bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between Annexin A2 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule in breast cancer cells
Authors: Al‐Qahtani Saad Misfer , Gadalla Salah Eldin , Guo Min , Ericsson Christer , Hägerstrand Daniel , Nistér Monica
Published: July 2021

Background

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a type I transmembrane and glycosylated protein, which is overexpressed in many neoplasms. However, EpCAM has no known ligand partners and the mechanisms by which it functions are not fully understood.

Aim

This study was performed to discover novel partners of EpCAM, which may provide a better understanding of its functions.

Methods

The membrane fraction of the ERα+ noninvasive breast cancer cell line ZR‐75‐1 and MCF‐7 was extracted and followed by co‐immunoprecipitation of EpCAM using C‐10, a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against amino acids 24–93 of the EpCAM molecule. As a negative control, MDA‐MB‐231 and Hs578T were used since they express a negligible amount of EpCAM and are known as EpCAM−/low ERα−/low invasive and tumorigenic breast cancer cell lines.

Results

Annexin A2 (ANXA2) was found to be selectively and differentially co‐immunoprecipitated with EpCAM in the ERα+ breast cancer cells MCF‐7 and ZR‐75‐1. ANXA2 is a multifunctional protein and known to act as a co‐receptor for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on the surface of endothelial and cancer cells, thereby affecting fibrinolytic activity and neoangiogenesis as well as invasive and metastatic properties. In this study, the association between EpCAM and ANXA2 was found to affect the activity of tPA.

Conclusion

This study concludes that ANXA2 co‐localizes with EpCAM at the plasma membrane, and the co‐localization may have functional implications. Data suggest that EpCAM supports ANXA2 to function as a co‐receptor for the tPA, and that EpCAM has a regulatory function on the expression and subcellular localization of ANXA2.
Three in One: The Versatility of Hydrogen Bonding Interaction in Halide Salts with Hydroxy‐Functionalized Pyridinium Cations
Authors: Al Sheakh Loai , Niemann Thomas , Villinger Alexander , Stange Peter , Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Strate Anne , Ludwig Ralf
Published: July 2021

The paradigm of supramolecular chemistry relies on the delicate balance of noncovalent forces. Here we present a systematic approach for controlling the structural versatility of halide salts by the nature of hydrogen bonding interactions. We synthesized halide salts with hydroxy‐functionalized pyridinium cations [HOCnPy]+ (n=2, 3, 4) and chloride, bromide and iodide anions, which are typically used as precursor material for synthesizing ionic liquids by anion metathesis reaction. The X‐ray structures of these omnium halides show two types of hydrogen bonding: ‘intra‐ionic’ H‐bonds, wherein the anion interacts with the hydroxy group and the positively charged ring at the same cation, and ‘inter‐ionic’ H‐bonds, wherein the anion also interacts with the hydroxy group and the ring system but of different cations. We show that hydrogen bonding is controllable by the length of the hydroxyalkyl chain and the interaction strength of the anion. Some molten halide salts exhibit a third type of hydrogen bonding. IR spectra reveal elusive H‐bonds between the OH groups of cations, showing interaction between ions of like charge. They are formed despite the repulsive interaction between the like‐charged ions and compete with the favored cation‐anion H‐bonds. All types of H‐bonding are analyzed by quantum chemical methods and the natural bond orbital approach, emphasizing the importance of charge transfer in these interactions. For simple omnium salts, we evidenced three distinct types of hydrogen bonds: Three in one!
High‐Throughput Computational Analysis of Biofilm Formation from Time‐Lapse Microscopy
Authors: Salama Ola E. , Gerstein Aleeza C.
Published: July 2021

Candida albicans biofilm formation in the presence of drugs can be examined through time‐lapse microscopy. In many cases, the images are used qualitatively, which limits their utility for hypothesis testing. We employed a machine‐learning algorithm implemented in the Orbit Image Analysis program to detect the percent area covered by cells from each image. This is combined with custom R scripts to determine the growth rate, growth asymptote, and time to reach the asymptote as quantitative proxies for biofilm formation. We describe step‐by‐step protocols that go from sample preparation for time‐lapse microscopy through image analysis parameterization and visualization of the model fit. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Sample preparation

Basic Protocol 2: Time‐lapse microscopy: Evos protocol

Basic Protocol 3: Batch file renaming

Basic Protocol 4: Machine learning analysis of Evos images with Orbit

Basic Protocol 5: Parametrization of Orbit output in R

Basic Protocol 6: Visualization of logistic fits in R
The potential to breed a low‐protein maize for protein‐restricted diets
Authors: Woore Matthew S. , Flint‐Garcia Sherry A. , Holland James B.
Published: July 2021

Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism, such as phenylketonuria (PKU), are human genetic conditions that result in an inability to metabolize certain amino acids, requiring lifelong maintenance of a very restrictive low‐protein diet. In the case of PKU, this diet does not permit consumption of most maize (Zea mays L.) products, yet maize is a major part of the human diet and is especially significant in some cultures. Kernel protein content, and to a lesser extent amino acid composition, is variable in maize. Breeding maize for low kernel protein content or low amounts of specific amino acids such as phenylalanine might expand the restrictive diets and improve quality of life for people with amino acid metabolic disorders. To test the potential of breeding low‐protein‐content maize, diverse samples of hybrid or open‐pollinated cultivars and inbreds were evaluated across two locations in two years for grain protein content and amino acid composition. Consistent with previous reports, kernel protein content varied widely across maize varieties and is highly heritable in the broad sense. We found that phenylalanine content (as a proportion of grain weight) and phenylalanine composition (as a proportion of total protein) are also highly heritable in the broad sense. As previously reported, reasonably accurate estimation of protein content is possible with near‐infrared spectrophotometry, whereas measuring phenylalanine content requires a destructive, costly, and time‐consuming laboratory analysis. Because phenylalanine content was strongly correlated with total kernel protein, breeding primarily aimed at reducing grain protein content should permit efficient selection of maize cultivars sufficiently low in phenylalanine to permit broader inclusion in the PKU diet.
A Waste‐Minimized Approach to Cassar‐Heck Reaction Based on POLITAG‐Pd0 Heterogeneous Catalyst and Recoverable Acetonitrile Azeotrope
Authors: Valentini Federica , Ferlin Francesco , Tomarelli Elena , Mahmoudi Hamed , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Calamante Massimo , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: July 2021

Three different Pd0‐based heterogeneous catalysts were developed and tested in the Cassar–Heck reaction (i. e., copper‐free Sonogashira reaction) aiming at the definition of a waste minimized protocol. The cross‐linked polymeric supports used in this investigation were designed to be adequate for different reaction media and were decorated with different pincer‐type ionic ligands having the role of stabilizing the formation and dimension of palladium nanoparticles. Among the ionic tags tested, bis‐imidazolium showed the best performances in terms of efficiency and durability of the metal catalytic system. Eventually, aqueous acetonitrile azeotrope was selected as the reaction medium as it allowed the best catalytic efficiency combined with easy recovery and reuse. Finally, the synergy between the selected catalyst and reaction medium allowed to obtain highly satisfactory isolated yields of a variety of substrates while using a low amount of metal catalyst. The high performance of the designed POLymeric Ionic TAG (POLITAG)‐Pd0, along with its good selectivity achieved in a copper‐free process, also led to a simplified purification procedure allowing the minimization of the waste generated as also proven by the very low E‐factor values (1.4–5) associated.
Nandrolone and estradiol biomarkers identification in bovine urine applying a liquid chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry metabolomics approach
Authors: Ouzia Saadia , Royer Anne‐Lise , Pezzolato Marzia , Benedetto Alessandro , Biasibetti Elena , Guitton Yann , Le Bizec Bruno , Bozetta Elena , Dervilly Gaud
Published: July 2021

With the aim of specifically investigating patterns associated with three steroid treatments (17β‐nandrolone, 17β‐estradiol, and 17β‐nandrolone + 17β‐estradiol) in bovine, an reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)‐electrospray ionization (ESI)(+/−)‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) study was conducted to characterize the urinary profiles of involved animals. Although specific fingerprints with strong differences could be highlighted between urinary metabolite profiles within urine samples collected on control and treated animals, it appeared further that significant discriminations could also be observed between steroid treatments, evidencing thus specific patterns and candidate biomarkers associated to each treatment. An MS‐2 structural elucidation step enabled level‐1 identification of two biomarkers mainly involved in energy pathways, in relation to skeletal muscle functioning. These results make it possible to envisage a global strategy for the detection of anabolic practices involving steroids, while at the same time providing clues as to the compounds used, which would facilitate the confirmation stage to follow.
Effects of tree mortality on the estimation of stemflow yield in a self‐thinning coniferous plantation
Authors: Jeong Seonghun , Otsuki Kyoichi
Published: July 2021

Tree mortality by self‐thinning is an inevitable consequence of the long residence times of standing trees in unmanaged coniferous plantations. Stemflow (SF) is an important localized input of rainwater into the soil in forest ecosystems. However, little information is available on how tree mortality affects SF yields. We took weekly measurements from 16 trees in a 20 × 10 m plot containing 50 trees in a dense unmanaged Japanese cypress plantation from April to October 2017. These 16 trees were classified into two groups: standing‐live SF trees (n = 11, tree height [H]: 13.4 ± 1.1 m, DBH: 18.5 ± 3.8 cm, crown projection area [CPA]: 5.4 ± 0.8 m2, average ± standard deviation) and standing‐dead SF trees (n = 5, H: 7.9 ± 1.4 m, DBH: 10.0 ± 1.9 cm, CPA: 0.0 ± 0.0 m2). Because the smaller standing‐dead trees with no crown were all positioned under the canopy of standing‐live trees, the mean tree‐scale SF volume (SFVtree) of standing‐dead trees was approximately 10.3 times smaller than that of standing‐live trees. The much smaller SFVtree of standing‐dead trees was also explained by the basal area (3.5‐fold smaller) and the tree‐scale SF funnelling ratio (FRtree, 2.9‐fold smaller). SFVtree of standing‐dead trees was so small that the ratio of stand‐scale SF (SFstand) to gross rainfall (GR) (SFstand/GR) was similar regardless of whether standing‐dead trees were excluded or included (21.4% vs. 21.6%) in SFstand calculations, indicating that SFstand/GR could be reliably estimated using only standing‐live trees.
Interlaboratory method validation of capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate (CE‐SDS) methodology for analysis of mAbs
Authors: Li Meng , Yu Chuanfei , Wang Wenbo , Wu Gang , Wang Lan
Published: July 2021

Capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate (CE‐SDS) is an analytical method to assess the purity of proteins, commonly applied to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the biopharmaceutical industry. To address the need to standardize the CE‐SDS method in the pharmaceutical industry and to enhance the confidence in method transfer between laboratories operating different commercial capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrument platforms, an interlaboratory CE‐SDS method validation was organized involving 13 laboratories in 13 companies on four different types of commercial capillary electrophoresis instruments. In the validation, a commercial mAb therapeutic was used as the sample. The validation process followed the analytical guidelines set by the ICH guidelines (International Conference for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use). The method's precision, accuracy, linearity and range, and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were validated in the study. Variations of all the parameters validated in the study passed the pre‐set criteria defined at the beginning of the study. The definition was based on previously published works and the intended application purpose of the CE‐SDS method for mAbs. The study proved that the CE‐SDS method fits its intended application purpose as a size impurity assay and size heterogeneity characterization assay for mAb therapeutic products. This study is the first time a CE‐SDS method is validated by multiple laboratories using different commercial CE instrument platforms and on a commercial mAb therapeutic. Its results will enhance the confidence of the biopharmaceutical industry to develop CE‐SDS methods and transfer CE‐SDS methods between different laboratories.
Electrochemical immunosensing of Growth arrest‐specific 6 in human plasma and tumor cell secretomes
Authors: Muñoz‐San Martín Cristina , Pérez‐Ginés Víctor , Torrente‐Rodríguez Rebeca M. , Gamella Maria , Solís‐Fernández Guillermo , Montero‐Calle Ana , Pedrero María , Serafín Verónica , Martínez‐Bosch Neus , Navarro Pilar , García de Frutos Pablo , Batlle Montserrat , Barderas Rodrigo , Pingarrón José M. , Campuzano Susana
Published: July 2021

Growth arrest‐specific 6 (GAS6) protein plays a key role in processes related to proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and atherosclerotic plaque formation. In addition, it has been reported that plasma levels of GAS6 are related to cancer prognosis and other relevant pathologies, such as heart failure or sepsis. We report here the first electrochemical immunoplatform for the determination of GAS6, which has demonstrated to be competitive with other available methodologies in terms of cost, simplicity, and decentralized application. The developed immunoplatform involves a sandwich immunoassay using magnetic microparticles (MBs) and uses amperometric detection at disposable screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). The MBs were modified with an antibody specific to GAS6 for its selective capture, which is further recognized by a biotinylated secondary antibody subsequently labeled with a streptavidin‐horseradish peroxidase (Strep‐HRP) conjugate. The electrochemical detection was carried out using the hydroquinone (HQ)/H2O2 system. The developed bioplatform exhibits a great selectivity and low limit of detection (27 pg/mL) that allowed the determination of the GAS6 circulating level in plasma samples from patients suffering heart failure (HF) and diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as well as the determination of the target protein in raw secretomes of human colorectal cancer cell lines.
Leveraging a cloud‐based testbed and software‐defined networking for cybersecurity and networking education
Authors: Rahouti Mohamed , Xiong Kaiqi , Lin Jing
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, real‐world learning modules become vital components in computer science and engineering in general and cybersecurity in particular. However, as student enrollments have been dramatically increasing, it becomes more challenging for a university/college to keep up with the quality of education that offers hands‐on experiment training for students thoroughly. These challenges include the difficulty of providing sufficient computing resources and keep them upgraded for the increasing number of students. In order for higher education institutions to conquer such challenges, some educators introduce an alternative solution. Namely, they develop and deploy virtual lab experiments on the clouds such as Amazon AWS and the Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI), where students can remotely access virtual resources for lab experiments. Besides, Software‐Defined Networks (SDN) are an emerging networking technology to enhance the security and performance of networked communications with simple management. In this article, we present our efforts to develop learning modules via an efficient deployment of SDN on GENI for computer networking and security education. Specifically, we first give our design methodology of the proposed learning modules, and then detail the implementations of the learning modules by starting from user account creation on the GENI testbed to advanced experimental GENI‐enabled SDN labs. It is worth pointing out that in order to accommodate students with different backgrounds and knowledge levels, we consider the varying difficulty levels of learning modules in our design. Finally, student assessment over these pedagogical efforts is discussed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed learning modules.
Reduction of fire spalling of concrete with small doses of polypropylene fibres
Authors: McNamee Robert , Sjöström Johan , Boström Lars
Published: July 2021

