bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐wired metal stents for endoscopic bilateral stent‐in‐stent deployment in malignant hilar biliary obstruction: A multicenter, single‐arm, prospective study
Authors: Yamao Kentaro , Ogura Takeshi , Shiomi Hideyuki , Eguchi Takaaki , Matsumoto Hisakazu , Li Zhao Liang , Hashimoto Hiroaki , Chiba Yasutaka , Takenaka Mamoru , Watanabe Tomohiro , Kudo Masatoshi , Sanuki Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The endoscopic bilateral stent‐in‐stent (SIS) deployment is a challenging procedure. Such difficulty is mainly caused by sticking of the tip of the delivery sheath into the self‐expandable metal stents (SEMSs) mesh, requiring an additional dilating procedure. Herein, we assessed the clinical results of using cross‐wired metal stent for endoscopic bilateral SIS deployment (BONASTENT M‐Hilar) in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) in both high‐volume and non‐high‐volume centers.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with MHBO between February 2016 and December 2018 at eight centers.

Results

Forty‐six patients were enrolled during the study period. The proportions of technical success were 93.5% (43/46) and clinical success (CS) on intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses were 91.3% (42/46) and 93.0% (40/43), respectively. The proportion of an additional dilating procedure during the primary procedure was 50.0% (23/46). Recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) on intention‐to‐treat analysis occurred in 32.6% (15/46) of cases. Almost all of the events were caused by stent ingrowth (14/15). The median survival time and time to RBO were 255 and 349 days, respectively. The probability of stent patency at 3, 6, and 12 months was 86.5%, 63.9%, and 47.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The cross‐wired metal stent had excellent technical and CS, although non‐high‐volume centers were included in this study (UMIN000021441).
Following Darwin’s footsteps: Evaluating the impact of an activity designed for elementary school students to link historically important evolution key concepts on their understanding of natural selection
Authors: Sá‐Pinto Xana , Pinto Alexandre , Ribeiro Joana , Sarmento Inês , Pessoa Patrícia , Rodrigues Leonor R. , Vázquez‐Ben Lucía , Mavrikaki Evangelia , Bernardino Lopes Joaquim
Published: August 2021

While several researchers have suggested that evolution should be explored from the initial years of schooling, little information is available on effective resources to enhance elementary school students’ level of understanding of evolution by natural selection (LUENS). For the present study, we designed, implemented, and evaluated an educational activity planned for fourth graders (9 to 10 years old) to explore concepts and conceptual fields that were historically important for the discovery of natural selection. Observation field notes and students’ productions were used to analyze how the students explored the proposed activity. Additionally, an evaluation framework consisting of a test, the evaluation criteria, and the scoring process was applied in two fourth‐grade classes (N = 44) to estimate elementary school students’ LUENS before and after engaging in the activity. Our results show that our activity allowed students to link the key concepts, resulting in a significant increase of their understanding of natural selection. They also reveal that additional activities and minor fine‐tuning of the present activity are required to further support students’ learning about the concept of differential reproduction.
Effects of spawning Pacific salmon on terrestrial invertebrates: Insects near spawning habitat are isotopically enriched with nitrogen‐15 but display no differences in body size
Authors: Rammell Nicola F. , Dennert Allison M. , Ernst Christopher M. , Reynolds John D.
Published: August 2021

When Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) spawn and die, they deliver marine‐derived nutrient subsidies to freshwater and riparian ecosystems. These subsidies can alter the behavior, productivity, and abundance of recipient species and their habitats. Isotopes, such as nitrogen‐15 (15N), are often used to trace the destination of marine‐derived nutrients in riparian habitats. However, few studies have tested for correlations between stable isotopes and physiological responses of riparian organisms. We examined whether increases in δ15N in terrestrial insect bodies adjacent to salmon spawning habitat translate to changes in percent nitrogen content and body size. This involved comparisons between distance from a salmon‐bearing river, marine‐derived nutrients in soils and insects, soil moisture content, and body size and nitrogen content in two common beetle families (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Carabidae). As predicted, δ15N in riparian soils attenuated with distance from the river but was unaffected by soil moisture. This gradient was mirrored by δ15N in the herbivorous curculionid beetles, whereas carabid beetles, which feed at a higher trophic level and are more mobile, did not show discernable patterns in their δ15N content. Additionally, neither distance from the river nor body δ15N content was related to beetle body size. We also found that nitrogen‐15 was not correlated with total percent nitrogen in insect bodies, meaning that the presence of spawning salmon did not increase the percent nitrogen content of these insects. We conclude that while salmon‐derived nutrients had entered terrestrial food webs, the presence of δ15N alone did not indicate meaningful physiological changes in these insects in terms of percent nitrogen nor body size. While stable isotopes may be useful tracers of marine‐derived nutrients, they cannot necessarily be used as a proxy for physiologically important response variables.
Who is the culprit: Is pest infestation responsible for crop yield losses close to semi‐natural habitats?
Authors: Raatz Larissa , Pirhofer Walzl Karin , Müller Marina E. H. , Scherber Christoph , Joshi Jasmin
Published: August 2021

