bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis, and Antiviral Activity of the Thiazole Positional Isomers of a Potent HIV‐1 Entry Inhibitor NBD‐14270
Authors: Kurkin Alexander V. , Curreli Francesca , Iusupov Ildar R. , Spiridonov Evgeniy A. , Ahmed Shahad , Markov Pavel O. , Manasova Ekaterina V. , Altieri Andrea , Debnath Asim K.
Published: September 2022

The envelope glycoprotein gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) plays a critical role in virus entry to the cells by binding to the host cellular protein CD4. Earlier, we reported the design and discovery of a series of highly potent small‐molecule entry antagonists containing a thiazole ring (Scaffold A). Since this thiazole ring connected with an ethyl amide linkage represents the molecule‘s flexible part, we decided to explore substituting Scaffold A with two other positional isomers of the thiazole ring (Scaffold B and C) to evaluate their effect on the antiviral potency and cellular toxicity. Here we report the novel synthesis of two sets of positional thiazole isomers of the NBD‐14270 by retrosynthetic analysis approach, their anti‐HIV‐1 activity, cellular toxicity, and structure‐activity relationships. The study revealed that Scaffold A provided the best HIV‐1 inhibitors with higher potency and better selectivity index (SI).
Evaluation of Deutetrabenazine's Potential to Delay Cardiac Repolarization Using Concentration‐QTc Analysis
Authors: Schneider Frank , Darpo Borje , Loupe Pippa S. , Xue Hongqi , Knebel Helena , Gutierrez Maria , Gordon Mark Forrest , Rabinovich‐Guilatt Laura
Published: September 2022

Deutetrabenazine (Austedo) is indicated in adults for chorea associated with Huntington disease and tardive dyskinesia. Escalating deutetrabenazine doses were administered to healthy volunteers who were cytochrome P450 2D6 extensive/intermediate metabolizers (EMs) or poor metabolizers (PMs) to determine pharmacokinetic exposure of parent drug and active metabolites (α‐dihydrotetrabenazine [α‐HTBZ] and β‐dihydrotetrabenazine [β‐HTBZ]), and collect corresponding electrocardiograms (ECGs) for evaluation of the cardiodynamic effect using concentration‐QTc (C‐QTc) modeling. Participants (12 EMs, 24 PMs) received placebo or single doses of deutetrabenazine (24, 48, and 72 mg) to achieve plasma concentrations exceeding therapeutic range in both cohorts. Pharmacokinetic samples were obtained over 72 hours after dosing and were time matched with 12‐lead ECGs extracted from continuous ECG recordings. C‐QTc analysis, using linear mixed‐effects modeling and model selection procedure, characterized the relationship between plasma concentrations of deutetrabenazine, deuterated α‐HTBZ and β‐HTBZ, and the change from baseline in QT interval corrected using Fridericia's formula. Deutetrabenazine exhibited linear kinetics, and a C‐QTc model with deuterated α‐HTBZ and β‐HTBZ was selected to best describe the C‐QTc relationship in pooled EM and PM data. This model predicted a placebo‐corrected Fridericia corrected QT interval prolongation higher than 10 milliseconds can be excluded at concentrations associated with the maximum recommended doses in both populations. Adverse events increased with higher exposure as reflected by the higher event number in the PM cohort receiving 48 and 72 mg doses. No subject discontinued due to cardiac‐related adverse events and no clinically relevant ECG findings were reported. Thus, this study found that deutetrabenazine does not have a clinically relevant effect on QT prolongation at maximum recommended doses in either cytochrome P450 2D6 EMs or PMs.
Computing the effect of measurement errors on ranked set sampling estimators of the population mean
Authors: Vishwakarma Gajendra , Singh Abhishek
Published: September 2022

The effect of measurement errors shows the seriousness of the estimators or the estimation procedures and cannot be avoided in sensitive cases because “a miss is as good as a mile.” In this article, we have proposed the very first ranked set estimators like unbiased, ratio, product, difference, ratio exponential, and product exponential estimators under both correlated and uncorrelated measurement errors. The expressions for bias and mean square error of the proposed estimators are obtained up to the first order of approximation. The proposed ranked set estimators have been compared through relative efficiencies over unbiased estimators and the effect of measurement errors has been given through percentage computation of measurement errors. The theoretical conditions are obtained under which the proposed estimator has performed better. The performance of the proposed ranked set estimators under measurement errors are shown by efficiency comparisons, Monte‐Carlo simulation study, and real data study.
Simulating fruit tree growth, structure, and physiology using L‐systems
Authors: DeJong Theodore
Published: September 2022

