bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional and stakeholder effects on carbon mitigation strategies
Authors: Dhanda Kanwalroop K. , Sarkis Joseph , Dhavale Dileep G.
Published: November 2021

The latest IPCC report foreshadows a far gloomier picture of climate change consequences than previously held by demonstrating how avoiding environmental damage requires transforming the world economy at a speed and scale that has “no documented historic precedent.” One of the options to address climate change is adoption of mitigation strategies to reduce carbon emissions on national, sectoral, and corporate levels. This research analyzes mitigation responses by organizations facing institutional and stakeholder pressures while dealing with the risk and opportunities presented by climate change. Our research indicates that different types of institutional pressures—coercive, normative, and mimetic—lead to different and, in certain situations, more active responses from companies. We find that coercive pressures are about equal or more effective than normative or mimetic pressures for adoption of mitigation strategies.
Tensions in the strategic integration of corporate sustainability through global standards: Evidence from Japan and South Korea
Authors: Fontana Enrico , Shin Hyemi , Oka Chikako , Gamble Jos
Published: November 2021

Despite the importance of the conflicting dimensions of corporate sustainability for business strategy, little is known about the tensions that derive from adopting global environmental and social standards in East Asia. Through 65 in‐depth interviews conducted in Tokyo and Seoul, this article examines the tensions—and reactions to these tensions—of corporate sustainability managers tasked with the implementation of such standards in Japanese and South Korean multinational corporations. These represent key contexts of inquiry because of their normative tradition of corporate sustainability and geographical closeness. While elucidating that corporate sustainability managers in both countries encounter societal‐commercial, traditional‐modern, and individual‐collective tensions, the article describes the ways they react differently to these tensions. This article contributes to the literature on corporate sustainability and tensions and the contextual literature on corporate sustainability in Japan and South Korea, ultimately offering takeaways for the strategic planning of multinational corporations.
The association between vincristine‐induced peripheral neuropathy and health‐related quality of life in children with cancer
Authors: van de Velde Mirjam E. , van den Berg Marleen. H. , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. , Abbink Floor C. H. , Twisk Jos W. R. , van der Sluis Inge M. , van den Bos Cor , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Segers Heidi , Chantrain Christophe , van der Werff Ten Bosch Jutte , Willems Leen , van Litsenburg Raphaële R. L.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Vincristine (VCR) is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of pediatric oncology patients, but its main toxicity is VCR‐induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). However, whether VIPN has an effect on health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) in children during treatment is unknown. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the association between VIPN and HR‐QoL in children starting treatment for cancer.

Methods

Measurements of VIPN were performed using two tools: Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and pediatric‐modified Total Neuropathy Score (ped‐mTNS). Assessment of HR‐QoL was done with self‐ and proxy assessment of the Cancer and Generic module of the Pediatric Cancer Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL).

Results

In total, N = 86 children were included. HR‐QoL of children with VIPN (n = 67%, 76%) was significantly lower in comparison with children without VIPN: estimated Total score of PedsQL Generic (proxy) 84.57; β = −8.96 and 95% confidence interval (CI) −14.48 to −3.43; p = 0.002, estimated PedsQL Generic Total score (self‐reported): 85.16, β = −8.38 (95% CI: −13.76 to −3.00); p = 0.003. Similar results were found in the Pain and Hurt domain of the PedsQL Cancer (pain: estimated score [proxy]: 85.28, β = −9.94 [95%CI: −16.44 to −3.45], p = 0.003; hurt: estimated score [self‐report] 97.57, β = −19.15 [95%CI: −26.82 to −11.48], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

VIPN results in a significant reduction of HR‐QoL in children under treatment for a malignancy, which means that VIPN is important for the well‐being of pediatric oncology patients. Therefore, this study underlines the importance of optimizing treatment with VCR, thereby aiming to reduce VIPN while maintaining efficacy.
The role of procalcitonin in identifying high‐risk cancer patients with febrile neutropenia: A useful alternative to the multinational association for supportive care in cancer score
Authors: Chaftari Patrick , Chaftari Anne‐Marie , Hachem Ray , Yeung Sai‐Ching J. , Dagher Hiba , Jiang Ying , Malek Alexandre E. , Dailey Garnes Natalie , Mulanovich Victor E. , Raad Issam
Published: November 2021

Background

The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) risk index has been utilized to determine the risk for poor clinical outcomes in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) in an emergency center (EC). However, this index comprises subjective elements and elaborated metrics limiting its use in ECs. We sought to determine whether procalcitonin (PCT) level (biomarker of bacterial infection) with or without lactate level (marker of inadequate tissue perfusion) offers a potential alternative to MASSC score in predicting the outcomes of patients with FN presenting to an EC.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 550 cancer patients with FN who presented to our EC between April 2018, and April 2019, and had serum PCT and lactate levels measured.

