bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden in Plain Sight: Natural Products of Commensal Microbiota as an Environmental Selection Pressure for the Rise of New Variants of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Dragelj Jovan , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Ebrahimi Kourosh H.
Published: July 2021

Since the emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2, little attention has been paid to the interplay between the interaction of virus and commensal microbiota. Here, we used molecular docking and dynamics simulations to study the interaction of some of the known metabolites and natural products (NPs) produced by commensal microbiota with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV‐2. The results predict that NPs of commensal microbiota such as bile acids and non‐ribosomal peptides (NRPs), of which some are siderophores, bind to the wild‐type RBD and interfere with its binding to the ACE2 receptor. N501Y mutation, which is present in many of the emerging variants of the virus, abolishes the predicted binding pocket of bile acids and NRPs. Based on these findings, available experimental data showing that bile acids reduce the binding affinity of wild‐type RBD to the ACE2 receptor, and the data suggesting that the respiratory tract microbiota affect viral infection we put forward the following proposal: mutations such as N501Y enable the RBD to bind to the ACE2 receptor more effectively in the presence of NPs produced by the respiratory tract bacteria thereby, increasing the infectivity rate of the virus. We hope our data stimulate future works to better understand the interactions of NPs produced by commensal microbiota with respiratory viruses like SARS‐CoV‐2.
Causes and predictors of mortality after transcatheter mitral valve implantation in patients with severe mitral annulus calcification
Authors: Urena Marina , Lemann Thomas , Chong‐Nguyen Caroline , Brochet Eric , Ducrocq Grégory , Carrasco Jose‐Luis , Iung Bernard , Vahanian Alec , Himbert Dominique
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the causes and predictors of mortality after valve‐in‐mitral annulus calcification (MAC) transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI).

Background

Conventional surgical mitral valve replacement is associated with a high risk in patients with mitral valve disease associated with severe MAC. In this population, TMVI may be an attractive alternative option. However, its prognostic factors are poorly understood.

Methods

All patients undergoing valve‐in‐MAC TMVI from 2013 to 2018 in our center were included. Indication for TMVI relied on the judgment of the local heart team. Patients were followed at 30 days and 1 year.

Results

A total of 34 patients underwent valve‐in‐MAC TMVI. The mean age was 79 ± 11 years and 73% of patients were women. Their mean EuroSCORE 2 was 8 ± 7%. The transseptal approach was used in 79% of patients and a hybrid transatrial in 29%. Balloon expandable transcatheter heart valves were used in all the patients. Technical success was achieved in 76% of the patients. Thirty‐day and 1‐year all‐cause mortality rates were 14.7% and 32.4%, respectively. The main two causes of 1‐year mortality were congestive heart failure (8.8%) and infective endocarditis (5.9%). In multivariate analysis, the only predictor of 1‐year mortality was the presence of periprothetic mitral regurgitation grade 2 (HR, 5.69; 95%CI, 1.59–27.88, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Early and mid‐term mortality remains high after valve‐in‐MAC TMVI and seems to be associated with the presence of paravalvular mitral regurgitation. However, whether the latter is a prognostic factor or marker remains to be determined to improve clinical outcomes in this high‐risk population.
Development of a Route to the Most Active Nafronyl Stereoisomer by Coupling Asymmetric Synthesis and Chiral Chromatography Separation
Authors: Olbrycht Maksymilian , Bajek-Bil Agata , Balawejder Maciej , Poplewska Izabela , Piątkowski Wojciech , Antos Dorota
Published: July 2021

Nafronyl is a pharmaceutically active compound used as a drug ingredient. It occurs in form of four stereoisomers, with however different biological activities. A procedure for preparation of the most active stereoisomer of nafronyl was developed. The stereoselective synthesis was used to produce a pair of diastereoisomers, which included the target stereoisomer. The mixture obtained was then separated by chiral chromatography in a batch mode. The efficiency of the separation in a continuous mode in a classical simulated moving‐bed system was assessed. To improve the yield of the whole operation, the less active diastereoisomer was subjected to diastereoisomeric conversion, which delivered back the pair of diastereoisomers that could be recycled to the chromatographic separation.
Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Mono‐ and Bimetallic Lanthanide Tetraimido Sulfate S(NtBu)42− Complexes
Authors: Jung Jochen , Benner Florian , Herbst‐Irmer Regine , Demir Selvan , Stalke Dietmar
Published: July 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue are Selvan Demir and co‐worker from the Michigan State University at East Lansing, and Dietmar Stalke and co‐workers from the Georg‐August Universität at Göttingen. The image illustrates the first coordination of a tetraimido sulfate ligand via two of its nitrogen donors to a lanthanide ion producing mono‐ and bimetallic lanthanide complexes where specifically the dysprosium congeners, benefitting from the intrinsic oblate‐shaped electron density, feature single‐molecular magnet behavior as indicated by the observed slow magnetic relaxation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202101076.
Oncology patients' perception of physicians who use an integrated electronic health record (EHR) during clinic visits: PRIME‐EHR double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Haider Ali , Azhar Ahsan , Tanco Kimberson C. , Epner Margeaux , Naqvi Syed Mussadiq Ali Akber , Abdelghani Eman , Reddy Akhila , Dev Rony , Wu Jimin , Bruera Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients with cancer prefer and positively perceive physicians who communicate face‐to‐face without the use of a computer. However, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in the examination room remains a practical necessity. On the basis of existing literature, the authors developed and tested an integration model, PRIME‐EHR, that focuses on the best‐practice guidelines. To their knowledge, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to test the effectiveness of such models.

