Jonathan H. , Shojaeiadib Niloofar , Wu Mei , Du Jiang , D'Lima Darryl , Chung Christine B. , Chang Eric Y.
Published: January 2022

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often acquires no signal in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) due to the short apparent transverse relaxation time of ACL. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI is capable of imaging ACL with high signal which enables quantitative ACL assessment. This study aimed to investigate the correlations of the mechanical and microstructural properties of human ACL specimens with quantitative three‐dimensional UTE Cones (3D‐UTE‐Cones) MRI measures. ACL specimens were harvested from cadaveric knee joints of 13 (50.9 ± 21.1 years old, 11 males and 2 female) donors. Specimens were scanned using a series of quantitative 3D‐UTE‐Cones T2* (UTE‐T2*), T1 (UTE‐T1), Adiabatic T1ρ (UTE‐Adiab‐T1ρ), and magnetization transfer (UTE‐MT) sequences in a wrist coil on a clinical 3T scanner. ACL elastic modulus was measured using a uniaxial tensile mechanical test. Histomorphometry analysis was performed to measure the average fascicle specific surface, fascicle size, and number of cells per unit area. Spearman's rank correlations of UTE‐MRI biomarkers with mechanical and histomorphometry measures were investigated. The elastic modulus of ACL showed significant moderate correlations with UTE‐Adiab‐T1ρ (R = −0.59, p = 0.01), macromolecular fraction from MT modeling (R = 0.54, p = 0.01), magnetization transfer ratio (R = 0.53, p = 0.01), UTE‐T2* (R = −0.53, p = 0.01), and average fascicle specific surface (R = 0.54, p = 0.01). UTE‐MRI showed nonsignificant correlations with histomorphometry measures. UTE‐MRI biomarkers may be useful noninvasive tools for the ACL mechanical assessment.
Male gender is associated with informal caregiver burden in patients with chronic intestinal failure treated with home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Castinel Jean , Pellet Gauthier , Laharie David , Zerbib Frank , Silvain Christine , Wilsius Eva , Kerlogot Laurianne , Rivière Pauline , Poullenot Florian
Published: January 2022

Background

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is the recommended treatment in patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF). HPN is associated with a worsening of patients' quality of life and has a dramatic impact on personal and familial daily life. Little is known about the informal caregiver burden of patients receiving HPN.

Aim

To assess informal caregiver burden and the factors associated with moderate‐to‐severe caregiver burden in patients treated with HPN.

Methods

Informal caregivers of consecutive patients treated with HPN in a French nutrition referral center were invited to participate in a survey between January 2021 and June 2021. They had to fill out an anonymous standardized self‐questionnaire evaluating burden by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and depression and anxiety symptoms by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score since HPN introduction.

Results

Among the 87 HPN patients having informal caregivers, 53 (61%) completed the questionnaire. Thirty (57%) informal caregivers were women. The caregiver's median age was 62 years (IQR, 21.0). Twelve (22%) expressed moderate to severe burden (ZBI score, 41–88). In a multivariate analysis, the caregiver's male gender (odds ratio [OR], 16.45; 95% CI, 2.30–238.75; P = 0.014) and the number of simultaneous infusions per day >1 (OR, 9.92; 95% CI, 1.35–121.60; P = 0.0038) were associated with a moderate to severe burden. Twenty caregivers reported anxious and depressive symptoms with an elevated HADS score.

Conclusion

In this prospective survey, a minority of informal caregivers of patients with CIF being treated with HPN expressed moderate to severe burden. The caregiver's male gender was associated with a higher burden in patients with CIF.
Accelerated alveolar bone loss in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease and its relationship with intestinal inflammation
Authors: Qiao Dan , Chen Rixin , Li Lingjun , Zhu Feng , Zhang Yangheng , Yan Fuhua
Published: January 2022

Background

Bone loss is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, few studies have focused on alveolar bone loss (ABL) in IBD. Herein, we systematically observed ABL in an interleukin (IL)‐10 knockout (IL‐10–/–) mouse model of IBD and explored the possible mechanisms.

