bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of an URAT1 polymorphism on the losartan treatment of hypertension and hyperuricemia
Authors: Wu Liting , Fan Yingchao , Wang Yuan , Li Zhumeng , Mao Delong , Zhuang Wenfang
Published: September 2021

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of polymorphisms in the urate transporter 1 (URAT1) gene on the uricosuric action of losartan therapy in hypertensive patients suffering from hyperuricemia.

Methods

A MassARRAY approach was used to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in the URAT1 and CYP2C9 genes (16 and 2 loci, respectively) in 111 patients with hypertension and hyperuricemia taking losartan and in 121 healthy controls. In addition, we compared serum urate (SUA) levels and other key clinical biochemistry indices between these two patient groups.

Results

We detected significant differences between the two patient groups with respect to age, SUA, urea, creatine, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, and fasting plasma glucose (all p < 0.05). In addition, we found that hypertensive patients with hyperuricemia were more likely to exhibit the rs3825016(C/T) (36.9% vs 21.5%, p = 0.03), and we determined that a 2‐week treatment course with losartan was associated with significant decreases in SUA values (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the URAT1 rs3825016 polymorphism may influence the uricosuric action of losartan.
Resistance to immunotherapy in human malignancies: Mechanisms, research progresses, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Bashash Davood , Zandi Zahra , Kashani Bahareh , Pourbagheri‐Sigaroodi Atieh , Salari Sina , Ghaffari Seyed H.
Published: September 2021

Despite remarkable advances in different types of cancer therapies, an effective therapeutic strategy is still a major and significant challenge. One of the most promising approaches in this regard is immunotherapy, which takes advantage of the patients' immune system; however, the many mechanisms that cancerous cells harbor to extend their survival make it impossible to gain perfect eradication of tumors. The response rate to cancer immunotherapies, especially checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell therapy, substantially differs in various cancer types with the highest rates in advanced melanoma and non‐small cell lung cancer. Indeed, the lack of response in many tumors indicates primary resistance that can originate from either tumor cells (intrinsic) or tumor microenvironment (extrinsic). On the other hand, some tumors show an initial response to immunotherapy followed by relapse in few months (acquired resistance). Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance makes it possible to develop effective strategies to overcome this hurdle and boost therapy outcomes. In this review, we take a look at immunotherapy strategies and go through a number of primary and acquired resistance mechanisms. Also, we present various ongoing methods to overcoming resistance and introduce some promising fields to improve the outcome of immunotherapy in patients affected with cancer.
The career outlook of engineering PhDs: Influence of postdoctoral research positions on early career salaries and the attainment of tenure‐track faculty positions
Authors: Main Joyce B. , Wang Yanbing , Tan Li
Published: September 2021

Background

The number of engineering PhDs pursuing postdoctoral research scholar (postdoc) positions has steadily increased in the last 30 years. Postdoc positions are commonly thought of as a step toward academic careers. However, engineering PhDs are more likely to work in industry, which leaves open the question of the role of postdocs in the career trajectories of engineering PhDs.

Purpose/hypothesis

This study examines the factors associated with attainment of postdocs. It also identifies the influence of postdocs on attainment of tenure‐track faculty positions and early career salaries.

Design/method

Super's “life span, life space” theory informs the analytical approach. Descriptive and regression analyses, and propensity score matching, are conducted using a nationally representative sample of engineering PhDs from the 1993–2013 National Science Foundation Survey of Doctorate Recipients data set merged with the 1985–2013 Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Results

Engineering PhDs primarily funded by research assistantships and who graduated from a doctoral program with higher‐ranked research activities and greater proportions of previous cohorts pursuing postdocs are more likely to attain postdoc positions. Among engineering PhDs, postdoctoral scholars are more likely than PhDs in nonacademic positions to attain tenure‐track faculty positions. Early career average salaries are relatively similar between postdoctoral scholars and PhDs without postdoc experiences working in the academic sector.

Conclusions

Postdoctoral research positions can provide a viable pathway toward careers in the academic sector. Engineering doctoral programs can potentially apply research findings toward student career development and preparation, and engineering students and PhDs can leverage the career outlook information for decision‐making and career preparation.
Design, synthesis, and biological activity studies of a new class of sulfonated aurones: First synthesis of acidoaurone isolated from Phyllanthus acidus
Authors: Venkateswarlu Somepalli , Murty Gandrotu Narasimha , Satyanarayana Meka , Siddaiah Vidavalur
Published: September 2021

A novel series of aurones were designed by introducing sulfonic acid group on ring‐A and ring‐B of known natural aurones such as hispidol, sulfuretin, maritimetin, and aureusidin. These sulfonated aurones were synthesized by a unique approach. Sulfonation on ring‐A or ring‐B converts water‐insoluble aurones into highly water‐soluble aurones. The sulfonated aurones were tested for their antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and AChE inhibition activities along with their natural aurones. Ring‐A sulfonated aurones displayed higher antioxidant activity, 5‐LOX, and AChE inhibition in comparison with their corresponding natural aurones. Ring‐B sulfonated aurones exhibited potent 5‐LOX inhibitory activity and significant antioxidant activity. Acidoaurone, a first sulfonated aurone isolated from Phyllanthus acidus was synthesized for the first time and was well characterized using NMR, LC–MS, and further confirmed by HMBC.
GdDO3NI Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Allows Imaging of Hypoxia After Brain Injury
Authors: Moghadas Babak , Bharadwaj Vimala N. , Tobey John P. , Tian Yanqing , Stabenfeldt Sarah E. , Kodibagkar Vikram D.
Published: September 2021

Background

Brain tissue hypoxia is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to the rupture of blood vessels during impact and it correlates with poor outcome. The current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are unable to provide a direct map of tissue hypoxia.