Methods

In this double‐blind, crossover RCT, 120 eligible patients with cancer were enrolled between April 1, 2019 and February 15, 2020 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The objectives were to compare patients' perceptions of physicians' skills and their overall preference after they watched 2 standardized, scripted video vignettes of physicians: 1 portraying the use of a standard EHR and the other portraying the use of a PRIME‐EHR. Actors and patients were blinded to the purpose of the study. Investigators were blinded to the sequence of videos watched by the patients. Validated questionnaires to rate physicians' compassion (0 = best, 50 = worst), communication skills (14 = poor, 70 = excellent), and professionalism (4 = poor, 20 = very good) were used.

Results

PRIME‐EHR, compared with the standard EHR, resulted in better scores for physician compassion (median score, 5 [interquartile range, 0‐10] vs 12 [interquartile range, 4‐25]; P = .0009), communication skills (median score, 69 [interquartile range, 63‐70] vs 61 [interquartile range, 50‐69]; P = .0026), and professionalism (median score, 20 [interquartile range, 18‐20] vs 18 [interquartile range, 14‐20]; P = .0058). The majority of patients preferred physicians who used PRIME‐EHR (n = 70 [77%] vs n = 21 [23%]; P < .0001).

Conclusions

The PRIME‐EHR approach significantly improved patients' perceptions of and preference for the physicians. This integrated model of health care delivery has the potential to improve communication and compassion in cancer care.
Spatial variation and disparity in female breast cancer relative survival in the United States
Authors: Fan Qinjin , Yao Xiaobai A. , Han Xuesong
Published: July 2021

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. However, data on spatial disparities in survival for breast cancer are limited in the country. This study estimated 5‐year relative survival (RS) of female breast cancer and examined the spatial variations across the contiguous United States.

Methods

Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003‐2010 in the United States were identified from the National Cancer Database and followed up through 2016. The crude 5‐year RS at the county level was estimated and adjusted for patients' key sociodemographic and clinical factors. To account for spatial effects, the RS estimates were smoothed using the Bayesian spatial survival model. A local spatial autocorrelation analysis with the Getis‐Ord Gi* statistics was applied to identify geographic clusters of low or high RS.

Results

Clusters of low RS were identified in more than 15 states covering 671 counties, mostly in the southeast and southwest regions, including Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Approximately 30% of these clusters can be explained by patients' characteristics: Race, insurance, and stage at diagnosis appeared to be the major attributable factors.

Conclusions

Significant spatial disparity in female breast cancer survival was found, with low RS clusters identified in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Policies and interventions that focus on serving Black women, improvements in insurance coverage, and early detection in these areas could potentially mitigate the spatial disparities.
Cocaine profiling method retrospectively developed with nontargeted discovery of markers using liquid chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry data
Authors: Carby‐Robinson Daniel , Dalsgaard Petur Weihe , Mollerup Christian Brinch , Linnet Kristian , Rasmussen Brian Schou
Published: July 2021

Illicit drug profiling performed by forensic laboratories assists law enforcement agencies through providing information about chemical and/or physical characteristics of seized specimens. In this article, a model was developed for the comparison of seized cocaine based on retrospective analysis of data generated from ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐TOF‐MS) comprehensive drug screening. A nontargeted approach to discover target compounds was employed, which generated 53 potential markers using data from cocaine positive samples. Twelve marker compounds were selected for the development of the final profiling model. The selection included a mixture of commonly used cocaine profiling targets and other cocaine‐related compounds. Combinations of pretreatments and comparison metrics were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves to determine the combination with the best discrimination between linked and unlinked populations. Using data from 382 linked and 34,519 unlinked distances, a classification model was developed using a combination of the standardization and normalization transformations with Canberra distance, resulting in a linked cut‐off with a 0.5% false positive rate. The present study demonstrates the applicability of retrospectively developing a cocaine profiling model using data generated from UHPLC‐TOF‐MS nontargeted drug screening without pre‐existing information about cocaine impurities. The developed workflow was not specific to cocaine and thus could potentially be applied to any seized drug in which there are both sufficient data and impurities present.
lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 regulates biological behaviors of cervical cancer by targeting miRNA‐1254
Authors: Liang Miao , Li Yongkang , Dai Tingting , Chen Cheng
Published: July 2021

Aim

The purpose of this research was to evaluate lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 in cervical cancer development and clinical significance.

