bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Layered MXene Protected Lithium Metal Anode as an Efficient Polysulfide Blocker for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Wantang , Zhang Yifang , Li Huan , Chen Zijin , Shang Tongxin , Wu Zhitan , Zhang Chen , Li Jia , Lv Wei , Tao Ying , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: April 2020

The shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) from sulfur cathode to lithium (Li) anode is one of the main obstacles for lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. The severe corrosion of Li metal anode by the dissolved LiPSs bottlenecks the efficient operation of Li−S batteries, however, the anode part has not been received much attention compared to those extensive efforts related to the cathode designs. Herein, we show that the interface between Ti3C2Tx (T=−OH, −F)‐based MXene and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is able to guide uniform Li nucleation, promoting highly reversible and dendrite‐free Li plating/stripping. Such the Li anode demonstrates excellent cycling stability for more than 1000 hours even under ultra‐high rate (10 mA cm−2) and high areal capacity (3 mAh cm−2). More importantly, the well‐designed 2D layered structure by coupling the Ti3C2Tx with a graphene scaffold, is highly efficient to block the shuttled polysulfides and inhibit the corrosion of the lithium metal anode. As a result, the Li−S full battery exhibits a stable cycling stability with a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.8 % over 300 cycles. This work suggests the design strategy of Li metal anode especially targeting at the sulfur cathode, and we hope it can provide valuable inspirations for the future design of Li metal anodes for more practical Li−S batteries.
FAM225A facilitates colorectal cancer progression by sponging miR‐613 to regulate NOTCH3
Authors: Zhang Xuexiu , Shi Haoling , Yao Jianning , Li Yanle , Gao Bing , Zhang Yanzhen , Wang Chunfeng , Zhou Haining , Zhang Lianfeng
Published: April 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a fatal disease ranking the third among the commonplace cancer types around the world. It is extremely significant to exploit effective treatments against CRC. FAM225A was proved to influence cell progression and forecast unfavorable prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The role and function mechanism of FAM225A are still unclear in CRC. In this research, FAM225A was discovered presenting much higher expression in CRC tissues and cell lines. In addition, depleting FAM225A was capable of inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress, and enhancing cell apoptosis ability. Furthermore, miR‐613 exerted important effects as a mediator between FAM225A and NOTCH3. NOTCH3 was negatively correlated with miR‐613, whereas was positively associated with FAM225A. Via competitively binding with miR‐613, FAM225A positively regulated NOTCH3 expression. FAM225A facilitated CRC occurrence and development through positively regulating NOTCH3 expression by binding with miR‐613. In a word, FAM225A/miR‐613/NOTCH3 axis may play a tumor‐facilitator in CRC cell progression. These data manifested the pivotal effect of FAM225A/miR‐613/NOTCH3 pathway in CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration process. The findings may provide some theoretical basis and different perspective for CRC treatment.
Keep up with legal requirements involving Clery Act's campus alerts
Authors: Hanson Hayley , Irwin Ben
Published: April 2020

Under the Clery Act, certain dangerous situations require institutions to issue timely warnings and emergency notifications (collectively, “campus alerts”). Failure to issue campus alerts can result in noncompliance findings and fines, as well as a less secure campus environment. Although these two types of campus alerts have similarities, they have some notable distinctions.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity of (20S,21S)‐7‐Cyclohexyl‐21‐fluorocamptothecin Carbamates as Potential Antitumor Agents
Authors: Ma Haijun , Chen Baobao , Wang Yuan , Wang Chuanhao , Yao Jianzhong , Zhang Wannian , Miao Zhenyuan
Published: April 2020

(20S,21S)‐7‐Cyclohexyl‐21‐fluorocamptothecin was discovered by a fluorine drug design strategy with potent antitumor activity and increased metabolic stability. In continuous efforts to find novel antitumor agents derived from natural product camptothecin, 20‐carbamates of the active compound (20S,21S)‐7‐cyclohexyl‐21‐fluorocamptothecin have been designed and synthesized. Among them, one compound with the diethylamino group showed greater antiproliferative activity than the other 20‐carbamate derivatives. The following biological activity assays indicated that the above compound is a valuable lead compound with excellent Topo I inhibitory activity and solution stability.
Protective Antioxidant Effects of Amentoflavone and Total Flavonoids from Hedyotis diffusa on H2O2‐Induced HL‐O2 Cells through ASK1/p38 MAPK Pathway
Authors: Li Yun‐Lan , Chen Xi , Niu Si‐Qing , Zhou Hong‐Yan , Li Qing‐Shan
Published: April 2020

