bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glyphosate Accelerates the Proliferation of Microcystis aeruginosa, a Dominant Species in Cyanobacterial Blooms
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Jiang Ming , Sheng Yanqing
Published: November 2020

Glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide known for its high performance in killing certain plants and grasses; however, its use is regulated due to its harmful effects on the aquatic environment. The present study investigated and compared the toxic mechanisms of glyphosate on Microcystis aeruginosa (a toxin-producing cyanobacterium) under 2 conditions: 0‰ saline media (experiment I) and 2.5‰ saline media (experiment II). The results indicated that an appropriate concentration of glyphosate provided a phosphate source for M. aeruginosa, resulting in an increased specific growth rate in both experimental groups compared with the controls. Glyphosate-enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased by up to 1.37-fold in experiment I and 1.68-fold in experiment II. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) decreased at glyphosate concentrations below 1.2 mg L–1 but increased at concentrations greater than 1.2 mg L–1 in experiment I, whereas SOD and CAT activities decreased in experiment II and declined by 64 and 49% in the 30 mg L−1 treatments. Furthermore, the transcript abundances of the pyruvate carboxylase (pcB), microcystin synthetase B (mcyB), and paired-like homeobox (phoX) genes were up-regulated by up to 6.92-, 3.63-, and 2.27-fold in experiment I and 6.74-, 6.55-, and 4.86-fold in experiment II after 96 h of incubation. The addition of glyphosate stimulated the production of dissolved organic matter including tryptophan-like substances, fulvic acid-like substances, (marine) humic acid-like substances, and microcystin–leucine-arginine in the culture. In conclusion, glyphosate stimulates the proliferation of M. aeruginosa and enhances the release of dissolved organic matter in saltwater ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:342–351. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Responses of Microcystis aeruginosa to glyphosate in the freshwater and saline water.
Enantioselective Bioaccumulation of the Chiral Insecticide Indoxacarb in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Li Yanhong , Liang Hongwu , Qiu Lihong
Published: November 2020

Indoxacarb is a typical chiral insecticide widely used in agricultural pest control. In the present study, zebrafish was used as a model animal to explore the enantioselective bioaccumulation behavior of indoxacarb to nontarget species in aquatic environments. Zebrafish were exposed to 0.025 and 0.1 mg/L rac-indoxacarb solution for 12 d under the semistatic method, and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and enantiomeric fraction of zebrafish were investigated. The results showed that the (−)-R-indoxacarb preferentially accumulated in zebrafish. The BCF values at 0.025 mg/L exposure levels were 1079.8 and 83.4 L/kg for (−)-R-indoxacarb and (+)-S-indoxacarb after 12 d, respectively. The BCF values at 0.1 mg/L exposure levels were 1752.1 and 137.0 L/kg for (−)-R-indoxacarb and (+)-S-indoxacarb after 10 d, respectively. The half-life values of (−)-R-indoxacarb and (+)-S-indoxacarb were 3.47 and 2.05 d for 0.025 mg/L concentration exposure and 4.95 and 2.66 d for 0.1 mg/L concentration exposure, respectively. The enantiomeric fraction values were in the range of 0.48 to 0.55 and 0.89 to 1.00 for water and zebrafish samples, respectively. Studies on the enantioselective bioaccumulation behavior of indoxacarb will provide data for assessing the environmental fate and potential toxic effects of indoxacarb on aquatic organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1007–1016. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

The bioaccumulation of indoxacarb enantiomers in zebrafish was enantioselective with preferential accumulation of (−)-R-indoxacarb.
DNA Methylation Profiling of Human Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Hernandez‐Meza Gabriela , von Felden Johann , Gonzalez‐Kozlova Edgar E. , Garcia‐Lezana Teresa , Peix Judit , Portela Anna , Craig Amanda J. , Sayols Sergi , Schwartz Myron , Losic Bojan , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Esteller Manel , Llovet Josep M. , Villanueva Augusto
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Mutations in TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) promoter are established gatekeepers in early hepatocarcinogenesis, but little is known about other molecular alterations driving this process. Epigenetic deregulation is a critical event in early malignancies. Thus, we aimed to (1) analyze DNA methylation changes during the transition from preneoplastic lesions to early HCC (eHCC) and identify candidate epigenetic gatekeepers, and to (2) assess the prognostic potential of methylation changes in cirrhotic tissue.

Approach and Results

Methylome profiling was performed using Illumina HumanMethylation450 (485,000 cytosine‐phosphateguanine, 96% of known cytosine‐phosphateguanine islands), with data available for a total of 390 samples: 16 healthy liver, 139 cirrhotic tissue, 8 dysplastic nodules, and 227 HCC samples, including 40 eHCC below 2cm. A phylo‐epigenetic tree derived from the Euclidean distances between differentially DNA‐methylated sites (n = 421,997) revealed a gradient of methylation changes spanning healthy liver, cirrhotic tissue, dysplastic nodules, and HCC with closest proximity of dysplasia to HCC. Focusing on promoter regions, we identified epigenetic gatekeeper candidates with an increasing proportion of hypermethylated samples (beta value > 0.5) from cirrhotic tissue (<1%), to dysplastic nodules (≥25%), to eHCC (≥50%), and confirmed inverse correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression for TSPYL5 (testis‐specific Y‐encoded‐like protein 5), KCNA3 (potassium voltage‐gated channel, shaker‐related subfamily, member 3), LDHB (lactate dehydrogenase B), and SPINT2 (serine peptidase inhibitor, Kunitz type 2) (all P < 0.001). Unsupervised clustering of genome‐wide methylation profiles of cirrhotic tissue identified two clusters, M1 and M2, with 42% and 58% of patients, respectively, which correlates with survival (P < 0.05), independent of etiology.

