bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis in Systemic Sclerosis Identifies New Candidate Genes Associated With Multiple Aspects of Disease Pathology
Authors: Kerick Martin , González‐Serna David , Carnero‐Montoro Elena , Teruel Maria , Acosta‐Herrera Marialbert , Makowska Zuzanna , Buttgereit Anne , Babaei Sepideh , Barturen Guillermo , López‐Isac Elena ,   PRECISESADS Clinical Consortium, Lesche Ralf , Beretta Lorenzo , Alarcon‐Riquelme Marta E. , Martin Javier
Published: January 2021

Objective

To identify the genetic variants that affect gene expression (expression quantitative trait loci [eQTLs]) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to investigate their role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Methods

We performed an eQTL analysis using whole‐blood sequencing data from 333 SSc patients and 524 controls and integrated them with SSc genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data. We integrated our findings from expression modeling, differential expression analysis, and transcription factor binding site enrichment with key clinical features of SSc.

Results

We detected 49,123 validated cis‐eQTLs from 4,539 SSc‐associated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (PGWAS < 10−5). A total of 1,436 genes were within 1 Mb of the 4,539 SSc‐associated SNPs. Of those 1,436 genes, 565 were detected as having ≥1 eQTL with an SSc‐associated SNP. We developed a strategy to prioritize disease‐associated genes based on their expression variance explained by SSc eQTLs (r2 > 0.05). As a result, 233 candidates were identified, 134 (58%) of them associated with hallmarks of SSc and 105 (45%) of them differentially expressed in the blood cells, skin, or lung tissue of SSc patients. Transcription factor binding site analysis revealed enriched motifs of 24 transcription factors (5%) among SSc eQTLs, 5 of which were found to be differentially regulated in the blood cells (ELF1 and MGA), skin (KLF4 and ID4), and lungs (TBX4) of SSc patients. Ten candidate genes (4%) can be targeted by approved medications for immune‐mediated diseases, of which only 3 have been tested in clinical trials in patients with SSc.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study indicate a new layer to the molecular complexity of SSc, contributing to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease.
To sling or not to sling? Impact of intraoperative sling procedures during radical prostatectomy on postoperative continence outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim Eunice , Leslie Scott , Thanigasalam Ruban , Steffens Daniel
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigates the efficacy of intraoperative sling procedures in reducing postprostatectomy urinary incontinence compared to having no slings.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library from inception to November 2020 was performed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized studies and Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies. The GRADE approach was used for critical appraisal of evidences and meta‐analyses were conducted using random‐effects models.

Results

Ten studies were included (n = 1,447). Quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Sling procedure was generally favorable for short‐term continence outcomes, although discrepancies exist due to variability in continence definition. Sling procedure resulted in reduced urinary pad weight at 1 month postoperatively (MD: 21.55; 95%CI: 12.58 to 30.52). Patient‐reported questionnaires were also favorable for the sling group for up to 3 months (IPSS; (MD: 1.44; 95%CI: 0.14 to 2.74), ICIQ‐SF; (MD: 2.25; 95%CI: 1.26 to 3.24), EPIC‐U; (MD: 5.30; 95%CI: 1.12 to 9.39)) postoperatively. Sling procedure improved the number of continent patients at 1 month with continence definition of zero pad use/day (RR:1.41; 95%CI: 1.10 to 1.83) but not with the definition of ≤ 1pad/day. Similarly, it reduced the time to continence with the ≤ 1 pad/day definition (MD: 0.5; 95%CI: 0.1 to 0.9) but not with the zero pad/day definition.

Conclusion

The current literature suggests that intraoperative sling procedures during radical prostatectomy may promote early return of continence compared to having no sling, however, there are no long‐term differences.
Dicer‐independent snRNA/snoRNA‐derived nuclear RNA 3 regulates tumor‐associated macrophage function by epigenetically repressing inducible nitric oxide synthase transcription
Authors: Shi Yang , Shi Qingzhu , Shen Qicong , Zhang Qian , Cao Xuetao
Published: January 2021

Background

Small RNAs (sRNAs) extensively mediate gene‐specific chromatin regulation in lower organisms. As a dominant type of functional sRNAs in mature mammals, microRNAs mainly regulate gene expression at post‐transcription level in the cytoplasm. Currently, whether there exists a type of nuclear‐localized sRNAs mediating gene‐specific epigenetic regulation in mature mammalian cells remains largely unclear. Here, we profiled sRNAs enriched in the nucleus and investigated their function in mediating gene‐specific epigenetic regulation in anti‐tumor immunity.

Methods

We established cytoplasmic and nuclear transcriptomes of sRNAs of dendritic cells (DCs) using high‐throughput sequencing. Transcription abundances of sRNAs and mRNAs were analyzed by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assay. The associations between sRNAs and Argonaute (AGO) proteins were detected by RNA immunoprecipitation analysis. Synthesized sRNAs and locked nucleic acid (LNA) ‐modified sRNA inhibitors were used to screen the function of sRNAs in innate immune cells. The effect of sRNA on the enrichment of either chromatin remodeler or histone modification at the gene promoter was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐qPCR assay. Chromatin accessibility qPCR assay was used to detect the accessibility of gene promoters. A B16 melanoma‐bearing mouse model was established to determine the function of sRNAs in tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and their effect on tumor growth.

