bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New nomograms to predict overall and cancer‐specific survival of angiosarcoma
Authors: Liu Yuan‐Yuan , Xu Bu‐Shu , Pan Qiu‐Zhong , Weng De‐Sheng , Zhang Xing , Peng Rui‐Qing
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study was designed to establish and validate promising and reliable nomograms for predicting the survival of angiosarcoma (AS) patients.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried to collect the clinical information of 785 AS patients between 2004 and 2015. Data were split into a training cohort (n = 549) and a validation cohort (n = 236) without any preference. Univariate Cox and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze the clinical parameters. Independent prognostic factors were then identified. Two nomograms were constructed to predict overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) at 3 and 5 years. Finally, the models were evaluated using concordance indices (C‐indices), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 785 individuals were included in this analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that age, tumor size, and stage were prognostic factors independently associated with the OS of AS. Tumor site, tumor size, and stage were associated with the CSS of AS. Based on the statistical results and clinical significance of variables, nomograms were built. The nomograms for OS and CSS had C‐indices of 0.666 and 0.654, respectively. The calibration curves showed good agreement between the predictive values and the actual values. DCA also indicated that the nomograms were clinically useful.

Conclusion

We established nomograms with good predictive ability that could provide clinicians with better predictions about the clinical outcomes of AS patients.
The effect of adding focal‐goal similar versus dissimilar attributes on convergence product purchase decision: The role of relational and item‐specific elaboration style
Authors: Lee Juyon , Chu Wujin
Published: November 2021

Adding novel attributes to the base product is the most widely used marketing strategy to develop convergence products, and numerous studies have confirmed the positive effect of adding novel attributes on product evaluations. However, adding new attributes to the base product may not always produce positive outcomes. Results of two studies using two product categories (refrigerator, smartwatch) show that focal‐goal dissimilarity between the base product and added attributes reduces consumers' purchase intention via perceived benefit understanding. Further, relational versus item‐specific elaboration style moderates this relationship. Specifically, relational (vs. item‐specific) elaboration increased perceived benefit understanding and purchase intention when a focal‐goal dissimilar attribute was added to the base product. In contrast, there was no differential effect of the relational versus item‐specific elaboration when the focal goal of the added attribute was similar to the focal goal of the base product. This study expands the extant knowledge on goal‐based product evaluation, cognitive elaboration, and information processing style, and provides marketers with effective strategies for communicating the benefits of new convergence products.
Galacto‐Oligosaccharide Supplementation Modulates Pathogen‐Commensal Competition between Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus salivarius
Authors: Moore Rebecca E. , Thomas Harrison C. , Manning Shannon D. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Townsend Steven D.
Published: November 2021

The members of the infant microbiome are governed by feeding method (breastmilk vs. formula). Regardless of the source of nutrition, a competitive growth advantage can be provided to commensals through prebiotics – either human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) or plant oligosaccharides that are supplemented into formula. To characterize how prebiotics modulate commensal – pathogen interactions, we have designed and studied a minimal microbiome where a pathogen, Streptococcus agalactiae engages with a commensal, Streptococcus salivarius. We discovered that while S. agalactiae suppresses the growth of S. salivarius via increased lactic acid production, galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) supplementation reverses the effect. This result has major implications in characterizing how single species survive in the gut, what niche they occupy, and how they engage with other community members.
Targeting the Central Pocket of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lectin LecA
Authors: Siebs Eike , Shanina Elena , Kuhaudomlarp Sakonwan , da Silva Figueiredo Celestino Gomes Priscila , Fortin Cloé , Seeberger Peter H. , Rognan Didier , Rademacher Christoph , Imberty Anne , Titz Alexander
Published: November 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic ESKAPE pathogen that produces two lectins, LecA and LecB, as part of its large arsenal of virulence factors. Both carbohydrate‐binding proteins are central to the initial and later persistent infection processes, i. e. bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The biofilm matrix is a major resistance determinant and protects the bacteria against external threats such as the host immune system or antibiotic treatment. Therefore, the development of drugs against the P. aeruginosa biofilm is of particular interest to restore efficacy of antimicrobials. Carbohydrate‐based inhibitors for LecA and LecB were previously shown to efficiently reduce biofilm formations. Here, we report a new approach for inhibiting LecA with synthetic molecules bridging the established carbohydrate‐binding site and a central cavity located between two LecA protomers of the lectin tetramer. Inspired by in silico design, we synthesized various galactosidic LecA inhibitors with aromatic moieties targeting this central pocket. These compounds reached low micromolar affinities, validated in different biophysical assays. Finally, X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the interactions of this compound class with LecA. This new mode of action paves the way to a novel route towards inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Susceptibility of Palmer amaranth accessions in North Carolina to atrazine, dicamba, S‐metolachlor, and 2,4‐D
Authors: Moore Levi D. , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Jordan David L. , Boyette Michael D. , Leon Ramon G. , Mahoney Dennis J. , Everman Wesley J. , Cahoon Charles W.
Published: November 2021

Core Ideas

All of the 120 accessions of Palmer amaranth collected in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina were controlled by atrazine and dicamba applied at field use rates in the greenhouse.

