bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new approach for system‐wide power system frequency model validation via measurement data
Authors: Sajjadi Mahsa , Seifi Hossein , Delkhosh Hamed
Published: August 2021

Models are commonly used for various power system studies. This article presents a new framework to estimate and validate the parameters of the turbine‐governor and also the load model in a multi‐machine power system environment. The proposed method utilizes the center of inertia frequency and generating unit signals (especially active power) recorded by measurement devices to validate the parameters. The objective function is to minimize the total squared error between the simulated and the measured responses for some events. Particle swarm optimization is used to estimate the parameters. The accuracy of the estimated parameters is investigated through sensitivity analysis. Moreover, in order to improve the efficiency of the identification procedure for large‐scale networks, a new scheme is proposed, which is based on the impact of each estimated parameter during the simulation time frames. The simulation results on the IEEE 9‐bus and IEEE 118‐bus systems show the validity and benefit of the proposed method.
Linkages between bedload displacements and topographic change
Authors: McDowell Conor , Gaeuman David , Hassan Marwan A.
Published: August 2021

Changes in bed topography that build and maintain channel morphology are driven by the displacements of individual particles, either though their entrainment or deposition. However, the linkages between these topographic changes and individual grain displacements have not been comprehensively addressed, as many historical tracer studies have not included coincident topographic data. In this study, we compare the movements of bedload tracers to the differences in repeat topographic surveys across four gravel‐bed river reaches. To do this, we apply a 1‐D Bayesian survival process model to the starting and ending locations of tracers. This model estimates downstream trapping probabilities, which represent the likelihood that a given segment of channel will “trap” an entrained particle. We then adapt this model to estimate downstream trapping probabilities using digital elevation models of difference and compare the results. The estimates from the tracer and topographic trapping models showed general alignment, meaning that tracers were preferentially trapped in segments that experienced deposition along the channel. Thus, tracers in this study were able to identify downstream differences in bedload transport. The comparison also highlighted that tracer‐estimated trapping probabilities were larger than topographically estimated ones. This supports previous observations that sediment travel distances estimated using tracers are shorter than those estimated using morphological methods. We find that the differences between these two estimates vary systematically across study environments. These variations are attributable to either study design (i.e., tracers being larger than the median size of the sediment that deforms the bed) or differences in compensating scour and fill. We explore potential causes for differences in compensating scour and fill, including hydrograph shape, sediment delivery regime, channel deformation style, and channel width, highlighting that morphodynamics needs to be considered in designing bedload tracer studies.
Comparative Effects of Energy-Related Saline Wastewaters and Sodium Chloride on Hatching, Survival, and Fitness-Associated Traits of Two Amphibian Species
Authors: Tornabene Brian J. , Breuner Creagh W. , Hossack Blake R.
Published: August 2021

Salinity (sodium chloride [NaCl]) is a prevalent and persistent contaminant that negatively affects freshwater ecosystems. Although most studies focus on effects of salinity from road salts (primarily NaCl), high-salinity wastewaters from energy extraction (wastewaters) could be more harmful because they contain NaCl and other toxic components. Many amphibians are sensitive to salinity, and their eggs are thought to be the most sensitive life-history stage. However, there are few investigations with salinity that include eggs and larvae sequentially in long-term exposures. We investigated the relative effects of wastewaters from a large energy reserve, the Williston Basin (USA), and NaCl on northern leopard (Rana pipiens) and boreal chorus (Pseudacris maculata) frogs. We exposed eggs and tracked responses through larval stages (for 24 days). Wastewaters and NaCl caused similar reductions in hatching and larval survival, growth, development, and activity, while also increasing deformities. Chorus frog eggs and larvae were more sensitive to salinity than leopard frogs, suggesting species-specific responses. Contrary to previous studies, eggs of both species were less sensitive to salinity than larvae. Our ecologically relevant exposures suggest that accumulating effects can reduce survival relative to starting experiments with unexposed larvae. Alternatively, egg casings of some species may provide some protection against salinity. Notably, effects of wastewaters on amphibians were predominantly due to NaCl rather than other components. Therefore, findings from studies with other sources of increased salinity (e.g., road salts) could guide management of wastewater-contaminated ecosystems, and vice versa, to mitigate effects of salinization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3137–3147. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Wastewaters from energy extraction and pure NaCl cause similar reductions in amphibian hatching, survival, growth, and behavior and increased deformities.
Application of the Target Lipid Model to Assess Toxicity of Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds to Aquatic Organisms
Authors: McGrath Joy , Getzinger Gordon , Redman Aaron D. , Edwards Melanie , Martin Aparicio Alberto , Vaiopoulou Eleni
Published: August 2021

