bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of experimental and clinical musculoskeletal pain on spinal and supraspinal projections to motoneurons and motor unit properties in humans: A systematic review
Authors: Sanderson Andy , Wang Shuwfen F. , Elgueta‐Cancino Edith , Martinez‐Valdes Eduardo , Sanchis‐Sanchez Enrique , Liew Bernard , Falla Deborah
Published: May 2021

Background and Objective

Numerous studies have examined the influence of pain on spinal reflex excitability, motor unit behaviour and corticospinal excitability. Nevertheless, there are inconsistencies in the conclusions made. This systematic review sought to understand the effect of pain on spinal and supraspinal projections to motoneurons and motor unit properties by examining the influence of clinical or experimental pain on the following three domains: H‐reflex, corticospinal excitability and motor unit properties.

Databases and Data Treatment

MeSH terms and preselected keywords relating to the H‐reflex, motor evoked potentials and motor unit decomposition in chronic and experimental pain were used to perform a systematic literature search using Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Web of Science, Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Two independent reviewers screened papers for inclusion and assessed the methodological quality using a modified Downs and Black risk of bias tool; a narrative synthesis and three meta‐analyses were performed.

Results

Sixty‐one studies were included, and 17 different outcome variables were assessed across the three domains. Both experimental and clinical pain have no major influence on measures of the H‐reflex, whereas experimental and clinical pain appeared to have differing effects on corticospinal excitability. Experimental pain consistently reduced motor unit discharge rate, a finding which was not consistent with data obtained from patients. The results indicate that when in tonic pain, induced via experimental pain models, inhibitory effects on motoneuron behaviour were evident. However, in chronic clinical pain populations, more varied responses were evident likely reflecting individual adaptations to chronic symptoms.

Significance

This is a comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis which synthesizes evidence on the influence of pain on spinal and supraspinal projections to motoneurons and motor unit properties considering measures of the H‐reflex, corticospinal excitability and motor unit behaviour. The H‐reflex is largely not influenced by the presence of either clinical or experimental pain. Whilst inhibitory effects on corticospinal excitability and motor unit behaviour were evident under experimental pain conditions, more variable responses were observed for people with painful musculoskeletal disorders.
Antihypersensitivity effect of betanin (red beetroot extract) via modulation of microglial activation in a mouse model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Kwankaew Nichakarn , Okuda Hiroaki , Aye‐Mon Aye , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Hori Kiyomi , Sonthi Phattarapon , Kozakai Yu , Ozaki Noriyuki
Published: May 2021

Background

Neuropathic pain (NeP) medications have several side effects that affect NeP patients' quality of life. Betanin, the most common betacyanin pigment, has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties in vivo; thus, it has potential as a healthcare treatment. In this study, we focused on betanin (red beetroot extract) as a potential therapy for NeP.

Methods

Mice model of NeP were made by chronic constriction injury (CCI), and the development of mechanical hypersensitivity was confirmed using the von Frey test. Motor coordination and locomotor activity were assessed using open field tests and rotarod tests, respectively. The expression level of glial markers in the spinal cords was analyzed by immunostaining. The direct effects of betanin on microglial cells were investigated using primary cultured microglial cells.

Results

In CCI model mice, repeated betanin treatment, both intraperitoneally and orally, attenuated developing mechanical hypersensitivity in a dose‐dependent manner without impairing motor coordination. Betanin treatment also attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity that had developed and prevented the onset of mechanical hypersensitivity in CCI mice. Microglial activation in the spinal cord is known to play a key role in the development of NeP; betanin treatment reduced CCI‐induced microglial activation in the spinal cord of model mice. Moreover, in primary microglia cultured cells, the activation of microglia by lipopolysaccharide application was suppressed by betanin treatment.

Conclusion

Betanin treatment appears to ameliorate mechanical hypersensitivity related to CCI‐induced NeP in mice by inhibiting microglial activation.

Significance

This article supports findings of the effect of betanin on NeP and provides a potential therapeutic candidate for NeP. Furthermore, elucidating the underlying mechanism of the effect of betanin on microglial activation could assist the development of new treatments for chronic pain.
Photoelectrochemical Cytosensors
Authors: Xu Yi‐Tong , Zhang Tian‐Yang , Li Zheng , Liu Xiang‐Nan , Zhu Yuan‐Cheng , Zhao Wei‐Wei , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Juan
Published: May 2021

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cytosensors, a combination of the PEC process and the living‐cell assay, have emerged as a powerful tool in the analytical and biological science. This mini review provides a brief introduction of this arena and summaries the key steps about the development of PEC cytosensors with representative examples, followed by future prospects based on our own opinions.
Enhanced Conversion Efficiency of Monocrystalline P‐Type Passivated Emitter and Rear Cells in Commercial Production Line by Improving Rear Side Passivation
Authors: Pu Tian , Shen Honglie , Hong Neoh Kuang , Ye Fei , Tang Quntao
Published: May 2021

