bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic analysis of primary colorectal carcinomas and their metastases identifies potential microbial risk factors
Authors: Marongiu Luigi , Landry Jonathan J. M. , Rausch Tobias , Abba Mohammed L. , Delecluse Susanne , Delecluse Henri‐Jacques , Allgayer Heike
Published: July 2021

The paucity of microbiome studies at intestinal tissues has contributed to a yet limited understanding of potential viral and bacterial cofactors of colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis or progression. We analysed whole‐genome sequences of CRC primary tumours, their corresponding metastases and matched normal tissue for sequences of viral, phage and bacterial species. Bacteriome analysis showed Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus sanguinis, F. Hwasookii, Anaerococcus mediterraneensis and further species enriched in primary CRCs. The primary CRC of one patient was enriched for F. alocis, S. anginosus, Parvimonas micra and Gemella sp. 948. Enrichment of Escherichia coli strains IAI1, SE11, K‐12 and M8 was observed in metastases together with coliphages enterobacteria phage φ80 and Escherichia phage VT2φ_272. Virome analysis showed that phages were the most preponderant viral species (46%), the main families being Myoviridae, Siphoviridae and Podoviridae. Primary CRCs were enriched for bacteriophages, showing five phages (Enterobacteria, Bacillus, Proteus, Streptococcus phages) together with their pathogenic hosts in contrast to normal tissues. The most frequently detected, and Blast‐confirmed, viruses included human endogenous retrovirus K113, human herpesviruses 7 and 6B, Megavirus chilensis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), with one patient showing EBV enrichment in primary tumour and metastases. EBV was PCR‐validated in 80 pairs of CRC primary tumour and their corresponding normal tissues; in 21 of these pairs (26.3%), it was detectable in primary tumours only. The number of viral species was increased and bacterial species decreased in CRCs compared with normal tissues, and we could discriminate primary CRCs from metastases and normal tissues by applying the Hutcheson t‐test on the Shannon indices based on viral and bacterial species. Taken together, our results descriptively support hypotheses on microorganisms as potential (co)risk factors of CRC and extend putative suggestions on critical microbiome species in CRC metastasis.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Childhood Arthritis Limited Examination: A Comprehensive, Reliable, Time‐Efficient Assessment of Synovitis
Authors: Vega‐Fernandez Patricia , Ting Tracy V. , Oberle Edward J. , McCracken Courtney , Figueroa Janet , Altaye Mekibib , Cassedy Amy , Kaeley Gurjit S. , Roth Johannes ,   for the CARRA Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Workgroup
Published: July 2021

Objective

To develop and initially validate a comprehensive pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) joint‐specific scoring system, and to determine the minimum number of joints needed to identify active disease.

Methods

A semiquantitative scoring system was developed by consensus and initially validated by interrater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Subsequently, newly diagnosed juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients with an active joint count of >4 had a 42‐joint MSUS performed at baseline and 3 months using this protocol. A minimum set of joints needed to identify all patients with synovitis on MSUS was obtained through a data reduction process. Spearman's correlation (rs) was calculated to determine the association between MSUS findings and clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score in 10 joints (cJADAS10). Standardized response means (SMRs) were used to assess change over time.

Results

The final joint‐specific scoring system revealed an excellent interrater reliability (ICC 0.81–0.96) for all joints. Thirty patients were enrolled. Scanning 5 joints bilaterally (wrists, second and third metacarpophalangeal joints, knees and ankles) captured 100% of children with B‐mode synovitis and had moderate correlation with the cJADAS10 at baseline (rs = 0.45). Mean ultrasound scores at baseline and follow‐up were 28.3 and 22.3, with an SRM of 0.69 (P = 0.002) for 42 joints, and 36 and 27.7, with an SRM of 0.76 (P = 0.003) for the reduced joints, respectively.

Conclusion

A limited MSUS examination called musculoskeletal ultrasound in childhood arthritis limited examination (MUSICAL) captures all patients with active synovitis, and our new joint‐specific scoring system is highly reliable and sensitive to change.
Comparison of Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computerized Adaptive Testing Versus Fixed Short Forms in Juvenile Myositis
Authors: Patel Ruchi N. , Esparza Valeria G. , Lai Jin‐Shei , Gray Elizabeth L. , Reeve Bryce B. , Chang Rowland W. , Cella David , Ardalan Kaveh
Published: July 2021

Objective

Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures can be administered via computerized adaptive testing (CAT) or fixed short forms (FSFs), but the empirical benefits of CAT versus FSFs are unknown in juvenile myositis (JM). The present study was undertaken to assess whether PROMIS CAT is feasible, precise, correlated with FSFs, and less prone to respondent burden and floor/ceiling effects than FSFs in JM.

Methods

Patients 8–17 years of age (self‐report and parent proxy) and parents of patients 5–7 years of age (only parent proxy) completed PROMIS fatigue, pain interference, upper extremity function, mobility, anxiety, and depressive symptoms measures. Pearson correlations, paired t‐tests, and Cohen's d were calculated between PROMIS CAT and FSFs. McNemar's test assessed floor/ceiling effects between CAT and FSFs. Precision and respondent burden were examined across the T score range.