The addition of polypropylene (PP) fibres has been shown to reduce the fire spalling propensity of concrete. When including this type of fibres in the concrete, the concrete mix becomes less robust, and small deviations in the constitutes change the workability and properties of the concrete. So, from a manufacturing perspective as small dosages as possible of PP fibres are desirable. Very few large‐scale fire resistance tests of concrete loaded in compression exist showing the function of PP fibres at low dosages on concrete mixes sensitive to spalling if no fibres are added. In this paper, results from 26 fire tests are presented and analysed. The test results are from four different experimental campaigns, but all the mixes have in common that the water‐to‐cement ratio is 0.40. The results show that an amount of only 0.6 kg/m3 PP fibres has a significant effect on the spalling propensity and that even lower amounts reduce the spalling although they do not eliminate it entirely. During one of the fire tests on large slabs loaded in compression, unloaded small cubes of the same mixes were also included in the furnace. None of the small specimens spalled, whereas some of the corresponding large slabs spalled beyond the layer of reinforcement. This illustrates that tests on small, unloaded specimens are not relevant when assessing fire spalling of larger cross‐sections loaded in compression.
The out‐of‐pocket medication burden: Which health problems impact the Czech population aged 50+?
Authors: Kočiš Krůtilová Veronika
Published: July 2021

Adults 50‐years‐old and greater form the group most vulnerable to a high burden from payments for medication. These Czech older adults devote around 60% of out‐of‐pocket payments for medication, which might influence their consumption patterns and access to health care. This paper extends the empirical evidence of the out‐of‐pocket burden and catastrophic payments by addressing the consumption of medication among the Czech population aged 50 and higher. Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, wave 6, is used. A generalised linear model is applied for estimating the out‐of‐pocket medication burden; a binary logistic regression is used for the investigation of catastrophic medication expenditure. The results showed that medications for pain, joint pain/joint inflammation, anxiety and depression, heart diseases and high blood pressure are robust predictors for the medication burden and risk factors for catastrophic payments. Special attention should also be paid to medications for suppressing inflammation and sleep problems. Despite universal coverage in the Czech Republic, taking medications for specific health problems, especially those related to the nervous system, influences the well‐being of older individuals. Policy makers should revise the prescription practice and related reimbursement policies and reconsider current protection from the high medication burden.
Establishing realistic exposure estimates of solitary bee larvae via pollen for use in risk assessment
Authors: Pamminger Tobias , Schneider Christof , Maas Raffael , Bergtold Matthias
Published: July 2021

Bees foraging in agricultural habitats can be exposed to plant protection products. To limit the risk of adverse events, a robust risk assessment is needed, which requires reliable estimates for the expected exposure. The exposure pathways to developing solitary bees in particular are not well described and, in the currently proposed form, rely on limited information. To build a scaling model predicting the amount of protein developing solitary bees need based on adult body weight, we used published data on the volume of pollen solitary bees provide for their offspring. This model was tested against and ultimately updated with additional literature data on bee weight and protein content of emerged bees. We rescaled this model, based on the known pollen protein content of bee-visited flowers, to predict the expected amount of pollen a generalist solitary bee would likely provide based on its adult body weight, and tested these predictions in the field. We found overall agreement between the models' predictions and the measured values in the field, but additional data are needed to confirm these initial results. Our study suggests that scaling models in the bee risk assessment could complement existing risk assessment approaches and facilitate the further development of accurate risk characterization for solitary bees; ultimately the models will help to protect them during their foraging activity in agricultural settings. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:308–313. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

This paper provides estimates for protein and pollen provisions for solitary bee larvae. The predictions are supported by Osmia bicornis pollen collection under field and semifield conditions.
Approach to veterinary management of adult camelids
Authors: Lopez Brina
Published: July 2021

Background: Camelids are gaining in popularity globally and have versatile purposes that range from fibre production to companion animals. As such, veterinary surgeons must be capable of providing basic veterinary services, including the development of nutrition and herd health programmes, performing foot and teeth trims, as well as castration. Notably, the medications described in this article are not licensed for camelids and their use should be discussed in detail with the owner and written consent obtained before their use.