Heterocyclic aromatic compounds can be found in crude oil and coal and often co-exist in environmental samples with their homocyclic aromatic counterparts. The target lipid model (TLM) is a modeling framework that relates aquatic toxicity to the octanol–water partition coefficient (KOW) that has been calibrated and validated for hydrocarbons. A systematic analysis of the applicability of the TLM to heterocyclic aromatic compounds has not been performed. The objective of the present study was to compile reliable toxicity data for heterocycles and determine whether observed toxicity could be successfully described by the TLM. Results indicated that the TLM could be applied to this compound class by adopting an empirically derived coefficient that accounts for partitioning between water and lipid. This coefficient was larger than previously reported for aromatic hydrocarbons, indicating that these heterocyclic compounds exhibit higher affinity to target lipid and toxicity. A mechanistic evaluation confirmed that the hydrogen bonding accepting moieties of the heteroatoms helped explain differences in partitioning behavior. Given the TLM chemical class coefficient reported in the present study, heterocyclic aromatics can now be explicitly incorporated in TLM-based risk assessments of petroleum substances, other products, or environmental media containing these compounds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3000–3009. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Climate Change Effects on North American Fish and Fisheries to Inform Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Paukert Craig , Olden Julian D , Lynch Abigail J , Breshears David D , Christopher Chambers R , Chu Cindy , Daly Margaret , Dibble Kimberly L , Falke Jeff , Issak Dan , Jacobson Peter , Jensen Olaf P , Munroe Daphne
Published: August 2021

Climate change is a global persistent threat to fish and fish habitats throughout North America. Climate-induced modification of environmental regimes, including changes in streamflow, water temperature, salinity, storm surges, and habitat connectivity can change fish physiology, disrupt spawning cues, cause fish extinctions and invasions, and alter fish community structure. Reducing greenhouse emissions remains the primary mechanism to slow the pace of climate change, but local and regional management agencies and stakeholders have developed an arsenal of adaptation strategies to help partially mitigate the effects of climate change on fish. We summarize common stressors posed by climate change in North America, including (1) increased water temperature, (2) changes in precipitation, (3) sea level rise, and (4) ocean acidification, and present potential adaptation strategies that fishery professionals may apply to help vulnerable fish and fisheries cope with a changing climate. Although our adaptation strategies are primarily from North America, they have broader geographic applicability to fish and aquatic biota in other jurisdictions. These strategies provide opportunities for managers to mitigate the effects of climate change on fish and fish habitat while needed global policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions emerge, which may offer more lasting solutions.
Outcomes and prognostic factors of adults with refractory or relapsed T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia included in measurable residual disease‐oriented trials
Authors: Ribera Josep‐Maria , Morgades Mireia , Genescà Eulàlia , Chapchap Eduardo‐Cerello , Montesinos Pau , Acuña‐Cruz Evelyn , Gil Cristina , García‐Cadenas Irene , Barba Pere , González‐Campos José , Queipo de Llano María‐Paz , Torrent Anna , Ribera Jordi , Granada Isabel , Bernal Teresa , Díaz‐Beyá Marina , Amigo María‐Luz , Coll Rosa , Tormo Mar , Vall‐llovera Ferran , Gómez‐Centurión Ignacio , Sánchez‐Sánchez María‐José , Soria Beatriz , Cladera Antonia , Artola María‐Teresa , Garcia‐Guiñon Antoni , Giménez‐Conca Alberto , Amador María‐Lourdes , Martínez‐Sánchez Pilar , Algarra Jesús‐Lorenzo , Vidal María‐Jesús , Alonso Natalia , Maluquer Clara , Llorente Laura , García‐Boyero Raimundo , Ciudad Juana , Feliu Evarist , Orfao Alberto ,   on behalf of the PETHEMA Group
Published: August 2021

Despite high complete remission (CR) rates with frontline therapy, relapses are frequent in adults with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) with limited salvage options. We analyzed the outcomes and prognostic factors for CR to salvage therapy and overall survival (OS) of patients with R/R T‐ALL included in two prospective measurable residual disease‐oriented trials. Seventy‐five patients (70 relapsed, 5 refractory) were identified. Relapses occurred in bone marrow, isolated or combined in 50 patients, and in the central nervous system (CNS; isolated or combined) in 20. Second CR was attained in 30/75 patients (40%). Treatment with FLAG‐Ida and isolated CNS relapse were independently associated with a higher CR rate after first salvage therapy. The median OS was 6.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9–8.6) months, with a 4‐year OS probability of 18% (95% CI, 9%–27%). No differences in survival were observed according to the treatment with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients in CR after first salvage therapy. Multivariable analysis showed a ≥12‐month interval between first CR and relapse, CR after first salvage therapy and isolated CNS relapse as favorable prognostic factors for OS with hazard ratios (HR) (95% CI) of 1.931 (1.109–3.362), 2.958 (1.640–5.334), and 2.976 (1.157–7.655), respectively. This study confirms the poor outcomes of adults with R/R T‐ALL among whom FLAG‐Ida was the best of the rescue therapies evaluated. Late relapse, CR after first rescue therapy and isolated CNS relapse showed prognostic impact on survival. More effective rescue therapies are needed in adults with R/R T‐ALL.
Establishment of a psychological intervention mechanism for healthcare workers facing public health emergencies in the context of the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Sun Fenghua , Wang Yuxuan , Zhu Zhiyan
Published: August 2021