Materials and methods

Collecting cervical cancer tissues, measuring FEZF1‐AS1 expression, and analysis correlation between FEZF1‐AS1 and prognosis. In cell vitro study, using MTT assay to measure cell proliferation, evaluating cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, measuring cell invasion and migration by Transwell and wound healing assay; lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 and miR‐1254 gene expressions were evaluated by RT‐qPCR assay; relative protein (Smurf1, E‐cadherin, Vimentin, N‐cadherin, AKT, p‐AKT, c‐Myc, and ZEB1) expressions were measured by Western blot assay. The correlation among FEZF1‐AS1, miR‐1254, and Smurf1 were analysis by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

By clinical analysis, lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 was high expression in cervical cancer tissues and high expression was closely correlated with poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. In vitro study, the SiHa and HeLa cell biologically including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of si‐FEZF1‐AS1 group which knockdown lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 were significantly depressed (p < .001, respectively). However, with miR‐1254 expression inhibiting, the cell biological activities were significantly increased in si‐FEZF1‐AS1+miRNA inhibitor groups (p < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 might be an oncological role in cervical cancer; lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 knockdown had antitumor effects with miR‐1254 activating in cervical cancer by in vitro study.
Estimating risk‐neutral freight rate dynamics: A nonparametric approach
Authors: Gómez‐Valle Lourdes , Kyriakou Ioannis , Martínez‐Rodríguez Julia , Nomikos Nikos K.
Published: July 2021

We present a new method for estimating the unobservable drift of the risk‐neutral spot freight rate process from Forward Freight Agreements (FFA) prices in the absence of a closed‐form solution and demonstrate robustness via numerical simulations. Moreover, we conduct empirical experiments involving estimation of standard parametric models and a nonparametric model using Baltic Exchange data. We find that our nonparametric approach yields the lowest FFA pricing errors across maturities. Finally, we estimate the market price of risk, analyze its behavior in‐sample and out‐of‐sample and observe that, when estimated using our nonparametric approach, it evolves consistently with the indices under study.
Contagion in Global Stock Markets during the COVID‐19 Crisis
Authors: Fu Shenze , Liu Chengkun , Wei Xinyang
Published: July 2021

The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) outbreak on global stock markets is investigated by analyzing the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the stock markets of 15 countries selected from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Using extremal dependence tests of contagion, it is found that contagion effects are widespread to global equity markets in four regions. Latin America and North America are highly exposed to contagion risks, followed by Europe, with Asia being least vulnerable. Based on the time window of the crisis severity index, it is found that Latin America is most likely to be affected. The results confirm that for countries with more severe epidemics, there are stronger contagion effects. Therefore, for the governing authorities of various countries, if they want to prevent the contagion of financial crises during the pandemic, strong and timely epidemic prevention measures are very necessary.
Resuming outpatient services during COVID times: Our approach and experience at India's apex institute
Authors: Sarda Radhika , Mattoo Bhawna , Kumar Arvind , H Vikas , Madaan Nirupam , Wig Naveet
Published: July 2021

Healthcare services have been severely strained and stressed coping with the rising burden of COVID‐19 patients. With the situation gradually worsening and the growing need to cater to Non‐COVID patients, we ventured to reopen the OPDs. This was to be implemented in a staggered manner. The backbone to this endeavour was the specialised screening and sampling OPD for healthcare workers which had been earlier established. We would like to share our two‐pronged approach in this unprecedented situation: establishment of a specialised screening and sampling clinic for healthcare workers and a high‐volume “Influenza‐like screening clinic” for the resumption of outpatient services.
Cluster analysis of health systems in Europe according to life expectancy at birth
Authors: Top Mehmet , Cinaroglu Songul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to group European countries according to life expectancy at birth and to determine the impact of economic growth and financial indicators on European country groups.

Method

This study planned and conducted by using life expectancy at birth time series, economic growth and financial development indicators data for the period of 1980 to 2015. European countries are classified in terms of life expectancy (LE) at birth time series data from 1980 to 2015 by using hierarchical clustering analysis method. Random Forest and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) algorithm was used to examine predictors of European country groups in terms of long‐term LE time series data by using economic growth and financial development indicators.

Results

The results of this study show that Eastern and Western countries are mostly in two different clusters in terms of long‐term LE time series. This study sheds light on the difference between Eurosceptic countries and other European countries. This study revealed that inflation in consumer prices, which is an indicator of economic growth, outperforms financial development indicators to predict country groups in terms of long‐term life expectancy at birth data.

