bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D level, lipid profile, and vitamin D receptor and transporter gene variants in sickle cell disease patients from Kurdistan of Iraq
Authors: Hama Abdalla Hussein , Shakiba Ebrahim , Rahimi Zohreh , Karimi Mehran , Mozafari Hadi , Abdulkarim Omed Adnan
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients are susceptible to the development of vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Vitamin D through binding to vitamin D receptor (VDR) exerts its function and affects gene transcription in target tissues. VDR gene variants affect bone mineral density.

Methods

In a case‐control study, 101 SCD patients including 61 sickle cell anemia (SCA), 39 S/β‐thalassemia, and 1 HbS/HbD (SD) along with 110 healthy individuals from Kurdistan of Iraq were studied. The lipid profile, vitamin D level, FokI, and TaqI variants of VDR and group‐specific component (GC) were detected using the standard enzymatic method, the immunodiagnostic systems limited EIA kit and PCR‐RFLP methods, respectively.

Results

Around 93% and 82% of SCA and S/β‐thalassemia patients, respectively, had VDD compared to 83% of healthy individuals. Severe VDD (<10 ng/ml) was detected in 78.7% of patients with HbSS. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C in SCD patients were significantly lower compared to controls. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated to TG and positively correlated to total cholesterol and HDL‐C. The frequencies of the C allele of FokI were 81.7% (p = 0.003), 80.3% (p = 0.034), and 84.6% (p = 0.011) in all SCD, SCA, and S/β‐thalassemia patients, respectively, compared to 69.1% in controls. However, no significant difference was detected comparing the frequencies of VDR TaqI and GC polymorphisms between SCD patients and controls.

Conclusion

In the present study, we found hypocholesterolemia, high prevalence of VDR FokI C allele, and low vitamin D levels among children and adults with SCD from Kurdistan of Iraq.
Synthesis, insecticidal activities, and structure–activity relationships of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐ring‐containing pyridylpyrazole‐4‐carboxamides as novel insecticides of the anthranilic diamide family
Authors: Khallaf Abdalla , Wang Ping , Zhuo Shuping , Zhu Hongjun , Liu Hui
Published: July 2021

The preparation of novel anthranilic diamide derivatives is extremely important for agricultural pest control. In this study, pyridylpyrazole‐4‐carboxamides containing a 1,3,4‐oxadiazole ring were designed and synthesized via the dehydration of aromatic hydrazine derivatives and formanilides in the presence of an alkali. The insecticidal activities of these new compounds against the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) were evaluated. N‐(4‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐6‐(5‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐5‐methyl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide (8h6) showed 67%, 50%, 34%, 20%, and 17% activity at concentrations of 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 μg ml−1, respectively. Density functional theory calculations showed that the introduction of the 1,3,4‐oxadiazole ring significantly changed the electron distributions in both the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, resulting in these compounds having much larger energy gaps than the well‐known insecticide chlorantraniliprole, which may account for their lower activity. The results of this study demonstrate that anthranilic diamides substituted with a 1,3,4‐oxadiazole ring are effective insecticides that can be used for pest management.
Cognitive outcomes at ages seven and nine years in South African children from the children with HIV early antiretroviral (CHER) trial: a longitudinal investigation
Authors: van Wyhe Kaylee S , Laughton Barbara , Cotton Mark F , Meintjes Ernesta M , van der Kouwe Andre JW , Boivin Michael J , Kidd Martin , Thomas Kevin GF
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Many children living with HIV (CLWH) display impaired cognition. Although early combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) produces improved cognitive outcomes, more long‐term outcome data are needed. After concluding the Children with HIV Early antiRetroviral (CHER) trial in 2011, we investigated cognitive performance, at seven and nine years of age. Participants had been randomized to deferred ART (ART‐Def; n = 22); immediate time‐limited ART for 40 weeks (ART‐40W; n = 30) and immediate time‐limited ART for 96 weeks (ART‐96W; n = 18). We also recruited HIV‐exposed uninfected (CHEU; n = 28) and HIV‐unexposed (CHU; n = 35) children.

Methods

Data were collected between May 2012 and December 2017. Mixed‐model repeated‐measures ANOVAs assessed differences over time between CLWH (ART‐40W, ART‐96W and ART‐Def) and CHIV‐ CHEU and CHU between ART‐Early (ART‐40W and ART‐96W), ART‐Def, CHEU and CHU; and between ART‐40W, ART‐96W, ART‐Def, CHEU and CHU.

Results

All comparisons found significant effects of Time for most outcome variables (better scores at nine than at seven years; ps < 0.05). The first ANOVAs found that for (a) motor dexterity, CLWH performed worse than CHIV‐ at seven years (p < 0.001) but improved to equivalence at nine years, (b) visual‐spatial processing and problem solving, only CLWH (p < 0.04) showed significant performance improvement over time and (c) working memory and executive function, CLWH performed worse than CHIV‐ at both seven and nine years (p = 0.03 and 0.04). The second ANOVAs found that for (a) working memory, CHU performed better than ART‐Early and CHEU (p < 0.01 and <0.04), and (b) motor dexterity, ART‐Def performed worse than ART‐Early, CHEU and CHU at seven years (p = 0.02, <0.001 and <0.001 respectively) but improved to equivalence at nine years (ps > 0.17). Similarly, for motor dexterity, ART‐Def performed worse than ART‐96W, CHEU and CHU at seven years (p < 0.04, <0.001 and <0.001) but improved to equivalence at nine years (ps > 0.20).