Results

Data from 67 patient–parent dyads were analyzed. CAT and FSF mean scores did not significantly differ except in parent proxy anxiety and fatigue (effect size 0.23 and 0.19, respectively). CAT had less pronounced floor/ceiling effects at the less symptomatic extreme in all domains except self‐report anxiety. Increased item burden and higher SEs were seen in less symptomatic scorers for CAT. Modified stopping rules limiting CAT item administration did not decrease precision.

Conclusion

PROMIS CAT appears to be feasible and correlated with FSFs. CAT had less pronounced floor/ceiling effects, allowing detection of individual differences in less symptomatic patients. Modified stopping rules for CAT may decrease respondent burden. CAT can be considered for long‐term follow‐up of JM patients.
Szalavitz's harm‐reduction history a must‐read for the field
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

Maia Szalavitz is often viewed as an enemy of treatment. Her frequent outspoken criticism of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, mainly on social media, make the field cautious about her. But in fact, her solid reporting and journalism make Undoing Drugs, her new book on the history of harm reduction and the connection to addiction, essential reading, especially for treatment providers. At a time when books about SUDs, especially about opioids and especially by people who previously had opioid use disorder (OUD), are flooding the market, it's a pleasure to read one that is so well informed.
Recovery‐informed theory: Make room for experience
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

In “Interdisciplinary Expansions: Applying Recovery‐Informed Theory to Interdisciplinary Areas of Recovery Science Research,” Jessica M. McDaniel and colleagues write that recovery science needs to be expanded to understand how people with substance use disorders (SUDs) get better.
Psychiatric disorders in individuals with neurofibromatosis 1 in Denmark: A nationwide register‐based cohort study
Authors: Kenborg Line , Andersen Elisabeth W. , Duun‐Henriksen Anne Katrine , Jepsen Jens R. M. , Doser Karoline , Dalton Susanne O. , Bidstrup Pernille E. , Krøyer Anja , Frederiksen Line E. , Johansen Christoffer , Østergaard John R. , Hove Hanne , Sørensen Sven Asger , Riccardi Vincent M. , Mulvihill John J. , Winther Jeanette F.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the risks of psychiatric disorders in a large cohort of 905 individuals with NF1 and 7614 population comparisons matched on sex and year of birth. The cohort was linked to the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register to ascertain information on hospital contacts for psychiatric disorders based on the International Classification of Diseases version 8 and 10. The hazard ratio (HR) for a first psychiatric hospital contact was higher in girls (4.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.81–9.69) and boys with NF1 (5.02, 95% CI 3.27–7.69) <7 years of age than in the population comparisons. Both sexes had increased HRs for developmental disorders, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disabilities in childhood. Females with NF1 had also increased HRs for unipolar depression, other emotional and behavioral disorders, and severe stress reaction and adjustment disorders in early adulthood. The HRs for psychoses, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and substance abuse were similar in individuals with NF1 and the population comparisons. Finally, the cumulative incidence of a first hospital contact due to any psychiatric disorder by age 30 years was 35% (95% CI 29–41) in females and 28% (95% CI 19–37) in males with NF1. Thus, screening for psychiatric disorders may be important for early diagnosis and facilitation of appropriate and effective treatment in individuals with NF1.
Population level comparisons in central Mexico using cranial nonmetric traits
Authors: Meza‐Peñaloza Abigail , Zertuche Federico , Morehart Christopher
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We study the genetic diversity between Classic Teotihuacan and its neighboring towns trying to understand how far or close they are at the genetic level.

Materials and methods

We use cranial nonmetric traits to study a sample of 280 adult skulls from archaeological sites running from the late Preclassic to the early Postclassic. Samples of Classic Teotihuacan were studied for La Ventilla and San Sebastián Xolalpan neighbors. For the Epiclassic period, samples from Xaltocan, Toluca valley, Mogotes and Xico were used. For the Preclassic and Postclassic samples from Xico were also used. We used a parametric bootstrap for the mean measure of divergence for the statistical analysis.

Results

Samples from Xico have small biodistance from Preclassic to Postclassic. Samples from Los Mogotes differ depending on the functional context of deposition, with individuals from household burials (funerary) differing from non‐funerary, ceremonial interments and exhibiting affinities to Epiclassic samples from Toluca valley. Epiclassic populations from Xaltocan vary significantly from any samples analyzed. Samples from Classic period Teotihuacan vary considerably among them but form a separate genetic group from all the other populations under study.

