bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental behaviour of Wire‐and‐Arc Additively Manufactured stainless steel rods
Authors: Laghi Vittoria , Palermo Michele , Silvestri Stefano , Gasparini Giada , Trombetti Tomaso
Published: September 2021

Recently, metal Additive Manufacturing has gained great importance in many industrial sectors with first pioneering applications in also in the Construction field. In particular, a weld‐based technique called Wire‐and‐Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) allows to build real‐scale structural elements of complex geometry thanks to 6‐axes robotic arms and off‐the‐shelf welding equipment able to print at higher speed thus overcoming the geometrical constraints typical of other 3D printing technologies such as Powder Bed Fusion. Nonetheless, the printing outcomes need to be properly characterized both in terms of their specific material properties, which substantially differ from the feedstock, and the geometrical imperfections proper of the printing process. Among possible deposition strategy for WAAM the dot‐by‐dot printing results to be particularly suitable to realize metal 3D lattice structures made by straight rods. This novel dot‐by‐dot printing could bring to different mechanical parameters with respect to the layer‐by‐layer deposition (widely known and studied in the literature and already adopted for first practical applications). This work presents the first results of a wide experimental investigation carried out at University of Bologna to study the geometrical imperfections and the main mechanical properties (through tensile and compression tests) of WAAM‐produced stainless steel rods of different lengths. First indications are given on the influence of the rods length on the compression capacity Future work is aimed at quantifying the influence of geometrical irregularities (initial crookedness and cross‐section variation) and non‐linear material behavior in the compression response of 3D‐printed rods through numerical studies to calibrate a set of ad‐hoc buckling curves.
Surfactants Mediated Synthesis of Highly Crystalline Thin Films of Imine‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks on Water Surface
Authors: Ou Zhaowei , Liang Zihao , Dong Xin , Tan Fanglin , Gong Li , Zhao Pei , Wang Honglei , Liu Wei , Zheng Zhikun
Published: September 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Imine‐linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted extensive attention due to designable structures, tunable properties, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. They were typically obtained as insoluble and unprocessable powders, which seriously limits their full promise. Progress has been made in the synthesis of thin films of imine‐linked COFs by interfacial synthesis. However, the synthesis of highly crystalline, self‐supporting thin films of COFs remains challenging. Here, we employed a surfactants‐mediated method to synthesize such films at an air‐water interface, showed the films could be transferred onto arbitrary substrates on demand, and demonstrated the generality of the methodology with two different COFs. We found that the length of hydrophobic segments of surfactants played a key role in determination of the crystallinity and single crystalline domain size of the films. This work provides a feasible strategy to generate highly crystalline thin films of COFs.
Direct local linear estimation for Sharpe ratio function
Authors: Lin Hongmei , Tong Tiejun , Wang Yuedong , Xu Wenchao , Zhang Riquan
Published: September 2021

Nonparametric regression has been widely used to deal with nonlinearity and heteroscedasticity in financial time series. As the ratio of the mean and standard deviation functions, the Sharpe ratio function is one of the most commonly used risk/return measures in financial econometrics. Most existing methods take an indirect procedure, which first estimates the mean and variance functions and then applies these two functions to estimate the Sharpe ratio function. In practice, however, such an indirect procedure can often be less efficient. In this article, we propose a direct method to estimate the Sharpe ratio function by local linear regression. We further establish the asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator, apply Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate its finite sample performance, and compare it with the indirect method. The usefulness of our new method is also illustrated through a real data analysis.
Atrial structure and function in middle‐aged, physically‐active males and females: A cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: Glibbery Meghan , Banks Laura , Altaha Mustafa A. , Bentley Robert F. , Konieczny Kaja , Yan Andrew T. , Dorian Paul , Deva Djeven P. , Goodman Jack M. , Connelly Kim A.
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have reported on an association between endurance sport, atrial enlargement and the development of lone atrial fibrillation in younger, male cohorts. The atrial morphology and function of middle‐aged, physically‐active males and females have not been well studied. We hypothesized that middle‐aged males would demonstrate larger left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) volumes compared to females, but atrial function would not differ. LA and RA volume and function were evaluated at rest in healthy adults, using a standardized 3.0Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance protocol. Physical activity, medical history, and maximal oxygen consumption () were also assessed. Physically‐active, middle‐aged men (n = 60; 54 ± 5 years old) and women (n = 30; 54 ± 5 years old) completed this study. Males had a higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, andthan females (p < .05 for all), despite similar reported physical activity levels. Absolute and BSA and height‐indexed LA and RA maximum volumes were higher in males relative to females, despite no differences in ejection fractions (p < .05 for all). In multivariable regression, male sexp < .001) and(p = .004) were predictors of LA volume (modelR2 = 0.252), whereas(p < .001), male sex (p = .03), and RV EF (p < .05) were predictors of RA volume (modelR2 = 0.377). While middle‐aged males exhibited larger atrial volumes relative to females, larger, prospective studies are needed to explore the magnitude of physiologic atrial remodeling and functional adaptations in relation to phenotypic factors.
Variable fluid flow regimes alter human brain microvascular endothelial cell–cell junctions and cytoskeletal structure
Authors: Ranadewa Dilshan , Wu Jingwen , Subramanianbalachandar Vignesh A. , Steward Robert L.
Published: September 2021