In this study, total flavonoids and total triterpenoid acid were extracted with ethyl acetate from Hedyotis diffusa Willd, and hepatoprotective activities of them and five compounds from total flavonoids against H2O2 induced hepatocyte damage on HL‐02 cells were determined. In particular, amentoflavone and total flavonoids had influence on the leakage of ALT, AST, LDH, the activities of SOD and the content of MDA. They effectively reduced the loss of MMP, the release of Cyt C, and then inhibited activation of caspase‐3/caspase‐9 cascade in hepatotoxic cells. The contents of ROS were significantly reduced to inhibit p38 in amentoflavone and flavonoids groups which decreased ASK1 and p‐p38 levels through increasing thioredoxin Trx1 and reductase TrxR1. These results suggesting that the antioxidant protection of amentoflavone and flavonoids might be reducing ROS to inhibit the H2O2‐induced upstream of pathway via increasing levels of Trx1 and TrxR1, which were pivotal in blocking the down streaming effectors of ASK1/p38 MAPK pathway and alleviating hepatotoxicity.
Mechanistic Insights into the Chemo‐Selective Dehydrogenative Silylation of Alkenes Catalyzed by Bis(imino)pyridine Cobalt Complex from DFT Computations
Authors: Guo Cai‐Hong , Yang Dandan , Liang Min , Zhang Xiang , Jiao Haijun
Published: April 2020

An in‐depth theoretical study has been performed to investigate the mechanism of alkene dehydrogenative silylation catalyzed by the bis(imino)pyridine cobalt methyl complex (MesPDI)Co(CH3) on the singlet, triplet and open‐shell singlet potential energy surfaces as well as the corresponding minimum energy crossing points. The formation of active catalyst [(MesPDI)Co(CH3)+HSiR3→(MesPDI)Co−[Si]+CH4] follows an open‐shell singlet potential energy surface, while the active catalyst has a triplet ground state. For 1‐butene as substrate, the formation of E/Z‐allylsilanes follows the singlet surface; and the E‐allylsilane is more favored than the Z‐allylsilane kinetically, and the expected ratio agrees with the experiment. For bulky 4,4‐dimethyl‐1‐pentene as substrate, the selectivity of allylsilane and vinylsilane is thermodynamically determined and this is supported by the need of low silane/olefin ratio (1/4) in experiment.
Natural Convection Heat Transfer in an Enclosed Assembly of Thin Vertical Cylinders – A CFD Study
Authors: Shafiq Faisal , Ullah Aubaid , Nadeem Muhammad , Khan Afrasyab , Ullah Atta
Published: April 2020

A thermal hydraulic study of convective heat transfer in 3 × 3 square array of heated vertical cylinders is carried out using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Two different CFD approaches were used, i.e., full structural details (FSD) and porous media modeling (PMM). The computational requirement in PMM declined significantly due the porous media approximation. The PMM only gives the overall flow and temperature field. In the FSD model all the geometry details are presented without any approximation. The PMM and FSD results are compared to experimental data. In general, the prediction of temperature profiles from both PMM and FSD agreed well with the experimental data.
High‐Safety All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Battery Working at Ambient Temperature with In Situ UV‐Curing Polymer Electrolyte on the Electrode
Authors: Yang Zhuang , Luo Yingwu , Gao Xiang , Wang Rui
Published: April 2020