Conclusions

The great biodistance separation among Classic Teotihuacan and its neighbor villages of central Mexico let us conclude that, contrary from the classical idea that those villages were confirmed by the inhabitants of Teotihuacan's collapse: They indeed remain as separate populations by themselves.
Paraspinal desmoid fibromatosis after lumbar epidural analgesia
Authors: Remedios E. , Sommerfield D. , Fellingham W. , Powers N. , Stannage K. , Hii J.W.S.
Published: July 2021

A 14‐year‐old girl with cerebral palsy presented for bilateral lower limb surgery for spasticity. A lumbar epidural catheter was sited under general anaesthesia on the third attempt and used intra‐operatively with good effect. A local anaesthetic infusion was used for postoperative analgesia but was noted to be leaking under the dressing with a patchy, unilateral block. The catheter was therefore removed on the second postoperative day. Following discharge, the patient progressively developed new back and leg pain for which she was re‐admitted seven weeks later. This was investigated and initially thought to be myositis of the erector spinae muscles on magnetic resonance imaging. When the patient failed to respond to treatment, a muscle biopsy demonstrated desmoid fibromatosis. Trauma may cause or accelerate the development of desmoid fibromatosis, which has also been theorised to arise from scar tissue in previously injured areas. We hypothesise that challenging epidural placement or the leakage of the local anaesthetic agent into the surrounding muscular tissue, inducing local myonecrosis, could have been the triggering or accelerating event in tumour development. This may be the first reported case of extra‐abdominal desmoid fibromatosis in association with epidural placement.
Application of Janus Magnetic Nanoparticle Fe3O4@SiN functionalized with beta‐cyclodextrin in thymol drug delivery procedure: An in vitro study
Authors: Taherkhani Ali , Fazli Hossein , Taherkhani Farid
Published: July 2021

In this work, a novel drug delivery system was developed for thymol. Thymol is an herbal medicine that has low chemical reactivity. The drug delivery platform was Janus Magnetic Nanoparticle. The carrier's core‐shell structure was Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4) as core and thin layer SiO2 (SiN) as a shell. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using the co‐precipitation method. A thin layer of SiO2 was covered on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The whole Janus magnetic nanoparticle, Fe3O4@SiN, was functionalized with beta‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and used as a drug delivery platform. The binding between thymol and the Fe3O4@SiN/β‐CD was made possible through bipolar‐bipolar and hydrogen bonding. The structure, magnetic behavior, and applicability of Fe3O4@SiN for drug delivery purposes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) indicated that the Fe3O4@SiN has a weak ferromagnetic behavior (Hc = 65.748G) at temperature 300 K and a permeability of 35.759 × 10−3 emu gG−1. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the particle size of Fe3O4@SiN is 40 nm. Finally, the Fe3O4@SiN/β‐CD was successfully applied to simulated body fluid.
The genetic structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 is consistent with both natural or laboratory origin: Response to Tyshkovskiy and Panchin (10.1002/bies.202000325)
Authors: Deigin Yuri , Segreto Rossana
Published: July 2021

Tyshkovskiy and Panchin have recently published a commentary on our paper in which they outline several “points of disagreement with the Segreto/Deigin hypothesis.” As our paper is titled “The genetic structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 does not rule out a laboratory origin,” points of disagreement should provide evidence that rules out a laboratory origin. However, Tyshkovskiy and Panchin provide no such evidence and instead attempt to criticize our arguments that highlight aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 that could be consistent with the lab leak hypothesis. Strikingly, Tyshkovskiy and Panchin's main point of criticism is based on a false premise that we have claimed RaTG13 to be a direct progenitor of SARS‐CoV‐2, and their other points of criticism are either not valid, based on flawed mathematical analysis, or are unrelated to our hypotheses. Thus, the genetic structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 remains consistent with both natural or laboratory origin, which means that both the zoonotic and the lab leak hypothesis need to be investigated equally thoroughly.
Regression models for order‐of‐addition experiments
Authors: Piepho Hans‐Peter , Williams Emlyn R.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of order‐of‐addition (OofA) experiments is to identify the best order in a sequence ofmcomponents in a system. Such experiments may be analyzed by various regression models, the most popular ones being based on pairwise ordering (PWO) factors or on component‐position (CP) factors. This paper reviews these models and extensions and proposes a new class of models based on response surface (RS) regression using component position numbers as predictor variables. Using two published examples, it is shown that RS models can be quite competitive. In case of model uncertainty, we advocate the use of model averaging for analysis. The averaging idea leads naturally to a design approach based on a compound optimality criterion assigning weights to each candidate model.
A MUCINs expression signature impacts overall survival in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Meng Hui , Jiang Xuewen , Huang Huangwei , Shen Neng , Guo Changsheng , Yu Chunxiao , Yin Gang , Wang Yu
Published: July 2021

Background

Kidney cancer, especially clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), is one of the most common cancers in the urinary system. Previous studies suggested that certain members of MUCINs could serve as independent predictors for the survival of ccRCC patients. None of them, however, is robust enough to predict prognosis accurately.

Objective

To analyze the correlation of MUCINs alterations and their expression levels with the prognosis of ccRCC patients and develop a prognosis‐related predictor.

Methods

We applied whole‐exome sequencing in samples from 22 Chinese ccRCC patients to identify genetic alterations in MUCIN genes and analyzed their genetic alterations, expression, and correlation with survival using the TCGA, GSE73731, and GSE29069 datasets.