Conclusion

Countries in the same cluster may have similar problems and solutions in their health care systems. Priority should be given to health problems that adversely affect the life expectancy of the countries in the same cluster in order to raise the quality of life and extend life expectancy in the European continent.
Hybrid adipose graft materials synthesized from chemically modified adipose extracellular matrix
Authors: Li Shue , Liu Yiming , McCann Jacob , Ravnic Dino J. , Gimble Jeffrey M. , Hayes Daniel J.
Published: July 2021

Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) from tissues is a promising biomaterial that can provide a complex 3D microenvironment capable of modulating cell response and tissue regeneration. In this study, we have integrated the decellularized thiolated adipose‐derived ECM, at different concentrations, with polyethylene glycol (PEG) using Michael addition between thiol and acrylate moieties. The potential for this material to support adipogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells was evaluated by encapsulating cells in hydrogels with increasing concentrations of chemically modified ECM (mECM). Our results demonstrated a positive correlation between the ECM content in the hydrogels and cell proliferation, adipogenic marker expression, and lipid formation and accumulation. Furthermore, we have shown host cell infiltration and enhanced adipogenesis in vivo after implantation. These findings support the graft as a potential alternative for adipose tissue regeneration.
Combined identification of lncRNA NONHSAG004550 and NONHSAT125420 as a potential diagnostic biomarker of perinatal depression
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Ming , Zhu Haiyan , Sun Liying , Yu Bin , Cui Xuelian
Published: July 2021

Background

Perinatal depression (PD) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and timely diagnosis and treatment are still challenging in China due to the scarcity of psychiatrists. This study aimed to investigate whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential diagnostic biomarkers of PD.

Methods

Using RT‐PCR, six downregulated major depressive disorder (MDD)‐associated lncRNAs (NONSUSG010267, NONHSAT140386, NONHSAG004550, NONHSAT125420, NONHSAG013606, and NONMMUG014361) were assessed in 39 pregnant women with PD (PD group), 20 PD patients undergoing mindfulness‐integrated cognitive behavior therapy (MiCBT) (treatment group (TG)), and 51 normal pregnant women (normal control (NC) group) to identify significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs during the second trimester and at 42 days postpartum.

Results

Compared with the NC group, the six lncRNAs were significantly downregulated in the PD group during the second trimester and at 42 days postpartum (p<0.01~0.001). Expression of NONHSAG004550 and NONHSAT125420 was significantly upregulated after MiCBT therapy in TG (p<0.01~0.001), and no significant differences were observed between TG and the NC group at 42 days postpartum (p>0.05). NONHSAG004550 and NONHSAT125420 were significantly differentially expressed in the PD group, and this expression was altered according to the amelioration of depressive symptoms. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the two lncRNAs combined had a good value in predicting PD, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.764 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.639–0.888).

Conclusion

The combination of lncRNAs NONHSAG004550 and NONHSAT125420 is a novel potential diagnostic biomarker of PD.
Use of cleaved wedge geometry for plan‐view transmission electron microscopy sample preparation
Authors: Palisaitis Justinas
Published: July 2021

A fast, convenient, and easy to perform method for preparing plan‐view transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens of brittle materials is proposed. The method is ideal for thin films/coatings and based on obtaining wedge‐shape geometries of the samples via conventional cutting and cleaving followed by gentle focused ion beam (FIB) milling to electron transparency. It enables multiple parallel windows for depth sectioning of the samples and facilitates FIB lift‐out procedure. The method has been successfully applied for preparing high‐quality plan‐view TEM samples for a range of films deposited on Si, SiC, and Al2O3 which significantly enhances throughput and reduces time at the FIB. The method further offers high success rate even for the novice, stable handling and reproducibility, which greatly widens the application of advanced plan‐view TEM studies in material science.
Young people’s experiences of a CDH1 pathogenic variant: Decision‐making about gastric cancer risk management
Authors: Hoskins Cass , Tutty Erin , Purvis Rebecca , Shanahan Mary , Boussioutas Alex , Forrest Laura
Published: July 2021

The most effective option for gastric cancer risk management in individuals with a CDH1 germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant (PV) in Australia is prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG). There is, however, increasing confidence in endoscopic surveillance as a risk management strategy thus affording individuals with a CDH1 PV with challenging decisions regarding their gastric cancer risk management. For young people, this decision‐making comes at a complex development stage of emerging and young adulthood. This study aims to explore the factors that influence young people's decision‐making about their gastric cancer risk management due to a CDH1 PV. Potential participants were identified and approached through the Parkville Familial Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Thematic analysis was used to interpret and analyze the data. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 13 people with a CDH1 PV aged 18 to 39 years, inclusive. The interviews found that participants’ familial and shared experiences of cancer and risk management, perceived tolerance of uncertainty, and desire for control over their cancer risk were fundamental in their decision‐making about their gastric cancer risk management. The participants’ young adult life stage was also deemed particularly important in decisions about the timing of PTG. The findings of this study are vital to inform decisional counseling discussions with this unique population.
Cycle threshold values in RT‐PCR to determine dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load: An approach to reduce the isolation period for COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Aranha Clara , Patel Vainav , Bhor Vikrant , Gogoi Dimpu
Published: July 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has affected all inhabited continents, and India is currently experiencing a devastating second wave of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). Here, we examined the duration of clearance of SARS‐CoV‐2 in respiratory samples from 207 infected cases by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). A substantial proportion of COVID‐19 positive cases with cycle threshold (Ct) values more than or equal to 31 (45.7%) were subsequently tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA within 7 days of initial detection of the viral load. A total of 60% of all the patients with COVID‐19, irrespective of their Ct values, cleared SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA within 14 days of the initial detection. Longitudinal assessment of RT‐PCR test results in individuals requiring 15–30 days to clear SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA showed a significant reduction of the viral load in samples with high or intermediate viral loads (Ct values ≤ 25 and between 26 and 30, respectively) but the follow‐up group with low viral RNA (Ct values ≥ 31) exhibited a stable viral load. Together, these results suggest that COVID‐19 positive cases with Ct values more than or equal to 31 require reduced duration to clear SARS‐CoV‐2, and thus, a shorter isolation period for this group might be considered to facilitate adequate space in the COVID Care Centres and reduce the burden on healthcare infrastructure.
Best Practices in Large Database Clinical Epidemiology Research in Hepatology: Barriers and Opportunities
Authors: Mahmud Nadim , Goldberg David S. , Bittermann Therese
Published: July 2021