Purpose

To investigate whether GdDO3NI, a nitroimidazole‐based T1 MRI contrast agent allows imaging hypoxia in the injured brain after experimental TBI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

TBI‐induced mice (controlled cortical impact model) were intravenously injected with either conventional T1 agent (gadoteridol) or GdDO3NI at 0.3 mmol/kg dose (n = 5 for each cohort) along with pimonidazole (60 mg/kg) at 1 hour postinjury and imaged for 3 hours following which they were euthanized.

Field Strength/Sequence

7 T/T2‐weighted spin echo and T1‐weighted gradient echo.

Assessment

Injured animals were imaged with T2‐weighted spin‐echo sequence to estimate the extent of the injury. The mice were then imaged precontrast and postcontrast using a T1‐weighted gradient‐echo sequence for 3 hours postcontrast. Regions of interests were drawn on the brain injury region, the contralateral brain as well as on the cheek muscle region for comparison of contrast kinetics. Brains were harvested immediately post‐imaging for immunohistochemical analysis.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance and two‐sample t‐tests were performed with a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

GdDO3NI retention in the injury region at 2.5–3 hours post‐injection was significantly higher compared to gadoteridol (mean retention fraction 63.95% ± 27.43% vs. 20.68% ± 7.43% for gadoteridol at 3 hours) while it rapidly cleared out of the muscle region. Pimonidazole staining confirmed the presence of hypoxia in both gadoteridol and GdDO3NI cohorts, and the later cohort showed good agreement with MRI contrast enhancement.

Data Conclusion

GdDO3NI was successfully shown to visualize hypoxia in the brain post‐TBI using T1‐weighted MRI at 2.5–3 hours postcontrast.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Association of anti‐HBc and liver inflammation in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus‐infected patients with normal ALT and detectable HBV DNA
Authors: Yao Kefang , Wang Jian , Wang Lijuan , Xia Juan , Yan Xiaomin , Wu Weihua , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Li , Yin Shengxia , Tong Xin , Ding Weimao , Huang Rui , Wu Chao
Published: September 2021

Serum hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) is associated with liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B patients. This study aimed to investigate whether anti‐HBc could serve as a predictor of significant liver inflammation in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and detectable HBV DNA. Treatment‐naïve HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV infected patients with normal ALT and detectable HBV DNA who underwent liver biopsy were retrospectively included from two medical centers. Liver inflammation grade was evaluated using the Scheuer scoring system and significant liver inflammation was defined as ≥G2. Serum anti‐HBc levels were measured by commercial immunoassays (Abbott GmbH & Co. KG). A total of 117 patients were included and 50 (42.7%) patients showed significant liver inflammation. Serum anti‐HBc levels in patients with significant liver inflammation were significantly higher than patients with no or mild liver inflammation (<G2) (p < 0.001). High serum anti‐HBc (odds ratio 1.562, 95% confidential interval 1.157–2.110, p = 0.004) was an independent risk factor of significant liver inflammation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum anti‐HBc in predicting significant liver inflammation was 0.769 and the optimal cut‐off value was 10.87 S/CO, with a sensitivity of 59.2% and a specificity of 87.9%. Our data revealed that a substantial of HBeAg‐negative chronic infection patients with normal ALT and detectable HBV DNA showed significant liver inflammation. Serum anti‐HBc can predict significant liver inflammation in these patients.
Extraction of non‐starch lipid from protease‐treated wheat flour
Authors: Abdul Manan Siti Farhiah , Li Jihong , Hsieh Chao‐Feng , Faubion Jon , Shi Yong‐Cheng
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Lipids account for 2.0–2.5% of wheat flour by dry weight and affect properties and quality of cereal foods. A new method was developed to extract non‐starch lipids from wheat flour. Wheat flour was first hydrolyzed with a protease and followed by extraction of non‐starch lipids by water‐saturated butanol (WSB).

RESULT

Protein hydrolysis by protease followed by extraction of non‐starch lipids with WSB increased yield to 1.9 ± 0.3% from 1.0 ± 0.1% with no protease treatment. The lipid profile showed a significant increase in phospholipid compounds extracted with protease hydrolysis (5.9 ± 0.8 nmol·g−1) versus without enzymatic treatment (2.4 ± 1.3 nmol g−1).

