bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New abundance and survival estimates for the critically endangered Taiwanese white dolphin indicate no signs of recovery
Authors: Araújo‐Wang Claryana , Wang John Y. , Draghici Alexandru Marian , Ross Peter S. , Bonner Simon J.
Published: May 2022

Small populations of cetaceans with restricted ranges are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. The assessment of demographic parameters for these populations can provide meaningful insight into the ways in which they are being impacted by different threats. The Taiwanese white dolphin (TWD), Sousa chinensis taiwanensis, is a subspecies endemic to Taiwan and is classified as Critically Endangered.

Multistate robust design mark–recapture models were fitted under a Bayesian framework to estimate demographic parameters and trends for the population from 2010 to 2018. Differences in these parameters by age category and the dolphins' use of their habitat were also explored. Abundance estimates varied from a maximum of 72 in 2010 (95% credible interval (CI) [65, 78]) to a minimum of 61 (95% CI [58, 64]) in 2017. In the oldest age category, abundance estimates varied from 10 (95% CI [10, 11]) in 2013 to 13 (95% CI [10, 13]) in 2016.

Modelling showed that, over time, the abundance of dolphins in the oldest age group remained stable, while the remainder of the population, which includes reproductive individuals, experienced a steady decline. This decline is bound to affect the demographic recovery of TWD.

Spatial heterogeneity indicated that some areas (i.e. with consistent high occurrences) likely represent important areas for biological functions of the TWD. This suggests that the recovery of the population may be enhanced with immediate and focused actions (such as the ban of gillnet fisheries) in these areas. However, with a small and declining population, reducing threats throughout their entire range is needed, including the new offshore windfarm development being constructed in and adjacent to the dolphin's range.

Concerted actions to address known threats, continued monitoring of the population, and education of stakeholders are needed to prevent the extinction of the TWDs.
MXene//MnO2 Asymmetric Supercapacitors with High Voltages and High Energy Densities
Authors: Zheng Wei , Halim Joseph , Yang Li , Badr Hussein O. , Sun ZhengMing , Persson Per O. Å. , Rosen Johanna , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: May 2022

Aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors (AASCs) can have high voltages and high energy densities. However, the rational design of AASCs with proper negative and positive electrodes remains a challenge. Herein, we report on an AASC using Mo1.33CTz MXene films as the negative electrode, and tetramethylammonium cation intercalated birnessite (TMA+‐MnO2) films as the positive electrode in a 21 mol kg−1 lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide (LiTFSI) electrolyte. Benefiting from a high, stable voltage of 2.5 V, an energy density of 86.5 Wh L−1 at 2 mV s−1 and a power density of 10.3 kW L−1 at 1 V s−1 were achieved. The cells also exhibit excellent cycling stability (>98 % after 1,0000 cycles at 100 mV s−1) and a 51.1 % voltage retention after 10 h. This good performance is attributed to the high stable potential window and high volumetric capacitances of both Mo1.33CTz and TMA+‐MnO2 electrodes in highly concentrated electrolytes. This work provides a roadmap for developing high performance AASCs with high voltages and high energy/power densities, with relatively slow self‐discharge rates.
A novel nomogram and risk classification system for predicting lymph node metastasis of breast mucinous carcinoma: A SEER‐based study
Authors: Wu Shuang‐Ling , Gai Jun Da , Yu Xin Miao , Mao Xiaoyun , Jin Feng
Published: May 2022

Background

Mucinous breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease, and patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM) have a poor prognosis. We aimed to explore the predictive factors of LNM and to construct a nomogram for predicting the risk of LNM and to identify the suitable axillary surgery for patients with diverse risks.

Patients and Methods

Data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Chi‐square and rank‐sum tests were used to analyze the differences between groups. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank tests. Independent factor identification and nomogram construction were performed with logistic regression analysis. The nomogram was qualified with a discrimination and calibration plot. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the disparities between groups.

Results

Patients with metastatic lymph nodes have a worse prognosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that tumor size, grade, and age were independent risk factors for LNM. The nomogram constructed with these three factors can predict the risk of LNM with high accuracy (AUC: 0.767, 95% CI: 0.697–0.838) and good calibration. Based on the nomogram, a risk classification system satisfactorily stratified the patients into 3 groups with diverse risks of LNM. In the low‐risk group, there were no significant differences between sentinel lymph node biopsy and no axillary surgery. In the middle‐ and high‐risk groups, both SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection were superior to no axillary surgery, with similar survival benefits.