Conclusions

Genome‐wide DNA‐methylation profiles accurately discriminate the different histological stages of human hepatocarcinogenesis. We report on epigenetic gatekeepers in the transition between dysplastic nodules and eHCC. DNA‐methylation changes in cirrhotic tissue correlate with clinical outcomes.
Protein Phosphatase 1 Regulatory Subunit 3B Genotype at rs4240624 Has a Major Effect on Gallbladder Bile Composition
Authors: Männistö Ville , Kaminska Dorota , Käkelä Pirjo , Neuvonen Mikko , Niemi Mikko , Alvarez Marcus , Pajukanta Päivi , Romeo Stefano , Nieuwdorp Max , Groen Albert K. , Pihlajamäki Jussi
Published: November 2020

The protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3B (PPP1R3B) gene is a target of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which is a major regulator of bile acid metabolism. Both PPP1R3B and FXR have been suggested to take part in glycogen metabolism, which may explain the association of PPP1R3B gene variants with altered hepatic computed tomography attenuation. We analyzed the effect of PPP1R3B rs4240624 variant on bile acid composition in individuals with obesity. The study cohort consisted of 242 individuals from the Kuopio Obesity Surgery Study (73 men, 169 women, age 47.6 ± 9.0 years, body mass index 43.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2) with PPP1R3B genotype and liver RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data available. Fasting plasma and gallbladder bile samples were collected from 50 individuals. Bile acids in plasma did not differ based on the PPP1R3B rs4240624 genotype. However, the concentration of total bile acids (109 ± 55 vs. 35 ± 19 mM; P = 1.0 × 10−5) and all individual bile acids (also 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one [C4]) measured from bile were significantly lower in those with the AG genotype compared to those with the AA genotype. In addition, total cholesterol (P = 0.011) and phospholipid (P = 0.001) levels were lower in individuals with the AG genotype, but cholesterol saturation index did not differ, indicating that the decrease in cholesterol and phospholipid levels was secondary to the change in bile acids. Liver RNA-seq data demonstrated that expression of PPP1R3B, tankyrase (TNKS), Homo sapiens chromosome 8 clone RP11-10A14.5 (AC022784.1 [LOC157273]), Homo sapiens chromosome 8 clone RP11-375N15.1 (AC021242.1), and Homo sapiens chromosome 8, clone RP11-10A14 (AC022784.6) associated with the PPP1R3B genotype. In addition, genes enriched in transmembrane transport and phospholipid binding pathways were associated with the genotype. Conclusion: The rs4240624 variant in PPP1R3B has a major effect on the composition of gallbladder bile. Other transcripts in the same loci may be important mediators of the variant effect.
CMTM6 Stabilizes PD-L1 Expression and Is a New Prognostic Impact Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yugawa Kyohei , Itoh Shinji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Iseda Norifumi , Tomiyama Takahiro , Morinaga Akinari , Toshima Takeo , Harada Noboru , Kohashi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao , Mori Masaki
Published: November 2020

CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 6 (CMTM6) was identified as a regulator of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which induces antitumor immunity in several cancers. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between CMTM6 and PD-L1 expression and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In total, 259 patients with HCC who had undergone hepatic resection were enrolled. Immunohistochemical staining for CMTM6 and PD-L1 was performed. The relationships between CMTM6 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Additionally, the stabilization of PD-L1 expression and regulation of malignant activities by CMTM6 were examined in vitro. Our patients were divided into high (n = 65, 25.1%) and low (n = 194, 74.9%) CMTM6 expression groups. High CMTM6 expression was significantly associated with malignant aggregates, including poor differentiation (P < 0.0001), microscopic intrahepatic metastasis (P = 0.0369), and multiple intrahepatic recurrences (P = 0.0211). CMTM6 expression was significantly correlated with PD-L1 expression in HCC tissues (P < 0.0001). The patients were classified into three groups: high CMTM6/PD-L1 positive (n = 21), high CMTM6/ PD-L1 negative (n = 44), and low CMTM6 (n = 194) expression pattern groups. Overall survival was significantly different among the three groups (P < 0.0001). Additionally, immunohistochemical double staining revealed that CMTM6 and PD-L1 were co-expressed on HCC cells. In vitro, PD-L1 expression was enhanced at late time points in the presence of CMTM6 expression. CMTM6 also regulated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness phenotypes in HCC cells. Conclusion: Our large cohort study found that CMTM6 co-expressed with PD-L1 was strongly associated with the clinical outcome in patients with HCC. The evaluation of CMTM6 combined with PD-L1 in HCC might be useful for patient selection in immune checkpoint therapy.
Tumor‐associated macrophage‐targeted therapeutics in ovarian cancer
Authors: An Yuanyuan , Yang Qing
Published: November 2020