Reduced sensitivity among accessions was noted when S‐metolachlor and 2,4‐D were applied to Palmer amaranth at field use rates in the greenhouse.

Additional research is needed to determine if reduced sensitivity of Palmer amaranth to S‐metolachlor and 2,4‐D is associated with evolved resistance.
Platinum‐Tin/Tin Oxide/CNT Catalysts for High‐Performance Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Zheng Zhiping , Jiang Qiaorong , Cheng Xiqing , Han Xiao , Kuang Qin , Xie Zhaoxiong
Published: November 2021

Ethanol is a promising liquid clean energy source in the energy conversion field. However, the self‐poisoning caused by the strongly adsorbed reaction intermediates (typically, CO) is a critical problem in ethanol oxidation reaction. To address this issue, we proposed a joint use of two strategies, alloying of Pt with other metals and building Pt/metal‐oxide interfaces, to achieve high‐performance electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation. For this, a well‐designed synthetic route combining wet impregnation with a two‐step thermal treatment process was established to construct PtSn/SnOx interfaces on carbon nanotubes. Using this route, the alloying of Pt−Sn and formation of PtSn−SnOx interfaces can simultaneously be achieved, and the coverage of SnOx thin films on PtSn alloy nanoparticles can be facilely tuned by the strong interaction between Pt and SnOx. The results revealed that the partial coverage of SnOx species not only retained the active sites, but also enhanced the CO anti‐poisoning ability of the catalyst. Consequently, the H−PtSn/SnOx/CNT‐2 catalyst with an optimized PtSn−SnOx interface showed significantly improved performances toward the ethanol oxidation reaction (825 mA mgPt−1). This study provides deep insights into the structure‐performance relationship of PtSn/metal oxide composite catalysts, which would be helpful for the future design and fabrication of high‐performance Pt‐based ethanol oxidation reaction catalysts.
Deciphering the Role of Anions and Secondary Coordination Sphere in Tuning Anisotropy in Dy(III) Air‐Stable D5h SIMs**
Authors: Gupta Sandeep K. , Dey Sourav , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Rajaraman Gopalan , Murugavel Ramaswamy
Published: November 2021

Precise control of the crystal field and symmetry around the paramagnetic spin centre has recently facilitated the engineering of high‐temperature single‐ion magnets (SIMs), the smallest possible units for future spin‐based devices. In the present work, we report a series of air‐stable seven coordinate Dy(III) SIMs {[L2Dy(H2O)5][X]3⋅L2⋅n(H2O), n = 0, X = Cl (1), n=1, X = Br (2), I (3)} possessing pseudo‐D5h symmetry or pentagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry with high anisotropy energy barrier (Ueff) and blocking temperature (TB). While the strong axial coordination from the sterically encumbered phosphonamide, tBuPO(NHiPr)2 (L), increases the overall anisotropy of the system, the presence of high symmetry significantly quenches quantum tunnelling of magnetization, which is the prominent deactivating factor encountered in SIMs. The energy barrier (Ueff) and the blocking temperature (TB) decrease in the order 3>2>1 with the change of anions from larger iodide to smaller strongly hydrogen‐bonded chloride in the secondary coordination sphere, albeit the local coordination geometry and the symmetry around the Dy(III) display only slight deviations. Ab initio CASSCF/RASSI‐SO/SINGLE_ANISO calculations provide deeper insights into the dynamics of magnetic relaxation in addition to the role of the secondary coordination sphere in modulating the anisotropy of the D5h systems, using diverse models. Thus, in addition to the importance of the crystal field and the symmetry to obtain high‐temperature SIMs, this study also probes the significance of the secondary coordination sphere that can be tailored to accomplish novel SIMs.
Indeno[1,2,3,4‐pqra]Perylene: A Medium‐Sized Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exhibiting Full‐Range Visible‐Light Absorption
Authors: Kato Masaki , Fukui Norihito , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

We report the synthesis and properties of indeno[1,2,3,4‐pqra]perylene, which was prepared by the fusion of one anthracene unit with one naphthalene unit via three carbon‐carbon bonds. The synthetic route through two‐fold C−H arylation enabled not only the synthesis of unsubstituted indenoperylene, but also rapid access to its arylated derivatives on the gram scale. Indenoperylene is a medium‐sized aromatic hydrocarbon with the composition C24H12 that is isomeric to coronene. Nevertheless, its absorption covers the entire visible region owing to its small HOMO‐LUMO gap. Furthermore, indenoperylene exhibits high stability despite the absence of peripheral substituents. We propose that the unique electronic structure of indenoperylene originates from the coexistence of an electron‐withdrawing subunit (benzoaceanthrylene) and an electron‐donating subunit (perylene). The electronic properties of indenoperylene were modulated via post‐functionalization through regioselective bromination. The current research demonstrates that indenoperylene is a promising candidate as a main skeleton for near‐infrared‐responsive and redox‐active materials.
Die asymmetrische Organokatalyse – ein einfaches Werkzeug für die moderne Chemie
Authors: Welter Kira
Published: November 2021