CONCLUSION

Improved lipid extraction yield and phospholipid compounds following protease‐assisted extraction method provided additional insight towards the understanding of protein–lipid interaction in wheat flour. The new protease‐assisted extraction method may be applied to analyzing non‐starch lipids in other types of wheat flours and other cereal flours. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of Ca2+ on migration of dissolved organic matter in limestone soils of the southwest China karst area
Authors: Xiao Peiwen , Xiao Baohua , Adnan Muhammad
Published: September 2021

The prospect of carbon sequestration in soils of karst areas remains unclear. The study on migration and transformation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in limestone soil under the high calcium environment of karst regions has seldom been reported. This study conducted soil column experiments on two surface soils (H1 and S2) and two subsurface soils (H2 and S2) from two limestone soil profiles in the karst region of southwest China and investigated their DOM leaching behaviours under different Ca2+ concentration levels. The results showed that the DOM leaching process can be described by the Elovich equation, including a rapid DOM release stage and the relatively stable DOM release stage. When the Ca2+ concentration of eluent increases from 0 to 2.5 mmol L−1, the percentage of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loss in H1, H2, S1, and S2 soils decreased from 66.3% to 58.8%, from 76.2% to 72.4%, from 73.0% to 68.8%, and from 52.5% to 46.6%, respectively, and the apparent molecular weight of leached DOM increases, the aromaticity of leach DOM and the contribution of humic‐like components decrease. The results further show that the influence of Ca2+ on easily leaching DOM is stronger than that on the stable DOM, indicating that high Ca2+ runoff can enrich high aromaticity and high molecular weight soil organic matter (SOM) in the limestone soil during the leaching process. This research is helpful to understand the migration and fate of SOM in limestone soils and provides theoretical support for increasing soil carbon sinks in karst areas.
Livestock grazing‐induced large‐scale biotic homogenization in arid Mediterranean steppe rangelands
Authors: Merdas Saifi , Kouba Yacine , Mostephaoui Tewfik , Farhi Yassine , Chenchouni Haroun
Published: September 2021

Despite many studies that have explored the effect of livestock grazing on plant communities, the response of species composition and diversity to livestock grazing in arid rangelands remains ambiguous. This study examined the effects of livestock grazing on plant communities in arid steppe rangelands of North Africa. Plant diversity of annual species, perennial species, and all species combined were measured and compared between grazed and grazing‐excluded areas. We also examined the relative importance of species turnover and community nestedness. Moreover, the effects of livestock grazing on beta diversity at local among transects and landscape among sites scales were examined using the multiplicative diversity partitioning. Results revealed that livestock grazing significantly decreased the alpha diversity of all species combined and the diversity of annual plants. Livestock grazing induced a shift in plant community composition where most species composition variation (~74%) was due to infrequent species replacement 'turnover' between the two management types rather than nestedness (~26%). Results revealed also that among transects, beta diversity was higher in grazed steppes than in grazing‐excluded steppes. Whereas, among sites, beta diversity was lower in grazed steppes compared to grazing‐excluded steppes. These findings suggest that livestock grazing in arid steppe rangelands increases the variation in plant species composition at a local spatial scale and engenders vegetation homogeneity at a landscape spatial scale. Therefore, the implementation of appropriate management practices such as short‐term grazing exclusion is mandatory to prevent these ecosystems from large‐scale biotic homogenization.
Questionnaires mentioned in academic research 1996–2019: Rapid increase but declining citation impact
Authors: Fairclough Ruth , Thelwall Mike
Published: September 2021

Questionnaires are a device to elicit human perspectives, self‐reports or knowledge. This article investigates which broad academic fields use questionnaires, whether this use is increasing, and whether it generates average citation impact. This is investigated through a nonprobability sample: articles mentioning questionnaires in their titles, abstracts, or keywords. This procedure captures a minority of research using questionnaires, with substantial biases against fields using alternative terminology, such as ‘instrument’ or ‘survey’, or that rarely explicitly mention questionnaires in titles, abstract or keywords because they play a minor role. The results suggest that the proportion of journal articles using questionnaires tripled between 1996 and 2019, and this proportion increased in all 27 broad Scopus fields. Over the same period, the citation impact of the identified research declined from above average to below average. Thus, whilst academic research seems to be increasingly using questionnaires, the quality or scholarly value of research using questionnaires may be declining. These are tentative conclusions because of the unknown sampling bias for the set of questionnaire‐based articles analysed.
High parathyroid hormone levels after parathyroidectomy for parathyroid adenoma are not related to the cellularity of the remaining glands
Authors: Sagiv Rotem , Delgado Bertha , Sadeh Re'em , Shashar Sagi , Fraenkel Merav , Yegodayev Ksenia M. , Elkabets Moshe , Joshua Ben‐Zion
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) treated surgically occasionally have normalized calcium, but persistently high parathyroid hormone (PTH). We hypothesized that a possible explanation for this phenomenon is an underlying hyperplasia rather than adenoma.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT with biopsy of a normal‐appearing parathyroid gland were included. Cellularity level of each biopsy and of the adenoma's rim was determined.

