bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Position‐Scanning Peptide Libraries as Particle Immunogens for Improving CD8+ T‐Cell Responses
Authors: He Xuedan , Zhou Shiqi , Quinn Breandan , Huang Wei‐Chiao , Jahagirdar Dushyant , Vega Michael , Ortega Joaquin , Long Mark D. , Ito Fumito , Abrams Scott I. , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: October 2021

Short peptides reflecting major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC‐I) epitopes frequently lack sufficient immunogenicity to induce robust antigen (Ag)‐specific CD8+ T cell responses. In the current work, it is demonstrated that position‐scanning peptide libraries themselves can serve as improved immunogens, inducing Ag‐specific CD8+ T cells with greater frequency and function than the wild‐type epitope. The approach involves displaying the entire position‐scanning library onto immunogenic nanoliposomes. Each library contains the MHC‐I epitope with a single randomized position. When a recently identified MHC‐I epitope in the glycoprotein gp70 envelope protein of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) is assessed, only one of the eight positional libraries tested, randomized at amino acid position 5 (Pos5), shows enhanced induction of Ag‐specific CD8+ T cells. A second MHC‐I epitope from gp70 is assessed in the same manner and shows, in contrast, multiple positional libraries (Pos1, Pos3, Pos5, and Pos8) as well as the library mixture give rise to enhanced CD8+ T cell responses. The library mixture Pos1‐3‐5‐8 induces a more diverse epitope‐specific T‐cell repertoire with superior antitumor efficacy compared to an established single mutation mimotope (AH1‐A5). These data show that positional peptide libraries can serve as immunogens for improving CD8+ T‐cell responses against endogenously expressed MHC‐I epitopes.
State‐of‐the‐Art Advancements in Photocatalytic Hydrogenation: Reaction Mechanism and Recent Progress in Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF)‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Guo Mengya , Zhang Mingwei , Liu Runze , Zhang Xiangwen , Li Guozhu
Published: October 2021

Photocatalytic hydrogenation provides an effective alternative way for the synthesis of industrial chemicals to meet the economic and environment expectations. Especially, over the past few years, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), featured with tunable structure, porosity, and crystallinity, have been significantly developed as many high‐performance catalysts in the field of photocatalysis. In this review, the background and development of photocatalytic hydrogenation are systemically summarized. In particular, the comparison between photocatalysis and thermal catalysis, and the fundamental understanding of photohydrogenation, including reaction pathways, reducing species, regulation of selectivity, and critical parameters of light, are proposed. Moreover, this review highlights the advantages of MOFs‐based photocatalysts in the area of photohydrogenation. Typical effective strategies for modifying MOFs‐based composites to produce their advantages are concluded. The recent progress in the application of various types of MOFs‐based photocatalysts for photohydrogenation of unsaturated organic chemicals and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is summarized and discussed in detail. Finally, a brief conclusion and personal perspective on current challenges and future developments of photocatalytic hydrogenation processes and MOFs‐based photocatalysts are also highlighted.
Single‐Material Organic Solar Cells Based on Small Molecule Homojunctions: An Outdated Concept or a New Challenge for the Chemistry and Physics of Organic Photovoltaics?
Authors: Roncali Jean
Published: October 2021

Single‐material organic solar cells (SMOSCs) are on the forefront of research on organic photovoltaics (OPV). The generic term of SMOSCs encompasses a large variety of chemical structures implying very different basic concepts. Polydisperse «double cable» polymers and oligomers with acceptor groups linked to the conjugated backbone by a flexible spacer and donor–acceptor block copolymers are at present, the most investigated and efficient systems with spectacular progress in conversion efficiency achieved in the past 2–3 years. However, besides this mainstream SMOSCs research, a few recent publications describe OPV cells constituted of homojunctions based on small π‐conjugated molecules. While the process of charge generation in such systems is still a matter of debate due in particular to the possible direct photogeneration of charge–carriers, devices with significant performance have been recently reported. After a brief overview of the most recent advances on the various types of SMOSCs, recent remarkable results on homojunction OPV cells based on small π‐conjugated molecules are discussed in order to highlight the potential fundamental and technological interest of this emerging field of research.
Natural History of Leigh Syndrome: A Study of Disease Burden and Progression
Authors: Lim Albert Z. , Ng Yi Shiau , Blain Alasdair , Jiminez‐Moreno Cecilia , Alston Charlotte L. , Nesbitt Victoria , Simmons Louise , Santra Saikat , Wassmer Evangeline , Blakely Emma L. , Turnbull Doug M. , Taylor Robert W. , Gorman Gráinne S. , McFarland Robert
Published: October 2021

Objective

This observational cohort study aims to quantify disease burden over time, establish disease progression rates, and identify factors that may determine the disease course of Leigh syndrome.