Conclusions

Although neurocognitive developmental trajectories for treatment groups and controls were largely similar (i.e. performance improvements from 7 to 9), all ART‐treated children, regardless of treatment arm, remain at risk for cognitive deficits over early school ages. Although the nature of these deficits may change as cognitive development proceeds, there are potential negative consequences for these children’s future learning, reasoning and adaptive functioning.
Annual home‐based HIV testing in the Chókwè Health Demographic Surveillance System, Mozambique, 2014 to 2019: serial population‐based survey evaluation
Authors: MacKellar Duncan , Thompson Ricardo , Nelson Robert , Casavant Isabelle , Pals Sherri , Bonzela Juvencio , Jaramillo Alicia , Cardoso Judite , Ujamaa Dawud , Tamele Stelio , Chivurre Victor , Malimane Inacio , Pathmanathan Ishani , Heitzinger Kristen , Wei Stanley , Couto Aleny , Vergara Alfredo
Published: July 2021

Introduction

WHO recommends implementing a mix of community and facility testing strategies to diagnose 95% of persons living with HIV (PLHIV). In Mozambique, a country with an estimated 506,000 undiagnosed PLHIV, use of home‐based HIV testing services (HBHTS) to help achieve the 95% target has not been evaluated.

Methods

HBHTS was provided at 20,000 households in the Chókwè Health Demographic Surveillance System (CHDSS), Mozambique, in annual rounds (R) during 2014 to 2019. Trends in prevalence of HIV infection, prior HIV diagnosis among PLHIV (diagnostic coverage), and undiagnosed HIV infection were assessed with three population‐based surveys conducted in R1 (04/2014 to 04/2015), R3 (03/2016 to 12/2016), and R5 (04/2018 to 03/2019) of residents aged 15 to 59 years. Counts of patients aged ≥15 years tested for HIV in CHDSS healthcare facilities were obtained from routine reports.

Results

During 2014 to 2019, counsellors conducted 92,512 home‐based HIV tests and newly diagnosed 3711 residents aged 15 to 59 years. Prevalence of HIV infection was stable (R1, 25.1%; R3 23.6%; R5 22.9%; p‐value, 0.19). After the first two rounds (44,825 home‐based tests; 31,717 facility‐based tests), diagnostic coverage increased from 73.8% (95% CI 70.3 to 77.2) in R1 to 93.0% (95% CI 91.3 to 94.7) in R3, and prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infection decreased from 6.6% (95% CI 5.6 to 7.5) in R1 to 1.7% (95% CI 1.2 to 2.1) in R3. After two more rounds (32,226 home‐based tests; 46,003 facility‐based tests), diagnostic coverage was 95.4% (95% CI 93.7 to 97.1) and prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infection was 1.1% (95% CI 0.7 to 1.5) in R5. Prevalence of having last tested at home was 12.7% (95% CI 11.3 to 14.0) in R1, 45.2% (95% CI 43.4 to 47.0) in R3, and 41.4% (95% CI 39.5 to 43.2) in R5, and prevalence of having last tested at a healthcare facility was 45.3% (95% CI 43.3 to 47.3) in R1, 40.1% (95% CI 38.4 to 41.8) in R3, and 45.2% (95% CI 43.3 to 47.0) in R5.

Conclusions

HBHTS successfully augmented facility‐based testing to achieve HIV diagnostic coverage in a high‐burden community of Mozambique. HBHTS should be considered in sub‐Saharan Africa communities striving to diagnose 95% of persons living with HIV.
Longitudinal Sodium MRI of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions: Is there Added Value of Sodium Inversion Recovery MRI
Authors: Mennecke Angelika B. , Nagel Armin M. , Huhn Konstantin , Linker Ralf A. , Schmidt Manuel , Rothhammer Veit , Wilferth Tobias , Linz Peter , Wegmann Julius , Eisenhut Felix , Engelhorn Tobias , Doerfler Arnd
Published: July 2021

Background

Sodium enhancement has been demonstrated in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions.

Purpose

To investigate sodium MRI with and without an inversion recovery pulse in acute MS lesions in an MS relapse and during recovery.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty‐nine relapsing–remitting MS patients with an acute relapse were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3D density‐adapted radial sodium sequence at 3 T using a dual‐tuned (23Na/1H) head coil.

Assessment

Full‐brain images of the tissue sodium concentration (TSC1, n = 29) and a sodium inversion recovery sequence (SIR1, n = 20) at the beginning of the anti‐inflammatory therapy and on medium‐term follow‐up visits (days 27–99, n = 12 [TSC], n = 5 [SIR]) were measured. Regions of interest (RoIs) with contrast enhancement (T1CE+) and without change in T1‐weighted imaging (FL + T1n) were normalized (nTSC and nSIR). To gain insight on the origin of the TSC enhancement at time point 1, it is investigated whether the nTSC enhancement of the lesions is accompanied by a change of the respective nSIR. Potential prognostic value of nSIR1 is examined referring to the nTSC progression.

Statistical Tests

nTSC and nSIR were compared regarding the type of lesion and the time point using a one‐way ANOVA. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for nTSC over nSIR and for nTSC1‐nTSC2 over nSIR1. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

At the first measurement, all lesion types showed increased nTSC, while nSIR was decreased in the FL + T1n and the T1CE+ lesions in comparison to the normal‐appearing white matter. For acute lesions, the difference between nTSC at baseline and nTSC at time point 2 showed a significant correlation with the baseline nSIR.