Methods

IL‐10–/– and age‐matched wild‐type (WT) male mice were sacrificed every 2 weeks from 12 to 24 weeks of age. ABL was determined by microcomputed tomography. Periodontal and intestinal inflammation were evaluated using histological grading and inflammatory factor expression levels. Intestinal barrier integrity and cytokine levels in serum were examined by immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The expression of macrophage phenotype markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase‐1 (Arg‐1), and bone metabolic markers, including osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), were measured by immunohistochemistry. The macrophage phenotype in the periodontium was also examined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Compared with WT mice, IL‐10–/– mice exhibited significant ABL from 18 weeks of age. However, no significant differences were observed in the periodontium between the two groups in either histopathological scores or inflammatory factor levels. In the colon and ileum, these measurements significantly increased in IL‐10–/– mice from 12 and 14 weeks, respectively. Correlation analysis also revealed that ABL in IL‐10–/– mice was positively correlated with intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, IL‐10–/– mice showed a destroyed intestinal barrier and higher serum levels of inflammatory factors. In both the intestine and periodontium, higher iNOS and lower Arg‐1 levels, along with an increase in RANKL expression in the periodontium, were examined in IL‐10–/– mice.

Conclusions

An accelerated ABL spontaneously occurred in IL‐10–/– mice and was correlated more with inflammation of the intestine than periodontium. Immunopathological changes may be the potential cause of abnormal alveolar bone metabolism.
Acibenzolar‐S‐methyl activates mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade to mediate chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolisms in the exocarp of Docteur Jules Guyot pears
Authors: Li Canying , Zhu Jie , Cheng Yuan , Hou Jiabao , Sun Lei , Ge Yonghong
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM), a well‐known plant activator, has been used to protect fruit and vegetable from fungal invasion and maintain quality. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of ASM in regulating chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolisms. Therefore, Docteur Jules Guyot pears were used as the materials to study the changes of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, transcription factors, chlorophyll, and carotenoid metabolisms after ASM and PD98059 (a MAPK cascade blocker) treatments.

RESULTS

ASM increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and H2O2 content, promoted PcMAPKKK1, PcMAPKK3, and PcMAPK6 expressions, and down‐regulated PcMYC2, PcPIF1, PcPIF3, and PcPIF4 expressions in exocarp of pears. ASM also delayed the decrease of chlorophyll a and b contents, and inhibited the accumulation of β‐carotene, lycopene and lutein, PcNYC1, PcHCAR, PcPPH, PcSGR1/2, PcPAO, PcPSY, PcLCYB, PcCRTZ2, PcCCS1 expressions, and promoted PcLCYE expression. PD98059 + ASM treatments depressed SOD and NOX activities and H2O2 content, inhibited PcMAPKKK1, PcMAPKK3, PcMAPK6, PcPIF1, and PcPIF3 expressions, and promoted PcMYC2 and PcPIF4 expressions in exocarp of pears. Additionally, PD98059 + ASM accelerated PcNYC1, PcHCAR, PcPPH, PcSGR1/2, PcPAO, PcPSY, PcCYB, PcCRTZ2, and PcCCS1 expressions, thereby reducing chlorophyll a and b contents, and promoting β‐carotene, lycopene and lutein contents.

CONCLUSIONS

Postharvest ASM treatment promoted the production of H2O2 to activate the MAPK cascade, then phosphorylated/dephosphorylated transcription factors expression, and delayed chlorophyll decomposition and carotenoid synthesis in pears. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Durable, Lightweight, Washable and Comfortable Cooling Textiles from Nanodiamond/Polydopamine/Wool Nanocomposites
Authors: Rehman Aisha , Houshyar Shadi , Mirabedini Azadeh , Cheng Deshan , Cai Guangming , Padhye Rajiv , Wang Xin
Published: January 2022

The development of cooling textiles has a significant impact on energy saving and cost‐effectiveness in the context of global warming. Engineering textiles with cooling performance while maintaining their intrinsic traits, for example, lightweight, washable, comfort, and durability, is a great challenge in developing personal cooling garments. Here, the synthesis of nanodiamond/polydopamine/wool (ND‐PDA‐wool) nanocomposites through a facile dip‐coating approach is demonstrated. Different types of ND including detonation ND (DND), carboxylated ND (ND‐COOH) and hydroxylated ND (ND‐OH), are used, and dopamine templating is applied to achieve strong adhesion and bonding between fiber and ND. The morphology, structure, and properties of the as‐coated fabrics are characterized, and the cooling performance together with comfort are measured. Due to the excellent thermal conductivity of ND, the temperature difference between the coated fabrics and uncoated ones is around 2.4–3.9 °C within a short time span of 30 min. The coated ND‐PDA‐Wool fabrics demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and improved mechanical properties with excellent durability, and the water absorbency is greatly enhanced with well‐maintained air permeability. ND‐PDA‐wool composite fabrics offer a strategy to develop durable, lightweight, washable, and comfortable cooling textiles with immense potential in energy saving and reducing space cooling costs.