bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Judicious design functionalized 3D‐COF to enhance CO2 adsorption and separation
Authors: Yuan Fang , Yang Zhifang , Zhang Xiaoying , Tong Cuiyan , Gahungu Godefroid , Li Wenliang , Zhang Jingping
Published: March 2021

The effects of functional groups (including OH, OCH3, NH2, CH2NH2, COOH, SO3H, OCO(CH2)2COOH(E‐COOH), and (CH2)4COOH(c‐COOH)) in 3D covalent organic frameworks (3D‐COFs) on CO2 adsorption and separation are investigated by grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations and density functional theory calculations. The results indicate that interaction between CO2 and the framework is the main factor for determining CO2 uptakes at low pressure, while pore size becomes the decisive factor at high pressure. The binding energy of CO2 with functionalized linker is correlated to CO2 uptake at 0.3 bar and 298 K on 3D‐COF‐1, suggesting functional groups play a key role in CO2 capture in microporous 3D‐COFs. Moreover, CO2 selectivity over CH4, N2, and H2 can be significantly enhanced by functionalization, where CH2NH2, COOH, SO3H, and E‐COOH enhance CO2 adsorption more effectively at 1 bar. Among them, SO3H is the most promising functional group in 3D‐COFs for CO2 separation.
Detection of a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension by multimodality imaging: Left ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis
Authors: Uygur Begum , Turkvatan Cansever Aysel , Demir Ali Riza , Kahraman Serkan , Guner Ahmet , Sahin Ahmet Anil , Topel Cagdas , Celik Omer , Yildiz Mustafa , Erturk Mehmet
Published: March 2021

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF), a restrictive cardiomyopathy characterized by subendocardial fibrosis, is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions. EMF involving the left ventricle presents with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and is a rare cause of PH in non‐tropical areas. Multimodality imaging is important for accurate diagnosis, especially cardiac magnetic resonance imaging which is the cornerstone. Herein, we report the case of a patient who presented with heart failure symptoms and severe PH, and in whom EMF was diagnosed by multimodality imaging.
Intersecting stigma and HIV testing practices among urban refugee adolescents and youth in Kampala, Uganda: qualitative findings
Authors: Logie Carmen H , Okumu Moses , Kibuuka Musoke Daniel , Hakiza Robert , Mwima Simon , Kyambadde Peter , Abela Heather , Gittings Lesley , Musinguzi Joshua , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Baral Stefan
Published: March 2021

Introduction

HIV‐related risks may be exacerbated in humanitarian contexts. Uganda hosts 1.3 million refugees, of which 60% are aged under 18. There are knowledge gaps regarding HIV testing facilitators and barriers, including HIV and intersecting stigmas, among urban refugee youth. In response, we explored experiences and perspectives towards HIV testing strategies, including HIV self‐testing, with urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

We implemented a qualitative study with refugee cisgender youth aged 16 to 24 living in Kampala's informal settlements from February‐April 2019. We conducted five focus groups with refugee youth, including two with adolescent boys and young men, two with adolescent girls and young women and one with female sex workers. We also conducted five key informant (KI) interviews with government, non‐government and community refugee agencies and HIV service providers. We conducted thematic analyses to understand HIV testing experiences, perspectives and recommendations.

Results

Participants (n = 49) included young men (n = 17) and young women (n = 27) originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] (n = 29), Rwanda (n = 11), Burundi (n = 3) and Sudan (n = 1), in addition to five KI (gender: n = 3 women, n = 2 men; country of origin: n = 2 Rwanda, n = 2 Uganda, n = 1 DRC). Participant narratives revealed stigma drivers included fear of HIV infection; misinformation that HIV is a “Ugandan disease”; and blame and shame for sexual activity. Stigma facilitators included legal precarity regarding sex work, same‐sex practices and immigration status, alongside healthcare mistreatment and confidentiality concerns. Stigma experiences were attributed to the social devaluation of intersecting identities (sex work, youth, refugees, sexual minorities, people living with HIV, women). Participants expressed high interest in HIV self‐testing. They recommended HIV self‐testing implementation strategies to be peer supported and expressed concerns regarding sexual‐ and gender‐based violence with partner testing.

Conclusions

Intersecting stigma rooted in fear, misinformation, blame and shame, legal precarity and healthcare mistreatment constrain current HIV testing strategies with urban refugee youth. Findings align with the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework that conceptualizes stigma drivers and facilitators that devalue intersecting health conditions and social identities. Findings can inform multi‐level strategies to foster enabling HIV testing environments with urban refugee youth, including tackling intersecting stigma and leveraging refugee youth peer support.
Characteristics of primary Epstein–Barr virus infection disease spectrum and its reactivation in children, in Suzhou, China
Authors: Shi Ting , Huang Linlin , Chen Zhengrong , Tian Jianmei
Published: March 2021