Results

Forty‐seven patients were included. Of them, 19 (40%) had postoperative normocalcemia but elevated PTH. There was no correlation between cellularity either in the rim or of the normal‐appearing parathyroid gland and postoperative PTH. The postoperative high PTH group had higher preoperative PTH (P = 0.001) and larger adenomas (P = 0.025).

Conclusions

High PTH levels after successful parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism do not appear to result from underlying hyperplasia. A possible alternative explanation is that these patients have a higher preoperative burden of disease.
Advance care planning in adults with oral cancer: Multi‐institutional cross‐sectional study
Authors: Forner David , Lee Daniel J. , Grewal Rajan , MacDonald Jenna , Noel Christopher W. , Taylor S. Mark , Goldstein David P.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Patients undergoing head and neck surgery are often elderly and frail with significant comorbidities. Discussion and documentation of what patients would desire for end‐of‐life care and decision‐making is, therefore, essential for delivering patient‐centered care.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer at two large, academic, tertiary care centers in Canada. Advance care planning was defined as any documentation of advance directives, resuscitation orders, or end‐of‐life care preferences.

Results

Among 301 patients, advance care planning was documented for 31 (10.3%). Patients with locally advanced disease (T3+) were twice as likely to have advance care planning documentation compared to those with early disease (RR 1.97, 95%CI [0.98, 3.97]).

Conclusions

In this multi‐institutional cross‐sectional study of two large academic centers, we have demonstrated that advance care planning and documentation is overall poor in patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer. These findings may have health policy implications, as advance care planning is associated with increased patient and provider satisfaction and improved alignment of patient goals and care delivered. Future work will investigate barriers and facilitators to advance care‐planning documentation in this setting.
Effects of seagrass overgrazing on sediment erosion and carbon sink capacity: Current understanding and future priorities
Authors: Dahl Martin , Björk Mats , Gullström Martin
Published: September 2021

We searched the literature for experimental and observational studies assessing the effects of seagrass overgrazing on erosion of sediment and sedimentary organic carbon (SOC) and found that most studies reported a significant impact, likely caused by a cascading effect (i.e., seagrass shoot loss → belowground biomass degradation → sediment destabilization or SOC erosion). However, there appears to be a clear lack of knowledge on the extent and mechanisms behind SOC erosion in seagrass meadows and we highlight the need for research to (1) define spatial and temporal scales of occurrence; (2) assess the influence of belowground biomass degradation, sediment characteristics, and hydrodynamic exposure on sediment stabilization; and (3) estimate the greenhouse gas emission after a disturbance. Such information would help coastal resource managers to address the causes and effects of SOC loss and sediment erosion when evaluating impacts of global change on coastal ecosystems.
On the prime divisors of element orders
Authors: Hung Nguyen Ngoc , Yang Yong
Published: September 2021

The number of different prime divisors of the order of a finite group G is bounded above by a quartic function of the maximum number of different prime divisors of the order of a single element in G. This improves earlier results of J. Zhang, T. M. Keller, and A. Moretó.
Shear analysis of rice husk ash (RHA) reinforced tin‐0.7‐copper composite solders on electroless nickel/immersion silver (ENIAg) surfaces
Authors: Azmah Hanim M.A. , Wei C.K. , Dele‐Afolabi T.T. , Azlina O.S.
Published: September 2021

In this study, the mechanical performance of the rice husk ash‐reinforced tin‐0.7 copper composite solder was investigated. 0.01 wt.%, 0.05 wt.% and 0.1 wt.% of rice husk ash (RHA) were added to the solder matrix to prepare the composite solders. In order, to replace the costly electroless nickel immersion gold surface finish on the copper substrate, the effect of electroless nickel immersion silver (ENIAg) as the surface finish was studied. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the composite solder exhibited lower melting temperature relative to the plain solder owing to the inclusion of rice husk ash. Shear strength analysis was carried out to investigate the influence of rice husk ash and electroless nickel immersion silver surface finish on the shear strength of the developed composite solders. The results proved that the rice husk ash failed to enhance the shear strength of tin‐0.7 copper lead‐free solder with the plain solder exhibiting the highest shear strength.
Separation of 47Sc produced from natCa(n, γ) reaction for potential medical applications by a synthesized raspberry‐like structure of metal‐organic framework material
Authors: Atallah M.F. , Gizawy M.A. , Labib S.
Published: September 2021

This work aimed for the synthesis of a novel metal organic framework through a facile and gamma‐irradiation process to be applied for the separation of scandium‐47 as theranostic radioisotope from the irradiated calcium target. Polyacrylonitrile‐cupric oxide nanocomposite structure (as metal organic framework) was successfully synthesized and characterized. The optimized conditions (such as monomer concentration, weight of cupric oxide nanoparticles and gamma‐dose) for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile‐cupric oxide were identified. The newly synthesized resin was used to study the separation of micro amounts of scandium‐47 from gram amounts of the irradiated calcium carbonate by batch equilibration and column studies. Preliminary study demonstrated that the Kd values of scandium(III) ions are little higher than that of calcium(II) ions. The elution yield of scandium‐47(III) was found to be 61±2 %. Future work will be done to improve this yield for nuclear medicine applications.
In situ pedicle lengthening and perforator shifting technique for overcoming the perforator variation of the anterolateral thigh free flap during head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Yeu , Lai Chih‐Sheng , Wang Yu‐Ping , Chen I‐Chen , Lu Chen‐Te , Feng Chin‐Hsing , Tsai Yueh‐Chi
Published: September 2021