Conclusions

The nomogram based on tumor size, grade, and age could conveniently and accurately predict the risk of LNM in MBC and assist clinicians in optimizing surgical strategies.
Idiopathic osteoporosis, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and mast cell activation disorder in a 27‐year‐old male patient: A unique case presentation
Authors: Rattray Cameron
Published: May 2022

A young male patient presents with widespread pain and varying chronic inflammatory symptoms for three years and idiopathic low bone density for more than ten years. Based on the patient’s clinical history, the patient has been diagnosed with an hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and mast cell activation disorder trifecta with affiliated inflammation‐induced osteoporosis.
Biphasic Dose‐Dependent G0/G1 and G2/M Cell‐Cycle Arrest by Synthetic 2,3‐Arylpyridylindole Derivatives in A549 Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Chaiputtanapun Pongtai , Lirdprapamongkol Kriengsak , Thanaussavadate Bongkotrat , Phongphankhum Thanyaporn , Thippong Thanawit , Thangsan Poomsith , Montatip Phreeranat , Ngiwsara Lukana , Svasti Jisnuson , Chuawong Pitak
Published: May 2022

A collection of 2,3‐arylpyridylindole derivatives were synthesized via the Larock heteroannulation and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against A549 human lung cancer cells. Two derivatives expressed good cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 1.18±0.25 μM and 0.87±0.10 μM and inhibited tubulin polymerization in vitro, with molecular docking studies suggesting the binding modes of the compounds in the colchicine binding site. Both derivatives have biphasic cell cycle arrest effects depending on their concentrations. At a lower concentration (0.5 μM), the two compounds induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by activating the JNK/p53/p21 pathway. At a higher concentration (2.0 μM), the two derivatives arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase via Akt signaling and inhibition of tubulin polymerization. Additional cytotoxic mechanisms of the two compounds involved the decreased expression of Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1 antiapoptotic proteins through inhibition of the STAT3 and Akt signaling pathways.
Doping and Vacancy Engineering in a Sandwich‐like g‐C3N4/NiCo2O4 Heterostructure for Robust Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Zhang Qingqing , Shen Zong‐Yang , Zhang Haiqi , Wang Tao , Liu Zhenyuan
Published: May 2022

Herein, N doping and O vacancy were simultaneously introduced into a g‐C3N4/NiCo2O4 heterostructure by a simple reflux and calcination strategy. The constructed g‐C3N4 displayed a porous lamellar structure with N‐doped carbon. Furthermore, numerous ultrathin NiCo2O4 nanosheets with abundant O vacancies tend to grow vertically on the porous g‐C3N4 lamellar, forming a sandwich‐like heterostructure. The prepared sandwich‐like g‐C3N4/NiCo2O4 heterostructure exhibited excellent oxygen evolution reduction (OER) activity with a low overpotential of 294 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Meanwhile, the heterostructure presented superior long‐term stability, retaining a current density of 97.9% after a 50 h chronoamperometry test. The outstanding OER performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of doping and vacancy engineering in the catalyst, the strong coupling interaction between g‐C3N4 and NiCo2O4, and the porous sandwich‐like structure with abundant active sites. Therefore, the synthetic strategy of g‐C3N4/NiCo2O4 heterostructure can be extended to fabricate high‐performance noble metal‐free electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Modifying the Hydrogenation Activity of Zeolite Beta for Enhancing the Yield and Selectivity for Fuel‐Range Alkanes from Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Dokania Abhay , Ramirez Adrian , Shterk Genrikh , Cerrillo Jose Luis , Gascon Jorge
Published: May 2022

In order to empower a circular carbon economy for addressing global CO2 emissions, the production of carbon‐neutral fuels is especially desired, since addressing the global fuel demand via this route has the potential to significantly mitigate carbon emissions. In this study, we report a multifunctional catalyst combination consisting of a potassium promoted iron catalyst (Fe−K) and platinum containing zeolite beta (Pt‐beta) which produces an almost entirely paraffinic mixture (up to C10 hydrocarbons) via CO2 hydrogenation in one step. Here, the Fe catalyst is responsible for modified Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis from CO2 while Pt‐beta is instrumental in tuning the product distribution almost entirely towards paraffins (both linear and branched) presumably via a combination of cracking and hydrogenation. The optimal temperature of operation was estimated to be 325 °C for the production of higher paraffins (C5–C10) with a selectivity of ca. 28 % at a CO2 conversion of ca. 31 %.
Improving the Photostability of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ by Embedment in Silica
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhou Shiyan , Li Bo , Liu Xueyang , Chen Hongyu , Wang Hong
Published: May 2022

As a classical photosensitizer model, [Ru(bpy)3]2+ possesses excellent photochemical properties and plays a critical role in photocatalysis. Improving the photostability of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ is still a challenge, as its ligands are easily lost upon light irradiation. It is thus of importance to understand the mechanisms of photo‐instability and to explore counter measures. Herein, we demonstrate that loading [Ru(bpy)3]2+ in silica could greatly suppress its photodissociation of ligands, thus improving its photocatalytic activity. By integrating nano‐stirbars with [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐silica nanocomposites, the heterogeneous catalysis showed improved activity and recyclability. We believe that the preservation of the ligand sphere in embedded complexes would facilitate regioselectivity and enantioselectivity in conventional heterogeneous catalysis.
Challenges and vision of wireless optical and acoustic communication in underwater environment
Authors: Menaka Deivasigamani , Gauni Sabitha , Manimegalai Chellapan Thangappan , Kalimuthu Krishnan
Published: May 2022