With advances in computing and information technology, large health care research databases are becoming increasingly accessible to investigators across the world. These rich, population‐level data sources can serve many purposes, such as to generate “real‐world evidence,” to enhance disease phenotyping, or to identify unmet clinical needs, among others. This is of particular relevance to the study of patients with end‐stage liver disease (ESLD), a socioeconomically and clinically heterogeneous population that is frequently under‐represented in clinical trials. This review describes the recommended “best practices” in the execution, reporting, and interpretation of large database clinical epidemiology research in hepatology. The advantages and limitations of selected data sources are reviewed, as well as important concepts on data linkages. The appropriate classification of exposures and outcomes is addressed, and the strategies needed to overcome limitations of the data and minimize bias are explained as they pertain to patients with ESLD and/or liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Lastly, selected statistical concepts are reviewed, from model building to analytic decision making and hypothesis testing. The purpose of this review is to provide the practical insights and knowledge needed to ensure successful and impactful research using large clinical databases in the modern era and advance the study of ESLD and LT.
Lomerizine 2HCl inhibits cell proliferation and induces protective autophagy in colorectal cancer via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Tan Xiang‐Peng , He Yan , Huang Yun‐Na , Zheng Can‐Can , Li Jun‐Qi , Liu Qin‐Wen , He Ming‐Liang , Li Bin , Xu Wen‐Wen
Published: July 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies currently. Despite advances in drug development, the survival and response rates in CRC patients are still poor. In our previous study, a library comprised of 1056 bioactive compounds was used for screening of drugs that could suppress CRC. Lomerizine 2HCl, which is an approved prophylactic drug for migraines, was selected for our studies. The results of in vitro and in vivo assays suggested that lomerizine 2HCl suppresses cell growth and promotes apoptosis in CRC cells. Moreover, lomerizine 2HCl inhibits cell migration and invasion of CRC. RNA sequencing analysis and Western blotting confirmed that lomerizine 2HCl can inhibit cell growth, migration, and invasion through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and induces protective autophagy in CRC. Meanwhile, autophagy inhibition by 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) increases lomerizine 2HCl‐induced cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results imply that lomerizine 2HCl is a potential anticancer agent, and the combination of lomerizine 2HCl and autophagy inhibitors may serve as a novel strategy to increase the antitumor efficacy of agents in the treatment of CRC.
The dynamic analysis on a class of stochastic impulsive equations with doubly weighted pseudo almost automorphic coefficients on time scales
Authors: Zhu Ping
Published: July 2021

This paper is devoted to exploring the translation invariance and convolution invariance of doubly weighted pseudo almost automorphic stochastic processes with impulses on time scales. Based on these results, the existence and uniqueness of the doubly weighted pseudo almost automorphic solutions to a class of stochastic nonlinear impulsive equations on time scales are obtained by taking advantage of a new approach, which enrich the dynamics of doubly weighted pseudo almost automorphic stochastic processes. Finally, an example is researched to illustrate our conclusions.
Probabilistic feature extraction, dose statistic prediction and dose mimicking for automated radiation therapy treatment planning
Authors: Zhang Tianfang , Bokrantz Rasmus , Olsson Jimmy
Published: July 2021

Purpose

We propose a general framework for quantifying predictive uncertainties of dose‐related quantities and leveraging this information in a dose mimicking problem in the context of automated radiation therapy treatment planning.

Methods

A three‐step pipeline, comprising feature extraction, dose statistic prediction and dose mimicking, is employed. In particular, the features are produced by a convolutional variational autoencoder and used as inputs in a previously developed nonparametric Bayesian statistical method, estimating the multivariate predictive distribution of a collection of predefined dose statistics. Specially developed objective functions are then used to construct a probabilistic dose mimicking problem based on the produced distributions, creating deliverable treatment plans.