Results

Compared with patients with PCT levels <0.25 ng/ml, those with levels ≥0.25 ng/ml had a significantly higher 14‐day mortality rate (5.2% vs. 0.7%; p = 0.002), a higher bloodstream infection (BSI) rate, and a longer hospital length of stay (LOS). Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with PCT levels ≥0.25 ng/ml and lactate levels >2.2 mmol/L were more likely to be admitted and have an LOS >7 days, BSI, and 14‐day mortality than patients with lower levels. PCT level was a significantly better predictor of BSI than MASSC score (p = 0.003) or lactate level (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Procalcitonin level is superior to MASCC index in predicting BSI. The combination of PCT and lactate levels is a good predictor of BSI, hospital admission, and 14‐day mortality and could be useful in identifying high‐risk FN patients who require hospital admission.
In Vitro Anti‐Toxoplasma gondii Activity Evaluation of a New Series of Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Deng Yu , Mu Hao , Li Hong‐Bo , Fu Li‐Zhi , Tang Da , Wu Tao , Huang Shu‐Heng , Li Cheng‐Hong
Published: November 2021

Toxoplasmosis post serious threaten to human health, leading to severely eye and brain disease, especially for immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. The multiple side effects and long dosing period of current main treatment regiments calls for high effective and low toxicity anti‐toxoplasmosis drugs. Herein, we report our efforts to synthesize a series of 2‐(piperazin‐1‐yl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one derivatives and investigate their activity against Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in vitro based on cell phenotype screening. Among the 26 compounds, 8w and 8x with diaryl ether moiety at the side chain of piperazine exhibited good efficacy to inhibit T. gondii, with IC50 values of 4 μM and 3 μM, respectively. Structure‐activity relationship (SAR) studies implies that hydrophobic aryl at the side chain would be preferred for improvement of activity. Molecular docking study reveals these two compounds appeared high affinity to TgCDPK1 by interaction with the hydrophobic pocket of ATP‐binding cleft.
Cavity‐Controlled Coordination of Square Planar Metal Complexes and Substrate Selectivity by NHC‐Capped Cyclodextrins (ICyDs)
Authors: Meijide Suárez Jorge , Bistri‐Aslanoff Olivia , Roland Sylvain , Sollogoub Matthieu
Published: November 2021

Encapsulation of a metal center inside the cavity of a cyclodextrin (CD) allows the control of the possible coordination modes for the metal depending on the nature and size of the cavity. We show here that the formation of encapsulated square planar AuIII and PdII complexes with CD‐N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, is only possible in the largest β‐ and γ‐CD cavities. In the case of α‐CD‐derived ligands and PdII, an unexpected reversal of the NHC ligand was observed. These extraverted or introverted conformations of metal complexes were carefully studied by NMR and their different behaviors depending on the cavity could be revealed. The size of the CD cavity was also found to have a significant effect on the ability of AuI to be oxidized into AuIII. Furthermore, in the PdII‐catalyzed nucleophilic allylation of aldehydes, the β‐CD‐derived ligand was able to discriminate different substrates from a mixture according to their size, leading to a significantly favored reaction with the smallest substrate.
Electrocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline by Cu‐PANI‐SBA‐15 on Nickel Foam via Peroxymonosulfate‐Based Advanced Oxidation Process
Authors: Ramírez‐Hernández Maricely , Thomas Belvin , Tang Chaoyun , Huang Zhujian , Asefa Tewodros
Published: November 2021

Tetracyclines are the second‐largest class of antibiotics produced and used in the world. The large‐scale use of these broad‐spectrum antibiotics and their limited metabolization by humans and animals have resulted in high levels of tetracycline discharge to the environment. In this report, we demonstrate the electrochemical peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation using Cu(II)‐polyaniline hosted in mesoporous silica (CPS) that is deposited on nickel foam (CPS‐NF) for the degradation of tetracycline in solutions. We also propose the mechanism of the electrocatalytic processes towards the activation of PMS through various electrochemical characterization and degradation experiments. By combining PMS and a CPS‐NF cathode, nearly 90 % of tetracycline is degraded within about 5 min. The results reveal that the addition of PMS promotes the degradation of tetracycline, and the CPS‐NF cathode plays a pivotal role in activating PMS. The Cu+ and Cu2+ species induced from CPS‐NF favor the continuous activation of PMS and the production of reactive oxygen species at the surface of the CPS‐NF cathode to degrade tetracycline. This is the first time where an electrocatalyst typically used for energy applications is successfully applied to activate PMS for the degradation of an emerging pollutant in wastewater for environmental remediation.
Glycerol Tris(2‐cyanoethyl) Ether as an Electrolyte Additive to Enhance the Cycling Stability of Lithium Cobalt Oxide Cathode at 4.5 V
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Huang Zeyu , Liu Fangyan , Song Ying , Mao Qiuyun , Fan Xinming , Bai Maohui , Hong Bo , Lai Yanqing
Published: November 2021

High‐voltage lithium cobalt oxide batteries are considered the ideal power source for portable devices, owing to their high‐energy density and accessible specific capacity. However, it is still challenging to achieve long‐term cycling stability when charging to the high cut‐off voltages (≥4.5 V vs. Li/Li+), owing to the unavoidable parasitic reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Herein, we report an organic nitrile‐based molecule, glycerol tris(2‐cyanoethyl) ether (GTCE), as a novel electrolyte additive to improve the cycling stability of LiCoO2 (LCO) batteries at 2.75–4.5 V. Impressively, the LCO||Li metal half‐cell using the GTCE‐containing electrolyte (2 wt % GTCE in the base electrolyte, 1.0 M LiPF6 in EC/DEC/EMC=1/1/1, v/v) exhibits an outstanding capacity retention of 79.3 % over 150 cycles, superior to the battery with base electrolyte (only 27.4 %) under the same test conditions. It represents a feasible and valuable method to stabilize the cathode/electrolyte interface of high‐voltage lithium‐ion batteries.
Electrocatalysis Beyond 2020: How to Tune the Preexponential Frequency Factor
Authors: Narangoda Praveen , Spanos Ioannis , Masa Justus , Schlögl Robert , Zeradjanin Aleksandar R.
Published: November 2021