The human brain microvasculature is constantly exposed to variable fluid flow regimes and their influence on the endothelium depends in part on the synchronous cooperative behavior between cell–cell junctions and the cytoskeleton. In this study, we exposed human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells to a low laminar flow (1 dyne⋅cm−2), high laminar flow (10 dyne⋅cm−2), low oscillatory flow (±1 dyne⋅cm−2), or high oscillatory flow (±10 dyne⋅cm−2) for 24 hr. After this time, endothelial cell–cell junction and cytoskeletal structural response was characterized through observation of zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), claudin‐5, junctional adhesion molecule‐A (JAM‐A), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE‐Cad), and F‐actin. In addition, we also characterized cell morphology through measurement of cell area and cell eccentricity. Our results revealed the greatest change in junctional structure reorganization for ZO‐1 and JAM‐A to be observed under low laminar flow conditions while claudin‐5 exhibited the greatest change in structural reorganization under both low and high laminar flow conditions. However, VE‐Cad displayed the greatest structural response under a high laminar flow, reflecting the unique responses each cell–cell junction protein had to each fluid flow regime. In addition, cell area and cell eccentricity displayed most significant changes under the high laminar flow and low oscillatory flow, respectively. We believe this study will be useful to the field of cell mechanics and mechanobiology.
Seizures' impact on cognition and quality of life in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Phillips Nicholas S. , Khan Raja B. , Li Chenghong , Mirzaei Salehabadi Sedigheh , Brinkman Tara M. , Srivastava Deokumar , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Krull Kevin R. , Sadighi Zsila S.
Published: September 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of seizure‐related factors on neurocognitive, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and social outcomes in survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods

Survivors of childhood cancer treated at St. Jude Children's Hospital (n = 2022; 48.3% female; median age, 31.5 years; median time since diagnosis, 23.6 years) completed neurocognitive testing and questionnaires. The presence, severity, resolution, and treatment history of seizures were abstracted from medical records. Adjusting for the age at diagnosis, sex, and prior cancer therapy, multivariable models examined the impact of seizures on neurocognitive and HRQOL outcomes. Mediation analyses were conducted for social outcomes.

Results

Seizures were identified in 232 survivors (11.5%; 29.9% of survivors with central nervous system [CNS] tumors and 9.0% of those without CNS tumors). In CNS tumor survivors, seizures were associated with poorer executive function and processing speed (P < .02); in non‐CNS tumor survivors, seizures were associated with worse function in every domain (P < .05). Among non‐CNS survivors, seizure severity was associated with worse processing speed (P = .023), and resolution was associated with better executive function (P = .028) and attention (P = .044). In CNS survivors, seizure resolution was associated with improved attention (P = .047) and memory (P < .02). Mediation analysis revealed that the impact of seizures on social outcomes was mediated by neurocognitive function.

Conclusions

Seizures in cancer survivors adversely affect long‐term functional and psychosocial outcomes independently of cancer therapy. The resolution of seizure occurrence is associated with better outcomes. Seizure severity is associated with poorer outcomes and should be a focus of clinical management and patient education.
Exposure–Response Analyses for Therapeutic Dose Selection of Belantamab Mafodotin in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Ferron‐Brady Geraldine , Rathi Chetan , Collins Jon , Struemper Herbert , Opalinska Joanna , Visser Sandra , Jewell Roxanne C.
Published: September 2021

Belantamab mafodotin is an antibody–drug conjugate comprising a humanized anti‐B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) monoclonal antibody conjugated to monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) via a protease‐resistant maleimidocaproyl linker. Single‐agent belantamab mafodotin showed clinically meaningful activity and manageable safety in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in the phase I DREAMM‐1 and phase II DREAMM‐2 studies and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency for RRMM treatment. To support monotherapy dose selection, the relationship between Cycle 1 exposure (derived using a population pharmacokinetic model) and clinical response (for multiple efficacy and safety end points) was explored. In DREAMM‐2, efficacy end points (probability of response (PoR) and progression‐free survival (PFS)) were associated with exposure in univariate evaluation; however, once disease burden factors were included in the model (e.g., baseline soluble BCMA, ß2‐microglobulin), exposure was no longer significant. Patients with higher disease burden had lower exposure. In DREAMM‐1, belantamab mafodotin exposure was the only variable to correlate with PoR and PFS. Probability of corneal events (keratopathy), but not dry eye or blurred vision, was strongly associated with belantamab mafodotin exposure (DREAMM‐2). Higher cys‐mcMMAF maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) and lower baseline platelet count were associated with increased probability of thrombocytopenia (DREAMM‐1 and DREAMM ‐2). In general, safety end points were more strongly associated with belantamab mafodotin exposure than efficacy end points, particularly after disease factors and patient characteristics were taken into account. Overall, these findings supported the monotherapy dose recommendation of belantamab mafodotin as 2.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks in patients with RRMM who have received four or more prior therapies.
Multiparental populations in line development: Genetic gain, diversity, and practical limitations
Authors: Bernardo Rex
Published: September 2021