Methods

Seventy‐two Leigh syndrome children who completed the Newcastle Paediatric Mitochondrial Disease Scale (NPMDS) at baseline at 3.7 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.0–7.6) and follow‐up assessments at 7.5 years (IQR = 3.7–11.0) in clinics were enrolled. Eighty‐two percent of this cohort had a confirmed genetic diagnosis, with pathogenic variants in the MT‐ATP6 and SURF1 genes being the most common cause. The total NPMDS scores denoted mild (0–14), moderate (15–25), and severe (>25) disease burden. Detailed clinical, neuroradiological, and molecular genetic findings were also analyzed.

Results

The median total NPMDS scores rose significantly (Z = −6.9, p < 0.001), and the percentage of children with severe disease burden doubled (22% → 42%) over 2.6 years of follow‐up. Poor function (especially mobility, self‐care, communication, feeding, and education) and extrapyramidal features contributed significantly to the disease burden (τb ≈ 0.45–0.68, p < 0.001). These children also deteriorated to wheelchair dependence (31% → 57%), exclusive enteral feeding (22% → 46%), and one‐to‐one assistance for self‐care (25% → 43%) during the study period. Twelve children (17%) died after their last NPMDS scores were recorded. These children had higher follow‐up NPMDS scores (disease burden; p < 0.001) and steeper increase in NPMDS score per annum (disease progression; p < 0.001). Other predictors of poor outcomes include SURF1 gene variants (p < 0.001) and bilateral caudate changes on neuroimaging (p < 0.01).

Interpretation

This study has objectively defined the disease burden and progression of Leigh syndrome. Our analysis has also uncovered potential influences on the trajectory of this neurodegenerative condition. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:117–130
Transport of Molecular Cargo by Interaction with Virus‐Like Particle RNA
Authors: Das Soumen , Yau Mei‐Kwan , Noble Jeffery , De Pascalis Lucrezia , Finn M. G.
Published: October 2021

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) derived from Leviviridae virions contain substantial amounts of cellular and plasmid‐derived RNA. This encapsidated polynucleotide serves as a reservoir for the efficient binding of the intercalating dye thiazole orange (TO). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules and oligopeptides of varying length, end‐functionalized with TO, were loaded into VLPs up to approximately 50 % of the mass of the capsid protein (hundreds to thousands of cargo molecules per particle, depending on size). The kinetics of TO–PEG binding included a significant entropic cost for the reptation of long chains through the capsid pores. Cargo molecules were released over periods of 20–120 hours following simple reversible first‐order kinetics in most cases. These observations define a simple general method for the noncovalent packaging, and subsequent release, of functional molecules inside nucleoprotein nanocages in a manner independent of modifications to the capsid protein.
Combined Precursor Engineering and Grain Anchoring Leading to MA‐Free, Phase‐Pure, and Stable α‐Formamidinium Lead Iodide Perovskites for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Ling Xufeng , Zhu Hongwei , Xu Weidong , Liu Cheng , Pan Linfeng , Ren Dan , Yuan Jianyu , Larson Bryon W. , Grätzel Carole , Kirmani Ahmad R. , Ouellette Olivier , Krishna Anurag , Sun Jianguo , Zhang Chunyang , Li Youyong , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Gao Jing , Liu Yuhang , Durrant James R. , Luther Joseph M. , Ma Wanli , Grätzel Michael
Published: October 2021

α‐Formamidinium lead iodide (α‐FAPbI3) is one of the most promising candidate materials for high‐efficiency and thermally stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) owing to its outstanding optoelectrical properties and high thermal stability. However, achieving a stable form of α‐FAPbI3 where both the composition and the phase are pure is very challenging. Herein, we report on a combined strategy of precursor engineering and grain anchoring to successfully prepare methylammonium (MA)‐free and phase‐pure stable α‐FAPbI3 films. The incorporation of volatile FA‐based additives in the precursor solutions completely suppresses the formation of non‐perovskite δ‐FAPbI3 during film crystallization. Grains of the desired α‐phase are anchored together and stabilized when 4‐tert‐butylbenzylammonium iodide is permeated into the α‐FAPbI3 film interior via grain boundaries. This cooperative scheme leads to a significantly increased efficiency close to 21 % for FAPbI3 perovskite solar cells. Moreover, the stabilized PSCs exhibit improved thermal stability and maintained ≈90 % of their initial efficiency after storage at 50 °C for over 1600 hours.
Kinetic model for the esterification of free fatty acids from palm oil with methanol using sulfuric acid as catalyst and sensitivity analysis in tubular reactors
Authors: Serrano‐Bermúdez Luis Miguel , Monroy‐Peña Camilo Antonio , Moreno Darío , Abril Andrés , Imbachi Niño Anderson D. , Martínez Riascos Carlos Arturo , Buitrago Hurtado Gustavo , Narváez Rincón Paulo Cesar
Published: November 2021

