bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of directly acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus infection on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 level
Authors: Torti Carlo , Scaglione Vincenzo , Cesana Bruno Mario , Costa Chiara , Marascio Nadia , Schiaroli Elisabetta , Busti Chiara , Bastianelli Sabrina , Mazzitelli Maria , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Francisci Daniela
Published: May 2021

Background and aims

Eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) may affect proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels and cardiovascular risk. However, information regarding PCSK9 level after HCV eradication is lacking. Hence, in this case‐control retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate PCSK9 level from pretherapy baseline up to sustained virological response (SVR).

Methods

Eighty‐four patients treated with directly acting antivirals (DAAs) between July 2015 and May 2018 were enrolled. Differences in baseline PCSK9 level due to absence/presence of recorded baseline characteristics (covariates) were evaluated. Changes in PCSK9 levels from pretherapy to SVR (ΔPCSK9) and their correlations with the covariates were assessed. The repeated measures analysis of variance was used to investigate the differences in PCSK9 level from the baseline to the achievement of SVR due to absence/presence of any covariate.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 67.6 ± 11 years, and 53.6% were males. Baseline PCSK9 levels were statistically lower in patients using statins than in those not using statins (mean, 70.3 ± 43.1 ng/mL vs 271.8 ± 252.2 ng/mL; P = .017). PCSK9 level decreased significantly from baseline to the time of SVR (255 ± 248 ng/mL vs 169 ± 188 ng/mL; P < .001). PCSK9 levels were statistically higher in the HCV‐infected patients at baseline than in the control group (255 ± 248 vs 166.3 ± 120.2 ng/mL; P = .020); however, this difference was lost after achieving SVR (mean, 169 ± 188 vs 166.3 ± 120.2 ng/mL; P = .464). Changes in PCSK9 level was not statistically related to any of the recorded covariates. The PCSK9 mean level did not differ significantly with absence/presence of any covariate from pretherapy to SVR.

Conclusions

The reduction in mean PCSK9 level from baseline pretherapy to after HCV eradication was statistically significant. Whether PCSK9 is a new biomarker for cardiovascular risk in these patients remains to be ascertained.
Temporal dynamics of rotifers' feeding guilds shaped by chlorophyll‐a, nitrate, and environmental heterogeneity in subtropical floodplain lakes
Authors: Palazzo Fabiana , Bomfim Francieli F. , Dias Juliana D. , Simões Nadson R. , Lansac‐Tôha Fábio A. , Bonecker Claudia C.
Published: May 2021

In floodplains, rotifers are among the most abundant zooplankton organisms and play an important role in ecosystem functioning. Here, we evaluated the distribution of six feeding guilds of rotifers including filter C1 (body size: <200 µm), filter C2 (body size: >200 to <600 µm), filter C3 (body size: >600 to <1000 µm), filter C4 (body size: >1000 µm), suctor, and predator for 11 years. We also analyzed the relationship between guild distribution and environmental parameters (i.e., chlorophyll‐a, phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, and inorganic suspended matter). Finally, we investigated the relationship between feeding guilds heterogeneity (abundance inconsistency) and environmental heterogeneity. Sampling occurred every 3 months from 2000 to 2010 in six shallow lakes of the Upper Paraná River floodplains. Filters C1, Filter C2, and suctors were the dominant feeding guilds. Nitrate and chlorophyll‐a shaped the temporal distribution of the guilds. An intermediate value of environmental heterogeneity was correlated with greater feeding guilds heterogeneity, potentially indicating that intermediate disturbance in the environmental variables may allow for greater differences in abundance distribution between rotifer guilds in shallow floodplain lakes. Our study elucidated the role of rotifers in food resource consumption, energy transfer, and competitive relationships in response to temporal environmental heterogeneity in subtropical floodplains.
Flight polymorphism drives metacommunity structure of aquatic Heteroptera in tropical rock pools
Authors: Paripatyadar Shruti V. , Padhye Sameer M. , Padhye Anand D.
Published: May 2021

Rock pool metacommunities are shaped by the dispersal ability of organisms, which together with environmental heterogeneity, determine whether the metacommunity is structured more by environmental or spatial factors. To understand the effect of interspecific differences in dispersal capacity on beta diversity patterns and metacommunity structure, we studied aquatic Heteroptera (an actively dispersing insect group with species exhibiting flight polymorphism) in the rock pools on three outcrops in the Western Ghats, India. We used an abundance‐based gamma diversity partitioning framework to assess the percent contributions of similarity (S) and the decompositions of beta diversity‐abundance difference (D) and abundance replacement (R) to community structure for two mobility groups, that is, flying and flightless species. We compared the variation in beta diversity components “D” and “R” within and between outcrops for both mobility groups. We also studied the effects of the local environment on both mobility groups using redundancy analysis. Percent contributions of “S”, “D” and “R” changed according to the mobility group, with higher nestedness (S+D) in flying species (74.2%) and higher beta diversity (R+D) in flightless species (76.3%). There was a significant variation in overall beta diversity between outcrops for the respective mobility groups, caused by abundance difference for flying species (p = .003) and by abundance replacement for flightless species (p = .003). Flying and flightless species were not associated with different environmental variables. Our study demonstrates that dispersal capacity is responsible for structuring regional diversity, with distinct sources of dissimilarity being associated with each mobility group: Abundance replacements between assemblages imposed by dispersal limitation for flightless species and abundance differences in assemblages of flying species, which might reflect the carrying capacity of the habitats.
Joint time‐frequency analysis of visible laser reflections in a sheep heart
Authors: Stringer Bradley J. , Shumway Spencer B. , Willden Jeremy P. , Kuck Kai
Published: May 2021