Simulation modeling of perennial fruit tree growth, structure, and physiology over multiple years is particularly difficult and has lagged behind modeling of other crops because fruit trees are indeterminate organisms that grow over several growing seasons, vary widely among individuals, and have their structures modified by variable pruning practices. Nearly 30 yr of research have been devoted to developing a mechanistic, virtual tree model to simulate peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] fruit tree growth, structure, and physiology. Details of much of this work have been published in several research papers in a variety of journals over a couple decades. The goal of this review is to report on the entire project and provide an overview of the approach we took in such an endeavor. This review contains excerpts of numerous previously published papers and some comments and conclusions about the value of the modeling that has occurred.
Partial observability and management of ecological systems
Authors: Williams Byron K. , Brown Eleanor D.
Published: September 2022

The actual state of ecological systems is rarely known with certainty, but management actions must often be taken regardless of imperfect measurement (partial observability). Because of the difficulties in accounting for partial observability, it is usually treated in an ad hoc fashion, or simply ignored altogether. Yet incorporating partial observability into decision processes lends a realism that has the potential to improve ecological outcomes significantly. We review frameworks for dealing with partial observability, focusing specifically on dynamic ecological systems with Markovian transitions, i.e., transitions among system states that are influenced by the current system state and management action over time. Fully observable states are represented in an observable Markov decision process (MDP), whereas obscure or hidden states are represented in a partially observable process (POMDP). POMDPs can be seen as a natural extension of observable MDPs. Management under partial observability generalizes the situation for complete observability, by recognizing uncertainty about the system's state and incorporating sequential observations associated with, but not the same as, the states themselves. Decisions that otherwise would depend on the actual state must be based instead on state probability distributions (“belief states”). Partial observability requires adaptation of the entire decision process, including the use of belief states and Bayesian updates, valuation that includes expectations over observations, and optimal strategy that identifies actions for belief states over a continuous belief space. We compare MDPs and POMDPs and highlight POMDP applications to some common ecological problems. We clarify the structure and operations, approaches for finding solutions, and analytic challenges of POMDPs for practicing ecologists. Both observable and partially observable MDPs can use an inductive approach to identify optimal strategies and values, with a considerable increase in mathematical complexity with POMDPs. Better understanding of POMDPs can help decision makers manage imperfectly measured ecological systems more effectively.
Red foxes enhance long‐term tree growth near the Arctic treeline
Authors: Lang Jessica A. , Roth James D. , Tardif Jacques C. , Markham John H.
Published: September 2022

Recent climate warming is expected to increase tree growth and productivity, substantially altering ecological function and boundaries in northern ecosystems. Although climate largely determines the range and growth of trees in any biome, variations in microsite conditions can influence growth on a finer scale. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are found in most terrestrial ecosystems and are considered ecosystem engineers through their denning activities. Added soil nutrients from prey remains, feces, and urine could benefit tree growth on dens in subarctic regions by alleviating soil nutrient limitations. We examined growth in white spruce (Picea glauca) trees growing on eight red fox dens and paired control sites at the Arctic treeline. Radial growth was 55% higher for trees on dens than on control sites between 1897 and 2017, despite similarities in tree ages and densities. This enhanced growth was more pronounced in younger trees, consistent with the decrease in growth with age among all trees. By promoting tree growth near the treeline, red foxes may act as hotspots for tree reproduction. Although the impacts on tree growth largely depend on the spatial distribution of dens, predators can create distinct microhabitats across the landscape, leading to increased vegetation productivity, persisting over many decades.
Microbiosis in lung allotransplantation and xenotransplantation: State of the art and future perspective
Authors: Guohui Jiao , Kun Wu , Dong Tian , Ji Zhang , Dong Liu , Dong Wei , Jingyu Chen
Published: September 2022

The respiratory tract is known to harbor a microbial community including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. New techniques contribute enormously to the identification of unknown or culture‐independent species and reveal the interaction of the community with the host immune system. The existing respiratory microbiome and substantial equilibrium of the transplanted microbiome from donor lung grafts provide an extreme bloom of dynamic changes in the microenvironment in lung transplantation (LT) recipients. Dysbiosis in grafts are not only related to the modified microbial components but also involve the kinetics of the host‐graft “talk,” which signifies the destination of graft allograft injury, acute rejection, infection, and chronic allograft dysfunction development in short‐ and long‐term survival. Microbiome‐derived factors may contribute to lung xenograft survival when using genetically multimodified pig‐derived organs. Here, we review the most advanced knowledge of the dynamics and resilience of microbial communities in transplanted lungs with various pretransplant indications. Conceptual and analytical points of view have been illustrated along the time series, gaining insight into the microbiome and lung grafts. Future endeavors on precise tools, sophisticated models, and novel targeted regimens are needed to improve the long‐term survival in these patients.
Accountable to whom? Reimagining Hispanic serving institutions’ financial models
Authors: Arellano Lucy , Cuellar Marcela G. , Gonzalez Amber M.
Published: September 2022