An industrially proven method for increasing cell efficiency of monocrystalline P‐type PERC cells is reported, whereby a layer of silicon oxide or silicon oxynitride (SiO
x
/SiO
x
N
y
) is sandwiched between aluminum oxide (AlO
x
) and silicon nitride (SiN
x
) in the rear passivation stack, forming an AlO
x
 + SiO
x
/SiO
x
N
y
 + SiN
x
structure. This additional layer will theoretically improve the rear side optical and electrical properties for the cell. By adjusting the flow ratio of N2O:NH3, SiO
x
/SiO
x
N
y
with different refractive indices were fabricated. Optimization of the SiO
x
film thickness showed a 0.11% efficiency gain in monofacial P‐type PERC cells because of higher short‐circuit current (I
sc) and fill factor (FF), whereas optimization of the SiO
x
N
y
film refractive index showed a 0.05% efficiency gain in bifacial P‐type PERC cells due to the improvement of I
sc and FF too. The current gain is believed to be benefited from the optimized light‐absorbing performance of the composite passivation layer structure. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the refractive index of the SiN
x
capping layer had to be tuned after the incorporation of SiO
x
/SiO
x
N
y
to improve the cell efficiency.
Core–Shell CoSn@CoSnOx Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Hollow Carbon Nanocubes as Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Hao , Ma Jie , Sun Xiaolei , Su Liwei , Sun Bowen , Zheng Lihua , Jiang Yingying , Chen Huan , Wang Lianbang
Published: May 2021

Sn‐based materials are considered as a promising candidate for anodes of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, rapid capacity fading associated with large volume expansion during cycling impedes the commercialization of Sn‐based anodes. Herein, a yolk–shell structure is designed via a thermal reduction method and following in situ surface oxidation. In this configuration, CoSn nanoparticles covered by a conformal surface oxide layer are encapsulated in hollow carbon nanocubes. When utilized as an anode material for LIBs, the CoSn@CoSnO
x
@C exhibits a high discharge capacity of 1177 mAh g−1 after 180 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and a capacity retention of 86.7% after 500 cycles at a higher current density of 1 A g−1. The investigation demonstrates that the outstanding electrochemical performance of the composite anodes can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the yolk–shell structure, nanosized CoSn alloy core, and conformal surface oxide layer. This elaborately designed structure can be extended to other alloy‐type anode materials to tackle the capacity decay induced by volume expansion.
Investigation on pressure pulsation and modal behavior of the impeller in a nuclear reactor coolant pump
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Zhao Xinwei , Pei Lin , Li Hongkun
Published: May 2021

As the unique rotating component, the impeller is the core component of a nuclear reactor coolant pump (RCP), the dynamic properties of the impeller are critical for the safe operation of the whole reactor. The purpose of this study was to shed comprehensive light on the pressure pulsation and modal properties of a scaled RCP impeller via experimental and numerical methods. The numerical model was validated by an experiment connecting the pressure pulsation signals at the diffuser inlet, and a good agreement was obtained between the numerical and experimental results. Pressure pulsation acting on the impeller's blade is mainly dominated by the impeller rotating frequency, the vane passing frequency, and the double blade‐passing frequency, and the pressure pulsation acting on the blade's pressure surface is more intense than on the suction surface. The modal properties were obtained via the modal test and numerical methods with the impeller suspended as a free body in the air and submerged inside water. The reduction in the impeller natural frequencies was between 31.63% and 37.77% for the corresponding mode shape due to the added mass effect of the fluid. Based on the pressure pulsation characteristics acting on the impeller and the natural frequency of the impeller, it is considered there is no risk of resonance in the impeller. Finally, it is expected that the present work can provide scientific guidance to avoid hydraulic resonance in nuclear reactor coolant pumps.
A centralized hybrid routing model for multicontroller SD‐WANs
Authors: Ghosh Saptarshi , Iqbal Muddesar , Dagiuklas Tasos
Published: May 2021

The increasing complexity of contemporary mobile and application‐centric networks is pushing traditional WAN architectures to its limit. Due to the rise of Cloud‐based services and edge‐computing, the intersite data transfer volume in enterprise networks is rising rapidly. Moreover, enterprises are tending to integrate several communication technologies such as broadband, LTE, MPLS, and so forth for a high‐available dynamic WAN connectivity, which a traditional WAN does not support natively. Additionally, its distributed computing model results in the control‐plane traffic to consume a significant amount of backhaul bandwidth. Software‐defined WAN (SD‐WAN) is a generation shift that adapts the centralized model of SDN to WAN that fills the bottlenecks of its predecessor. It provides over twice the bandwidth having the same backhaul with more manageability, autonomy, and security of the network. In this article, we propose a hybrid routing model for multicontroller SD‐WANs that computes all‐possible routes proactively and serve them on‐demand. The proposed model results in a rapid convergence across the edge devices. The article further discusses the synchronization mechanism among several controllers and a test‐bed implementation to conduct the experiments.
Signal to interference plus noise ratio improvement of a multi‐cell indoor visible light communication system through optimal parameter selection complying lighting constraints
Authors: Chatterjee Sourish , Sabui Deblina , Khan Gufran S. , Roy Biswanath
Published: May 2021