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a globally prevalent herpesvirus associated with multiple diseases. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of primary EBV infection disease spectrum and reactivation in children, in Suzhou, China. All children admitted to the Children's Hospital of Soochow University between May 2018 and September 2020 with suspected EBV‐associated disease and subjected to the indirect immunofluorescence assay for EBV‐specific antibodies and plasma EBV‐DNA assays were included. Of the 3567 children, 2782 (78.0%) tested positive for EBV. The positive rates of viral capsid antigen (VCA)‐IgM, VCA‐IgG, early antigen (EA)‐IgG, nuclear antigen (EBNA)‐IgG, and plasma EBV‐DNA were 12.1%, 74.6%, 37.9%, 35.6%, and 31.1%, respectively. The lowest VCA‐IgG and EBNA‐IgG seropositivity rates occurred at ages between 8 and 36 months, then increased gradually in the older age groups. The EBV‐IgM seropositivity rate was the highest in those aged 36 to <72 months. Primary EBV infection was more common in children aged 36 to <72 months. In past infections, reactivation mainly occurred in 8 to <36 months. The most common disease caused by primary EBV infection was infectious mononucleosis (56.1%), followed by a respiratory infection (17.0%). Respiratory infection (30.0%), EBV infection (29.2%), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) (15.8%) were the commonest diseases caused by EBV reactivation. EBV reactivation was a risk factor for HLH (adjusted odds ratio, 16.4; 95% confidence interval, 7.9–34.0). Among reactivated patients, the viral load of HLH was higher than that of EBV infection and respiratory infection (p < .01). This is a retrospective large sample study that explored the characteristics of primary EBV infection disease spectrum and reactivation in children.
Continuity in transition: Combining recovery and day‐of‐week perspectives to understand changes in employee energy across the 7‐day week
Authors: Weigelt Oliver , Siestrup Katja , Prem Roman
Published: March 2021

We integrate perspectives from research on recovery from work and perspectives from day‐of‐week research to predict continuous as well as discontinuous changes in vitality and fatigue. We examine whether changes in recovery experiences and sleep quality predict changes in human energy over the course of the weekend. Furthermore, we consider positive anticipation of work at the start of the workweek and effort during the workweek to predict changes in energy. We collected experience sampling data from 87 employees over the course of 12 days. In total, 2,187 observations nested in 972 days were eligible for analysis. Applying discontinuous growth curve modeling, we found that human energy increases continuously during the weekend, drops on Monday, follows a passageway trajectory from Monday to Thursday, and increases on Friday again. Changes in recovery experiences did not predict changes in energy but increases in sleep quality did. Positive anticipation of work attenuated the drop in vitality on Monday. Effort did not predict changes in energy over the course of the workweek. Our results suggest that the transition between weekends and workweeks and vice versa accounts for considerable changes in human energy and that weekends are recuperative, particularly because they provide the opportunity for better sleep.
Studies on the characteristics and mechanism of aerobic biodegradation of tetrabromobisphenol A by Irpex lacteus F17
Authors: Chen Jie , Wu Juan , Fan Luosheng , Jia Rong
Published: March 2021

The study investigated the characteristics of aerobic degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) by Irpex lacteus F17 (I. lacteus F17) under four different cometabolic substrates (phenol, glucose, sodium pyruvate, and sodium citrate). The biodegradation of TBBPA by I. lacteus F17 could be enhanced via cometabolism, and glucose (8 g/L) was confirmed to be the optimum carbon source. For different initial solution pH ranging from 3.0 to 8.0, the results showed that I. lacteus F17 could be applied to biodegrade TBBPA in a wide pH range of 4.0–8.0, and the degradation rate could reach the maximum 75.31%, while the debromination rate reached the maximum 12.40% under pH 5.0. In addition, it has been confirmed that Mn2+ (50 μmol/L) could promote the secretion of manganese peroxidase and TBBPA biodegradation efficiency. Seven intermediates were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, and the possible degradation pathways were proposed, which indicated the biodegradation of TBBPA might be subjected to debromination, β‐scission, hydroxylation, deprotonation, and oxidation reactions.
CCR2 contributes to host defense against Staphylococcus aureus orthopedic implant‐associated infections in mice
Authors: Wang Yu , Dikeman Dustin , Zhang Jeffrey , Ackerman Nicole , Kim Sophia , Alphonse Martin P. , Ortines Roger V. , Liu Haiyun , Joyce Daniel P. , Dillen Carly A. , Thompson John M. , Thomas Abigail A. , Plaut Roger D. , Miller Lloyd S. , Archer Nathan K.
Published: March 2021

C‐C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is an important mediator of myeloid cell chemotaxis during inflammation and infection. Myeloid cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils contribute to host defense during orthopedic implant‐associated infections (OIAI), but whether CCR2‐mediated chemotaxis is involved remains unclear. Therefore, a Staphylococcus aureus OIAI model was performed by surgically placing an orthopedic‐grade titanium implant and inoculating a bioluminescent S. aureus strain in knee joints of wildtype (wt) and CCR2‐deficient mice. In vivo bioluminescent signals significantly increased in CCR2‐deficient mice compared with wt mice at later time points (Days 14–28), which was confirmed with ex vivo colony‐forming unit enumeration. S. aureus γ‐hemolysin utilizes CCR2 to induce host cell lysis. However, there were no differences in bacterial burden when the OIAI model was performed with a parental versus a mutant γ‐hemolysin‐deficient S. aureus strain, indicating that the protection was mediated by the host cell function of CCR2 rather than γ‐hemolysin virulence. Although CCR2‐deficient and wt mice had similar cellular infiltrates in the infected joint tissue, CCR2‐deficient mice had reduced myeloid cells and γδ T cells in the draining lymph nodes. Taken together, CCR2 contributed to host defense at later time points during an OIAI by increasing immune cell infiltrates in the draining lymph nodes, which likely contained the infection and prevented invasive spread.
Effects of diet, BMP‐2 treatment, and femoral skeletal injury on endothelial cells derived from the ipsilateral and contralateral limbs
Authors: Dadwal Ushashi C. , Staut Caio de Andrade , Tewari Nikhil P. , Awosanya Olatundun D. , Mendenhall Stephen K. , Valuch Conner R. , Nagaraj Rohit U. , Blosser Rachel J. , Li Jiliang , Kacena Melissa A.
Published: March 2021