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in regulating the progression of ovarian cancer. Macrophages, which are important immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, participate in the regulation of various biological behaviors and influence the prognosis of ovarian cancer. A large number of studies have targeted macrophages for the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition, macrophages also play a regulatory role by interacting with other immune cells, including T cells and mesothelial cells, in the ovarian cancer microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the progress made in macrophage‐targeted therapy for ovarian cancer. Although there are still several challenges in using this treatment, targeted macrophage therapy is still a promising treatment for ovarian cancer.
Emotional memory processing in post‐traumatic stress disorder affected Colombian youth
Authors: Noriega Ivette , Trejos‐Castillo Elizabeth , Chae Yoojin , Calderon‐Delgado Liliana , Barrera‐Valencia Mauricio , Al‐Khalil Kareem , O'Boyle Michael W.
Published: November 2020

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a neuropsychological condition caused by exposure to chronic stressors and extreme trauma. In past decades, Colombia (South America) has experienced high levels of armed conflict, which created an environment of chronic stress, resulting in an increased incidence of PTSD in children. Limited research exists on the effects of PTSD on emotional memory functioning of these Colombian youth living in chronically stressful environments. In the present study, 23 PTSD affected youth and 26 controls were asked to recall items from a memorised word list, as well as remembering details from a short emotional story. Although no significant differences were found for word list memory, deficits for emotional story content were found in the PTSD youth, particularly for facts involving negative emotional details. The latter may suggest a deficit in executive functioning for the integration of emotionally laden stimuli, perhaps induced as a by‐product of their traumatic experiences.
Determinants of investor satisfaction with e‐commerce platforms and traded products in student housing development in Ghana
Authors: Attakora‐Amaniampong Elvis , Miller Appau Williams , Aziabah Samson Akanvose
Published: November 2020

Globalization and its attendant expansion of businesses continue to create opportunities for the use of e‐commerce. E‐commerce is noted for contributing to cost reduction, capital expansion, efficiency and high client satisfaction in businesses. Unfortunately, there is dissatisfaction among investors in student housing with the application of e‐commerce in Ghana. This study examined the key factors influencing satisfaction among investors in student housing with e‐commerce platforms and traded products in Ghana. A concurrent mixed design based on survey and interviews, as well as an Exploratory Factor and thematic analyses of data were used. Whereas security and interface features were key factors influencing investors' satisfaction with e‐commerce platforms, product availability and quality of packaging were key factors influencing investors' satisfaction with traded products. It would be worthwhile for website designers to consider these factors in designing websites. Also, by considering these factors, suppliers can increase their revenues. Furthermore, the results of this exploratory factor analysis means that further confirmatory studies may be conducted to validate the findings.
Anti‐Pasch optimal coverings with triples
Authors: Demirkale Fatih , Donovan Diane , Grannell Mike
Published: November 2020

It is shown that for , or 13, there exists an optimal covering with triples on points that contains no Pasch configurations.
Core features of callous–unemotional traits: Network analysis of the inventory of callous–unemotional traits in offender and community samples
Authors: Deng Jiaxin , Wang Meng‐Cheng , Shou Yiyun , Gao Yu
Published: November 2020

Objective

Callous‐unemotional (CU) traits have been added as a specifier labeled with “Limited Prosocial Emotion” used to diagnose conduct disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, little is known about the core features of CU traits. Thus, this study aimed to identify the most central component of CU traits from a network perspective.

Method

Network analysis was applied to investigate the network structure of CU traits operationalized by the Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits in a sample of juvenile offenders (Mage = 17.14, N = 609) and community youths (Mage = 10.82, N = 487).

Results

Our findings showed that items assessing callousness are the most central in the network across both samples. Also, the unemotional items were found to be located at a peripheral position, with fewer links apparent to callousness and uncaring items.

Conclusions

Callousness might be the key feature of CU traits in youths. Our findings further advance the general understanding about the core features of CU traits in clinical practice.
Copper‐nanostructure‐modified laser‐scribed electrodes based on graphitic carbon for electrochemical detection of dopamine and glucose
Authors: Juska Vuslat B , Juska Gediminas
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Carbon‐based nanostructures have been attracting major interest in many research fields, including chemical and biological sensing, because of their unique structural dimensions and excellent physical, chemical and mechanical properties. A recently developed laser scribing approach allows design and fabrication of flexible, graphitic carbon‐based substrates for (bio‐)electrochemical applications, as it provides highly robust and low‐cost sensing platforms.

RESULTS

Here we demonstrate the fabrication of a highly reproducible laser‐scribed graphitic electrode (LSE) on a polyimide (Kapton) film using a simple, do‐it‐yourself laser engraving system equipped with a 405 nm wavelength laser. Copper nanostructures were deposited onto an electrode surface via the electrodeposition process. The developed three‐dimensional graphitic electrodes modified by nano copper/copper oxide species (LSE‐Cu) were used for the detection of dopamine and glucose. Electrochemical studies of LSE‐Cu showed that in the presence of nano‐copper there is an apparent shift of the oxidation peaks of dopamine and ascorbic acid, allowing determination of dopamine without an interference effect, with an excellent sensitivity of 1321.54 μA L mmol−1 cm−2. Furthermore, the LSE‐Cu sensor exhibited highly satisfying analytical performance towards glucose electro‐oxidation, with a reproducibility of 5.47% (RSD %).