Industrial biodiesel production from crude palm oil (CPO) by homogeneous transesterification requires some conditioning stages. One is deodorization, where free fatty acids (FFA) are stripped out from the CPO. The FFA from the deodorizer is esterified using a homogeneous acid catalyst to produce more biodiesel and improve process profitability. This work studied the sulfuric acid‐catalyzed esterification of FFA with methanol. The factors evaluated were temperature (between 40 and 60°C) and catalyst concentration (between 0.15 and 1.5 wt% based on the mixture). The parameters of a reversible second‐order kinetic model were adjusted from experimental data using a genetic algorithm. The kinetic model, which adequately represents the esterification reaction, according to the Fisher–Snedecor test, was used to perform a sensitivity analysis in isothermal, adiabatic, and non‐isolated continuous tubular esterification reactors using ASPEN HYSYS V10. The results showed that the highest conversion (~96%) was predicted using an isothermal reactor. However, its installation and operational costs could also be the highest. An adiabatic reactor was preferred, which optimal conversion of 94.5% was predicted at temperature, catalyst concentration, residence time, and methanol‐to‐FFA molar ratio of 140°C, 0.3 wt%, 47 min, and 6.7, respectively, its predicted operational cost was 0.63 dollars per biodiesel kilogram. Therefore, the adjusted and validated model has a relevant importance in the biofuel sector, not only in Colombia, but also worldwide.
Living under threat: Will one of the last Pinna nobilis populations be able to survive?
Authors: Nebot‐Colomer Elisabet , Álvarez Elvira , Belando Maria Dolores , Deudero Salud , Catanese Gaetano , Bernardeau‐Esteller Jaime , García‐Muñoz Rocío , Ramos‐Segura Aranzazu , Ruiz Juan Manuel , Vázquez‐Luis Maite
Published: November 2021

The critically endangered fan mussel Pinna nobilis, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, faces a drastic population decline all over the Mediterranean Sea owing to an infectious disease.

Coastal lagoons represent one of this species’ last reservoirs; thus, knowledge of the population conservation status in these ecosystems is essential.

An extensive monitoring programme was conducted during 2014, 2017 and 2019 in the Mar Menor lagoon, a highly eutrophicated lagoon from Spain. On average, 32,535 m2 have been surveyed each year to determine population densities, distributions and size structures.

The cumulative impacts produced by intensive agriculture activity around the lagoon, together with a catastrophic meteorological phenomenon that occurred in 2019, have triggered a significant decline in fan mussel population densities and in population mean shell sizes over the years. Additionally, some fan mussels were infected by the protozoan Haplosporidium pinnae.

Therefore, the current P. nobilis population from the Mar Menor is mainly composed of young individuals in specific areas that are facing an extreme situation. Urgent management and conservation actions focused on restoring the ecosystem and protecting P. nobilis individuals are urgently needed, together with reinforcement projects to increase the species’ stock in one of its last reservoirs.
Emergence of verbal responses using instructive feedback: A replication and extension
Authors: Tullis Christopher A. , Gibbs Ashley R. , Priester Jocelyn , Tillem Alix
Published: October 2021

Few studies have investigated the potential of instructive feedback (IF) procedures to result in the emergence of novel‐related verbal responses. Furthermore, few studies have directly assessed the role self‐echoic behavior may have in IF procedures. The current replication and extension evaluated the effects of IF procedures during unmastered primary target trials on the emergence of novel verbal responses. All learners acquired primary, secondary, and related, but unpresented, verbal responses, and maintained responding for 2 months. These results extend the IF literature by providing evidence that IF may facilitate the emergence of novel verbal responses during skill acquisition.
The nexuses between transformational leadership and employee green organisational citizenship behaviour: Role of environmental attitude and green dedication
Authors: Khan Ali Nawaz , Khan Naseer Abbas
Published: November 2021

Organisations' green human resources, production processes and other processes would be better positioned to meet the rising challenge of global warming if organisations follow an extensive environmental sustainability and behavioural norms and strategy. In so doing, this article looks at the influence of transformational leadership on employee green dedication and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) via green dedication in two different studies from two different industries (construction and manufacturing). Study 1 aims to investigate the mediating role of green dedication in linking transformational leadership to employees' green OCB using cross‐sectional data. Study 2 used the same research model as study 1 but with the addition of a moderator (environmental attitude) to affect the impact of transformational leadership on employee green OCB through employee dedication using the time lag approach. In studies 1 and 2, we collected data in supervisor–employee dyad from construction firms and manufacturing enterprises, respectively. The findings of study 1 indicated that transformational leadership has a significant impact on employee green OCB. Green dedication was also found to significantly mediate the association between transformational leadership and employee green OCB. The findings of study 2 showed that environmental attitude moderated significantly the association between transformational leadership and green dedication. This article provides useful insights for environmental researchers, managers and policymakers to reform human resource practices to encourage green organisational citizenship behaviour at work.
Analysis of tradeoffs between purification factor and yield for high‐performance countercurrent membrane purification for protein separations
Authors: Yehl Christopher J. , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: October 2021