Die Erfindung, die dieses Jahr mit dem Nobelpreis für Chemie ausgezeichnet wird, hat den Bau von Molekülen einfacher, preiswerter und umweltfreundlicher gemacht. Mit der Entwicklung der asymmetrischen Organokatalyse haben Benjamin List und David MacMillan gezeigt, dass man anspruchsvolle chemische Reaktionen auch ohne den Einsatz von hochkomplexen Biomolekülen oder empfindlichen, teueren und oft giftigen Metallen antreiben kann. Die diesjährigen Nobelpreisträger haben unabhängig voneinander erkannt, dass einfache organische Moleküle ebenfalls eingesetzt werden können, um solche Prozesse nicht nur zu beschleunigen, sondern auch selektiver zu machen. Die von ihnen entwickelten Katalysatoren funktionieren ähnlich elegant wie die Enzyme in unserem Körper.
Cancer‐related mortality among people with intellectual disabilities: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Cuypers Maarten , Schalk Bianca W. M. , Boonman Anne J. N. , Naaldenberg Jenneken , Leusink Geraline L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Concerns have been raised about access to cancer screening and the timely receipt of cancer care for people with an intellectual disability (ID). However, knowledge about cancer mortality as a potential consequence of these disparities is still limited. This study, therefore, compared cancer‐related mortality patterns between people with and without ID.

Methods

A historical cohort study (2015‐2019) linked the Dutch adult population (approximately 12 million people with an ID prevalence of 1.45%) and mortality registries. Cancer‐related mortality was identified by the underlying cause of death (according to the chapter on neoplasms in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision). Observed mortality and calculated age‐ and sex‐standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Results

There were 11,102 deaths in the ID population (21.7% cancer‐related; n = 2408) and 730,405 deaths in the general population (31.2%; n = 228,120) available for analysis. Cancer was noted as the cause of death more often among people with ID in comparison with the general population (SMR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.42‐1.54), particularly in the young age groups. High‐mortality cancers included cancers within the national screening program (SMRs, 1.43‐1.94), digestive cancers (SMRs, 1.24‐2.56), bladder cancer (SMR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.61‐2.54), and cancers of unknown primary (SMR, 2.48; 95% CI, 2.06‐2.89).

Conclusions

Cancer was reported as the cause of death approximately 1.5 times more often in people with ID compared with the general population. This mortality disparity may indicate adverse effects from inequalities in screening and cancer care experienced by people with ID.

Lay Summary

People with an intellectual disability (ID) may find it challenging to participate in cancer screening or to receive timely cancer care.

To understand potential consequences in terms of mortality, this study compared cancer‐related mortality between people with and without ID in the Netherlands.

Cancer was reported as the cause of death approximately 1.5 times more often among people with ID than others.

Because large differences were found that were related to screening cancers and cancers for which the primary tumor was unknown, this study's results raise concerns about equality in screening practices and cancer care for people with ID.
Poor relationships between NEON Airborne Observation Platform data and field‐based vegetation traits at a mesic grassland
Authors: Pau Stephanie , Nippert Jesse B. , Slapikas Ryan , Griffith Daniel , Bachle Seton , Helliker Brent R. , O’Connor Rory C. , Riley William J. , Still Christopher J. , Zaricor Marissa
Published: November 2021

Understanding spatial and temporal variation in plant traits is needed to accurately predict how communities and ecosystems will respond to global change. The National Ecological Observatory Network’s (NEON’s) Airborne Observation Platform (AOP) provides hyperspectral images and associated data products at numerous field sites at 1 m spatial resolution, potentially allowing high‐resolution trait mapping. We tested the accuracy of readily available data products of NEON’s AOP, such as Leaf Area Index (LAI), Total Biomass, Ecosystem Structure (Canopy height model [CHM]), and Canopy Nitrogen, by comparing them to spatially extensive field measurements from a mesic tallgrass prairie. Correlations with AOP data products exhibited generally weak or no relationships with corresponding field measurements. The strongest relationships were between AOP LAI and ground‐measured LAI (r = 0.32) and AOP Total Biomass and ground‐measured biomass (r = 0.23). We also examined how well the full reflectance spectra (380–2,500 nm), as opposed to derived products, could predict vegetation traits using partial least‐squares regression (PLSR) models. Among all the eight traits examined, only Nitrogen had a validation of more than 0.25. For all vegetation traits, validation ranged from 0.08 to 0.29 and the range of the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was 14–64%. Our results suggest that currently available AOP‐derived data products should not be used without extensive ground‐based validation. Relationships using the full reflectance spectra may be more promising, although careful consideration of field and AOP data mismatches in space and/or time, biases in field‐based measurements or AOP algorithms, and model uncertainty are needed. Finally, grassland sites may be especially challenging for airborne spectroscopy because of their high species diversity within a small area, mixed functional types of plant communities, and heterogeneous mosaics of disturbance and resource availability. Remote sensing observations are one of the most promising approaches to understanding ecological patterns across space and time. But the opportunity to engage a diverse community of NEON data users will depend on establishing rigorous links with in‐situ field measurements across a diversity of sites.
Determination of Anti‐Parkinson Drug Pramipexole Using a Label‐free Biosensor and Evaluation of its Interaction with ds‐DNA
Authors: Mahmoudi‐Moghaddam Hadi , Garkani‐Nejad Zahra
Published: November 2021