The novel coronavirus disease pandemic is an unprecedented challenge globally. Medical personnel have been playing a leading role by fighting at the forefront against the pandemic and are the backbone of the fight against the epidemic. These frontline medical workers are under enormous psychological pressure and are prone to overwork and stress, as well as depression depletion, anxiety, insomnia, frustration, or self‐blame in the face of patient deaths. Active psychological crisis interventions for medical staff fighting the pandemic are important protect and promote to maintain their occupational health. Based on China's experience, this paper describes the importance of organizational leadership, emergency psychological crisis interventions in pandemics, and psychological intervention measures for medical staff. It cites useful explorations from different regions and makes suggestions for establishing a sound psychological intervention mechanism.
Clinical observation of the efficacy of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Wang Miao , Zhen Hongchao , Jiang Xiaoyue , Lu Yuting , Wei Yuhan , Jin Jiangtao , Li Qin
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Programmed death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors are proved to be promising and are applied for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in patients with advanced solid tumors and explore the effect of clinical characteristics on it.

Materials and Methods

From October 2017 to April 2020, a total of 90 patients from Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital were enrolled.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 10.55 months, objective response was observed in 23 patients and the objective response rate was 25.6%. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.69–7.37). The 6m‐PFS was 45.8% and 12m‐PFS was 25.1%. The median overall survival (OS) was 16.9 months (95% CI, not reached [NR]‐NR). The 12m‐OS was 58.1% and 18m‐OS was 48.1%.

Conclusion

The efficacy of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in the treatment of advanced solid tumors was comparable to previous studies. ECOG performance status, smoking status, liver metastasis, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio were independently correlated with PFS while liver metastasis and lactate dehydrogenase level were independently correlated with OS.
Identification of novel key molecular signatures in the pathogenesis of experimental diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Liu Caiying , Zhu Tong , Zhang Jieping , Wang Juan , Gao Furong , Ou Qingjian , Jin Caixia , Xu Jing‐Ying , Zhang Jingfa , Tian Haibin , Xu Guo‐Tong , Lu Lixia
Published: August 2021

Deep mining of the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic retinopathy (DR) is critical for the development of novel therapeutic targets. This study aimed to identify key molecular signatures involved in experimental DR on the basis of integrated bioinformatics analysis. Four datasets consisting of 37 retinal samples were downloaded from the National Center of Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus. After batch‐effect adjustment, bioinformatics tools such as Networkanalyst, Enrichr, STRING, and Metascape were used to evaluate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), perform enrichment analysis, and construct protein–protein interaction networks. The hub genes were identified using Cytoscape software. The DEGs of interest from the meta‐analysis were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction in diabetic rats and a high‐glucose‐treated retinal cell model, respectively. A total of 743 DEGs related to lens differentiation, insulin resistance, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol metabolism were obtained using the meta‐analysis. Alterations of dynamic gene expression in the chloride ion channel, retinol metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism were involved in the course of DR in rats. Importantly, H3K27m3 modifications regulated the expression of most DEGs at the early stage of DR. Using an integrated bioinformatics approach, novel molecular signatures were obtained for different stages of DR progression, and the findings may represent distinct therapeutic strategies for DR patients.
A Code Generator Synthesizer for the Non‐specialist
Authors: Clayton Peter G.
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses the implementation of a table‐driven synthesized code generator for converting intermediate codes in the form of hypothetical machine instructions into machine code. The implementation has two related objectives. One is to accelerate the development of compilers, by reducing the interaction between the code generator synthesizer and the compiler designer. The other is to relax the traditional requirement that the user of a code generator synthesizer be a compiler specialist. The system has been successfully implemented on microcomputers using the CP/MTM operating system.
Implications on Suitable Multiprocessor Structures and Virtual Storage Management when Applying a Feasible Scheduling Algorithm in Hard Real‐Time Environments
Authors: Halang Wolfgang A.
Published: August 2021

Multiprocessor structures yielding the best performance in hard real‐time applications when taking the objectives of feasible processor scheduling, inherent deadlock prevention, minimization of context‐switching operations, and guaranteed reaction times as a basis are investigated. The considerations reveal that single processor systems in co‐operation with devices specialized in carrying through operating system nuclei have advantages over classical von Neumann and symmetrical multiprocessor structures. Furthermore, it is shown that nearly optimal look‐ahead algorithms for the virtual storage administration employing the code of entire tasks as paging elements are closely related to the deadline‐driven scheduling.
Management of Replicated Files in a UNIX Environment
Authors: Brereton O. P.
Published: August 2021