This chapter invites higher education to reimagine accountability within a backdrop of budgeting and financing as it relates to Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). The authors call for more transparency in their pursuit of Latinx‐specific funding and the implementation of race‐evasive spending. Examples of how institutions, students, and funders have a role are presented toward the empowerment and liberation of Latinx students.
Differential expression of hepatic cancer stemness and hypoxia markers in residual cancer after locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Miran , Hui Kam Man , Shi Ming , Reau Nancy , Aloman Costica
Published: September 2022

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) treatment to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are effective tools to control tumor growth, prolong survival, palliate symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients with intermediate‐stage HCC. Nevertheless, there is high variability of local HCC responses to locoregional therapies; therefore, better and personalized prediction of tumor response to TACE is necessary for management of patients with HCC, especially when these modalities of treatment are used to bridge patients for liver transplant. Here, we investigated differential expression of hepatic cancer stem cell and hypoxia in residual HCC after TACE treatment in comparison with TARE. A publicly available gene data set was screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in TACE_Response compared with TACE_Non‐response HCC. Analysis of the GSE104580 data set displayed a total of 406 DEGs, including 196 down‐regulated and 210 up‐regulated DEGs. Of the 196 down‐regulated DEGs, three hepatic cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and 11 hypoxia‐related genes were identified. Immunohistochemical staining of hepatic CSC and hypoxia markers on explant liver tissues exhibited more intense positive staining of hepatic CSC markers (CD24, EpCAM) and hypoxia marker carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) in residual tumor nodule from patients with HCC treated with TACE compared with nontreated patients. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation analysis revealed the significant correlation between hepatic CSC markers and hypoxia marker, CA9. Conclusion: Hepatic CSC and hypoxia markers predict nonresponse to TACE and are differentially expressed in residual tumor after TACE compared with TARE. In the long term, TACE‐induced hypoxia may select an aggressive HCC phenotype.
A clinical and demographic analysis of oral pemphigus vulgaris: A retrospective cross‐sectional study from 2001 to 2021
Authors: Alshami Muhanad L. , Aswad Fawaz , Abdullah Bashar
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune vesiculobullous mucocutaneous disorder with life‐threatening consequences. Early detection and adequate care are crucial for a good prognosis. This study aimed to determine the demographic data, clinical features, and the prognosis of patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris.

Materials and Methods

From 2001 to 2021, all diagnosed oral pemphigus vulgaris cases were extracted. Each patient's demographic and clinical data were gathered. Patients were called via phone to assess the prognosis, treatment type, and specialty of the physician who provided the diagnosis and therapy.

Results

The majority of the patients had only oral lesions with higher prevalence in female who also expressed severe pain than male. Only 14 of 29 patients responded phone calls. Except for one, all patients were in active disease. More than half of those respondents said pemphigus negatively affects social behavior and food intake. Correct diagnosis and treatment were decided by dermatology, oral medicine, and maxillofacial surgery specialists.

Conclusion

Oral pemphigus vulgaris was prevalent in females. Severe pain was common in females and older people. Even with effective therapy, the prognosis was poor. Medical and dental professionals had little knowledge of pemphigus vulgaris. Patients frequently report poor quality of life.
Practical Application of System Thinking: Developing a Remote Facility Maintenance System
Authors: Sandli Mathias , Mansouri Mo
Published: September 2022

The need for a better solution to manage facilities have for a long time been evident. This is because of the need to replace, the willingness to adapt, and unforeseen damages during the life cycle of the facility usually in Norwegian homes causes the life span of the facility to decline. A proposed solution to this challenge is the Remote Facility Management System (RFMS). In this study the primary property ownership structures considered are properties with joint ownership and properties with housing associations. This study aims to assist in the development of the RFMS by applying Systems Thinking. The study finds several contributions by applying systems thinking methodologies to the development of the RFMS assist by providing essential unknowns to the development process.
SysML Reference Model for Assessing a Competitor's System
Authors: Vecchio Christopher Del , Ford Thomas
Published: September 2022

The Anti‐Process Machine – a set of antithesis processes – was derived from the aggregation of techniques within the Systems Engineering Technical Processes and various components of business intelligence. The Anti‐Process is used to assess a competitor's system to assist in the decision making process for strategic business decisions. The research in this area is nascent and requires further investigation. In particular, the method of processing the information within the Anti‐Process Machine and the method of capturing this information are largely unresearched. This paper investigates a transdisciplinary approach to address these problems, leveraging from the fields of model‐based systems engineering, knowledge modelling, and subjective logic. Primarily, this paper focuses on developing a SysML Reference model for a single Anti‐Process. The result is the basis for an analytic method to assess a competitor's system and a digitally‐enabled method of capturing this knowledge. Additional comprehensive research in this area is required to realize the entire Anti‐Process Machine.
Initial Systems Theoretic Metamodel of Verification Artifacts
Authors: Wach Paul , Beling Peter , Salado Alejandro
Published: September 2022