New homozygous lines are usually developed from biparental crosses. To my knowledge, biparental and multiparental crosses have not been directly compared as breeding populations. My objective in this simulation study was to determine whether a set of several biparental populations or a single multiparental population is superior in terms of genetic gain and diversity of the best ensuing lines. Multiparental populations were simulated from p = 4, 6, and 8 parents and were compared with the corresponding p(p – 1)/2 biparental populations (i.e., diallel). Each of 250 quantitative trait loci had p alleles. Parental selection was mimicked via a Better Half model, wherein only the better crosses (e.g., four out of six with p = 4) were made. Genetic gains were equal between the Better Half model and the full diallel despite the larger population size with the latter. Current timelines for cultivar development in different species impose a limit on the number of generations available for creating multiparental populations, and the results indicated only a minimal (if any) increase in genetic gain when lines were developed from multiparental populations instead of biparental populations. The main benefit from multiparental populations was a better retention of genetic diversity among the selected lines. It remains to be seen whether this higher diversity among new lines from multiparental populations would lead to larger or more‐sustained gains in future lines.
Tuning Ligand‐Coordinated Single Metal Atoms on TiO2 and their Dynamic Response during Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Zhou Xuemei , Sterbinsky George E. , Wasim Eman , Chen Linxiao , Tait Steven L.
Published: September 2021

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Steven Tait at Indiana University. The image shows single metal atoms stabilized by small molecules on a titanium dioxide powder support that are active in catalyzing ethylene hydrogenation. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202100208.
Novel Narrow Band Cyan‐Green Phosphor LiK7[Li3SiO4]8:Eu2+ with Enhanced Suppression of Second Broad Band Emission
Authors: Wimmer Daniel S. , Seibald Markus , Baumann Dominik , Peschke Simon , Wurst Klaus , Heymann Gunter , Dutzler Daniel , Garcia‐Fuente Amador , Urland Werner , Huppertz Hubert
Published: September 2021

LiK7[Li3SiO4]8:Eu2+ (LKLSO:Eu2+) was synthesized by a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. It is accessible from K2CO3, Li2O, SiO2, and an Eu‐source (Eu2O3) by conventional solid‐state reaction in nickel crucibles under a constant flow of forming gas. The crystal structure of LKLSO has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and it crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I
(no. 88) with the lattice parameters a=1560.83(5), c=1278.23(4) pm, and a volume of V=0.31140(2) nm3. The compound is isostructural to NaK7[Li3SiO4]8:Eu2+ but, in contrast, features an enhanced suppression of the second broad band emission through the specific channel filling in the crystal structure. Despite the observed positional disorder in the structure, the cyan‐green phosphor shows a narrow band emission with a maximum at 511 nm and a fwhm of 45 nm (0.215 eV).
Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt NCN Pincer Complexes
Authors: Pecak Jan , Eder Wolfgang , Tomsu Gerald , Stöger Berthold , Pignitter Marc , Kirchner Karl
Published: September 2021

A series of cobalt complexes, stabilized by a monoanionic tridentate NCN pincer ligand, was synthetized and characterized. Preparation of the paramagnetic 15 VE complex [Co(NCNCH2−Et)Br] (1) was accomplished by transmetalation of Li[2,6‐(Et2NCH2)2C6H3] with CoBr2 in THF. Treatment of this air‐sensitive compound with NO gas resulted in the formation of the diamagnetic Co(III) species [Co(NCNCH2−Et)(NO)Br] (2) as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. This complex features a strongly bent NO ligand (Co−N−O∠135.0°). The νNO is observed at 1609 cm−1 which is typical for a bent metal‐N−O arrangement. Coordinatively unsaturated 1 could further be treated with pyridine, isocyanides, phosphines and CO to form five‐coordinate 17 VE complexes. Oxidation of 1 with CuBr2 led to the formation of the Co(III) complex [Co(NCNCH2−Et)Br2]. Treatment of [Co(NCNCH2−Et)Br2] with TlBF4 as halide scavenger in acetonitrile led to the formation of the cationic octahedral complex [Co(NCNCH2−Et)(MeCN)3](BF4)2. A combination of X‐ray crystallography, IR‐, NMR‐ and EPR‐spectroscopy as well as DFT/CAS‐SCF calculations were used to characterize all compounds.
Supporting systems transformation through design‐driven evaluation
Authors: Norman Cameron D.
Published: September 2021