Limited methods exist to confirm the position of cardiovascular devices in the superior vena cava or right atrium of the heart. The aim of this study was to design, test and validate the feasibility of whether an optical fiber‐based instrument could accurately distinguish when a cardiovascular catheter was located in the superior vena cava vs in the right atrium. An optical fiber was placed in a cardiovascular catheter which was inserted into a living sheep and guided to the vicinity of the heart where diode laser‐based reflection intensity data were simultaneously gathered from two visible wavelengths of light reflected from the venous and atrial tissue surfaces near the cavoatrial junction. The time series data were postoperatively analyzed using methods of joint time‐frequency analysis and validated against catheter positions determined with fluoroscopy and ECG. The system was successful in distinguishing the location of the superior vena cava from the right atrium.
Effects of Osteoporosis on Bone Morphometry and Material Properties of Individual Human Trabeculae in the Femoral Head
Authors: Frank Martin , Reisinger Andreas G , Pahr Dieter H , Thurner Philipp J
Published: May 2021

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease and is conventionally classified as a decrease of total bone mass. Current diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on clinical risk factors and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, but changes in bone quantity (bone mass) and quality (trabecular structure, material properties, and tissue composition) are not distinguished. Yet, osteoporosis is known to cause a deterioration of the trabecular network, which might be related to changes at the tissue scale—the material properties. The goal of the current study was to use a previously established test method to perform a thorough characterization of the material properties of individual human trabeculae from femoral heads in cyclic tensile tests in a close to physiologic, wet environment. A previously developed rheological model was used to extract elastic, viscous, and plastic aspects of material behavior. Bone morphometry and tissue mineralization were determined with a density calibrated micro‐computed tomography (μCT) set‐up. Osteoporotic trabeculae neither showed a significantly changed material or mechanical behavior nor changes in tissue mineralization, compared with age‐matched healthy controls. However, donors with osteopenia indicated significantly reduced apparent yield strain and elastic work with respect to osteoporosis, suggesting possible initial differences at disease onset. Bone morphometry indicated a lower bone volume to total volume for osteoporotic donors, caused by a smaller trabecular number and a larger trabecular separation. A correlation of age with tissue properties and bone morphometry revealed a similar behavior as in osteoporotic bone. In the range studied, age does affect morphometry but not material properties, except for moderately increased tissue strength in healthy donors and moderately increased hardening exponent in osteoporotic donors. Taken together, the distinct changes of trabecular bone quality in the femoral head caused by osteoporosis and aging could not be linked to suspected relevant changes in material properties or tissue mineralization. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A nonsynonymous polymorphism (rs117179004, T392M) of hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1) is associated with increased risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Southern Han Chinese
Authors: Liu Juan , Deng Yanhan , Wang Zheng , Mo Biwen , Wei Jianghong , Cheng Zhenshun , Peng Qingzhen , Wei Guang , Li Jingping , Shu Ying , Yang Hua , Fang Shirong , Luo Guangwei , Yang Shuo , Wang Yingnan , Zhu Jing , Yang Jingping , Wu Ming , Xu Xuyan , Ge Renying , Zhang Xiaoju , Xiong Weining , Wang Xiaomei , Li Zongzhe
Published: May 2021

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a genetic heterogeneous disease with high mortality and poor prognosis. Hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1) was found to be upregulated in fibroblasts from IPF patients, and overexpression of HYAL1 could prevent human fetal lung fibroblast proliferation. However, the genetic correlation between the HYAL1 and IPF or connective tissue diseases related interstitial lung disease (CTD‐ILD) has not been determined.

Methods

A two‐stage study was conducted in Southern Han Chinese population. We sequenced the coding regions and flanking regulatory regions of HYAL1 in stage one (253 IPF cases and 125 controls). A statistically significant variant was further genotyped in stage two (162 IPF cases, 182 CTD‐ILD cases, and 225 controls).

Results

We identified a nonsynonymous polymorphism (rs117179004, T392M) significantly associated with increased IPF risk (dominant model: OR = 2.239, 95% CI = 1.212–4.137, p = 0.010 in stage one; OR = 2.383, 95% CI = 1.376–4.128, p = 0.002 in stage two). However, we did not observe this association in CTD‐ILD (OR = 1.401, 95% CI = 0.790–2.485, p = 0.248).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the nonsynonymous polymorphism (rs117179004, T392M) may confer susceptibility to IPF in Southern Han Chinese, but is not associated with susceptibility to CTD‐ILD.
Platelet‐Lymphocyte ratio is a predictor for the development of no‐reflow phenomenon in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction after thrombus aspiration
Authors: ŞENÖZ Oktay , EMREN Sadık Volkan , ERSEÇGİN Ahmet , YAPAN EMREN Zeynep , GÜL İlker
Published: May 2021

Backround

We aimed to evaluate the utility of the preprocedural platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for predicting the no‐reflow phenomenon after thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Method

We retrospectively analyzed postprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grades and myocardial blush grades (MBG) of 247 patients who underwent a PCI procedure with thrombus aspiration.We divided these patients into two groups according to whether they had no‐reflow (TIMI < 3, MBG < 2) or not (TIMI 3, MBG ≥ 2).