Data Conclusion

At time point 1, nTSC is increased, while nSIR is unchanged or decreased in the lesions. The mean sodium IR signal at baseline correlates with recovery or progression of an acute lesion.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Theoretical and experimental studies of the kinetics of the reaction of 1‐chloropropane and fully deuterated 1‐chloropropane with atomic chlorine
Authors: Fojcik Łukasz , Sarzyński Dariusz S. , Dryś Andrzej , Latajka Zdzisław
Published: July 2021

The overall rate constant for H‐abstraction (kH) from CH3CH2CH2Cl and D‐abstraction (kD) from CD3CH2CD2Cl by chlorine atoms is described by the formulas:
and respectively. The results of the experiment show that the value of the kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD) for the overall rate constants is also temperature dependent in the temperature range of 298–550 K and can be expressed as . The titled reaction was also studied theoretically for the same range of temperatures and with both isotope substituents, just like in the experiment. The computations were made using the MP2 method and the aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis set. This paper presents detailed results relating to structural parameters of each of the compounds, complexes, and all energy stages important to the reaction mechanism analysis. It also describes all possible individual channels of the process and their feasibilities. In addition, a kinetic analysis of the process was carried out with branching ratio calculations. The results presented here have been compared with those discussed in a paper published earlier, in which the same process was investigated.
Effects of altitude, aspect, and soil depth on carbon stocks and properties of soils in a tea plantation in the humid Black Sea region
Authors: Yüksek Turan , Yüksek Filiz
Published: July 2021

Physiographic factors effectively alter soil properties and carbon storage. However, previous research on the effect of topographic factors affecting soil properties on carbon stocks in tea plantations has been limited in the humid Black Sea region. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of elevation, aspect, and soil depth on carbon stocks and soil properties of tea plantations in the Black Sea region. The tea plantations in the research area were divided into two elevation steps and two different aspect groups. Twelve soil sampling plots were then determined according to the stratified random sampling method in each elevation and aspect group; soil samples were taken at 0–10 cm and 10–30 cm soil depths. The amount of carbon stored at a soil depth of 30 cm was found to be 49.38 and 32.36 Mg C ha−1 at the upper and lower altitudes, respectively. Highest carbon density in the tea plantations in the research area was found to be 16.34 kg m−3 at a depth of 0–10 cm. The changes in the soil organic carbon (SOC) values according to elevation and soil depth were statistically significant, while the difference among the carbon storage values was not statistically significant. According to the results of our investigation, elevation is a more effective factor than aspect on SOC in tea plantation areas of highly humid climates.
Probabilistic calibration and short‐term prediction of the prevalence herpes simplex type 2: A transmission dynamics modelling approach
Authors: Cortés Juan‐Carlos , Martínez‐Rodríguez Pablo , Moraño José‐Antonio , Romero José‐Vicente , Roselló María‐Dolores , Villanueva Rafael‐Jacinto
Published: July 2021

An epidemiological model is proposed to study the transmission dynamics of the herpes virus type 2, a sexually transmitted infectious disease. This model considers two states, susceptible and infected, divides the population into sexes, assumes only heterosexual contacts and includes different transmission rates depending on whether the transmission is woman–man or man–woman. Reported and prevalence series data are retrieved from several sources. We consider the inherent data survey errors and the sensitivity of the diagnosis tests (data uncertainty). To calibrate the model to the available data and their uncertainty, a novel technique is proposed in two steps: (1) the application of the estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) to find sets of model parameter values close to the data uncertainty and (2) the application of a selection algorithm to get a reduced number of model parameter values whose model outputs capture accurately the data uncertainty. Then, we check its robustness, and we provide a prediction of the evolution of the infected over the next 4 years. From the technical point of view, we conclude that the proposed technique to calibrate probabilistically the model is reliable and robust. Also, it is able to provide confidence intervals for the model parameter values and the predictions. From the medical point of view, the model returns that the transmission woman–man is higher than the man–woman, according to recent literature, and there is a mild increasing trend in the number of infected people over the next years.
Technical Note: On the feasibility of performing dosimetry in target and organ at risk using polymer dosimetry gel and thermoluminescence detectors in an anthropomorphic, deformable, and multimodal pelvis phantom
Authors: Marot Mathieu , Elter Alina , Mann Philipp , Schwahofer Andrea , Lang Clemens , Johnen Wibke , Körber Stefan A. , Beuthien‐Baumann Bettina , Gillmann Clarissa
Published: July 2021

Objective

To assess the feasibility of performing dose measurements in the target (prostate) and an adjacent organ at risk (rectum) using polymer dosimetry gel and thermoluminescence detectors (TLDs) in an anthropomorphic, deformable, and multimodal pelvis phantom (ADAM PETer).

Methods

The 3D printed prostate organ surrogate of the ADAM PETer phantom was filled with polymer dosimetry gel. Nine TLD600 (LiF:Mg,Ti) were installed in 3 × 3 rows on a specifically designed 3D‐printed TLD holder. The TLD holder was inserted into the rectum at the level of the prostate and fixed by a partially inflated endorectal balloon. Computed tomography (CT) images were taken and treatment planning was performed. A prescribed dose of 4.5 Gy was delivered to the planning target volume (PTV). The doses measured by the dosimetry gel in the prostate and the TLDs in the rectum (“measured dose”) were compared to the doses calculated by the treatment planning system (“planned dose”) on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis.