Results

We identified a new class of nucleus‐localized sRNAs, named snRNA/snoRNA‐derived nuclear RNAs (sdnRNAs). Some sdnRNAs were Dicer‐independent and had no association with Argonaute proteins. sdnRNA‐3, the most abundant Dicer‐independent sdnRNAs identified in our analysis, was selected as a representative to examine the biological function of sdnRNAs. sdnRNA‐3 selectively inhibited the transcription of Nos2 in macrophages during innate immune response by repressing the chromatin accessibility at Nos2 gene promoter. sdnRNA‐3 promoted the enrichments of repressive chromatin‐remodeling regulator Mi‐2β and the repressive histone modification H3K27me3 at Nos2 gene promoter. In the B16 melanoma mouse model, we found higher expression of sdnRNA‐3 in M2 TAMs than M1 TAMs and DCs. Transfer of sdnRNA‐3‐silenced macrophages inhibited tumor growth with increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in TAMs.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the sdnRNA‐3 repressed the transcription of Nos2 by repressing chromatin accessibility at the promoter, providing new insights into the regulation of macrophage function in tumor immunity.
Factors associated with cognitive impairment during the first year of treatment for nonmetastatic breast cancer
Authors: Rodriguez Nicole , Fawcett Jonathan M. , Rash Joshua A. , Lester Renee , Powell Erin , MacMillan Connor D. , Garland Sheila N.
Published: January 2021

Background

Women with breast cancer are more likely to develop cognitive impairment (CI), insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbance than individuals with other cancers. The main objectives of this study were to establish the prevalence of CI and examine the relationships between CI, insomnia, fatigue, and mood over the first year of breast cancer treatment.

Methods

Participants were recruited after diagnosis and completed validated measures of insomnia, objective and perceived CI, fatigue, and mood disturbance at four time points during the first year of treatment. A random intercepts cross‐lagged panel model assessed relationships among symptoms over time.

Results

The sample included 98 women. Prevalence of objective CI ranged from 3.1% to 8.2% throughout the year, whereas 36.7% demonstrated a clinically meaningful decline in perceived CI from baseline to 4 months, which remained relatively stable. Greater perceived CI was associated with more fatigue (β = −0.78, z = 17.48, p < .01) and symptoms of insomnia (β = −0.58, z = 5.24, p < .01). Short‐term fluctuations in perceived CI (p < .05), but not fatigue or insomnia, predicted future perceived CI. Fatigue (p < .001) was a significant predictor of future reported symptoms of fatigue and insomnia.

Conclusion

Subjective CI is more prevalent than objective impairments. Fatigue, insomnia, and perceived CI remain stable and are associated during the first year of treatment. Changes in insomnia and fatigue may have little effect on future perceived cognition. Women with breast cancer likely require targeted intervention for these side effects.
Association between blood pressure and BMI with bladder cancer risk and mortality in 340,000 men in three Swedish cohorts
Authors: Teleka Stanley , Jochems Sylvia H. J. , Häggström Christel , Wood Angela M. , Järvholm Bengt , Orho‐Melander Marju , Liedberg Fredrik , Stocks Tanja
Published: January 2021

Background

The relation between obesity, blood pressure (BP) and bladder cancer (BC) risk and mortality remains unclear, partially due to potential confounding by smoking, the strongest risk factor for BC, and not accounting for tumor stage and grade in such studies. We investigated body mass index (BMI) and BP in relation to BC risk by stage and grade, and BC‐specific mortality, including separately among never‐smokers aimed at minimizing confounding by smoking.

Methods

We analyzed 338,910 men from three Swedish cohorts, with 4895 incident BC's (940 among never‐smokers) during follow‐up. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for smoking status. HRs for BMI and BP were corrected for their regression dilution ratios, calculated from 280,456 individuals with 758,641 observations.

Results

Body mass index was positively associated with non‐muscle invasive BC (NMIBC, HR per 5 kg/m2, 1.10 [1.02–1.19]) and NMIBC grade 3 (HR 1.17 [1.01–1.34]) in the full cohort, with similar effect sizes, albeit non‐significant, among never‐smokers. Systolic BP was positively associated with muscle‐invasive BC (MIBC, HR per 10 mmHg, 1.25 [1.00–1.55]) and BC‐specific mortality (HR 1.10 [1.01–1.20]) among never‐smokers, with weaker and non‐significant associations in the full cohort.

Conclusions

In an analyses of BMI, BP and BC risk by stage and grade among men, we found modest positive associations between BMI and NMIBC and NMIBC grade 3. SBP was positively associated with MIBC and BC‐specific mortality in an analysis of never‐smokers, which may reflect the association, un‐confounded by smoking, also in a broader population.
Clinical significance of genetic alterations in endoscopically obtained pancreatic cancer specimens
Authors: Takano Shinichi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Shindo Hiroko , Takahashi Ei , Hirose Sumio , Fukasawa Yoshimitsu , Kawakami Satoshi , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Kuratomi Natsuhiko , Kadokura Makoto , Maekawa Shinya , Sato Tadashi , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: January 2021