To achieve improved communication and illumination performances of a multi‐cell indoor visible light communication system, the selection of transmitter configuration and receiver's field of view (FoV) play a critical role. Based on multiple criteria decision modeling, a design‐centric methodology is proposed in this paper to determine the optimal transmitter configuration and receiver's FoV under lighting constraints. These optimal parameter selections are instrumental to obtain a highly uncorrelated channel, thus significantly mitigate both co‐channel interference from the neighboring transmitter and intersymbol interference due to multipath reflection. The implication for the optimum selection is explored using two communication and two lighting (Eavg, UO) performance indicating metrics. For a typical indoor scenario, three different transmitter arrangements with varying half‐power beam‐width are considered as alternatives. Furthermore, the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is tested over the communication floor (CF) by a simple receiver structure with a single photodiode. Incorporating the optimal transmitter configuration and receiver's FoV, 36.13 dB average SINR and 345 lx average horizontal illuminance is achieved. Analytically obtained SINR is also validated using a commercial ray tracing optical software for different positions over the CF. In comparison with the state of the art non‐optimal and sub‐optimal solutions, the proposed scheme, without real‐time computational complexity exhibits noteworthy improvement in SINR performance at expense of a trivial drop in overall uniformity of horizontal illuminance.
On the ergodic sum rate for multisource multidestination unmanned aerial vehicle relaying
Authors: Dan Zhenlei , Lin Min , Liu Xiaoyu , Ouyang Jian , Zhu Wei‐Ping
Published: May 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) relay system has received significant attention in future wireless communications. In this article, the ergodic sum rate of a multisource multidestination UAV relaying is investigated. Here, an UAV with multiple antennas is deployed as an aerial relay using threshold‐based decode‐and‐forward protocol to assist signal transmission from multiple sources to their intended destinations simultaneously. By considering the effect of path loss, we first obtain the output signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio expression for the considered system. Then, we propose a statistical channel state information based beamforming (SCSI‐BF) scheme to maximize the system ergodic sum rate, where both of the uplink and downlink channels are subject to correlated Rayleigh fading. Furthermore, we derive the analytical expression for the ergodic sum rate of the considered system with the SCSI‐BF scheme. Finally, numerical results are given to demonstrate the superiority of the SCSI‐BF scheme and the validity of the theoretical analysis, and show the impact of various parameters on the system performance.
Genetic variation for adaptive traits is associated with polymorphic inversions inLittorina saxatilis
Authors: Koch Eva L. , Morales Hernán E. , Larsson Jenny , Westram Anja M. , Faria Rui , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon E. Moriarty , Johannesson Kerstin , Butlin Roger K.
Published: May 2021

Chromosomal inversions have long been recognized for their role in local adaptation. By suppressing recombination in heterozygous individuals, they can maintain coadapted gene complexes and protect them from homogenizing effects of gene flow. However, to fully understand their importance for local adaptation we need to know their influence on phenotypes under divergent selection. For this, the marine snail Littorina saxatilis provides an ideal study system. Divergent ecotypes adapted to wave action and crab predation occur in close proximity on intertidal shores with gene flow between them. Here, we used F2 individuals obtained from crosses between the ecotypes to test for associations between genomic regions and traits distinguishing the Crab-/Wave-adapted ecotypes including size, shape, shell thickness, and behavior. We show that most of these traits are influenced by two previously detected inversion regions that are divergent between ecotypes. We thus gain a better understanding of one important underlying mechanism responsible for the rapid and repeated formation of ecotypes: divergent selection acting on inversions. We also found that some inversions contributed to more than one trait suggesting that they may contain several loci involved in adaptation, consistent with the hypothesis that suppression of recombination within inversions facilitates differentiation in the presence of gene flow.
Learning reduced‐order dynamics for parametrized shallow water equations from data
Authors: Yıldız Süleyman , Goyal Pawan , Benner Peter , Karasözen Bülent
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses a non‐intrusive data‐driven model order reduction method that learns low‐dimensional dynamical models for a parametrized shallow water equation. We consider the shallow water equation in non‐traditional form (NTSWE). We focus on learning low‐dimensional models in a non‐intrusive way. That means, we assume not to have access to a discretized form of the NTSWE in any form. Instead, we have snapshots that can be obtained using a black‐box solver. Consequently, we aim at learning reduced‐order models only from the snapshots. Precisely, a reduced‐order model is learnt by solving an appropriate least‐squares optimization problem in a low‐dimensional subspace. Furthermore, we discuss computational challenges that particularly arise from the optimization problem being ill‐conditioned. Moreover, we extend the non‐intrusive model order reduction framework to a parametric case, where we make use of the parameter dependency at the level of the partial differential equation. We illustrate the efficiency of the proposed non‐intrusive method to construct reduced‐order models for NTSWE and compare it with an intrusive method (proper orthogonal decomposition). We furthermore discuss the predictive capabilities of both models outside the range of the training data.
Effect of propolis supplementation on athletic performance, body composition, inflammation, and oxidative stress following intense exercise: A triple‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Soleimani Davood , Miryan Mahsa , Hadi Vahid , Gholizadeh Navashenaq Jamshid , Moludi Jalal , Sayedi Sayed Mazaher , Bagherniya Mohammad , Askari Gholamreza , Nachvak Seyyed Mostafa , Sadeghi Ehsan , Rashidi Ali Ashraf , Hadi Saeid
Published: May 2021

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that propolis as a novel potential antioxidant has unique benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of propolis on oxidative stress, inflammation, body composition, and athletic performance in healthy active subjects.