After a century of research on electrocatalytic reactions, a universal theory of electrocatalysis is still not established due to limited understanding of complex energy conversion processes at electrified electrode‐electrolyte interfaces. Most of the research efforts directed toward the acceleration of important electrocatalytic reactions (e. g. hydrogen evolution reaction) were in the direction of minimizing activation energy by tuning the adsorption energies of key intermediates. This kind of approach is well‐established and, importantly, in some cases it was valuable by predicting the design of electrocatalysts with advanced properties. However, in some very important research endeavors, advancement in performance of newly designed electrocatalysts could not be attributed to altered/minimized activation energy. Important to note is that modern electrocatalysis almost completely disregards influence of the preexponential factor on reaction rate. In this work, we open some important questions relevant for future of electrocatalysis and electrochemical energy conversion, with special focus on preexponential factor as major contributor to electrocatalytic reaction rate.
Next‐generation sequencing in the evaluation of biliary strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Scheid Johannes F. , Rosenbaum Matthew W. , Przybyszewski Eric M. , Krishnan Kumar , Forcione David G. , Iafrate Anthony J. , Staller Kyle D. , Misdraji Joseph , Lennerz Jochen K. , Pitman Martha Bishop , Pratt Daniel S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a well‐described risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Early detection of CCA in these patients is of great importance because it expands options for therapeutic interventions, including liver transplantation. Current diagnostic tests for the evaluation of biliary strictures are limited to biliary brushing (BB) cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has become an important diagnostic tool in oncology and may be a useful tool for diagnosing CCA on BBs. It is not clear how NGS performs when it is added to BB cytology and FISH in patients with PSC.

Methods

This study reports the authors' experience with NGS performed as a prospective cotest with cytology and FISH on BBs obtained from 60 patients with PSC followed at Massachusetts General Hospital. A duct with malignancy was defined as a high‐risk (HR) stricture with either high‐grade dysplasia or CCA.

Results

NGS was better than FISH and cytology in detecting HR strictures, which showed multiple genetic mutations in all cases. NGS provided specific mutational information, and NGS results were reproducible in longitudinal samples.

Conclusions

Adding NGS to BB cytology and FISH in the evaluation of biliary strictures for patients with PSC may provide additional information that could help to inform clinical management.
Deep reinforcement learning‐based autonomous parking design with neural network compute accelerators
Authors: Özeloğlu Alican , Gürbüz İsmihan Gül , San İsmail
Published: November 2021

We describe the design and implementation of an autonomous prototype vehicle which finds an empty parking slot in a parking area, and parks itself in the empty parking slot, using neural networks based on deep reinforcement learning (RL). To perform an autonomous parking procedure for our prototype vehicle, two different artificial neural networks (ANNs) are trained using a deep RL Algorithm in a simulation environment and embedded into the computing platform of the prototype car. One of the ANNs enables the vehicle to drive autonomously in the parking environment. At the same time, an image processing algorithm is used to determine whether a parking slot is empty. When the image processing algorithm finds a suitable parking slot, a different ANN is activated and performs a safe parking procedure. However, ANN‐based machine learning techniques require high processing power and impose a high computational burden on embedded CPU and GPU platforms. To alleviate the computational burden, one can achieve higher performance and less power consumption using an application‐specific hardware design, where logic resources are fully exploited according to the algorithm of interest, in an energy‐efficient manner. In this article, hardware accelerators for our ANN models are designed and generated via the Vivado high‐level synthesis (HLS) tool, targeting an ARM based programmable SoC platform, ZedBoard. Our ANN accelerators have achieved a speedup of 17x as compared to an ARM software implementation. For deeper fully‐connected layers used in deep RL‐based solutions, function‐level parallelism (Vivado's dataflow) is employed to improve the computational efficiency. Our proposed stage‐level description for fully connected layers outperforms recent studies in terms of computation time.
Developing a Liu‐type estimator in beta regression model
Authors: Algamal Zakariya Yahya , Abonazel Mohamed R.
Published: November 2021

The beta regression model is a commonly used when the response variable has the form of fractions or percentages. The maximum likelihood (ML) estimator is used to estimate the regression coefficients of this model. However, it is known that multicollinearity problem affects badly the variance of ML estimator. Therefore, this paper introduces the Liu‐type estimator for the beta regression model to handle the multicollinearity problem. The performance of the proposed (Liu‐type) estimator is compared to the ML estimator and other biased (ridge and Liu) estimators depending on the mean squared error (MSE) criterion by conducting a simulation study and through an empirical application. The results indicated that the proposed estimator outperformed the ML, ridge, and Liu estimators.
Specific early maladaptive schemas differentially mediate the relations of emotional and sexual maltreatment to recent life events in youth with depression
Authors: Zheng Sally , Stewart Jeremy G. , Bagby R. Michael , Harkness Kate L.
Published: November 2021