The last decade has seen an increase in calls for theoretical foundations of systems engineering (SE) along with a transformation to a model‐based and digital paradigm. This transformation is expected to facilitate improved verification. In fact, the literature suggests that the increased complexity of modern engineered systems is challenging the feasibility of traditional verification methods and requires new methods to cope with the change. Furthermore, a review of the SE literature suggests limited focus on verification research. Our research leverages systems theory to characterize the relationships between the verification artifacts. Specifically, we use systems theoretic morphisms to characterize the equivalence preservation between system requirements and verification requirements as well as between a system design and verification models. Although in initial form as provided in this article, our metamodel of verification artifacts is expected to contribute to the theoretical foundations of SE.
Genesis – an Architectural Pattern for Federated PLM
Authors: Herzog Erik , Tingström Johan , Larsson Åsa Nordling
Published: September 2022

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a key capability for any organization developing and/or maintaining complex systems. This paper presents a modular architectural pattern for realizing a federated PLM capability from integrating multiple engineering discipline specific development environments. This open the possibility for replacement of individual environments, while maintaining the overall development system landscape. Thus, providing a desired flexibility in adapting to future organizational challenges at comparatively low cost.
Completing the spectrum of semiframes with block size three
Authors: Cao H. , Xu D. , Zheng H.
Published: September 2022

A ‐semiframe of type is a ‐GDD of type , in which the collection of blocks can be written as a disjoint union , where is partitioned into parallel classes of and is partitioned into holey parallel classes, each holey parallel class being a partition of for some . In this paper, we will introduce a new concept of ‐perfect semiframe and use it to prove the existence of a 3‐semiframe of type with even group size. This completes the proof of the existence of 3‐semiframes with uniform group size.
High levels of thyroid hormones promote recurrence of Graves' disease via overexpression of B‐cell‐activating factor
Authors: Liu Shu , Miao Jing‐Jing , Zhou Xiao , Sun Qi , Mao Xiao‐Ming
Published: September 2022

Background

Elevated thyroid hormone (TH) levels have been suggested to be associated with the pathological progression of Graves' disease (GD). However, direct evidence from clinical studies remains unclear.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with or without the recurrence of Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) and healthy donors. Thyroid tissue samples were obtained from patients with benign thyroid nodules. To assess the differentiation of autoreactive B cells, the expression of B‐cell‐activating factor (BAFF) and the proportion of CD11c+/–IgG+/− subsets of B cells stimulated by high levels of triiodothyronine (T3) in vivo and in vitro were examined by ELISA, flow cytometry, western blotting, and qRT‐PCR.

Results

Serum BAFF levels in patients with GD were significantly and positively correlated with FT3, FT4, and TRAb levels. Furthermore, the ratio of abnormally differentiated CD11c+ autoreactive B cells positively correlated with BAFF and TRAb. High levels of triiodothyronine (T3) induced BAFF overexpression in thyroid follicular cells and mononuclear cells of the normal thyroid in vitro, thereby promoting the differentiation of CD11c+IgG+ autoreactive secretory B cells (ASCs). However, the precise knockdown of BAFF expression significantly inhibited the abnormal differentiation of ASCs.

Conclusion

The pathological progression of GD was prolonged and exacerbated by autoimmune positive feedback modulation caused by high TH levels. BAFF could be considered a potential target for localized thyroid immunosuppressive treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism recurrence.
Biohydrogen production from food waste and waste activated sludge in codigestion: influence of organic loading rate and changes in microbial community
Authors: Moreno‐Andrade Iván , Berrocal‐Bravo María José , Valdez‐Vazquez Idania
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Food waste (FW) and waste activated sludge (WAS) are complementary substrates that improve H2 production by dark fermentation. However, there is little experience in the process performance in the long‐term operation of reactors co‐processing FW–WAS. This study aims to determine the optimal FW–WAS ratio in batch H2 production and then feed this FW–WAS ratio to an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) to evaluate the influence of three organic loading rates (OLR) – 15, 22 and 45 g volatile solids (VS) L−1 d−1 – on H2 performance and microbial composition.

RESULTS

Batch tests showed that the FW–WAS ratio of 90–10 increased 22% of the H2 production compared to the individual FW. In the SBR operation, the OLR significantly influenced H2 performance, reaching the highest productivity of 733 ± 282 mL H2 L−1 d−1 at an OLR of 22 g VS L−1 d−1. The cooperative lactic acid cross‐feeding between Olsenella and Megasphaera resulted in the highest H2 productivity at an OLR of 22 g VS L−1 d−1. OLR promoted the prevalence of different taxa of hydrolytic bacteria, where Enterococcus and Veillonella were positively correlated, with the highest substrate hydrolysis of 50% at an OLR of 15 g VS L−1 d−1. Prevotella, a genus with a wide spectrum of hydrolytic enzymes, was predominant in the SBR operation regardless of the OLR.