Methods

This clinical trial was conducted on 54 male military cadets. Eligible subjects were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of 450 mg propolis twice daily for four weeks or a matching placebo containing microcrystalline cellulose. Cooper 12‐min run test and running‐based anaerobic sprint test were performed to measure aerobic and anaerobic performance. Blood samples were obtained immediately after Cooper's test to evaluate oxidative stress and inflammation status. Fat mass and fat‐free mass were analyzed using bioelectrical impedance.

Results

Mean changes in fat mass, fat‐free mass, anaerobic powers, fatigue index, and VO2 max did not differ significantly between the two groups after the adjustment for baseline values (P‐value>0.05). A significant change was observed in plasma levels of IL‐6 (−1.43 ± 0.11pg/mL), total oxidant status (−3.9 ± 0.2µmol/L), total antioxidant capacity (164 ± 12 µmol/L), malondialdehyde (−0.52 ± 0.03µmol/L), oxidative stress index (−0.45 ± 0.04), and glutathione (48.72±2µmol/L) in the propolis group compared with the placebo group after the adjustment for baseline values and weight changes (P‐value<0.05). Although IL‐10 concentrations had no significant changes in both groups, the ratio of IL‐6/IL‐10 significantly reduced in the propolis group compared with the placebo group (−0.174 ± 0.015 versus. 0.051 ± 0.014; P‐value: 0.041).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that propolis might have beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammation following intense activities in healthy male subjects.
Inequality in life expectancies across Europe and the US
Authors: Boháček Radim , Bueren Jesús , Crespo Laura , Mira Pedro , Pijoan‐Mas Josep
Published: May 2021

We use harmonized household panel data from Europe and the US and a three‐state survival model to provide comparable measurements of education and gender inequalities in total, healthy, and unhealthy life expectancies at age 50. Common across countries, the education advantage in total life expectancy is larger for males but the education advantage in (fewer) unhealthy years is larger for females. Counterfactual decompositions show that these results arise because the education advantage in conditional survival rates is relatively more important for males, while the education advantage in better health transitions is relatively more important for females. Across countries, the US stands out with the largest education gradient in healthy life expectancy.
Impact of anatomic site of distant metastasis on survival in salivary gland cancers
Authors: Turchan William Tyler , Korpics Mark C. , Rooney Michael , Koshy Matthew , Spiotto Michael T.
Published: May 2021

Background

As exemplified in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), metastatic salivary gland cancers display heterogenous behavior. Although anatomic site of metastasis has been suggested to be prognostic for survival in this population, this is not adequately characterized in the current literature.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), patients with newly diagnosed metastatic salivary gland cancers with distant metastasis to a single organ were identified.

Results

Eight hundred and fifty‐eight patients (n = 284 bone‐only, n = 322 lung‐only, n = 252 other‐site‐only) were identified. Anatomic site of distant metastasis was not associated with survival in the cohort as a whole; however, on pre‐planned subgroup analysis, lung‐only metastasis, relative to bone‐only metastasis, was the only factor associated with improved survival in patients with ACC (HR: 0.52, 95%CI: 0.30–0.93, p = 0.029).

Conclusions

Anatomic site of metastasis is strongly associated with survival in patients with metastatic ACC and should be considered in future studies aiming to optimize therapy in this population.
The Emerging Role of B Cells in the Pathogenesis of NAFLD
Authors: Barrow Fanta , Khan Saad , Wang Haiguang , Revelo Xavier S.
Published: May 2021

NAFLD is one of the leading causes of abnormal liver function worldwide. NAFLD refers to a group of liver conditions ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver to NASH, which involves inflammation, hepatocellular damage, and fibrosis. Triggering of inflammation in NASH is a key event in the progression of the disease, and identifying the factors that initiate or dysregulate this process is needed to develop strategies for its prevention or treatment. B cells have been implicated in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, their role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH is less clear. This review discusses the emerging evidence implicating intrahepatic B cells in the progression of NAFLD. We highlight the potential mechanisms of B‐cell activation during NAFLD, such as increased hepatic expression of B‐cell–activating factor, augmented oxidative stress, and translocation of gut‐derived microbial products. We discuss the possible effector functions by which B cells promote NAFLD, including the production of proinflammatory cytokines and regulation of intrahepatic T cells and macrophages. Finally, we highlight the role of regulatory and IgA+ B cells in the pathogenesis of NASH‐associated HCC. In this review, we make the case that future research is needed to investigate the potential of B‐cell–targeting strategies for the treatment of NAFLD.
Geographical distribution and prevalence of mental disorders among healthcare workers in China: A cross‐sectional country‐wide survey
Authors: Yang Xiaoguang , Chen Danni , Chen Yuntao , Wang Nan , Lyv Chao , Li Yao , Jie Junqin , Zhou Taiqi , Li Yongbin , Zhou Ping
Published: May 2021

Background

Reliable and detailed nationwide data on the prevalence and distribution of mental disorders among healthcare workers in China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak are scarce.