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results in physiological and structural changes in bone, contributing to poor fracture healing. T2D compromises microvascular performance, which can negatively impact bone regeneration as angiogenesis is required for new bone formation. We examined the effects of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) administered locally at the time of femoral segmental bone defect (SBD) surgery, and its angiogenic impacts on endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from the ipsilateral or contralateral tibia in T2D mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a low‐fat diet (LFD) or high‐fat diet (HFD) starting at 8 weeks. After 12 weeks, the T2D phenotype in HFD mice was confirmed via glucose and insulin tolerance testing and echoMRI, and all mice underwent SBD surgery. Mice were treated with BMP‐2 (5 µg) or saline at the time of surgery. Three weeks postsurgery, bone marrow ECs were isolated from ipsilateral and contralateral tibias, and proliferation, angiogenic potential, and gene expression of the cells was analyzed. BMP‐2 treatment increased EC proliferation by two fold compared with saline in LFD contralateral tibia ECs, but no changes were seen in surgical tibia EC proliferation. BMP‐2 treatment enhanced vessel‐like structure formation in HFD mice whereas, the opposite was observed in LFD mice. Still, in BMP‐2 treated LFD mice, ipsilateral tibia ECs increased expression of CD31, FLT‐1, ANGPT1, and ANGPT2. These data suggest that the modulating effects of T2D and BMP‐2 on the microenvironment of bone marrow ECs may differentially influence angiogenic properties at the fractured limb versus the contralateral limb.
A critical analysis of the 8th edition TNM staging for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with lymph node metastases and comparison to N1S3 stage and ITEM risk score: A multicenter study
Authors: Ebrahimi Ardalan , Luk Peter P. , Low Hubert , McDowell Lachlan , Magarey Matthew J. R. , Smith Paul N. , Perriman Diana M. , Veness Michael , Gupta Ruta , Clark Jonathan R.
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

We performed a critical analysis of the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) with nodal metastases and compared the performance to the N1S3 and ITEM systems.

Methods

Multicenter study of 990 patients with metastatic HNcSCC treated with curative intent. The end points of interest were disease‐specific (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Model fit was evaluated using Harrell's Concordance Index (C‐index), proportion of variation explained (PVE), Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion.

Results

N1S3 and ITEM demonstrated good distribution into risk categories in contrast to the AJCC system, which classified the majority (90.6%) of patients as N2‐3 and Stage IV due to the high rate of extranodal extension. The N2c and N3a categories appeared redundant. There was considerable discordance between systems in risk allocation on an individual patient basis. N1S3 was the best performed (DSS: C‐index 0.62, PVE 10.9%; OS: C‐index 0.59, PVE 4.5%), albeit with relatively poor predictive value.

Conclusions

The AJCC N category and tumor node metastasis stage have poor patient distribution and predictive performance in HNcSCC. The AJCC stage, N1S3, and ITEM score all provide limited prognostic information based on objective measures highlighting the need to develop a staging system specific to HNcSCC.
Poly‐pharmacokinetic strategy represented the synergy effects of bioactive compounds in a traditional Chinese medicine formula, Si Shen Wan and its separated recipes to normal and colitis rats
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Shi , Xu Qing‐Xia , Xu Wei , Zhang You‐Bo , Yang Xiu‐Wei
Published: March 2021

Si Shen Wan is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, which has been used to treat chronic colitis for thousands of years. Many research and experience show that Si Shen Wan was developed by the combination of two sets of “Herb Pairs,” Er Shen Wan and Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis Powder. This research aimed to revealing the effective substances, guide the clinical treatment, and represent the synergy effects from the view of pharmacokinetics. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was established and validated for simultaneous quantification of 26 main bioactive compounds in normal and colitis rat plasma after oral administration of Si Shen Wan and its “Herb Pairs” extract. The method validation results illustrated that the experimental method was reliable and reproducible for quantitative determination of the biological samples. The pharmacokinetic behaviors in different groups were compared and discussed comprehensively, which indicated that the treatment of Si Shen Wan has a superiority in synthetic action of the “Herb Pairs” for the higher peak concentrations and bioavailability of some mainly components. Furthermore, the synergy effect was still existing backed up again for the longer eliminate time and a better bioavailability in colitis groups. The pharmacokinetics research of multiple components in Si Shen Wan and its “Herb Pairs” supplied a significant basis for better understanding the metabolic mechanism of these formulas in both normal and pathological state.
Analysis and Classification of Postcatheterization Femoral Arteriovenous Fistulas Based on Color Doppler Examinations
Authors: Middleton William D. , Robinson Kathryn A.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To analyze and classify arterial supply and venous drainage of postcatheterization femoral arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs).