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated a simple design, fabrication and passivation route for the preparation of LSEs performing as biosensors. Such a cost‐effective and design‐flexible system is highly suitable for developing a biosensing platform towards various target analytes and further miniaturization of the electrode. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Towards Gallai's path decomposition conjecture
Authors: Botler Fábio , Sambinelli Maycon
Published: November 2020

A path decomposition of a graph is a collection of edge‐disjoint paths of that covers the edge set of . Gallai conjectured that every connected graph on vertices admits a path decomposition of cardinality at most . Seminal results toward its verification consider the graph obtained from by removing its vertices of odd degree, which is called the E‐subgraph of . Lovász verified Gallai's Conjecture for graphs whose E‐subgraphs consist of at most one vertex, and Pyber verified it for graphs whose E‐subgraphs are forests. In 2005, Fan verified Gallai's Conjecture for graphs in which each block, that is, each maximal 2‐connected subgraph, of their E‐subgraph is triangle‐free and has maximum degree at most 3. Let be the family of graphs for which (a) each block has maximum degree at most ; and (b) each component either has maximum degree at most 3 or has at most one block that contains triangles. In this paper, we generalize Fan's result by verifying Gallai's Conjecture for graphs whose E‐subgraphs are subgraphs of graphs in . This allows the components of the E‐subgraphs to contain any number of blocks with triangles as long as they are subgraphs of graphs in .
From2Dto4DPhase‐ContrastMRIin the Neurovascular System: Will It Be a Quantum Jump or a Fancy Decoration?
Authors: Youn Sung Won , Lee Jongmin
Published: November 2020

Considering the crosstalk between the flow and vessel wall, hemodynamic assessment of the neurovascular system may offer a well‐integrated solution for both diagnosis and management by adding prognostic significance to the standard CT/MR angiography. 4D flow MRI or time‐resolved 3D velocity‐encoded phase‐contrast MRI has long been promising for the hemodynamic evaluation of the great vessels, but challenged in clinical studies for assessing intracranial vessels with small diameter due to long scan times and low spatiotemporal resolution. Current accelerated MRI techniques, including parallel imaging with compressed sensing and radialk‐space undersampling acquisitions, have decreased scan times dramatically while preserving spatial resolution. 4D flow MRI visualized and measured 3D complex flow of neurovascular diseases such as aneurysm, arteriovenous shunts, and atherosclerotic stenosis using parameters including flow volume, velocity vector, pressure gradients, and wall shear stress. In addition to the noninvasiveness of the phase contrast technique and retrospective flow measurement through the wanted windows of the analysis plane, 4D flow MRI has shown several advantages over Doppler ultrasound or computational fluid dynamics. The evaluation of the flow status and vessel wall can be performed simultaneously in the same imaging modality. This article is an overview of the recent advances in neurovascular 4D flow MRI techniques and their potential clinical applications in neurovascular disease.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Suitability of two rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assays for predicting SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing activity of sera
Authors: Valdivia Arantxa , Torres Ignacio , Latorre Víctor , Francés‐Gómez Clara , Ferrer Josep , Forqué Lorena , Costa Rosa , de la Asunción Carlos Solano , Huntley Dixie , Gozalbo‐Rovira Roberto , Buesa Javier , Giménez Estela , Rodríguez‐Díaz Jesús , Geller Ron , Navarro David
Published: November 2020

Assessment of commercial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) immunoassays for their capacity to provide reliable information on sera neutralizing activity is an emerging need. We evaluated the performance of two commercially available lateral flow immunochromatographic assays (LFIC; Wondfo SARS‐CoV‐2 Antibody test and the INNOVITA 2019‐nCoV Ab test) in comparison with a SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization pseudotyped assay for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) diagnosis in hospitalized patients and investigate whether the intensity of the test band in LFIC associates with neutralizing antibody (NtAb) titers. Ninety sera were included from 51 patients with moderate to severe COVID‐19. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter‐based pseudotyped neutralization assay (vesicular stomatitis virus coated with SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein) was used. Test line intensity was scored using a 4‐level scale (0 to 3+). The overall sensitivity of LFIC assays was 91.1% for the Wondfo SARS‐CoV‐2 Antibody test, 72.2% for the INNOVITA 2019‐nCoV IgG, 85.6% for the INNOVITA 2019‐nCoV IgM, and 92.2% for the NtAb assay. Sensitivity increased for all assays in sera collected beyond day 14 after symptoms onset (93.9%, 79.6%, 93.9%, and 93.9%, respectively). Reactivities equal to or more intense than the positive control line (≥2+) in the Wondfo assay had a negative predictive value of 100% and a positive predictive value of 96.4% for high NtAb50 titers (≥1/160). Our findings support the use of LFIC assays evaluated herein, particularly the Wondfo test, for COVID‐19 diagnosis. We also find evidence that these rapid immunoassays can be used to predict high SARS‐CoV‐2‐S NtAb50 titers.
Effectiveness of thermal redistribution layer in cooling of 3D ICs
Authors: Wang Fengjuan , Li Yue , Yu Ningmei , Yang Yuan
Published: November 2020