Semi‐natural habitats (SNHs) are becoming increasingly scarce in modern agricultural landscapes. This may reduce natural ecosystem services such as pest control with its putatively positive effect on crop production. In agreement with other studies, we recently reported wheat yield reductions at field borders which were linked to the type of SNH and the distance to the border. In this experimental landscape‐wide study, we asked whether these yield losses have a biotic origin while analyzing fungal seed and fungal leaf pathogens, herbivory of cereal leaf beetles, and weed cover as hypothesized mediators between SNHs and yield. We established experimental winter wheat plots of a single variety within conventionally managed wheat fields at fixed distances either to a hedgerow or to an in‐field kettle hole. For each plot, we recorded the fungal infection rate on seeds, fungal infection and herbivory rates on leaves, and weed cover. Using several generalized linear mixed‐effects models as well as a structural equation model, we tested the effects of SNHs at a field scale (SNH type and distance to SNH) and at a landscape scale (percentage and diversity of SNHs within a 1000‐m radius). In the dry year of 2016, we detected one putative biotic culprit: Weed cover was negatively associated with yield values at a 1‐m and 5‐m distance from the field border with a SNH. None of the fungal and insect pests, however, significantly affected yield, neither solely nor depending on type of or distance to a SNH. However, the pest groups themselves responded differently to SNH at the field scale and at the landscape scale. Our findings highlight that crop losses at field borders may be caused by biotic culprits; however, their negative impact seems weak and is putatively reduced by conventional farming practices.
Accounting for flow intermittence in freshwater species distribution modelling
Authors: Dalibard Manon , Laffaille Pascal , Sánchez‐Pérez José‐Miguel , Sauvage Sabine , Buisson Laëtitia
Published: August 2021

To forecast species responses to environmental changes, it is crucial to understand drivers of species distribution acting at multiple spatial and temporal scales. While hydrology is acknowledged as a key driver for freshwater species, most studies have been limited to perennial river flow regimes when exploring species distribution in rivers. We developed a method to characterize stream flow to subsequently account for flow intermittence in species distribution models (SDMs). First, we used the hydrological Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate flow in the French Pyrenees at fine spatial grain and large spatial extent. Several metrics characterizing flow intermittence were subsequently included in a SDM along with topographic, hydrographic, climatic and land use variables. We applied this methodology to an extensive data set of the Pyrenean brook newt (Calotriton asper) presence in France. This amphibian is highly dependent on aquatic habitats, and its distribution could be mainly driven by hydrological and climatic variables. We found that 60% of the stream network of the study area is intermittent. Maximum air temperature and proportion of agricultural areas contribution in explaining species distribution were the most important (26.3% and 21.2%, respectively). Both variables negatively influenced the probability of presence of the Pyrenean brook newt. We also found a negative correlation with the frequency of zero‐flow events (13%), emphasizing the role of flow intermittence in driving aquatic species distribution. Our study provides new insights into fine‐grained hydrology in the Pyrenees and illustrates intermittence characterization and mapping methods that could be applied elsewhere.
Change in liana density over 30 years in a Bornean rain forest supports the escape hypothesis
Authors: Newbery D. M. , Zahnd C.
Published: August 2021

Liana dynamics may influence tree dynamics and vice versa. Only long‐term studies can perhaps disentangle them. In two permanent plots of lowland dipterocarp forest at Danum, a liana census in 1988 was repeated in 2018. The primary forest was still in a late stage of recovery from an inferred large and natural disturbance in the past. Mean number of lianas per tree decreased by 22% and 34% in plots 1 and 2, and in different ways. By 2018, there were relatively more trees with few lianas and relatively fewer trees with many lianas than in 1988. The redistribution was strongest for overstory trees of the Dipterocarpaceae (more with no lianas by 2018) and understory trees of the Euphorbiaceae (many losing high loads in especially plot 2). Proportion of trees with lianas increased overall by 3.5%. The number of lianas per tree showed a quadratic relationship with tree size: maximal for large trees, and fewer for smaller and very large trees. Tree survival and stem growth rate were significantly negatively related to the number of lianas after accounting for spatial autocorrelation. Monte Carlo random subsampling of trees in 1988 and 2018, to achieve statistical independence, established significance of change. Dipterocarps and euphorbs clearly differed in their liana dynamics between plots. Regression models had different forms for the two plots, which reflected a complicated structural–spatial variability in host–liana dynamics. Analysis of the abundant tree species individually highlighted a group of emergent dipterocarps with low liana counts decreasing with time. Building on an earlier hypothesis for this forest type and site, these very large trees appear to have been losing their lianas by branch shedding, as they moved into and out of the main canopy. They were evidently escaping from the parasite. The process may in part explain the characteristically very uneven forest canopy at Danum. Change in liana density was therefore contingent on both forest history and site succession, and plot‐level structure and tree dynamics. Liana promotion in the intermittent ENSO dry periods was seemingly being offset by closing of the forest and dominance by dipterocarps in late seral stages.
Pemphigus‐associated cardiomyopathy: report of autoimmune myocarditis and review of literature
Authors: Frustaci Andrea , Francone Marco , Verardo Romina , Scialla Rossella , Bagnato Giulia , Alfarano Maria , Chimenti Cristina , Frustaci Emanuela , Sansone Luigi , Russo Matteo
Published: August 2021