The current study provided a novel investigation of relations among particular types of childhood maltreatment (emotional vs. physical vs. sexual maltreatment), specific cognitive schema themes and the generation of dependent versus independent life events. Participants included 227 adolescents and emerging adults (74% female; aged 12–29) in a current episode of a unipolar depressive disorder drawn from three archival cross‐sectional studies. Childhood maltreatment and life events from the past 6 months were assessed using detailed contextual interviews with independent, standardized ratings. Emotional maltreatment was uniquely associated with schema themes of emotional deprivation and subjugation, and sexual maltreatment was uniquely associated with schema themes of abandonment, vulnerability and dependence/incompetence. Further, subjugation and abandonment cross‐sectionally mediated the relations of emotional and sexual maltreatment, respectively, to greater dependent, but not independent, life events. Physical maltreatment was not associated with cognitive schemas or recent life events after accounting for its overlap with emotional and sexual maltreatment. Results suggest targets for cognitive intervention that may improve outcomes for youth with specific histories of emotional and sexual maltreatment.
B Corp versus ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications: Aligned, or alternative paths, towards sustainable development?
Authors: Fonseca Luis , Silva Vitor , Sá José Carlos , Lima Vanda , Santos Gilberto , Silva Rui
Published: November 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) emerged to deliver sustainable economic, environmental, and social value to organization's extended stakeholders and society in general. This study investigates the similarities, differences, and relationships between B Corp, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 certifications and is supported by a mixed research methodology and a sample of 701 B Corp companies certified between January 2020 and March 2021. The results indicate that ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified B Corp companies have statistically higher scores for the Environment dimension but are inconclusive, or even contradictory, for the other BIA (B Impact Assessment) dimensions. Differences in size, activity sector and geographical location are discussed. It is shown that both B Corp, ISO 9001 and 14001 certified companies, guided by different missions and business models, contribute, at different levels, towards CSR and sustainable development goals.
Usefulness of argon plasma coagulation for bleeding around hepaticojejunal anastomosis
Authors: Tange Yoshitaka , Hasegawa Naoyuki , Sugiyama Yutaro , Endo Masato , Terasaki Masahiko , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Ishige Kazunori , Fukuda Kuniaki , Suzuki Hideo , Mizokami Yuji
Published: November 2021

Ectopic varices due to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHO) after hepaticojejunostomy have been previously reported. However, few case reports have described angiodysplasia‐like lesions due to EHO around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis because they comprise small vessels in the mucosal surface and cannot be detected by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography. Physicians need to insert the endoscope into the long afferent limb to diagnose angiodysplasia‐like lesions around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis. Some reports have described that endoscopy stops bleeding from angiodysplasia‐like lesions around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis; however, a standard methodology remains to be established. We present three cases of bleeding from an angiodysplasia‐like lesion around the hepaticojejunal anastomosis that were successfully treated using argon plasma coagulation (APC) with balloon‐assisted enteroscopy. Although one patient died owing to cancer progression 3 months after APC hemostasis, the hemostatic effect persisted for >2 years in the remaining two patients. These results suggest that APC is a good treatment option to stop bleeding from angiodysplasia‐like lesions at hepaticojejunal anastomosis.
Multiple myeloma with esophageal involvement: A rare case
Authors: Tohata Misako , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Harada Hiroshi , Yoshida Erika , Takano Yuichi , Gomi Kuniyo , Nagahama Masatsugu , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

A 77‐year‐old man presented with a spinal cord tumor at the cervical 7/thoracic 1 level and pain and weakness in the right hand. Blood tests revealed anemia, renal dysfunction, and hyperproteinemia. Immunoelectrophoresis revealed the M‐protein component of immunoglobulin G gamma globulin. Bone marrow aspirate contained an increased number of atypical plasma cells. He was diagnosed with symptomatic myeloma and treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and extradural tumor resection. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, performed because of anemia progression, revealed a 5‐mm submucosal tumor‐like elevated lesion in the upper thoracic esophagus. On white light observation, the lesion appeared whitish with a central redness. Our patient was diagnosed with extramedullary multiple myeloma. Extramedullary lesions are rare in the gastrointestinal tract. To our knowledge, this case is the first of multiple myeloma with esophageal involvement.
Survival of western Gulf Coast Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula) in the path of a Category 4 hurricane
Authors: Ringelman Kevin M. , Bonczek Elizabeth S. , Marty Joseph R. , Booth Ashley R. , Dopkin Alexandre L.
Published: November 2021