Although comprehensive gene analyses of pancreatic cancer provide new knowledge on molecular mechanisms, the usefulness and possibility of the analyses in routinely available clinical samples remain unclear. We assessed the possibility and utility of target sequencing of endoscopically obtained pancreatic cancer samples. Fifty‐eight pancreatic cancer patients who underwent EUS‐FNA or endoscopic biopsy were enrolled. The extracted DNA quantity was assessed and used for next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of 50 cancer‐related genes from which gene mutations, copy number alterations, and microsatellite instability (MSI) were extracted via secondary analysis. A median of 19.2 ng (3.8–228) of DNA was extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples. Gene alterations were detected in 55 of 58 samples (94.8%), including all samples with a DNA concentration below the detection limit (n = 11). Four frequently altered genes were KRAS (83%), TP53 (66%), SMAD4 (26%), and PTEN (17%), and molecular targetable genes were detected in 13 cases (22.4%). Five samples (8.6%) had many mutations and suspected MSI with impaired mismatch repair genes. A Cox regression analysis revealed that metastasis (p < 0.005, hazard ratio [HR] 10.1), serum CEA >5 ng/ml (p = 0.01, HR 2.86), ≤10 detected hotspot mutations (p = 0.03, HR 9.86), and intact Ras signaling (p < 0.005, HR 5.57) were associated with a poor pancreatic cancer prognosis. We performed small, targeted sequencing of pancreatic cancer using available samples from real clinical practice and determined the relationship between gene alterations and prognosis to help determine treatment choices.
Artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms: An efficient modelling and optimization methodology for active chlorine production using the electrolysis process
Authors: Gholami Shirkoohi Majid , D. Tyagi Rajeshwar , Vanrolleghem Peter A. , Drogui Patrick
Published: January 2021

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a modelling and optimization methodology based on artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms in the prediction of the behaviour of an electrolysis process of active chlorine production from a synthetic saline effluent. Multilayer perceptrons feedforward neural networks were developed for the active chlorine production and energy consumption based on the following inputs: electrolysis time, current intensity, hydrochloric acid concentration, and chloride ion concentration. In order to diagnose and prevent the over‐fitting problem during the learning process, learning curves and the regularization factor were utilized. The trained ANN models were able to successfully predict the active chlorine production and energy consumption of the process (R2 = 0.979 and MSE = 3.826 for active chlorine production and R2 = 0.985 and MSE = 6.952 for energy consumption). Multi‐objective optimization for maximizing active chlorine production and minimizing energy consumption was carried out by a genetic algorithm using the best derived ANN models. The Pareto front obtained led to multiple non‐dominated optimal points, which result in insights regarding the optimal operating conditions for the process.
Searching for potential surrogate endpoints of overall survival in clinical trials for patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Maeda Hideki , Takeda Kentaro , Urushihara Hisashi , Kurokawa Tatsuo
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between overall survival (OS) and other clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer. Further, we conducted subgroup analysis in the correlation of OS.

Aim

This study intended to investigate potential surrogate endpoints of OS for prostate cancer by examining the correlation between OS and the other endpoints.

Methods

We performed a systematic review through a literature search by computer‐based searches of the Medline database (January 1965 and May 2014).

Results

The contents of 115 studies with endpoint as OS were analyzed in our study. Our results showed that 47.8% (55/115) of the studies used progression‐free survival as an endpoint besides OS, followed by time to progression (43.5% [50/115]) and PSA response (40.9% [47/115]). Also, the relationship between OS and each surrogate endpoint was examined using the hazard ratio (HR) by a Bayesian hybrid model for random effect multivariate meta‐analysis. Our results showed that the endpoint that had the highest correlation with OS was progression‐free survival (PFS) with an estimated marginal correlation of 0.939 (95%CI: 0.900, 0.967). Furthermore, our stratified analysis identified PFS in castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients (0.937), in sensitive patients (0.932), in none of chemotherapy patients (0.929), in first line of the chemotherapy (0.948), in patients who received no Docetaxel previously (0.942), in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (0.950), in patients who received only chemotherapy (0.956), and in phase III (0.960), time to progression (TTP) in castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients (0.942), in metastasis patients (0.948), in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (0.953), in patients who received only chemotherapy (0.938), and in Phase III (0.927) as endpoints, which showed a lower limit for 95% CI of estimated marginal correlation ≥0.850 with overall survival.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that PFS is a potential surrogate endpoint of OS in clinical trials for patients with prostate cancer. It also suggests potential surrogate endpoints for CRPC and locally advanced prostate cancer.
Fast Computation of Orthogonal Systems with a Skew‐Symmetric Differentiation Matrix
Authors: Iserles Arieh , Webb Marcus
Published: January 2021