Result

Genetic alternations in MUCINs were identified in 91% and 51% of ccRCC patients in our cohort and the TCGA database, respectively. No correlation with survival was found for the genetic alterations. Using unsupervised clustering analysis of gene expression, we identified two major clusters of MUCIN expression patterns. Cluster 1 was characterized by a global overexpression of MUC1, MUC12, MUC13, MUC16, and OVGP1; and cluster 2 was characterized by a global overexpression of MUC4, MUC5B, MUC6, MUC20, EMCN, and MCAM. Patients with cluster 1 expression pattern had significantly shorter overall survival time and worse clinical features, including higher tumor grades and metastasis. Meanwhile, they had a higher level of mutation counts and more infiltrated immune cells, but lower enrichment in angiogenesis signature genes. A five‐MUCINs expression signature was constructed from cluster 1, and notably, it was demonstrated to be associated with shorter overall survival. A similar worse clinical feature, lower angiogenesis but the more immune signature, was identified in samples presented with signature 1. In the validation data set GSE29069, patients with signature 1 were also associated with a trend of poor survival outcomes.

Conclusion

We established a five‐MUCINs expression signature as a new prognostic marker for ccRCC. The distinct tumor microenvironment feature between the two signatures may further affect ccRCC patients’ clinical management.
Association of abdominal muscle area and density with glucose regulation: The multi‐ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Gold Rebecca S. , Unkart Jonathan T. , Larsen Britta A. , Price Candice A. , Cless Mallory , Araneta Maria Rosario G. , Allison Matthew A.
Published: July 2021

Aims

Previous characterisation of body composition as a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factor has largely focused on adiposity, but less is known about the independent role of skeletal muscle. We examined associations between abdominal muscle and measures of glucose regulation.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of 1,891 adults enrolled in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Multivariable regression assessed associations between abdominal muscle area and density (measured by computed tomography) with fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and prevalent T2DM (fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or medication use).

Results

In minimally adjusted models (age, sex, race/ethnicity, income), a 1‐SD increment in abdominal muscle area was associated with higher HOMA‐IR (β = 0.20 ± SE 0.03; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.25; P < 0.01) and odds of T2DM (OR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.18, 1.84; P < 0.01), while higher density was associated with lower fasting glucose (−4.49 ± 0.90; −6.26, −2.72; P < 0.01), HOMA‐IR (−0.16 ± 0.02; −0.20, −0.12; P < 0.01), and odds of T2DM (0.64; 0.52, 0.77; P < 0.01). All associations persisted after adjustment for comorbidities and health behaviours. However, after controlling for height, BMI, and visceral adiposity, increasing muscle area became negatively associated with fasting glucose (−2.23 ± 1.01; −4.22, −0.24; P = 0.03), while density became positively associated with HOMA‐IR (0.09 ± 0.02; 0.05, 0.13; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Increasing muscle density was associated with salutary markers of glucose regulation, but associations inverted with further adjustment for body size and visceral adiposity. Conversely, after full adjustment, increasing muscle area was associated with lower fasting glucose, suggesting some patients may benefit from muscle‐building interventions.
Inventory of the benthic eukaryotic diversity in the oldest European lake
Authors: Wilden Benjamin , Traunspurger Walter , Geisen Stefan
Published: July 2021

We have profound knowledge on biodiversity on Earth including plants and animals. In the recent decade, we have also increased our understanding on microorganisms in different hosts and the environment. However, biodiversity is not equally well studied among different biodiversity groups and Earth's systems with eukaryotes in freshwater sediments being among the least known. In this study, we used high‐throughput sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene to investigate the entire diversity of benthic eukaryotes in three distinct habitats (littoral sediment and hard substrate, profundal sediment) of Lake Ohrid, the oldest European lake. Eukaryotic sequences were dominated by annelid and arthropod animals (54% of all eukaryotic reads) and protists (Ochrophyta and Ciliophora; together 40% of all reads). Eukaryotic diversity was 15% higher in the deep profundal than on either near‐surface hard substrates or littoral sediments. The three habitats differed in their taxonomic and functional community composition. Specifically, heterotrophic organisms accounted for 92% of the reads in the profundal, whereas phototrophs accounted for 43% on the littoral hard substrate. The profundal community was the most homogeneous, and its network was the most complex, suggesting its highest stability among the sampled habitats.
The role of anthropogenic dispersal in shaping the distribution and genetic composition of a widespread North American tree species
Authors: Wyatt Graham E. , Hamrick J. L. , Trapnell Dorset W.
Published: July 2021