Results

The numerical experiments are performed using a dataset of 94 retrospective treatment plans of prostate cancer patients. We show that the features extracted by the variational autoencoder capture geometric information of substantial relevance to the dose statistic prediction problem and are related to dose statistics in a more regularized fashion than hand‐crafted features. The estimated predictive distributions are reasonable and outperforms a non–input‐dependent benchmark method, and the deliverable plans produced by the probabilistic dose mimicking agree better with their clinical counterparts than for a non‐probabilistic formulation.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that prediction of dose‐related quantities may be extended to include uncertainty estimation and that such probabilistic information may be leveraged in a dose mimicking problem. The treatment plans produced by the proposed pipeline resemble their original counterparts well, illustrating the merits of a holistic approach to automated planning based on probabilistic modeling.
Truthful Decentralized Blockchain Oracles
Authors: Cai Yuxi , Irtija Nafis , Tsiropoulou Eirini Eleni , Veneris Andreas
Published: July 2021

Blockchain systems rely on oracles to bridge external information to the decentralized applications residing in the systems. Astraea protocols are decentralized oracle designs utilizing majority‐voting mechanism to determine the oracle outcomes and/or rewards to voters. However, the voters are indifferent between voting through a single or multiple identities, as the potential rewards by the decentralized oracles grow linearly with the voters stakes. Additionally, the majority‐voting mechanism may facilitate herd behaviors among the voters, as the voters are rewarded only if they are in agreement with the majority outcomes. In this paper, a novel oracle protocol is introduced by proposing a peer prediction‐based scoring scheme along with non‐linear staking rules, aiming at extracting subjective data truthfully. Specifically, an incentive compatible scoring scheme is designed so that voters uniquely maximize their expected score by honest reporting. The voters are rewarded when their report achieves a relatively high score compared to the rest of the voters, as opposed to the existing schemes, where a reward is only given when they agree to the majority. Furthermore, a non‐linear stake scaling rule is proposed to discourage Sybil attacks. Detailed simulation results are presented to show the operation of the proposed oracle protocol and its improvement compared to indicative mechanisms proposed in the existing literature.
Guest‐selective gate‐opening by pore engineering of two‐dimensional Kagomè lattice porous coordination polymers
Authors: Bonneau Mickaele , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Otake Ken‐ichi , Tsuji Yukiko , Shimanaka Nanae , Lavenn Christophe , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: July 2021

Porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with pore decoration have been used as materials for excellent storage and separation functions. The cooperative properties of flexible PCPs can be utilized to achieve the separation of mixtures of gaseous molecules having highly similar properties. The key to efficient molecular recognition and separation lies in increasing the degrees of freedom of the structure without sacrificing the stability of the system. However, the mechanism study of such behavior is still scarce in the literature. Here, we focused on PCPs with two‐dimensional Kagomè lattice structures and functionalized the pores with various alkoxy pendant groups; this facilitated systematic tuning of the pore aperture size, the interlayer spacing, as well as the interactions between the host and adsorbed molecules. The combination of characterization techniques allowed us to observe a unique deformation of the lattice upon gas sorption, allowing the separation of gas molecules with similar physicochemical properties, such as propane and propylene.

Key points

Flexible porous coordination polymers (PCPs) can create an excellent mechanism for recognizing gases with very similar properties. Here, PCPs with a Kagomè framework, in which hexagonal (H) and triangular (T) pores are adjacent to each other, can achieve a high level of propylene/propane separation by controlling the cooperativity of the H‐T pores with ligand substituents.
Lidocaine infusions and reduced opioid consumption—Retrospective experience in pediatric hematology and oncology patients with refractory pain
Authors: Anghelescu Doralina L. , Morgan Kyle J. , Frett Michael J. , Wu Diana , Li Yimei , Han Yuanyuan , Hall Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite a more robust experience with lidocaine infusions for pain management in adults and general pediatric population, there is limited evidence of efficacy of lidocaine infusions for pain management in patients with pediatric hematology and oncology diagnoses.

Methods

Data pertaining to continuous intravenous lidocaine infusions prescribed between January 2009 and June 2019 were reviewed, including patients’ demographic characteristics, hematology/oncology and pain diagnoses, concurrent pain medications, and lidocaine infusion dose regimens and duration. Pain scores and opioid consumption calculations based on morphine equivalent doses (mg/kg/day) of patient‐controlled analgesia were collected 1 day before infusion (D1), during infusion (D2), and 1 day after infusion (D3).

Results

The mean opioid consumption on D3 was significantly lower than that on D2 (p = .01). The pain scores on D3 were significantly lower than those on D1 when measured as average pain scores per 24 hours (p < .001) or as single pain scores immediately before and after infusions (p < .001). No significant associations were found between cumulative doses of lidocaine (loading dose plus total infusion dose) and either a decrease in the opioid consumption or a decrease in pain scores.