Orthogonal systems in L2(ℝ), once implemented in spectral methods, enjoy a number of important advantages if their differentiation matrix is skew‐symmetric and highly structured. Such systems, where the differentiation matrix is skew‐symmetric, tridiagonal, and irreducible, have been recently fully characterised. In this paper we go a step further, imposing the extra requirement of fast computation: specifically, that the first N coefficients of the expansion can be computed to high accuracy in operations. We consider two settings, one approximating a function f directly in (−∞, ∞) and the other approximating [f(x) + f(−x)]/2 and [f(x) − f(−x)]/2 separately in [0, ∞). In each setting we prove that there is a single family, parametrised by α, β >  − 1, of orthogonal systems with a skew‐symmetric, tridiagonal, irreducible differentiation matrix and whose coefficients can be computed as Jacobi polynomial coefficients of a modified function. The four special cases where α, β =  ± 1/2 are of particular interest, since coefficients can be computed using fast sine and cosine transforms. Banded, Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel multiplication operators are also possible for representing variable coefficients in a spectral method. In Fourier space these orthogonal systems are related to an apparently new generalisation of the Carlitz polynomials. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The One‐Dimensional Log‐Gas Free Energy Has a Unique Minimizer
Authors: Erbar Matthias , Huesmann Martin , Leblé Thomas
Published: January 2021

We prove that, at every positive temperature, the infinite‐volume free energy of the one‐dimensional log‐gas, or beta‐ensemble, has a unique minimizer, which is the Sine‐beta process arising from random matrix theory. We rely on a quantitative displacement convexity argument at the level of point processes, and on the screening procedure introduced by Sandier‐Serfaty. © 2021 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Evaluation of the CYP3A and CYP2B6 Drug‐Drug Interaction Potential of Lemborexant
Authors: Landry Ishani , Aluri Jagadeesh , Nakai Kenya , Hall Nancy , Miyajima Yukiko , Ueno Takashi , Dayal Satish , Filippov Gleb , Lalovic Bojan , Moline Margaret , Reyderman Larisa
Published: January 2021

Lemborexant is approved for treating insomnia and is under investigation for treating irregular sleep‐wake rhythm disorder. Based on in vitro drug‐drug interaction (DDI) characteristics, phase 1, open‐label DDI studies were conducted to evaluate lemborexant's cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and CYP2B6 interaction potential. Interactions between lemborexant 10 mg and strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors (itraconazole and fluconazole), a strong CYP3A inducer (rifampin), and CYP3A (midazolam) and CYP2B6 substrates (bupropion) were evaluated. Coadministration of lemborexant with itraconazole or fluconazole resulted in 1.4‐ to 1.6‐fold and 3.7‐ to 4‐fold increases in lemborexant maximum observed concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐time curve from zero time extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐inf), respectively. Coadministration of lemborexant with rifampin resulted in >90% decreases in lemborexant Cmax and AUC0‐inf. Midazolam exposure was not affected. Coadministration of lemborexant with bupropion resulted in 49.9% and 45.5% decreases in S‐bupropion Cmax and AUC0‐inf, respectively.Comparison of estimated exposures for patients in phase 3 trials who were/were not receiving concomitant weak CYP3A inhibitors substantiated the DDI pharmacokinetic findings. Lemborexant was generally well tolerated in the phase 1 studies. In summary, lemborexant does not affect the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A substrates and has potential to induce CYP2B6. Consistent with in vitro findings, moderate and strong CYP3A inhibitors and inducers affected the pharmacokinetics of lemborexant; hence, patients taking lemborexant 5 or 10 mg should avoid coadministration with moderate and strong CYP3A inhibitors and inducers.
Kinetics of activation marker expression after in vitro polyclonal stimulation of chicken peripheralT cells
Authors: Naghizadeh Mohammad , Hatamzade Nasim , Larsen Frederik T. , Kjaerup Rikke B. , Wattrang Eva , Dalgaard Tina S.
Published: January 2021

A comprehensive analysis of T cell activation markers in chicken is lacking. Kinetics of T cell activation markers (CD25, CD28, CD5, MHC‐II, CD44, and CD45) in response toin vitrostimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with concanavalin A (Con A) were evaluated between two chicken lines selected for high and low levels of mannose‐binding lectin in serum (L10H and L10L, respectively) by flow cytometry. L10H chickens showed a stronger response to Con A based on the frequency of T cell blasts in both the CD4+and CD8+compartment. The majority of the proliferating CD4+and CD8+T cells expressed CD25. Proliferating T cells were seen both in the CD4+ MHC‐II+/−and CD8+ MHC‐II+/−population. For both CD4+and CD8+T cells, frequencies of CD25+and MHC‐II+T cells were increased 24 h after stimulation. CD28+frequencies were only increased on CD8+T cells 48 h after stimulation. An increase in the relative surface expression based on mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) upon activation was observed for most markers except CD5. For CD4+T cells, CD28 expression increased 24 h after stimulation whereas MHC‐II expression increased after 48 h. For CD8+T cells, a tendency toward an increase in CD25 expression was observed. CD28 expression started to increase 24 h after stimulation and only a transient peak in MHC‐II expression on CD8+T cells was observed after 24 h. CD44 and CD45 expressed on CD4+and CD8+T cells increased 24–72 h after stimulation. In summary, the frequency of CD25+and MHC‐II+T cells were shown to be early markers (24 h) forin vitroactivation of both CD4+and CD8+T cells. Frequency of CD28+T cells was a later marker (48 h) and only for CD8+T cells. Surface expression of all markers (MFI) increased permanently or transiently upon activation except for CD5.
Recent Advances on the Development of Functional Materials in Microbial Fuel Cells: From Fundamentals to Challenges and Outlooks
Authors: Zhu Qian , Hu Jingping , Liu Bingchuan , Hu Shaogang , Liang Sha , Xiao Keke , Yang Jiakuan , Hou Huijie
Published: January 2021