Tropical cyclones are the most powerful storms on earth, causing catastrophic damage to human lives and infrastructure. Hurricanes also cause wildlife mortality when they make landfall, but the severity of these effects is difficult to quantify because data collection is either logistically impossible or deprioritized in the wake of human tragedy. On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwestern Louisiana with maximum sustained winds of 241 kph (150 mph), making it one of the most powerful storms to strike the mainland United States. Hurricane Laura passed directly over the core breeding range of the western Gulf Coast population of Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula), during a time when many adult birds were undergoing a simultaneous wing feather molt and were flightless. We used GPS‐GSM telemetry data to evaluate survival rates of adult female Mottled Ducks in late summer 2020 (bracketing August 27 by one month on either side) relative to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Mortality was lower in 2018 (12 out of 29; 41%) and 2019 (8 out of 28; 29%) than in 2020 (12 out of 18; 67%), and 7 out of 12 mortalities documented in 2020 occurred when Hurricane Laura made landfall. Survival analyses in program MARK confirmed lower survival probability in 2020, but there was overlap in 85% confidence intervals in all years. This single storm resulted in the death of ~40% of all marked birds in our sample, suggesting that hurricanes have the potential to influence population demographics. In addition, Hurricane Laura resulted in widespread habitat loss and degradation that has reduced available nesting habitat in 2021, and possibly for years to come. The acute and chronic effects of hurricanes may exacerbate Mottled Duck population declines, which may worsen in the face of increasingly frequent and more severe tropical storms.
Food insecurity, type 2 diabetes, and hyperglycaemia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Beltrán Sourik , Arenas Daniel J. , Pharel Marissa , Montgomery Canada , Lopez‐Hinojosa Itzel , DeLisser Horace M.
Published: November 2021

Aims

Food insecurity (FIS) is a major public health issue with possible implications for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to explore the association between FIS and T2DM.

Methods

We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. All cross‐sectional, peer‐reviewed studies investigating the link between FIS and T2DM were included. Population characteristics, study sizes, covariates, T2DM diagnoses, and diabetes‐related clinical measures such as fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c were extracted from each study. Outcomes were compared between food insecure and food secure individuals. Effect sizes were combined across studies using the random effect model.

Results

Forty‐nine peer‐reviewed studies investigating the link between FIS and T2DM were identified (n = 258,250). Results of meta‐analyses showed no association between FIS and clinically determined T2DM either through FBG or HbA1c: OR = 1.22 [95%CI: 0.96, 1.55], Q(df = 5) = 12.5, I2 = 60% and OR = 1.21 [95%CI: 0.95, 1.54], Q(df = 5) = 14; I2 = 71% respectively. Standardized mean difference (SMD) meta‐analyses yielded no association between FIS and FBG or HbA1c: g = 0.06 [95%CI: −0.06, 0.17], Q(df = 5) = 15.8, I2 = 68%; g = 0.11 [95% CI: −0.02, 0.25], Q(df = 7) = 26.8, I2 = 74% respectively. For children, no association was found between FIS and HbA1c: g = 0.06 [95%CI: 0.00, 0.17], Q(df = 2) = 5.7, I2 = 65%.

Conclusions

Despite multiple proposed mechanisms linking FIS to T2DM, integration of the available literature suggests FIS is not associated with clinically determined T2DM or increases in FBG or HbA1c among adult patients.
Left atrial structural and mechanical remodelling in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Rossi Andrea , Carluccio Erberto , Cameli Matteo , Inciardi Riccardo M. , Mandoli Giulia Elena , D'Agostino Andreina , Biagioli Paolo , Maffeis Caterina , Pugliese Nicola R. , Pastore Maria Concetta , Mengoni Anna , Pedrinelli Roberto , Henein Michael , Dini Frank L.
Published: November 2021

Aims

In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), an association between left atrial (LA) dilatation and dysfunction is expected, but the degree of coexistence of the two abnormalities and their relative prognostic role is not known.

Methods and results

A total of 626 HFrEF patients formed the study population. All of them underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation. LA maximal volume was indexed to body surface area (LAVi); LA function was assessed using strain analysis during the reservoir phase: peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) analysis. Study primary endpoint was overall mortality or hospitalization for worsening heart failure. Four groups of patients were included in this study according to LAVi (≤34 or >34 mL/m2) and PALS (≤23% or >23%); 61 (10%) patients had normal LA volume and function (Group 1), 58 (9%) had LA dilatation but normal function (Group 2), 100 (16%) had normal volume but abnormal function (Group 3), and 407 (65%) had enlarged left atrium and abnormal function (Group 4). PALS was associated with primary endpoint in patients with both normal‐size [Groups 1 and 3: hazard ratio (HR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–0.96; P = 0.0006] and dilated left atria (Groups 2 and 4: HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.96; P < 0.0001). In contrast, LAVi was associated with the primary endpoint in patients with abnormal LA function (Groups 3 and 4: HR 1.018, 95% CI 1.011–1.024; P < 0.00001) but not in those with normal PALS (Groups 1 and 2: HR 1.023, 95% CI 0.99–1.057; P = 0.1).

Conclusions

Left atrial dilatation and dysfunction frequently but not invariably coexist. PALS emerged as a significant prognostic parameter in HFrEF even in the absence of LA dilation.
Relation of left atrial function with exercise capacity and muscle endurance in patients with heart failure
Authors: Bekfani Tarek , Hamadanchi Ali , Ijuin Shun , Bekhite Mohamed , Nisser Jenny , Derlien Steffen , Westphal Julian , Bogoviku Jurgen , Morris Daniel A. , Fudim Marat , Braun‐Dullaeus Rüdiger C. , Möbius‐Winkler Sven , Schulze P. Christian
Published: November 2021

Aims

Both left atrial strain (LAS) and skeletal muscle endurance demonstrate a linear relationship to peak VO2. Less is known about the relationship between central (cardiac) and peripheral (muscle endurance) limitations of exercise capacity in patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated this relationship using novel cardiac markers such as LAS and left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF).