In this study, we fabricated an effective and sensitive DNA biosensor based on flower‐like Pt/NiCo2O4 modified carbon paste electrode (FL‐Pt/NiCo2O4/CPE) for detection of pramipexole (PPX). Spectrophotometry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and docking methods were employed to evaluate the interaction of DNA‐PPX. Moreover, the DPV technique was chosen to monitor the electrochemical response of guanine on the DNA biosensor. The relationship between the concentration of PPX and the oxidation signal of guanine was linear in the range of 0.4 to 310.0 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.09 μM was calculated.
Massive MIMO relaying with imperfect RF chains and coarse ADC/DAC in beyond 5G networks
Authors: Wang Meng , Yue Dian‐Wu , Nguyen Ha H. , Jin Si‐Nian
Published: November 2021

Massive connectivity, low cost, and energy saving are key requirements in providing Internet of Things (IoT) services in the beyond 5G (B5G) communication networks. Motivated by these requirements, we investigate a massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) relaying system with imperfect radio frequency (RF) chains and coarse analog‐to‐digital converters/digital‐to‐analog converters (ADCs/DACs), where IoT user pairs communicate through the assistance of a relay equipped with transceiver antennas in quantity. First, the accurate and the approximate achievable rate expressions are derived in closed form. Then, we evaluate the impacts of critical design parameters on the rate performance. Moreover, scaling laws for transmit powers and RF hardware impairments are established when the number of antennas, M, at the relay grows infinity. It is revealed that, as M increases, the system can yield a non‐vanishing rate while cutting down the transmit powers of the IoT devices and relay, and/or scaling up the RF impairments of the relay. The power allocation scheme for maximizing the sum rate is proposed. Numerical results are conducted to demonstrate the analysis and show that, in the large scale antennas regime, employing high‐quality RF hardware at the IoT users and high‐resolution DACs at the transmit end of the relay can significantly improve the system's sum rate.
Oligodendrocytes regulate the adhesion molecule ICAM‐1 in neuroinflammation
Authors: González‐Alvarado María Nazareth , Aprato Jessica , Baumeister Melissa , Lippert Magdalena , Ekici Arif B. , Kirchner Philipp , Welz Tobias , Hoffmann Alana , Winkler Jürgen , Wegner Michael , Haase Stefanie , Linker Ralf A.
Published: November 2021

Recently, oligodendrocytes (Ol) have been attributed potential immunomodulatory effects. Yet, the exact mode of interaction with pathogenic CNS infiltrating lymphocytes remains unclear. Here, we attempt to dissect mechanisms of Ol modulation during neuroinflammation and characterize the interaction of Ol with pathogenic T cells. RNA expression analysis revealed an upregulation of immune‐modulatory genes and adhesion molecules (AMs), ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, in Ol when isolated from mice undergoing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). To explore whether AMs are involved in the interaction of Ol with infiltrating T cells, we performed co‐culture studies on mature Ol and Th1 cells. Live cell imaging analysis showed direct interaction between both cell types. Eighty percentage of Th1 cells created contacts with Ol that lasted longer than 15 min, which may be regarded as physiologically relevant. Exposure of Ol to Th1 cells or their supernatant resulted in a significant extension of Ol processes, and upregulation of AMs as well as other immunomodulatory genes. Our observations indicate that blocking of oligodendroglial ICAM‐1 can reduce the number of Th1 cells initially contacting the Ol. These results suggest that AMs may play a role in the interaction between Ol and Th1 cells. We identified Ol interacting with CD4+ cells in vivo in spinal cord tissue of EAE diseased mice indicating that our in vitro findings are of interest to further scientific research in this field. Further characterization and understanding of Ol interaction with infiltrating cells may lead to new therapeutic strategies enhancing Ol protection and remyelination potential. Oligodendrocytes regulate immune modulatory genes and adhesion molecules during autoimmune neuroinflammation Oligodendrocytes interact with Th1 cells in vitro in a physiologically relevant manner Adhesion molecules may be involved in Ol‐Th1 cell interaction.
Natural MHD convection for an impulsively started infinite vertical plate with diffusion‐thermo effect, induced magnetic field, and ramped wall temperature and concentration
Authors: Ahmed Nazibuddin , Gohain Dipunja
Published: November 2021

The major motive of the current investigation is to analyze an exact solution for an unsteady magnetohydrodynamics natural convective flow of a viscous incompressible electrically conducting non‐gray optically thick fluid past an impulsively started infinite vertical plate with ramped wall temperature and concentration in the presence of radiation, diffusion‐thermo effect, and induced magnetic field. Laplace transform method is used to acquire the specific solutions of the dimensionless domain equations. The impact of various physical parameters on fluid velocities, temperature, concentration, and moreover on the rate of heat transfer, mass transfer, and skin friction at the wall are shown graphically. It is also found that the Dufour effect causes an increase in fluid velocity as well as temperature. The ramped condition influences the rise in Nusselt number.
Abdominal hysterectomy and high frailty score are associated with complications among older patients
Authors: Wainger Julia J. , Yazdy Golsa M. , Handa Victoria L.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate effects of frailty and hysterectomy route on 30‐day postoperative morbidity for older hysterectomy patients.