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), as a sustainable and promising technology to solve both environmental pollution and energy shortage, have captured tremendous attention. The conversion efficiency of chemical energy contained in organic waste or wastewater to electricity via microbial metabolism strongly depends on the performance of each functional unit, including the anode, cathode and separator/membrane used in MFCs. Therefore, significant attention has been paid toward developing advanced functional materials to enhance the performance of each unit or provide new featured functions. This review paper provides a comprehensive review on recent achievements and advances in the modification and development of functional materials for MFC systems, including 1) the development of functional anode materials for enhanced microbial compatibilities as well as electron transfer capabilities, 2) the development of cost‐effective separators/membranes such as ion exchange membrane, porous membrane, polymer electrolyte membrane and composite membrane, and 3) the development of functional cathode catalysts to decrease the over‐potential and enhance the electrocatalytic efficiency for oxygen reduction reaction in order to substitute the common costly Pt catalyst. The challenges and outlooks of functional materials for MFC applications are also discussed.
Writing and Publishing Scientific Book Reviews as a Teaching Tool in Fisheries
Authors: Juanes Francis
Published: January 2021

Writing and publishing fisheries book reviews serves as a useful teaching tool that can provide a variety of skills, including critical thinking, scientific writing, collaboration, and the publication process. Here, I describe the process my students and I have followed over the last 25 years in publishing 19 student-oriented book reviews, and highlight some of the lessons learned.
How Barunga Aboriginal community implemented and sustained an anaemia program – A case study evaluation
Authors: Phillips Jodi , Brunette Raelene , Hefler Marita , Brimblecombe Julie , Kearns Therese
Published: January 2021

Issue addressed

Anaemia persists as a public health issue in many Aboriginal communities despite having standard practice guidelines. This case study reveals how Barunga Aboriginal Community in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, implemented an Anaemia Program (1998‐2016) which contributed to low anaemia prevalence in children aged under 5 years.

Methods

This retrospective qualitative case study used purposive sampling to describe the Anaemia Program and factors influencing its implementation. Themes were developed from convergence of three data sources: interviews, program observation and document review. Data were inductively analysed by an Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal researcher and themes were validated by Barunga community health practitioners and compared to practice guidelines and implementation literature.

Results

Health practitioners reported that the Anaemia Program contributed to a marked reduction in childhood anaemia prevalence over time. This was supported by available prevalence data. The locally adapted Anaemia Program was unique in the NT with a novel approach to community supplementation for anaemia prevention in addition to anaemia treatment. Supportive implementation influences included: Aboriginal leadership and the use of culturally supportive processes which reinforced the development of trust and strong relationships facilitating community acceptance of the Program. Routine, opportunistic and flexible health care practice, a holistic approach and a stable, skilled and experienced team sustained program implementation.

Conclusions

The holistic and successful Barunga Anaemia Program is supported by evidence and guidelines for treating and preventing childhood anaemia. The contextualisation of these guidelines aligned with the literature on effective Aboriginal primary health care implementation.

So what?

This Anaemia Program provides a model for implementation of evidence‐informed guidelines in an Aboriginal primary health care setting.
Comparison of dienogest versus combined oral contraceptive pills in the treatment of women with adenomyosis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hassanin Ahmed I. , Youssef Ahmed A. , Yousef Asmaa M. , Ali Mohammed K.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of dienogest with combined oral contraceptives (COCs) for treating adenomyosis‐associated symptoms.

Methods

This was a randomized clinical trial including women with symptomatic adenomyosis conducted from March 1, 2019 to August 1, 2020 at Assiut Woman's Health Hospital, Egypt. Participants were randomly assigned to the dienogest group or COCs group. The primary outcome was the level of adenomyosis‐associated pain from before to 6 months after treatment measured by a visual analog scale (VAS). Changes in the uterine bleeding pattern, uterine volume, and uterine artery blood flow were also reported.

Results

The VAS score of pain was significantly decreased in both groups; however, the decreased rate was more pronounced in the dienogest group (3.21 ± 1.18) in comparison with the COCs group (4.92 ± 1.22). Bleeding pattern was improved greatly; uterine volume and uterine artery blood flow decreased significantly in the dienogest group. However, women in the dienogest group reported a higher rate of side effects.

Conclusion

Dienogest and COCs are effective in treating adenomyosis‐associated symptoms after 6 months of use but dienogest is more effective. The decrease in uterine volume and uterine artery blood flow may be the cause of the treatment effect. Dienogest carries a higher risk of side effects.