Methods and results

We analysed echocardiographic measurements, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and isokinetic muscle function in 55 subjects with HF and controls [17 heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), 18 heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and 20 healthy controls]. Patients with reduced LAEF showed reduced peak VO2: 14.3 ± 3.5 vs. 18.5 ± 3.5 mL/min/kg, P = 0.003, and reduced muscle endurance (RME): 64.3 ± 23.9 vs. 88.5 ± 32.3 Nm/kg, P = 0.028. Patients with reduced LAS showed similar results. Neither left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) nor left atrial volume index (LAVI) was associated with RME. The area under the curve of LAS and LAEF in patients with HF in association with RME were (0.76 vs. 0.80) with 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.59–0.96, P = 0.012 vs. 0.63–0.98, P = 0.006, respectively). In a multiple linear regression, LAEF and working load measured during CPET (watt) were independent factors for RME after adjusting for age, LVGLS, and 6 min walk test (6MWT) [LAEF (B: 0.09, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.18, P = 0.024), working load (B: 0.05, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.08, P = 0.006)]. Peak torque of the left leg was associated with E/LAS (E: early diastolic) in patients with HFpEF (r = −0.6, P = 0.020). Endurance of the left leg was associated with LAEF (r = 0.79, P = 0.001) in patients with HFrEF.

Conclusions

LAS/LAEF are potential cardiac markers in demonstrating the link between cardiac and peripheral limitations of exercise capacity. Thus, integrating LAS/LAEF in the evaluation of exercise intolerance in patients with HF could be useful.
Circulating SERPINA3 improves prognostic stratification in patients with a de novo or worsened heart failure
Authors: Delrue Leen , Vanderheyden Marc , Beles Monika , Paolisso Pasquale , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Dierckx Riet , Verstreken Sofie , Goethals Marc , Heggermont Ward , Bartunek Jozef
Published: November 2021

Aims

We investigated the prognostic relevance of serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A member 3 (SERPINA3) in patients admitted with a de novo or worsened heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

In the first stage, 83 HF‐related left ventricular (LV) transcripts were examined in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (CCMP, n = 44) who died within 5 years and compared with age‐matched and haemodynamically matched CCMP survivors (n = 39) and controls with normal LV function (n = 17). Among 14 differentially expressed transcripts, myocardial gene and circulating SERPINA3 levels were up‐regulated in non‐survivors vs. survivors (2.40 ± 3.66 vs. 0.36 ± 0.22 units, P < 0.01 and 334.7 ± 138.7 vs. 228.2 ± 83.1 μg/mL, P < 0.01, respectively). While no significant transmyocardial gradient was detected, cytokine stimulation of human endothelial cells induced SERPINA3 secretion. In an independent validation cohort with a de novo or worsened HF (n = 387), circulating SERPINA3 levels > 316 μg/mL were associated with increased all‐cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.4 [1.5–3.9], P = 0.0002} and its composite with unplanned cardiovascular readmission [HR (95% CI): 2.0 (1.2–3.3), P = 0.004]. Patients with elevated SERPINA3 levels and elevated either N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide or ST2 showed worse freedom from both endpoints. In a multivariate analysis, including established clinical risk factors, SERPINA3 remained independent predictor of all‐cause mortality together with age, gender, ST2, glomerular filtration, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

Conclusion

In patients with a de novo or worsened HF, increased SERPINA3 levels > 316 μg/mL are associated with increased mortality or unplanned cardiac readmission. Elevated SERPINA3 levels on top of established clinical predictors appear to identify a subgroup of HF patients at higher mortality risk. Prospective studies should further validate its value in prognostic stratification of HF.
Profiling the specificity of clonally expanded plasma cells during chronic viral infection by single‐cell analysis
Authors: Neumeier Daniel , Pedrioli Alessandro , Genovese Alessandro , Sandu Ioana , Ehling Roy , Hong Kai‐Lin , Papadopoulou Chrysa , Agrafiotis Andreas , Kuhn Raphael , Shlesinger Danielle , Robbiani Damiano , Han Jiami , Hauri Laura , Csepregi Lucia , Greiff Victor , Merkler Doron , Reddy Sai T. , Oxenius Annette , Yermanos Alexander
Published: November 2021