High‐performance countercurrent membrane purification (HPCMP) has recently been presented as a new approach for protein separations, exploiting differences in diffusive transport across a semipermeable membrane to achieve high selectivity for protein separations. This study presents a set of design equations and diagrams that describe the tradeoff between the yield and purification factor in HPCMP processes in terms of two parametric variables: the diffusive membrane selectivity and the ratio of the draw to bulk solution flow rates. Conditions are identified that provide the high yields and purification factors of interest in bioprocessing. In addition, hydrodynamic models for solute transport were used to evaluate the selectivity as a function of the membrane pore size distribution for purely size‐based separations. Model calculations demonstrate that diffusive transport provides significantly greater selectivity than traditional pressure‐driven membrane separations for the same pore size distribution due to differences in hindered transport rates for diffusion and convection. These results provide a framework that can be used for the development of HPCMP processes for highly selective protein separations.
Direct Enzymatic Synthesis of Fatty Amines from Renewable Triglycerides and Oils
Authors: Citoler Joan , Finnigan William , Bevinakatti Han , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: November 2021

Fatty amines represent an important class of commodity chemicals which have broad applicability in different industries. The synthesis of fatty amines starts from renewable sources such as vegetable oils or animal fats, but the process has multiple drawbacks that compromise the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the synthesis. Herein, we report a proof‐of‐concept biocatalytic alternative towards the synthesis of primary fatty amines from renewable triglycerides and oils. By coupling a lipase with a carboxylic acid reductase (CAR) and a transaminase (TA), we have accomplished the direct synthesis of multiple medium and long chain primary fatty amines in one pot with analytical yields as high as 97 %. We have also performed a 75 mL preparative scale reaction for the synthesis of laurylamine from trilaurin, obtaining 73 % isolated yield.
Acid‐Catalyzed RNA‐Oligomerization from 3’,5’‐cGMP
Authors: Wunnava Sreekar , Dirscherl Christina F. , Výravský Jakub , Kovařík Aleš , Matyášek Roman , Šponer Jiří , Braun Dieter , Šponer Judit E.
Published: November 2021

The assembly of ancient informational polymers from nucleotide precursors is the central challenge of life's origin on our planet. Among the possible solutions, dry polymerization of 3’,5’‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (3’,5’‐cGMP) has been proposed as a candidate to create oligonucleotides of 15–20 units in length. However, the reported sensitivity of the reaction to the presence of cations raised questions of whether this chemistry could be relevant in a geological context. The experiments in this study show that the presence of cations is not restrictive as long as the reaction is conducted in an acidic environment, in contrast to previous reports that suggested optimal conditions at pH 9.
Adenine Modification at C7 as a Viable Strategy to Potentiate the Antimalarial Activity of Quinolones
Authors: Kurian Jais , Kumari Varsha , Chaluvalappil Saheer V. , Anas Mohammad , Manhas Ashan , Kalluruttimmal Ramshad , Kumar Niti , Manheri Muraleedharan K.
Published: October 2021

Although many quinolones have shown promise as potent antimalarials, their clinical development has been slow due to poor performance in vivo. Insights into structural modifications that can improve their therapeutic potential will be very valuable in this vibrant area of research. Our studies involving a library of quinolones which vary in substitution pattern at N1, C3, C6 and C7 positions have shown that the presence of adenine moiety at C7 can bring a noticeable improvement in activity compared to other heterocyclic groups at this location. The most potent compound emerged from this study showed IC50 values of 0.38 μM and 0.75 μM against chloroquine‐sensitive and ‐resistant (W2) strains, respectively. Docking analysis in the Qo site of cytochrome bc1 complex revealed the contribution of a key H‐bonding interaction from the adenine unit in target binding. This corroborates with compound‐induced loss of mitochondrial functions. These findings not only open avenues for further exploration of antimalarial potential of adenine‐modified quinolones, but also suggests broader opportunities during lead‐optimization against other antimalarial targets.
Parameter optimization design and performance analysis of filter‐integrated switched boost grid‐connected inverter
Authors: Liu Shuo , Zhou Xu , Li Jianlin , Yang Liyong
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a filter‐integrated switched boost grid‐connected inverter by coupling switched boost network between inverter bridge and power grid, which can effectively solve the inherent resonance peak problem of LCL filter. Meanwhile, the proposed topology can realize boost function at AC side, which can effectively avoid the problem of excessive voltage stress caused by the boost at the DC side. Due to the design of the parameters in the control system will affect the effect of resonance spike damping, it will also affect the harmonic content of the grid‐connected current. Based on the stability margin and steady‐state error of the system, combined with the characteristics of the system regulator, the parameter selection area that meets the system requirements is drawn in this paper, and the optimization of the system parameter design method is realized. Finally, the function of the circuit is verified by building an experimental platform.
Solitary cutaneous metastasis from an ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma at the initial presentation: Cytologic diagnosis of a rare manifestation
Authors: Kaur Amarjot , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Rai Bhavana
Published: October 2021