Pemphigus is a rare disease characterized by bullous lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The aetiology is autoimmune and related to the formation of IgG autoantibodies against desmogleins, which are structural proteins of desmosomes that ensure the stability of contacts between cells. Cardiac involvement in patients with pemphigus is poorly documented. We report the data in the literature on this topic and a case of pemphigus‐associated autoimmune myocarditis with damage of intercalated disc responding to immunosuppressive therapy. The occurrence of cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction in patients affected by pemphigus should be appropriately screened with endomyocardial biopsy as it could be the myocardial extension of a potentially reversible autoimmune disorder.
Natural history and progression of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: insights from ATTR‐ACT
Authors: Nativi‐Nicolau Jose , Judge Daniel P. , Hoffman James E. , Gundapaneni Balarama , Keohane Denis , Sultan Marla B. , Grogan Martha
Published: August 2021

Aims

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) is a progressive, fatal disorder that remains underdiagnosed. The Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR‐ACT) was the first large clinical trial to include both wild‐type (ATTRwt) and hereditary (ATTRv) patients. A description of the natural history of ATTR‐CM, utilizing data from placebo‐treated patients in ATTR‐ACT, will provide a greater understanding of presentation and progression of ATTR‐CM and may aid in disease awareness, earlier diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Methods and results

Changes in clinical endpoints (mortality, cardiovascular [CV]‐related hospitalizations, 6‐min walk test [6MWT] distance and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary [KCCQ‐OS] score) from baseline to Month 30 in the 177 patients (134 ATTRwt, 43 ATTRv) who received placebo in ATTR‐ACT were assessed. ATTRwt patients tended to have less severe disease at baseline. Over the duration of ATTR‐ACT, there were 76 (42.9%) all‐cause deaths, and 107 (60.5%) patients had a CV‐related hospitalization. There was a lower proportion of all‐cause deaths in ATTRwt (49, 36.6%) than ATTRv (27, 62.8%). There was a similar, steady decline in mean (SD) 6MWT distance from baseline to Month 30 in ATTRwt (93.9 [93.7] m) and ATTRv (89.1 [107.2] m) patients. The decline in mean (SD) KCCQ‐OS score was less severe in ATTRwt (13.8 [20.7]) than ATTRv (21.0 [26.4]) patients.

Conclusions

Patients with ATTR‐CM experience a severe, progressive disease. In ATTR‐ACT, placebo‐treated patients with ATTRv, compared with ATTRwt, had more severe disease at baseline, and their disease progressed more rapidly as shown by mortality, hospitalizations and quality of life over time.
Reduction Thermodynamics of Sr1−xCexMnO3 and CexSr2−xMnO4 Perovskites for Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen Production
Authors: Bergeson-Keller Anyka M. , Sanders Michael D. , O’Hayre Ryan P.
Published: August 2021

Herein, the compositional families Sr1−xCexMnO3 (SCMX, X = 100x, x = 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30) and CexSr2−xMnO4 (CSMX, X = 100x, x = 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30) are studied to determine the effects of perovskite structure and cerium content on thermal reduction thermodynamics and the resulting impact on solar thermochemical hydrogen production (STCH). Relying on thermogravimetric results from oxygen nonstoichiometry experiments, fits for various thermodynamic quantities are produced, including defect‐reaction specific enthalpy ( and entropy (), as well as the δ‐dependent standard partial molar enthalpy, , and entropy , of oxygen as a function of composition within these two perovskite families. The results of this thermodynamic study are also discussed in the context of structure and cerium dopant level. Experimental hydrogen production results show that the SCM family produces slightly larger amounts of hydrogen per mole of oxide compared with the CSM family under similar reduction and oxidation temperature conditions, however, a direct correlation between structure, cerium content, and water‐splitting capacity could not be discerned.
Sediment transport at the network scale and its link to channel morphology in the braided Vjosa River system
Authors: Bizzi Simone , Tangi Marco , Schmitt Rafael J. P. , Pitlick John , Piégay Hervé , Castelletti Andrea Francesco
Published: August 2021

In this article we apply the CASCADE network‐scale sediment connectivity model to the Vjosa River in Albania. The Vjosa is one of the last unimpaired braided rivers in Europe and, at the same time, a data scarce environment, which limits our ability to model how this pristine river might respond to future human disturbance. To initialize the model, we use remotely sensed data and modeled hydrology from a regional model. We perform a reach‐by‐reach optimization of surface grain size distribution (GSD) and bedload transport capacity to ensure equilibrium conditions throughout the network. In order to account for the various sources of uncertainty in the calculation of transport capacity, we performed a global sensitivity analysis. The modeled GSD distributions generated by the sensitivity analysis generally match the six GSDs measured at different locations within the network. The modeled bedload sediment fluxes increase systematically downstream, and annual fluxes at the outlet of the Vjosa are well within an order of magnitude of fluxes derived from previous estimates of the annual suspended sediment load.