Results

No‐reflow developed in 43 (17%) patients.Preprocedural PLR was significantly higher in the no‐reflow group (183.76 ± 56.65 vs 118.32 ± 50.42 p < 0.001).Independent predictors of no‐reflow were as follows: higher preprocedural platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (OR = 1.018; 95% CI = 1.004, 1.033; p = 0.013),mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (OR = 1.118; 95% CI = 1.024, 1.220; p = 0.012) and SYNTAX Score‐2 (OR = 1.073; 95% CI = 1.005, 1.146; p = 0.036). PLR of 144 had 79% sensitivity and 75% specificity for the prediction of no‐reflow.

Conclusion

PLR is a reliable predictor for no‐reflow in STEMI patients undergoing thrombus aspiration.
Social‐ecological theory, substance misuse, adverse childhood experiences, and adolescent suicidal ideation: Applications for community–academic partnerships
Authors: Aytur Semra A. , Carlino Sydney , Bernard Felicity , West Kelsi , Dobrzycki Victoria , Malik Riana
Published: May 2021

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in the United States. Data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 9th–12th grade students in New Hampshire (N = 14,837) were utilized. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models to evaluate associations between suicidal ideation, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and other risk factors including using opioids/drugs without a prescription and food insecurity. We also examined whether potentially protective behaviors may attenuate the relationship between ACEs and suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 15.4% (girls 20.15; boys 10.67). In unadjusted models, the crude odds ratio reflecting the relationship between suicidal ideation and higher ACE scores was 1.85 (95% CI 1.76–1.94). In adjusted models, suicidal ideation remained positively associated with higher ACE scores (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.52–1.70). Risk and protective behavioral factors identified in relation to suicidal ideation and ACEs are discussed within the context of community–academic partnerships and policy.
Defining severe and multiple disadvantage from the inside: Perspectives of young people and of their support workers
Authors: Sandu Rebeca D.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to explore the way young people facing severe and multiple disadvantage and their support workers perceive the circumstances of the young person. The leaders of 11 U.K. and five U.S. support‐providing organisations identified 30 young people aged 16 to 25 who were in great need and 35 workers for this study. Thematic analysis of the semi‐structured interviews found that shame was a primary emotional reaction to severe and multiple disadvantage. A history of poor relationships led them to develop an acute assessment of others and a tendency to back away from help. Over time, they perceived themselves to be unworthy and unable. Findings underscored the young people's role in shaping their trajectories and shone light on the role of emotions in explaining disconnection from support.
Comparative ultrastructure of trichomes on various organs of Rosa roxburghii
Authors: Wang Dao‐Jing , Lu Min , Ludlow Richard A. , Zeng Jing‐Wen , Ma Wen‐Tao , An Hua‐Ming
Published: May 2021

Chestnut rose, R. roxburghii Tratt. (Rosaceae) (RR) is an important crop in China due to its nutritional and medicinal values. RR frequently produces trichomes on the surfaces of a diverse range of organs, however a genetic component exists to the control of trichome development, with some cultivars having significantly fewer trichomes to others. Certain varieties have fruits that are thickly covered with macroscopic trichomes, which is an undesirable trait for fruit processing and consumption. However, smooth‐fruit cultivars exist, such as R. roxburghii Tratt. f. esetosa Ku (RRE). Despite their economic importance, the anatomical features of trichomes have not been explored in detail for these two chestnut rose germplasms. Here, we investigate the ultrastructure of trichomes distributed on the stem, sepal, and fruit of RR and RRE using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The internal structure of stem prickle trichomes in RR and RRE was oval in shape and did not contain nucleoli or other organelles. The cell walls of stem prickles in RR are thick and the intercellular spaces occupied with liquid, whereas the cells wall of stem prickles in RRE are thin and have air‐filled intercellular spaces. The cells of sepal acicular trichomes in RR and glandular trichomes (GTs) of sepals in RRE had similar vacuole sizes, cytoplasm content, intercellular spaces, and arrangement of plastids within cells. However, there were osmiophilic granules present in the GTs of RRE. The flagelliform trichomes in the sepals of the two germplasms are composed of oval or rod‐shaped cells. Although the flagelliform trichomes in the sepals of the two germplasms had a similar internal structure, and both contained starch grains and plastids with visible thylakoid membranes, the flagelliform trichomes in the sepals of RR had a thinner cell wall and a higher proportion of cytoplasm which was more evenly distributed across the cell. There were granules that stained heavily with osmium tetroxide which occurred infrequently in the flagelliform trichomes of sepals in RRE but were not observed in RR. On the acicular trichomes of fruit in RR, the flagelliform trichomes and the GTs of fruit in RRE shared similar cell morphology, arrangement and vacuole size as well as intercellular space. Both the fruit flagelliform trichomes and GTs in RRE contain granules which stain heavily with osmium tetroxide, and the GTs contain plastids and starch grains. These differences in trichome cell ultrastructure may be related to developmental processes or biological functions of the trichomes. These results also suggest that the two chestnut rose germplasms are good candidates for further study of trichome ontogeny in the genus and subsequent breeding of the smooth organ trait in this species.
Assessing sensitivity to change of the genomics outcome scale (GOS)
Authors: Ting Michael Sing Onn , Clarke Angus , McAllister Marion
Published: May 2021

The Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS‐24) is a 24‐item patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) that was developed to evaluate genetic counseling and testing services by measuring the construct of empowerment. The Genomics Outcome Scale (GOS) is a 6‐item version of GCOS‐24 that was designed to provide a PROM for use both within and outside clinical genetics services and reduce respondent burden. However, unlike GCOS‐24, the sensitivity to change of the GOS has not yet been assessed in appropriate clinical settings. We carried out pre‐ and post‐clinic surveys using the GOS to assess sensitivity to change of the GOS and produce before‐and‐after GOS data as part of a service evaluation. The survey was sent to patients attending the genetic counseling clinic for a first appointment at the All Wales Medical Genetic Service from 8 April 2019 to 18 September 2019. Patients attending disease management clinics, where genetic issues were not the primary concern, were excluded from this study. A total of 138 respondents were included in the final analysis. The result shows that empowerment scores, measured using the GOS, were significantly higher (p<0.05) after clinic attendance. The GOS shows good sensitivity to change, with a medium‐to‐large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.73). The result also shows that the service is delivering measurable benefits for its service users.
No effect of resveratrol in patients with mitochondrial myopathy: A cross‐over randomized controlled trial
Authors: Løkken Nicoline , Khawajazada Tahmina , Storgaard Jesper Helbo , Raaschou‐Pedersen Daniel , Christensen Maja Elling , Hornsyld Tessa Munkeboe , Krag Thomas , Ørngreen Mette C. , Vissing John
Published: May 2021

Mitochondrial myopathies (MM) are caused by mutations that typically affect genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Main symptoms are exercise intolerance and fatigue. Currently, there is no specific treatment for MM. Resveratrol (RSV) is a nutritional supplement that in preclinical studies has been shown to stimulate mitochondrial function. We hypothesized that RSV could improve exercise capacity in patients with MM. The study design was randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over and placebo‐controlled. Eleven patients with genetically verified MM were randomized to receive either 1000 mg/day RSV or placebo (P) for 8 weeks followed by a 4‐week washout and then the opposite treatment. Primary outcomes were changes in heart rate (HR) during submaximal cycling exercise and peak oxygen utilization (VO2max) during maximal exercise. Secondary outcomes included reduction in perceived exertion, changes in lactate concentrations, self‐rated function (SF‐36) and fatigue scores (FSS), activities of electron transport chain complexes I and IV in mononuclear cells and mitochondrial biomarkers in muscle tissue among others. There were no significant differences in primary and secondary outcomes between treatments. Mean HR changes were −0.3 ± 4.3 (RSV) vs 1.8 ± 5.0 bpm (P), P = .241. Mean VO2max changes were 0.7 ± 1.4 (RSV) vs −0.2 ± 2.3 mL/min/kg (P), P = .203. The study provides evidence that 1000 mg RSV daily is ineffective in improving exercise capacity in adults with MM. These findings indicate that previous in vitro studies suggesting a therapeutic potential for RSV in MM, do not translate into clinically meaningful effects in vivo.
Clinical impact of magnetic resonance imaging distortions on gamma knife radiosurgery
Authors: Jacobson Sinead , Jones Catherine , Lusk Ryan , Jenkins Mike , Chamunyonga Crispen , Pinkham Mark B , Brown Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for Leksell Gamma Knife® (LGK) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment planning (TP) due to superior soft tissue definition compared to computed tomography (CT). However, inherent distortions in MRI can affect treatment accuracy. The aim of this study was to develop a model to visualise the effect of MRI distortion on LGK SRS target coverage.

Methods

A model was developed using MR images of a QUASARTM GRID3D QA phantom. One hundred and twenty‐five points were compared against known phantom geometry. Using linear interpolation, the model was applied retrospectively to 10 brain metastases patient data sets treated with LGK. The model estimated the corrected shot position accounting for distortion. A total of 44 metastases were investigated regarding the effects of MRI distortion on target coverage.

Results

The model indicated significantly reduced mean error by 0.30 mm and variance by 0.09 mm (P = 0.008). After model application, 23 (53%) metastases showed reduced coverage. Six of the 23 metastases were deemed to be potentially clinically significant changes. Results indicated MRI distortion had a greater effect on smaller targets (mean 0.06cc) located further away from the image isocentre (mean 64.88 mm).