Cutaneous metastasis can rarely be the first manifestation of visceral malignancies and is commonly seen in advanced‐stage malignancies. It is infrequently seen in patients with ovarian malignancies and may develop either late in the course of the disease or at the initial presentation. Such cases are often associated with poor prognosis, and a prompt, precise tissue diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management and better clinical outcome. Herein, we present a case of cutaneous metastasis in a young woman with an undiagnosed abdominopelvic mass that was diagnosed as metastatic high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) on fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) supplemented by immunocytochemistry (ICC) on the cell block. The index case documents a unique and rare metastatic presentation of ovarian HGSC, as non‐Sister Mary Joseph anterior abdominal wall nodule, at the initial presentation. Additionally, it highlights the utility of minimally‐invasive FNA combined with ICC in prompt and accurate preoperative diagnosis of an underlying ovarian malignancy.
Electrically driven microfluidic platforms for exosome manipulation and characterization
Authors: Diaz‐Armas Gladys G. , Cervantes‐Gonzalez Ana P. , Martinez‐Duarte Rodrigo , Perez‐Gonzalez Victor H.
Published: October 2021

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that can be obtained from several body fluids such as blood and urine. Since these vesicles can carry biomarkers and other cargo, they have application in healthcare diagnostics and therapeutics, such as liquid biopsies and drug delivery. Yet, their identification and separation from a sample remain challenging due to their high degree of heterogeneity and their co‐existence with other bioparticles. In this contribution, we review the state‐of‐the‐art on electrical techniques and methods to displace, selectively trap/isolate, and detect/characterize exosomes in microfluidic devices. Although there are many reviews focused on exosome separation using benchtop equipment, such as ultracentrifugation, there are limited reviews focusing on the use of electrical phenomena in microfluidic devices for exosome manipulation and detection. Here, we highlight contributions published during the past decade and present perspectives for this research field for the near future, outlining challenges to address in years to come.
Modelling of large wood export at a watershed scale
Authors: Komori Daisuke , Sukegawa Yuto , Chaithong Thapthai , Kazama So
Published: October 2021

This study proposed a quantitative model for analysing the mass balance of large wood and its export on an annual scale at a watershed scale. The study sites are five dam reservoir watersheds of the Kitakami River catchment located in the north‐eastern part of Japan. From analyses on 20 years patterns of actual large wood export to target dam reservoirs, (1) the annual 24‐h maximum rainfall would be a key factor for the annual large wood recruitment, and (2) large wood export characteristics on an annual scale would be based on two relationships. Based on the earlier findings, the model consists of two frameworks: the rainfall‐induced analytical shallow landslide model for the large wood recruitment, and the double storage function with the lumped hydrological method at a watershed scale for the large wood entrainment.

The model was used to re‐analyse 20 years of actual large wood export. The Nash–Sutcliffe values were 0.7 or more, which indicated satisfactory results with high reproductivity of simulation, for large wood export estimated using this model for four among five dam reservoir watersheds. Namely, our results could demonstrate that the landslide or slope failures are a significant procedure of large wood export, and the characteristics of large wood export can be defined by two relationships, which are the direct export of large wood caused by an increase in large wood recruitment with the extreme rainfall event, and the baseflow of large wood, which is mainly old large wood recruitment stored at the slopes and in the stream.
Loss of glutamate transporter eaat2a leads to aberrant neuronal excitability, recurrent epileptic seizures, and basal hypoactivity
Authors: Hotz Adriana L. , Jamali Ahmed , Rieser Nicolas N. , Niklaus Stephanie , Aydin Ecem , Myren‐Svelstad Sverre , Lalla Laetitia , Jurisch‐Yaksi Nathalie , Yaksi Emre , Neuhauss Stephan C. F.
Published: October 2021

Astroglial excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2, GLT‐1, and SLC1A2) regulates the duration and extent of neuronal excitation by removing glutamate from the synaptic cleft. Hence, an impairment in EAAT2 function could lead to an imbalanced brain network excitability. Here, we investigated the functional alterations of neuronal and astroglial networks associated with the loss of function in the astroglia predominant eaat2a gene in zebrafish. We observed that eaat2a−/− mutant zebrafish larvae display recurrent spontaneous and light‐induced seizures in neurons and astroglia, which coincide with an abrupt increase in extracellular glutamate levels. In stark contrast to this hyperexcitability, basal neuronal and astroglial activity was surprisingly reduced in eaat2a−/− mutant animals, which manifested in decreased overall locomotion. Our results reveal an essential and mechanistic contribution of EAAT2a in balancing brain excitability, and its direct link to epileptic seizures.
Management of first‐line palliative chemotherapy for post‐treatment metastasis after gemcitabine plus cisplatin induction chemotherapy: Gemcitabine plus cisplatin and non‐gemcitabine plus cisplatin chemotherapy
Authors: Yang Zhen‐Chong , Du Chao‐Chao , Liu Ting , Liu Li‐Ting , Chen Qiu‐Yan , Guo Shan‐Shan , Mai Hai‐Qiang
Published: October 2021

Background

To evaluate whether patients with post‐treatment metastasis are suitable for GP first‐line palliative chemotherapy (PCT) after undergoing GP IC.

Methods

Seven hundred and forty‐six patients with post‐treatment metastasis after undergoing GP IC were eligible. Survival outcomes were compared.