Background

Anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap is one of the most popular options for surgeons when reconstructing head and neck defects. When the recipient vessels are located in a remote site, a flap with adequate pedicle length is essential. The conventional methods of either pedicle elongation or fabricating combined flap increase the total surgical time. We present the experience on the use of what in situ pedicle lengthening and perforator shifting technique to overcome these problems.

Methods

Fifteen patients with an age range of 38–65 years underwent in situ vascular transposition microsurgery of the ALT free flap harvest during head and neck reconstruction. Fourteen patients were male and one was female. Indications for reconstruction were malignant neoplasm in 14 patients and osteoradionecrosis in one patient. In this series, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels was used for interposition grafts. If the pedicle length was insufficient, the interposition grafts were used to lengthen the pedicle. The interposition grafts could also bridge different perforasomes in the thigh region in complex head and neck reconstruction.

Results

Of the 15 patients, 11 received the in situ pedicle lengthening technique, while four patients received in situ fabricated combined techniques. After surgery, all of the patients were followed up for at least 3 months. Two partial wounds involving poor healing occurred but finally healed after debridement. There were two major complications: one case involved venous thrombosis of the anastomosis and the other suffered from hematoma. Both cases were salvaged. All of the 15 free ALT flaps were successful.

Conclusions

The alternative method employed in this series was able to solve the ALT flap perforator variation. Although the enrolled cases were confined to only head and neck reconstruction in the series, the in situ technique of the ALT flaps could be administered during reconstruction in other regions.
B1‐gradient–based MRI using frequency‐modulated Rabi‐encoded echoes
Authors: Torres Efraín , Froelich Taylor , Wang Paul , DelaBarre Lance , Mullen Michael , Adriany Gregory , Pizetta Daniel Cosmo , Martins Mateus José , Vidoto Edson Luiz Géa , Tannús Alberto , Garwood Michael
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Reduce expense and increase accessibility of MRI by eliminating pulsed field (B0) gradient hardware.

Methods

A radiofrequency imaging method is described that enables spatial encoding without B0 gradients. This method, herein referred to as frequency‐modulated Rabi‐encoded echoes (FREE), utilizes adiabatic full passage pulses and a gradient in the RF field (B1) to produce spatially dependent phase modulation, equivalent to conventional phase encoding. In this work, Cartesian phase encoding was accomplished using FREE in a multi‐shot double spin‐echo sequence. Theoretical analysis and computer simulations investigated the influence of resonance offset and B1‐gradient steepness and magnitude on reconstruction quality, which limit other radiofrequency imaging methodologies. Experimentally, FREE was compared to conventional phase‐encoded MRI on human visual cortex using a simple surface transceiver coil.

Results

Image distortions occurred in FREE when using nonlinear B1 fields where the phase dependence becomes nonlinear, but with minimal change in signal intensity. Resonance offset effects were minimal for Larmor frequencies within the adiabatic full‐passage pulse bandwidth.

Conclusion

For the first time, FREE enabled slice‐selective 2D imaging of the human brain without a B0 gradient in the y‐direction. FREE achieved high resolution in regions where the B1 gradient was steepest, whereas images were distorted in regions where nonlinearity in the B1 gradient was significant. Given that FREE experiences no significant signal loss due to B1 nonlinearities and resonance offset, image distortions shown in this work might be corrected in the future based on B1 and B0 maps.
Efficacy of fesoterodine fumarate (8 mg) in neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to spinal cord lesion or multiple sclerosis: A prospective study
Authors: Konstantinidis Charalampos , Samarinas Michael , Tzitzika Moira , Kratiras Zisis , Panagiotakopoulos Georgios , Giannitsas Konstantinos , Athanasopoulos Anastasios
Published: September 2021

Aims

Antimuscarinic drugs are the first‐line choice in the treatment of patients with neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (nDO). Fesoterodine fumarate is the newest antimuscarinic drug. Limited data are published about the use of fesoterodine fumarate in patients suffering from neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Our study aims to determine the efficacy of fesoterodine fumarate on patients with nDO due to spinal cord lesion or multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

This is an open‐label prospective interventional study. Eligible patients were 18–80 years old with SCL or MS and nDO confirmed by a urodynamic study (UDS). At baseline, patients underwent a UDS to confirm nDO. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the Short‐Form (SF) Qualiveen questionnaire. Patients received fesoterodine 8 mg/day for 3 months and were re‐evaluated with UDS and SF‐Qualiveen. The primary endpoint was the confirmation of the maximum detrusor pressure (Pdetmax) reduction after treatment. Secondary endpoints were: evaluation of maximum bladder capacity and compliance and QoL effect. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon‐test using SPSSv26.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐four patients completed the study. Ninety‐five of them (76.6%) had SCL, while 29 (23.4%) had MS. Pdetmax, maximum bladder capacity, and compliance had significant reduction after treatment (p < .001) in the whole group and each subgroup. SF‐Qualiveen revealed a significant increase in QoL in each group (p < .001).