We then use the modeled sediment fluxes as input to a set of theoretically derived functions that successfully discriminate between multi‐thread and single‐thread channel patterns. This finding provides additional validation of the model results by showing a clear connection between modeled sediment concentrations and observed river morphology. Finally, we observe that a reduction in sediment flux of about 50% (e.g., due to dams) would likely cause existing braided reaches to shift toward single thread morphology. The proposed method is widely applicable and opens a new avenue for application of network‐scale sediment models that aid in the exploration of river stability to changes in water and sediment fluxes.
Four‐dimensional elastically deformed simplex space‐time meshes for domains with time‐variant topology
Authors: von Danwitz Max , Antony Patrick , Key Fabian , Hosters Norbert , Behr Marek
Published: August 2021

Considering the flow through biological or engineered valves as an example, there is a variety of applications in which the topology of a fluid domain changes over time. This topology change is characteristic for the physical behavior, but poses a particular challenge in computer simulations. A way to overcome this challenge is to consider the application‐specific space‐time geometry as a contiguous computational domain. In this work, we obtain a boundary‐conforming discretization of the space‐time domain with four‐dimensional simplex elements (pentatopes). To facilitate the construction of pentatope meshes for complex geometries, the widely used elastic mesh update method is extended to four‐dimensional meshes. In the resulting workflow, the topology change is elegantly included in the pentatope mesh and does not require any additional treatment during the simulation. The potential of simplex space‐time meshes for domains with time‐variant topology is demonstrated in a valve simulation, and a flow simulation inspired by a clamped artery.
Hydroalkylation of Styrenes with Benzylamines by Potassium Hydride
Authors: Pang Jia Hao , Wang Bin , Watanabe Kohei , Takita Ryo , Chiba Shunsuke
Published: August 2021

A method for the synthesis of 1,3‐diarylpropylamines through hydroalkylation of styrenes with benzylamines by potassium hydride has been developed. The protocol is initiated by solvothermal treatment of benzylamines with KH at 100 °C to generate deprotonated anionic species, which undergo selective C‐alkylation with arylalkenes at 0 °C to ambient temperature to afford 1,3‐diarylpropylamines as the major product.
Predicting child problem behaviour at school age: The role of maternal sensitivity, child temperament and theory of mind
Authors: Licata‐Dandel Maria , Wenzel Anne Sophie , Kristen‐Antonow Susanne , Sodian Beate
Published: August 2021

The present longitudinal study aims at investigating the interplay between child temperament, mother–child interaction quality and child Theory of Mind (ToM) at preschool age with regard to the development of child problem behavior at school age in 115 participants. Maternal sensitivity and child temperament were assessed when children were 4 years old. At 5 years of age, child ToM was assessed. At 8 years of age, child problem behavior was assessed. Results showed that child problem behavior was independently predicted by child temperamental negative affectivity and maternal sensitivity. The current study underlines the important role of both endogenous as well as exogenous factors for healthy child development.
Comparison on binding interactions of quercetin and its metal complexes with calf thymus DNA by spectroscopic techniques and viscosity measurement
Authors: Luo Huajian , Liang Yu , Zhang Huiying , Liu Yi , Xiao Qi , Huang Shan
Published: August 2021

Quercetin (Qu) and its metal complexes have received great attention during the last years, due to their good antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. In this contribution, binding interactions of Qu and Qu–metal complexes with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) were investigated and compared systematically by using spectroscopic techniques and viscosity measurement. UV‐vis absorption spectra of ctDNA–compound systems showed obvious hypochromic effect. Relative viscosity and melting temperature of ctDNA increased after the addition of Qu and Qu–metal complexes, and the change tendency is Qu–Cr(III) > Qu–Mn(II) > Qu–Zn(II) > Qu–Cu(II) > Qu. Fluorescence competition experiments show that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interaction play an important role in the intercalative binding of Qu and Qu–metal complexes with ctDNA. Qu and Qu–metal complexes could unwind the right‐handed B‐form helicity of ctDNA and further affect its base pair stacking. Space steric hindrance might be responsible for the differences in the intercalative binding between ctDNA and different Qu–metal complexes. These results provide new information for the molecular understanding of binding interactions of Qu–metal complexes with DNA and the strategy for research of structural influences.
Femoral derotation osteotomy—Does intraoperative electromagnetic tracking reflect the dynamic outcome?
Authors: Geisbüsch Andreas , Götze Marco , Putz Cornelia , Dickhaus Hartmut , Dreher Thomas
Published: August 2021

Femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) is a well‐established procedure for the correction of internal rotation gait in children with cerebral palsy. Various studies have demonstrated good results for FDO both in short‐term and long‐term evaluation with some describing recurrence and over‐ or under‐corrections. The present study evaluates the use of an objective intraoperative derotation measurement through electromagnetic tracking. We report the static and dynamic results of 11 cases with internal rotation gait (8 male, 3 female, mean age 22.2 years), that underwent FDO with intraoperative electromagnetic tracking and conventional goniometric measurement of the correction. The dynamic and static changes were assessed through three‐dimensional gait analysis after a mean of 12 months after surgery and rotational imaging preoperative and after a mean of eleven days postoperatively. Mean hip rotation in stance significantly decreased from 20.9° (SD 5.9) to 5.8° (SD 4.7°) after FDO. The mean amount of derotation quantified by electromagnetic tracking was 23.2° (16.5°–28.8°) and 25.1° (20.0°–33.0°) for goniometric measurement. Both measurement modalities showed small differences to rotational imaging (electromagnetic bone tracking [EMT]: 0.72°; goniometer: 1.19°) but a large deviation when compared to three‐dimensional gait analysis (EMT: 8.5°, goniometer: 9.1°). In comparison to the static changes and EMT measurement, the dynamic changes measured during 3‐D‐gait analysis reflected only 66% of the actual derotation performed during surgery. Although electromagnetic tracking allows a precise intraoperative assessment of the derotation during FDO, the amount of intraoperative correction is not reflected in the improvements in three‐dimensional gait analysis.
Knee anteromedial compartment dissection: Final results and anterior oblique ligament description
Authors: Jorge Pedro B. , de Oliveira Diego E. , de Resende Vanessa R. , Horita Melanie M. , de Oliveira e Silva Marconde , Duarte Aires , Santili Claudio , Betoni Guglielmetti Luiz G.
Published: August 2021

The anteromedial region of the knee is little explored in the literature and may play an important role in anteromedial rotatory instability. The purpose of this study is to describe a ligamentous structure in the anteromedial region of the knee identified in a series of anatomical dissections of cadaveric specimens. Twenty‐one cadaveric knees were dissected to study the medial compartment. Exclusion criteria were signs of trauma, previous surgery, signs of osteoarthritis, and poor preservation state. The main structures of this region were identified during medial dissection. After releasing the superficial medial collateral ligament of the tibia, the anterior oblique ligament (AOL) was isolated. The morphology of the structure and its relationship with known anatomical parameters were determined. For the statistical analysis, the means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables. A 95% confidence interval was defined as significant. Student's t‐tests were used for continuous variables. After dissection, a distinct ligamentous structure (AOL) was found in the medial region of the knee. This structure was found in 100% of the cases, was located extracapsularly and originated in the anterior aspect of the medial epicondyle, running obliquely toward the tibia. When crossing the joint, the ligament presented a fan‐shaped opening, exhibiting a larger area at the tibial insertion. The AOL had a mean thickness of 6.83 ± 1.51 mm at its femoral origin and 13.39 ± 2.64 at its tibial insertion. It had a significantly (p = 0.0001) longer mean length with the knee at 90° of flexion (35.27 ± 6.59 mm) than with the knee in total extension (27.89 ± 5.46 mm), indicating that the ligament is tensioned in flexion. A new structure was identified in the anteromedial compartment of the knee with a ligamentous appearance. Further studies are necessary to identify its importance on knee stability. This study demonstrates the anatomy of a new medial structure of the knee. As a result, there will be a better understanding of the stability of the knee.
Speleothem‐based chronology and environmental context of deposits from the Mishin Kamik Cave, NW Bulgaria – A contribution to the archaeological study of the Late Pleistocene human occupation in the Balkans
Authors: Verheyden Sophie , Marinova Elena , Ivanova Stefanka , Burlet Christian , Cheng Hai , Edwards Lawrence R. , Goovaerts Thomas , Gurova Maria
Published: August 2021

The Balkan Peninsula represents one of the most important human pathways into and out of Europe during the Pleistocene. Mishin Kamik cave, located in the karst region of Western Stara Planina, has a rich faunal content and shows promising features indicating a human occupation site with the discovery of potential bone artefacts and an intriguing accumulation of bear skulls and bones. Petrographic study and U‐series dating of a stalagmite and other calcite deposits in the cave provide an absolute chronological frame for the detrital infillings and their archaeological content and inform the environmental and climatic context of the cave evolution. Most detrital deposits in the cave were probably deposited before Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 and the cave morphology and sedimentary deposits display current morphologies since ~135 ka. Consequently, the palaeontological and archaeological findings are older than ~135 ka. Calcite dated on and under the accumulation of bear skulls and bones suggests deposition during MIS 7. A first depositional contextualization of the bone accumulation does not allow us to discriminate between a natural or anthropogenic origin. The study emphasizes the added value of speleothem studies in archaeological sites and particularly in bringing a well‐constrained chronological and environmental framework.
Long non‐codingRNA XISTalleviates sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury through inhibiting inflammation and cell apoptosis via regulatingmiR‐155‐5p/WWC1axis
Authors: Wang Lei , Cao Qiu‐Mei
Published: August 2021