Results

Significant differences in survival rates were observed between patients treated with GP and non‐GP chemotherapy (2‐year progression‐free survival [PFS]: 0.7% vs. 9.7%). We investigated survival outcomes of patients treated with GP PCT within 2 years after undergoing GP IC, treated with GP PCT 2 years after undergoing GP IC, and those of non‐GP PCT patients (2‐year PFS: 0.0%, 2.3%, 9.7%). However, there was no difference in the 2‐year PFS between the patients that received GP PCT 2 years after undergoing GP IC and the non‐GP PCT treated patients.

Conclusions

GP is not recommended for patients that have received GP IC within 2 years. Two years after undergoing GP IC, GP can be considered.
Maternity continuum of care and its determinants among mothers who gave birth in Legambo district, South Wollo, northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Cherie Niguss , Abdulkerim Mohammed , Abegaz Zinet , Walle Baze Getaw
Published: November 2021

Background

Maternity continuum of care is the continuity of maternity health care services that a woman uses for antenatal care, skill birth attendant, and postnatal care. Maternal and child mortality is still big challenge in Ethiopia. Little is known about continuum of maternity care in Ethiopia and where the study area in the district revealed that there is a big discrepancy in the completion of maternity care.

Objective

Assessment of maternity continuum of care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in Legambo district, South, Wollo, and northeast Ethiopia.

Method

A community‐based cross‐sectional study design was conducted among 732 mothers from Feb‐Mar 2020. Multistage sampling was used and data were collected through face‐to‐face interviewer‐administered semi‐structured questionnaire. Completed data were entered using Epi‐Data version 3.1, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 25 Statistical Software. Descriptive statistics using Frequency, proportion, summary measures were done. Binary logistic regressions were and model fitness was checked by Hosmer and Lemeshow test which was not significant. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted and P value less than .05 and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant.

Result

The prevalence of maternity continuum of care among mother was found 11.2% (95%, CI: 9.0‐13.8). Residence (AOR:1.837, CI:1.026‐3.288), planned pregnancy (AOR: 2.448, CI:1.361‐4.403), prepregnancy contraceptive utilization (AOR: 2.721, CI:1.469‐5.042), follow mass media (AOR: 2.33, CI:1.146‐4.736) and mother health care decision making autonomy (AOR: 3.712, CI:1.924‐7.161) were determinant factors to continuum of maternity care.

Conclusion

The prevalence of maternity continuum of care in the district was low. Information education and counseling about continuum of care are still crucial. Awareness creation for both clients and care provider will improve the service. Efforts on improving and cultivating those significant factors should be done by stakeholders.
A comparative study of extensive machine learning models for predicting long‐term monthly rainfall with an ensemble of climatic and meteorological predictors
Authors: Zhou Zhengzheng , Ren Jie , He Xiaogang , Liu Shuguang
Published: October 2021

Rainfall prediction is of vital importance in water resources management. Accurate long‐term rainfall prediction remains an open and challenging problem. Machine learning techniques, as an increasingly popular approach, provide an attractive alternative to traditional methods. The main objective of this study was to improve the prediction accuracy of machine learning‐based methods for monthly rainfall, and to improve the understanding of the role of large‐scale climatic variables and local meteorological variables in rainfall prediction. One regression model autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) and five state‐of‐the‐art machine learning algorithms, including artificial neural networks, support vector machine, random forest (RF), gradient boosting regression, and dual‐stage attention‐based recurrent neural network, were implemented for monthly rainfall prediction over 25 stations in the East China region. The results showed that the ML models outperformed ARIMA model, and RF relatively outperformed other models. Local meteorological variables, humidity, and sunshine duration, were the most important predictors in improving prediction accuracy. 4‐month lagged Western North Pacific Monsoon had higher importance than other large‐scale climatic variables. The overall output of rainfall prediction was scalable and could be readily generalized to other regions.
Pain management‐related assessment and communication across the care continuum: Consensus of the opioid task force of the island peer review organization pain management coalition
Authors: Juba Katherine M. , Triller Darren , Myrka Anne , Cleary Jacqueline H. , Winans Amanda , Wahler Robert G. , Argoff Charles , Meek Patrick D.
Published: October 2021

Prescription opioid analgesics contribute to serious, preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) and despite efforts ranging from regulatory changes to quality improvement initiatives, national studies indicate that opioid‐related emergency department visits and hospitalizations are increasing amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Effective pain management is challenging during care transitions, and system imperfections make patients vulnerable to ADEs as they leave one care setting and move to another. Therefore, the Island Peer Review Organization (IPRO) pain management coalition convened a task force to develop resources to guide improvements in opioid‐related communication during patient care transitions. Create a consensus list of requisite communication elements (RCEs) that should accompany all patients prescribed opioids as they undergo care transitions. An interprofessional task force of pain management experts was convened and completed a blinded, iterative Delphi process. After four Delphi rounds, the panel reached consensus on a pain management discharge communication (PMDC) List of 24 RCEs across the domains of opioid dosing and pain management (nine elements), factors associated with adverse drug events (nine elements), and patient education and caregiver support (six elements). During transitions of care providers need detailed information on opioid dosing, pain characteristics, risk factors for adverse events, and patient/caregiver capacity to adequately manage symptoms while avoiding potentially fatal ADEs. The PMDC list may guide the development of new clinical tools, quality measures, accreditation standards, and checklists for pharmacists involved in the delivery of opioid stewardship during a care transition. Additional work is needed to design comprehensive, interprofessional opioid stewardship programs to ensure that the requisite communication elements are consistently available at the time of a care transition.
Clinical impact of bloodstream infection on acute cholecystitis indicated for emergency cholecystectomy
Authors: Hanabata Yusuke , Yamanaka Kenya , Shinkura Akina , Kurimoto Makoto , Aoki Hikaru , Harada Kaichiro , Kayano Masashi , Tashima Misaki , Tamura Jun
Published: October 2021