Methods

A review of extremity Doppler reports identified 77 femoral AVFs in 75 patients. Doppler exams were reviewed retrospectively. Fistulas were classified as above or below the common femoral artery bifurcation and subclassified based on the location of arterial inflow and venous outflow.

Results

Arterial inflow originated above the femoral bifurcation in 32 cases. The communication was between the common femoral artery and the superficial circumflex iliac vein in 25 of 32 cases and between a branch of the common femoral or external iliac artery and the common femoral or external iliac vein in 4 of 32 cases. In 3 of 32 cases, AVFs arose from the common femoral artery, but the venous outflow was not determined. Arterial inflow originated from the superficial femoral artery in 23 cases. Venous outflow originated from the common femoral vein in 10 of 23 cases, the femoral vein in 7 of 23 cases, and the lateral circumflex femoral vein in 6 of 23 cases. Arterial inflow originated from the deep femoral artery in 12 cases. Venous outflow originated from the common femoral vein in 6 of 12 cases and from the lateral circumflex femoral vein 6 of 12 cases. In 8 cases, the AVF originated below the bifurcation, but the arterial inflow was not classified. In 2 cases, it was impossible to determine if the AVF originated above or below the bifurcation.

Conclusions

Iatrogenic femoral AVFs arise above the femoral bifurcation more often than previously recognized. Classification based on the arterial inflow and venous outflow provides a straightforward means of describing these fistulas.
Rapid, Effective Cannulation for Salivary Duct Access: Use of Hydro‐Dilation With Viscous Lidocaine
Authors: Squires Lane , King Jackson , Hsieh Tsung‐yen , Joshi Arjun S.
Published: March 2021

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Divergent responses of the soil bacteria community to multi‐level nitrogen enrichment in temperate grasslands under different degrees of degradation
Authors: Dong Chengcheng , Shi Yu , Wang Junjian , Zeng Hui , Wang Wei
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen (N) enrichment has been reported to affect the soil bacteria community in natural temperate grasslands. However, it remains unknown how the bacteria community responds to N enrichment in degraded grasslands. Here, we established multi‐level N enrichment experiments in temperate grasslands under non‐degraded (ND), moderately degraded (MD), severely degraded (SD), and extremely degraded (ED) sites in northern China. The bacteria community was investigated by high‐throughput sequencing and linked to major abiotic and biotic factors. We found bacterial diversity was lower in ED grassland than the other grasslands, and community composition highly varied across the four degrees of degradation. Change in bacterial diversity was due to the different variations in dominant phyla, and soil phosphorus content contributed to the variation in community composition across grasslands under increasing degradation. In ND, MD, and SD grasslands, bacterial diversity was not significantly altered by N enrichment below 30 g‐N m−2 yr−1 but declined when N enrichment was greater than 30 g‐N m−2 yr−1. The bacterial diversity loss was associated with the decreased soil pH under N enrichment. However, in ED grassland, bacterial diversity decreased when N enrichment was below 30 g‐N m−2 yr−1 and remained unchanged when N enrichment was greater than 30 g‐N m−2 yr−1. Change in bacterial diversity was modulated by soil N availability. Besides, N enrichment shifted bacterial community composition via changing soil N availability. Our study identified bacterial diversity loss in ED grassland and differently nonlinear responses of bacterial diversity to multi‐level N enrichment in grasslands under different degrees of degradation.
Near‐Infrared PhotoInitiating Systems: Photothermal versus Triplet–Triplet Annihilation‐Based Upconversion Polymerization
Authors: Caron Aurore , Noirbent Guillaume , Gigmes Didier , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: March 2021

NIR light‐induced polymerization has attracted more and more attention in the photopolymerization field due to the possibility to use safer and more penetrating wavelengths, reducing the hazardousness. Here, a novel perspective for the free radical polymerization of acrylate‐based monomers based on triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) is proposed, avoiding the introduction of heavy metals, usually required in the TTA processes. Thermal imaging experiments and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are respectively used to record the temperature during NIR irradiation and measure the reactive function conversion. The competition between the TTA‐UC and the NIR photothermal activation is investigated to compare the relative efficiency of both NIR processes. In view of the results obtained by the different methods, the photothermal effect seems to get the upper hand over the photoactivation of the system.
Defining Atypical Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Forbes Elana J. , Byrne Gerard J. , O'Sullivan John D. , Yang Jihyun , Marsh Rodney , Dissanayaka Nadeeka N.
Published: March 2021

Background

Anxiety is a major complication in Parkinson's disease (PD). Many PD patients experience clinically significant anxiety not meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV) anxiety disorder criteria. This atypical anxiety (anxiety disorder not otherwise specified [NOS]) is often under‐recognized and its diagnosis is underdeveloped.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the demographic, psychiatric, and clinical characteristics of anxiety disorder NOS in PD.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design studied a convenience sample of 184 PD patients without dementia recruited from neurology outpatient clinics. A semi‐structured interview using DSM‐IV criteria categorized PD patients into current anxiety disorder NOS (n = 28), DSM‐IV anxiety disorders (n = 42) or no anxiety (n = 86) groups. Logistic regression modeling identified characteristics associated with the anxiety disorder NOS group compared to DSM‐IV anxiety and no anxiety groups.