Methods

We did a cross‐sectional online survey from March 2 to 2 April 2020 and a total of 19,379 healthcare workers from 25 provinces participated. Depression, anxiety and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7) and PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), respectively.

Results

The age‐standardized prevalence of depression, anxiety and PTSD was 15.5%, 12.7% and 5.2%, respectively. Frontline workers had higher prevalence estimates than non‐frontline workers (depression: 18.2% vs. 13.9%; anxiety: 14.7% vs. 11.6%; PTSD: 6.1% vs. 4.6%). Subgroups who were nurses, were married or had dependent children reported higher prevalence of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Despite of the large variations, the prevalence of mental disorders was lowest in East China, followed by Middle China, and highest in West China.

Conclusion

Healthcare workers faced enormous stress not only from the direct risk presented by the COVID‐19 outbreak, but also from the profound changes in their professional practice. Prevalence of adverse psychological outcomes has a significant association with geographically distribution of health resources and regional economic level. Sufficient medical resource may be a protective factor to mental health condition of healthcare personnel when such a public health emergency happened.
Effects of streamflow isotope sampling strategies on the calibration of a tracer‐aided rainfall‐runoff model
Authors: Stevenson Jamie Lee , Birkel Christian , Neill Aaron J. , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Soulsby Chris
Published: May 2021

Isotopes are increasingly used in rainfall‐runoff models to constrain conceptualisations of internal catchment functioning and reduce model uncertainty. However, there is little guidance on how much tracer data is required to adequately do this, and different studies use data from different sampling strategies. Here, we used a 7‐year time series of daily stable water isotope samples of precipitation and streamflow to derive a range of typical stream sampling regimes and investigate how this impacts calibration of a semi‐distributed tracer‐aided model in terms of flow, deuterium and flux age simulations. Over the 7 years weekly sampling facilitated an almost identical model performance as daily, and there were only slight deteriorations in performance for fortnightly sampling. Monthly sampling resulted in poorer deuterium simulations and greater uncertainty in the derived parameter sets ability to accurately represent catchment functioning, evidenced by unrealistic reductions in the volumes of water available for mixing in the saturation area causing simulated water age decreases. Reducing sampling effort and restricting data collection to 3 years caused reductions in the accuracy of deuterium simulation, though the deterioration did not occur if sampling continued for 5 years. Analysis was also undertaken to consider the effects of reduced sampling effort over the driest and wettest hydrological years to evaluate effects of more extreme conditions. This showed that the model was particularly sensitive to changes in sampling during dry conditions, when the catchment hydrological response is most non‐linear. Across all dataset durations, sampling in relation to flow conditions, rather than time, revealed that samples collected at flows >Q50 could provide calibration results comparable to daily sampling. Targeting only extreme high flows resulted in poor deuterium and low flow simulations. This study suggests sufficient characterization of catchment functioning can be obtained through reduced sampling effort over longer timescales and the targeting of flows >Q50.
Rapid groundwater circulation inferred from temporal water dynamics and isotopes in an arid system
Authors: Tan Hongbing , Zhang Yu , Rao Wenbo , Guo Hongye , Ta Wanquan , Lu Shicheng , Cong Peixin
Published: May 2021

Arid basins in the alpine‐cold area have their unique environmental settings and special groundwater circulation system. Sources, components and their variation of recharge processes for most rivers and groundwater of seasonal scale are still unknown in response to climate warming. Stable H and O isotopes were sampled monthly in river water and groundwater, and water table fluctuations were monitored over a complete seasonal cycle from dry to wet season conditions in the Nalenggele River catchment in the western Qaidam Basin, China. The primary objectives of our study were to demonstrate and explain the mechanism governing the rapid circulation in the groundwater system. Distinct seasonal fluctuations in the water table with corresponding stable isotopic variations can be observed in the alluvial fan of the Nalenggele River catchment. The recharge mechanism is related to the coincidence of several favourable hydrological conditions including an abundant recharge water source from summer precipitation and glacial snow melt in the high Kunlun Mountains, large‐scale active faults, a volcanic crater, and other macro‐structures that act as favourable recharge conduits, a large hydraulic head, and the presence of >100 m of unconsolidated sand and gravel acting as the main aquifer. Abundant and rapid renewable groundwater resources are potential water sources for future development in the Qaidam Basin.
Clinicopathological factors associated with tumour‐specific mutation detection in plasma of patients with RAS‐mutated or BRAF‐mutated metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Hamfjord Julian , Guren Tormod Kyrre , Glimelius Bengt , Sorbye Halfdan , Pfeiffer Per , Dajani Olav , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Tveit Kjell Magne , Pallisgaard Niels , Spindler Karen‐Lise Garm , Kure Elin H.
Published: May 2021