Conclusions

Fesoterodine fumarate (8 mg) is an efficacious drag in patients with SCL and MS, as it significantly decreases the detrusor pressure, increases the bladder capacity and compliance, and improves the QoL.
Perinatal pharmacoepidemiology: How often are key methodological elements reported in publications?
Authors: Margulis Andrea V. , Kawai Alison T. , Anthony Mary S. , Rivero‐Ferrer Elena
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Publications provide important information for clinicians, researchers, and patients. Key methodological elements must be reported for maximum transparency. We identified key methodological elements necessary for fully understanding perinatal pharmacoepidemiology research and quantified the proportion of studies that reported these elements in a sample of publications.

Methods

Key methodological elements were identified from guidelines from regulatory agencies, literature, and subject‐matter knowledge: source of information to determine pregnancy start; mother‐ or father‐infant linkages (process, success rate); unit of analysis; and whether non‐live births and fetuses with various anomalies were included in the study population. We conducted a literature review for recent observational studies on medical product utilization or safety during pregnancy and estimated the prevalence of reporting these elements.

Results

Data were extracted from a random sample of 100 publications; 8% were published in epidemiology/pharmacoepidemiology journals; 85% were medical product–safety studies. Of publications for which each element was applicable, 43% reported the source for determining pregnancy start; 57%, whether the study population included multifetal pregnancies; 39%, whether it included more than one pregnancy per woman; 27%, whether it included fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities; 60%, fetuses with major congenital malformations; and 93%, non‐live births. Of the 20 studies with mother‐infant linkage, 35% described the process; 21% reported the linkage success rate. Among studies with more than one pregnancy/offspring per woman, 22% reported methods addressing sibling correlation.

Conclusions

In this sample of pregnancy‐related pharmacoepidemiology publications, completeness of reporting could have been improved. A pregnancy‐specific checklist would increase transparency in the dissemination of study results.
The aggregation behavior and structure of blends of κ‐carrageenan and ε‐polylysine hydrochloride
Authors: Tian Jie , Li Tingting , Janaswamy Srinivas , Wang Nan , Song Shuang , Qi Hang , Wen Chengrong
Published: September 2021

Polypeptides play a key role in improving food quality, and understanding their interactions with polysaccharides would be beneficial to developing new foods. Herein, κ‐carrageenan (KC) and ε‐polylysine hydrochloride (PLH) were chosen as the model polysaccharide and polypeptide, respectively, to study polysaccharide/polypeptide complexes. The KC/PLH solutions were characterized for turbidity as a function of mass ratio, pH, salts and stirred conditions at 0.5 and 1 mg mL–1 concentrations. The solutions at a KC/PLH mass ratio of 7:3 have the highest turbidity, and the turbidity is stable in acidic conditions, decreases with increase in pH in alkaline conditions and salt concentration, and increases with increase of stirred time and temperature. The Fourier transform infrared spectra suggest that the amide I band of PLH disappears along with a change in the amide II band upon complexing with KC. These changes further influence the microstructure and reveal a rough, non‐uniform and large irregular cavity network structure. Indeed, these observations are intimately associated with the dynamic interactions persistent at the molecular level between the KC and PLH. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Photomechanical polymer hydrogels based on molecular photoswitches
Authors: Luo Peng‐Fei , Xiang Shi‐Li , Li Chong , Zhu Ming‐Qiang
Published: September 2021

As intelligent materials responsive to light, photomechanical hydrogels not only possess high‐water content, excellent softness and biocompatibility, but also can accomplish various mechanical motions upon spatiotemporal stimulation of external light, which exhibit great potential in biomedical and underwater bionic fields. Molecular photoswitches have been used broadly in preparation of photomechanical hydrogels owing to their high photosensitivity and reversible molecular structure transformations induced by light. Herein, the current progress of photomechanical hydrogels based on typical molecular photoswitches such as spiropyran, azobenzene, and hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) are introduced. Especially, as a promising building unit for photomechanical hydrogels, HABI has been highlighted due to the unique molecular structures and reversible photoswitching capability. HABI‐derived polymer hydrogels demonstrate flexible mechanical behaviors upon localized light irradiation. The characteristics and challenges of photomechanical hydrogels based on molecular photoswitches are also prospected.
Mortality from cancer in people with severe mental disorders in Emilia Romagna Region, Italy
Authors: Grassi Luigi , Stivanello Elisa , Belvederi Murri Martino , Perlangeli Vincenza , Pandolfi Paolo , Carnevali Fabio , Caruso Rosangela , Saponaro Alessio , Ferri Mila , Sanza Michele , Fioritti Angelo , Meggiolaro Elena , Ruffilli Federica , Nanni Maria Giulia , Ferrara Maria , Carozza Paola , Zerbinati Luigi , Toffanin Tommaso , Menchetti Marco , Berardi Domenico
Published: September 2021

Objective

To examine cancer‐related mortality in patients with severe mental disorders (SMI) in the Emilia Romagna (ER) Region, Northern Italy, during the period 2008–2017 and compare it with the regional population.