Clinical trial.gov: NCT03890042.
Eradicating cervical cancer: Lessons learned from Rwanda and Australia
Authors: Kramer Julia
Published: January 2021

Both Rwanda and Australia have made significant strides to eradicate cervical cancer. To understand the successes in Rwanda and Australia, a comparative policy analysis was conducted based on key informant interviews and a review of peer‐reviewed literature and policy briefs. Notable findings were identified that offer lessons for countries across the income spectrum. To address cervical cancer, low‐ and middle‐income countries can leverage foreign aid, international collaboration, and strong political advocacy, as Rwanda did. High‐income countries can invest in translational research that builds capacity from basic science research to implementation of novel and impactful health products and services, as Australia did. All countries can consider rolling out HPV vaccination by targeting the social and/or physical environment (e.g., a school‐based vaccination program, as both Rwanda and Australia did). Cervical cancer is preventable, and eradication is within reach for countries across the income spectrum around the world. Cervical cancer screening programs are needed to minimize the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in the short term, and HPV vaccination programs are the best strategy to eradicate cervical cancer in the long term.
The impacts of insufficient sleep and its change during pregnancy on postpartum depression: A prospective cohort study of Korean women
Authors: Yun Bo Seong , Shim So Hyun , Cho Hee Young , Heo Seok‐Jae , Jung Inkyung , Jeon Haeng Jun , Han You Jung , Kwak Dong Wook , Kim Min Hyung , Park Hee Jin , Chung Jin Hoon , Cha Dong Hyun , Kim Moon Young , Ryu Hyun Mee , Shim Sung Shin , Lee Su Young
Published: January 2021

Objective

To determine the association between insufficient sleep in the prenatal period and postpartum depression (PPD), and whether changes in sleep patterns during pregnancy increase the risk of PPD.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted between March 2013 and November 2017. Participants completed a sleep questionnaire pre‐pregnancy and at 12, 24 and 36 gestational weeks (GW). Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 4 weeks postpartum, and the cut‐off score for PPD was 10 or more.

Results

Of 2512 participants, 410 (16.3%) were identified as having PPD. Only insufficient sleep at 36 GW was significantly associated with PPD after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.40–2.27, P < 0.001). Both Group 1 (change from sufficient to insufficient) and Group 3 (sustained insufficient) demonstrated a significant risk of PPD at all starting time‐points in the multivariate analysis, but no significant association was evident between Group 2 (change from insufficient to sufficient) and PPD.

Conclusion

Insufficient sleep at 36 GW was associated with a significant risk of developing PPD. Additionally, regardless of whether women had sufficient sleep, a shift towards worsening sleep at 36 GW was highly associated with PPD.
Development and validation of the Attachment Relationship Inventory—Caregiver Perception 2–5 years (ARI‐CP 2–5): Psychometric structure, external validity, and norms
Authors: Spruit Anouk , Colonnesi Cristina , Wissink Inge , Uittenbogaard Renée , Willems Lucia , Stams Geert‐Jan , Noom Marc
Published: January 2021

There is a lack of instruments assessing child–caregiver attachment relationships in early childhood to be used in attachment‐based practice, in particular from a caregiver's perception, which is an important factor of clinical importance to take into account in parenting interventions targeting young children. Therefore, the 48‐item Attachment Relationship Inventory—Caregiver Perception 2–5 years (ARI‐CP 2–5) was developed. Survey data of 446 caregivers of 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children were collected, and a subsample of 83 caregivers participated in an observation study. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a four‐factor structure of secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized attachment relationship. Indications of configural, metric, and scalar invariance were found for caregivers’ and children's sex, children's age, and population (clinical vs. general population). The four scales showed sufficient internal consistency and significant associations with children's psychopathology, caregivers’ general attachment representations, caregivers’ mind‐mindedness, and population type. Moreover, preliminary evidence for convergent validity with observational attachment measures was found. It is concluded that the ARI‐CP 2–5 is a valid instrument that can be used as part of the screening and assessment of insecure attachment relationships.
NiO‐MnO2/Nb2O5‐TiO2 catalyzed reaction integration of butanal self‐condensation and successive hydrogenation and its kinetics
Authors: Li Sibo , Zhang Jiaxun , An Hualiang , Wang Guirong , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The reaction integration of butanal self‐condensation and successive hydrogenation (that is, one‐step synthesis of 2‐ethylhexanol from butanal) is an efficiency way to simply process flow and reduce energy consumption for the commercial manufacture of 2‐ethylhexanol (2EHO). In the present work, a NiO‐MnO2/Nb2O5‐TiO2 catalyst was prepared for the integration reaction to reach a high 2‐ethylhexanol selectivity. Furthermore, the reaction integration was investigated kinetically for the next scale‐up.

RESULTS

A 2EHO selectivity of 90.0% was achieved at a complete conversion of butanal with the help of reduction‐in‐reaction technique in this reaction integration. The reaction rate of butanal is determined by the reversible aldol self‐condensation reaction and its direct hydrogenation reaction. The reaction order with respect to butanal in the two reactions is, respectively, 2.004 and 1.004. The activation energy of the hydrogenation reaction is higher than that of the forward reaction of the self‐condensation, suggesting the suppressive effect the reaction integration on the direct hydrogenation.

CONCLUSION

The reaction integration promotes butanal self‐condensation and successive hydrogenation and it suppresses butanal direct hydrogenation by using NiO‐MnO2/Nb2O5‐TiO2 catalyst with the help of reduction‐in‐reaction technique, giving rise to a pretty high selectivity of 2‐ethylhexanol. The establishment of the integration reaction kinetics will lay the foundation for reactor design and analysis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of electric field strength on the microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons
Authors: Zheng Xuecheng , Tang Jia , Lai Nanjun
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Microbial remediation of petroleum‐contaminated soil is a low‐cost technology that does not produce secondary pollution. However, the microbial degradation cycle is often time consuming and inefficient on account of the strong hydrophobicity of petroleum hydrocarbons.