Results

In the prostate organ surrogate, the 3D‐γ‐index was 97.7% for the 3% dose difference and 3 mm distance to agreement criterium. In the center of the prostate organ surrogate, measured and planned doses showed only minor deviations (<0.1 Gy, corresponding to a percentage error of 2.22%). On the edges of the prostate, slight differences between planned and measured doses were detected with a maximum deviation of 0.24 Gy, corresponding to 5.3% of the prescribed dose. The difference between planned and measured doses in the TLDs was on average 0.08 Gy (range: 0.02–0.21 Gy), corresponding to 1.78% of the prescribed dose (range: 0.44%–4.67%).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the feasibility of using polymer dosimetry gel and TLDs for 3D and 1D dose measurements in the prostate and the rectum organ surrogates in an anthropomorphic, deformable and multimodal phantom. The described methodology might offer new perspectives for end‐to‐end tests in image‐guided adaptive radiotherapy workflows.
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Goyal Namita A. , Karam Chafic , Sheikh Kazim A. , Dimachkie Mazen M.
Published: July 2021

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) therapy is an established long‐term treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) that is commonly administered intravenously (IVIg). The subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) administration route is a safe and effective alternative option, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018, for maintenance treatment of adults with CIDP. Physicians and patients alike need to be aware of all their treatment options in order to make informed decisions and plan long‐term treatment strategies. In this review, we collate the evidence for SCIg in CIDP from all published studies and discuss their implications and translation to clinical practice. We also provide guidance on the practicalities of how and when to transition patients from IVIg to SCIg and ongoing patient support. Evidence suggests that IVIg and SCIg have comparable long‐term efficacy in CIDP. However, SCIg can provide additional benefits for some patients, including no requirement for venous access or premedication, and reduced frequency of systemic adverse events. Local‐site reactions are more common with SCIg than IVIg, but these are mostly well‐tolerated and abate with subsequent infusions. Data suggest that many patients prefer SCIg following transition from IVIg. SCIg preference may be a result of the independence and flexibility associated with self‐infusion, whereas IVIg preference may be a result of familiarity and reliance on a healthcare professional for infusions. In practice, individualizing maintenance dosing based on disease behavior and determining the minimally effective IgG dose for individuals are key considerations irrespective of the administration route chosen.
Role of centers with different patient volumes in the management of rhabdomyosarcoma. An analysis by the Italian Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Authors: Bisogno Gianni , Congiu Giovanna , Affinita Maria Carmen , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Zanetti Ilaria , Coppadoro Beatrice , Manzitti Carla , Basso Eleonora , Tamburini Angela , Melchionda Fraia , Cellini Monica , Pericoli Roberta , D'Angelo Paolo , Di Cataldo Andrea , De Leonardis Francesco , Rabusin Marco , De Corti Federica , Zin Angelica , Alaggio Rita , Scarzello Giovanni , Ferrari Andrea
Published: July 2021

Procedure

The survival of children with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has gradually improved as a result of the adoption of multidisciplinary treatments. Dedicated skills and facilities are indispensable and more readily available at reference centers. In this study, we examined the role of centers’ experience (based on the number of patients treated) in their management of patients with RMS.

Methods

We analyzed 342 patients with localized RMS enrolled in the European RMS 2005 protocol from October 2005 to December 2016 at 31 Italian centers that are part of the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee (STSC). We grouped the centers by the number of patients each one enrolled (Group 1: >40; Group 2: <40 and >10; and Group 3: <10), and compared a number of indicators to assess the appropriateness of patients’ diagnostic workup and treatment and their survival.

Results

Overall, 74.6% of patients were treated at 10 centers, and only three of them classifiable as high‐volume centers. Only minor differences emerged between the three patient groups in terms of diagnostic investigations and treatment modalities. Survival was similar in the three groups. Approximately, one in four children treated at the centers in Groups 2 and 3 traveled to another center for surgery or radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Patients treated at STSC centers with different amounts of experience had similar results in terms of survival. This is attributable to all centers in the network adhering to protocol recommendations and receiving the STSC's support on diagnostics and multidisciplinary treatments for RMS.
Adjuvant chemoradiation for high‐grade cardiac leiomyosarcoma in a child: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Janopaul‐Naylor James , Kanter Kirk R. , Flampouri Stella , Nguyen Vivi , Olson Thomas A. , Eaton Bree R.
Published: July 2021

A 13‐year‐old healthy girl presented with dizziness and palpitations, found to have a left atrial mass. An 8‐cm tumor was removed en bloc. Pathology confirmed grade 3 leiomyosarcoma with multifocal positive margins. She received adjuvant ifosfamide and doxorubicin, followed by concurrent proton radiotherapy and ifosfamide. Radiotherapy included 66 Gy (RBE) in 33 fractions to the operative bed. Prospectively graded toxicities included Grade 2 esophagitis and Grade 1 anorexia, dermatitis, and fatigue. She completed six cycles of ifosfamide. Two years post operation, she had no evidence of disease, intermittent palpitations with normal cardiac function, and no other cardiopulmonary or esophageal symptoms.
Clinicians’ attitudes towards parental choice in the era of advanced genomic tests in pregnancy
Authors: Macarov Michal , Meiner Vardiella , Chalk Michal , Hochner Hagit , Shkedi‐Rafid Shiri
Published: July 2021

Objective

Israel is one of the first countries to incorporate chromosomal microarray analysis into routine prenatal care. We explored attitudes of Israeli healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards the disclosure of challenging findings: variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS), susceptibility loci (SL) for neurodevelopmental disorders and variants associated with adult‐onset (AO) conditions. Particularly, we sought their views on providing parental choice regarding the disclosure of these findings.