Results

The anxiety disorder NOS group was associated with motor complications of PD therapy, episodic, persistent and social anxiety symptoms, depression, non‐motor experiences of daily living, poor quality of life, and female sex compared to the no anxiety group. Compared to DSM‐IV anxiety, those with anxiety disorder NOS demonstrated greater global cognitive impairment, more severe motor complications of PD therapy, a greater severity and functional impact of dyskinesias, and greater complexity of motor fluctuations. Persistent, episodic, and social anxiety symptoms did not significantly differ between anxiety disorder NOS and DSM‐IV anxiety groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that PD‐specific symptoms characterize anxiety in a subgroup of PD patients who do not fulfill DSM‐IV criteria for anxiety disorders.
Dream Enactment Behavior Disorder Associated with Pallido‐Nigro‐Luysian Degeneration and Tau Proteinopathy
Authors: Di Luca Daniel G. , Slow Elizabeth J. , Martinez‐Valbuena Ivan , Lang Anthony E. , Kovacs Gabor G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Pallido‐nigro‐luysian atrophy (PNLA) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with only a few cases reported to date. Although the clinical picture usually resembles progressive supranuclear palsy, pathological examination reveals more selective atrophy and loss of neurons in the globus pallidus, substantia nigra and subthalamic nucleus.

Objectives

To describe the clinical features and pathological findings of a patient with PNLA.

Methods

Case report with clinico‐pathological discussion.

Results

An 83‐year‐old man presented to our clinic with a vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, parkinsonism, gait impairment and sleep abnormalities suggestive of REM‐sleep behavior disorder. Neuropathological examination 5 years after symptom onset revealed subcortical tau proteinopathy compatible with a PNLA pattern. There was also an associated mild degree of limbic/subcortical inflammatory response, Alzheimer's disease‐related changes, as well as argyrophilic grain disease.

Conclusions

We present a comprehensive clinico‐pathological discussion of a patient with PNLA. Besides parkinsonism and vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, the patient also had a sleep disorder, clinically suggestive of REM behavioral disorder, which has not been previously reported in PNLA. We expand the clinical phenotype of this rare condition and provide neuropathological evidence for the associated abnormalities.
The Effect of Education on Symptom Onset and Severity of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Cain Kristina K. , Flanigan Joseph L. , Dalrymple William Alex , Patrie James , Harrison Madaline B. , Barrett Matthew J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Huntington disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms. Little is known about the effects of environmental factors on HD symptom onset and severity.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between education level and age of diagnosis, symptom onset, and symptom severity in HD.

Methods

This study evaluated 4537 adult‐onset, motor‐manifest HD participants from the Enroll‐HD global registry. Education level was assessed using International Standard Classification of Education categories, stratified into three education groups corresponding to pre‐secondary, secondary, and post‐secondary educational attainment. Motor and behavioral symptoms of HD, cognition, and functional capacity were measured using baseline Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS), Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), verbal fluency, and Stroop assessments.

Results

After adjusting for CAG repeats, higher level of education predicted lower age of onset of motor symptoms, depression, irritability, and cognitive impairment (all P‐values < 0.001). After adjusting for age of enrollment and CAG repeats, the highest education level predicted the lowest UHDRS motor scores, higher UHDRS total functional capacity and functional assessment scores, and higher SDMT, MMSE, verbal fluency, and Stroop assessment scores (all P‐values < 0.001).

Conclusions

HD participants with higher education levels have earlier age of diagnosis and age of symptom onset, but lower motor exam scores and higher functional assessment scores. Earlier recognition of symptoms in more highly educated participants may explain earlier symptom onset and diagnosis. Better performance on motor and functional assessments may be explained by higher cognitive reserve in those with greater education.
Ex vivo model predicted in vivo efficacy of CFTR modulator therapy in a child with rare genotype
Authors: Terlizzi Vito , Amato Felice , Castellani Chiara , Ferrari Beatrice , Galietta Luis J. V. , Castaldo Giuseppe , Taccetti Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Background

New drugs that target the basic defect in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients may now be used in a large number of patients carrying responsive mutations. Nevertheless, further research is needed to extend the benefit of these treatments to patients with rare mutations that are still uncharacterized in vitro and that are not included in clinical trials. For this purpose, ex vivo models are necessary to preliminary assessing the effect of CFTR modulators in these cases.

Method

We report the clinical effectiveness of lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy prescribed to a CF child with a rare genetic profile (p.Phe508del/p.Gly970Asp) after testing the drug on nasal epithelial cells. We observed a significant drop of the sweat chloride value, as of the lung clearance index. A longer follow‐up period is needed to define the effects of therapy on pancreatic status, although an increase of the fecal elastase values was found.