Methods

Participants included patients in the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database aged 60 years or older and undergoing simple hysterectomy from 2014 to 2018. The Five‐Factor Modified Frailty Index approximated frailty: women with scores of 3 or more, indicating more severe comorbidities, were considered frail. Logistic regression multivariable models with and without an interaction term were used to study the independent and interactive effects of frailty and route on postoperative complications.

Results

Of 19 888 hysterectomies, 4356 (21.9%) were abdominal, 13 382 (67%) were laparoscopic, and 2150 (10.8%) were vaginal, with 251 (1.3%) frail patients. Frailty (odds ratio [OR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–2.70, P = 0.001) and abdominal versus laparoscopic hysterectomy (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.88–2.45, P < 0.001) increased complication odds. Assessing interaction, complication odds for abdominal versus laparoscopic hysterectomy were higher for frail patients (OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.96–8.67, P < 0.001) versus non‐frail patients (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.84–2.40).

Conclusion

Frail older patients have increased risk for hysterectomy complications, especially with abdominal hysterectomy versus laparoscopic hysterectomy. A frailty index can be a useful preoperative tool to guide counseling and route choice.
Risk of Bleeding Associated With Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drug Use in Patients Exposed to Antithrombotic Therapy: A Case‐Crossover Study
Authors: Paternoster Morgane , Steichen Olivier , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Blanchon Thierry , Rossignol Louise , Vilcu Ana‐Maria , Launay Titouan , Sarazin Marianne , Bagheri Haleh , Conte Cécile , Turbelin Clément , Hanslik Thomas , Souty Cécile
Published: November 2021

Concomitant nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and antithrombotic drug use is associated with an increased risk of bleeding, mainly gastrointestinal. The goal of this study was to quantify the transient increase in the risk of hospitalization for bleeding associated with NSAID use in patients treated with antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants. We performed a unidirectional case‐crossover study using the EGB (Échantillon généraliste de bénéficiaires), a permanent random sample of the French nationwide health database. Patients receiving antithrombotic therapy and hospitalized for bleeding between 2009 and 2017 were included. We compared their NSAID exposure during a 15‐day hazard window immediately before hospital admission to 3 earlier 15‐day control windows. The risk of hospitalization for bleeding associated with the recent use of NSAIDs was estimated using conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs). During the study period, 33 patients treated with anticoagulants and 253 treated with antiplatelet agents received NSAIDs and were included in the case‐crossover analysis. We found an increased risk of hospitalization for gastrointestinal bleeding after exposure to NSAIDs, with an adjusted OR of 3.59 (95%CI, 1.58‐8.17) in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy and 1.44 (95%CI, 1.07‐1.94) in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy. The risk of nongastrointestinal bleeding was also increased after exposure to NSAIDs with an adjusted OR of 2.72 (95%CI, 1.23‐6.04) in patients exposed to anticoagulant therapy. The risk of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal bleeding increases after NSAID use in patients treated with anticoagulants, while the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding increases, but to a lesser extent in those treated with antiplatelets.
Association between gestational diabetes mellitus and periodontitis via the effect of reactive oxygen species in peripheral blood cells
Authors: Bunpeng Nattawan , Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn , Boriboonhirunsarn Chatkoew , Sawangpanyangkura Teerat , Tansriratanawong Kallapat
Published: November 2021

Background

Periodontitis (P) has emerged as a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) through immune cell function alterations, elevated proinflammatory mediators, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). The main objective of present study was to determine associations between pregnancy with and without GDM and P. The secondary objective was to compare ROS production in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) of pregnant women with and without GDM.

Methods

This cross‐sectional case‐control study included 128 pregnant women: 64 with and 64 without GDM. All participants were examined for clinical parameters of GDM and periodontal conditions. Associations between GDM‐related periodontal data and GDM risk were evaluated by multiple logistic regression. PBCs were isolated and cultured. ROS productions in each PBCs types was investigated by flow cytometry with ROS antibodies.

Results

P was significantly more prevalent in pregnant women with GDM than in those without GDM (57.8% versus 37.5%), with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.28, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.12 to 4.64 (P = 0.022). The OR (95% CI) was 2.59 (1.19 to 5.65) (P = 0.017) after adjusting for potential confounding factors, including diabetes mellitus (DM) family history, age ≥30 years, body mass index, and maternal age. ROS levels in all PBCs types were significantly higher in the GDM than in the non‐GDM group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study supported the association between P and GDM and indicated that P may be a risk factor for GDM. High levels of ROS production in the PBCs of pregnant women with GDM emphasized the association with GDM.
Deep‐frying oil induces cytotoxicity, inflammation and apoptosis on intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Li Xue , Nian Bin‐Bin , Tan Chin‐Ping , Liu Yuan‐Fa , Xu Yong‐Jiang
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Deep‐frying oil has been found to cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the molecular mechanism of the effect of deep‐frying palm oil on IBD still remains undetermined.