This paper describes the design of a scheme to manage updates to a file replicated over a number of UNIX systems. An implementation is described elsewhere. The algorithm prohibits simultaneous updates and maintains a weak consistency between copies. It uses the traditional lock/update/unlock approach but requires only that a majority of the total number of copies of a file be available to process an update.
SUPERLINEAR SPEED‐UP AND THE HALTING PROBLEM
Authors: Schneck Paul B.
Published: August 2021

This paper describes a technique for refuting the claim that ‘new’ algorithms on parallel processing systems with n processors will yield a speed‐up of more than n. The technique uses a round‐robin service approach which is borrowed from that used in automata theory. It is shown that a sequential processor with this service technique can yield a speed‐up of 1/n times that claimed for a parallel processor.
Side‐effects in Automatic File Updating
Authors: Miller Webb , Myers Eugene W.
Published: August 2021

File update programs, such as the UNIX make command are invaluable, but enigmatic. They are difficult to write because the repercussions of an algorithmic variation can be elusive. Even experienced users often specify file relationships incorrectly, and are occasionally suprised by the tool's behaviour. This paper develops a rigorous conceptual model and employs it to answer some of the questions facing writers and users of file update tools. Coupled with empirical data about makefiles, these results motivate a conceptually simple update program.
Profiling under ELXSI UNIX
Authors: Carrington David A.
Published: August 2021

Dynamic program measurement, commonly known as profiling, is a highly desirable tool for any programming environment. By measuring the actual behaviour of programs, tuning efforts can focus on those components that account for the significant part of the execution time. The traditional UNIX profiling mechanism is based on sampling the program counter. In the ELXSI implementation of UNIX System V, this mechanism is not appropriate. Execution profiling of user programs has instead been implemented by exploiting the high precision timer in the ELXSI 6400 architecture. This per‐process timer makes it possible to replace interrupt‐driven sampling as the source of timing information.
Monitoring aging‐associated structural alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans striated muscles via polarization‐dependent second‐harmonic generation measurements
Authors: Tsafas Vassilis , Giouroukou Konstantina , Kounakis Konstantinos , Mari Meropi , Fotakis Costas , Tavernarakis Nektarios , Filippidis George
Published: August 2021

The in‐vivo elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying muscles dysfunction due to aging via non‐invasive label free imaging techniques is an important issue with high biological significance. In this study, polarization‐dependent second‐harmonic generation (PSHG) was used to evaluate structural alterations in the striated muscles during Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan. Young and old wild‐type animals were irradiated. The obtained results showed that it was not feasible to detect differences in the structure of myosin that could be correlated with the aging of the worms, via the implementation of the classical, widely used, cylindrical symmetry model and the calculation of the SHG anisotropy values. A trigonal symmetry model improved the extracted results; however, the best outcome was originated from the application of a general model. Myosin structural modifications were monitored via the estimation of the difference in spectral phases derived from discrete Fourier transform analysis. Age classification of the nematodes was achieved by employing both models, proving the usefulness of the usage of PSHG microscopy as a potential diagnostic tool for the investigation of muscle diseases.
Vitamin D and Muscle Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Bislev Lise Sofie , Grove-Laugesen Diana , Rejnmark Lars
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation versus placebo on muscle health. For this systematic review and trial-level meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials, a systematic search of randomized controlled trials published until October 2020 was performed in Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar. We included studies in humans (except athletes) on supplementation with vitamin D2 or D3 versus placebo, regardless of administration form (daily, bolus, and duration) with or without calcium co-supplementation. The predefined endpoints were physical performance reported as timed up and go test (TUG; seconds), chair rising test (seconds), 6-minute walking distance (m), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; points). Furthermore, endpoints were maximum muscle strength (Newton) measured at handgrip, elbow flexion, elbow extension, knee flexion, and knee extension, as well as muscle (lean tissue) mass (kg). Falls were not included in the analysis. Cochrane Review Manager (version 5.4.1.) calculating mean difference (MD) using a random effect model was used. In total, 54 randomized controlled trials involving 8747 individuals were included. Vitamin D versus placebo was associated with a significantly longer time spent performing the TUG (MD 0.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.26] seconds, N = 19 studies, I2 = 0%, n = 5223 participants) and a significant lower maximum knee flexion strength (MD –3.3 [−6.63 to −0.03] Newton, N = 12 studies, I2 = 0%, n = 765 participants). Total score in the SPPB showed a tendency toward worsening in response to vitamin D compared with placebo (MD −0.18 [−0.37 to 0.01] points, N = 8 studies, I2 = 0%, n = 856 participants). Other measures of muscle health did not show between-group differences. In subgroup analyses, including studies with low vitamin D levels, effects of vitamin D supplementation did not differ from placebo. Available evidence does not support a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle health. Vitamin D may have adverse effects on muscle health, which needs to be considered when recommending vitamin D supplementation. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Sodium houttuyfonate attenuates neurological defects after traumatic brain injury in mice via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasomes
Authors: Yao Xiaolong , Wang Shengbo , Chen Yingchun , Sheng Liuqing , Li Huanhuan , You Huichao , Ye Jianfeng , Zhang Qing , Li Jun
Published: August 2021