Detection of tumour‐specific circulating cell‐free DNA in plasma (ctDNA) fails in a significant number of cases depending on the clinical context. The primary aim was to investigate clinicopathological factors associated with detection of ctDNA in patients with RAS‐/BRAF‐mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) prior to first‐line therapy. A secondary aim was to evaluate the prognostic impact of ctDNA compared to other biomarkers. Patients were included from the NORDIC‐VII study (N = 253). ctDNA was sampled prior to treatment and analysed for hotspot tissue mutations (KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF) using droplet digital PCR. Multivariable regression models were constructed to predict the probability of mutation detection and survival. Increasing radiological size of target lesions by increments of 1 cm (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09‐1.27; P < .001), intact primary tumour (OR = 3.17; 95% CI 1.22‐8.22; P = .018) and more than one metastatic site (OR = 3.08; 95% CI 1.32‐7.19; P = .009) were associated with mutation detection in plasma. Metastatic involvement of the lung was associated with non‐detection (OR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.12‐0.58; P = .001). Preanalytical and analytical factors modulated detection. High allele frequencies of ctDNA indicated poor prognosis independently of CEA and CA19‐9 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.38; 95% CI 1.74‐3.26; P < .001; N = 206). Clinicopathological characteristics should be carefully considered when evaluating ctDNA results from mCRC patients, especially when confronted with a plasma negative result. ctDNA may prove to be a clinically useful marker in the evaluation of mCRC treatment.
Application of a classifier combining bronchial transcriptomics and chest computed tomography features facilitates the diagnostic evaluation of lung cancer in smokers and nonsmokers
Authors: Xia Yang , Ying Songmin , Jin Rui , Wu Hao , Shen Ye , Yin Tong , Yan Fugui , Zhang Wei , Lan Fen , Zhang Bin , Zhu Chen , Li Chen , Li Wen , Shen Huahao
Published: May 2021

Lung cancer screening by computed tomography (CT) reduces mortality but exhibited high false‐positive rates. We established a diagnostic classifier combining chest CT features with bronchial transcriptomics. Patients with CT‐detected suspected lung cancer were enrolled. The sample collected by bronchial brushing was used for RNA sequencing. The e1071 and pROC packages in R software was applied to build the model. Eventually, a total of 283 patients, including 183 with lung cancer and 100 with benign lesions, were included into final analysis. When incorporating transcriptomic data with radiological characteristics, the advanced model yielded 0.903 AUC with 81.1% NPV. Moreover, the classifier performed well regardless of lesion size, location, stage, histologic type or smoking status. Pathway analysis showed enhanced epithelial differentiation, tumor metastasis, and impaired immunity were predominant in smokers with cancer, whereas tumorigenesis played a central role in nonsmokers with cancer. Apoptosis and oxidative stress contributed critically in metastatic lung cancer; by contrast, immune dysfunction was pivotal in locally advanced lung cancer. Collectively, we devised a minimal‐to‐noninvasive, efficient diagnostic classifier for smokers and nonsmokers with lung cancer, which provides evidence for different mechanisms of cancer development and metastasis associated with smoking. A negative classifier result will help the physician make conservative diagnostic decisions.
Property modelling of lysozyme‐crosslinker‐alginate complexes using latent variable methods
Authors: Rahmani Vida , Elshereef Rand , Sheardown Heather
Published: May 2021

Statistical methods were used to provide insight into a polymer complex system composed of lysozyme and alginate to quantify the effects of such parameters as pH, and ionic composition of the mixing solution on the properties of the complexes including composition, particle diameter, and zeta potential. Various crosslinkers (calcium, barium, iron[III], and bovine serum albumin), were used with lysozyme for complex formation to investigate the effect of crosslinker charge density on protein release kinetics, modelled using ktn. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the kinetic parameters associated with the release were, not surprisingly highly dependent on the ionic strength of the release media, with higher ionic strength leading to faster release. The release parameter k was also shown to depend on the protein properties (size, ionic strength) while n was slightly, but not statistically dependent on the charge density of the crosslinker demonstrating that the nature of the crosslinker had minimal impact on drug release. The multivariate statistical has the potential to be used for optimization of the complexes and prediction of physical properties and degradation rates.
Market sentiment and the choice of payment method in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Tsai Pei‐Su , Yen Tze‐Yu , Ho Chia‐Cheng , Tsai Pei‐Jung
Published: May 2021

The study contributes to the literature that pre‐merger market sentiment plays a significant role in the choice of payment method in M&As and further impacts the market reactions to such related deals around the deal announcement date. Stock is more likely to be overvalued and chosen as the medium of exchange when the market is in the bullish periods. The higher investor sentiment prior to the deals setting under the cash payment, the better abnormal stock returns of such deals around the deal announcement date. The two commonly used sentiment indexes, BWI and CSI, are both representative for the market sentiment in relation to the choice of M&A payment methods, but the investor sentiment index, BWI, is more powerful on explaining the relationship with market reactions.
Psychometric properties of a Recovery Empowerment Scale: Testing emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational domains
Authors: Peterson N. Andrew , Lardier David T. , Powell Kristen G. , Mankopf Emilie , Rashid Mariam , Morton Cory M. , Borys Suzanne
Published: May 2021