RESULTS

In the present study, bioinformatics and cell biology were used to investigate the functions and signal pathway enrichments of differentially expressed genes. The bioinformatics analysis of three original microarray datasets (GSE73661, GSE75214 and GSE126124) in the NCBI‐Gene Expression Omnibus database showed 17 down‐regulated genes (logFC < 0) and 2 up‐regulated genes (logFC > 0) existed in the enteritis tissue. Meanwhile, pathway enrichment and protein–protein interaction network analysis suggested that IBD is relevant to cytotoxicity, inflammation and apoptosis. Furthermore, Caco‐2 cells were treated with the main oxidation products of deep‐frying oil‐total polar compounds (TPC) and its components (polymerized triglyceride, oxidized triglycerides and triglyceride degradation products) isolated from deep‐frying oil. The flow cytometry experiment revealed that TPC and its components could induce apoptosis, especially for oxidized triglyceride. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that TPC and its component could induce Caco‐2 cell apoptosis through AQP8/CXCL1/TNIP3/IL‐1.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides fundamental knowledge for understanding the effects of deep‐frying oils on the cytotoxic and inflammatory of Caco‐2 cells, in addition to clarifying the molecular function mechanism of deep‐frying oil in IBD. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quilting following mastectomy reduces seroma, associated complications and health care consumption without impairing patient comfort
Authors: van Zeelst Lotte J. , ten Wolde Britt , van Eekeren Ramon R. J. P. , Volders José H. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Strobbe Luc J. A.
Published: November 2021

Background

An important complication following mastectomy is seroma formation. Quilting, in which skin flaps are sutured to the underlying muscle, is reported to reduce seroma incidence, but might induce pain and impair shoulder function. Main objective is to compare quilting with conventional wound closure, regarding seroma incidence, health care consumption, and patient discomfort.

Methods

In a combined prospective and retrospective study, 254 patients undergoing mastectomy and/or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were included. Patients received quilting sutures or conventional closure. Primary outcome was clinical significant seroma (CSS). In prospectively included patients shoulder function and analgesic use was observed.

Results

CSS incidence was 12.9% in the quilted versus 62.3% in the nonquilted cohort (p < 0.001). Surgical site infections were reported significantly less in the quilted cohort. Duration of hospital stay was shorter and outpatient clinic visits were less in the quilted cohort. Surgical procedure required 10 additional minutes for quilting. No significant differences were observed in postoperative shoulder function and analgesic use.

Conclusion

Quilting following mastectomy reduces CSS incidence. Quilting requires 10 additional minutes during surgery. It facilitates day treatment and results in less additional outpatient clinic visits culminating in reduced health care consumption. Shoulder function and pain are not affected by quilting.
A population‐based study of scoliosis among males diagnosed with a dystrophinopathy identified by the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet)
Authors: Conway Kristin M. , Gedlinske Amber , Mathews Katherine D. , Perlman Seth , Johnson Nicholas , Butterfield Russell , Hung Man , Bounsanga Jerry , Matthews Dennis , Oleszek Joyce , Romitti Paul A.
Published: November 2021

Introduction/Aims

Scoliosis is a common comorbidity among individuals diagnosed with a dystrophinopathy. We examined associations between clinical predictors and scoliosis in childhood‐onset dystrophinopathy.

Methods

The progression and treatment of scoliosis were obtained from data collected by the US population‐based Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network. Associations between loss of independent ambulation (LoA) and corticosteroid use and scoliosis outcomes (ages at or exceeding Cobb angle thresholds [10°, 20°, 30°]; surgery) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier curve estimation and extended Cox regression modeling.

Results

We analyzed curvature data for 513 of 1054 individuals ascertained. Overall, approximately one‐half had at least one radiograph and one‐quarter had a curvature of at least 20°. The average maximum curvature was 25.0° (SD = 21.5°) among all individuals and 42.8° (SD = 18.8°) among those recommended for surgery. Higher adjusted hazards ratio of curvature (aHR(curvature) [95% confidence interval]) were found among individuals with LoA compared to those without LoA (aHR(10) = 6.2 [4.4, 8.7], aHR(20) = 15.3 [7.4, 31.7], aHR(30) = 31.6 [7.7, 128.9]), among individuals who did not use corticosteroids compared to those who did (aHR(10) = 1.2 [0.9, 1.7], aHR(20) = 1.8 [1.1, 2.7], aHR(30) = 2.3 [1.3, 4.0]), and among non‐ambulatory individuals who used corticosteroids after LoA compared to those who did not (aHR(10) = 1.8 [1.2, 2.8], aHR(20) = 1.6 [1.0, 2.6], aHR(30) = 3.6 [1.6, 7.9]). Scoliosis surgery among individuals with LoA who did not use corticosteroids was more than double compared to those who used (aHR = 2.3 [1.3, 4.2]).

Discussion

Our retrospective observational study suggests corticosteroids may delay spinal curvature progression and need for scoliosis surgery. Continuing corticosteroids after LoA also showed potential benefits of delaying curvature progression, additional studies are needed to confirm this finding or address the magnitude of benefit.
Four‐dimensional ultrasound biometry following botulinum toxin type A injection to the pelvic floor
Authors: Nesbitt‐Hawes Erin M. , Dietz Hans Peter , Ledger William L. , Abbott Jason A.
Published: November 2021

Aims

The objective of this study was to provide follow‐up data on four‐dimensional ultrasound (4DUS) morphometry for women having botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) treatment of pelvic floor tension myalgia (PFTM).