Sodium houttuyfonate (SH) is a chemical compound synthesized by houttuynin and sodium bisulfite. As it has antinflammatory effects, SH has been widely used to treat autoimmune diseases, including post events following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Meanwhile, NOD‐like receptor with pyrin domain containing‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes in microglia may play a central role in TBI. But to date, the intracellular mechanisms involved in the anti‐inflammatory effects of SH in TBI remain unknown, especially whether regulating NLRP3. To gain an insight into this possibility, we conducted cell culture and biochemical studies on the effect of SH on NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia. The results showed that SH inhibited TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the microglia cell. In parallel, phosphorylation of ERK and NF‐κB p65, which play a key role in NLRP3 inflammasome formation, was decreased. Intraperitoneal injection of SH into TBI mice significantly reduced the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), as well as the degree of microglia apoptosis post‐controlled cortical impact (CCI). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) revealed that SH markedly reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, TLR4 activity, phosphorylation of ERK and NF‐κB. Moreover, SH significantly inhibited microglia activation post‐CCI, but effectively promoted the astrocyte activation and angiopoiesis. Taken together, our research provides evidence that SH attenuated neurological deficits post TBI through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, via influencing the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway. These findings explain the intracellular mechanism of the anti‐inflammatory activity caused by SH treatment following TBI.
TCTP overexpression reverses age‐associated telomere attrition by upregulating telomerase activity in mouse oocytes
Authors: Jeon Hyuk‐Joon , Kang Minsung , Kim Jae‐Sung , Oh Jeong Su
Published: August 2021

A prolonged time span between ovulation and fertilization can cause postovulatory aging of oocytes, which impairs oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development. Telomere attrition has long been considered as the primary hallmark of aging or the cause of age‐associated diseases. However, the status of telomere and its regulation during postovulatory oocyte aging are poorly understood. Here we found that oocytes experience telomere shortening during postovulatory aging, although they have the capacity to maintain telomere length. However, translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) overexpression could reverse age‐associated telomere shortening by upregulating telomerase activity in mouse oocytes. Telomere length in mature oocytes gradually decreased with postovulatory aging, which was associated with a marked reduction in TRF1 expression, decreased telomerase activity, and decreased homologous combination (HR)‐based alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) with a concomitant increase in oxidative stress. Surprisingly, however, overexpression of TCTP led to a remarkable increase in telomere length during postovulatory aging. Notably, neither TRF1 nor BRCA1 level was altered by TCTP overexpression. Moreover, TCTP‐mediated telomere lengthening was not blocked by HR inhibition. In striking contrast, telomerase activity, as well as TERT and TERC levels, increased after TCTP overexpression. Importantly, unlike the chromosome‐wide distribution of endogenous TCTP, overexpressed TCTP was ectopically localized at telomeres, implying that TCTP overexpression is required to increase telomerase activity. Collectively, our results demonstrate that TCTP prevents telomere attrition during postovulatory aging by upregulating telomerase activity in mouse oocytes.
Tetraspanin 7 regulates osteoclast function through association with the RANK/αvβ3 integrin complex
Authors: Kim Minhee , Lin Jingjing , Huh Jeong‐Eun , Park Jin Hee , Go Miyeon , Lee Hana , Hwang Donghyun , Kim Han Sung , Kim Taesoo , Lee Daekee , Lee Soo Young
Published: August 2021

Actin rings are unique structures that facilitate the attachment of osteoclasts to the bone matrix during bone resorption. Previous studies have shown that tetraspanin7 (TSPAN7) plays an important role in the reorganization of the cytoskeleton necessary for the bone‐resorbing activity of osteoclasts. However, questions remain as to the mechanisms by which TSPAN7 regulates this cytoskeletal rearrangement. In this study, we investigated the roles of TSPAN7 in osteoclasts by deleting theTm4sf2gene in mice, which encodes TSPAN7. TheTm4sf2global knockout model showed protective effects on pathological bone loss, but no discernible changes in bone phenotypes under physiological conditions. In vitro study revealed that ablation ofTm4sf2caused significant defects in integrin‐mediated actin ring formation, thereby leading to significantly decreased bone resorption. Additionally, we demonstrated an association between TSPAN7 and the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐кB/αvβ3 integrin. Overall, our findings suggest that TSPAN7 acts as a novel modulator regulating the bone‐resorbing function of osteoclasts.
Breast implant seroma: A SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine side effect
Authors: Kayser Françoise , Fourneau Hadrien , Mazy Olivier C. , Mazy Stéphane
Published: August 2021