Sepsis is characterized by a severe inflammatory response throughout the whole body and can induce acute kidney injury (AKI). This research aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying miR‐155‐5p in sepsis‐induced AKI. CLP‐treated mice were used as anin vivomodel of sepsis‐induced AKI, and LPS‐treated HK‐2 and TCMK‐1 cells were used asin vitromodels. Bioinformatics analyses and mechanistic assays were utilized to reveal the relationships between molecules. H&E staining was used to reveal morphological changes in kidney tissues. ELISAs were conducted to detect the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines. We discovered that miR‐155‐5p was prominently upregulated in sepsis‐induced AKIin vivoandin vitro. MiR‐155‐5p inhibition alleviated kidney injury in mice. Moreover, WWC1 served as a direct target of miR‐155‐5p and was negatively regulated by miR‐155‐5p. WWC1 upregulation inhibited the productions of inflammatory cytokines and suppressed apoptosisin vivoandin vitro. In addition, rescue assays demonstrated that WWC1 knockdown counteracted the inhibitory effect of anti‐miR‐155‐5p on inflammation and apoptosis. Moreover, miR‐155‐5p could bind to XIST. XIST expression was downregulated in LPS‐stimulated HK‐2 and TCMK‐1 cells. XIST could negatively regulate miR‐155‐5p expression and positively regulate WWC1 expression. Rescue assays revealed that miR‐155‐5p overexpression significantly reversed the suppressive effects of XIST upregulation on inflammation and apoptosis. In conclusion, our study revealed that the XIST/miR‐155‐5p/WWC1 axis modulated sepsis‐induced AKI progression, providing promising insight into therapeutic targets for sepsis‐induced AKI.
Pretransplant Intensive Care Unit Management and Selection of Grade 3 Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure Transplant Candidates
Authors: Michard Baptiste , Artzner Thierry , Deridder Mathilde , Besch Camille , Addeo Pietro , Castelain Vincent , Guillot Max , Harlay Marie‐Line , Herbrecht Jean‐Etienne , Janssen Langenstein Ralf , Schenck Maleka , Bachellier Philippe , Schneider Francis , Faitot François
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to report on the liver transplantation (LT) activity and posttransplant outcome, over time, of patients with grade 3 acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF‐3) in a single transplant center performing a large number of LTs for patients with ACLF‐3. It aims at showing how pre‐LT intensive care unit (ICU) management impacts post‐LT outcomes, in particular through monitoring the transplantation for ACLF‐3 model (TAM) score. A total of 100 patients who had ACLF‐3 at the time of LT between 2007 and 2019 were included retrospectively. The cohort was divided in 2 periods, with 50 patients in each period. There was an increase in the number of patients with ACLF‐3 who received an LT during the course of the study period and significantly higher 1‐year post‐LT survival rates in the second period compared with the first period (86% versus 66%, respectively; P = 0.02). Interestingly, patients during both periods had similar severity profiles and scores apart from a significantly lower number of patients with TAM scores >2 at the time of LT in the second period compared with the first period (1 [2%] versus 11 [22%], respectively; P ≤ 0.01). In addition, patients whose clinical condition improved in the ICU (with a TAM score downstaged between admission and LT) had significantly higher post‐LT survival rates than those whose TAM score stayed the same or increased: 88% versus 70%, respectively (P = 0.04). This study shows a learning curve in LT for patients with ACLF‐3, with optimized ICU management and patient selection leading to increased numbers of LTs for patients with ACLF‐3 and improved post‐LT outcomes. It also delineates how the TAM score can be used to identify the optimal transplantability window for patients with ACLF‐3.
Sandwich‐Like Gelatin/Polycaprolactone/Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone 3D Model with Significantly Improved Cartilage Cells Adhesion and Regeneration
Authors: Li Kai , Liu Maiqi , Liu Tao , Han Xiaoshuai , Wang Dazhi , Zhang Fangyuan , Li Mingliang , Wang Xiaoying , Dong Chuanhe , Chen Hairong , Yu Aibing
Published: August 2021

A novel sandwich‐like composite 3D model integrated with deposited gelatin film and printed polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) scaffold is proposed for 3D cartilage cell culture. The 3D model includes three layers, top scaffold, middle gelatin film, and basal slide. The printed scaffold layer mimicking extracellular matrix is employed to provide 3D regeneration architecture; gelatin film layer is used for fixing printed scaffold and catching falling cells. Electrospray and electrohydrodynamic jet printing technologies are combined to construct sandwich‐like composite 3D model. The blended constructing processes are investigated thoroughly both theoretically and experimentally. The retained charges on the gelatin film are influenced the electric field distribution and jet behaviors during printing. The characteristics of gelatin film and composite scaffold are studied. The thickness, surface roughness, and planeness of one layer of deposited gelatin film are 400 nm, 22 nm, and 2.27 µm; the size of printed PCL/PVP composite fiber is 10 µm. The fabricated sandwich‐like composite 3D model is proved to facilitate adhesion and ingrowth of cartilage cells.
Manufacturing and Characterization of High‐Density Polyethylene Composites with Active Fillers from Persimmon Peel Flour with Improved Antioxidant Activity and Hydrophobicity
Authors: Rojas‐Lema Sandra , Lascano Diego , Ivorra‐Martinez Juan , Gomez‐Caturla Jaume , Balart Rafael , Garcia‐Garcia Daniel
Published: August 2021