Materials and Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed from October 2013 to June 2018, recruiting women scheduled for BoNT‐A injection in the pelvic floor musculature. Translabial 4DUS, vaginal pressure assessment by manometry and pain visual analog scales (VAS) were performed on all women before injection and again at 4, 12, and 26 weeks. The BoNT‐A injection was performed under 4DUS guidance.

Results

Twenty‐nine women had 44 injections over the course of the study. Although improvements were seen in VAS scores for dysmenorrhea, nonmenstrual pelvic pain, and dyspareunia, there were no significant differences in ultrasound biometry at either rest, Valsalva, or on contraction when comparing postinjection measurements at 4, 12, and 26 weeks with pre‐injection baseline. Similarly, vaginal pressure readings at rest demonstrated a significant improvement throughout the 4, 12, and 26 week follow‐up, with a reduction in maximal contraction at 4 and 12 but not 26 weeks.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that 4DUS biometry of the pelvic floor does not correlate with clinical pain and vaginal pressure outcomes for BoNT‐A injection in the context of PFTM.
An augmenting‐flow algorithm for a class of node‐capacitated maximum flow problems
Authors: Curry Robert M. , Smith J. Cole
Published: November 2021

We consider a class of maximum flow problems (MFPs) having node‐ and arc‐capacity constraints, in which each unit of flow on arcconsumes a positive amount of capacity at nodei. This problem arises in wireless sensor network optimization applications, where node capacities refer to sensor energy limits. This version of the MFP is traditionally solved using linear programming due to the presence of the complicating node‐capacity constraints. As an alternative scheme, we prescribe an approach for this problem based on augmenting flows along paths and cycles, showing why sending flows on augmenting cycles becomes necessary in this class of problems. Although our augmenting flow algorithm ultimately requires the solution of auxiliary linear programs, we demonstrate the computational advantages of our approach on randomly generated test instances.
Inverting the Parameters of RDD Explosion Source Based on Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Explosion Cloud
Authors: Duan Zhong‐Shan , Lin Yuan‐Ye , Wu Ya‐Li , Feng Xiao‐Jie , Gong Ming‐Fu , Guo Hui‐Ping , Lv Jin‐Xu
Published: November 2021

In order to invert the explosion equivalent and cloud top height of “Radiological Dispersal Device”(RDD) by cloud distribution, we firstly analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of the cloud uplift of explosive experiments and revealed that the height of the explosion cloud increased with time according to a power function and this relationship was of certain stability. Based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental proof, we further characterized cloud distribution of 12 TNT explosions, analyzed the diffusion patterns and parameters change of the cloud, and established a calculation model of cloud top height and equivalent of a radiological dispersal device by fitting. Finally, a calculation model for the inversion of explosion equivalent and height based on the temporal and spatial parameters of the cloud was constructed using the generalized regression neural network (GRNN) data‐driven algorithm, and verified by six different explosion tests with different equivalent. The results showed the explosion equivalent and height could be quickly inverted by combining the high dynamic information of the explosion cloud at the visual stage with the nonlinear regression mathematical method. The average error of the inverted explosion equivalent and height were 12.3 % and 7.1 % respectively compared with the experimental ones, indicating that the calculation model can be used for off‐site rapid detection, early warning and evaluation of unknown explosion source.
Using Surface Grooves on Propellant Grain to Control the Erosive Burning in Solid Rocket Motors
Authors: Mahdi Tahsini Amir , Karam Ghareh Gheshlaghi Maziar , Razzaghi Behrooz
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to introduce a new technique to eliminate the erosive burning phenomenon in solid rocket motors. The erosive burning which occurs in motors with high volumetric loadings and small port to throat area ratios, has some disadvantages like an early phase over‐pressure and exposing the rocket chamber casing by hot combustion gas flows. The innovative simple practical method is based on the geometrical treatment of the propellant grain, locating some grooves on the surface at its aft‐end, to reduce the rate of the heat transfer into the burning surface where the erosive burning is likely to occur. The numerical analysis of the flow on the grooved wall is utilized to physically explain the correctness of this idea, and the quasi‐one‐dimensional simulation of the internal ballistics of the solid rocket motor is performed to demonstrate the effect of grooves on the performance map of the motor. The results show that by using this suggested simple technique, the designer can eliminate the erosive burning and improve the motor‘s performance maps.
Influence of Noise–Anharmonicity Interplay on a Few Physical Properties of Quantum Dots
Authors: Arif Sk. Md. , Roy Debi , Ghosh Manas
Published: November 2021

Herein, a meticulous inspection of the tuning of a few important physical properties of quantum dots (QDs), arising out of the subtle interplay between Gaussian white noise (GWN) and anharmonicity, is performed. The physical properties considered are dipole moment, polarizability, Stark shift, magnetic susceptibility, binding energy, interband emission energy, and time‐average excitation rate. The pathway of the introduction of noise (additive/multiplicative) to the QD system, coupled with the symmetry (odd/even) of the anharmonic potential present in the system produces delicate and diverse features in the aforementioned physical properties. These physical attributes consist of monotonic growth, monotonic decline, maximization, minimization, and saturation in these physical properties modulated by different extents of the interplay between the noise mode and the symmetry of the anharmonicity. The study holds relevance in view of potential technological applications of QDs under the simultaneous influence of anharmonic potential and noise.
Resistively Detected NMR Lineshapes in a Local Filling ν<1 Quantum Hall Breakdown
Authors: Fauzi Mohammad H. , Sobue Takeshi , Noorhidayati Annisa , Sato Ken , Hashimoto Katsushi , Hirayama Yoshiro
Published: November 2021