Fluid collection surrounding breast implants, called seroma, is a frequent issue that has diverse etiologies. We describe a 48‐year‐old woman with an acute onset of bilateral breast swelling occurring 5 years after aesthetic surgery and 10 days after a second SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine dose. At breast ultrasound, we found an abundant bilateral peri‐implant seroma. Our patient noticed symptom improvement 48 h after nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug treatment, complete disappearance of symptoms after 10 days with seroma disappearance documented by ultrasound. We hypothesized a breast implant seroma as post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine side effect, as different other diagnosis had been excluded.
Evaluation of the relationship between serum levels of zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Shakeri Habibesadat , Azimian Amir , Ghasemzadeh‐Moghaddam Hamed , Safdari Mohammadreza , Haresabadi Mehdi , Daneshmand Tahereh , Namdar Ahmadabad Hasan
Published: August 2021

Due to the known anti‐inflammatory and antiviral effects of zinc, 25(OH)D, and vitamin B12, in this study, we explored the association between serum levels of these micronutrients in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients at the time of admission and the clinical outcomes. This study was carried out on 293 patients with COVID‐19, who were hospitalized at Imam Hassan hospital (Bojnourd, Iran). We collected demographic data, clinical characteristics, values of serum biochemical parameters in the first week of admission, and clinical outcomes from electronic medical records. We also measured serum levels of zinc, 25(OH)D, and vitamin B12 within 3 days of admission. Of the 293 hospitalized, the median age was 53 years, and 147 (50.17%) were female. Thirty‐seven patients (12.62%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and forty‐two (14.32%) died. We found that the serum levels of zinc, vitamin B12, and 25(OH)D were lower in patients who died than those who were admitted to ICU or non‐ICU and survived; however, these differences were not statistically significant for vitamin B12 and 25(OH)D (p > 0.05). The serum concentrations of zinc, vitamin B12, and 25(OH)D at the time of admission did not affect the length of hospital stay in patients with COVID‐19. In general, it seems that serum levels of 25(OH)D, vitamin B12, and especially zinc at the time of admission can affect clinical outcomes in COVID‐19 patients.
Micro‐CT analysis of the Lisfranc complex reveals higher bone mineral density in dorsal compared to plantar regions
Authors: Requist Melissa R. , Sripanich Yantarat , Rolvien Tim , Lenz Amy L. , Barg Alexej
Published: August 2021

Injuries to the Lisfranc complex may require surgical fixation, the stability of which may be correlated with bone mineral density (BMD). However, there is limited research on regional BMD variations in the Lisfranc complex. This study used quantitative micro‐CT to characterize regional BMD in the four bones (medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, first metatarsal, and second metatarsal) of this complex. Twenty‐four cadaveric specimens were imaged with a calibration phantom using micro‐CT. Each bone was segmented and divided into eight regions based on an anatomical coordinate system. BMD for each octant was calculated using scan‐specific calibration equations and average image intensity. Differences between regions were analyzed using ANOVA with post hoc analysis and differences between groups of four octants in each plane were analyzed with t‐tests with significance levelα = 0.05. The highest density region in the medial cuneiform was the distal–dorsal–lateral and dorsal regions showed significantly higher BMD than plantar regions. The intermediate cuneiform had the highest density in the distal–dorsal–medial region and the dorsal and medial regions had higher BMD than the plantar and lateral regions, respectively. The densest region of the first metatarsal was the distal–dorsal–lateral and distal regions had significantly higher BMD than proximal regions. In the second metatarsal, the distal–dorsal–medial region had the highest density, and the distal, dorsal, and medial regions had significantly higher BMD than the proximal, plantar, and lateral regions, respectively. The predominant finding was a pattern of increased density in the dorsal bone regions, which may be relevant in the surgical management of Lisfranc injuries.
Comprehensive physiopathology and serum metabolomics for the evaluation of the influence mechanism of qi deficiency on xenograft mouse models of liver cancer
Authors: Hou Zong , Liu Shu , Song Fengrui , Pi Zifeng , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2021

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that qi deficiency is important pathogenesis and syndrome of liver cancer and thus is crucial in related research. However, the effect of qi deficiency on the occurrence and development of liver cancer is still unclear. This study aimed to establish a liver cancer model of qi deficiency through the swimming exhaustion and xenograft of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The effects of qi deficiency on the occurrence and development of liver cancer were investigated by analyzing tumor development, blood routine, histopathology, and serum metabolomics. Results showed that qi deficiency greatly affected the physiology and tumor growth of xenograft mice. Eight potential biomarkers were identified by metabolomics based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and tandem quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Their main pathways were arachidonic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, purine metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, sphingomyelin metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism pathway. Finally, the effects of qi deficiency on the occurrence and development of liver cancer were comprehensively analyzed, and the mechanism of this process was preliminarily clarified.
Comparison of the chemical profile differences of Aster tataricus between raw and processed products by metabolomics coupled with chemometrics methods
Authors: Wang Songrui , Xue Zixiang , Huang Xuhua , Ma Wenjuan , Yang Dongyue , Zhao Lulu , Ouyang Huizi , Chang Yanxu , He Jun
Published: August 2021