Plasma cells and their secreted antibodies play a central role in the long‐term protection against chronic viral infection. However, due to experimental limitations, a comprehensive description of linked genotypic, phenotypic, and antibody repertoire features of plasma cells (gene expression, clonal frequency, virus specificity, and affinity) has been challenging to obtain. To address this, we performed single‐cell transcriptome and antibody repertoire sequencing of the murine BM plasma cell population following chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Our single‐cell sequencing approach recovered full‐length and paired heavy‐ and light‐chain sequence information for thousands of plasma cells and enabled us to perform recombinant antibody expression and specificity screening. Antibody repertoire analysis revealed that, relative to protein immunization, chronic infection led to increased levels of clonal expansion, class‐switching, and somatic variants. Furthermore, antibodies from the highly expanded and class‐switched (IgG) plasma cells were found to be specific for multiple viral antigens and a subset of clones exhibited cross‐reactivity to nonviral and autoantigens. Integrating single‐cell transcriptome data with antibody specificity suggested that plasma cell transcriptional phenotype was correlated to viral antigen specificity. Our findings demonstrate that chronic viral infection can induce and sustain plasma cell clonal expansion, combined with significant somatic hypermutation, and can generate cross‐reactive antibodies.
Selective Determination of Nicorandil with a Single Planar Solid‐state Potentiometric Ion Selective Electrode
Authors: Hussien Emad Mohamed , Hegazy Maha , Abdel Fattah Laila , Abdellatef Hisham Ezzat , Abd El‐Aziz Mai , El‐Sayed Heba Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Novel screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) were constructed for the quantitation of nicorandil (NIC) in its pharmaceutical formulations. Different ion‐exchangers and plasticizers were investigated, but the optimal potentiometric response was obtained using nicorandil‐phosphotungstate (NIC‐PTA) ion associate and tricresyl phosphate as a plasticizer. A Nernstian response of 58.80±1 mV/decade was obtained over a concentration range of (1×10−6–1×10−2) M with 1×10−5 M as a detection limit. Sensor morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The method was validated for the assay of NIC with high selectivity, accuracy (average recovery=100.54 %), and precision (%RSD≤2).
Simulation of loess gully evolution based on geographic cellular automata
Authors: Luo Lanhua , Ma Jin , Li Fayuan , Jiao Haoyang , Strobl Josef , Zhu A‐xing , Dai Ziyang , Liu Shuanglin
Published: November 2021

Gully development is an important topic in the evolution of modern geomorphology. The study of the development process of gullies is key to understanding the genesis, mechanism and spatial differentiation of loess geomorphology. This study explored the mechanism of the development process of gullies whilst taking into account the erosion characteristics of the gully head area, gully slope area and gully bed area. Based on geographic cellular automata (Geo‐CA), the transition rules were interacted with the fundamental hydraulic principles for gully evolution simulation. Different sediment transfer rules apply to the gully slope area and gully bed area. A simulation model of the loess gully evolution was constructed and implemented based on the loess simulation small watershed. The superior performance of the model was demonstrated by the accuracy evaluation of the model structure and the comparative analysis of the modelling results. Moreover, the model was validated by natural watershed data, and the analytical results indicated the feasibility of the model.
A relationship matrix resolving model for identifying vital nodes based on community in opportunistic social networks
Authors: Luo Jingwen , Wu Jia , Yang Weiyu
Published: November 2021

The introduction of the 5G Internet and big data communication into human society underpins the opportunistic social networks (OSNs) to survive. The storage‐carry‐forward mechanism refers to a data transmission strategy of OSNs, seeking any data transmission opportunities to communicate in the mobile process. Accordingly, identifying influential nodes is considered critical to OSNs and an essential prerequisite for developing efficient collaborative transmission algorithms. According to conventional OSNs, however, the node identification methods exhibit several defects (eg, low recognition accuracy, high time complexity, and poor performance in complexity networks). To address the mentioned defects, this study builds a relationship matrix resolving model to identify vital nodes by complying with community, which is capable of effectively identifying influential nodes in the network. The proposed model iterates by drawing upon the community features in the network to yield the optimal solution that satisfies the set condition, that is, the influential nodes in the community. As revealed from the experimental results, the method exhibits high performance.
Astrocyte‐neuronal network interplay is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease mice
Authors: Lines Justin , Baraibar Andrés M. , Fang Cenxiao , Martin Eduardo D. , Aguilar Juan , Lee Michael K. , Araque Alfonso , Kofuji Paulo
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with senile plaques of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) that affect the function of neurons and astrocytes. Brain activity results from the coordinated function of neurons and astrocytes in astroglial‐neuronal networks. However, the effects of Aβ on astroglial and neuronal network function remains unknown. Simultaneously monitoring astrocyte calcium and electric neuronal activities, we quantified the impact of Aβ on sensory‐evoked cortical activity in a mouse model of AD. At rest, cortical astrocytes displayed spontaneous hyperactivity that was related to Aβ density. Sensory‐evoked astrocyte responsiveness was diminished in AD mice, depending on the density and distance of Aβ, and the responses showed altered calcium dynamics. Hence, astrocytes were spontaneously hyperactive but hypo‐responsive to sensory stimulation. Finally, AD mice showed sensory‐evoked electrical cortical hyperresponsiveness associated with altered astrocyte‐neuronal network interplay. Our findings suggest dysfunction of astrocyte networks in AD mice may dysregulate cortical electrical activity and contribute to cognitive decline.
Functional imaging of human retina using integrated multispectral and laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Feng Ximeng , Yu Yue , Zou Da , Jin Zi , Zhou Chuanqing , Liu Gangjun , Fujimoto James G. , Li Changhui , Lu Yanye , Ren Qiushi
Published: November 2021