Methods

Twenty‐nine in‐depth interviews were conducted with genetic counselors (n = 19), medical geneticists (n = 4), medical geneticists that are trained in and practice fetal medicine (n = 3), and fetal medicine experts (n = 3).

Results

Most participants (n = 24) supported parental choice regarding uncertain genetic information. Engaging parents in disclosure decisions allows avoidance from potentially anxiety‐provoking information, practicing parental autonomy, and better preparation in cases where uncertain findings are identified. HCPs believed that given appropriate preparation, parents can make informed decisions. Four participants believed that disclosure should be based on professional judgment and one supported full‐disclosure. Unlike VUS or SL, all interviewees agreed that in cases of medically actionable AO conditions, the benefit of disclosure outweighs the damage.

Conclusion

HCPs attitudes are largely in‐line with the Israeli practice of involving parents in disclosure decisions regarding uncertain information. This may mitigate disclosure dilemmas and allow personalized disclosure based on parents' views.
Effect of ICD‐9‐CM to ICD‐10‐CM coding system transition on identification of common conditions: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Hsu Meng‐Chen , Wang Chi‐Chuan , Huang Ling‐Ya , Lin Chih‐Ying , Lin Fang‐Ju , Toh Sengwee
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of diagnostic coding system transition on the identification of common conditions recorded in Taiwan's national claims database.

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, we estimated the 3‐month prevalence of recorded diagnosis of 32 conditions based on the ICD‐9‐CM codes in 2014–2015 and the ICD‐10‐CM codes in 2016–2017. Two algorithms were assessed for ICD‐10‐CM: validated ICD‐10 codes in the literature and codes translated from ICD‐9‐CM using an established mapping algorithm. We used segmented regression analysis on time‐series data to examine changes in the 3‐month prevalence (both level and trend) before and after the ICD‐10‐CM implementation.

Results

Significant changes in the level were found in 19 and 11 conditions when using the ICD‐10 codes from the literature and mapping algorithm, respectively. The conditions with inconsistent levels by both of the algorithms were valvular heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, mild liver disease, moderate to severe liver disease, metastatic cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases, coagulopathy, blood loss anemia, deficiency anemia, alcohol abuse, and psychosis. Nine conditions had significant changes in the trend when using the ICD‐10 codes from the literature or mapping algorithm.

Conclusions

Less than half of the 32 conditions studied had a smooth transition between the ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10‐CM coding systems. Researchers should pay attention to the conditions where the coding definitions result in inconsistent time series estimates.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometric determination of organic acids in fruit juices by multiwalled carbon nanotube–based ion‐pair dispersive solid‐phase extraction and in situ butylation
Authors: Mutyam Satish , Chilakala Shireesha , Tallapally Maheshwari , Upadhyayula Vijayasarathi V. R.
Published: July 2021

Rationale

Fruit juices are naturally acidic, and the acidity is due to the formation of various organic acids formed in several metabolic processes. The content of acids varies due to various processing parameters during the preparation of fruit juices and their packaging for commercialization. Quantitative determination of organic acids provides the necessary information leading to changes occurred during processing.

Methods

The organic acids were extracted by ion‐pair dispersive solid‐phase extraction by multiwalled carbon nanotubes and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and in situ butylation.

Results

The developed analytical method was validated, and the obtained results showed a linearity in the range of 0.5–5000 μg/L levels of the analytes with limit of detection and quantification values of 2–10 and 5–20 μg/L, respectively. The inter‐ and intra‐day reproducibilities are less than 15% with 80%–98% recoveries and less than 20% matrix effect. The developed method was used for the quantitative determination of organic acids present in fresh and packaged apple, grape, orange, and pomegranate juice samples. The content of organic acids was observed in the range of 0.26–3793 μg/L. Pimelic acid was not detected in any of the analyzed fruit juices. Fumaric acid (FA) was observed to be a major organic diacid present in the natural fruit juices. The results indicated that the processing of fruit juices for packaging decreases the content of organic acids in fruits.

Conclusions

The developed GC–MS–based analytical method for the analysis of organic acids has good sensitivity and reproducibility for the quantitative determination of various organic acids in fruit juices. FA was observed to be the major carboxylic acid present in fruits. The processed juice samples possess the lowest concentration of organic acids, suggesting that processing has a significant effect on the concentration of organic acids in fruits.
A unified framework for the identification of a general class of multivariable nonlinear block‐structured systems
Authors: Cerone Vito , Razza Valentino , Regruto Diego
Published: July 2021

This article addresses the parametric identification of block‐structured nonlinear systems in a general form, characterized by the feedback interconnection of a multivariable linear system and a static multivariate nonlinear map. We assume that both the input and the output collected data are affected by bounded noise, which casts the problem in the context of set‐membership (SM) errors‐in‐variables identification. We introduce a single‐stage SM identification algorithm for the computation of the parameter uncertainty intervals. The proposed solution exploits the formulation of a suitable optimization problem solved through convex relaxation techniques. Numerical simulations and an experimental test show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Discover new insights for approaching career development with students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2021