Underwater Wireless Communication is a rapidly growing technology in the research domain. The researchers have been working towards the developments in underwater communication by investigating climatic changes, prediction of natural disasters, marine environment, monitoring aquatic life, oceanographic transmission, and data collection. The main objective of underwater communication is to achieve lossless, high transmission with the least power consumption. The Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are set up with remote instruments and sensors to enable the natural exploration of the resources in the undersea environment. This research article is based on the study of various modes of communication, architectures, and protocol layers involved in underwater communication. Furthermore, an underwater hybrid connection is established by opto‐acoustic signals, and the overview of various performance characteristics, channel behaviors, and issues in the underwater scenario are investigated.
MXene‐Based Quantum Dots Optimize Hydrogen Production via Spontaneous Evolution of Cl‐ to O‐Terminated Surface Groups
Authors: Liu Yuhua , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Wei , Ge Xin , Wang Yan , Zou Xu , Zhou Xinyan , Zheng Weitao
Published: May 2022

MXene quantum dots (MQDs) offer wide applications owing to the abundant surface chemistry, tunable energy‐level structure, and unique properties. However, the application of MQDs in electrochemical energy conversion, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), remains to be realized, as it remains a challenge to precisely control the types of surface groups and tune the structure of energy levels in MQDs, owing to the high surface energy–induced strong agglomeration in post‐processing. Consequently, the determination of the exact catalytically active sites and processes involved in such an electrocatalysis is challenging because of the complexity of the synthetic process and reaction conditions. Herein, we demonstrated the spontaneous evolution of the surface groups of the Ti2CTx MQDs (x: the content of O atom), i.e., replacement of the ‐Cl functional groups by O‐terminated ones during the cathode reaction. This process resulted in a low Gibbs free energy (0.26 eV) in HER. Our steady Ti2COx/Cu2O/Cu foam systems exhibited a low overpotential of 175 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M aq. KOH, and excellent operational stability over 165 h at a constant current density of −10 mA cm−2.
Impact of B‐lines‐guided intensive heart failure management on outcome of discharged heart failure patients with residual B‐lines
Authors: Zhu Yunlong , Li Na , Wu Mingxing , Peng Zhiliu , Huang Haobo , Zhao Wenjiao , Yi Liqing , Liao Min , Liu Zhican , Peng Yiqun , Zhou Yuying , Lu Jinxin , Li Guohua , Zeng Jianping
Published: May 2022

Aims

Pulmonary congestion (PC) expressed by residual lung ultrasound B‐lines (LUS‐BL) could exist in some discharged heart failure (HF) patients, which is a known determinant of poor outcomes. Detection efficacy for PC is suboptimal with widely used imaging modalities, like X‐ray or echocardiography, while lung ultrasound (LUS) can sufficiently detect PC by visualizing LUS‐BL. In this trial, we sought to evaluate the impact LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management post‐discharge on outcome of HF patients discharged with residual LUS‐BL up to 1 year after discharge. IMP‐OUTCOME is a prospective, single‐centre, single‐blinded, randomized cohort study, which is designed to investigate if LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management post‐discharge in patients with residual LUS‐BL could improve the clinical outcome up to 1 year after discharge or not.

Methods and results

After receiving the standardized treatment of HF according to current guidelines, 318 patients with ≥3 LUS‐BL assessed by LUS within 48 h before discharge will be randomly divided into the conventional HF management group and the LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management group at 1:1 ratio. Patient‐related basic clinical data including sex, age, blood chemistry, imaging examination, and drug utilization will be obtained and analysed. LUS‐BL will be assessed at 2 month interval post‐discharge in both groups, but LUS‐BL results will be enveloped in the conventional HF management group, and diuretics will be adjusted based on symptom and physical examination results with or without knowing the LUS‐BL results. Echocardiography examination will be performed for all patients at 12 month post‐discharge. The primary endpoint is consisted of the composite of readmission for worsening HF and all‐cause death during follow up as indicated. The secondary endpoints consisted of the change in the New York Heart Association classification, Duke Activity Status Index, N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide value, malignant arrhythmia event and 6 min walk distance at each designed follow up, echocardiography‐derived left ventricular ejection fraction, and number of LUS‐BL at 12 month post‐discharge. Safety profile will be recorded and managed accordingly for all patients.

Conclusions

This trial will explore the impact of LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management on the outcome of discharged HF patients with residual LUS‐BL up to 1 year after discharge in the era of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blocker‐neprilysin inhibitor.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05035459
Distinct pathophysiological pathways in women and men with heart failure
Authors: Ravera Alice , Santema Bernadet T. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Anker Stefan D. , Samani Nilesh J. , Lang Chim C. , Ng Leong , Cleland John G.F. , Dickstein Kenneth , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Van Spall Harriette G. C. , Filippatos Gerasimos , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Metra Marco , Voors Adriaan A. , Sama Iziah E.
Published: May 2022

Aims

Clinical differences between women and men have been described in heart failure (HF). However, less is known about the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. In this study, we compared multiple circulating biomarkers to gain better insights into differential HF pathophysiology between women and men.