Methods

We used the ER Regional Mental Health Registry identifying all patients aged ≥18 years who had received an ICD‐9CM system diagnosis of SMI (i.e., schizophrenia or other functional psychosis, mania, or bipolar affective disorders) during a 10‐year period (2008–2017). Information on deaths (date and causes of death) were retrieved through the Regional Cause of Death Registry. Comparisons were made with the deaths and cause of deaths of the regional population over the same period.

Results

Amongst 12,385 patients suffering from SMI (64.1% schizophrenia spectrum and 36.9% bipolar spectrum disorders), 24% (range 21%–29%) died of cancer. In comparison with the general regional population, the mortality for cancer was about 50% higher among patients with SMI, irrespective if affected by schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. As for the site‐specific cancers, significant excesses were reported for stomach, central nervous system, respiratory, and pancreas cancer with a variability according to psychiatric diagnosis and gender.

Conclusions

Patients suffering from SMI had higher mortality risk than the regional population with some differences according to cancer type, gender, and psychiatric diagnosis. Proper cancer preventive and treatment interventions, including more effective risk modification strategies (e.g., smoking cessation, dietary habits) and screening for cancer, should be part of the agenda of all mental health departments in conjunction with other health care organizations, including psycho‐oncology.
Economic inequality and congressional action in the United States: A comparison of the minimum wage and alternative minimum tax
Authors: Koger Gregory , Rodriguez Stefanie
Published: September 2021

A central puzzle in American politics is the stark increase in economic inequality since the early 1970s due, in part, to the absence of public policies to address this trend. One explanation is policy drift: Inequality has grown in the United States because the political process has been unresponsive to economic trends toward inequality. A second explanation is unequal political influence: Wealthy individuals and corporations wield superior political influence and tilt public policy toward their interests. We compare these explanations using the federal minimum wage and alternative minimum tax (AMT) from 1969 to 2012 as comparison cases. These policies were both denominated in nominal dollars, so the effect of policy inaction is comparable for both policy domains. We find that (1) the U.S. Congress was much more likely to update AMT policy than minimum wage policy after 1978, (2) Congress protected and increased the real value of the AMT deduction for married couples, whereas the real value of the minimum wage and individual deduction declined after 1978, (3) Congress and the President eventually converted the AMT—but not the minimum wage—to automatic adjustments for inflation. These patterns highlight the role of political inequality in economic policy‐making.
To care for or to accompany? Determining factors for an inclusive work environment in Community Social Services of Andalusia (Spain)
Authors: González‐Portillo Auxiliadora , Jaraíz Arroyo Germán
Published: September 2021

This article, the result of a research and development project funded by the Spanish administration, analyzes the impact of the dynamics of social inclusion carried out by the Municipal Social Services Centers in the region of Andalusia (Spain). The research follows a qualitative methodology, centered on the analysis of normative, operative, and discursive dimensions. This research shows how the social intervention carried out in these centres is conditioned by two very different realities. On the one hand, there is a set of regulations that, from a theoretical point of view, is committed to social integration. On the other hand, a daily context with a high level of interferences and assistance demands that hinder a real labour activation and social integration. This situation generates great organisational pressure and conditions professional praxis. Several factors play a role in this situation: The ideas held by the people involved in the professional intervention, knowledge management, networking, and the relationship between client and professional. The study concludes that to reinforce the inclusive capacity of social services increasing the resources and number of professionals is not enough, focusing on the models of management and intervention in a collaborative fashion is also necessary.
Respiratory system findings in pediatric patients with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Esenboga Saliha , Oguz Berna , Cagdas Deniz , Karaatmaca Betül , Emiralioglu Nagehan , Yalcin Ebru , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Uğur , Kiper Nural , Tezcan İlhan
Published: September 2021

Background

Pulmonary involvement which can be infectious or noninfectious is one of the most frequent complications in patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID).

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the pulmonary system of the pediatric patients with PID and report the demographical, clinical, and radiological findings regarding the underlying PID.

Methods

The present study included pediatric patients who were receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT) for PID (combined immunodeficiency [CVID] (23), common variable immunodeficiency (15), and agamaglobulinemia [10]) so far or newly diagnosed and started IGRT at Hacettepe University Immunology Department, between January 2015 and January 2018.

Results

A total of 48 patients (60.4% male), aged 9.9 (6.1–14) years were included. Time of delay in the diagnosis of immundeficiency was 2.27 (interquartile range: 1.0–6.75) years. CVID patients exhibited higher respiratory system symptoms, as well as a history of recurrent lung infection and hospitalization. Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies, peribronchial thickening, and bronchiectasis were the most common pulmonary complications and more than three lung lobes were affected in 69%. Among the newly diagnosed patients, bronchiectasis was present in 25% and more than three lobes were affected in 62.5%. Although pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymphadenopathy were frequently computed tomography findings in our patients, only two patients (4.16%) were diagnosed with interstitial lung disease.