A cooling system composed of a thermal redistribution layer (TRDL) and a thermal through‐silicon via (TTSV) is proposed for three‐dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs). According to the Fourier heat flow analysis theory, the heat flow model of the proposed cooling system is established and verified by finite element analysis (FEA). It is shown that the maximum error between the heat flow model and FEA is 2.98%, and the maximum temperature of 3D ICs can be reduced by 4.43°C. The established horizontal heat dissipation channel can effectively solve the heat dissipation problem in 3D ICs.
Procedural justice enactment as an instrument of position protection: The three‐way interaction between leaders' power position stability, followers' warmth, and followers' competence
Authors: Zheng Michelle Xue , Schuh Sebastian C. , van Dijke Marius , De Cremer David
Published: November 2020

Studies have started to examine factors that explain when and why leaders enact procedural justice. However, these studies have not considered the idea that justice enactment can be a self‐serving instrument for leaders. In this paper, we propose a threat‐based tripartite model of procedural justice enactment. Specifically, we examine how leaders in unstable (vs. stable) power positions combine information from the two fundamental dimensions of person perception—that is, their perceptions of a follower's competence and warmth—to shape the level of procedural justice they enact toward the follower. In support of our model, the results of a multisource organizational field study and a laboratory experiment show that leaders in unstable power positions enact procedural justice, particularly toward followers whom they perceive as highly competent but low in warmth. We discuss our findings in light of their implications for the justice and leadership literatures.
Short‐Bowel Syndrome: Epidemiology, Hospitalization Trends, In‐Hospital Mortality, and Healthcare Utilization
Authors: Siddiqui Mohamed Tausif , Al‐Yaman Wael , Singh Amandeep , Kirby Donald F.
Published: November 2020

Introduction : Short‐bowel syndrome (SBS) is a common cause of chronic intestinal failure and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, poor quality of life, and an increased burden on healthcare costs. Methods: We used the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014. We identified adult SBS hospitalizations by using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We studied the demographics of the patients with SBS and analyzed the trends in the number of hospitalizations, in‐hospital mortality, and healthcare costs. We also identified the risk factors associated with in‐hospital mortality. Results: A total of 53,040 SBS hospitalizations were identified. We found that SBS‐related hospitalizations increased by 55% between 2005 (N = 4037) and 2014 (N = 6265). During this period, the in‐hospital mortality decreased from 40 per 1000 to 29 per 1000 hospitalizations, resulting in an overall reduction of 27%. Higher mortality was noted in SBS patients with sepsis (6.7%), liver dysfunction (6.2%), severe malnutrition (6.0%), and metastatic cancer (5.4%). The overall mean length of stay (LOS) for SBS‐related hospitalizations was 14.7 days, with a mean hospital cost of $34,130. We noted a steady decrease in the LOS, whereas the cost of care remained relatively stable. Conclusions: The national burden of SBS‐related hospitalizations continues to rise, and the mortality associated with SBS has substantially decreased. Older SBS patients with sepsis, liver dysfunction, severe malnutrition, and metastatic cancer had the highest risk of mortality. Healthcare utilization in SBS remains high.

healthcare utilization; hospitalization trend; mortality; research and diseases; short‐bowel syndrome
Recent advances and applications of molecularly imprinted polymers in solid‐phase extraction for real sample analysis
Authors: Hu Tianliang , Chen Run , Wang Qiang , He Chiyang , Liu Shaorong
Published: November 2020

Sample pretreatment is essential for the analysis of complicated real samples due to their complex matrices and low analyte concentrations. Among all sample pretreatment methods, solid‐phase extraction is arguably the most frequently used one. However, the majority of available solid‐phase extraction adsorbents suffer from limited selectivity. Molecularly imprinted polymers are a type of tailor‐made artificial antibodies and receptors with specific recognition sites for target molecules. Using molecularly imprinted polymers instead of conventional adsorbents can greatly improve the selectivity of solid‐phase extraction, and therefore molecularly imprinted polymer‐based solid‐phase extraction has been widely applied to separation, clean up and/or preconcentration of target analytes in various kinds of real samples. In this article, after a brief introduction, the recent developments and applications of molecularly imprinted polymer‐based solid‐phase extraction for determination of different analytes in complicated real samples during the 2015‐2020 are reviewed systematically, including the solid‐phase extraction modes, molecularly imprinted adsorbent types and their preparations, and the practical applications of solid‐phase extraction to various real samples (environmental, food, biological, and pharmaceutical samples). Finally, the challenges and opportunities of using molecularly imprinted polymer‐based solid‐phase extraction for real sample analysis are discussed.
The transient receptor potential A1 ion channel (TRPA1) modifies in vivo autonomous ureter peristalsis in rats
Authors: Weinhold Philipp , Villa Luca , Strittmatter Frank , Gratzke Christian , Stief Christian G. , Castiglione Fabio , Montorsi Francesco , Hedlund Petter
Published: November 2020

Aims

The current study aimed to explore the expression of transient receptor potential A1 ion channels (TRPA1) in the rat ureter and to assess if TRPA1‐active compounds modulate ureter function.