Aim of the article: This article provides guidance on approaching the key veterinary services that practitioners can offer to camelid farmers.
Practising gratitude and the life‐changing benefits it can bring
Authors: Rayner Angela , Caine Anisa
Published: July 2021

Practising gratitude is a simple method to improve your life and helps to overcome negativity bias. This is particularly important for the veterinary profession in our drive for perfection, something that can sometimes prevent us from celebrating all that we have achieved and instead focus on what we haven't accomplished. This article is the first in a series on quality improvement (QI) from RCVS Knowledge. Throughout the series, the authors will draw on their expertise in patient safety and clinical human factors to discuss principles of QI and associated themes, including communication, practice culture, teamwork, patient safety and leadership.
In vivo spectroscopic photoacoustic imaging and laser‐induced nanoparticle vaporization for anti‐HER2 breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Fadhel Muhannad N. , Hysi Eno , Pastenak Maurice , Sathiyamoorthy Krishnan , Kolios Michael C.
Published: July 2021

This study reports on the development and application of theragnostic agents targeting the HER2 receptors in breast tumors. The agent was constructed by loading silica‐coated gold nanorods (GNRs) and a perfluorohexane liquid into PLGA‐PEG nanoparticles, followed by surface conjugation with antibody Herceptin. The particle uptake in human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 (HER2‐negative) and BT474 (HER2‐positive) cell lines was tested. A proof of principle in vivo study was also performed using a xenograft mouse bilateral tumor model (16 mice, 32 tumors). Photoacoustic imaging was performed using a VevoLAZR device at 720/750/850 nm illuminations and 21 MHz central frequency. The relative concentrations of GNRs in the tumor were quantified using a linear spectral unmixing technique. The therapeutic efficacy of these nanoparticles was evaluated through optical droplet vaporization, and cell damage was confirmed using tissue immunofluorescence and histology. Our results demonstrate the potential of PLGA‐GNRs as theragnostic agents for anti‐HER2 breast cancer therapy.
Retracted: Modern problems of youth extremism: Social and psychological components
Authors: Lyzhin Anton I. , Sharov Anton A. , Lopez Elena G. , Melnikov Semyon G. , Zaynullina Victoria T.
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the global community is confronted by an acute problem of extremism associated with the growing intolerance, aggression and hostility of modern society. The ways extremism manifests among youth, who is perceptive and sensitive to extremism due to age peculiarities, are understudied. The purpose of the study is to identify psychological characteristics, which are preconditions and elements of extremism among young people. The research methods are theoretical and methodological analysis, survey methods, methods of mathematical and statistical data processing. Illegal behaviour, a propensity to take risks appeared to be the prerequisites for display of extremist elements among full‐time young employees. The research results can be used for scientific and methodologically assurance of psychological and pedagogic support of students, tactics to prevent extremism among young people.
Transcription factors in neurodevelopmental and associated psychiatric disorders: A potential convergence for genetic and environmental risk factors
Authors: Santos‐Terra Júlio , Deckmann Iohanna , Fontes‐Dutra Mellanie , Schwingel Gustavo Brum , Bambini‐Junior Victorio , Gottfried Carmem
Published: July 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous and highly prevalent group of psychiatric conditions marked by impairments in the nervous system. Their onset occurs during gestation, and the alterations are observed throughout the postnatal life. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors have been described in this context, the interactions between them challenge the understanding of the pathways associated with NDDs. Transcription factors (TFs)—a group of over 1,600 proteins that can interact with DNA, regulating gene expression through modulation of RNA synthesis—represent a point of convergence for different risk factors. In addition, TFs organize critical processes like angiogenesis, blood‐brain barrier formation, myelination, neuronal migration, immune activation, and many others in a time and location‐dependent way. In this review, we summarize important TF alterations in NDD and associated disorders, along with specific impairments observed in animal models, and, finally, establish hypotheses to explain how these proteins may be critical mediators in the context of genome‐environment interactions.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Kajita Mikiya , Sato Masamichi , Iizuka Yutaka , Mashimo Yamato , Furuta Natsumi , Kakizaki Satoru
Published: July 2021

We herein report a case of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The patient was a close contact with a SARS‐CoV‐2 patient. Initially, she did not have any symptoms and quarantined at a hotel. Dysgeusia and olfactory abnormality appeared at day 6 after testing positive for infection and disappeared by day 9. Subsequently, the patient developed numbness of the arms and legs, difficulty walking, and dyspnea and was referred to our hospital. Her clinical examination showed generalized weakness and hyporeflexia. A cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albuminocytological dissociation. Her nerve conduction studies were consistent with demyelinating polyneuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered based on a diagnosis of GBS.
Post‐ESWL and post‐ERCP pancreatitis in patients with chronic pancreatitis: Do they share the same risks?
Authors: Ru Nan , Qian Yang‐Yang , Zhu Jia‐Hui , Chen Hui , Zou Wen‐Bin , Hu Liang‐Hao , Pan Jun , Guo Ji‐Yao , Li Zhao‐Shen , Liao Zhuan
Published: July 2021

Background

Endoscopic intervention combined with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is recommended as the first line therapy for large pancreatic stones, yet both can cause adverse events. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors for post‐procedural pancreatitis.