Background

The significance of blood culture for acute cholecystitis remains unclear.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy at Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center to examine the clinical impact of bloodstream infection (BSI), focusing on the association of BSI with bactibilia and severity grade based on the Tokyo guidelines 2018 (TG18).

Results

Among 177 patients included in the study, 32 had positive and 145 had negative BSI. Significant differences were observed between the positive and negative BSI in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA‐PS) and TG18 severity score. The odds ratios of BSI for patients aged ≥72 years, with a BMI of ≤21.8, an ASA‐PS of ≥3E, and grade III acute cholecystitis were 3.45, 3.23, 2.43 and 4.51, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, lower BMI and grade III were significantly associated with BSI with odds ratios of 2.53 (95% confidence interval: 1.07‐6.21, P = .037) and 3.03 (95% confidence interval: 1.02‐8.82, P = .041). Bacterial species that could not be isolated in the bile culture alone were identified in blood culture on 10 (38.5%) of 26 patients.

Conclusions

Bloodstream infection is associated with grade III acute cholecystitis. Blood culture enables the identification of bacteria that cannot be isolated in bile culture. Blood culture should be obtained for patients with grade III acute cholecystitis who undergo emergency cholecystectomy.
Base promoted CuFe2O4 catalyzed one‐pot synthesis of 3,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazoles
Authors: Bhuyan Pubanita , Saikia Lakhinath
Published: October 2021

Available synthetic protocols for 3,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazoles generally demand long reaction time. Herein, we are reporting a CuFe2O4 catalyzed synthetic procedure for the same that delivers products in significantly reduced time starting from tosylhydrazones of aromatic aldehydes and terminal alkynes. Under the reaction condition, tosylhydrazone generates diazo compound in situ, which then undergoes [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction with the terminal alkyne followed by [1,3]‐H shift to deliver the final products in 72%–85% isolated yield. Magnetically active CuFe2O4 nanoparticles can be recovered very easily after the completion of the reaction and can be reused up to fifth cycle without significant loss in its catalytic activity. Operational simplicity of the methodology along with tolerability of various functional groups as well as easy recovery and high reusability of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles make the procedure a practical and handy one for the synthesis of 3,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazoles.
Analysis of Determinants of Postoperative Satisfaction After Rhinoplasty
Authors: de Souza Olívia E. , Lavinsky‐Wolff Michelle , Migliavacca Raphaella O. , de Azeredo Andreza M. , Colognese Gabbardo Ana V. , Velho Joanna S.
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze different variables that influence postrhinoplasty quality of life outcomes to ascertain the determinants of postoperative satisfaction.

Study Design

Prospective, observational study.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study where patients were divided into two groups based on the postoperative Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) score: high satisfaction group, when postoperative ROE scores were >50, and low satisfaction group, when postoperative ROE scores were ≤50. Patients' general characteristics, Portuguese version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE‐p) score, the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination, nasal angles, and measures from the esthetic facial analysis of postoperative photographs were compared between the groups.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients were included: 19 in the low satisfaction group and 58 in the high satisfaction group. The median reduction in the NOSE‐p score was −45 (interquartile range [IIQ] −20 to −60) (P < .001) in the high satisfaction group and −10 (IIQ −10 to −30) in the low satisfaction group (P = .053). The high satisfaction group had a significantly higher reduction in NOSE‐p scores. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the analyzed facial parameters, although a significant difference was found when comparing them with the ones established in the literature as a pattern. Previous rhinoplasty, preoperative crooked nose, and higher NOSE‐p scores were significantly associated with lower ROE scores (P < .05) in the robust Poisson regression model.

Conclusion

Functional results play an important role in satisfaction after rhinoplasty. Neoclassical canons were not fulfilled even in a group of patients with a high postoperative satisfaction evaluation.