The development of wearable electronic devices prompts the demand for high‐safety all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLIBs), which can work at ambient temperature with comparable performance to traditional commercial lithium‐ion batteries. In this work, a three‐dimensional network design to overcome the contradiction between ionic conductivity and mechanical strength in polymer electrolytes is proposed. The designed solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) has the ion‐conducting group (oligomeric ethylene oxide) fixed on the side chains, whereas the main chain is crosslinked polyacrylate, providing good mechanical strength. Succinonitrile (SN) is uniformly dispersed in the cross‐linked network as an additive. The prepared SN−SPE shows a high ionic conductivity of 4.6×10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C with a Li+‐ion transference number of 0.45 and an excellent electrochemical stability window up to 4.6 V (vs. Li+/Li). The preparation method allows that the electrolyte can be UV‐cured in situ on the cathode to achieve a cathode‐electrolyte integrated electrode, which enhances the interface contact and decreases the interface resistance. As‐fabricated LiFePO4//Li4Ti5O12 cathode‐electrolyte integrated ASSLIBs can deliver a discharge capacity of 155.88 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C at room temperature and a capacity retention up to 93.62 % after 100 charge‐discharge cycles. The reported polymer electrolyte and advanced assembly process provided a promising strategy for the wearable ASSLIBs.
Electrochemical Dearomative Halocyclization of Tryptamine and Tryptophol Derivatives
Authors: Liu Kun , Deng Yuqi , Song Wenxu , Song Chunlan , Lei Aiwen
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Owing to the easy functionalization of 3‐haloindolines to many biologically active compounds, extensive efforts have been made for their efficient preparation. Herein, an electrochemical dearomative bromo‐ and chloro‐cyclization of tryptamine and tryptophol derivatives has been developed under undivided electrolytic conditions. In this protocol, neither external chemical oxidants nor harsh conditions are needed, and a wide range of substituted hexahydropyrroloindolines/tetrahydrofuroindolines are obtained with halide ion in high efficiencies. Moreover, this electrolysis could also be scaled up to gram synthesis with good yields.
Regio‐Divergent C—H Alkynylation with Janus Directing Strategy via Ir(III) Catalysis
Authors: Li Xianwei , Liang Guangxin , Shi Zhang‐Jie
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Directing strategy has been extensively exploited to maintain activity and selectivity for the rapid access to functionalized molecules and pharmaceutical targets. However, ‘one‐to‐one’ activation model was usually achieved through traditional directing strategy. Herein, we achieved ‘one‐to‐two’ activation model by slight modification of simple and practical ketoxime and amide functionality. With judicious choice of directing groups, Csp3—H and Csp2—H bond alkynylation reaction, and more significantly, dehydrogenative Csp3—H alkynylation, were realized, enabling the regio‐divergent late‐stage modifications of pharmaceuticals.
QIIME 2 Enables Comprehensive End‐to‐End Analysis of Diverse Microbiome Data and Comparative Studies with Publicly Available Data
Authors: Estaki Mehrbod , Jiang Lingjing , Bokulich Nicholas A. , McDonald Daniel , González Antonio , Kosciolek Tomasz , Martino Cameron , Zhu Qiyun , Birmingham Amanda , Vázquez‐Baeza Yoshiki , Dillon Matthew R. , Bolyen Evan , Caporaso J. Gregory , Knight Rob
Published: April 2020

QIIME 2 is a completely re‐engineered microbiome bioinformatics platform based on the popular QIIME platform, which it has replaced. QIIME 2 facilitates comprehensive and fully reproducible microbiome data science, improving accessibility to diverse users by adding multiple user interfaces. QIIME 2 can be combined with Qiita, an open‐source web‐based platform, to re‐use available data for meta‐analysis. The following basic protocol describes how to install QIIME 2 on a single computer and analyze microbiome sequence data, from processing of raw DNA sequence reads through generating publishable interactive figures. These interactive figures allow readers of a study to interact with data with the same ease as its authors, advancing microbiome science transparency and reproducibility. We also show how plug‐ins developed by the community to add analysis capabilities can be installed and used with QIIME 2, enhancing various aspects of microbiome analyses—e.g., improving taxonomic classification accuracy. Finally, we illustrate how users can perform meta‐analyses combining different datasets using readily available public data through Qiita. In this tutorial, we analyze a subset of the Early Childhood Antibiotics and the Microbiome (ECAM) study, which tracked the microbiome composition and development of 43 infants in the United States from birth to 2 years of age, identifying microbiome associations with antibiotic exposure, delivery mode, and diet. For more information about QIIME 2, see https://qiime2.org. To troubleshoot or ask questions about QIIME 2 and microbiome analysis, join the active community at https://forum.qiime2.org. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol: Using QIIME 2 with microbiome data