When Tyler Scheuer, a student teacher and physical education major, asked Jennifer Fonseca, M.Ed., to help him develop a résumé to help him find a job after his college graduation, he didn't know his career path would soon take a dramatic turn. As the two chatted, Fonseca learned he wanted to join the Blue Man Group, a performance art company, even though he was on track to become a P.E. teacher. In fact, Scheuer had a knack for giving performances that involved balancing unusual items on his face, and he, and audience members, loved it. She challenged Scheuer to research what various half‐time acts charged and to call individuals who book half‐time acts. Surprised at the demand and the earning potential, Scheuer took Fonseca up on her offer to help him develop a performance‐based résumé. He soon started his own business, and, according to Fonseca, he now earns six figures (www.amazingtyler.com/).
Make choices that enable creativity, happiness despite change, disruption
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2021

When kids are three or four, everything in their life is a celebration, said Joel Zeff, President of Joel Zeff Creative and author of Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative, and Productive Work Life. He was a keynote speaker at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference. Celebrating children's “ta‐da” moments fuels their confidence and interest in taking risk, he added.
Window mean survival time
Authors: Paukner Mitchell , Chappell Richard
Published: July 2021

We propose a class of alternative estimates and tests to restricted mean survival time (RMST) which improves power in numerous survival scenarios while maintaining a level of interpretability. The industry standards for interpretable hypothesis tests in survival analysis, RMST and logrank tests (LRTs), can suffer from low power in cases where the proportional hazards assumption fails. In particular, when late differences occur between survival curves, our proposed estimate and class of tests, window mean survival time (WMST), outperforms both RMST and LRT without sacrificing interpretability, unlike weighted rank tests (WRTs). WMST has the added advantage of maintaining high power when the proportional hazards assumption is met, while WRTs do not. With testing methods often being chosen in advance of data collection, WMST can ensure adequate power without distributional assumptions and is robust to the choice of its restriction parameters. Functions for performing WMST analysis are provided in the survWM2 package in R.
Liquid Crystal Entrapped Porous Films for Ammonia Sensing and Determination of Surface Properties of Liquid Crystal Molecule
Authors: Isik Birol , Cakar Fatih , Cankurtaran Ozlem , Cankurtaran Husnu
Published: July 2021

A highly ordered porous film was fabricated by the sol‐gel process using 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) precursor and polystyrene microspheres template. The liquid crystal (LC) (4‐(Octyloxy) benzoic acid) (OBA) was entrapped into the voids of the pre‐fabricated porous structure to obtain sensing materials that were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The impedance of the films was measured and the capacitive reactance response (1/‐X) of LC‐based sensor exhibited satisfactory linear correlation (R2=0.9994) with the concentration of ammonia up to 50 ppm with a limit of detection (LOD) and quantification of 1.2 ppm and 4.0 ppm, respectively. The sensor exhibited high selectivity to ammonia compared to the different classes of solvent vapors, and satisfactory repeatability (RSD=4 %) and response time (10 min). Also, inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to confirm the acidic surface behavior of LC and its selectivity to ammonia. The results proved that the studied LC‐based sensor may be promise candidate for sensitive and selective determination of ammonia.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Studies on Nanocomposites of 4‐Hydroxylphenyl‐Substituted Corrole/TiO2 towards Methyl Orange Photodegradation
Authors: Lu Guifen , Liu Xudong , Zhang Peng , Xu Shuting , Gao Yongjie , Yu Siyuan
Published: July 2021

A new 5,15‐di(4‐chlorophenyl)‐10‐(4‐hydroxylphenyl)corrole [H3(OH‐Cor)] and its corresponding copper complex [Cu(OH‐Cor)] and cobalt complex [Co(OH‐Cor)(PPh3)] were designed and synthesized to sensitize TiO2 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained nanocomposites, which are represented as [H3(OH‐Cor)]/TiO2, [Cu(OH‐Cor)]/TiO2 and [Co(OH‐Cor)(PPh3)]/TiO2, was investigated by carrying out the photodegradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. All the nanocomposites show much higher photocatalytic efficiency than the pure TiO2 nanoparticles. Especially, [Co(OH‐Cor)(PPh3)]/TiO2 degraded 86.5 % of methyl orange under visible light irradiation for 2.5 h. Moreover, the nanocomposites can be easily separated for reuse and also maintained the high photodegradation efficiency over three successive degradation experiments. A possible photocatalytic mechanism is proposed.
Visible Light‐Driven BiOBr/Bi2S3@CeMOF Heterostructured Hybrid with Extremely Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction Performance of Nitrophenols: Modeling and Optimization
Authors: El‐Fawal Esraa M.
Published: July 2021