As complexity in human social‐technical systems grows so does the need to provide useable guidance for how to effectively create change within them. A design‐driven approach to evaluation draws on lessons from complexity science and incorporates service and product design knowledge into the process of creating and implementing new knowledge or actions into a setting to produce value (innovation). This article introduces the fundamental tenets of a design‐driven evaluation (DDE) approach and illustrates its use in developing frameworks for evaluation that can support innovation and program development. Drawing on the science of systems and their application to evaluation, Developmental and Principles‐focused Evaluation, and systems‐oriented design theory and practice, a model for innovation development is proposed that will reframe program evaluation as both a service and product to aid system change.
Membrane‐destabilizing ionizable lipid empowered imaging‐guided siRNA delivery and cancer treatment
Authors: Guo Shuai , Li Kun , Hu Bo , Li Chunhui , Zhang Mengjie , Hussain Abid , Wang Xiaoxia , Cheng Qiang , Yang Feng , Ge Kun , Zhang Jinchao , Chang Jin , Liang Xing‐Jie , Weng Yuhua , Huang Yuanyu
Published: September 2021

One of the imperative medical requirements for cancer treatment is how to establish an imaging‐guided nanocarrier that combines therapeutic and imaging agents into one system. siRNA therapeutics have shown promising prospects in controlling life‐threatening diseases. However, it is still challenging to develop siRNA formulations with excellent cellular entry capability, efficient endosomal escape, and simultaneous visualization. Herein, we fabricated multifunctional ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs) for targeted delivery of siRNA and MRI contrast agent. The iLNPs comprises DSPC, cholesterol, PEGylated lipid, contrast agent DTPA‐BSA (Gd), and ionizable lipid termed iBL0104. siRNA‐loaded iLNPs (iLNPs/siRNA) could be decorated with a tumor targeting cyclic peptide (c(GRGDSPKC)) (termed GARP), or without targeting modification (termed GAP). Data revealed that GARP/siRNA iLNPs exhibited significantly higher cellular entry efficiency than GAP/siRNA iLNPs. GARP/siRNA iLNPs rapidly and effectively escaped from endosome and lysosome after internalization. Compared with GAP/siPLK1, GARP/siPLK1 exhibited better tumor inhibition efficacy in both cell‐line derived xenograft and liver cancer patient derived xenograft murine models. In addition, GARP formulation displayed ideal MRI effect in tumor‐bearing mice, and was well tolerated by testing animals. Therefore, this study provides an excellent example for achieving imaging‐guided and tumor‐targeted siRNA delivery and cancer treatment, highlighting its promising potential for translational medicine application.
Self‐powered technology based on nanogenerators for biomedical applications
Authors: Zhang Yuanzheng , Gao Xiangyang , Wu Yonghui , Gui Jinzheng , Guo Shishang , Zheng Haiwu , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: September 2021

Biomedical electronic devices have enormous benefits for healthcare and quality of life. Still, the long‐term working of those devices remains a great challenge due to the short life and large volume of conventional batteries. Since the nanogenerators (NGs) invention, they have been widely used to convert various ambient mechanical energy sources into electrical energy. The self‐powered technology based on NGs is dedicated to harvesting ambient energy to supply electronic devices, which is an effective pathway to conquer the energy insufficiency of biomedical electronic devices. With the aid of this technology, it is expected to develop self‐powered biomedical electronic devices with advanced features and distinctive functions. The goal of this review is to summarize the existing self‐powered technologies based on NGs and then review the applications based on self‐powered technologies in the biomedical field during their rapid development in recent years, including two main directions. The first is the NGs as independent sensors to converts biomechanical energy and heat energy into electrical signals to reflect health information. The second direction is to use the electrical energy produced by NGs to stimulate biological tissues or powering biomedical devices for achieving the purpose of medical application. Eventually, we have analyzed and discussed the remaining challenges and perspectives of the field. We believe that the self‐powered technology based on NGs would advance the development of modern biomedical electronic devices.
Ameliorative effects of Cirsium japonicum extract and main component cirsimaritin in mice model of high‐fat diet‐induced metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Che Denis Nchang , Shin Jae Young , Kang Hyun Ju , Cho Byoung Ok , Park Ji Hyeon , Wang Feng , Hao Suping , Sim Jae Suk , Sim Dong Jun , Jang Seon Il
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to determine biological effects of Cirsium japonicum extract and its main component cirsimaritin on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in a mouse model. Mice were fed with a HFD to induce MAFLD and simultaneously administered with C. japonicum extract (CJE) or cirsimaritin. Various MAFLD biomarkers were evaluated using biological methods. Results demonstrated that triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels in the liver of mice were significantly reduced upon administration of CJE or cirsimaritin. Treatment with CJE or cirsimaritin also reduced the severity of liver injury in the experimental mouse model of MAFLD by inhibiting hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. These results demonstrate that CJE and cirsimaritin as its main compound have a preventive action against the progression of hepatic steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Our study suggests that CJE and cirsimaritin might be promising agents for preventing and/or treating MAFLD.
Grain size analysis of the Oligocene Nari Formation sandstone in the Laki Range, southern Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for depositional setting
Authors: Hakro Asghar A. A. D. , Xiao Wenjiao , Mastoi Abdul Shakoor , Yan Zhen , Samtio Muhammad Soomar , Rajper Riaz Hussain
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the depositional setting of the Oligocene sedimentary rocks of the southern Indus Basin according to grain size analysis of sandstones. Twelve sandstone samples were collected and studied from the Oligocene Nari Formation that distributes along the N‐S‐trending Laki Range in the Kirthar Province of Pakistan. The analysis results specify very fine to fine‐grained sediments and unimodal nature of grain size distribution. The sorting values of the studied sandstones vary from 0.66φ to 0.90φ, which indicates that the sediments are moderately to moderately well‐sorted. The skewness values of investigated samples vary from −0.04φ to 0.25φ, which indicate nearly symmetrical to fine‐skewed nature. The kurtosis of the studied samples varies between 0.73φ and 1.44φ which shows platykurtic, mesokurtic, and leptokurtic nature. Linear discriminant function and interpretation diagrams of sediments demonstrate that the Oligocene Nari Formation sediments from Lal Bagh section were being transported as bedload and suspended load with a bimodal to unimodal depositional mode that were deposited in a fluvial to shallow marine deltaic environment of a passive margin.
Geochronological constraints of the Huoshan Formation in the Lüliang area: Implication on the Great Unconformity in the central North China Craton
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Zhang Jian , Yin Changqing , Zhao Chen
Published: September 2021