Support Protocol: Further microbiome analyses
Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS)‐Based Analysis for Lipophilic Compound Profiling in Plants
Authors: Lapidot‐Cohen Taly , Rosental Leah , Brotman Yariv
Published: April 2020

Lipids are fascinating due to their chemical diversity, which is especially vast in the plant kingdom thanks to the high plasticity of the plant biosynthetic machinery. Lipidomic studies aim to simultaneously analyze a large number of lipid compounds of diverse classes in a given sample. The method presented here uses liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)‐based lipidomic profiling in a relatively fast, robust, and high‐throughput manner for high‐coverage quantification and annotation of lipophilic compounds. Protocols cover sample preparation, LC‐MS‐based measurement, and data extraction and annotation. An extensive lipid library for triacylglycerols, galactolipids, and phospholipids is provided. The extended profiling described here could be used in a range of applications and is suitable for integration with other omic datasets. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Sample preparation and metabolite extraction

Basic Protocol 2: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis

Basic Protocol 3: Data extraction, annotation, and quantification
Comparative photosynthesis physiology of cultivated and wild lettuce under control and low‐water stress
Authors: Eriksen Renée L. , Adhikari Neil D. , Mou Beiquan
Published: April 2020

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an important vegetable crop; however, increased demand and reduced recharge to the aquifer systems in the major field growing regions are making irrigation requirements more difficult and costly to meet. If lettuce production is to be sustainable in these regions, there is a need to breed varieties with higher water use efficiency (WUE) that produce similar biomass under reduced irrigation. The wild progenitor of lettuce, Lactuca serriola L., is a common, ruderal weed that is generally considered more drought tolerant than its cultivated relative. We compared the photosynthetic physiology of two representative accessions of these species under progressive low‐water stress for 10 d and observed that leaf intrinsic WUE was higher under moderate low‐water stress in L. serriola acc. US96UC23 than lettuce cultivar ‘Salinas’. Carbon assimilation (A) and carboxylating efficiency was generally higher in US96UC23 under control water treatments, which we determine to be due to higher mesophyll conductance (gm). No differences were observed between the two species in concentrations of the carboxylating enzyme Rubisco. We find mesophyll limitations to be the most significant relative limiting factor in Salinas. The domestication of cultivated lettuce from this wild relative involved intensive morphological alteration of the leaf, which appears to have led to significantly reduced gm and, concomitantly, A. Breeding for improved gm in lettuce may lead to increases in A and WUE under moderate low‐water stress.
Predicting a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery: Examining self‐concept, personality, and negative affect
Authors: Bardone‐Cone Anna M. , Miller Alexandra J. , Thompson Katherine A. , Walsh Emily C.
Published: April 2020

Objective

Our goal was to examine potential predictors of a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery, characterized by physical, behavioral, and cognitive recovery, focusing on constructs related to self‐concept, personality, and negative affect.

Method

Participants were women with a history of an eating disorder who provided data via survey and interview at two time points separated by about 7–8 years and who met criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis at baseline (N = 36).

Results

Logistic regression models revealed that self‐esteem was a significant predictor of recovery status (OR = 1.12, p = .039) such that individuals with higher self‐esteem at baseline demonstrated significantly greater odds of being in full recovery at follow‐up. However, when self‐esteem was considered in a set along with baseline imposter phenomenon and anxiety, no single construct emerged as a significant unique predictor of recovery in logistic regression analyses.

Discussion

These results highlight the potential importance of self‐esteem in relation to recovery, with clinical implications related to bolstering self‐esteem as part of eating disorder treatment. Future research should continue to explore predictors using a comprehensive operationalization of eating disorder recovery in larger, more diverse samples to optimally identify factors associated with achieving recovery.
Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis or cardiac sarcoidosis? A retrospective audit of a nationwide case series
Authors: Ekström Kaj , Räisänen‐Sokolowski Anne , Lehtonen Jukka , Nordenswan Hanna‐Kaisa , Mäyränpää Mikko I. , Kupari Markku
Published: April 2020

Aims

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and giant cell myocarditis (GCM) are inflammatory cardiomyopathies sharing histopathological and clinical features. Their differentiation is difficult and susceptible of confusion and apparent mistakes. The possibility that they represent different phenotypes of a single disease has been debated.