Conclusion

Although bronchiectasis is predominantly reported as a long‐term complication in adult patients with PID, half of our pediatric patient cohort with PID had bronchiectasis, even the newly diagnosed patients. Long‐term follow‐up is needed to assess the extent to which these pulmonary complications that develop in the natural course of the disease can be prevented by IGRT.
Polymorphism of CdTe in the Few‐Monolayer Limit
Authors: Kolobov Alexander V. , Kuznetsov Vladimir G. , Fons Paul , Saito Yuta , Elets Dmitriy I. , Hyot Bérangère
Published: September 2021

Decreasing the thickness of semiconductors to the few monolayer limit often results in structural relaxation and the appearance of new properties. Herein, the bistability of 2ML thick CdTe, where the zinc blende structure of the bulk phase is metastable and the stable (ground) state is represented by an inverted structure with Cd atoms sandwiched by Te planes, is demonstrated. The thermodynamic stability of both phases is demonstrated by the absence of imaginary modes in the phonon dispersion spectra of both phases fully relaxed at 0 K. Both phases are direct‐gap semiconductors and the transformation from the zinc blende phase to the inverted phase is accompanied by a marked increase of the bandgap from 0.13 to 1.03 eV. In combination with the stable α‐CdTe phase, results demonstrate the polymorphism of ultrathin CdTe. A pronounced property contrast between the phases suggests the possible use of few‐monolayer CdTe for memory applications.
Low‐energy electron ionization optimization for steroidomics analysis using high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Leogrande Patrizia , Jardines Daniel , Martinez‐Brito Dayamin , de la Torre Xavier , Parr Maria K. , Botrè Francesco
Published: September 2021

Rationale

Systematic electron ionization fragmentation studies of steroids have been performed to elucidate and trace their characteristic fragmentation patterns. However, the electron ionization source setting at 70 eV electron energy is much higher than the ionization potential (7–15 eV) of most organic compounds, leading to extensive fragmentation. We present a multifactorial study on optimizing a low‐energy electron ionization source to maximize molecular ion formation while minimizing the extent of fragmentation to improve the analytical sensitivity of steroids, especially the more thermolabile ones, while preserving the information that can be extracted from the data.

Methods

Twenty‐seven steroid reference materials, chosen to cover four main classes of urinary steroids, were considered; gas chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight (GC/qTOF) analyses were carried out using an Agilent Technologies model 8890 gas chromatograph coupled to an Agilent Technologies model 7250 accurate‐mass quadrupole time‐of‐flight (GC/qTOF) instrument. The effects of electron energy, emission current, and source temperature, as well as their potential interactions on steroid fragmentation pathways, have been assessed in full factorial experimental designs.

Results

Three parameters were specifically evaluated to improve the chromatographic/spectrometric response of the selected steroids: (i) degree of fragmentation; (ii) relative abundance of the molecular ion; and (iii) peak width. The first two were evaluated by screening designs that highlighted collision energy and source temperature as the most influential factors on the analytical responses of the considered steroids, while emission current always showed a non‐significant influence. Then, an optimization design was performed to select the final source setting by searching for the combination of factors that minimize peak tailing.

Conclusions

The proposed analytical approach permits a faster selection of optimal experimental conditions for steroidomics analysis using low‐energy electron ionization and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The development of these designs of experiments (DoE) in full factorial design (FFD) allowed multiple inputs to be monitored at the same time, highlighting the possible interactions and estimating the effects of a factor in the different levels of the other factors considered.
Robotic surgery for colorectal liver metastases resection: A systematic review
Authors: Rocca Aldo , Scacchi Andrea , Cappuccio Micaela , Avella Pasquale , Bugiantella Walter , De Rosa Michele , Costa Gianluca , Polistena Andrea , Codacci‐Pisanelli Massimo , Amato Bruno , Carbone Fabio , Ceccarelli Graziano
Published: September 2021

Background

The role of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLMs) has never been investigated in large series.

Methods

A systematic literature review was carried out on PubMed and Cochrane libraries.

Results

We selected nine studies between 2008 and 2021. Two hundred sixty‐two patients were included. One hundred thirty‐one patients underwent simultaneous resections. The mean blood loss was 309.4 ml (range, 200‐450 ml), the mean operative time was 250.5 min (range, 198.5‐449.0 min). The mean length of hospital stay was 7.98 days (range, 4.5 to 12 days). The overall postoperative mortality was 0.4%. The overall morbidity rate was 37.0%, Clavien‐Dindo grade III‐IV complications were 8.4%. The mean 3‐year overall survival was 55.25% (range, 44.4‐66.1%), the mean 3‐year disease free survival was 37% (range, 33.3‐41.9%)

Conclusion

We can conclude that robotic‐assisted surgery might be considered as a technical upgrade option for minimally invasive approach to CRCLM resections even for simultaneous operations and challenging cases.