The one‐pot facile solvothermal process was applied to designed BiOBr/Bi2S3 heterostructured microspheres. The hierarchical BiOBr/Bi2S3 photocatalyst is integrating by solid‐state adding of cerium based metal‐organic frameworks (CeMOF) using ball mill to fabricate a novel BiOBr/Bi2S3@CeMOF. The synthesized photocatalysts were examined by XRD (X‐Ray diffraction), Raman, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XPS (X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy), FESEM (field emission transmission electron microscopy), FETEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), UV‐Vis DRS (ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance), PL (Photoluminescence), and transient photocurrent analysis. The as‐prepared BiOBr/Bi2S3@CeMOF photomaterial displays considerably enhanced photocatalytic activity for reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4AP) compared with the pristine BiOBr and BiOBr/Bi2S3 composite under the irradiation of visible light. The promising BiOBr/Bi2S3@CeMOF photocatalyst exhibit the highest photoreduction efficiency of 4NP along with the highest reaction rate (K) (R: 98 %; K: 3.91 min−1 ) compared with the other as‐prepared materials such as CeMOF (R:38 %; 0.23 min−1), BiOBr (R: 48 %; K: 0.65 min−1), Bi2S3 (R:68 %;0.92 min−1), and BiOBr/Bi2S3 (R: 75 %; K: 1.38 min−1) photocatalysts after 30 min of visible light irradiation. The boosted photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to creating the heterojunction at the interface of BiOBr/Bi2S3@CeMOF, which can powerfully facilitate the separation of the photogenerated carriers. After that, the Box‐Behnken design was applied to indicate the optimum condition for the reduction of 4NP under the effect of different variables (e. g., the concentration of NP (A:), pH (B), and concentration of NaBH4 (C). At the optimum condition (A: 14.5μmol L−1, B: 5, and C: 0.88 mol L−1), the photoreduction efficiency (%) of the 4NP is 99.7 %. BiOBr/Bi2S3@CeMOF catalyst exhibits excellent photoreduction stability over five successive reaction runs.
Bioinspired 3D Culture in Nanoliter Hyaluronic Acid‐Rich Core‐Shell Hydrogel Microcapsules Isolates Highly Pluripotent Human iPSCs
Authors: Xu Jiangsheng , Shamul James G. , Staten Nicholas A. , White Alisa M. , Jiang Bin , He Xiaoming
Published: July 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are ideal for developing personalized medicine. However, the spontaneous differentiation of human iPSCs under conventional 2D and 3D cultures results in significant heterogeneity and compromised quality. Therefore, a method for effectively isolating and expanding high‐quality human iPSCs is critically needed. Here, a biomimetic microencapsulation approach for isolating and culturing high‐quality human iPSCs is reported. This is inspired by the natural proliferation and development of blastomeres into early blastocyst where the early embryonic stem cells‐containing core is enclosed in a semipermeable hydrogel shell known as the zona pellucida (Zona). Blastomere cluster‐like human iPSC clusters are encapsulated in a miniaturized (≈10 nanoliter) hyaluronic acid (HA)‐rich core of microcapsules with a semipermeable Zona‐like hydrogel shell and subsequently cultured to form pluripotent human iPSC spheroids with significantly improved quality. This is indicated by their high expression of pluripotency markers and highly efficient 3D cardiac differentiation. In particular, HA is found to be crucial for isolating the high‐quality human iPSCs with the biomimetic core‐shell microencapsulation culture. Interestingly, the isolated human iPSCs can maintain high pluripotency even after being cultured again in 2D. These discoveries and the bioinspired culture method may be valuable to facilitate the human iPSC‐based personalized medicine.
Transient relapsing neuromyopathy during potassium bromide therapy in a dog
Authors: Menchetti Marika , Perillo Raffaella , Bianchi Ezio , Matiasek Kaspar , Rosati Marco
Published: July 2021

A 2‐year‐old Australian Shepherd dog was referred because of exercise intolerance and gait abnormalities. The dog had a history of idiopathic epilepsy treated with phenobarbitone and potassium bromide (KBr). The neurological examination was indicative of a generalized lower motor neuron disease. A generalized peripheral neuropathy caused by KBr was suspected. Electrodiagnostic investigation and muscle and nerve biopsies were indicative of unspecific neuromyopathy. KBr was suspended with complete resolution of neuromuscular signs within 1 month but the dog developed cluster seizures refractory to other antiepileptic therapies. KBr was reintroduced with the improvement of the epileptic seizures but relapse of the neuromuscular signs was seen. This relapse confirmed the suspicion of neuromyopathy related to KBr. Bromide intoxication should be suspected in cases of generalized neuromuscular signs also in dogs with normal serum values. An early identification of the cause and suspension of KBr leads to a complete resolution of the symptoms.
Tropical‐based EBPR process: The long‐term stability, microbial community and its response towards temperature stress
Authors: Poh Phiak Kim , Ong Ying Hui , Arumugam Krithika , Nittami Tadashi , Yeoh Hak Koon , Bessarab Irina , William Rohan , Chua Adeline Seak May
Published: July 2021

Temperature is known to influence the operational efficiency of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems. This study investigated the impact of thermal stress above 30°C on the properties of an EBPR community established with tropical inoculum. The results confirmed the stability of the 30°C EBPR system with high P‐removal efficiency over 210 days. Accumulibacter was abundant in the community. When the EBPR sludge was subjected to a sudden temperature increase to 35°C under multiple cycles of anaerobic‐aerobic phases, each lasting 4 h, high P‐removal was maintained over 2 days, before gradually failing when the Competibacter appeared to outcompete Accumulibacter. These data suggested that the EBPR capacity is robust when subjected to occasional thermal stress. However, it could not be maintained even for a short time under temperature stress at 40°C. Thus, the threshold temperature for tropical EBPR failure is between 35°C and 40°C.