A novel integration of retinal multispectral imaging (MSI), retinal oximetry and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is presented for functional imaging of retinal blood vessels that could potentially allow early detection or monitoring of functional changes. We designed and built a cost‐effective, scalable, retinal imaging instrument that integrates structural and functional retinal imaging techniques, including MSI, retinal oximetry and LSCI. Color fundus imaging was performed with 470 nm, 550 nm and 600 nm wavelength light emitting diode (LED) illumination. Retinal oximetry was performed using 550 nm and 600 nm LED illumination. LSCI of blood flow was performed using 850 nm laser diode illumination at 82 frames per second. LSCI can visualize retinal and choroidal vasculature without requiring exogenous contrast agents and can provide time‐resolved information on blood flow, generating a cardiac pulse waveform from retinal vasculature. The technology can rapidly acquire structural MSI images, retinal oximetry and LSCI blood flow information in a simplified clinical workflow without requiring patients to move between instruments. Results from multiple modalities can be combined and registered to provide structural as well as functional information on the retina. These advances can reduce barriers for clinical adoption, accelerating research using MSI, retinal oximetry and LSCI of blood flow for diagnosis, monitoring and elucidating disease pathogenesis.
Immune‐mediated membranous nephropathy: Long term fluconazole usage caused podocyte autophagy
Authors: Huang Lan , Zhao Ya‐Juan , Dong Qiao‐Rong , Hu Gui‐Cai
Published: November 2021

The primary consequences of membranous nephropathy (MN) are the development of nephrotic syndrome including hypogammaglobulinemia, the increased infectious risk, the loss of protein‐bound vitamin D, and, above all, an elevated thromboembolic incidence of up to 50% in severe proteinuria patients. Membrane nephropathy may be either idiopathic or primary, not recognized (70%–80%) or secondary (20%–30%) to pathological sicknesses such as hepatitis B, systemic lupus erythematosus, malignancies, and side‐effects of medicines. The immunological responses in MN involve multiple components: immunoglobulin G (IgG), long‐escaped antigens, and the membrane attachment complex, formed by the supplement to form C5b‐9. In general, IgG4 is the most significant IgG subclass deposited in idiopathic membranous nephropathic disease but fluctuating IgG1 levels also are linked with immunological deposits. In contrast, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 deposition are greater than IgG4 deposition in secondary nephropathy. Fluconazole is a synthetic antifungal triazole that is often used. It is well tolerated in general and has never been identified as a cause of nephropathies. We report on the development of MN caused by fluconazole therapy that could potentiate podocyte autophagy.
Mg2+‐mediated autophagy‐dependent polarization of macrophages mediates the osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal stem cells by interfering with macrophage‐derived exosomes containing miR‐381
Authors: Zhu Yong , Zhao Shushan , Cheng Liang , Lin Zhangyuan , Zeng Min , Ruan Zhe , Sun Buhua , Luo Zhongwei , Tang Yifu , Long Haitao
Published: November 2021

Magnesium ion (Mg2+) has received increased attention due to the roles it plays in promoting osteogenesis and preventing inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the mechanism by which Mg2+ influences the osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs). The polarization of Mø (macrophages) was measured after treatment with Mg2+. Meanwhile, autophagy in Mø was measured by detecting LC3B expression. Mø‐derived exosomes were isolated and cocultured with BMSCs; after which, osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by Alizarin Red staining and detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Our results showed that Mg2+ could induce autophagy in macrophages and modulate the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Mg2+‐mediated macrophages could facilitate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by regulating autophagy, and this facilitation by Mg2+‐mediated macrophages was closely related to macrophage‐derived exosomes, and especially exosomes containing miR‐381. However, miR‐381 in macrophages did not influence autophagy or the polarization of Mg2+‐mediated macrophages. Furthermore, macrophage‐derived exosomes containing miR‐381 mainly determined the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Mg2+‐mediated macrophages were shown to promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via autophagy through reducing miR‐381 in macrophage‐derived exosomes. In conclusion, our results suggest Mg2+‐mediated macrophage‐derived exosomes containing miR‐381 as novel vehicles for promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Structural biofilm resistance of carbon‐infiltrated carbon nanotube coatings
Authors: Morco Stephanie R. , Williams Dustin L. , Jensen Brian D. , Bowden Anton E.
Published: November 2021

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of orthopedic implant surgeries, such as total knee and hip arthroplasties. Treatment requires additional surgeries because antibiotics have limited efficacy due to biofilm formation and resistant bacterial strains such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A non‐pharmaceutical approach is needed, and examples of this are found in nature; dragonfly and cicada wings are antibacterial because of their nanopillar surface structure rather than their chemistry. Carbon‐infiltrated carbon nanotube (CICNT) surfaces exhibit a similar nanopillar structure, and have been shown to facilitate osseointegration, and it is postulated that they might provide a structurally‐derived resistance to bacterial proliferation and biofilm formation. The objective of this study was to test the biofilm resistance of CICNT coatings. Two types of CICNT were produced: a vertically aligned CNT forest on a silicon substrate using a layer of iron as the catalyst (CICNT‐Si) and a random‐oriented CNT forest on stainless steel (SS) substrate using the substrate as the catalyst (CICNT‐SS). These were tested against SS and carbon controls. After 48 h in an MRSA biofilm reactor, samples demonstrated that both types of CICNT coatings significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced MRSA biofilm formation by 60%–80%. Morphologically, biofilm presence on both types of CICNT was also significantly reduced. Clinical Significance: Results suggest that a CICNT surface modification could be suitable and advantageous for medical devices susceptible to MRSA cell attachment and biofilm proliferation, particularly orthopedic implants.