Conclusions

In this retrospective series of pediatric hematology and oncology cases, we report positive outcomes in reducing opioid consumption and pain scores after lidocaine infusions. Prospective investigations designed in a collaborative, multi‐institutional fashion, including a variety of pediatric populations are needed to further investigate the efficacy of lidocaine infusions.
Bone health in long‐term survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. An assessment by peripheral quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Barr Ronald D. , Inglis Dean , Athale Uma , Jaworski Maciej , Farncombe Troy , Gordon Christopher L.
Published: July 2021

Background

Loss of bone mineral is a common concomitant of the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) due mainly to chemotherapy, especially with corticosteroids. Osteopenia/osteoporosis may be encountered long into survivorship. Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry is limited to two‐dimensionality and cannot distinguish trabecular from cortical bone.

Methods

A sample of 74 subjects, ages 13.5–38.3 years more than 10 years from diagnosis, underwent peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at metaphyseal (trabecular bone) and diaphyseal (cortical bone) sites in the radius and tibia. pQCT provides three‐dimensional assessment of bone geometry, density, and architecture.

Results

Average values in multiple metrics were similar to those in healthy individuals, but deficits in both trabecular and cortical bones were revealed by lower Z scores using an ethnically comparable sample of healthy individuals. Connectivity, a measure of bone architecture and a surrogate measure of bone strength, was lower in females than males. Survivors of standard‐risk ALL had greater connectivity in and more compact trabecular bone than high‐risk survivors who had received more intensive osteotoxic chemotherapy. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the metrics at any of the sites between subjects who had or had not a history of fracture, cranial irradiation, or use of a bisphosphonate.

Conclusions

These long‐term survivors of ALL have somewhat compromised bone health, but data in comparable healthy populations are limited. Longitudinal studies in larger and more ethnically diverse cohorts will provide greater insight into bone health in this vulnerable population.
Oxidant and antioxidant balance in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Aykac Kubra , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Yayla Burcu Ceylan Cura , Gurlevik Sibel Lacinel , Oygar Pembe Derin , Bolu Nuriye Boduc , Tasar Medine Aysin , Erdinc Fatma Sebnem , Ertem Gulay Tuncer , Neselioglu Salim , Erel Ozcan , Cengiz Ali Bülent , Ceyhan Mehmet
Published: July 2021

Background

A crucial balance exists between oxidant and antioxidant mechanisms in the functional immune system. We aimed to evaluate the contributions of balance between these systems to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a devastating pandemic caused by viral infection.

Method

We analyzed serum oxidant and antioxidant stress parameters according to the clinical and demographic characteristics of children and adults with COVID‐19 and compared them against the values of healthy controls. Serum native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), disulfide, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and ischemia‐modified albumin levels were evaluated and compared between groups.

Results

A total of 79 children and 74 adults were evaluated in the present study, including 46 children and 40 adults with COVID‐19, 33 healthy children, and 34 healthy adults. TT, NT, and disulfide levels were significantly lower in the adult COVID‐19 group than in all other groups (p = .001, p = .001, and p = .005, respectively). Additionally, TT and NT levels were significantly lower in both pediatric and adult COVID‐19 cases with severe disease course than mild/moderate course. TT and NT levels were identified as predictors for the diagnosis of the adult COVID‐19 cases and as independent predictors for disease severity in both children and adults with COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Parameters that reveal the oxidant and antioxidant capacity, including TT and NT, appear to be good candidates for the accurate prediction of the clinical course among patients with COVID‐19.
Digital tracheal intubation and finger palpation to confirm endotracheal tube tip position in neonates: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramaswamy Viraraghavan Vadakkencherry , Abiramalatha Thangaraj , Bandyopadhyay Tapas , Pullattayil S Abdul Kareem , Trevisanuto Daniele
Published: July 2021

Background

To evaluate digital tracheal intubation (DTI) when compared to laryngoscope‐assisted TI; finger palpation of endotracheal tube (ETT) tip position when compared to any standard method.

Design

A systematic review of Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL with synthesis of data using meta‐analysis was performed.

Main outcome measure

The proportion of successful TI and correct ETT tip positioning were the main outcome measures.

Results

Five studies (one observational study and four RCTs) enrolling 310 neonates were included. 94% (81%–98%) of the DTI were successful on the first attempt (certainty of evidence [CoE]: low). The proportion of successful intubation on the first attempt was higher with DTI when compared to laryngoscope‐assisted TI (RR 95% CI: 1.81 [1.18; 2.76]) (CoE: very low). Time to successful TI with DTI was 7.4 (95% CI: 6.3, 8.5) s (CoE: low). Time to successful TI was significantly shorter with DTI when compared to laryngoscope assisted TI (MD [95% CI]: −4.9 [−7.3, −2.4] s) (CoE: very low). There was a trend towards a higher proportion of correct ETT tip positions with finger palpation when compared to weight‐based formulae alone (RR 95% CI: 1.12 [0.96; 1.31]) (CoE: very low).