The Great Unconformity between the Precambrian basement and the Phanerozoic successions marks a major gap in the stratigraphic records globally. However, previous studies on the time, magnitude, and the spatial distribution of this unconformity in the North China Craton (NCC) mainly focused on the south‐eastern margin and were seldom investigated in the central area. In this study, we report detrital zircon geochronological data of the Huoshan Formation, a siliciclastic stratigraphic unit between the Archean‐Palaeoproterozoic metamorphic basement and Cambrian successions in the central NCC. The youngest age peak of 685 Ma suggests that the Huoshan Formation was formed in the post‐Ediacaran rather than the counterpart of the lower Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic Changcheng Group. The detrital zircons of the quartz sandstone from the Huoshan Formation show varied age populations of 2,700–2,600 Ma, 2,600–2,500 Ma, 2,200–2,000 Ma, 1,900–1,800 Ma, and 700–600 Ma, which correspond to typical tectono‐thermal events of the NCC. First, the widely developed Precambrian tectono‐thermal events in the NCC were archived in the detrital zircons in the Huoshan Formation, for instance, the crustal growth event at 2,600–2,500 Ma and the 1,850–1,800 Ma magmatic and metamorphic events. Second, the age peaks younger than 1,000 Ma are not distinct in the NCC and are possibly from other terranes. The Great Unconformity represented by the boundary between the Huoshan Formation and the underlying Archean‐Palaeoproterozoic basement suggested a high topography and long‐term denudation in the Lüliang area during the transition from the Proterozoic to the Phanerozoic.
First lung transplant in Wuhan for a critical and elderly COVID‐19 patient
Authors: Wang Bo , Huang Jie , Hsin Micheal , Chen Jingyu , Lin Huiqing
Published: September 2021

Introduction

We report the case of a 65‐year‐old Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patient with pneumonia and subsequent end‐stage pulmonary failure who required 63 days of mechanical ventilation (MV) and 62 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

On Day 45, a comprehensive interdisciplinary discussion on the best course of treatment resulted in the general consensus that his lungs would not recover. As such, he was evaluated and listed for a lung transplant.

Results

We performed a bilateral lung transplant, and the patient was weaned off ECMO and MV postoperatively. This is the first report of lung transplants in patients with COVID‐19 in Wuhan.

Conclusions

We suggest that a lung transplantation may be a viable treatment for patients with end‐stage pulmonary failure secondary to COVID‐19 in selected situations.
Machine learning gene expression predicting model for ustekinumab response in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: He Manrong , Li Chao , Tang Wanxin , Kang Yingxi , Zuo Yongdi , Wang Yufang
Published: September 2021

Background

Recent studies reported the responses of ustekinumab (UST) for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) differ among patients, while the cause was unrevealed. The study aimed to develop a prediction model based on the gene transcription profiling of patients with CD in response to UST.

Methods

The GSE112366 dataset, which contains 86 CD and 26 normal samples, was downloaded for analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified first. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were administered. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis was performed to build a model for UST response prediction.

Results

A total of 122 DEGs were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that immune response pathways are significantly enriched in patients with CD. A multivariate logistic regression equation that comprises four genes (HSD3B1, MUC4, CF1, and CCL11) for UST response prediction was built. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for patients in training set and testing set were 0.746 and 0.734, respectively.