Dispersal and colonization are among the most important ecological processes for species persistence as they allow species to track changing environmental conditions. During the last glacial maximum (LGM), many cold‐intolerant Northern Hemisphere plants retreated to southern glacial refugia. During subsequent warming periods, these species expanded their ranges northward. Interestingly, some tree species with limited seed dispersal migrated considerable distances after the LGM ~19,000 years before present (YBP). It has been hypothesized that indigenous peoples may have dispersed valued species, in some cases beyond the southern limits of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. To investigate this question, we employed a molecular genetics approach on a widespread North American understory tree species whose fruit was valued by indigenous peoples. Twenty putative anthropogenic (near pre‐Columbian habitations) and 62 wild populations ofAsimina triloba(pawpaw), which produces the largest edible fruit of any North American tree, were genetically assayed with nine microsatellite loci. Putative anthropogenic populations were characterized by reduced genetic diversity and greater excess heterozygosity relative to wild populations. Anthropogenic populations in regions that were glaciated during the LGM had profiles consistent with founder effects and reduced gene flow, and shared rare alleles with wild populations hundreds of kilometers away (mean = 723 km). Some of the most compelling evidence for human‐mediated dispersal is that putative anthropogenic and wild populations sharing rare alleles were separated by significantly greater distances (mean = 695 km) than wild populations sharing rare alleles (mean = 607 km;p = .014). Collectively, the genetic data suggest that long‐distance dispersal played an important role in the distribution of pawpaw and is consistent with the hypothesized role of indigenous peoples.
Presence of active myocarditis at the 6 month follow‐up appointment for a severe form of COVID‐19: a case report
Authors: Meyer Maxence , Vogel Thomas , Meyer Anita , Constancias Florentin , Porter Louise F. , Kaltenbach Georges , Schmitt Elise , Chayer Saïd , Zeyons Floriane , Riou Marianne , Fafi‐Kremer Samira , Velay Aurélie , El Ghannudi Soraya
Published: July 2021

Here, we present the case of an 81‐year‐old male patient, who was hospitalized for a severe form of COVID‐19. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) performed 1 month after symptom onset was normal. Respiratory evolution was favourable, and the patient was discharged at Day 78. At 6 months, despite a good functional recovery, he presented pulmonary sequelae, and the TTE revealed a clear reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and mild LV dilatation without cardiac symptoms. The cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using Lake Louise Criteria (LLC), T1 and T2 mapping showed focal infero‐basal LV wall oedema, elevated T1 and T2 myocardial relaxation times especially in basal inferior and infero‐lateral LV walls, and sub‐epicardial late gadolinium enhancement in those LV walls. The diagnosis of active myocarditis was raised especially based on TTE abnormalities and CMR LLC, T1 and T2 mapping. Currently, we are not aware of published reports of a 6 month post‐COVID‐19 active myocarditis.
Efficient Synthesis of tert‐Butyl 2,4‐Dialkynylated and 2‐Alkynylated‐4‐Arylated‐1H‐Imidazole‐1‐Carboxylate via Regioselective Sonogashira Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Jismy Badr , El Qami Abdelkarim , Jacquemin Johan , Guillot Regis , Tikad Abdellatif , Abarbri Mohamed
Published: July 2021

An efficient regioselective cross‐coupling reactions of tert‐butyl 2,4‐dibrominated‐5‐methyl‐1H‐imidazole‐1‐carboxylate is reported. This new synthetic route runs under simple and mild conditions and selectively gives an easy access to 2,4‐dialkynylated and 2‐alkynylated‐4‐arylated‐1H‐imidazole‐1‐carboxylate in good to excellent yields.
Automated Fabrication of Perovskite Photovoltaics Using Inkjet Printing and Intense Pulse Light Annealing
Authors: Ghahremani Amir H. , Ratnayake Dilan , Sherehiy Andriy , Popa Dan O. , Druffel Thad
Published: July 2021

Rapid chemistry and processing development has increased the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in an unprecedented manner, yet postdeposition annealing impedes high‐throughput manufacturing. Herein, SnO2 and carbon charge transport films are fabricated entirely through an integrated robotic setup utilizing inkjet printing and intense pulse light (IPL) as a high‐speed postprocess annealing method; hence, process optimization is crucial for successful fabrication of PSCs. This work investigates the role of inkjet deposition parameters as well as IPL annealing on the morphology and uniformity of films with aid of spectroscopy and spectrophotometry. Initially PSCs exceeding 13% efficiency are developed by only fabricating the SnO2 film through the robotic setup, but spin coating all other films followed by IPL annealing to demonstrate successful fabrication of SnO2 layer. Finally, SnO2 and carbon back contact films are entirely fabricated through the integrated robotic setup in a high humid ambient environment (>60%), resulting in PSCs exceeding 5% efficiency. Unlike successful direct annealing of SnO2 wet films, IPL annealing of wet carbon severely damaged the phase and morphology necessitating rapid solvent removal before IPL annealing. This work establishes pioneering steps towards utilizing IPL in an entirely automated fabrication line, allowing for scalable fabrication of PSCs through non‐roll‐to‐roll.
Peak to average power ratio alleviation by utilizing swarm intelligence along with machine learning for multiple input multiple output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing based underwater acoustic communication system
Authors: Banoori Farhad , Shi Jinglun , Arshad Jehangir , Han Ruiyan , Usman Muhammad
Published: July 2021