Methods

Consecutive patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic stones treated with both ESWL and subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from October 2016 to December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed to detect risk factors for post‐ESWL and post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

Results

A total of 714 patients (507 males, 45.60 ± 12.52 years) were included in this study. A total of 80 patients (11.2%) developed post‐ESWL pancreatitis,while 33 patients (4.6%) suffered from PEP. Steatorrhea (P = .018), multiple stones (P = .043), and stones located at the head combined with the body or tail of the pancreas (P = .015) were identified as independent protective factors for post‐ESWL pancreatitis. The history of acute exacerbations (P = .013), post‐ESWL pancreatitis (P < .001) and stricture dilation during ERCP (P = .002) were identified as risk factors for PEP.

Conclusions

More attention should be paid to patients with post‐ESWL pancreatitis, as well as a history of acute exacerbations and stricture dilation during ERCP to prevent PEP. (ClincialTrials.gov number, NCT04619511).
Determination of trace compounds and artifacts in nitrogen background measurements by proton transfer reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry under dry and humid conditions
Authors: Salazar Gómez Jorge Iván , Sojka Martha , Klucken Christian , Schlögl Robert , Ruland Holger
Published: July 2021

A qualitative analysis was applied for the determination of trace compounds at the parts per trillion in volume (pptv) level in the mass spectra of nitrogen of different qualities (5.0 and 6.0) under dry and humid conditions. This qualitative analysis enabled the classification and discovery of hundreds of new ions (e.g., [Sx]H+ species) and artifacts such as parasitic ions and memory effects and their differentiation from real gas impurities. With this analysis, the humidity dependency of all kind of ions in the mass spectrum was determined. Apart from the inorganic artifacts previously discovered, many new organic ions were assigned as instrumental artifacts and new isobaric interferences could be elucidated. From 1140 peaks found in the mass range m/z 0–800, only 660 could be analyzed due to sufficient intensity, from which 463 corresponded to compounds. The number of peaks in nitrogen proton transfer reaction (PTR) spectra was similarly dominated by nonmetallic oxygenated organic compounds (23.5%) and hydrocarbons (24.1%) Regarding only gas impurities, hydrocarbons were the main compound class (50.2%). The highest contribution to the total ion signal for unfiltered nitrogen under dry and humid conditions was from nonmetallic oxygenated compounds. Under dry conditions, nitrogen‐containing compounds exhibit the second highest contribution of 89% and 96% for nitrogen 5.0 and 6.0, respectively, whereas under humid conditions, hydrocarbons become the second dominant group with 69% and 86% for nitrogen 5.0 and 6.0, respectively. With the gathered information, a database can be built as a tool for the elucidation of instrumental and intrinsic gas matrix artifacts in PTR mass spectra and, especially in cases, where dilution with inert gases plays a significant role.
Time scale performance of rapid antigen testing for SARS‐CoV‐2: Evaluation of 10 rapid antigen assays
Authors: Abusrewil Zakarya , Alhudiri Inas M. , Kaal Hamza H. , El Meshri Salah Eldin , Ebrahim Fawzi O. , Dalyoum Tarek , Efrefer Abdussamee A. , Ibrahim Khaled , Elfghi Mohammed B. , Abusrewil Suleiman , Elzagheid Adam
Published: July 2021

There is a great demand for more rapid tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection to reduce waiting time, boost public health strategies for combating disease, decrease costs, and prevent overwhelming laboratory capacities. This study was conducted to assess the performance of 10 lateral flow device viral antigen immunoassays for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in nasopharyngeal swab specimens. We analyzed 231 nasopharyngeal samples collected from October 2020 to December 2020, from suspected COVID‐19 cases and contacts of positive cases at Biotechnology Research Center laboratories, Tripoli, Libya. The performance of 10 COVID‐19 Antigen (Ag) rapid test devices for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen was compared to a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). In this study, 161 cases had symptoms consistent with COVID‐19. The mean duration from symptom onset was 6.6 ± 4.3 days. The median cycle threshold (Ct) of positive samples was 25. Among the 108 positive samples detected by RT‐qPCR, the COVID‐19 antigen (Ag) tests detected 83 cases correctly. All rapid Ag test devices used in this study showed 100% specificity. While tests from six manufacturers had an overall sensitivity range from 75% to 100%, the remaining four tests had a sensitivity of 50%–71.43%. Sensitivity during the first 6 days of symptoms and in samples with high viral loads (Ct < 25), was 100% in all but two of the test platforms. False‐negative samples had a median Ct of 34 and an average duration of onset of symptoms of 11.3 days (range = 5–20 days). Antigen test diagnosis has high sensitivity and specificity in early disease when patients present less than 7 days of symptom onset. Patients are encouraged to test as soon as they get COVID‐19‐related symptoms within 1 week and to seek medical advice within 24 h if they develop disturbed smell/taste. The use of rapid antigen tests is important for controlling the COVID‐19 pandemic and reducing the burden on molecular diagnostic laboratories.
Time‐lagged correlations of pre‐monsoon precipitation in the Indochina Peninsula confirmed in a large ensemble simulation dataset
Authors: Chhin Rattana , Siev Sokly , Yoden Shigeo
Published: July 2021