Conclusions

DTI and finger palpation to ascertain ETT tip position in neonates are promising strategies. Future studies with emphasis on their learning trajectory and generalizability are needed.
Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis among refugees and asylum seekers from war‐torn countries
Authors: Lavie Moran , Maymon Dror , Diamant Nir , Cahal Michal , Be'er Moria , Besor Omri , Lahat Sharon , Amirav Israel
Published: July 2021

Background

Bronchiolitis is a prominent illness in children with a high burden in the developing world. Our objective was to assess bronchiolitis severity among infants and toddlers of refugees and asylum seekers who fled from developing countries with high disease burden to a developed country.

Study Design

A retrospective cohort comparative‐group study of children 0–24 months of age who were admitted with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis to a tertiary university‐affiliated medical center during 2009–2017. The refugees and asylum seekers (study group) were mostly from war‐torn African countries, and the control group was comprised of children from Israel (controls), a developed country. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS), and the secondary outcomes were nutritional support and disease characteristics.

Results

A total of 185 patients were included (92 refugees and 93 controls). The mean LOS was higher for the former compared to the latter (4.7 ± 3.2 vs. 3.5 ± 2 days, respectively, p = .004). More hospitalized refugees required nutritional support compared to controls (48% vs. 24%, respectively, p = .002). No differences were found in vital signs, physical findings and symptoms, laboratory results, or complications.

Conclusions

Refugees and asylum seekers from developing countries presented with a longer RSV bronchiolitis disease course and required more nutritional support compared to their Israeli counterparts. This may suggest a more severe disease.
Impact of nonpharmacological COVID‐19 interventions in hospitalizations for childhood pneumonia in Brazil
Authors: Friedrich Frederico , e Garcia Laura de Castro , Petry Lucas Montiel , Pieta Marina Puerari , Carvalho Gustavo Eggers , Zocche Giovani , Ongaratto Renata , Lumertz Magali Santos , Brum Marcos , Stein Renato T. , Scotta Marcelo C. , Jones Marcus Herbert , Pinto Leonardo Araújo
Published: July 2021

Background and Objective

The knowledge about the impact of the nonpharmacological measures to control the COVID‐19 pandemic can give insight into ways in which they can also be applied for other respiratory diseases. To assess the impact of containment measures of the COVID‐19 pandemic on pneumonia hospitalizations in children from 0 to 14 years of age in Brazil.

Methods

Data from hospital admissions for pneumonia were obtained from the Department of Informatics of Brazilian Public Health System database in the period of 2015–2020 and analyzed by macroregions and age groups. To evaluate the effect of containment measures, on the incidence of pneumonia, the absolute reduction and relative reduction were calculated by analyzing the subsets 2015‐2019 vs. 2020.

Results

Comparing the subsets of April–August 2015–2019 vs. April–August 2020 for Brazil (total), there was an significant reduction in the average incidence of hospitalizations, with numbers ranging from −82% [IRR 0.17 (0.14–0.21)] for <4 years (prepandemic 741.8/100,000 vs. pandemic 132.7/100.000), −83% [IRR 0.17 (0.10–0.27)] for 5–9 years (prepandemic 113.6/100,000 vs. pandemic 19.6/100.000), −77% [IRR 0.23 (0.11–0.46)] for 10–14 (prepandemic 42.0/100,000 vs. pandemic 9.8/100.000) and −82% [IRR 0.18 (0.15–0.21)] for all children ≤14 years (prepandemic 897.4/100,000 vs. pandemic 162.1/100.000).

Conclusion

We found a significant decrease in cases of all cause pneumonia in children under 14 years and especially in the age group <9 years during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which may be associated with the nonpharmacological measures applied to control the SARS‐CoV‐2.
Guitarras on the Rise: Framing Youth Sierreño Bands as Translingual Ingenuity
Authors: de los Ríos Cati V.
Published: July 2021

Music remains a fundamental aspect of sociocultural traditions and environments. In this article, I explore a sierreño band of translingual youth artists and their appropriation of norteño music in their designing of new forms of expression. Employing the concept of communities of practice, I examine three youth musicians’ experiences as members of a grupo sierreño (sierreño band) to highlight the nature of learning, sharing, and collaborative cultural action taking place in the membership of this collective. I use translingual literacy and translanguaging as sociocultural frames for understanding how the focal bilingual youth leverage their full semiotic and linguistic repertoires for productive musical and cultural practice and literacy. Drawing from ethnographic methods, the findings highlight the translingual ingenuity and power of the focal youth musicians as active agents in the construction of their musical and linguistic lives and their families’ financial stability through the formation of their own creative translingual economy. Attending to these cultural activities can shed light on how transnational and translingual young people negotiate and make decisions, sophisticatedly employ literacies to communicate and solve problems, and come to make sense of their social worlds. Thoughtfully considering the musicality of young people can help educators better understand them as agentic constructors of their own creative capacities, skills, knowledge, and cultural lifeworlds.