Conclusions

This study is the first to build a gene expression prediction model for UST response in patients with CD and provides valuable data sources for further studies.
Becoming a mother during the COVID‐19 national lockdown in Italy: Issues linked to the wellbeing of pregnant women
Authors: Smorti Martina , Ponti Lucia , Ionio Chiara , Gallese Marta , Andreol Angelica , Bonassi Lucia
Published: September 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic and consequent lockdown represent risk factors for the mental health of pregnant women. We explored the impact of COVID‐19 restriction policies on psychological health, analysing the predictive role of social support on maternal wellbeing. A total of 212 pregnant women recruited from two public hospitals in Italy were divided into two groups: (a) a pre‐COVID‐19 group composed of 141 expectant women (mean age = 34.6; SD = 4.3) at their third trimester before the national lockdown period; (b) a COVID‐19 group composed of 71 pregnant women (mean age = 33.3; SD = 4.5) at their third trimester during the COVID‐19 national lockdown. Participants completed two self‐report questionnaires: the Profile of Mood States and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Moreover, the COVID‐19 group was asked to respond to an open question concerning worries about their pregnancies and COVID‐19. Results showed that pregnant women during COVID‐19 presented higher anxiety, depression and hostility, and lower vigour, than the pre‐COVID‐19 group. The main concerns were related to the effect of hospital restriction policies on childbirth and fears of contracting COVID‐19. Perceived partner social support represented a protective factor only for the pre‐COVID‐19 women. Limitations, strengths, and theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Intelligent planning of ship route in complex waters based on chaos genetic algorithm
Authors: Jia Lixiao , Wang Jiantao , Guo Yunlong
Published: September 2021

Pathway production of products has more splendid trail and route optimization specifications and the desire to prevent barriers in near real‐time. This document presents a hybrid route planning approach for solving function optimization in cruise liners without a man. This research considers the problem of shipway making plans in depth and experiments it. Mathematical concepts for optimization algorithm decided to Complex Waters Based on Chaos Genetic Algorithm (CWCGA) is designed for ship trajectory tracking. Firstly, an enhanced particulate swarm algorithm is being used to design the pathways; an inter‐process is founded on balancing the inhabitants' significant search capability and the query capacity at a local level. Last, the original paddle plan and global status are simulated. The Optimization problem is utilized for the very next part to plan this same path of the marine ecosystem. The results reveal that the improved algorithm performs better than the route plan method based on the linear enhancement of the particular search space's body mass.
Autophagy drives plasticity and functional polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Kuo Wan‐Ting , Chang Jia‐Ming , Chen Chien‐Chin , Tsao Nina , Chang Chih‐Peng
Published: September 2021

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are key cells in regulating tumor development, metastasis, immune responses, inflammation, and chemoresistance. In response to TME stimulation, circulating monocytes are recruited and differentiated as TAMs. Most TAMs are defined as alternatively activated (M2) phenotype to create immunosuppressive TME and support tumor progression. In contrast, classically activated (M1) TAMs can produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and enhance immune responses against tumor development. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process to control cellular homeostasis and biological function. Emerging evidence reveals crucial contribution of autophagy in modulating TAM plasticity and functional polarization in TME. In this review, we introduce the current understanding of autophagy‐regulated TAM function in development of cancer. We focus on how autophagy modulates antigen presentation, LC3‐associated phagocytosis, cytokine secretion, inflammasome regulation, recruitment, differentiation, and polarization of TAMs and suggest strategies for potential therapeutics by targeting autophagy in TAMs. We expect this review can provide a new notion of future cancer immunotherapy.
Mast cells: Therapeutic targets for COVID‐19 and beyond
Authors: Lam Hiu Yan , Tergaonkar Vinay , Kumar Alan Prem , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: September 2021

Mast cells (MCs) are innate immune cells that widely distribute throughout all tissues and express a variety of cell surface receptors. Upon activation, MCs can rapidly release a diverse array of preformed mediators residing within their secretory granules and newly synthesize a broad spectrum of inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators. These unique features of MCs enable them to act as sentinels in response to rapid changes within their microenvironment. There is increasing evidence now that MCs play prominent roles in other pathophysiological processes besides allergic inflammation. In this review, we highlight the recent findings on the emerging roles of MCs in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) and discuss the potential of MCs as novel therapeutic targets for COVID‐19 and other non‐allergic inflammatory diseases.
Revealing Intraosseous Blood Flow in the Human Tibia With Ultrasound
Authors: Salles Sébastien , Shepherd Jami , Vos Hendrik J. , Renaud Guillaume
Published: September 2021