Conclusion

Drug response obtained on nasal epithelial cells correlates with changes in vivo therapeutic endpoints and can be a predictor of clinical efficacy of novel drugs especially in pediatric patients.
Validity of boundary layer theory for the 3D plane‐parallel nonhomogeneous electrically conducting flows
Authors: Guo Lianhong , Ji Zhijun
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we validate the boundary layer expansion for a family of plane‐parallel flows to nonhomogeneous incompressible magnetohydrodynamic equations with no‐slip boundary conditions imposed on velocity field and perfectly conducting conditions on magnetic field. The convergence rate is established in Sobolev sense. We extend the result of Navier–Stokes system to the case of MHD equations and also investigate the stabilizing effect of the magnetic field by considering the uniform magnetic field.
Approximate dynamics of stochastic partial differential equations under fast dynamical boundary conditions
Authors: Li Yijun , Chen Guanggan , Lei Ting
Published: March 2021

This work is concerned with a class of stochastic partial differential equations with a fast random dynamical boundary condition. In the limit of fast diffusion, it derives an effective stochastic partial differential equation to describe the evolution of the dominant pattern. Using the multiscale analysis and the averaging principle, it then establishes deviation estimates of the original stochastic system towards the effective approximating system. A concrete example further illustrates the result on a large time scale.
Analysis of a periodic stochastic three‐species Lotka‐Volterra model with distributed delay and dispersal
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Dong Lingzhen
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a periodic stochastic Lotka‐Volterra model with distributed delay and dispersal is investigated. First, by Itô's formula, we show that the solution with any positive initial value is global and positive. Then, we obtain the sufficient conditions guaranteeing the extinction of the system. Furthermore, we discuss the existence of the nontrivial periodic solution by Khasminskii theory. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
Mode selective bandpass filter with high selectivity based on thirty‐second‐mode circular SIW resonator
Authors: Zhang Sheng , She Jin‐Chuan , Tong Meng‐Han , Hong Jia‐Sheng
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a thirty‐second‐mode circular substrate integrated waveguide resonator (TMCSIWR) is firstly investigated, which well retains the fundamental mode and high‐order modes (TM0n0 modes) in circular SIW resonator (CSIWR) for stable transmission. Considering miniaturization, high Q and multi frequency selection of TMCSIWR systematically, each TM0n0 mode in TMCSIWR can be effectively selected to achieve independent passband by adjusting feed position and coupling distance. Meanwhile, each TM0n0 mode and non‐resonant modes produce multiple transmission zeros by mode coupling. Furthermore, arc groove disturbance effectively adjust coupling to achieve high selectivity. Finally, a multi‐zero TM030 mode TMCSIW bandpass filter is designed and fabricated. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results.
Dual‐band impedance transformer with single shunt stub for complex impedance loads
Authors: Liu Wang , Liu Qiang , Du Guangxing , Li Guolin , Cheng Dong
Published: March 2021

This letter presents a novel impedance transformer that can transform two unequal frequency‐dependent complex loads (FDCLs) to a resistive load at two diverse bands. The proposed transformer contains four sections of transmission lines and one shunt stub. The design parameters of the transformer are obtained from the analytical formulas. The feasibility analysis of the transformer is discussed and an example based on microstrip technology is implemented and measured for verification. The good agreement between the simulated results and measured results proves the validity of the proposed configuration and design method. Compared with the reported works, the transformer not only features single shunt stub and shorter total electrical length at transmission direction, but also provides simpler analytic design equations and less likely to use the very high‐ or low‐impedance transmission lines.
Robust dose‐painting‐by‐numbers vs. nonselective dose escalation for non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Petit Steven F. , Breedveld Sebastiaan , Unkelbach Jan , den Hertog Dick , Balvert Marleen
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Theoretical studies have shown that dose‐painting‐by‐numbers (DPBN) could lead to large gains in tumor control probability (TCP) compared to conventional dose distributions. However, these gains may vary considerably among patients due to (a) variations in the overall radiosensitivity of the tumor, (b) variations in the 3D distribution of intra‐tumor radiosensitivity within the tumor in combination with patient anatomy, (c) uncertainties of the 3D radiosensitivity maps, (d) geometrical uncertainties, and (e) temporal changes in radiosensitivity. The goal of this study was to investigate how much of the theoretical gains of DPBN remain when accounting for these factors. DPBN was compared to both a homogeneous reference dose distribution and to nonselective dose escalation (NSDE), that uses the same dose constraints as DPBN, but does not require 3D radiosensitivity maps.

Methods

A fully automated DPBN treatment planning strategy was developed and implemented in our in‐house developed treatment planning system (TPS) that is robust to uncertainties in radiosensitivity and patient positioning. The method optimized the expected TCP based on 3D maps of intra‐tumor radiosensitivity, while accounting for normal tissue constraints, uncertainties in radiosensitivity, and setup uncertainties. Based on FDG‐PETCT scans of 12 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, data of 324 virtual patients were created synthetically with large variations in the aforementioned parameters. DPBN was compared to both a uniform dose distribution of 60 Gy, and NSDE. In total, 360 DPBN and 24 NSDE treatment plans were optimized.