CONCLUSION

The SBR operation at OLR of 22 g VS L−1 d−1 improved H2 production by applying a 90–10 FW–WAS ratio. The change in OLR promoted different taxa of hydrolytic species in the SBR; however, Prevotella spp. prevailed at the three OLRs. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Assessing the concept of control points for dissolved reactive phosphorus losses in subsurface drainage
Authors: Alves de Oliveira Luciano , Muñoz Ventura Ariana , Preza‐Fontes Giovani , Greer Kristin D. , Pittelkow Cameron M. , Bhattarai Rabin , Christianson Reid , Christianson Laura
Published: September 2022

Agricultural phosphorus (P) loss, which is highly variable in space and time, has been studied using the hot spot/hot moment concept, but increasing the rigor of these assessments through a relatively newer “ecosystem control point” framework may help better target management practices that provide a disproportionate water quality benefit. Sixteen relatively large (0.85 ha) subsurface drainage plots in Illinois were used as individual observational units to assess dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentrations and losses within a given field over four study years. Three plot‐months were identified as DRP control points (one export and two transport control points), where each plot‐month contributed >10% of the annual DRP load from the field. These control points occurred on separate plots and in both the growing and nongrowing seasons but were likely related to agronomic P applications. Elevated soil test P, especially near a historic farmstead, and soil clay content were spatial drivers of P loss across the field. The nongrowing season was hypothesized to be the most significant period of P loss, but this was only documented in two of the four study years. A cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop did not significantly reduce DRP loss in any year, but there was also no evidence of increased drainage P losses due to freezing and thawing of the cover crop biomass. This work confirmed annual subsurface drainage DRP losses were agronomically small (<3% of P application rate), although the range of DRP concentrations relative to eutrophication criteria still demonstrated a potential for negative environmental impact. The control point concept may provide a new lens to view drainage DRP losses, but this framework should be refined through additional within‐field studies because mechanisms of P export at this field were more nuanced than just the presence of tile drainage (i.e., a transport control point).
Three‐dimensional printer use in the Australian and New Zealand radiation therapy setting
Authors: Albantow Christine E , Brown Savannah J
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This cross‐sectional survey aimed to collect data from radiation therapy departments around Australia and New Zealand to establish a baseline of 3D printer and product use.

Methods

Each department in Australia and New Zealand was contacted to determine the most appropriate person to answer the survey. A Microsoft Forms link to the survey was sent to the individual. The survey contained 47 questions in relation to what 3D printing device departments had (if any), how it was being utilised, and what 3D printed products were in use.

Results

A total of 112 departments completed the survey (100% response rate), with 22.3% reporting 3D printer ownership, and thirty‐four departments (30.4%) outsourcing 3D printed products. The primary use of 3D printers was bolus production (60.9%). Public departments represented 84% of printer ownership, while private departments were the greatest users of outsourced 3D printed products (91.4%). 3D Slicer was the most common software used for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) file conversion (42.3%), while polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were the most common filaments in use, 46% and 14%, respectively.

Conclusion

This research established a baseline for 3D printer and product use within the Australian and New Zealand radiotherapy setting.
Building Australia's first mass spectrometer: Recognising the achievements of J. Roger Bird
Authors: Downard Kevin M.
Published: September 2022

Following the birth of the field of mass spectrometry at the end of World War I, it was several decades before the first commercial mass spectrometers became available. In the interim, many physicists interested in the nature of matter, and their application to studies in nuclear physics, constructed their own. A young physics postgraduate student, John Roger Bird, was the first to do so in Australia. This article describes his efforts and achievements, featuring technical blueprints, photographs of the instruments and early data, in long overdue recognition of Bird's work at the University of Melbourne.
Pan‐coronavirus fusion inhibitors to combat COVID‐19 and other emerging coronavirus infectious diseases
Authors: Lan Qiaoshuai , Wang Lijue , Jiao Fanke , Lu Lu , Xia Shuai , Jiang Shibo
Published: September 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of the currently ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, has posed a serious threat to global public health. Recently, several SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern (VOCs) have emerged and caused numerous cases of reinfection in convalescent COVID‐19 patients, as well as breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals. This calls for the development of broad‐spectrum antiviral drugs to combat SARS‐CoV‐2 and its VOCs. Pan‐coronavirus fusion inhibitors, targeting the conserved heptad repeat 1 (HR1) in spike protein S2 subunit, can broadly and potently inhibit infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants, as well as other human coronaviruses. In this review, we summarized the most recent development of pan‐coronavirus fusion inhibitors, such as EK1, EK1C4, and EKL1C, and highlighted their potential application in combating current COVID‐19 infection and reinfection, as well as future emerging coronavirus infectious diseases.
Antithrombotic therapy after angioplasty of pulmonary vein stenosis due to atrial fibrillation ablation: A two‐center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Fink Thomas , Vogler Julia , Proietti Riccardo , Sciacca Vanessa , Heeger Christian‐Hendrik , Rottner Laura , Maurer Tilman , Metzner Andreas , Mathew Shibu , Eitel Charlotte , Eitel Ingo , Sohns Christian , Sano Makoto , Reissmann Bruno , Rillig Andreas , Ouyang Feifan , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Tilz Roland Richard
Published: September 2022

Background

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a severe complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation resulting in narrowing of affected pulmonary veins (PVs). Interventional treatment consists of angioplasty with or without PV stenting. The optimal postprocedural antithrombotic therapy is not known.