Methods

The expression of TRPA1 in rat ureter tissue was studied by immunofluorescence. The TRPA1 distribution was compared to calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), α‐actin (SMA1), anoctamin‐1 (ANO1), and c‐kit. For in vivo analyses, a catheter was implanted in the right ureter of 50 rats. Ureter peristalsis and pressures were continuously recorded by a data acquisition set‐up during intraluminal infusion of saline (baseline), saline plus protamine sulfate (PS; to disrupt the urothelium), saline plus PS with hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) or cinnamaldehyde (CA). Comparisons were made between rats treated systemically with vehicle or a TRPA1‐antagonist (HC030031).

Results

TRPA1‐immunoreactive nerves co‐expressed CGRP and were mainly located in the suburothelial region of the ureter. Immunoreactivity for TRPA1 was also encountered in c‐kit‐positive but ANO1‐negative cells of the ureter suburothelium and wall.

In vivo, HC030031‐treated rats had elevated baseline peristaltic frequency (p < 0.05) and higher intraluminal pressures (p < 0.01). PS increased the frequency of ureter peristalsis versus baseline in vehicle‐treated rats (p < 0.001) but not in HC030031‐treated rats. CA (p < 0.001) and NaHS (p < 0.001) decreased ureter peristalsis. This was counteracted by HC030031 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In rats, TRPA1 is expressed on cellular structures considered of importance for peristaltic and mechanoafferent functions of the ureter. Functional data indicate that TRPA1‐mediated signals regulate ureter peristalsis. This effect was pronounced after mucosal disruption and suggests a role for TRPA1 in ureter pathologies involving urothelial damage.
Economic evaluation of elective cesarean versus vaginal delivery on cost of future pelvic floor disorders in the United States
Authors: Kuhlmann Paige K. , Patel Devin N. , Chen Andrew , Houman Justin , Weinberger James , Wood Thum Lauren N. , Anger Jennifer T. , Eilber Karyn S.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To analyze the cost impact of cesarean versus vaginal delivery in the United States on the development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

We compared average cost of delivery method to the lifetime risk and cost of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) in women < 65 years. Costs of maternal care, obtained from the MarketScan® database, included those incurred at delivery and 3 months post‐partum. Future costs of PFDs included those incurred after delivery up to 65 years. Previously reported data on the prevalence of POP and SUI following cesarean and vaginal delivery was used to calculate attributable risk. An incremental cost of illness model was used to estimate costs for SUI. Direct surgical and ambulatory care costs were used to determine cost of POP.

Results

Average estimated cost was $7089 for vaginal delivery and $9905 for cesarean delivery. The absolute risks for SUI and POP were estimated as 7% and 5%, respectively, following cesarean delivery, and 13% and 14%, respectively, following vaginal delivery. For SUI, average direct cost was $5642, indirect cost was $4208, and personal cost was $750. Average direct cost of POP surgery was $4658, and nonsurgical cost was $2220. The potential savings for reduced prevalence of SUI and POP in women who underwent cesarean delivery is estimated at $1255, but they incur an additional $2816 maternal care cost over vaginal delivery.

Conclusions

Although elective cesarean is associated with reduced prevalence of PFDs, the increased initial cost of cesarean delivery does not offset future cost savings.
Long‐term outcomes of sacral neuromodulation for lower urinary tract dysfunction: A 23‐year experience
Authors: Gandhi Shreyas , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Koziarz Alex , Almutairi Sulaiman , Ali Abdullah , Cox Ashley
Published: November 2020

Aims

To evaluate the long‐term outcomes of sacral neuromodulation (SNM), and patient characteristics that may predict long‐term success or complications.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients who underwent SNM testing and implantation. Outcome results, resolution of symptoms, and device removal were reported. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of success. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors for device removal.

Results

Four hundred and thrity four patients underwent SNM test phase of which 241 (median age 48.0 years, 91.7% [221/241] female) had device implantation and were followed up for median [range] time of 4.0 (3 months–20.5 years) years. Multivariable logistic regression showed that male gender (odds ratio: 0.314; 95% confidence interval: 0.164–0.601, p = .0005) was independently associated with decreased peripheral nerve evaluation success. At final follow‐up for patients who originally had device implantation, median (interquartile range) percent of symptoms resolution of all patients was 60.0% (0%–90%) and 69.3% (167/241) had SNM successful outcomes. Cox proportional hazards model showed no difference for time to SNM device removal with respect to patient age, gender, or diagnosis. 69.3% (167/241) patients had at least 1 surgical re‐intervention. The most common reason at first surgical re‐intervention was lead change only (26.3%, 44/167).

Conclusion

SNM is a minimally invasive procedure with good long‐term success rates. There is a high revision rate but overall, SNM has a good safety profile and excellent long‐term outcomes.
Can we predict the evolution of untreated first stage posterior vaginal wall prolapse in women operated for anterior or apical prolapse?
Authors: Degliuomini Rebecca , Serati Maurizio , Ruffolo Alessandro F. , Casiraghi Arianna , De Bastiani Sarah S. , Parma Marta , Candiani Massimo , Salvatore Stefano
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between pre‐existing conditions and worsening of Stage I untreated posterior vaginal wall prolapse (PVWP) after vaginal hysterectomy and anterior repair at 12‐month follow‐up.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective study. Women with symptomatic (vaginal bulging and low back pain) anterior and/or apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and I stage PVWP were enrolled. Patients were submitted to vaginal hysterectomy and native‐tissue anterior vaginal wall repair. Risk factors for POP development were collected for each woman before surgery. At 12 month‐follow‐up after surgery, women were evaluated and divided into two groups depending on the anatomical finding of the posterior vaginal wall according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System: women with Persistent I stage PVWP and patients with worsened PVWP more than or equal to II stage. Difference of distribution of risk factors for POP between the two groups was evaluated. Correlation between risk factors and development of PVWP more than I stage was assessed.