Resistively‐detected nuclear magnetic resonance (RDNMR) is a unique characterization method enabling highly sensitive NMR detection for a single quantum nanostructure, such as a quantum point contact (QPC). In many studies, dynamic nuclear polarization and RDNMR detection are used in a quantum Hall breakdown regime of a local QPC filling factor of 1 (νqpc = 1). However, the RDNMR lineshapes are complicated and still not fully understood yet. Herein, the nuclear spins are systematically polarized by current pumping from the close vicinity of the νqpc = 1 conductance plateau all the way down to pinch‐off point, providing clear evidence that the spin‐flip scattering between two edge channels at the lowest Landau level still occurs in the constriction even when it is close to the pinch off point. The collected RDNMR spectra reveal two sets of distinguished features. First, in a strong to intermediate tunneling regime, we observe an ordinary resistance dip lineshape with snake‐like transition frequencies, indicative of spatial modulation of electron density in the QPC. Second, in a weak tunneling regime, the spectrum turns into a dispersive lineshape, which is interpreted due to the build‐up of two sets of nuclear spin polarization that are in contact with different electron spin polarization.
Detection of interannual ensemble forecast signals over the North Atlantic and Europe using atmospheric circulation regimes
Authors: Falkena Swinda K.J. , de Wiljes Jana , Weisheimer Antje , Shepherd Theodore G.
Published: November 2021

To study the forced variability of atmospheric circulation regimes, the use of model ensembles is often necessary for identifying statistically significant signals as the observed data constitute a small sample and are thus strongly affected by the noise associated with sampling uncertainty. However, the regime representation is itself affected by noise within the atmosphere, which can make it difficult to detect robust signals. To this end we employ a regularised k‐means clustering algorithm to better identify the signal in a model ensemble. The approach allows for the identification of six regimes for the wintertime Euro‐Atlantic sector and leads to more pronounced regime dynamics, compared to results without regularisation, both overall and on sub‐seasonal and interannual time‐scales. We find that sub‐seasonal variability in the regime occurrence rates is mainly explained by changes in the seasonal cycle of the mean climatology. On interannual time‐scales relations between the occurrence rates of the regimes and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are identified. The use of six regimes captures a more detailed response of the circulation to ENSO compared to the common use of four regimes. Predictable signals in occurrence rate on interannual time‐scales are found for the two zonal flow regimes, namely a regime consisting of a negative geopotential height anomaly over the Norwegian Sea and Scandinavia, and the positive phase of the NAO. The signal strength for these regimes is comparable between observations and model, in contrast to that of the NAO‐index where the signal strength in the observations is underestimated by a factor of 2 in the model. Our regime analysis suggests that this signal‐to‐noise problem for the NAO‐index is primarily related to those atmospheric flow patterns associated with the negative NAO‐index as we find poor predictability for the corresponding NAO regime.
Formamidinium dopant effects on double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6
Authors: Zhang Cai‐Rong , Chen Hong , Liu Zi‐Jiang , Zhang Mei‐Ling , Wang Wei , Wu You‐Zhi , Chen Hong‐Shan
Published: November 2021

The optoelectronic properties of formamidinium CH(NH2)2+ (FA) doped double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 with corresponding formula Cs1.875FA0.125AgBiBr6 were investigated based on electronic structures and supercell models. The dopant formation energies, tolerance and octahedral factors support the doped structures are stable. FA dopant increases band gap about 0.15 eV without introducing dopant states in gap, but also increases the reduced effective masses, exciton binding energies, and elastic constants. However, it decreases exciton energies and charge carrier mobilities. Though the energy barriers among the different FA orientations in Cs1.875FA0.125AgBiBr6 are quite small (<30 meV), FA orientations in doped systems can remarkably impact on electron and hole mobilities.
Behavior and process of background signal formation of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in silicon wafers during depth profiling using dual‐beam TOF‐SIMS
Authors: Sameshima Junichiro , Numao Shigenori
Published: November 2021

The behavior and mechanism of background signals during depth profiling of atmospheric elements using dual‐beam time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) have been experimentally investigated for silicon wafers. The background signals of atmospheric elements were found to be inversely proportional to the sputtering rate. Most of the background signals are largely attributable to the accumulation of components through adsorption and ion bombardment in the pre‐equilibrium state. On the other hand, the contribution of real‐time adsorption during the instant after the last sputtering in the equilibrium state is negligible under the present experimental conditions. H2O is dominant in the background formation process of hydrogen and oxygen, which is supported by the higher adsorption coefficients. The background levels of carbon and nitrogen are lower than those of hydrogen and oxygen. Furthermore, the background signal of carbon with respect to the sputtering rate shows a different trend than the other elements. This could be attributed to accumulation in the pre‐equilibrium state. These results indicate that the background levels can be lowered close to those of dynamic‐SIMS by using an extremely high sputtering rate in dual‐beam TOF‐SIMS.