Intraosseous blood circulation is thought to have a critical role in bone growth and remodeling, fracture healing, and bone disorders. However, it is rarely considered in clinical practice because of the absence of a suitable noninvasive in vivo measurement technique. In this work, we assessed blood perfusion in tibial cortical bone simultaneously with blood flow in the superficial femoral artery with ultrasound imaging in five healthy volunteers. After suppression of stationary signal with singular‐value‐decomposition, pulsatile blood flow in cortical bone tissue is revealed, following the heart rate measured in the femoral artery. Using a method combining transverse oscillations and phase‐based motion estimation, 2D vector flow was obtained in the cortex of the tibia. After spatial averaging over the cortex, the peak blood velocity along the long axis of the tibia was measured at four times larger than the peak blood velocity across the bone cortex. This suggests that blood flow in central (Haversian) canals is larger than in perforating (Volkmann's) canals, as expected from the intracortical vascular organization in humans. The peak blood velocity indicates a flow from the endosteum to the periosteum and from the heart to the foot for all subjects. Because aging and the development of bone disorders are thought to modify the direction and velocity of intracortical blood flow, their quantification is crucial. This work reports for the first time an in vivo quantification of the direction and velocity of blood flow in human cortical bone. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for life‐threatening pediatric disorders
Authors: Diana Jean‐Sebastien , Manceau Sandra , Rabeony Tioka , Elie Caroline , Jolaine Valerie , Zamora Sandrine , Aubart Melodie , Salvi Nadege , Bodemer Christine , Bader‐Meunier Brigitte , Barnerias Christine , Iserin Franck , Chardot Christophe , Lacaille Florence , Renolleau Sylvain , Salomon Remi , Joseph Laure , Cavazzana Marina , Lefrere François , Dupic Laurent , Delville Marianne
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is acknowledged to be an effective treatment in life‐threatening pediatric disorders. Apheresis for pediatric diseases has been poorly investigated, and most studies to date featured small numbers of patients and lacked control groups. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the tolerance of TPE in pediatric patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study via a web‐based electronic case report form including pediatric patients referred for TPE between January 2005 and December 2014.

Results

A total of 78 patients (median [range] age: 9.8 [0.53‐17.93]) and 731 TPE procedures were analyzed. The indications were antibody‐mediated rejection (n = 33; 42%) and desensitization therapy (n = 5; 6%) after solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, thrombotic microangiopathy (n = 17; 22%), pediatric inflammatory diseases (n = 16; 21%), kidney diseases (n = 6; 8%), and hyperviscosity syndrome (n = 1; 1%). On average, each patient underwent six procedures during the first session [range: 1‐19]. In the 2 weeks following the start of a session, 72 patients (92%) presented a total of 311 adverse events (AEs) potentially related to TPE. The risk of AEs was not related to the indication for TPE, the intensity of care, venous access, plasma substitute use, or body weight. None of the deaths was related to the TPE.

Conclusion

We studied one of the largest retrospective pediatric cohorts described to date. Our experience of TPE children's TPE feasibility concerned specific, life‐threatening conditions and otherwise treatment‐refractory diseases.
A simulation model used in teaching denture border adjustment: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bukhary Dalea M. , Alshali Ruwaida Z.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The goal was to propose a new simulation model as a training tool in complete denture (CD) flange adjustment and to evaluate if the model can improve student competencies in different learning domains.

Methods

Fourth‐year undergraduate dental students (n = 100) were equally divided into control and test groups. Both groups received didactic instructions for CD post‐insertion procedures, but the test group had additional simulation training using modified working casts. Both groups then performed CD flange adjustment on real patients, and their skills were evaluated using a specific checklist. The data were assessed by independent samples t‐test and a chi‐square test at α = 0.05.

Results

The students in the test group showed significantly better overall performance (57.94%) compared with the control group (30.14%) in clinical post‐insertion CD flange adjustment procedures (p < 0.001). However, the psychomotor skills of the male students in the test group were not significantly influenced (p = 0.268). Considering the competencies for different tasks, more students that were competent were present in the test group compared to those in the control group regarding most of the knowledge (p ≤ 0.012) and all of the cognitive skill tasks (p ≤ 0.021). More students were competent for half of the psychomotor skill tasks (p ≤ 0.027). However, when considering gender, the number of competent male students was significantly greater in the test group only for one of the psychomotor tasks.

Conclusion

The simulation model significantly improved the overall clinical skills of the students, allowing them to learn the common CD post‐insertion maintenance procedures before performing the procedure clinically.
The polysaccharide chitosan facilitates the isolation of small extracellular vesicles from multiple biofluids
Authors: Kumar Awanit , Dhadi Surendar Reddy , Mai Ngoc‐Nu , Taylor Catherine , Roy Jeremy W. , Barnett David A. , Lewis Stephen M. , Ghosh Anirban , Ouellette Rodney J.
Published: September 2021

Several studies have demonstrated the potential uses of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for liquid biopsy‐based diagnostic tests and therapeutic applications; however, clinical use of EVs presents a challenge as many currently‐available EV isolation methods have limitations related to efficiency, purity, and complexity of the methods. Moreover, many EV isolation methods do not perform efficiently in all biofluids due to their differential physicochemical properties. Thus, there continues to be a need for novel EV isolation methods that are simple, robust, non‐toxic, and/or clinically‐amenable. Here we demonstrate a rapid and efficient method for small extracellular vesicle (sEV) isolation that uses chitosan, a linear cationic polyelectrolyte polysaccharide that exhibits biocompatibility, non‐immunogenicity, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Chitosan‐precipitated material was characterized using Western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and relevant proteomic‐based gene ontology analyses. We find that chitosan facilitates the isolation of sEVs from multiple biofluids, including cell culture‐conditioned media, human urine, plasma and saliva. Overall, our data support the potential for chitosan to isolate a population of sEVs from a variety of biofluids and may have the potential to be a clinically amenable sEV isolation method.
Short‐term intraperitoneal catheters: An ambulatory care intervention for refractory ascites secondary to cirrhosis during COVID‐19
Authors: Ngu Natalie LY , Anderson Patricia , Hunter Jo , Figredo Anita , Papaluca Timothy , Pianko Stephen , Dev Anouk , Bell Sally , Le Suong
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Patients with refractory ascites have frequent hospital admissions, which pose exposure risks in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a novel 12‐week, multidisciplinary ambulatory care program allowing frequent low‐volume ascitic drainage through a tunneled, intraperitoneal catheter (IPC).