An underwater acoustic (UWA) network uses multiple input multiple output‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO‐OFDM) to achieve high data rate with high amplitude that results in terms of augmented peak to average power ratio (PAPR). This significant PAPR deemed as a stumbling block to degrade the performance of MIMO‐OFDM in UWA communication by causing nonlinear distortion within the high‐power amplifier (HPA). While PAPR mitigation techniques have been suggested for the single input single output UWA case, there has been limited research work on controlling the PAPR dilemma in the MIMO‐OFDM UWA case. To address this flaw, this article proposes a modified behavior of the artificial bee colony algorithm at the transmission end, which is further cross‐verified using machine learning techniques. The simulation results show that the proposed technique outperforms current state‐of‐the‐art PAPR diminishing methods, which is further enhanced in accordance with varying neuron counts and population size. Following that, we also analyzed and compared energy efficiency and performance gain of our proposed technique along with various advanced techniques. Furthermore, a desirable ratio between new and trained data was obtained to improve network efficiency by keeping PAPR values low.
Age and tectonic setting of Neoproterozoic gneissic granites in the southern Yili Block (NW China) and implications for the origins of the continental blocks in SW Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Sun Zhaochen , Wang Bo , Liu Jiashuo , Ni Xinghua , Song Fang
Published: July 2021

Several ribbon‐like continental fragments with Precambrian basement were wrapped within Palaeozoic accretionary complexes in the southwest Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Their origins and tectonic evolution are essential for understanding the accretionary orogeny of the CAOB and crustal growth versus continental reworking in Phanerozoic. The southern Yili Block in NW of China is one of the major continental fragments in SW CAOB. In order to better constrain the tectonic settings of the Precambrian basement of the southern Yili Block, we present new data of field structures, whole‐rock geochemical compositions, zircon U–Pb ages and Lu‐Hf isotopic ratios of the Neoproterozoic gneissic granites. Ductile deformation characterized by mylonitic foliations and stretching/mineral lineation is commonly recognized in the gneissic granites, which were cross‐cut by undeformed granitoids and mafic dykes. The gneissic granites yielded zircon U–Pb ages of 968 ± 5 Ma, 948 ± 8 Ma, and 873 ± 9 Ma. These gneissic granites show geochemical features of high potassium, peraluminous, calc‐alkaline series, enrichment of Th, K, Rb and depletion of Ba, Nd, Sr. They show zircon εHf(t) values from −5.5 to 2.0 and two‐stage zircon Hf model ages between 1.7 and 2.1 Ga. These new results indicate that the Neoproterozoic gneissic granites in the southern Yili Block derived from partial melting of meta‐greywackes that most likely had formed in a continental arc setting. A comparison of stratigraphy, magmatism and detrital zircon ages suggests that the southern Yili Block is similar with the northern Yili Block and Chinese Central Tianshan Block in term of Precambrian basement, and these continental fragments might have originated from Neoproterozoic orogenic belts.
CD38 expression is an important prognostic marker in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Wada Fumiya , Shimomura Yoshimitsu , Yabushita Tomohiro , Yamashita Daisuke , Ohno Aya , Imoto Hiroharu , Maruoka Hayato , Hara Shigeo , Ishikawa Takayuki
Published: July 2021

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous group of diseases with variable outcomes. Although several prognostic markers have been developed, specific biomarkers for stratifying treatment strategies have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to analyze the clinical impact of the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 38, which is associated with cellular proliferation and disease progression, in patients with de‐novo DLBCL. Using flow cytometry analysis, 137 cases with DLBCL were investigated for surface expression of CD38. Based on the cut‐off value by the survival classification and regression tree analysis, the patients were categorized into a CD38HIGH group (n = 37) and CD38LOW group (n = 100). The 4‐years progression‐free survival (PFS) was 31.6% in the CD38HIGH group and 60.7% in the CD38LOW group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed the CD38HIGH group to be associated with significantly worse PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.15, 95% CI: 1.26–3.68, p = 0.005) and poor overall survival (OS) (aHR, 2.54, 95% CI: 1.25–5.19, p = 0.010) than the CD38LOW group. In conclusion, we demonstrated that high CD38 expression is an independent adverse prognostic factor associated with poor clinical outcomes compared to low CD38 expression. CD38 expression in DLBCL cells might be useful for predicting outcomes and designing risk‐adapted therapies for patients with de‐novo DLBCL.
The feasibility of the flower stenting technique for ostial lesions of the common iliac artery
Authors: Kishida Toshihiko , Hirano Keisuke , Mori Shinsuke , Yamawaki Masahiro , Kobayashi Norihiro , Tsutsumi Masakazu , Honda Yohsuke , Makino Kenji , Shirai Shigemitsu , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

A balloon‐expandable stent (BES) is generally used for ostial lesions of the common iliac artery (CIA) owing to the positional ease of stent adjustment. However, there are potential risks such as vessel dissection and perforation due to vessel overstretching during. In our hospital, we performed endovascular therapy (EVT) for CIA ostial lesions via a novel method named “the flower stenting method,” using a self‐expandable stent. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of this method.