Results

The average gain in TCP over all patients and radiosensitivity maps of DPBN was 0.54 ± 0.20 (range 0–0.97) compared to the 60 Gy uniform reference dose distribution, but only 0.03 ± 0.03 (range 0–0.22) compared to NSDE. The gains varied per patient depending on the radiosensitivity of the entire tumor and the 3D radiosensitivity maps. Uncertainty in radiosensitivity led to a considerable loss in TCP gain, which could be recovered almost completely by accounting for the uncertainty directly in the optimization.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the gains of DPBN can be considerable compared to a 60 Gy uniform reference dose distribution, but small compared to NSDE for most patients. Using the robust DPBN treatment planning system developed in this work, the optimal DPBN treatment plan could be derived for any patient for whom 3D intra‐tumor radiosensitivity maps are known, and can be used to select patients that might benefit from DPBN. NSDE could be an effective strategy to increase TCP without requiring biological information of the tumor.
Aliasing layers for processing parallel imaging and EPI ghost artifacts efficiently in convolutional neural networks
Authors: Takeshima Hidenori
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purposes of this work are to develop a method for efficiently processing MR‐specific artifacts using a convolutional neural network (CNN), and to present its applications for the removal of the artifacts without suppressing actual signals. In MR images that are acquired using parallel imaging and/or EPI, the locations of aliasing artifacts and/or N‐half ghost artifacts can be analytically calculated. However, existing methods using CNNs do not take the structures of the artifacts into account, and therefore need a large number of convolution layers for processing the artifacts.

Methods

For processing the artifacts, a new layer that is named the aliasing layer (AL) is proposed. Because a CNN stands on the assumption that an image has spatial locality, a convolution layer is formulated as a linear function of neighbor locations. For processing the artifacts, the AL preprocesses MR images by moving the calculated locations to the locations accessible through summations over all channels in a standard convolution layer. To evaluate the application of ALs for the removal of parallel imaging and EPI artifacts, CNNs with ALs were compared with those without ALs.

Results

The results showed that image‐quality metrics of a six‐layer CNN with ALs were better than those of a 12‐layer CNN without ALs. The results also showed that CNNs with ALs suppressed the artifacts selectively.

Conclusion

The aliasing layer is proposed for processing MR‐specific artifacts efficiently. The experimental results demonstrated that the AL improved CNNs for removing artifacts from parallel imaging and EPI.
Pharmacosafety of fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics in the clinical care of patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Pham Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Leonard Charles E. , Bird Shawn J. , Willis Allison W. , Hamedani Ali G.
Published: March 2021

Introduction/Aims

Anecdotal case reports have suggested a potential association of fluoroquinolones and macrolides with myasthenia gravis (MG) exacerbation, prompting warnings against the use of these drugs in this population. However, large‐scale and reliable population‐based data that demonstrate this association are lacking. This study aims to examine the association between outpatient treatment with fluoroquinolones or macrolides and MG‐related hospitalization.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study consisting of adult MG patients was conducted using a large de‐identified healthcare claims database. Antibiotic prescription claims were identified, and MG‐related hospitalizations were assessed at 15, 30, and 90 days after the date of prescription. We used mixed effects survival regression with log‐logistic distribution and independent covariance matrix to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of hospitalization for each potentially exacerbating antibiotic using beta‐lactam as the reference and adjusting for covariates.

Results

Among 1556 MG patients receiving 894 fluoroquinolone prescriptions, 729 macrolide prescriptions, and 1608 beta‐lactam prescriptions during the study period, there was no difference in 15, 30, or 90‐day odds of MG‐related hospitalization between fluoroquinolone or macrolide users compared to prescribed beta‐lactams. However, estimates were higher for fluoroquinolones than macrolides, even after covariate adjustment (adjusted OR [aOR] 4.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55‐38.57 for fluoroquinolones and OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32‐0.97 for macrolides, respectively, at 15 days).

Discussion

Fluoroquinolone and macrolide antibiotics are prescribed frequently to patients with MG. While statistical imprecision precludes a definitive conclusion, elevated ORs for fluoroquinolones raise the possibility of an underpowered association that merits further investigation.
Homeward Bound: In-River Movements of Adult Hatchery- and Natural-Origin Chinook Salmon in the Elk River, Oregon
Authors: Whitmore Margaret , Richardson Shannon , Huff Austin , Goodson Kevin , Quinn Thomas P. , Dittman Andrew H. , Johnson Marc A. , Kamran Maryam , Noakes David L. G.
Published: March 2021

Many adult hatchery-origin Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. return to their natal river but do not enter the hatchery, instead spawning in the river, where they can have detrimental genetic and ecological effects on naturally reproducing wild populations. This phenomenon is especially well documented in Elk River (Oregon) Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha based on previous analyses of coded wire tag recoveries. Here, we used radio tags to compare the movements of natural- and hatchery-origin Chinook Salmon (n = 11 and 15, respectively) to determine whether their behavior could explain the in-river straying patterns of hatchery salmon. Most of the tagged hatchery-origin (87%) and natural-origin (73%) adults initially moved upriver to the vicinity of the Elk River Hatchery. Most natural-origin adults then moved downstream of the hatchery entrance to spawn, but the movements of hatchery-origin adults were different. Hatchery-origin males and females had the highest and lowest variation in total distance moved, respectively. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that while most hatchery-origin salmon return to the vicinity of the hatchery, some fail to enter, perhaps because the hatchery’s odors were not perceived as distinct from those of the river or (in the case of hatchery-origin males) because they stopped short of the hatchery after encountering spawning conspecifics. Thus, spawning distributions may not always reflect in-river movements of Chinook Salmon, and we encourage fisheries managers to continue investigating methods that reduce potentially harmful interactions between hatchery- and natural-origin fish.
Value, accountability, and excellence: three priorities for NGOs and intentional aid nonprofits
Authors: Tyson Alan
Published: March 2021