Level of Evidence

3Laryngoscope, 132:1569–1575, 2022
Triterpenoid ursolic acid drives metabolic rewiring and epigenetic reprogramming in treatment/prevention of human prostate cancer
Authors: Li Shanyi , Wu Renyi , Wang Lujing , Dina Kuo Hsiao‐Chen , Sargsyan Davit , Zheng Xi , Wang Yujue , Su Xiaoyang , Kong Ah‐Ng
Published: November 2021

Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpenoid phytochemical with a strong anticancer effect. The metabolic rewiring, epigenetic reprogramming, and chemopreventive effect of UA in prostate cancer (PCa) remain unknown. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of UA in PCa xenograft, and its biological effects on cellular metabolism, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic using multi‐omics approaches. The metabolomics was quantified by liquid‐chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) while epigenomic CpG methylation in parallel with transcriptomic gene expression was studied by next‐generation sequencing technologies. UA administration attenuated the growth of transplanted human VCaP‐Luc cells in immunodeficient mice. UA regulated several cellular metabolites and metabolism‐related signaling pathways including S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), methionine, glucose 6‐phosphate, CDP‐choline, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, glycolysis, and nucleotide sugars metabolism. RNA‐seq analyses revealed UA regulated several signaling pathways, including CXCR4 signaling, cancer metastasis signaling, and NRF2‐mediated oxidative stress response. Epigenetic reprogramming study with DNA Methyl‐seq uncovered a list of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with UA treatment. Transcriptome‐DNA methylome correlative analysis uncovered a list of genes, of which changes in gene expression correlated with the promoter CpG methylation status. Altogether, our results suggest that UA regulates metabolic rewiring of metabolism including SAM potentially driving epigenetic CpG methylation reprogramming, and transcriptomic signaling resulting in the overall anticancer chemopreventive effect.
Self‐healing behavior in blends of PDMS‐based polyurethane ionomers
Authors: Da Via Federico , Suriano Raffaella , Boumezgane Oussama , Grande Antonio M. , Tonelli Claudio , Turri Stefano
Published: October 2021

Ionic interactions offer the highest non‐covalent cohesive strength in supramolecular assemblies. In spite of that, they have been consistently underestimated in the development of self‐healing materials due to their lack of directionality and association specificity. In this paper, ionic moieties are introduced as side‐chain pendants in poly(urea‐urethane) siloxane‐based polymers, aiming to obtain a strong yet flexible elastomer with the capability to recover from a damaged state. The synthesis was carried out by a two‐step polymerization involving polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) diamine‐terminated, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and a chain extender providing the required ionic functionality. Internal phase separation allowed the material to show its elastomeric behavior. After preparation of the blend by mechanical mixing, the formation of ionic interactions was checked for by FT‐IR spectroscopy, rheological analysis and tensile tests. Healing of notch damage was evaluated both with respect to tensile strength and fracture toughness. At room temperature (21°C) and humidity (30% RH) the maximum recovery measured at 14 days was 47%. Self‐healing dependence on humidity and temperature was assessed, resulting in further improvements (up to 100%) as molecular mobility was increased by both conditions.
Semimechanistic models to relate noxious stimulation, movement, and pupillary dilation responses in the presence of opioids
Authors: Marco‐Ariño Nicolás , Vide Sergio , Agustí Mercè , Chen Andrew , Jaramillo Sebastián , Irurzun‐Arana Itziar , Pacheco Adrià , Gonzalez Carmen , Jensen Erik W. , Capsi‐Morales Patricia , Valencia José F. , Troconiz Iñaki F. , Gambus Pedro L. , Larson Merlin D.
Published: October 2021

Intraoperative targeting of the analgesic effect still lacks an optimal solution. Opioids are currently the main drug used to achieve antinociception, and although underdosing can lead to an increased stress response, overdose can also lead to undesirable adverse effects. To better understand how to achieve the optimal analgesic effect of opioids, we studied the influence of remifentanil on the pupillary reflex dilation (PRD) and its relationship with the reflex movement response to a standardized noxious stimulus. The main objective was to generate population pharmacodynamic models relating remifentanil predicted concentrations to movement and to pupillary dilation during general anesthesia. A total of 78 patients undergoing gynecological surgery under general anesthesia were recruited for the study. PRD and movement response to a tetanic stimulus were measured multiple times before and after surgery. We used nonlinear mixed effects modeling to generate a population pharmacodynamic model to describe both the time profiles of PRD and movement responses to noxious stimulation. Our model demonstrated that movement and PRD are equally depressed by remifentanil. Using the developed model, we changed the intensity of stimulation and simulated remifentanil predicted concentrations maximizing the probability of absence of movement response. An estimated effect site concentration of 2 ng/ml of remifentanil was found to inhibit movement to a tetanic stimulation with a probability of 81%.
Qualitative Analysis of the Valence and Conduction Band Offset Parameters in FeNiO/CuNiO Bilayer Film Using X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Chouhan Romita , Agrawal Arpana , Gupta Mukul , Sen Pratima
Published: November 2021

The valence and conduction band offset in FeNiO/CuNiO bilayer film are studied utilizing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. The bilayer film is grown on Si substrate employing ion beam sputtering technique using a mixture of argon and oxygen gases at 25% oxygen partial pressure. From the precise knowledge of the valence band maxima energies and core‐level energy positions in the single‐layer film and the corresponding shifts in the bilayer film, the valence and conduction band offsets are estimated to be 0.8 and 0.3 eV, respectively. From the computed band offset data, a type‐I band alignment is identified at the interface of the grown bilayer film, which facilitates the knowledge of carrier transport mechanism and is highly attractive for the realization of efficient room‐temperature optoelectronic device.