The potential of persimmon peel waste (PPF) as renewable active filler in biobased polyethylene composites, with improved antioxidant properties and resistance to water uptake is shown. To improve the interaction between the hydrophilic biofiller and the highly hydrophobic matrix, several compatibilization approaches are assessed. The first approach consists of using a polyethylene grafted copolymer with maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA). The second approach consists of modifying the PPF surface with two treatments before compounding with Bio‐HDPE. The first consists on conventional silanization with (3‐glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, while the second consists on esterification with palmitoyl chloride. The results show an improvement of the matrix/biofiller interaction, as observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), leading to an increase in Young's modulus of 10% in composites compatibilized with PE‐g‐MA, and silanized PPF compared to composites without compatibilizer and no surface treatment on PPF. Interestingly, treatment with palmitoyl chloride leads to an increase in the hydrophobic behavior of composites keeping the water contact angle virtually constant at 128°. This effect is also reflected in a clear decrease in water absorption capacity of only 0.3 wt% over 9 weeks. Finally, PPF increases stabilization against oxidation, improving the oxidation induction time from 4.8 min (Bio‐HDPE) to 82.5 min for composites with silanized PPF.
Plant Polyphenol‐Inspired Crosslinking Strategy toward High Bonding Strength and Mildew Resistance for Soy Protein Adhesives
Authors: Ma Chao , Pang Huiwen , Shen Yulin , Liang Zhenxuan , Li Jianzhang , Zhang Shifeng , Shi Junyou
Published: August 2021

Soybean protein adhesives are environmentally friendly biomass‐based aldehyde‐free adhesives that have good economic value for the wood industry; however, it remains challenging to produce soybean protein adhesives with excellent water resistance, toughness, and mildew resistance through a simple modification method. In this work, inspired by plant polyphenols, a novel crosslinked soybean meal adhesive (SMPT) is obtained using a facile economic method. Polyamidoamine‐epichlorohydrin (PAE) and tannic acid (TA) are combined with a soybean meal matrix to form a tough co‐crosslinked network through strong intermolecular forces (covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrogen bonds) in adhesive system. The results show that the wet bonding strength of SMPT adhesives for plywood is 134.1% higher than the unmodified soybean meal adhesive. The adhesion properties met the standard requirements for interior‐use plywood. And the compact cross‐linking network structure is accelerated the greater energy dissipation, which improves the toughness of adhesive. Moreover, cationic azetidinium groups in PAE and phenol hydroxyl groups in TA synergistically not only exhibit the good antibacterial activities but also improve mildew resistance for SMPT adhesives. This facile strategy provides an economic sustainable method to prepare high‐performance environmentally friendly wood adhesives.
A fractional‐order model of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with governmental action and individual reaction
Authors: Danane Jaouad , Hammouch Zakia , Allali Karam , Rashid Saima , Singh Jagdev
Published: August 2021

The deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has recently affected each corner of the world. Many governments of different countries have imposed strict measures in order to reduce the severity of the infection. In this present paper, we will study a mathematical model describing COVID‐19 dynamics taking into account the government action and the individuals reaction. To this end, we will suggest a system of seven fractional deferential equations (FDEs) that describe the interaction between the classical susceptible, exposed, infectious, and removed (SEIR) individuals along with the government action and individual reaction involvement. Both human‐to‐human and zoonotic transmissions are considered in the model. The well‐posedness of the FDEs model is established in terms of existence, positivity, and boundedness. The basic reproduction number (BRN) is found via the new generation matrix method. Different numerical simulations were carried out by taking into account real reported data from Wuhan, China. It was shown that the governmental action and the individuals' risk awareness reduce effectively the infection spread. Moreover, it was established that with the fractional derivative, the infection converges more quickly to its steady state.
Real‐time respiratory motion compensated roadmaps for hepatic arterial interventions
Authors: Wagner Martin G. , Periyasamy Sarvesh , Longhurst Colin , McLachlan Matthew J. , Whitehead Joseph F. , Speidel Michael A. , Laeseke Paul F.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

During hepatic arterial interventions, catheter or guidewire position is determined by referencing or overlaying a previously acquired static vessel roadmap. Respiratory motion leads to significant discrepancies between the true position and configuration of the hepatic arteries and the roadmap, which makes navigation and accurate catheter placement more challenging and time consuming. The purpose of this work was to develop a dynamic respiratory motion compensated device guidance system and evaluate the accuracy and real‐time performance in an in vivo porcine liver model.

Methods

The proposed device navigation system estimates a respiratory motion model for the hepatic vasculature from prenavigational X‐ray image sequences acquired under free‐breathing conditions with and without contrast enhancement. During device navigation, the respiratory state is tracked based on live fluoroscopic images and then used to estimate vessel deformation based on the previously determined motion model. Additionally, guidewires and catheters are segmented from the fluoroscopic images using a deep learning approach. The vessel and device information are combined and shown in a real‐time display. Two different display modes are evaluated within this work: (1) a compensated roadmap display, where the vessel roadmap is shown moving with the respiratory motion; (2) an inverse compensated device display, where the device representation is compensated for respiratory motion and overlaid on a static roadmap. A porcine study including seven animals was performed to evaluate the accuracy and real‐time performance of the system. In each pig, a guidewire and microcatheter with a radiopaque marker were navigated to distal branches of the hepatic arteries under fluoroscopic guidance. Motion compensated displays were generated showing real‐time overlays of the vessel roadmap and intravascular devices. The accuracy of the motion model was estimated by comparing the estimated vessel motion to the motion of the X‐ray visible marker.