Psychological empowerment (PE) is a multidimensional construct comprised of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational domains. Although context‐specific measures of PE exist, no study to date has introduced and tested a measure of the construct that captures all four domains for both women and men in recovery from substance misuse. Furthermore, research has largely neglected the relational dimension, particularly in studies involving people in recovery. In this study, we tested a measure of PE among a diverse sample (n = 200) of people in recovery who participated in a program designed to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder in the northeastern United States. Factor analysis results supported the hypothesized four‐factor structure of the scale, and dimensions of PE were found to be associated in expected ways with measures of quality of life, self‐reported health, and depression. Implications of the study are described and directions for future research discussed.
Preserved thenar muscles in non‐ambulant Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Naarding Karin J. , Keene Kevin R. , Sardjoe Mishre Aashley S.D. , Veeger Thom T.J. , van de Velde Nienke M. , Prins Arina J. , Burakiewicz Jedrzej , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. , van der Holst Menno , Niks Erik H. , Kan Hermien E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) focus primarily on ambulant patients. Results cannot be extrapolated to later disease stages due to a decline in targeted muscle tissue. In non‐ambulant DMD patients, hand function is relatively preserved and crucial for daily‐life activities. We used quantitative MRI (qMRI) to establish whether the thenar muscles could be valuable to monitor treatment effects in non‐ambulant DMD patients.

Methods

Seventeen non‐ambulant DMD patients (range 10.2–24.1 years) and 13 healthy controls (range 9.5–25.4 years) underwent qMRI of the right hand at 3 T at baseline. Thenar fat fraction (FF), total volume (TV), and contractile volume (CV) were determined using 4‐point Dixon, and T2water was determined using multiecho spin‐echo. Clinical assessments at baseline (n = 17) and 12 months (n = 13) included pinch strength (kg), performance of the upper limb (PUL) 2.0, DMD upper limb patient reported outcome measure (PROM), and playing a video game for 10 min using a game controller. Group differences and correlations were assessed with non‐parametric tests.

Results

Total volume was lower in patients compared with healthy controls (6.9 cm3, 5.3–9.0 cm3 vs. 13.0 cm3, 7.6–15.8 cm3, P = 0.010). CV was also lower in patients (6.3 cm3, 4.6–8.3 cm3 vs. 11.9 cm3, 6.9–14.6 cm3, P = 0.010). FF was slightly elevated (9.7%, 7.3–11.4% vs. 7.7%, 6.6–8.4%, P = 0.043), while T2water was higher (31.5 ms, 30.0–32.6 ms vs. 28.1 ms, 27.8–29.4 ms, P < 0.001). Pinch strength and PUL decreased over 12 months (2.857 kg, 2.137–4.010 to 2.243 kg, 1.930–3.339 kg, and 29 points, 20–36 to 23 points, 17–30, both P < 0.001), while PROM did not (49 points, 36–57 to 44 points, 30–54, P = 0.041). All patients were able to play for 10 min at baseline or follow‐up, but some did not comply with the study procedures regarding this endpoint. Pinch strength correlated with TV and CV in patients (rho = 0.72 and rho = 0.68) and controls (both rho = 0.89). PUL correlated with TV, CV, and T2water (rho = 0.57, rho = 0.51, and rho = −0.59).

Conclusions

Low thenar FF, increased T2water, correlation of muscle size with strength and function, and the decrease in strength and function over 1 year indicate that the thenar muscles are a valuable and quantifiable target for therapy in later stages of DMD. Further studies are needed to relate these data to the loss of a clinically meaningful milestone.
Continuous flow reactors for cultivating aerobic granular sludge: configuration innovation, principle and research prospect
Authors: Yan Jin‐Lei , Cui You‐Wei , Huang Ji‐Lin
Published: May 2021

Efficient start‐up, cultivation and maintenance of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) in continuous flow reactors (CFRs) is critical for its full‐scale application in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The successful implementation of AGS under continuous flow condition depends on the configuration of CFR that provides the selective pressures and hydraulic shear force (HSF) to sludge required for rapid granulation. Important progress has been witnessed with respect to CFR configurations in recent decades for in‐situ granulation of aerobic sludge. This review summarized the difficulties of granulation during continuous flow, as well as the reactor configuration, granulation mechanism and the AGS characteristics, along with the future research prospects. It is of significance to promote the innovation of continuous flow configuration in order to realize the AGS application in mainstream WWTPs in the future. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Stability evaluation of interdigitated liposomes prepared with a combination of 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine and 1,2‐dilauroyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine
Authors: Adrar Nabil , Bahadori Fatemeh , Ceylan Fatma D , Topçu Gülaçtı , Bedjou Fatiha , Capanoglu Esra
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

In order to obtain small and homogenous liposomes encapsulating gallic acid (GA) with interdigitated leaflets, a combination of phosphatidylcholine (PC) of medium length sn‐1 and sn‐2 acyl chains with PC of longer acyl chains at both sn1 and sn2 positions were employed. Four formulations respectively consisting of 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DSPC); DSPC/1,2‐dilauroyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DSPC/DLPC) (1:1, mol mol−1); DSPC/DLPC (3:1, mol mol−1) and Lipoid S75, were prepared. For each formulation, the stability of liposomes during storage was investigated.