RESULTS

This study took contaminated soil around a well site in Xinjiang as the research object, isolated Bacillus from this soil to conduct experiments on the microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, and applied an external DC electric field to this system to enhance the microbial degradation rate. Results showed that a degradation rate of 69.1% within 9 days and soil dehydrogenase activity of 401 mg L−1 h−1 could be achieved under an applied electric field intensity of 1.5 V cm−1. Compared with the degradation effect without an electric field, the maximum degradation efficiency was improved to 73.1% in the presence of an electric field. The degradation kinetics obtained to fit the 3/2‐order kinetic equation well, and the degradation half‐life was 51–111 h.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the petroleum degradation products revealed that the electric field enhances microbial degradation. Specifically, the electric field could not only accelerate the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by microorganisms but also change the products obtained after degradation. This study provides a research reference for the in situ remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Green synthesis of sulfur‐doped g‐C3N4 nanosheets for enhanced removal of oxytetracycline under visible‐light irradiation and reduction of its N‐nitrosodimethylamine formation potential
Authors: Dou Yicheng , Shen Xingyu , Zou Jinte , Shi Runzhe , Yan Tingting , Sun Qiya , Wang Lin
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, sulfur‐doped g‐C3N4 (SCN) nanosheets were synthesized using thiourea as a precursor, and then used to catalyze the degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) under visible‐light irradiation. OTC was chosen as target contaminant because of it being an important precursor of N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

RESULTS

The removal of OTC was influenced by its initial concentration, initial pH, SCN dosage and water matrices. OTC (≤10 mg L−1) was almost completely removed in 40 min under the conditions of an initial pH of 7.0 and a SCN dose of 1.0 g L−1, and its degradation was well described by the pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model. Water matrices would also influence the degradation of OTC in the system. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis and trapping experiments confirmed that the function of the radicals for OTC removal followed the order of •O2− > •OH > h+. Eight transformation products were determined during the degradation of OTC, it being removed through four pathways: methyl oxidization, demethylation, decarbonylation and secondary alcohol oxidation. SCN was stable in the system, as the removal efficiency of OTC was not significantly reduced even after three recycles. In addition, 55.5% of NDMA formation potential of OTC was reduced after SCN catalytic oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results imply that the visible‐light‐driven SCN catalytic oxidation is an effective technology not only for the removal of OTC but also for the reduction of NDMA formation potential. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Programmed cell death during the formation of rhytidome and interxylary cork in roots of Astragalus membranaceus (Leguminosae)
Authors: Han Xiaojing , Zhou Yafu , Ni Xilu , Chu Shanshan , Cheng Ming'en , Tan Lingling , Zha Liangping , Peng Huasheng
Published: January 2021

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a critical role throughout the lives of plants, it is regarded as a highly regulated and active process of plant cell death during the times of biotic or abiotic stress. This study aims to provide developmental anatomical characteristics of the interxylary cork formation in the roots of Astragalus. membranaceus var. mongholicus, and to subsequently show cytomorphological evidence that PCD is involved in the development of rhytidome and interxylary cork. The developmental anatomy of rhytidome and interxylary cork of the perennial fresh main root of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus was studied using light microscopy, whereas the PCD in the development of rhytidome and interxylary cork was studied using fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Histologically, it was observed that the parenchyma cells of secondary phloem and xylem in roots recovered their meristematic ability, and later developed into rhytidome and interxylary cork. Cytologically, ultrastructural characteristics such as nucleus malformation, vacuole disappearance, mitochondrial degeneration, and vesicle filling were observed. In roots, the nucleus of the phloem parenchyma cells were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive from the pre‐rhytidome stage to the formation of rhytidome stage and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI)‐negative during the mature rhytidome stage. The TUNEL assay of the xylem parenchyma cells showed positive characteristics from the early stage of interxylary cork formation to the interxylary cork formation stage, whereas DAPI‐negative characteristics were observed in the mature interxylary cork. Gel electrophoresis showed that DNA cleavage was random. Our results indicated that the formation of the rhytidome and interxylary cork involved the PCD process.
A novel design of surface acoustic wave‐based chipless radio frequency identification tag based on multiphysics modeling
Authors: Zhang Li , Su Hao Hui , Tong Mei Song
Published: January 2021

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technique is a kind of wireless, automatic identification technology that is being widely used. Compared to other identification methods such as bar code and two‐dimensional code (quick response code or QR code), the RFID technique has several remarkable merits, such as long reading distance, strong penetrating ability, pollution resistance, high reading efficiency, small size, and large information storage. However, the technique involves high cost and cannot be accepted by cost‐sensitive commodities or applications. To reduce its cost, chipless RFID tags were proposed in recent years using surface acoustic wave (SAW) to read and store the information is one such RFID tags. The tags feature small size, high flexibility, strong radiation resistance, high consistency and repeatability, as well as high temperature stability. In this paper, we propose a novel design for the SAW‐based RFID tags by using the commercial software COMSOL and analyze the performance of SAW tags with different structures.
Effect of sugarcane bagasse as industrial by‐products treated withLactobacillus caseiTH14, cellulase and molasses on feed utilization, ruminal ecology and milk production of mid‐lactating Holstein Friesian cows
Authors: So Sarong , Wanapat Metha , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to evaluate the effect ofLactobacillus caseiTH14, cellulase, and molasses combination fermented sugarcane bagasse (SB) as an exclusive roughage source in the total mixed ration (TMR) for mid‐lactation 75% crossbred Holstein cows on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal ecology, milk yield and milk composition. Four multiparous mid‐lactation crossbred (75% Holstein Friesian and 25% Thai native breed) dairy cows of 439 ± 16 kg body weight, 215 ± 5 days in milk and average milk yield 10 ± 2 kg d−1were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The unfermented SB (SB‐TMR), SB fermented with cellulase and molasses (CM‐TMR), SB fermented withL. caseiTH14 and molasses (LM‐TMR), and SB fermented withL. caseiTH14, cellulase and molasses (LCM‐TMR) were used as dietary treatments.