Results

The median (minimum, maximum) error across animals was 1.08 mm (0.92 mm, 1.87 mm). Across different respiratory states and vessel branch levels, the odds of the guidewire tip being shown in the correct vessel branch were significantly higher (odds ratio = 3.12, p < 0.0001) for motion compensated displays compared to a noncompensated display (median probabilities of 86 and 69%, respectively). The average processing time per frame was 17 ms.

Conclusions

The proposed respiratory motion compensated device guidance system increased the accuracy of the displayed device position relative to the hepatic vasculature. Additionally, the provided display modes combine both vessel and device information and do not require the mental integration of different displays by the physician. The processing times were well within the range of conventional clinical frame rates.
A minimally invasive, efficient method for propagation of full‐field uncertainty in solid dynamics
Authors: Jones Reese E. , Redle Michael T. , Kolla Hemanth , Plews Julia A.
Published: August 2021

We present a minimally invasive method for forward propagation of material property uncertainty to full‐field quantities of interest in solid dynamics. Full‐field uncertainty quantification enables the design of complex systems where quantities of interest, such as failure points, are not known a priori . The method, motivated by the well‐known probability density function (PDF) propagation method of turbulence modeling, uses an ensemble of solutions to provide the joint PDF of desired quantities at every point in the domain. A small subset of the ensemble is computed exactly, and the remainder of the samples are computed with approximation of the evolution equations based on those exact solutions. Although the proposed method has commonalities with traditional interpolatory stochastic collocation methods applied directly to quantities of interest, it is distinct and exploits the parameter dependence and smoothness of the driving term of the evolution equations. The implementation is model independent, storage and communication efficient, and straightforward. We demonstrate its efficiency, accuracy, scaling with dimension of the parameter space, and convergence in distribution with two problems: a quasi‐one‐dimensional bar impact, and a two material notched plate impact. For the bar impact problem, we provide an analytical solution to PDF of the solution fields for method validation. With the notched plate problem, we also demonstrate good parallel efficiency and scaling of the method.
DC microgrid fault‐tolerant control using state‐dependent Riccati equation techniques
Authors: Batmani Yazdan , Takhtabnus Mehran , Mirzaei Rahmatollah
Published: August 2021

An attempt is made to design a fault‐tolerant control system using a nonlinear technique, called the state‐dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) method. The proposed mechanism consists of a master controller, an observer‐based fault detection and isolation system, and three emergency controllers, designed using the SDRE methods. The master controller, as a suboptimal nonlinear regulator, is designed to return DC microgrid (MG) to its desired equilibrium point in normal operation condition. On the other hand, an SDRE observer is designed to establish a unified framework for fault detection and isolation in the DC MG. Indeed, in the case of unexpected fault occurrence, the proposed mechanism can isolate the faulty DG, and then, the emergency controllers are triggered immediately to stabilize the MG. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method is so useful to achieve the control objectives and online protection of the considered MG.
First-Line Durvalumab in Addition to Etoposide and Platinum for Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A U.S.-Based Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Lin Shen , Luo Shaohong , Gu Dian , Li Meiyue , Rao Xin , Wang Changlian , Huang Pinfang , Xu Xiongwei , Weng Xiuhua
Published: August 2021

Background

The latest published CASPIAN trial demonstrated that adding durvalumab to etoposide and platinum (EP) improved survival dramatically for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Considering the high cost of durvalumab, this study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab plus EP (DEP) in the first-line setting for treatment-naïve patients with ES-SCLC from the U.S. payer perspective.

Materials and Methods

We developed a three-state Markov model to simulate the disease course and source consumption of ES-SCLC over a lifetime horizon. Pseudo-individual patient-level data were generated from digitized Kaplan-Meier curves. Direct medical costs, including drug and administration costs, disease management and adverse events treatment fees, best supportive care and terminal care costs were obtained from sources including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and relevant literature. Health state utility values were derived from published literature. Main outcomes considered were total costs, life-years (LYs), quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). All costs were adjusted for inflation to reflect 2019 U.S. dollars. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set as $150,000/QALY. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to explore the uncertainty of model assumptions.

Results

Compared with EP, DEP was projected to increase life expectancy by 0.86 LYs (1.73 vs. 0.87) and 0.44 QALYs (0.93 vs. 0.49). The incremental treatment cost was $95,907, and the corresponding ICER was $216,953/QALY. The result was most sensitive to the variation of durvalumab acquisition cost. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the probability of DEP over EP regimen to be cost-effective was 9.4% at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. In the case of reducing the price of durvalumab by 30.7%, DEP was more cost-effective than EP.

Conclusion

From the perspective of the U.S. payer, adding durvalumab to EP is estimated to be not cost-effective compared with EP alone for patients with untreated ES-SCLC.

Implications for Practice

The information provided by this analysis serves as a reference for decision makers. Lowering the price of durvalumab would be a potential measure to improve the economics of durvalumab plus etoposide and platinum (DEP), and the inclusion of durvalumab in the Medicare pharmacopeia could make DEP more economically available. These results may also guide physicians and patients to choose the most economically feasible treatment.