Methods and results

We made a retrospective audit of 73 cases of GCM diagnosed in Finland since the late 1980s. All available histological material was reanalyzed as were other examinations pertinent to the distinction between GCM and CS. Finding granulomas in or outside the heart was considered diagnostic of CS and exclusive of GCM. Altogether 45 of the 73 cases of GCM (62%) were reclassified as CS. In all except one case, this was based on finding sarcoid granulomas that either had been originally missed (n = 29) or misinterpreted (n = 11) or were found in additional posttransplant myocardial specimens (n = 3) or samples of extracardiac tissue (n = 1) accrued over the disease course. Supporting the reclassification, patients relocated to the CS group had less heart failure at presentation (prevalence 20% vs. 46%, P = 0.017) and better 1 year transplant‐free survival (82% vs. 45%, P = 0.011) than patients considered to represent true GCM.

Conclusions

Recognizing granulomas in or outside the heart remains a challenge for the pathologist. Given that CS and GCM are considered distinct diseases and granulomas exclusive of GCM, many cases of GCM, if thoroughly scrutinized, may need reclassification as CS. However, whether CS and GCM are truly different entities or parts of a one‐disease continuum has not yet been conclusively settled.
Hexasubstituted Iodide Tungsten Cluster Complexes with Azide and Isothiocyanate Ligands
Authors: Petunin Anton A. , Evtushok Darya V. , Vorotnikova Natalya A. , Kuratieva Natalia V. , Vorotnikov Yuri A. , Shestopalov Michael A.
Published: April 2020

The ever‐rising interest of researchers in octahedral halide cluster complexes is explained by their intrinsic superb luminescent properties. Nevertheless, to date chemistry of tungsten clusters, especially of iodide ones, has been poorly developed, and there is only a small number of known compounds. Two new compounds obtained in this work, (Bu4N)2[{W6I8}(NCS)6] (1) and (Bu4N)2[{W6I8}(N3)6] (2), expand the field of iodide tungsten clusters with inorganic ligands. The compounds are characterized by single crystal XRD, HR‐ESI‐MS and FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Both clusters demonstrate typical bright orange‐red emission sensitive to the concentration of oxygen in the environment. Using 1,5‐dihydroxynaphthalene as a trap for singlet oxygen, the observed rate constant of 1O2 generation is determined.
Diiminepyridine‐Supported Phosphorus(I) and Phosphorus(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemistry
Authors: Gray Paul A. , Braun Jason D. , Rahimi Naser , Herbert David E.
Published: April 2020

Diiminepyridines (DIP) are popular redox “non‐innocent” ligands with widespread application in late, first‐row transition metal mediated catalysis and coordination chemistry. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a pair of phosphorus coordination complexes in the +1 and +3 oxidation states supported by the same ligand framework bearing sterically imposing and electron‐releasing tBu substituents on the imine carbons of the DIP backbone. Electrochemical analysis demonstrates that the DIP scaffold can retain its ability to serve as an electron reservoir when coordinated to a reduced pnictogen centre, with a reversible reduction observed for the PI complex.
Transition‐Metal Catalyzed Stereoselective γ‐Arylation and Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation: A Concise Synthesis of Indenes
Authors: Ramesh Karu , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: April 2020

A highly stereoselective [Pd]‐catalyzed arylation of tert‐alkenols, is presented and applied to the synthesis of indenes using intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation sequence. The initial Heck reaction is performed by using water as the green solvent. A simple acid triggers intramolecular alkylation in short reaction times at room temperature. Notably, indenes have been accomplished using a single column chromatography technique.
PdBr2‐Catalyzed Acetal Formation of Carbonyl Compounds Using Diazophenanthrenequinone: Utility of 9,10‐Phenanthrenedioxyacetal
Authors: Kitamura Mitsuru , Fujimura Ryo , Nishimura Tomoaki , Takahashi Shuhei , Shimooka Hirokazu , Okauchi Tatsuo
Published: April 2020

We developed a new acetalization method of ketones and aldehydes under non‐acidic conditions using diazophenanthrenequinone and PdBr2. The formed acetals that have a phenanthrene skeleton withstand under mild acidic conditions. Removal of acetals was successfully proceeded under strong acidic or oxidation conditions using aqueous ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) to afford corresponding ketones and aldehydes.
Systematic review of Internet of Things in smart farming
Authors: Terence Sebastian , Purushothaman Geethanjali
Published: April 2020