Conclusion

This study developed a model to visualise the effect of MRI distortion on LGK SRS target coverage. Results suggest that MRI distortion can affect target coverage and the developed model may be one method to assess its impact. These results indicate that MRI distortion may have a greater effect on smaller targets located at the image periphery.
Betacoronaviruses genome analysis reveals evolution toward specific codons usage: Implications for SARS‐CoV‐2 mitigation strategies
Authors: Lopes Elisson N. , Fonseca Vagner , Frias Diego , Tosta Stephane , Salgado Álvaro , Assunção Vialle Ricardo , Paulo Eduardo Toscano S. , Barreto Fernanda K. , Ariston de Azevedo Vasco , Guarino Michele , Angeletti Silvia , Ciccozzi Massimo , Junior Alcantara Luiz C. , Giovanetti Marta
Published: May 2021

Since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has rapidly widespread worldwide becoming one of the major global public health issues of the last centuries. Currently, COVID‐19 vaccine rollouts are finally upon us carrying the hope of herd immunity once a sufficient proportion of the population has been vaccinated or infected, as a new horizon. However, the emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants brought concerns since, as the virus is exposed to environmental selection pressures, it can mutate and evolve, generating variants that may possess enhanced virulence. Codon usage analysis is a strategy to elucidate the evolutionary pressure of the viral genome suffered by different hosts, as possible cause of the emergence of new variants. Therefore, to get a better picture of the SARS‐CoV‐2 codon bias, we first identified the relative codon usage rate of all Betacoronaviruses lineages. Subsequently, we correlated putative cognate transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNAs) to reveal how those viruses adapt to hosts in relation to their preferred codon usage. Our analysis revealed seven preferred codons located in three different open reading frame which appear preferentially used by SARS‐CoV‐2. In addition, the tRNA adaptation analysis indicates a wide strategy of competition between the virus and mammalian as principal hosts highlighting the importance to reinforce the genomic monitoring to prompt identify any potential adaptation of the virus into new potential hosts which appear to be crucial to prevent and mitigate the pandemic.
IoT based energy management in smart energy system: A hybrid SO2SA technique
Authors: Muthubalaji Sankaramoorthy , Srinivasan Sundararajan , Lakshmanan Muthuramalingam
Published: May 2021

In this manuscript, an energy management system (EMS) is proposed to the distribution system (DS) using Internet of Things (IoT) framework with a hybrid system. The proposed hybrid method is the combination of the Seagull Optimization Algorithm (SOA) and Owl Search Algorithm (OSA), hence it is called SO2SA technique. The principle objective of the SO2SA technique is to optimize managing distribution system power and resources through continuous monitoring of the data from a communication framework based on IoT. In SO2SA technique, every home device is connected to the module of data acquisition, which indicates an IoT object along with a unique IP address as a result of huge mesh wireless network devices. The sending data are processed through SO2SA technique. Similarly, the IoT architecture of the distribution system enhances the flexibility of these networks and gives optimal utilization of obtainable resources. In addition, the SO2SA technique is responsible for meeting the overall power and supply requirements. The proposed method is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink site and the efficiency is likened to the other different methods. In 50 trail numbers, the RMSE, MAPE, and MBE range of SO2SA technique represents 5.63, 0.90, and 1.035. Thus, the proposed technique is highly competent over all the existing approaches.
Sedimentology of a Late Quaternary lacustrine record from the south‐eastern Carpathian Basin
Authors: Zeeden Christian , Hambach Ulrich , Klasen Nicole , Fischer Peter , Schulte Philipp , Nett Janina J. , Veres Daniel , Obreht Igor , Chu Wei , Papadopoulou Maria , Viehberg Finn , SchÄBitz Frank , Gavrilov Milivoj B. , MarkoviĆ Slobodan B. , VÖTT Andreas , Lehmkuhl Frank
Published: May 2021

The Upper Pleistocene geoarchives in the south‐eastern Carpathian Basin are represented predominantly by loess–palaeosol records. In 2015, a 10 m sediment core composed of clay‐rich lacustrine sediments was recovered by vibracoring a dry lake basin located between the Vršac Mountains (Serbia) and the Banat Sands in the south‐eastern Carpathian Basin; a location relevant for placing regional archaeological results in a palaeoenvironmental context. Here, we present results from geoelectrical prospection and a lithostratigraphic interpretation of this sequence supported by a detailed granulometric study supplemented by ostracod analysis. An age model based on luminescence dating is discussed against sedimentological proxy data and its implication for palaeoenvironmental change. The cores show a stratigraphy of lighter ochre‐coloured and darker greyish sediment, related to the deposition of clay and silt trapped in an aquatic environment. Geophysical measurements show ~20 m thick lacustrine sediments. The grain‐size distributions including the variability in fine clay are indicative of a lacustrine environment. Fine particles were brought into the depositional environments by aquatic input and settled from suspension; also, direct dust input is constrained by grain‐size results. Riverine input and aeolian dust input interplayed at the locality.
Impacts of Camellia sinensis fermentation end‐product (black tea) on retinal microvasculature: an updated OCTA analysis
Authors: Doğan Mustafa , Akdoğan Müberra , Alizada Anar , Eroğul Özgür , Sabaner Mehmet Cem , Gobeka Hamidu Hamisi , Gülyeşil Furkan Fatih , Seylan Mehmet Akif
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Tea, second only to water, is one of the most regularly consumed drinks in the world. Its potentially beneficial effects on general health may be enormously important. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) now allows clinicians to examine the acute retinal morphological changes caused by black tea consumption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute impacts of a Camellia sinensis fermentation end‐product (black tea) on retinal microvasculature in healthy individuals using OCTA.