Methods and results

In 537 women and 1485 men with HF, we compared differential expression of a panel of 363 biomarkers. Then, we performed a pathway over‐representation analysis to identify differential biological pathways in women and men. Findings were validated in an independent HF cohort (575 women, 1123 men). In both cohorts, women were older and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In the index and validation cohorts respectively, we found 14/363 and 12/363 biomarkers that were relatively up‐regulated in women, while 21/363 and 14/363 were up‐regulated in men. In both cohorts, the strongest up‐regulated biomarkers in women were leptin and fatty acid binding protein‐4, compared to matrix metalloproteinase‐3 in men. Similar findings were replicated in a subset of patients from both cohorts matched by age and LVEF. Pathway over‐representation analysis revealed increased activity of pathways associated with lipid metabolism in women, and neuro‐inflammatory response in men (all p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In two independent cohorts of HF patients, biomarkers associated with lipid metabolic pathways were observed in women, while biomarkers associated with neuro‐inflammatory response were more active in men. Differences in inflammatory and metabolic pathways may contribute to sex differences in clinical phenotype observed in HF, and provide useful insights towards development of tailored HF therapies.
Electroconductive Green Metal‐polyaniline Nanocomposites: Synthesis and Application in Sensors
Authors: Kyomuhimbo Hilda Dinah , Feleni Usisipho
Published: May 2022

Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most extensively used conducting polymer due to its fascinating properties including conducting, thermal, optical, magnetic and electrochemical properties, simple synthesis procedure and low cost of monomer. It has attracted major attention in a variety of applications including electrochemical sensors, catalysts, supercapacitors and biosensors. However, its limitations such as insolubility in common solvents, low process‐ability and poor mechanical properties have led to the development of new approaches to improve it properties. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) such as silver, gold, copper and palladium have been combined with PANI to improve on its properties which has led to a new class of materials known as metal/PANI nanocomposites. These hybrid nanocomposites incorporate advantages of both MNPs and polymers which effectively improves the properties of the individual materials. Various synthesis techniques including in situ polymerization, ɤ‐radiolysis, electrodeposition, complexation, vacuum deposition and interfacial polymerization have been used in the formation of metal/PANI nanocomposites. These nanocomposites have been used in various sensor and biosensor applications due to their excellent conductivity, ease of synthesis, excellent redox potentials, chemical and thermal stability. This review highlights the various metal/PANI nanocomposites, their various synthesis techniques and their application in sensors and biosensors. The importance of these nanocomposites in sensing and signaling various toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and silver and toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and chloroform has been discussed. In addition the review covers the applications of metal/PANI nanocomposites in biosensor systems for the detection of glucose, DNA, protein, cholesterol, drugs and hydrogen peroxide.
Developing a new model in solar radiation estimation with genetic algorithm method
Authors: Kaplan Yusuf Alper , Saraç Mimar Sinan , Ünaldı Gülizar Gizem
Published: May 2022

In this study, a new model was developed to estimate solar radiation using the genetic algorithm method in the MATLAB program. When the literature was reviewed, it is observed that there are a lot of different methods used to estimate solar radiation. In the literature review, it was seen that the genetic algorithm approach was not used in solar radiation estimation before. In this study, the coefficients of the Angstrom equation were calculated through a genetic algorithm by using the 5‐year solar radiation data of Adana province, and accordingly, a new model was developed. The suggested model was compared to various models published in the literature for determining the solar radiation density of the given region. It was evaluated that the new developed model using a genetic algorithm has acceptable performance for estimating solar radiation.
Oxy‐ and air‐ammonia premixed combustion in a two‐inlet cyclone combustor
Authors: Bektaş Abdulkadir
Published: May 2022

Many scientists have received significant attention since ammonia comprises a carbon‐free chemical and could be derived from renewable hydrogen and air‐separated nitrogen. Most of them think it could be an alternative fuel rather than methane in a cyclonic burner. The main goal of this study is to investigate the possible ways of using ammonia as a clean and sustainable fuel. For this purpose, we first investigated the premixed oxy‐ammonia combustion behaviour using a two‐inlet cyclone combustor. Then, the findings values are compared with the combustion performance of air‐ammonia and air‐methane combustion. Cyclone combustors provide improved mixing quality and longer combustion residence time. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was used in this study to estimate the temperature and emissions levels. The findings demonstrate that the highest predicted temperature values of oxy‐ammonia combustion (1828 K) are higher than air‐methane (1538 K) and air‐ammonia combustion (994 K). In addition, NOx emissions have been predicted by post‐processing the CFD code used in this study. According to predicted NOx levels, oxygen usage as an oxidizer rather than air significantly influences NOx emission levels due to thermal and fuel NOx mechanisms. The NOx levels of stoichiometric combustion are higher than the fuel‐rich combustion in all cases. Besides, the lowest NO emission levels are predicted under fuel‐rich conditions of ammonia at the combustor outlet. It is also determined that while the highest axial velocity values occur in the flame regions, ammonia's highest laminar burning velocity is achieved under the fuel‐rich states with Ø = 1.1 for oxy‐ammonia. Therefore, it is concluded that oxy‐ammonia combustion has a more significant combustion performance than air‐methane combustion with the robust whirling flow, sound mixing, and combustion structure.
Carbon‐embedded mesoporous transition multimetal oxide nanospheres for long‐lasting hybrid cells
Authors: Arbaz Shaik Junied , Ramulu Bhimanaboina , Jin Dasol , Cho Eun‐Bum , Yu Jae Su
Published: May 2022