Statistically significant time‐lagged relationship of pre‐monsoon precipitation in Indochina Peninsula (ICP) with large‐scale feature over the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which was recently found in observational datasets by the authors, is investigated with a large‐ensemble (100 ensembles) simulation database called “Database for Policy Decision‐Making for Future Climate Change” (d4PDF). Two different strategies were taken to perform Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis on the large‐ensemble dataset, namely statistics of the analysis results for each ensemble member separately and analysis on the 6,000‐year data (100 times 60 years). d4PDF can reproduce well the climatological characteristics of the observed pre‐monsoon precipitation. Significant time‐lagged correlations of several climate indices related to sea surface temperature (SST) with the pre‐monsoon precipitation in ICP as obtained in the observation are confirmed in d4PDF for both strategies of EOF analyses on each ensemble member and on 6,000‐year data. The climate simulation in d4PDF can capture the lag‐to‐lag variations of the time‐lagged correlation patterns very well, though it is weaker. The time‐lagged regressions of SST and zonal wind at 850 hPa upon the first principal component (PC1) time‐series of the EOF analysis of the pre‐monsoon precipitation over ICP are investigated in low latitudes over the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The observed time‐lagged regression features are also confirmed in d4PDF dataset; the significant regression areas expand larger and significant time lags become longer than the observation, especially in the case of 6,000‐year data, due to enough number of samples. Cluster analysis on the regression maps shows that the obtained groups with larger numbers of ensemble members are closer to the observation than the other groups. The randomness of time‐lagged regression feature among the 100 ensemble members is not directly related to the randomness of the SST perturbation introduced in the lower boundary condition for the ensemble simulation of d4PDF.
Role of steroid injection for skin thickness and edema in rhinoplasty patients
Authors: Aydın Canset , Yücel Ömer Taşkın , Akçalar Seray , Atay Gamze , Özer Serdar , Sözen Tevfik , Akata Deniz
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of the triamcinolone acetonide injections in thick skinned patients with ultrasonographic measurements and to compare these results with the postoperative nasal skin thickness of patients that were not injected with steroids.

Methods

A prospective study was planned with 42 thick nasal skinned rhinoplasty candidates in our clinic. Skin thickness of specific points along nose was measured and documented. On the 10th day after surgery, triamcinolone acetonide injections were performed into the supratip region of 21 patients in the study group. No injections were made for the control group. Nasal ultrasonographic measurements were repeated 40 days after the surgery for all 42 patients by the same radiologist and results were evaluated.

Results

Seventeen women (40.5%) and 25 men (59.5%) were included in the study. Patients' ages ranged from 18 to 53 with an average age of 27.9. In study group, all injections sites showed thinning on the 40th day after surgery. These findings were statistically significant at B (rhinion), D (middle of supratip), and G (middle of the tip). In the control group, all injection sites except A (nasion) displayed thickening on the 40th day after surgery. These findings were statistically significant at B (rhinion), D (middle of supratip), H (left side of the tip), and J (left alar region).

Conclusion

Triamcinolone acetonide injections are effective in the prevention of edema and provide thinning of the post‐rhinoplasty skin envelope.
Brain Structural Signature of RFC1‐Related Disorder
Authors: Matos Paula Camila A.A.P. , Rezende Thiago J.R. , Schmitt Gabriel S. , Bonadia Luciana Cardoso , Reis Fabiano , Martinez Alberto R.M. , de Lima Fabrício D. , Bueno Manoella Guerra de Albuquerque , Tomaselli Pedro José , Cendes Fernando , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando G.P. , Marques Wilson , França MarcondesCavalcante
Published: July 2021

Background

The cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome was initially described in the early 1990s as a late‐onset slowly progressive condition. Its underlying genetic cause was recently mapped to the RFC1 gene, and additional reports have expanded on the phenotypic manifestations related to RFC1, although little is known about the pattern and extent of structural brain abnormalities in this condition.

Objective

The aim is to characterize the structural signature of brain damage in RFC1‐related disorder, correlating the findings with clinical symptoms and normal brain RFC1 expression.

Methods

We recruited 22 individuals with molecular confirmation of RFC1 expansions and submitted them to high‐resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging scans. We performed multimodal analyses to assess separately cerebral and cerebellar abnormalities within gray and white matter (WM). The results were compared with a group of 22 age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

Results

The mean age and disease duration of patients were 62.8 and 10.9 years, respectively. Ataxia, sensory neuronopathy, and vestibular areflexia were the most frequent manifestations, but parkinsonism and pyramidal signs were also noticed. We found that RFC1‐related disorder is characterized by widespread and relatively symmetric cerebellar and basal ganglia atrophy. There is brainstem volumetric reduction along all its segments. Cerebral WM is also involved—mostly the corpus callosum and deep tracts, but cerebral cortical damage is rather restricted.