Methods

Adult patients with cirrhosis complicated by refractory ascites were recruited through a liver clinic in a tertiary health service in Melbourne, Australia from April to December 2020. All patients were enrolled in a 12‐week multidisciplinary program including medical, nursing, dietetics, and pharmacy support. A Rocket Medical IPC was inserted on day 1 with 1–2 L of ascitic fluid drained over 1–3 sessions per week either at the patients' homes or at the hospital day ward. Patients' demographics, death, complications, and self‐reported outcomes were recorded.

Results

Twelve patients were enrolled with a median of 65‐day (interquartile range [IQR]: 16.5–93) IPC duration between April and December 2020 across two periods of COVID‐related lockdown in Melbourne, Australia. There were no IPC‐related deaths. Early removal was necessitated in three patients due to leakage, nonadherence, and bacteremia. On day 30, the median self‐reported health score increased from 50 (IQR: 50–70) to 78 (IQR: 50–85), attributable to a reduction in symptom burden.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary IPC program including the use of short‐term IPC was safe and associated with a self‐reported improvement in perceptions of health. In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the program aimed to reduce patient and clinician exposure, which is maintaining engagement and management of decompensated cirrhosis.
Matchings in 1‐planar graphs with large minimum degree
Authors: Biedl Therese , Wittnebel John
Published: September 2021

In 1979, Nishizeki and Baybars showed that every planar graph with minimum degree 3 has a matching of size (where the constant depends on the connectivity), and even better bounds hold for planar graphs with minimum degree 4 and 5. In this paper, we investigate similar matching‐bounds for 1‐planar graphs, that is, graphs that can be drawn such that every edge has at most one crossing. We show that every 1‐planar graph with minimum degree 3 has a matching of size at least , and this is tight for some graphs. We provide similar bounds for 1‐planar graphs with minimum degree 4 and 5, while the case of minimum degree 6 and 7 remains open.
Helminth infections and cardiovascular diseases: A role for the microbiota and Mϕs?
Authors: Lin Jian-Da , Loke P'ng
Published: September 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are rising in developing countries with increasing urbanization and lifestyle changes and remains a major cause of death in the developed world. In this mini review, we discuss the possibility that the effect of helminth infections on the immune system and the microbiota may affect risk factors in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, as part of the hygiene hypothesis. The effects of Type 2 immune responses induced by helminths and helminth derived molecules on regulating metabolism and Mϕ function could be a mechanistic link for further investigation. We emphasize the complexity and difficulties in determining indirect or direct and causal relationships between helminth infection status and cardiovascular diseases. New experimental models, such as rewilding laboratory mice, whereby different aspects of the environment and host genetics can be carefully dissected may provide further mechanistic insights and therapeutic strategies for treating cardiovascular diseases.
Extraction and optimization of Penicillium sclerotiorum strain AK‐1 pigment for fabric dyeing
Authors: Kallingal Anoop , Ayyolath Aravind , Thachan Kundil Varun , Joseph Tomy M. , Chandra D. Naveen , Haponiuk Józef T. , Thomas Sabu , Variyar E Jayadevi
Published: September 2021

Recently, the demand for fungal pigments has increased due to their several benefits over synthetic dyes. Many species of fungi are known to produce pigments and a large number of fungal strains for pigment production are yet to be extensively investigated. The natural pigment from sustainable natural sources has good economic and industrial value. Many synthetic colorants used in textile and various industries have many harmful effects on the human population and environment. Pigments and coloring agents may be extracted from a wide range of fungal species. These compounds are among the natural compounds having the most significant promise for medicinal, culinary, cosmetics, and textile applications. This study attempts to isolate and optimize the fermentation conditions of Penicillium sclerotiorum strain AK‐1 for pigment production. A dark yellow‐colored pigment was isolated from the strain with significant extractive value and antioxidant capacity. This study also identifies that the pigment does not have any cytotoxic effect and is multicomponent. The pigment production was optimized for the parameters such as pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen source. Fabric dyeing experiments showed significant dyeing capacity of the pigment on cotton fabrics. Accordingly, the natural dye isolated from P. sclerotiorum strain AK‐1 has a high potential for industrial‐scale dyeing of cotton materials.