Results

Seventy women were submitted to POP surgery. Significant difference in constipation before surgery and degree of anterior and central vaginal compartments descent was observed (p < .01) between the two groups. Constipation before surgery resulted as an independent factor in worsening of PVWP at 12‐month follow‐up (p value = .01; odds ratio 1.99 [1.49–2.33]).

Conclusion

Untreated Stage I PVWP, not included in the first surgical repair, can significantly get worse in women complaining of constipation at 12‐month follow‐up.
Tooling nurses to assess complexity in routine home care practice: Derivation of a complexity index from the interRAI‐HC
Authors: Busnel Catherine , Vallet Fanny , Ludwig Catherine
Published: November 2020

Aim

Home care nurses often use the Resident Assessment Instrument‐Home Care (interRAI‐HC) to assess health needs. However, this tool does not assess complexity. This study proposes to derive a complexity index (CI) from the interRAI‐HC using the operational definition of the dedicated COMID checklist (COmplexité Multidimensionnelle des prises en soins Infirmières à Domicile).

Design

Data were collected at the baseline assessment of the fraXity study (N = 231, aged ≥ 65), which relied on an observational longitudinal design.

Methods

Measures were the interRAI‐HC, from which the CI binary variables were computed and the COMID, used as a reference.

Results

Twenty‐six CI variables were computed from the interRAI‐HC, and all but three correlations were significant. The correlation between the CI score and the COMID score was ρ = 0.730 (p < .001).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that complexity can be assessed directly from the interRAI‐HC by deriving a CI.
Error estimate on the tanh meshes for the time fractional diffusion equation
Authors: Zhang Jiali , Huang Jizu , Wang Kun , Wang Xin
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study the discrete scheme for the time fractional diffusion equation with order α ∈ (0, 1). Since the solution of the given problem usually has a weak singularity near the initial time t = 0, the maximum error of the L1 scheme based on a uniform mesh cannot reach the ideal convergence rate 2 − α. As an improvement, a kind of nonuniform meshes (the tanh meshes) is proposed. The L1 scheme based on the tanh meshes is proved to be unconditionally stable and reach the ideal convergence rate by suitably choosing the parameter. Some numerical tests are carried out to confirm the error analysis of the L1 scheme based on the proposed nonuniform meshes.
A comparative study on non‐Newtonian fractional‐order Brinkman type fluid with two different kernels
Authors: Sarwar Shahzad , Aleem Maryam , Imran Muhammad Asjad , Akgül Ali
Published: November 2020

This study carried out the free convective non‐Newtonian fluid of Brinkman type flow near an upright plate moving with velocity f(t). A fractional order model for non‐Newtonian fluid of Brinkman type flow is proposed. The time derivative in the proposed fractional flow model is considered by using the two types of fractional derivatives namely Caputo fractional derivative and Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative. The system of conjugated fractional partial differential equations for the temperature θ, velocity u and concentration C are worked out by applying optimal homotopy asymptotic technique. The effectuate of tangible and fractional variables on the domains of velocity u, temperature θ and concentration C are envisioned graphically. The rate of heat and mass transfer in the form of Nu and Sh is also calculated for both fractional derivatives. The numerical results reveal the efficiency, reliability, significant features, and simple in computation with high accuracy of consider method for non‐Newtonian fractional order fluid of Brinkman type flow. We ascertained that our results are in excellent agreement with the exact results.
Local governments' communication through Facebook. Evidences from COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Mori Elisa , Barabaschi Barbara , Cantoni Franca , Virtuani Roberta
Published: November 2020

The study aims at demonstrating how social communication has changed in terms of flows and content in the different phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic to get to the fact that public administrations have embarked on a path of rapprochement with the citizen that starts from the methods of communication and interaction. This article presents an exploratory and multidisciplinary study conducted through the analysis of the Facebook page of the Italian municipalities with the highest Covid19‐induced mortality rates (Piacenza, Bergamo, Lodi, Cremona, Brescia, Pavia, Parma, Mantova, Alessandria, Lecco and Sondrio). Fanpage Karma has been used to conduct the investigation and get the analytics. Local governments are implementing a process of gradual approach to the needs of the citizen and learning new ways of communication. In the conclusion of our study – conducted at the time of the pandemic – we can affirm that local governments are in an early stage of the process both for the acquisition of skills for social communication and for the definition of a communication strategy to strengthen their social identity aware of the fact that the agile and lean communication makes the citizen much more informed and involved in city life than traditional communication. This paper analyses a social network like Facebook as a not common tool for local government's communication in a period of severe emergency. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted as a distinctive factor. The focus is on the contribution of social communication on citizens' engagement.
Defect engineering in cast mono‐like silicon: A review
Authors: Song Lihui , Yu Xuegong
Published: November 2020