Conclusion

This study adds new relevant insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of RFC1‐related disorder. It should no longer be considered a purely cerebellar and sensory pathway disorder. Basal ganglia and deep cerebral WM are additional targets of damage. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Pointwise error estimates for a system of two singularly perturbed time‐dependent semilinear reaction–diffusion equations
Authors: Chandra Sekhara Rao S. , Kumar Chaturvedi Abhay
Published: July 2021

We present a finite difference method for a system of two singularly perturbed initial‐boundary value semilinear reaction–diffusion equations. The highest order derivatives are multiplied by small perturbation parameters of different magnitudes. The problem is discretized using a central difference scheme in space and backward difference scheme in time on a Shishkin mesh. The convergence analysis has been given, and it has been established that the method enjoys almost second‐order parameter‐uniform convergence in space and first‐order in time. Numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
Utility of diffusion MRI characteristics of cervical lymph nodes as disease classifier between patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and healthy volunteers
Authors: Papoutsaki Marianthi‐Vasiliki , Sidhu Harbir Singh , Dikaios Nikolaos , Singh Saurabh , Atkinson David , Kanber Baris , Beale Timothy , Morley Simon , Forster Martin , Carnell Dawn , Mendes Ruheena , Punwani Shonit
Published: July 2021

Diffusion MRI characteristics assessed by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been reported as helpful in classifying tumours based on diffusion characteristics. There is little reported on HNSCC lymph nodes classification by diffusion characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine whether pretreatment nodal microstructural diffusion MRI characteristics can classify diseased nodes of patients with HNSCC from normal nodes of healthy volunteers. Seventy‐nine patients with histologically confirmed HNSCC prior to chemoradiotherapy, and eight healthy volunteers, underwent diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI at a 1.5‐T MR scanner. Two radiologists contoured lymph nodes on DW (b = 300 s/m2) images. ADC, distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) and alpha (α) values were calculated by monoexponential and stretched exponential models. Histogram analysis metrics of drawn volume were compared between patients and volunteers using a Mann–Whitney test. The classification performance of each metric between the normal and diseased nodes was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients determined interobserver reproducibility of each metric based on differently drawn ROIs by two radiologists. Sixty cancerous and 40 normal nodes were analysed. ADC histogram analysis revealed significant differences between patients and volunteers (p ≤0.0001 to 0.0046), presenting ADC distributions that were more skewed (1.49 for patients, 1.03 for volunteers; p = 0.0114) and ‘peaked’ (6.82 for patients, 4.20 for volunteers; p = 0.0021) in patients. Maximum ADC values exhibited the highest area under the curve ([AUC] 0.892). Significant differences were revealed between patients and volunteers for DDC and α value histogram metrics (p ≤0.0001 to 0.0044); the highest AUC were exhibited by maximum DDC (0.772) and the 25th percentile α value (0.761). Interobserver repeatability was excellent for mean ADC (ICC = 0.88) and the 25th percentile α value (ICC = 0.78), but poor for all other metrics. These results suggest that pretreatment microstructural diffusion MRI characteristics in lymph nodes, assessed by ADC and α value histogram analysis, can identify nodal disease.
Effects of aging on clinical outcomes in patients receiving genotype‐guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wood Brian , Lee Craig R. , Mulrenin Ian R. , Gower Megan N. , Rossi Joseph S. , Weck Karen E. , Stouffer George A.
Published: July 2021

Study Objective

To compare the clinical effectiveness of genotype‐guided P2Y12 inhibitor selection following PCI in older patients (≥70 years) and younger patients (<70 years).

Design and Setting

Single‐center, retrospective, cohort study. Risk of major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as stent thrombosis, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, non‐fatal acute coronary syndrome, or cardiovascular death during 12 months after PCI, was compared across genotype and antiplatelet therapy groups by proportional hazards regression in patients ≥70 years and <70 years.

Patients

1,469 patients who underwent PCI and had CYP2C19 genotype testing at a single academic medical center.

Measurements and Main Results

The study population was comprised of 402 (27.4%) ≥70 years (older group) and 1067 (72.6%) <70 years (younger group). Alternative P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel or ticagrelor) were used less often in the older group than the younger group in patients with a CYP2C19 no function allele (55% vs. 67%; p = 0.02) and in patients without a no function allele (10% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). For patients treated with clopidogrel, MACCE was significantly higher in no function allele carriers compared to those without a no function allele in the older group (19.2% vs. 12.7%; adjusted HR 2.32; 95% CI 1.07–5.05; p = 0.03) and the younger group (17.4% vs. 10.4%; adjusted HR 2.01; 95% CI 1.17–3.46; p = 0.01). In patients without a no function allele, MACCE risk was similar with clopidogrel compared to prasugrel or ticagrelor in the older group (adjusted HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.44–2.21; p = 0.98) and the younger group (adjusted HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.72–1.74; p = 0.61).

Conclusion

This study suggests important clinical benefits of CYP2C19 genotype‐guided antiplatelet therapy after PCI in both younger and older patients.