RESULTS

In this study, 60 healthy people were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 30) received black tea (2 mg/250 mL of water) and group 2 (n = 30) received only 250 mL of water. Following consumption, AngioVue Analytics software automatically analyzed the foveal, parafoveal, perifoveal macular superficial and deep vascular plexus densities, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ perimeter and foveal vessel density in a 300 μm wide region around the FAZ (FD‐300). Male‐to‐female ratios were 19:11 and 15:15 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.217). Mean age was 33.27 ± 7.92 years in group 1 and 31.00 ± 7.30 years in group 2 (P = 0.254). Changes in foveal, perifoveal and parafoveal macular vessel density between groups 1 and 2 were not statistically significant. In addition, no significant differences regarding FAZ, FAZ perimeter and FD‐300 were observed.

CONCLUSION

There were no acute effects of black tea on macular microcirculation in healthy individuals. The authors, however, believe that this study could serve as a model for future research on the relationship between regular tea consumption and general ocular physiology. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hybridization of Step‐/Chain‐Growth and Radical/Cationic Polymerizations Using Thioacetals as Key Components for Triblock, Periodic and Random Multiblock Copolymers with Thermoresponsiveness
Authors: Uchiyama Mineto , Osumi Masahiro , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami
Published: May 2021

A novel strategy for synthesizing a series of multiblock copolymers is developed by combining radical/cationic step‐growth polymerizations of dithiols and divinyl ethers and chain‐growth cationic degenerative chain‐transfer (DT) polymerizations of vinyl ethers using thioacetals as key components. The combination of radical step‐growth polymerization and a cationic thiol‐ene reaction or cationic step‐growth polymerization enables the synthesis of a series of macro chain‐transfer agents (CTAs) composed of poly(thioether) and thioacetal groups at different positions. The resulting products are 1) bifunctional macro CTAs with thioacetal groups at both chain ends, 2) periodic macro CTAs periodically having thioacetal groups in the main chain, and 3) random macro CTAs randomly having thioacetal groups in the main chain. Subsequently, the obtained macro CTAs are used for chain‐growth cationic DT polymerization of methoxyethyl vinyl ether (MOVE) to result in 1) triblock, 2) periodic, and 3) random multiblock copolymers consisting of poly(thioether) and poly(MOVE) segments. All these triblock and multiblock copolymers composed of hydrophobic poly(thioether) and hydrophilic poly(MOVE) segments show an amphiphilic tendency to form characteristic micelles in aqueous solutions. In addition, due to the thermoresponsive poly(MOVE) segments, the obtained copolymers exhibit lower critical solution temperatures that depend on the segment sequences and lengths.
An Update on the Phenotype, Genotype and Neurobiology of ADCY5‐Related Disease
Authors: Ferrini Arianna , Steel Dora , Barwick Katy , Kurian Manju A.
Published: May 2021

Adenylyl cyclase 5 (ADCY5)‐related phenotypes comprise an expanding disease continuum, but much remains to be understood about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of the disease. ADCY5‐related disease comprises a spectrum of hyperkinetic disorders involving chorea, myoclonus, and/or dystonia, often with paroxysmal exacerbations. Hypotonia, developmental delay, and intellectual disability may be present. The causative gene encodes adenylyl cyclase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic adenosine‐3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP). cAMP is a second messenger that exerts a wide variety of effects via several intracellular signaling pathways. ADCY5 is the most commonly expressed isoform of adenylyl cyclase in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum, and it integrates and controls dopaminergic signaling. Through cAMP pathway, ADCY5 is a key regulator of the cortical and thalamic signaling that control initiation of voluntary movements and prevention of involuntary movements. Gain‐of‐function mutations in ADCY5 have been recently linked to a rare genetic disorder called ADCY5‐related dyskinesia, where dysregulation of the cAMP pathway leads to reduced inhibitory activity and involuntary hyperkinetic movements. Here, we present an update on the neurobiology of ADCY5, together with a detailed overview of the reported clinical phenotypes and genotypes. Although a range of therapeutic approaches has been trialed, there are currently no disease‐modifying treatments. Improved in vitro and in vivo laboratory models will no doubt increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of this rare genetic movement disorder, which will improve diagnosis, and also facilitate the development of precision medicine approaches for this, and other forms of hyperkinesia. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Quantitative assessment of ensemble coherency in contrast‐free ultrasound microvasculature imaging
Authors: Nayak Rohit , MacNeill Justin , Flores Cecilia , Webb Jeremy , Fatemi Mostafa , Alizad Azra
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Contrast‐free visualization of microvascular blood flow (MBF) using ultrasound can play a valuable role in diagnosis and detection of diseases. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of quantifying ensemble coherence for robust MBF imaging. We propose a novel approach to quantify ensemble coherence by estimating the local spatiotemporal correlation (LSTC) image, and evaluate its efficacy through simulation and in vivo studies.