Study aims

To investigate the impact of antithrombotic medical therapy on recurrence of PVS after PV angioplasty.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients undergoing PV angioplasty with or without stent implantation in two German centers was performed. Postinterventional antithrombotic therapy consisted of either dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or a combination of oral anticoagulation with single or dual antiplatelet therapy for 3–12 months after intervention. Angiographic follow‐up was recommended 3, 6, and 12 months after intervention and in case of symptom recurrence.

Results

Thirty patients underwent treatment of 42 PVS. After intervention, twenty‐eight patients received triple therapy and 14 patients received dual therapy/DAPT; restenosis occurred in 5/22 (22.7%) patients with triple therapy and 8/14 (57.1%) patients with dual therapy/DAPT PV (p = .001). Estimated freedom from PV restenosis after 500 days was 18.8 ± 15.8% (dual therapy/DAPT) and 76.2 ± 10.5% (triple therapy) (p = .003). Univariate regression analysis revealed postprocedural medication as a significant risk factor for restenosis (p = .019). No bleeding events occurred regardless of applied antithrombotic therapy.

Conclusion

Triple antithrombotic therapy after PV angioplasty is associated with less frequent restenosis as compared to dual antiplatelet therapy or a combination of anticoagulation and single antiplatelet therapy. No severe bleeding events occurred in patients on triple therapy. These findings need to be confirmed in larger patient cohorts.
Interconnection between the Indian and the East Asian summer monsoon: Spatial synchronization patterns of extreme rainfall events
Authors: Gupta Shraddha , Su Zhen , Boers Niklas , Kurths Jürgen , Marwan Norbert , Pappenberger Florian
Published: September 2022

A deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between the two components of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM)—the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM)—is crucial to improve the subseasonal forecasting of extreme precipitation events. Using an innovative complex network‐based approach, we identify two dominant synchronization pathways between ISM and EASM—a southern mode between the Arabian Sea and southeastern China occurring in June, and a northern mode between the core ISM zone and northern China which peaks in July—and their associated large‐scale atmospheric circulation patterns. Furthermore, we discover that certain phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation and the lower frequency mode of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) seem to favour the overall synchronization of extreme rainfall events between ISM and EASM while the higher‐frequency mode of the BSISO is likely to support the shifting between the modes of ISM–EASM connection.
Non‐destructive determination of grass pea and pea flour adulteration in chickpea flour using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Bala Manju , Sethi Swati , Sharma Sanjula , Mridula D , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: September 2022

Background

In order to obtain more economic gains, some food products are adulterated with low‐cost substances, if they are toxic, they may pose public health risks. This has called forth the development of quick and non‐destructive methods for detection of adulterants in food. Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has become a promising tool to detect adulteration in various commodities. We have developed rapid NIRS based analytical methods for quantification of two cheap adulterants (grass pea and pea flour) in a popular Indian food material, chickpea flour.

Results

The NIRS spectra of pure chickpea, pure grass pea, pure pea flour and adulterated samples of chickpea flour with grass pea and pea flour (1–90%) (w/w) were acquired and preprocessed. Calibration models were built based on modified partial least squares regression (MPLSR), partial least squares (PLS), principal component regression (PCR) methods. Based on lowest values of standard error of calibration (SEC) and standard error of cross‐validation (SECV), MPLSR‐NIRS models were selected. These models exhibited coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.999, 0.999, SEC of 0.905, 0.827 and SECV of 1.473, 1.491 for grass pea and pea, respectively. External validation revealed R2 and standard error of prediction (SEP) of 0.999 and 1.184, 0.997 and 1.893 for grass pea and pea flour, respectively.

Conclusion

The statistics confirmed that our MPLSR‐NIRS based methods are quite robust and applicable to detect grass pea and pea flour adulterants in chickpea flour samples and have potential for use in detecting food fraud. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The new IASLC grading system for invasive non‐mucinous lung adenocarcinoma is a more useful indicator of patient survival compared with previous grading systems
Authors: Yanagawa Naoki , Sugai Mayu , Shikanai Shunsuke , Sugimoto Ryo , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Uesugi Noriyuki , Saito Hajime , Maemondo Makoto , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: September 2022

Background

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Pathology Committee recently proposed a new histological grading system for invasive lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). This study evaluated the usefulness of this grading system.