Aster tataricus, a traditional Chinese herb, has been used to treat cough and asthma for many years. Its raw and processed products have different pharmacological effects in clinical applications. To explore the chemical profile differences of components in A. tataricus processed with different methods, metabolomics methods based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were developed. Chemometrics strategy was applied to filter and screen the candidate compounds. The accuracy of differential markers was validated by back propagation neural network. The established methods showed that raw A. tataricus, honey‐processed A. tataricus, vinegar‐processed A. tataricus, and steamed A. tataricus were clearly divided into four groups, suggesting that the components were closely related to the processing methods. A total of 64 nonvolatile and 43 volatile compounds were identified in A. tataricus, and 22 nonvolatile and 12 volatile differential constituents were selected to distinguish the raw and processed A. tataricus. This study demonstrated that the metabolomics methods coupled with chemometrics were a comprehensive strategy to analyze the chemical profile differences and provided a reliable reference for quality evaluation of A. tataricus.
Silencing of circ_0000517 suppresses proliferation, glycolysis, and glutamine decomposition of non‐small cell lung cancer by modulating miR‐330‐5p/YY1 signal pathway
Authors: Bing Zhong‐Xing , Zhang Jia‐Qi , Wang Gui‐Ge , Wang Yan‐Qing , Wang Tian‐Ge , Li Dan‐Qing
Published: August 2021

In recent years, circular RNA (circRNA) has been found to be involved in a variety of cancer processes. More and more attention has been paid to the research of circRNA in lung cancer. This study aims to investigate whether circ_0000517 affected the physiology of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanism. The results demonstrated that circ_0000517 was highly expressed in lung cancer tissues and cells, and overexpression of circ_0000517 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of NSCLC patients. Silencing of circ_0000517 significantly inhibited the proliferation, glycolysis, and glutamine decomposition of NSCLC cells in vitro and repressed the growth of xenografted tumors in vivo. Moreover, knockdown of circ_0000517 attenuated the expression of PCNA, HK2, LDHA, ASCT2, and GLS1. Further study found that circ_0000517 targeted miR‐330‐5p and miR‐330‐5p targeted YY1. In addition, miR‐330‐5p inhibitor reversed inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, glycolysis, and glutamine decomposition induced by si‐circ_0000517. In conclusion, our study revealed that silencing of circ_0000517 improved the progression of NSCLC through regulating miR‐330‐5p/YY1 axis.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Use of High‐Quality Hospitals Among Oral Cancer Patients in California
Authors: Megwalu Uchechukwu C. , Ma Yifei
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine racial/ethnic differences in use of high‐quality hospitals in patients treated for oral cancer in California.

Study Design

Retrospective cancer database cohort study.

Methods

Data were extracted from the California Cancer Registry data set linked with discharge records and hospital characteristics from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, and with neighborhood characteristics from the California Neighborhoods Data System. The study cohort comprised adult patients with oral cavity malignancy diagnosed between 2004 and 2015. Principal component analysis was used to generate the composite oral cancer‐specific hospital quality score. The impact of hospital quality on survival was assessed using Cox regression models with robust standard error using sandwich variance estimators. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to assess the association between race/ethnicity and use of high‐quality hospitals.

Results

Patients treated in hospitals ranked in the top quartile for quality had improved overall survival (hazard ratio 0.86, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.76–0.98), after adjusting for tumor stage, Charlson comorbidity score, neck dissection, radiotherapy, age, sex, race, and insurance status. Black patients (risk ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.98) were less likely to be treated in high‐quality hospitals compared with non‐Hispanic White patients.

Conclusion

Treatment in high‐quality hospitals is associated with improved survival for patients with oral cancer. However, black patients are less likely to be treated in high‐quality hospitals compared with non‐Hispanic white patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:793–800, 2022
Comparison with Experiment, Model, and Simulation for Thermal Conductive Mechanism of Polymer Composites without Particle Network
Authors: Feng Yancong , Chen Xin , Li Yongrui , Wang Yao , Li Hao , Zhou Guofu
Published: August 2021