Methods

This study was single‐center, retrospective, and observational. We enrolled 83 patients (91 limbs) who underwent EVT with SMART stent (Cordis, Miami, Florida) for CIA ostial lesions from 2007 to 2014. The primary endpoint was the rate of freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) in 5 years, and the secondary endpoint was the success rate of stent placement for the CIA ostium.

Results

The average patient age was 72.3 ± 9.4 years, 71% of the patients were men, 19% were receiving hemodialysis, and 60% had diabetes. Additionally, 38% of the lesions were Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus C/D lesions, while 37% were chronic total occlusion lesions. The average lesion length was 36 ± 23 mm, and the average vessel diameter was 10.7 ± 1.4 mm. The rate of freedom from TLR was 97.3% at 5 years, and the success rate of only stent placement was 90.1%.

Conclusion

The flower stenting method leads to acceptable outcomes and is useful for accurate stent deployment.
Gestational diabetes is associated with postpartum hemorrhage in Indigenous Australian women in the PANDORA study: A prospective cohort
Authors: Lucas Isabelle M. , Barr Elizabeth L. M. , Barzi Federica , Longmore Danielle K. , Lee I‐Lynn , Kirkwood Marie , Whitbread Cherie , Connors Christine , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Simon David , Goodrem Adeliesje , Brown Alex D. H. , Oats Jeremy , McIntyre Harold D. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Maple‐Brown Louise ,   the PANDORA study research team
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess associations of hyperglycemia in pregnancy with the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in a prospective cohort of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous women, compared with normoglycemia.

Methods

Data were from 1102 (48% Indigenous) women of the Pregnancy And Neonatal Diabetes Outcomes in Remote Australia (PANDORA) Study. Age‐adjusted associations of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or pre‐existing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obstetric and demographic covariables with PPH (blood loss ≥500 ml) were assessed using logistic regression. Multivariable‐adjusted models included Indigenous ethnicity, diabetes type and their interaction.

Results

A higher proportion of Indigenous women developed PPH than non‐Indigenous women (32% versus 22%;P < 0.001). Compared with non‐Indigenous women with normoglycemia, risks of PPH for Indigenous women with GDM or T2DM were higher (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.11–3.02, and OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.99–3.00 after age adjustment, OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.06–3.19, and OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.70–2.54 after adjustment for school education and delivery mode, and OR 1.62, 95% CI 0.95–2.77, and OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.53–1.86 after adjustment for birth weight). Importantly, Indigenous women without hyperglycemia in pregnancy were not at increased risk of PPH.

Conclusion

The significantly higher rates of PPH experienced by Indigenous women compared with non‐Indigenous women may be explained by a greater effect of GDM among Indigenous women that was only partly accounted for by birth weight.
Satisfaction of Quechua‐speaking indigenous pregnant women from a rural community in Peru with telemonitoring during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: De La Cruz‐Ramirez Yuliana M. , Olaza‐Maguiña Augusto F.
Published: July 2021

Synopsis

Although the majority of Quechua‐speaking indigenous pregnant women are satisfied with telemonitoring during the COVID‐19 pandemic, there are still aspects to improve.
Impact of a small hydropower plant on water quality dynamics in a diversion and natural river channel
Authors: Tomczyk Paweł , Wiatkowski Mirosław
Published: July 2021

This study innovatively evaluates the impact of hydropower plants located in a diversion channel on water quality dynamics. The spatial characteristics of water in the diversion channel above and below a hydropower plant were assessed; specifically, the investigation was conducted in the watercourse undeveloped by the hydropower plant and at reference points. Among the five analyzed points, the strongest statistically significant changes were observed in electrical conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Statistical analyses showed a similar, statistically significant relationship for most months. The water quality indicators proposed in this study help assess hydropower plants’ impact on water quality dynamics because they enable water comparison at different locations. The best water quality, as calculated using designated indices, was recorded below the hydropower plant. Among the physicochemical parameter values, the most noticeable change occurred in dissolved oxygen below the hydropower plant and below the fixed weir; its value was 8.10 and 5.32% higher in the two locations at the reference point below the hydropower facility. Moreover, the NH4‐N content was higher by 7.06% below the weir than the point below the hydropower plant. In the long term, this research may help plant operators manage water resources on watercourses with hydropower development more efficiently, according to sustainable development principles. This research will contribute to the rational management of such facilities on diversion channels considering sustainable water management principles.
Fecal microbiota transplantation augmented by a sulfide‐reducing diet for refractory ulcerative colitis: A case report with functional metagenomic analysis
Authors: Bryant Robert V , Day Alice S , McGrath Ken C , Telfer Karmen , Yao Chu K , Costello Samuel P
Published: July 2021