Methods

A total of 395 patients with ADC were examined. ADCs were reclassified based on comprehensive histological subtyping according to the IASLC grading system. We evaluated the following histological grading systems for invasive ADC: the architectural (Arch), Sica's grading, and IASLC grading systems. Multivariate analyses of overall and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) based on these three grading systems were performed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that all three grading systems were useful for predicting the outcomes of patients at all stages. However, the IASLC grading system was superior to the Arch and Sica's grading systems in differentiating grade 3 from grade 1 ADCs in terms of both overall survivals (IASLC vs. Arch vs. Sica's grading systems: hazard ratio [HR] = 3.77 vs. 3.03 vs. 2.63) and RFS (HR = 4.25 vs. 2.69 vs. 2.4).

Conclusion

The newly proposed IASLC grading system was useful for predicting patient outcomes and was superior to the other grading systems in detecting high‐grade malignancy.
Simultaneous determination of 31 endocrine disrupting chemicals in fish plasma by solid‐phase extraction coupled with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Hui‐Min , Bao Yi‐Fan , Huang Wen‐Ping , Yin Da‐Qiang , Hu Xia‐Lin
Published: September 2022

Solid phase extraction combined with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the simultaneous determination of 31 endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in fish plasma. The strong anion exchange/primary‐secondary amine cartridge and the mixed cation exchange cartridge were used in tandem instead of using a single mixed cation exchange cartridge for sample purification. Suitable eluents were selected for each of the two cartridges: 4.5% ammonia/acetonitrile solution for cartridges in tandem and acetone:n‐hexane (V:V = 3:7) for the strong anion exchange/primary‐secondary amine cartridge alone. With this optimized Solid phase extraction method, the recoveries of 31 endocrine disrupting chemicals were between 43.0% and 131.3%, the method detection limits were 0.45 to 1.35 ng/ml, and the limits of quantitation were 1.50–4.50 ng/ml. The innovative pretreatment method that connects two cartridges in tandem is well positioned to mitigate the matrix effects of fish plasma, thereby improving the accuracy of multiclass endocrine‐disrupting chemicals determination. The significance of this method is to facilitate the application of the fish plasma model for the environmental risk assessment of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals.
Robust ocean color from drones: Viewing geometry, sky reflection removal, uncertainty analysis, and a survey of the Gulf Stream front
Authors: Gray Patrick Clifton , Windle Anna E. , Dale Julian , Savelyev Ivan B. , Johnson Zackary I. , Silsbe Greg M. , Larsen Gregory D. , Johnston David W.
Published: September 2022

Accurate and robust retrieval of ocean color from remote sensing enables critical observations of aquatic natural systems, from open ocean biological oceanography, coastal biodiversity, and water quality for human health. In the last decade, studies have increasingly highlighted the important role of small‐scale processes in coastal and marine ecology and biogeochemistry, but observation and modeling at these scales remains technologically limited. Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS, aka drones) can rapidly sample large areas with high spatial and temporal resolution; but the challenge of accurately retrieving ocean color, particularly with common wide field‐of‐view multispectral imagers, has limited the adoption of this technology. As UAS endurance, autonomy, and sensor capabilities continue to increase, so does this technology's potential to observe the ocean at fine scales, but only if proper protocols are followed. The present study provides a guide for achieving (1) ideal viewing geometry of UAS‐borne ocean color sensors, (2) techniques for the removal of sun glint and reflected skylight to derive water‐leaving radiances, (3) characterization of uncertainty in these measurements, and (4) converting water‐leaving radiances to remote‐sensing reflectance for analytic end products such as chlorophyll a estimates. Documented open‐source code facilitates replication of this emerging technique. Using this methodology, we briefly describing fine‐scale variability of the Gulf Stream front off North Carolina alongside synoptic satellite data and in situ measurements for comparison. These results demonstrate how UAS‐based ocean color measurements complement and enhance conventional ocean observations and modeling to resolve fine‐scale variability and close the lacuna between satellite and in situ methods.
A novel self‐packaged DBBPF with multiple TZs for 5G sub‐6 GHz applications
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ma Kaixue , Zhang Wenwen , Yan Ningning
Published: September 2022

In this article, we proposed a self‐packaged dual‐band bandpass filter (DBBPF) with high isolation and low insertion loss (IL) for 5G sub‐6 GHz applications. To get high stopband suppression, multiple and controllable transmission zeros (TZs) are introduced. A pair of quarter‐wavelength stepped‐impedance resonators (QSIRs) and half‐wavelength hairpin resonators (HWHR) are introduced to form a cross‐coupled five‐star topology to generate two passbands and multiple TZs analyzed by mixed electromagnetic couplings. A pair of U‐shape resonators are designed on G6 to fully excite the resonators and introduce source/load TZs at the same time. The generation of TZs by separate electric and magnetic coupling paths (SEMCP) is discussed. The DBBPF achieves a low IL of 0.85/1.13 dB with fractional bandwidths (FBW) of 11.0%/6.9% at center frequencies of 3.45 and 4.9 GHz for 5G sub‐6 GHz applications, respectively. The total size is only 0.32 λg ×  0.45 λg.
A pre‐post intervention study: Knowledge among parents about child infections and antibiotic use facilitated by maternal and child health nurses
Authors: Hansen Matilde Bøgelund , Rasmussen Ida Scheel , Marloth Tina , Jarløv Jens Otto , Arpi Magnus , Mogensen Dorthe , Jensen Jette Nygaard
Published: September 2022

Aims

To investigate parent's knowledge and beliefs of common infections and antibiotics in children before and after an educational intervention provided by maternal and child health nurses. Second, to investigate sociodemographic differences in parent's knowledge before and following the intervention.