Recently, multiple transition metal oxide‐based materials have been intensely attracted in the field of energy storage owing to their multifunctional properties. Meanwhile, carbon‐based materials are considered more reliable electrode candidates due to their high porosity and chemical stability. Herein, we synthesized carbon‐embedded transition multimetal oxides as a hybrid composite by a facile hydrothermal method, followed by annealing in inert medium. The effect of different metal ion species (Ni, Co, and Ce) and their combination on the energy storage performance was explored. The carbon‐embedded Ni‐Co‐Ce‐Si (C/NiCoCeSi) oxide electrode revealed a higher areal capacity of 35.5 μAh/cm2 at a current density of 3 mA/cm2 than the C/NiSi oxide and C/NiCoSi oxide electrodes due to the improved redox chemistry. Moreover, the C/NiCoCeSi oxide electrode was subjected to a test involving 10 000 charge‐discharge cycles at 7 mA/cm2, and it demonstrated the decent capacity retention of 83.8%. Furthermore, the C/NiCoCeSi oxide material was used as a positive electrode in the fabrication of a hybrid cell (HC). The as‐fabricated HC demonstrated a good areal capacitance of 105.9 mF/cm2 at 1.5 mA/cm2 with maximum energy and power densities of 29.2 μWh/cm2 and 6350 μW/cm2, respectively. Finally, the HC also powered light‐emitting diodes to test its practical functionality.
Multiple structural defects in poor crystalline nickel‐doped tungsten disulfide nanorods remarkably enhance supercapacitive performance
Authors: Kumar Yedluri Anil , Al‐Asbahi Bandar Ali , Pallavolu Mohan Reddy , Rao Sunkara Srinivasa , Nallapureddy Ramesh Reddy , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: May 2022

Tailoring the multiple structure defects of nanomaterials by developing efficient construction is a captivating approach to designing unique electroactive materials for supercapacitors with performance improvement. Here, we in situ synthesize Ni‐doped tungsten disulfide nanorod arrays on nickel foam (Ni‐doped WS2/NF NRs) by a hydrothermal technique procedure. These multiple structural defects in poor crystalline Ni‐doped WS2/NF NRs construction configuration by abundant interconnected nanorods would reveal plentiful oxidational/redox‐active states that supply porous/conductive skeletons for quick electrolyte/ion electrons transportations. Favoring its doped conductive effect and synergetic structure of multiple‐like Ni‐doped on WS2, the as‐designed Ni‐doped WS2/NF NRs electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 242.9 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, outstanding cycling stability of 6000 long cycles with capacity retention79.8% at 20 A g−1, which is higher than that of binary WS2 electrode. This outstanding performance arises from enhanced conductivity and richer active sites in the multiple structural electroactive materials. This research offers an efficient treatment to explore multiple structural morphologies and architectures of energy storage applications.
Predictors of linkage to hepatitis C virus care among people living with HIV with hepatitis C infection and the impact of loss to HIV follow‐up
Authors: Lau Abby A. , Strebe Joslyn K. , Sura Teena V. , Hansen Laura A. , Jain Mamta K.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Half of the people living with HIV (PLWH) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain untreated for HCV. We examined predictors of HCV linkage to care among PLWH and the impact of HIV lost to care.

Design and methods

We conducted a retrospective review of PLWH/HCV from our HIV clinics between 2014 and 2017, and examined predictors of HCV linkage to care. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the probability of HIV retention and HCV linkage over time.

Results

Of 615 PLWH/HCV, 34% linked to HCV care and 21% were cured. Higher odds of linkage to HCV care were among blacks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59, 5.47), prior injection drug users (IDUs; aOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.39, 6.01), Medicare (aOR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.56, 6.11), and cirrhotics (aOR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.52, 5.14). Reduced odds for linkage were in active IDU (aOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.45) and those seen by an advanced practice provider (aOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.92). The main reason for failure to link to HCV care was lost to HIV care. At 3 years, the overall probability of being retained in HIV care was 53%; among those who had an HCV evaluation visit, it was 75% vs. 41% with no HCV evaluation visit. Accounting for loss to follow‐up, PLWH/HCV had a 65% probability of having an HCV evaluation at 3 years.
A retrospective study on the trends in surgical aortic valve replacement outcomes in the post‐transcatheter aortic valve replacement era
Authors: Chahine Johnny , Jedeon Zeina , Fiocchi Jacob , Shaffer Andrew , Knoper Ryan , John Ranjit , Yannopoulos Demetris , Raveendran Ganesh , Gurevich Sergey
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the mainstay of treatment of inoperable and severe high‐risk aortic stenosis and is noninferior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for low‐risk and intermediate‐risk patients as well. We aim to compare the valve size, area, and transaortic mean gradients in SAVR patients before and after the implementation of TAVR since being approved by the Food and Drug Administration  in 2011.

Methods

Patients who underwent a bioprosthetic SAVR placement were divided into two groups based on the date of procedure: the early pre‐TAVR implementation group (years 2011–2012) and the contemporary post‐TAVR group (years 2019–2020). The primary endpoint was the mean gradient across the aortic valve within 16 months of surgery. The secondary endpoints included the difference in valve size and various aortic valve echocardiographic variables.