RESULTS

CM‐TMR, LM‐TMR and LCM‐TMR significantly (P < 0.01) increased dry matter and fiber digestibility, gross energy and metabolizable energy intake (P < 0.05), blood glucose, total volatile fatty acids (P < 0.05), propionic acid and milk yield, but decreased ammonia, acetic acid, acetic:propionic ratio and methane production (P < 0.05) when compared with the SB‐TMR. Compared with fermented SB treatments, LCM‐TMR had lower (P < 0.05) ruminal ammonia and greater blood glucose (P < 0.01); LCM‐TMR showed (P < 0.05) greater volatile fatty acids, propionic acid, milk yield and total solids, and lower acetic:propionic ratio (P < 0.01); methane, protozoa and somatic cell count were found to be lowest in LCM‐TMR.

CONCLUSION

Combination ofL. caseiTH14 and additives (LCM‐TMR) effectively enhanced feed use, rumen ecology and milk production of Holstein Friesian cows. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of tillage practices on phosphorus forms in aggregates of Mollisols from northeast China
Authors: He Jinxi , Du Lin , Zhai Cheng , Guan Yupeng , Wu Shuai , Zhang Zehui , Ogundeji Abiola O , Gu Siyu
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral nutrient for crop growth and development. Much remains unknown regarding the content and distribution of P forms in different soil aggregates as affected by tillage practices. A 3‐year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of no‐tillage (NT), rotary tillage (RT), subsoiling (SS), and deep tillage (DT) on soil aggregate distribution pattern, aggregate‐associated P content, and to understand the conversion trend.

RESULTS

Tillage has the potential to accelerate the processes in transforming macro‐aggregates (> 0.25 mm) into micro‐aggregates (< 0.25 mm). Greatest aggregate stability was attained under RT. Total phosphorus (TP) and available phosphorus (AP) under NT were increased by 21.1–82.0% in contrast to other tillage treatments. The NT had high content in inorganic phosphorus (IP), aluminum phosphorus (Al‐P), and iron phosphorus (Fe‐P) with 416.7, 107.9, and 99.1 mg·kg−1 on average, respectively. Aggregates with a size dimension of < 2 mm were more sensitive than other sizes of aggregates. IP was evenly distributed throughout all aggregates, ranging from 336.3 to 430.6 mg kg−1. No differences in organic phosphorus (OP) were found in all tillage treatments, while NT promoted the transformation of labile OP to IP. The AP and OP were generally more abundant in aggregates of 2 to 0.25 mm and < 0.25 mm.

CONCLUSION

Short‐term NT can improve soil structure and increase P reserves, thus, enhancing the conversion of P from being scarce to available. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Invariant varieties of the periodic boundary value problem of the nonlocal Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: Kulikov Anatolii , Kulikov Dmitrii
Published: January 2021

One of the variants of the nonlocal Ginzburg–Landau equation is considered. This equation arises in the mathematical modeling of physical phenomena, such as ferromagnetism. For the corresponding initial boundary value problem in the case of periodic boundary conditions, current problems of the theory of infinite‐dimensional dynamical systems are considered. The question of the existence of smooth global solutions and a global attractor is studied. Its dimension and structure are determined. All the solutions of the nonlinear initial boundary value problem are found in explicit form. In particular, it was established that all the solutions belonging to the global attractor will be periodic or quasiperiodic functions of the temporal variable.
Implementation of the coupled two‐mode phase field crystal model with Cahn–Hilliard for phase‐separation in battery electrode particles
Authors: Chockalingam Karthikeyan , Dörfler Willy
Published: January 2021

In this article, we present the behavior of two‐mode phase field crystal (2MPFC) method under a concentration dependent deformation. A mixed finite element formulation is proposed for the 2MPFC method that solves a 10th‐order parabolic equation. Lithium concentration diffusion in the electrode particle is captured by the Cahn–Hilliard (CH) equation and the host electrode material,LixMn2O4(LMO), which has a face‐centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure, is modeled using 2MPFC. The coupling between 2MPFC and CH models brings about the concentration dependent deformation in the polycrystalline LMO electrode particle. The atomistic dynamics is assumed to operate on a faster time‐scale compared to the diffusion of lithium, thereby both the 2MPFC and CH models evolve on two different time‐scales. The coupled 2MPFC–CH system models the diffusion induced grain boundary migration in LMO capturing the charging and discharging state of the battery.