RESULTS

The initial size of liposomes ranged from 36.61 ± 0.61 to 125.43 ± 2.15 nm and their polydispersity index (PDI) from 0.14 ± 0.01 to 0.28 ± 0.01. The formulations combining DSPC and DLPC resulted in very stable liposomes physically, during up to 84 days of storage with no significant change in both size and PDI except a slight increase in the size at the 42nd day. The molecular state of the bilayers and their thermal behavior as given by FTIR and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results supported the hypothesis of an interdigitated state of the liposomes formed by DSPC/DLPC combination at a molar ratio of 3:1 .

CONCLUSION

Interdigitated liposomes composed of two symmetric phospholipids (DSPC and DLPC) were obtained for the first time and exhibited a good stability during storage in solution. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Stem cell culture media enriched with plant‐derived compounds: Cell proliferation enhancement
Authors: Ornelas‐González Alonso , Chairez‐Cantu Karolina , Ortiz‐Martínez Margarita , González‐González Mirna , Rito‐Palomares Marco
Published: May 2021

Stem cells are characterized by their self‐renewal and differentiation potential, emerging as a promising strategy for developing cell therapies to treat degenerative diseases. Stem cell culture under in vitro conditions involves the addition of growth factors to the media to stimulate their proliferation. However, most of these growth factors are of animal origin, hindering the implementation of the cultured cells into the clinic. Therefore, the replacement of animal‐derived growth factors for plant‐derived compounds has been proposed to accomplish the guidelines of good manufacturing practices. Plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds implicated in mainly anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Thus, for many years they have been used to prevent and treat many human diseases. Regarding stem cell culture, plant‐derived compounds act as regulators of signaling pathways involved in proliferation; therefore, their use as supplements in culture media represents a lower cost alternative with greater reproducibility to potentialize cell proliferation under in vitro conditions. Hence, this review aims to discuss plant‐derivative effects on the proliferation of stem cells with special interest in three main mechanisms of actions: (i) growth factors and their proliferation signaling effect, (ii) mitogens and their cell‐cycle regulation effect, and (iii) survival factors and their anti‐apoptotic effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Clinical characteristics and elevated ProGRP and positive oligoclonal bands of 13 Chinese cases with anti‐GABABR encephalitis
Authors: Wu Huaikuan , Wang Yuliang , Wei Kunkun , Qiao Shan , Liu Lingling , Zhang Ranran , Cao Lili , Wang Shengjun , Liu Xuewu
Published: May 2021

Objective

To improve the clinical understanding of anti‐gamma‐aminobutyric‐acid B receptor encephalitis (anti‐GABABR encephalitis) by analyzing 13 cases.

Methods

We retrospectively studied demographic and clinical features including clinical symptoms, serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) laboratory findings (including antibody test), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), treatment plan, and treatment effect for 13 patients with a definitive diagnosis of anti‐GABABR encephalitis.

Results

Seven patients (53.8%, 7/13) were complicated with lung cancer. Epileptic seizures were the most common symptoms at onset in 11 patients (84.6%, 11/13). All patients had seizures in the course of the disease. Abnormalities in craniocerebral MRI examination, including hippocampus, occipital lobe, insular lobe, were found in six of nine tested patients, and EEG abnormalities were found in seven out of nine tested patients. Elevated pro‐gastrin releasing peptide (ProGRP) levels were found in 70% of patients with a median value of 490.10 pg/ml; and CSF oligoclonal bands were positive for 4 of 10 tested cases. However, there were no significant differences in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between the ProGRP or CSF oligoclonal band positive and negative groups at admission and follow‐up (p > .05). The value between SCLC and non‐SCLC subgroup was significantly different (p < .05). Ten patients received immunotherapy (three patients refused treatment). After immunotherapy, the frequency of seizures was significantly reduced. There was a significant difference in mRS between admission and after treatment (p < .05). The average survival time after onset was 27.7 months.

Conclusions

Epilepsy is the most common clinical manifestation of Anti‐GABABR encephalitis. The prognosis of anti‐GABABR encephalitis is poor. Section of anti‐GABABR encephalitis patients have higher level of serum ProGRP and positive GSF oligoclonal bands. Elevated ProGRP or positive CSF oligoclonal bands with classic clinical features can potentially help to improve early recognition of anti‐GABABR encephalitis.
What is the minimum adequate busulfan dose for patients with sickle cell disease undergoing reduced intensity conditioning with fludarabine, busulfan, and anti‐thymocyte globulin?
Authors: AlJohani Naif I. , Toor Amir Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Fludarabine busulfan anti‐thymocyte globulin is a common conditioning chemotherapy with reduced toxicity used for transplantation in sickle cell disease (SCD). The dose of busulfan used in this protocol is variable across studies and centers. The minimum dose that maintains long‐term donor chimerism is not well established. We hypothesized that a lower, less‐toxic dose could be used to maintain adequate long‐lasting chimeras, which might allow for the inclusion of older or comorbid patients with this disease. In our retrospective study of 11 patients, 8–9.6 mg/kg was adequate to maintain chimerism in six patients. A 6 mg/kg dose resulted in transplant rejection in two patients. This suggests that 0.8 mg/kg IV busulfan every 6 h for 8–12 doses (total 8–9.6 mg/kg) is the minimum adequate busulfan dose required to maintain long‐lasting chimeras, facilitating the successful withdrawal of immunosuppression in SCD patients who receive this protocol.