Methods

The in vivo patient studies included three volunteers with a suspicious breast tumor, 15 volunteers with a suspicious thyroid tumor, and two healthy volunteers for renal MBF imaging. The breast data displayed negligible prior motion and were used for simulation analysis involving synthetically induced motion, to assess its impact on ensemble coherency and motion artifacts in MBF images. The in vivo thyroid data involved complex physiological motion due to its proximity to the pulsating carotid artery, which was used to assess the in vivo efficacy of the proposed technique. Further, in vivo renal MBF images demonstrated the feasibility of using the proposed ensemble coherence metric for curved array‐based MBF imaging involving phase conversion. All ultrasound data were acquired at high imaging frame rates and the tissue signal was suppressed using spatiotemporal clutter filtering. Thyroid tissue motion was estimated using two‐dimensional normalized cross correlation‐based speckle tracking, which was subsequently used for ensemble motion correction. The coherence of the MBF image was quantified based on Casorati correlation of the Doppler ensemble.

Results

The simulation results demonstrated that an increase in ensemble motion corresponded with a decrease in ensemble coherency, which reciprocally degraded the MBF images. Further the data acquired from breast tumors demonstrated higher ensemble coherency than that from thyroid tumors. Motion correction improved the coherence of the thyroid MBF images, which substantially improved its visualization. The proposed coherence metrics were also useful in assessing the ensemble coherence for renal MBF imaging. The results also demonstrated that the proposed coherence metric can be reliably estimated from downsampled ensembles (by up to 90), thus allowing improved computational efficiency for potential applications in real‐time MBF imaging.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates the importance of assessing ensemble coherency in contrast‐free MBF imaging. The proposed LSTC image quantified coherence of the Doppler ensemble for robust MBF imaging. The results obtained from this pilot study are promising, and warrant further development and in vivo validation.
The associations of emotional health with pain, disability, and health‐related quality of life in patients with rotator cuff disease
Authors: Şahinoğlu Ertan , Ünver Bayram , Yamak Kamil
Published: May 2021

Background

Psychosocial factors have been associated with poor outcomes in patients with rotator cuff disease. Emotional health is one of these factors, and relationships between emotional health and outcome measures evaluated before and after physical therapy have not been reported.

Aim

To investigate the associations of baseline emotional health status with pre‐treatment, post‐treatment, and pre‐to‐post changes in pain, disability and health‐related quality of life in patients with rotator cuff disease.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with rotator cuff disease were included. Emotional health was measured with the emotions domain of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC). The outcomes were the WORC‐total, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the numeric pain rating scale. All outcomes were measured at baseline and 6‐week follow‐up.

Results

The baseline emotional health score and the outcomes scores were moderate to strong, and weak to moderate correlated at baseline and at follow‐up, respectively. There was no correlation between the baseline emotional health score and the changes in the outcome measures from baseline to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Lower baseline emotional health status was associated with worse outcomes in pain, disability and health‐related quality of life at baseline and follow‐up in patients with rotator cuff disease. However, the changes in these outcome measures from baseline to follow‐up were not correlated with the baseline emotional health status. In clinical practice, an assessment of patients' emotional health status using standardised measures may help to predict post‐treatment outcomes, and a multidisciplinary cooperation (e.g., among physical therapists and psychologists) may enhance outcomes.
Nurses’ sense of coherence and stress management strategies against the types of health status
Authors: Betke Katarzyna , Basińska Małgorzata Anna , Andruszkiewicz Anna
Published: May 2021

Aim

The main objective of this paper was to establish types of health status in the group of practicing nurses.

Design

Positive psychology defines human health as the underlying resource for all life activities, including professional work. Practicing nurses are exposed to a variety of professional pressures, most notably high‐stress burden. Long‐term functioning in conditions of work‐related overburden and stress may compromise the health status of nurses and make them vulnerable to somatic or psychosomatic conditions.

Methods

In this study, we used original worksheets for collecting socio‐economic data and health‐related data, Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC‐29), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28), Brief COPE Inventory (Mini‐COPE) and the somatic symptom scale. K‐means clustering analysis for cases was used to identify types of health status among the surveyed nurses.