Results

One hundred and thirty patients had their valves replaced in the years 2011–2012 and 134 in the years 2019–2020. The early group had a significantly higher mean gradient (median of 13 mmHg [interquartile range, IQR: 9.3–18] vs. 10 mmHg [IQR: 7.5–13.1], p = 0.001) and a smaller median effective orifice area index (0.8 cm2/m2 [IQR: 0.6–1] vs. 1.1 cm2/m2 [IQR: 0.8–1.3], p < 0.001). The median valve size was significantly smaller in the early group (median of 21 mm [IQR: 21–23] vs. 23 mm [IQR: 22.5–25], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the contemporary era, surgical patients receive larger valves which translates into lower mean gradients, larger valve area, and lower rates of patient‐prosthesis mismatch than in previous years before the routine introduction of TAVR.
Changes in microglia during drug treatment of stroke
Authors: Zhang Ling‐Jing , Zhou Hong‐Su , Wang Shi‐Ya , Guan Yi‐Huan , Zhang Chao , Fang De‐Rong
Published: May 2022

Microglia are the main immune cells in the brain and the first defense barrier of the nervous system. Microglia play a complex role in the process of stroke. A growing number of studies focus on the mechanism of action of drugs functions and how to regulate microglia. Therefore, we talk about the pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke and elaborate on the microglia signaling pathways of drug action in stroke models and how these drugs play a role in stroke treatment in this review. Understanding how drugs modulate proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory responses of microglia may be critical to implementing therapeutic strategies using immune interventions in stroke.
Determining a reasonable distance of collecting irrigation data for real‐time management of furrow irrigation
Authors: Nie Wei‐Bo , Feng Zheng‐Jiang , Li Yi‐Bo , Zhang Fan , Ma Xiao‐Yi
Published: May 2022

One basis for the real‐time management of furrow irrigation is to estimate the infiltration parameters and Manning roughness, which can represent the furrow condition as early as possible. Closed‐end furrow irrigation experiments were conducted on 45 fields on the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi province, China. The infiltration parameters of the Kostiakov equation and Manning roughness were estimated according to multipoint advance trajectory and upstream end water depth at four advance distances (50%, 60%, 70%, and 100% of furrow length; i.e., 0.5 L, 0.6 L, 0.7 L, and 1.0 L, respectively). The estimated infiltration parameter and Manning roughness were then input into WinSRFR to evaluate their effects on furrow irrigation and determine a reasonable distance for collecting multipoint advance trajectory and upstream end water depth. The results indicated that the estimated infiltration parameters and Manning roughness by multipoint advance trajectory and upstream end water depth at 0.6 L or later were highly consistent with the measured values. Except for the upstream end water depth, the mean absolute percentage errors between the simulated advance trajectory, irrigation performance, and applied water volume with measured values were lower than 10% for all furrow irrigation experiments. Therefore, the reasonable distance for collecting irrigation data should not be less than 0.6 L.
Enabling the autofocus approach for parameter optimization in planar measurement geometry clinical optoacoustic imaging
Authors: Englert Ludwig , Riobo Lucas , Schönmann Christine , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Aguirre Juan
Published: May 2022

In optoacoustic (photoacoustic) tomography, several parameters related to tissue and detector features are needed for image formation, but they may not be known a priori. An autofocus (AF) algorithm is generally used to estimate these parameters. However, the algorithm works iteratively and is therefore impractical for clinical imaging with planar geometry systems due to the long reconstruction times. We have developed a fast autofocus (FAF) algorithm for 3D optoacoustic systems with planar geometry. Such an algorithm exploits the symmetries of the planar geometry and a virtual source concept to reduce the dimensionality of the parameter estimation problem. The dimensionality reduction makes FAF much simpler computationally than the conventional AF algorithm. We show that the FAF algorithm required about 5 s to provide accurate estimates of the speed of sound in simulated data and experimental data obtained using an imaging system that is poised to enter the clinic. The applicability of FAF for estimating other image formation parameters is discussed. We expect the FAF algorithm to contribute decisively to the clinical use of optoacoustic tomography systems with planar geometry.
Methane oxidation by the copper methane monooxygenase: Before and after the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of particulate methane monooxygenase from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)
Authors: Chan Sunney I , Wang Vincent C.‐C , Chen Peter P.‐Y. , Yu Steve S.‐F.
Published: May 2022

The particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is a copper monooxygenase that converts methane into methanol in methanotrophic bacteria. As this enzyme converts methane into methanol efficiently and selectively under ambient conditions, it has become the paradigm for understanding the design of nature to facilitate this process so that we could develop a biomimetic catalyst to accomplish this difficult C1 chemistry in the laboratory. With the advent of the recent 2.5 Å cryo‐electron microscopy structure of the pMMO from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath), it is now evident that the catalytic site of hydroxylation in pMMO is a CuICuICuI tricopper cluster (CuI: copper ions) sequestered within the transmembrane domain of this protein complex. With three reducing equivalents embodied in this structural motif, the tricopper cluster can react with O2 to irreversibly cleave the OO bond to harness the highly reactive oxene for rapid and direct insertion into the CH bonds of methane. Here, we review the structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies over the past three decades that have culminated in this important advance in the chemistry of methane oxidation.
Diagnostic and prognostic value ofcircRNAsexpression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Huajun , Wang Dingting , Liu Jinping , Zou Longfei , Xu Shengen , Liang Zhuoping , Qin Gang
Published: May 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to have potential biological applications against tumors in humans. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic, and clinicopathological value of circRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched for the relevant studies before October 20, 2021. Statistical analysis was performed based on STATA 15.0, Meta‐DiSc 1.4, and RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 55 reports regarding 56 kinds of circRNA were studied in this meta‐analysis, including 23, 38, and 26 articles on diagnosis, prognosis, and clinicopathological features, respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver‐operating characteristic curve (SROC) were 0.78, 0.84, and 0.87, respectively. Besides, the upregulation of oncogenic circRNAs was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR=2.25,p < 0.05) and disease‐free interval (DFS) (HR=1.92,p < 0.05). In contrast, the elevated expression of tumor suppressor circRNAs was associated with a favorable prognosis (HR=0.50,p < 0.05). In addition, the high expression of oncogenic circRNAs was associated with the tumor size (OR=3.59,p < 0.05), degree of differentiation (OR=1.89,p < 0.05), TNM stage (OR=2.35,p < 0.05), lymph node metastasis (OR=1.85,p < 0.05), and distant metastasis (OR=3.42,p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of tumor suppressor circRNAs was associated with improved clinicopathological features (lymph node metastasis: OR=0.25,p < 0.05).

Conclusions

CircRNAs could serve as potential predictive indicators and be useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, and identification of clinicopathological features in HNSCC.
Muscle mass and estimates of renal function: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Groothof Dion , Post Adrian , Polinder‐Bos Harmke A. , Erler Nicole S. , Flores‐Guerrero Jose L. , Kootstra‐Ros Jenny E. , Pol Robert A. , de Borst Martin H. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Gans Reinold O.B. , Kremer Daan , Kieneker Lyanne M. , Bano Arjola , Muka Taulant , Franco Oscar H. , Bakker Stephan J.L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Creatinine is the most widely used test to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but muscle mass as key determinant of creatinine next to renal function may confound such estimates. We explored effects of 24‐h height‐indexed creatinine excretion rate (CER index) on GFR estimated with creatinine (eGFRCr), muscle mass‐independent cystatin C (eGFRCys), and the combination of creatinine and cystatin C (eGFRCr‐Cys) and predicted probabilities of discordant classification given age, sex, and CER index.

Methods

We included 8076 adults enrolled in the PREVEND study. Discordant classification was defined as not having eGFRCr <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 when eGFRCys was <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Baseline effects of age and sex on CER index were quantified with linear models using generalized least squares. Baseline effects of CER index on eGFR were quantified with quantile regression and logistic regression. Effects of annual changes in CER index on trajectories of eGFR were quantified with linear mixed‐effects models. Missing observations in covariates were multiply imputed.

Results

Mean (SD) CER index was 8.0 (1.7) and 6.1 (1.3) mmol/24 h per meter in male and female participants, respectively (Pdifference < 0.001). In male participants, baseline CER index increased until 45 years of age followed by a gradual decrease, whereas a gradual decrease across the entire range of age was observed in female participants. For a 70‐year‐old male participant with low muscle mass (CER index of 2 mmol/24 h per meter), predicted baseline eGFRCr and eGFRCys disagreed by 24.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 (and 30.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 when creatinine was not corrected for race). Percentages (95% CI) of discordant classification in male and female participants aged 60 years and older with low muscle mass were 18.5% (14.8–22.1%) and 15.2% (11.4–18.5%), respectively. For a 70‐year‐old male participant who lost muscle during follow‐up, eGFRCr and eGFRCys disagreed by 1.5, 5.0, 8.5, and 12.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (and 6.7, 10.7, 13.5, and 15.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 when creatinine was not corrected for race) at baseline, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years of follow‐up, respectively.

Conclusions

Low muscle mass may cause considerable overestimation of single measurements of eGFRCr. Muscle wasting may cause spurious overestimation of repeatedly measured eGFRCr. Implementing muscle mass‐independent markers for estimating renal function, like cystatin C as superior alternative to creatinine, is crucial to accurately assess renal function in settings of low muscle mass or muscle wasting. This would also eliminate the negative consequences of current race‐based approaches.
Effect of beam attenuation on muscle ultrasound echogenicity measurement in muscular dystrophies
Authors: Spiliopoulos Kanellos C. , Veltsista Dimitra , Bara Stavroula , Vlachopoulos Georgios , Costaridou Lena , Chroni Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In advanced muscular dystrophies (AMD), quantification of muscle echo‐intensity (EI) may be influenced by ultrasound beam attenuation, due to fibrosis and fatty infiltration of muscle tissue. Objective of the study was to compare EI measurements using grayscale analysis between a superficial and whole‐muscle region of interest (ROI) in subjects with advanced and mild‐to‐moderate muscular dystrophy (MMD).

Methods

Thirty‐two adult subjects diagnosed with a muscular dystrophy and twenty‐five matched healthy controls underwent ultrasound assessment of the biceps brachii (BB), rectus femoris (RF) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. Based on Heckmatt grading scale of muscles, two disease groups, an AMD (Heckmatt grades 3 or 4) and a MMD (Heckmatt grade 2), were analyzed. Superficial ROI was set as one‐fourth of the whole‐muscle area, located immediately below the superficial fascia and always inside muscle boundaries.