Design

A prospective pre‐post intervention study. The intervention consisted of a booklet with information about childhood infections delivered by maternal and child health nurses.

Methods

The study population included 344 parents with a child born during 2017 and residing in three Danish municipalities. Knowledge about infections and antibiotics were collected quantitatively through an online questionnaire before and after the intervention (August 2017–November 2018) and analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

Parental knowledge increased after the intervention. Parents with lower education and born in Denmark compared to parents with higher education and born in other countries experienced a higher increase in knowledge from baseline to follow‐up.
Can a structured model of ethical reflection be used to teach ethics to nursing students? An approach to teaching nursing students a tool for systematic ethical reflection
Authors: Jakobsen Lena Marian , Sunde Mæhre Kjersti
Published: September 2022

Background

Nurses encounter many ethical dilemmas in their practice. The ability to make good ethical decisions is a necessary competence in healthcare professions. International studies call for development and research on various methods to teach healthcare professionals ethics. This article describes an approach for learning how to be aware of and discover ethical dilemmas. By applying experienced narratives from healthcare practice and using question guidelines from a structured ethical model, nursing students learn to discover and find possible solutions for ethical problem in their practice.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe second‐ and third‐year nursing students’ experiences by using structured ethical reflection as an approach to increase ethical awareness and deal with ethical decisions.

Design

This study has a descriptive exploratory design. A three‐day ethics seminar was carried out to help students learn how to recognize and explore ethical dilemmas in their practice.

Materials and Methods

The data are collected from questionnaires used to evaluate the ethics seminar where 52 nursing students participated. The questionnaire contained open‐ended and closed questions and was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.

The empirical data were collected by 52 nursing students answering an evaluation questionnaire after the ethics seminar.

Findings

Four themes were developed: Becoming aware of ethical dilemmas, Learning ethics by discussing knowledge and experiences with other students, Increased curiosity about ethics as a subject and Understanding the importance of critical ethical reflection work in clinical practice.

Discussion

The process of learning how to understand the ethical principles in real‐life nursing context continues progressing through the bachelor’s program. Using group discussions and discussing examples of ethical dilemmas from practice help the students to a more comprehensive reflection process.

Conclusion

The nursing students experienced video lessons, group discussions and the use of a structured reflection model as a valuable approach in learning to recognize ethical dilemmas and how to deal with real‐life ethical dilemmas.
Additional value of advanced ultrasonography in pregnancies with two inconclusive cell‐free DNA draws
Authors: Bardi Francesca , Bet Bo B. , Pajkrt Eva , Linskens Ingeborg H. , Bekker Mireille N. , Sistermans Erik A. , Bilardo Caterina M. , Elvan‐Taşpınar Ayten
Published: September 2022

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the additional value of advanced fetal anatomical assessment by ultrasound in pregnancies with twice inconclusive noninvasive testing (NIPT) due to low fetal fraction (FF).

Methods

We performed a multicenter‐retrospective study between 2017 and 2020 including 311 pregnancies with twice inconclusive NIPT due to low FF ≤ 1%. Women were offered invasive testing and advanced fetal anatomical assessment at ≤18 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound findings, genetic testing, and pregnancy/postnatal outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Ninety‐two/311 (29.6%) women underwent invasive testing. Structural anomalies were diagnosed in 13/311 (4.2%) pregnancies (nine at the first scan and four at follow‐up). In 6/13 (46.2%) cases, genetic aberrations were confirmed (one case of Trisomy 13 (detectable by NIPT), two of Triploidy, one of 16q12‐deletion, HCN4‐mutation and UPD(16) (nondetectable by NIPT). Genetic aberrations were found in 4/298 (1.3%) structurallynormal pregnancies (one 47XYY, two microscopic aberrations, one monogenic disorder found postpartum). Structural anomalies in genetically normal fetuses (2.0%) were not more prevalent compared to the general pregnant population (OR 1.0 [0.4–2.2]).

Conclusion

In pregnancies with twice inconclusive NIPT due to low FF, fetal structural anomalies are not more prevalent than in the general obstetric population. The detailed anatomical assessment has the added value to detect phenotypical features suggestive of chromosomal/genetic aberrations and identify pregnancies where advanced genetic testing may be indicated.