Results

This survey discovered that specific types of health status can be distinguished among practicing nurses. The nurses represented various types of health status, levels of the sense of coherence and the use of stress management strategies.
Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol Using Cobalt Oxide Supported Inside and Outside Hollow Carbon Spheres
Authors: Mente Pumza , Mashindi Victor , Phaahlamohlaka Tumelo N. , Monyatsi Thabo N. , Forbes Roy P. , Coville Neil J.
Published: May 2021

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (6 nm) supported both inside and outside of hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) were synthesized by using two different polymer templates. The oxidation of benzyl alcohol was used as a model reaction to evaluate the catalysts. PXRD studies indicated that the Co oxidation state varied for the different catalysts due to reduction of the Co by the carbon, and a metal oxidation step prior to the benzyl alcohol oxidation enhanced the catalytic activity. The metal loading influenced the catalytic efficiency, and the activity decreased with increasing metal loading, possibly due to pore filling effects. The catalysts showed similar activity and selectivity (to benzaldehyde) whether placed inside or outside the HCS (63 % selectivity at 50 % conversion). No poisoning was observed due to product build up in the HCS.
Rural/urban weight‐loss outcomes following bariatric surgery
Authors: Bauman Viviana , Apostolopoulos Andreana N. , Hasse Gwendolyn , Parkman Thomas J. , Ross Kathryn M.
Published: May 2021

Obesity disproportionately affects rural populations; however, there is limited research examining disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes between patients from rural versus urban areas. This study aimed to compare the demographic characteristics of patients undergoing bariatric surgery from rural versus urban bariatric areas and to explore differences in weight‐loss outcomes between these groups. A retrospective chart review identified a sample of 170 patients (52 rural, 118 urban) who underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedures over a 1‐year period. Data collected included age, race, gender, insurance status, surgery type, height, and pre‐ and postoperative weights at 3 and 6 months. Significant differences in race, ethnicity, and surgery type were observed between rural/urban patients (ps < 0.05). Patients from rural areas demonstrated significantly greater percent total weight losses at 3 months (p = 0.018; however, there were no significant differences between groups at 6 months (p > 0.05). The results suggest that patients from rural counties experience postoperative weight‐loss outcomes comparable to those of their urban counterparts.
Do earnings management practices define the readability of the financial reports in India?
Authors: Arora Somya , Chauhan Yogesh
Published: May 2021

Using a sample of the listed firms over the period 2007–2019, we examine the impact of financial statement readability on the earnings management in a large emerging economy, India. Besides, we test for the readability of financially distressed and financially constrained firms. We use the fog index to measure the readability of the Management Discussion and Analysis (MDA) section of the annual report, and earnings management is measured using the Jones model. Our results indicate that the firms practicing earning management activities prepare lesser readable financial reports. Our results remain the same after adding the firm‐fixed effect to control for firm‐specific characteristics. Thus, more financial manipulation practices by the firm make the financial reports more complex to comprehend.
Internet addiction among Czech adolescents
Authors: Procházka Roman , Suchá Jaroslava , Dostál Daniel , Dominik Tomáš , Dolejš Martin , Šmahaj Jan , Kolařík Marek , Glaser Ondřej , Viktorová Lucie , Friedlová Martina
Published: May 2021

Our study estimates the prevalence of Internet addiction in Czech adolescents as well as differences by gender and school type. A total of 3,950 adolescents (n = 1,940 boys, n = 2,010 girls) from 11 to 19 years of age (M = 15.73, SD = 1.99) participated in the research. They completed the Internet Addiction Test, which consists of subscales for Salience, Excessive Use, Neglect Work, Anticipation, Lack of Control, and Neglect Social Life. The results indicate that adolescent girls have higher levels of internet addiction. In boys, unlike girls, internet addiction was associated with a reduction in social relationships and interactions. Our findings show interesting differences between adolescent girls and boys and the type of school attended in the Czech population in terms of Internet addiction.
LX‐17 Thermal Decomposition‐Characterization of Solid Residues from Cook‐Off in a Small‐Scale Vessel Under Confinement
Authors: Reynolds John G. , Muetterties Nicolas K. , Nelson A. J. , Mason Harris E. , Moore Jason S. , Coffee Keith R. , Kahl Evan M.
Published: May 2021

Concerns surround whether insensitive (or any) energetic materials are more dangerous to handle when exposed to abnormal thermal environments. This study characterizes the residual material remaining after LX‐17 (92.5 % 1,3,5‐triamino 2,4,6‐trinitro benzene (TATB) and 7.5 % Kel‐F) is exposed to various thermal environments in a sealed small‐scale vessel cook‐off test reactor (heated at 0.1 to 100 °C/min until the reactor opened at 3000 psi (20.7 MPa)). Previous work has shown no additional sensitivity of these residues as evaluated by small‐scale safety analysis, but characterization on the molecular scale indicates the TATB is transformed to more reactive compounds as well as the residue could be precursors to toxic gases. The solids and chars were characterized by various analytical methods. Heat‐flow measurements indicated exothermic release is due to a mixture of residual TATB and related decomposition products (which may be more energetic). The N/C and O/N ratios indicated a material much more degraded than TATB. Primarily, the solids were a network of amorphous C inter‐dispersed with N and O. Types of bonding include C−C, C−N, N−H, N−C, N=C, N≡C, C−O=, and −OH. Solvent extracts of the solids showed TATB decomposition intermediates benzo‐furazans and benzo‐furoxans, substituted TATB (mono‐nitroso, hydroxyl, and chlorinated) along with several unidentified smaller molecules. These results indicate thermal treatment produces an amorphous carbon residue with heteroatoms incorporated through differing functionality, varying depending upon the thermal severity of exposure. These structures also could further decompose producing toxic light gases (such as cyanide).