Cast mono‐like silicon is a promising material for next‐generation silicon solar cells with higher efficiency and lower cost compared with currently commercialized silicon solar cells. So far, cast mono‐like silicon technique still faces several problems, including multicrystallization, dislocation clusters, sub‐grain boundaries, and impurity contamination, which hinder its mass‐scale applications in photovoltaic industry. In this review, we will introduce these common problems in turn and discuss a multitude of the reported studies on eliminating these problems. Furthermore, light and elevated temperature‐induced degradation (LeTID) was recently reported to be a severe problem of cast mono‐like silicon solar cells, which can cause power loss over 10% relative. This review will introduce the behaviors and the proposed mechanisms of LeTID as well as the methods to suppress LeTID in Section 4. In the subsequent section, the efficiency potential and distribution of cast mono‐like silicon solar cells are discussed. At last, a comprehensive summary will be given for this review.
A comprehensive examination of factors impacting collegiate athletes' utilization of psychological assessment and intervention services
Authors: Donohue Brad , Gavrilova Elena , Danlag Alexandra , Perry Joanne , Kuhn Corey , Allen Daniel N. , Benning Stephen D.
Published: November 2020

Although collegiate athletes underutilize mental health programming, investigators have rarely examined factors that may influence their participation in such programs. The current study examined how structured interviews and demographic factors influence collegiate athletes to use psychological programming. Two‐hundred and eighty‐nine collegiate athletes were referred to the study. They were screened for mental health and randomly assigned to one of two semi‐structured interviews based on experimental phase. Participants in Phase I received standard engagement (SE;N = 35) or SE + discussion of mental health (DMH;N = 44). Phase II participants received SE + DMH (N = 82) or SE + DMH + discussion of personal ambitions (DPA;N = 66). Phase III participants received SE + DMH + discussion about their culture of choice (DCC;N = 25) or SE + DMH + discussion of sport culture (DSC;N = 37). After receiving the respective interview participants were offered psychological assessment and intervention.χ2analyses revealed class standing, mental health symptom severity, referral type, and type of engagement interview influenced program commitment/utilization. Logistic regression analyses indicated SE + DMH + DPA and SE + DMH + DSC uniquely improved assessment attendance whereas referrals from coaches/teammates, participation in sport performance workshops, and senior status uniquely improved assessment and intervention attendance.
Physical activity, sedentary time and sleep in cystic fibrosis youth: A bidirectional relationship?
Authors: McNarry Melitta A. , Stevens Daniel , Stone Michelle , Roberts Spencer , Hall Sarah , Mackintosh Kelly A.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) and sleep are highly important for those with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet, despite this and suggestions of a bidirectional relationship between these factors in healthy children, their relationship is yet to be investigated.

Methods

PA, sedentary time (SED), and sleep were objectively derived over seven days in 58 youth (11.9 ± 2.7 years; 29 CF). Generalized linear latent and mixed models with a random intercept and slope at child‐level were adjusted for age, sex, wear‐time, type of day, group and mean PA/SED and sleep.

Results

Every additional 10 min sedentary was associated with 5.6 and 5.0 min less sleep and 10.6 and 12.0 min less wake after sleep onset (WASO) that night, in CF and healthy children, respectively. PA, regardless of intensity, was not associated with total sleep time but every additional 10 min of light PA (LPA) was associated with 3.0 min less WASO in healthy participants. Ten mins more sleep was associated with 3.1 and 1.7 min less SED in CF and healthy children, respectively. In CF, greater sleep time led to less LPA (3.6 min) the following day, whereas, in healthy children, poor sleep quality (greater WASO) was associated with more LPA (1.4 min) and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (5.2 min) the following day.

Conclusion

A bidirectional relationship between SED and subsequent total sleep time was evident, irrespective of group, whereas the relationship between sleep and PA was group dependent. These findings have important implications regarding the reciprocal effects of promoting PA or sleep quantity or quality.
Dynamic ordering design for dose finding in drug‐combination trials
Authors: Zhang Teng , Yang Zhao , Yin Guosheng
Published: November 2020

Drug‐combination studies have become increasingly popular in oncology. One of the critical concerns in phase I drug‐combination trials is the uncertainty in toxicity evaluation. Most of the existing phase I designs aim to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) by reducing the two‐dimensional searching space to one dimension via a prespecified model or splitting the two‐dimensional space into multiple one‐dimensional subspaces based on the partially known toxicity order. Nevertheless, both strategies often lead to complicated trials which may either be sensitive to model assumptions or induce longer trial durations due to subtrial split. We develop two versions of dynamic ordering design (DOD) for dose finding in drug‐combination trials, where the dose‐finding problem is cast in the Bayesian model selection framework. The toxicity order of dose combinations is continuously updated via a two‐dimensional pool‐adjacent‐violators algorithm, and then the dose assignment for each incoming cohort is selected based on the optimal model under the dynamic toxicity order. We conduct extensive simulation studies to evaluate the performance of DOD in comparison with four other commonly used designs under various scenarios. Simulation results show that the two versions of DOD possess competitive performances in terms of correct MTD selection as well as safety, and we apply both versions of DOD to two real oncology trials for illustration.