Results

Muscle EI was significantly higher in the superficial compared to whole‐muscle ROI, in all evaluated muscle groups of AMD subjects (BB, p = 0.004/RF, p = 0.027/TA, p = 0.002). EI values in superficial ROIs, for individual muscle analysis using z‐scores, were more representative in assessments of muscle abnormality in advanced stages of the disease course (Heckmatt grades 3 and 4). In MMD and healthy muscles, no statistical difference was found in EI measurements between the two ROI types.

Conclusions

In AMD, selection of superficial ROI is better representative of changes in muscle texture, although caution should be exercised when comparing ROIs of different sizes.
A scoping review investigating the use of exposure for the treatment and targeted prevention of anxiety and related disorders in young people
Authors: Teunisse Alessandra K. , Pembroke Lorna , O’Gradey‐Lee Maddison , Sy Megan , Rapee Ronald M. , Wuthrich Viviana M. , Creswell Cathy , Hudson Jennifer L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard intervention for anxiety and related mental health disorders among young people; however, the efficacy of individual elements of CBT (e.g., exposure to feared stimuli) have received little scrutiny.

Aims

This scoping review, informed by three stakeholder groups and a scientific advisory group, aimed to identify the nature and extent of the available research literature on the efficacy of exposure to feared stimuli, moderators of effectiveness in young people aged 14–24 years.

Method

Three international stakeholder groups composed of clinicians (N = 8), parents/carers (N = 5) and youth with lived experience of anxiety (N = 7) provided input into study design and results. Using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, a search of MEDLINE/Ovid, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, ERIC, and Health Collection (informit) was conducted using terms related to anxiety, ages 14–24, and exposure.

Results

From 3508 unique abstracts, 64 papers were included for the review. While there was evidence for the efficacy of exposure as a treatment for youth anxiety disorders, fundamental gaps in knowledge of exposure in this age group were identified. Most studies examined post‐traumatic stress disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and specific phobias with no randomised clinical trials uniquely evaluating exposure for the treatment of DSM‐5 anxiety disorders. Exposure was typically delivered accompanied by other anxiety management techniques. A multitude of optimisation strategies have been tested, yet only one of these effects (timing relative to sleep) showed preliminary evidence of replication.

Conclusions

A systematic and theoretically driven program of research investigating the efficacy of exposure in young people and factors that moderate its efficacy, along with methods to overcome barriers for delivery, is urgently needed.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of novel pyrazolopyridine and pyridopyrazolopyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Keshk Reda M.
Published: May 2022

Novel derivatives of pyrazolopyridine and pyridopyrazolopyrimidine were synthesized as these nitrogen heterocyclic compounds have biological and pharmaceutical application. Reaction of 4,6‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridin‐3‐amine 1 with ethyl acetoacetate afforded 3‐(4,6‐dimethyl‐2H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridin‐3‐ylamino)‐but‐2‐enoic acid ethyl ester 2 and 2,8,10‐Trimethylpyrido[2′,3′:3,4]pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐ol 3. The reaction product depends on the reaction time and catalyst applied. The reaction of ester 2 with POCl3 afforded pyridopyrazolopyrimidine 3 which reacted with ethyl bromoacetate to afford (2,8,10‐trimethylpyrido[2′,3′:3,4]pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidin‐4‐yloxy)acetic acid ethyl ester 4, while the reaction of compound 3 with POCl3 afforded 4‐chloro‐derivative 5, which reacted with hydrazine and a series of amines (primary and secondary) to yield 6 and 7a–n, respectively. 4‐Hydrazino pyridopyrazolopyrimidine 6 reacted with aromatic aldehydes, aromatic ketones, acetylacetone, and ethyl acetoacetate to afford condensation products 8–11. The reaction of ester 2 with ethyl chloroacetate afforded diester 12, which reacted with ethanolamine and hydrazine to afford 13, 14. Pyrazolopyridine 14 reacted with excess acetylacetone to yield pentenone derivative 15. The newly synthesized compound structure was confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral data (IR, NMR and mass spectra).
A non‐destructive methodology for determination of cantaloupe sugar content using machine vision and deep learning
Authors: Ong Pauline , Chen Suming , Tsai Chao‐Yin , Wu Yi‐Jing , Shen Yi‐Tzu
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

To determine the maturity of cantaloupe, measuring the soluble solid content (SSC) as the indicator of sugar content based on the refractometric index is commonly practised. This method, however, is destructive and limited to a small number of samples. In this study, the coupling of a convolutional neural network (CNN) with machine vision was proposed in detecting the SSC of cantaloupe. The cantaloupe images were first acquired under controlled and uncontrolled conditions and subsequently fed to the CNN to predict the class to which each cantaloupe belonged. Four hand‐crafted classical machine‐learning classifiers were used to compare against the performance of the CNN.

RESULTS

Experimental results showed that the CNN method significantly outperformed others, with an improvement of >100% being achieved in terms of classification accuracy, considering the data acquired under the uncontrolled environment.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated the potential benefit to operationalize CNNs in practice for SSC determination of cantaloupe before harvesting. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.