Construction of particle network is the most effective strategy for polymer composites with high thermal conductivity. However, the disadvantages of this strategy, such as high particle concentration, complex preparation process, weak mechanical properties or thermodynamic instability, still limit the application. The heat transfer mechanism of polymer composites without particle network remains unclear. In this work, for exploring the heat transfer path of polymer composites without particle network, polymer composites are designed with spherical SiO2 particles grafted by 3D crosslinked organosilicone matrix, to minimize influence of interfacial thermal resistance and crystallization. Combining experiment, theoretical models and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations, it is concluded that the heat fluxes concentrate on the matrix among the particles.
Protein based nanomedicine: Promising therapeutic modalities against inflammatory disorders
Authors: Zaheer Yumna , Vorup‐Jensen Thomas , Webster Thomas J. , Ahmed Mukhtiar , Khan Waheed S. , Ihsan Ayesha
Published: August 2021

The safe and targeted delivery of pharmaceutical formulations has relied extensively on synthetic chemistry and other physicochemical approaches. The research paradigm is now especially changing towards green (or environmentally friendly) approaches, and several biopolymer‐based nanocarriers are marked as emerging nanomedicine tools. These have been developed to overcome problems with conventional drug carriers, which induce severe side effects, especially due to non‐specificity with detrimental effects on non‐targeted normal healthy cells. In addition, the phagocytosis of classic nanoparticles (NPs) and their degradation associated with the formation of oxygen radicals by the immune system are significant barriers for drug delivery. In this regard, protein nanocarriers appear as a promising approach to escape unwanted immune reactions. Moreover, these protein‐based NPs are generally non‐toxic, biodegradable, and even cost‐effective. As a less appreciated advantage, the surface properties of proteins are easily modified. There are, however, several challenges and limiting choices to make when choosing the type of modification to enable effective drug delivery. Here, we shed light on the role of protein nanocarriers for enhancing the bioavailability of different anti‐inflammatory drugs, including better macrophage targeting and overcoming biological barriers. This insight helps one to understand their broad utility in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and bridges the gap between naturaltherapeutic products and nanotechnology‐based delivery approaches, creating perhaps an optimal blend to meet some of our most persistent healthcare problems.
A geometrically nonlinear structural formulation for analysis of beams with a new set of generalized displacements considering piezoelectric effects
Authors: da Silva Felipe Miranda , Donadon Maurício Vicente , Cabral Pedro Higino Alonso
Published: August 2021

In this article, a nonlinear structural formulation that uses a new dimensionless set of generalized displacements is proposed for solving geometrically nonlinear beam problems, being validated by several applications given in literature where a cantilever beam is likely to undergo large displacements. By this approach, useful simplifications and insights are achievable in the analysis process, as the system matrices becoming linear and the reduction of required interpolation continuity degree. The formulation is firstly developed—in a Lagrangian perspective—and the equilibrium equations are then derived using Hamilton's principle. In the sequence, using finite element method, it is substantiated by comparison to examples given in literature in static, dynamic, and finally in an application where piezoelectric effects intervene, in order to assess its multiframework capabilities and deliver a convenient approach whereby beams constituted of smart or conventional materials can be efficiently studied.
Pregnancy during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional observational descriptive study
Authors: Folch Ayora Ana , Salas‐Medina Pablo , Collado‐Boira Eladio , Ropero‐Padilla Carmen , Rodriguez‐Arrastia Miguel , Bernat‐Adell María Desamparados
Published: August 2021

Aim

To provide data on the fears of pregnant women during the confinement period and to learn about the factors, which may have exacerbated fear in Spanish pregnant women during the pandemic.

Design

A cross‐sectional observational and descriptive study.

Methods

An anonymous survey was carried out using virtual media in a pregnant population (aged ≥18 years) during the confinement period from 1 April to 1 May 2020.

Results

The total sample comprised of 62 individuals, with a mean age of 33.6 ± 3.6 years and a mean gestation time of 23.6 ± 9.8 weeks. All of the women used preventive measures against SARS‐CoV‐2. The most common preventive measures were social isolation (82.3%, n = 51) and frequent handwashing (69.4%, n = 43). The most common feeling was fear (29%, n = 18). The main fears were related to transplacental infection (27%, n = 16), loneliness during childbirth, and being separated from the newborn (27%, n = 16). In addition, 59.7% (n = 37) considered changing their child‐rearing practices after the pandemic.
Are UK alcohol industry political donations intended to influence public health policies? – Analysis of publicly available data on donations and lobbying
Authors: Acton Crispin , Hawkins Benjamin
Published: August 2021

Transnational alcohol corporations seek to influence public health policies in ways reminiscent of the tobacco industry. Relatively little is known, however, about the extent of such activities in the alcohol sector, particularly their use of political donations. This study analyses data from the UK Electoral Commission on donations and from Transparency International UK on UK Government Ministerial meetings. Further research is needed to establish whether donations contribute to the disproportionate exposure of Ministers to alcohol industry lobbying. However, our combination of data on UK alcohol industry donations with data on lobbying provides important new evidence. Most larger company donors are active in lobbying and a significant minority of companies meeting Ministers are donors.