Practitioner Points

EBPR was stably maintained at 30°C with Accumulibacter being dominant.

Good EBPR activities persisted for a short period at 35°C.

EBPR was deteriorated at 40°C.

The threshold temperature for tropical EBPR failure is between 35°C and 40°C.
Outlook
Authors: Wess Raphael , Klock Heiner , Siller Hans-Stefan , Greefrath Gilbert
Published: July 2021

The presented test instrument opens up a wide range of approaches for further didactic research and valuable implications for university teacher education; it may not be considered in isolation from the findings of the above discussion or from the limits set out. Against this background, this chapter provides an outlook for further research.
Symmetry decomposition of relative entropies in conformal field theory
Authors: Chen Hui-Huang
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We consider the symmetry resolution of relative entropies in the 1+1 dimensional free massless compact boson conformal field theory (CFT) which presents an internal U(1) symmetry. We calculate various symmetry resolved Rényi relative entropies between one interval reduced density matrices of CFT primary states using the replica method. By taking the replica limit, the symmetry resolved relative entropy can be obtained. We also take the XX spin chain model as a concrete lattice realization of this CFT to perform numerical computation. The CFT predictions are tested against exact numerical calculations finding perfect agreement.
Expression of type one cannabinoid receptor in different subpopulation of kisspeptin neurons and kisspeptin afferents to GnRH neurons in female mice
Authors: Wilheim Tamás , Nagy Krisztina , Mohanraj Mahendravarman , Ziarniak Kamil , Watanabe Masahiko , Sliwowska Joanna , Kalló Imre
Published: July 2021

The endocannabinoids have been shown to target the afferents of hypothalamic neurons via cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1) and thereby to influence their excitability at various physiological and/or pathological processes. Kisspeptin (KP) neurons form afferents of multiple neuroendocrine cells and influence their activity via signaling through a variation of co-expressed classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. The differential potency of endocannabinoids to influence the release of classical transmitters or neuropeptides, and the ovarian cycle-dependent functioning of the endocannabinoid signaling in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons initiated us to study whether (a) the different subpopulations of KP neurons express CB1 mRNAs, (b) the expression is influenced by estrogen, and (c) CB1-immunoreactivity is present in the KP afferents to GnRH neurons. The aim of the study was to investigate the site- and cell-specific expression of CB1 in female mice using multiple labeling in situ hybridization and immunofluorescent histochemical techniques. The results support that CB1 mRNAs are expressed by both the GABAergic and glutamatergic subpopulations of KP neurons, the receptor protein is detectable in two-thirds of the KP afferents to GnRH neurons, and the expression of CB1 mRNA shows an estrogen-dependency. The applied estrogen-treatment, known to induce proestrus, reduced the level of CB1 transcripts in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle and arcuate nucleus, and differently influenced its co-localization with vesicular GABA transporter or vesicular glutamate transporter-2 in KP neurons. This indicates a gonadal cycle-dependent role of endocannabinoid signaling in the neuronal circuits involving KP neurons.
Rotational Coupling in Methyl-Tunneling Electron Spin Echo Envelope Modulation
Authors: Jeschke Gunnar
Published: July 2021

Coherence between tunnel-split states of a methyl quantum rotor can be generated and observed in stimulated and spin-locked echo experiments, if hyperfine coupling of a nearby electron spin to the methyl protons breaks C$$_3$$

3

symmetry and is of the same order of magnitude as the tunnel splitting. Here, we consider the case of two methyl groups bound to the same sp$$^{3}$$

3

-hybridized atom, which is important in the context of common nitroxide spin labels. For a simple form of the rotor-rotor coupling Hamiltonian, we provide an approach that allows for density operator computations of this system with 1152 quantum states with moderate computational effort. We find that, in the regime where the ratio between rotor-rotor coupling and rotational barrier is much smaller than unity, three-pulse ESEEM and hyperfine-decoupled ESEEM depend only on the tunnel splitting, but not on this ratio. This finding may simplify the treatment of tunnel-induced electron decoherence in systems where the methyl groups are bound to sp$$^{3}$$

3

-hybridized atoms.
Racemization-free synthesis of Nα-2-thiophenoyl-phenylalanine-2-morpholinoanilide enantiomers and their antimycobacterial activity
Authors: Mann Lea , Lang Markus , Schulze Philipp , Halz Jan Henrik , Csuk René , Hoenke Sophie , Seidel Rüdiger W. , Richter Adrian
Published: July 2021

Nα-2-thiophenoyl-d-phenylalanine-2-morpholinoanilide (MMV688845, IUPAC: N-(1-((2-morpholinophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide) from the Pathogen Box® library (Medicines for Malaria Ventures, MMV) is a promising lead compound for antimycobacterial drug development. Two straightforward synthetic routes to the title compound starting from phenylalanine or its Boc-protected derivative are reported. Employing Boc-phenylalanine as starting material and the T3P® and PyBOP® amide coupling reagents enables racemization-free synthesis, avoiding the need for subsequent separation of the enantiomers. The crystal structure of the racemic counterpart gives insight into the molecular structure and hydrogen bonding interactions in the solid state. The R-enantiomer of the title compound (derived from d-phenylalanine) exhibits activity against non-pathogenic and pathogenic mycobacterial strains, whereas the S-enantiomer is inactive. Neither of the enantiomers and the racemate of the title compound shows cytotoxicity against various mammalian cells.