International aid organizations are in the midst of a fundamental and monumental shift. Although more traditional metrics, like eliminating poverty, providing stable housing and advocating for personal safety, remain important pillars of non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofits, the size and scope of their service demands continue to expand.
Twin‐twin transfusion syndrome is associated with alterations in the metabolic profile of maternal plasma in early gestation: a pilot study
Authors: Yang Yang , Wen Li , Han Ting‐li , Zhang Lan , Fu Huijia , Gan Jie , Saffery Richard , Tong Chao , Li Junnan , Qi Hongbo , Baker Philip N. , Kilby Mark D.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) causes perinatal mortality and morbidity in monochorionic twins. The early recognition of and interventional therapy for TTTS is associated with a more favorable overall prognosis. However, the prediction by the use of ultrasound in the first trimester has relatively poor sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to identify metabolic biomarkers to aid in ultrasound screening of TTTS.

Methods

Maternal plasma was prospectively collected between 11 and 15 weeks of gestation in apparently uncomplicated monochorionic‐diamniotic twin pregnancies. This cohort was divided into: (i) patients who were subsequently diagnosed with TTTS by using ultrasound; (ii) uncomplicated matched controls. Metabolome was profiled by using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

Results

The levels of fatty acids, organic acids, oxaloacetic acid, and beta‐alanine were significantly lower in the TTTS maternal plasma at 11–15 weeks of gestation, and methionine and glycine were also higher (p < 0.05, FDR<0.12). Generally, in TTTS pregnancies, the metabolisms of amino acid, carbohydrate, cofactors, vitamins, and purine were “down‐regulated”; whereas bile secretion and pyrimidine metabolism were “upregulated.”

Conclusions

The metabolomics scanning of early gestation maternal plasma may identify those pregnancies that subsequently develop TTTS; in particular, downregulated fatty acid levels may be biologically plausible to be implicated in the pathogenesis of TTTS.
The da1 mutation in wheat increases grain size under ambient and elevated CO2 but not grain yield due to trade‐off between grain size and grain number
Authors: Mora‐Ramirez Isabel , Weichert Heiko , von Wirén Nicolaus , Frohberg Claus , de Bodt Stefanie , Schmidt Ralf‐Christian , Weber Hans
Published: March 2021

Why this research Matters

Grain size is potentially yield determining in wheat, controlled by the ubiquitin pathway and negatively regulated by ubiquitin receptor DA1. We analyzed whether increased thousand grain weight in wheat da1 mutant is translated into higher grain yield and whether additional carbon provided by elevated (e)CO2 can be better used by the da1, displaying higher grain sink strength and size. Yield‐related, biomass, grain quality traits, and grain dimensions were analyzed by two‐factorial mixed‐model analysis, regarding genotype and eCO2. da1 increased grain size but reduced spikes and grains per plant, grains per spike, and spikelets per spike, independent of eCO2 treatment, leaving total grain yield unchanged. eCO2 increased yield and grain number additively and independently of da1 but did not overcome the trade‐off between grain size and number observed for da1. eCO2 but not da1 impaired grain quality, strongly decreasing concentrations of several macroelement and microelement. In conclusion, intrinsic stimulation of grain sink strength and grain size, achieved by da1, is not benefitting total yield unless trade‐offs between grain size and numbers can be overcome. The results reveal interactions of yield components in da1‐wheat under ambient and eCO2, thereby uncovering limitations enhancing wheat yield potential.
Malononitrile‐involved Michael addition polymerization: An efficient and facile route for cyano‐rich polyesters with programmable thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Yang Xiaoxia , Xie Hongyan , Xu Zhiguang , Feng Jiabing , Fu Qiwei , Li Haidong , Jia Yongtang
Published: March 2021

An efficient, atom‐economic, oxygen‐tolerant, and water‐tolerant strategy has been established to synthesize cyano‐rich polyesters. Four kinds of organic bases, 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidine (TMG), 4‐dimethylaminopyridine, triethylamine, and 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) were explored for accelerating Michael addition polymerization of malononitrile and 1,4‐butandiol diacrylate. TMG can promote the polymerization efficiently under mild conditions to quantitatively afford polyester with high‐molecular weight and moderate polydispersity. The comparison of the kinetic studies of TMG and TBD reveals that TMG shows better catalytic performance, while the catalysis of TBD brings about oligomers in spite of the higher efficiency at early age of the polymerization. Moreover, other diacrylate compounds could also be quantitatively polymerized to afford polyesters with high molecular weight. When dimethacrylate is chose as the monomer, the polymerization becomes sluggish. All the afforded polyesters display programmable thermal and mechanical properties that are closely related to their chemical structures.