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis (UC). Diet has potential to augment the efficacy and durability of FMT by encouraging engraftment of transplanted microorganisms. A trial of FMT combined with a defined diet was undertaken as salvage therapy for a 71‐year‐old woman with active steroid‐refractory extensive UC. A multidimensional sulfide‐reducing diet (4‐SURE diet) was commenced followed by single‐donor FMT administered by colonoscopy and then enemas over 7 days. Dietary adherence, clinical evaluation, and stool samples for metagenomic profiling were undertaken at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 24. Colonoscopy was performed 8 weeks post‐FMT. Shotgun metagenomic profiling of the donor fecal suspension was also performed. A rapid clinical response to FMT and 4‐SURE diet was observed with normalization of stool frequency (≤2 motions/day) and resolution of rectal bleeding within 2 weeks. Dietary adherence was excellent. Colonoscopy at week 8 revealed no evidence of active colitis (Mayo endoscopic sub‐score 0) with histology showing no evidence of acute or chronic lamina propria inflammatory cell infiltrate. Sustained clinical and endoscopic remission out to 24 weeks was observed. Metagenomic sequencing confirmed sustained engraftment of beneficial donor microbiota with increased alpha‐diversity and capacity for short‐chain fatty acid production, including Faecalibacterium prauznitzii and Eubacterium hallii. This case report supports the rationale of prescribed diet therapy to support engraftment of donor microbiota following FMT for UC. Further large trials with a diet‐arm control group are needed to evaluate FMT augmented by a defined diet in UC.
Safety, feasibility, and comfort of hepatic angiography and transarterial intervention with radial access for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Shiota Shohei , Chatani Shohei , Tsukii Ryota , Kitagawa Hirofumi , Fukushima Tomohisa , Urasaki Shohei , Kumada Takashi
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

Hepatic angiography procedures such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are essential procedures for managing patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and are usually performed with femoral access. However, femoral access causes patient discomfort and may be associated with the risk of hematoma or pseudoaneurysm at puncture site. We evaluated the safety, feasibility, and patient comfort of hepatic angiography procedures performed with radial access.

Methods

In this single‐institution, retrospective, time‐frame study, a total of 206 patients who underwent hepatic angiography procedures with radial access, which were first used on October 2017 at our institution, were compared with 240 patients who underwent the same procedures with femoral access before this period. Several measures were assessed, including procedure time and safety. In addition, a questionnaire was used to compare the access types regarding procedure‐associated discomfort.

Results

Hepatic angiography procedures performed with radial access, including TACE, were completed in all patients without complications. The procedure time was comparable between radial access and femoral access. Most patients preferred radial to femoral access. Patients taking anticoagulants were able to complete the procedures without discontinuing these drugs.

Conclusions

Hepatic angiography procedures with radial access resulted in less discomfort than those with femoral access, and the two approaches showed similar feasibility and safety. Radial access can be introduced as a routine technique for hepatic angiography procedures.
Examining how meta‐analytic methods perform in the presence of bias: A simulation study
Authors: Bramley Paul , López‐López José A. , Higgins Julian P. T.
Published: July 2021

Standard meta‐analysis methods are vulnerable to bias from incomplete reporting of results (both publication and outcome reporting bias) and poor study quality. Several alternative methods have been proposed as being less vulnerable to such biases. To evaluate these claims independently we simulated study results under a broad range of conditions first with no bias, then introducing simulated publication bias, outcome reporting bias, and bias from poor study quality. We then implemented common and the proposed bias robust meta‐analysis methods and compared the mean bias and mean squared error (MSE) for four estimates of effect and the coverage probability of seven confidence intervals. We found that no methods perform well in the presence of any substantial bias. A regression based extension to Egger's test gave an estimate of effect with lower mean bias than standard methods in the presence of publication bias or poor study quality, but had a substantially worse MSE except in very specific conditions. Coverage of all 95% confidence intervals was very poor with increasing numbers of studies in biased conditions, often falling below 50%. The Knapp–Hartung interval performed closest to nominal coverage with fewer than 10 studies in most conditions, and the Henmi–Copas interval generally performed best with more than 10 studies. There was no evidence that a multiplicative term for heterogeneity improved coverage. Multiple forms of bias remain problematic for all meta‐analysis methods, with very poor performance under conceivable conditions.
On ratio measures of heterogeneity for meta‐analyses
Authors: Cairns Maxwell , Prendergast Luke A.
Published: July 2021

As a measure of heterogeneity in meta‐analysis, the coefficient of variation (CV) has been recently considered, providing researchers with a complement to the very popular measure. While measures the proportion of total variance that is due to variance of the random effects, the CV is the ratio of the standard deviation of the random effects to the effect of interest. Consequently, the CV provides a different measure of the extent of heterogeneity in a meta‐analysis relative to the effect being measured. However, very large CV values can occur when the effect is small making interpretation difficult. The purpose of this article is two‐fold. First, we consider variants of the CV that exist in the interval which may be preferable for some researchers. Second, we provide interval estimators for the CV and its variants with excellent coverage properties. We perform simulation studies based on simulated and real data sets and draw comparisons between the methods. For both the CV and its transformations, we recommend confidence intervals using the propagating imprecision method or, as a simpler alternative but at the expense of slightly worse performance in terms of coverage, combining reduced‐coverage confidence intervals for the two parameters. These interval estimators typically have better coverage properties for the CV measure than those previously considered.