Agriculture unquestionably is one of the traditional occupations, which feeds all mankind in the world. Continuous changes are happening in the agricultural field to increase production. Researchers are applying various techniques to improve farming methods. To monitor plants even from remote places and to improve the yield of plants, Internet of Things (IoT), which is a boon in today's world, is applied in farming, in general, known as smart farming. Smart farming is a way where the farmers can monitor their field and manage farming activities from remote places. This reduces man power and increases resource utilization in farming. In this article, we have studied the architecture of smart farming and studied different smart farming techniques, also we have classified smart farming techniques into three categories, namely, IoT‐based agricultural monitoring and controlling system, automatic irrigation system, and plant disease monitoring system. The review for the article is selected based on the systematic literature review method, and articles published from 2011 to 2019 are considered for review. Different IoT technologies such as sensors, gateway, communication system, user interface and experiment nature, plant type, disease type, advantages, and limitations are also reviewed. Future research direction and challenges in smart farming techniques are also discussed.
Changing practice patterns in head and neck oncologic surgery in the early COVID‐19 era
Authors: Kiong Kimberley L. , Guo Theresa , Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Gross Neil D. , Hanasono Matthew M. , Ferrarotto Renata , Rosenthal David I. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Lai Stephen Y.
Published: April 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has changed health care, challenged by resource constraints and fears of transmission. We report the surgical practice pattern changes in a Head and Neck Surgery department of a tertiary cancer care center and discuss the issues surrounding multidisciplinary care during the pandemic.

Methods

We report data regarding outpatient visits, multidisciplinary treatment planning conference, surgical caseload, and modifications of oncologic therapy during this pandemic and compared this data to the same interval last year.

Results

We found a 46.7% decrease in outpatient visits and a 46.8% decrease in surgical caseload, compared to 2019. We discuss the factors involved in the decision‐making process and perioperative considerations.

Conclusions

Surgical practice patterns in head and neck oncologic surgery will continue to change with the evolving pandemic. Despite constraints, we strive to prioritize and balance the oncologic and safety needs of patients with head and neck cancer in the face of COVID‐19.
Objective evaluation of anosmia and ageusia in COVID‐19 patients: Single‐center experience on 72 cases
Authors: Vaira Luigi Angelo , Deiana Giovanna , Fois Alessandro Giuseppe , Pirina Pietro , Madeddu Giordano , De Vito Andrea , Babudieri Sergio , Petrocelli Marzia , Serra Antonello , Bussu Francesco , Ligas Enrica , Salzano Giovanni , De Riu Giacomo
Published: April 2020

Background

The first European case series are detecting a very high frequency of chemosensitive disorders in COVID‐19 patients, ranging between 19.4% and 88%.

Methods

Olfactory and gustatory function was objectively tested in 72 COVID‐19 patients treated at University Hospital of Sassari.

Results

Overall, 73.6% of the patients reported having or having had chemosensitive disorders. Olfactory assessment showed variable degree hyposmia in 60 cases and anosmia in two patients. Gustatory assessment revealed hypogeusia in 33 cases and complete ageusia in one patient. Statistically significant differences in chemosensitive recovery were detected based on age and distance from the onset of clinical manifestations.

Conclusion

Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions represent common clinical findings in COVID‐19 patients. Otolaryngologists and head‐neck surgeons must by now keep this diagnostic option in mind when evaluating cases of ageusia and nonspecific anosmia that arose suddenly and are not associated with rhinitis symptoms.
Overview of COVID‐19 testing and implications for otolaryngologists
Authors: Vinh Daniel B. , Zhao Xiao , Kiong Kimberley L. , Guo Theresa , Jozaghi Yelda , Yao Chris , Kelley James M. , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: April 2020

Background

Testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 is important for decision making prior to surgery in otolaryngology. An understanding of current and developing testing methods is important for interpreting test results.

Methods

We performed a literature review of current evidence surrounding SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostic testing highlighting its utility, limitations, and implications for otolaryngologists.

Results

The currently accepted RT‐PCR test for SARS‐CoV‐2 has varying sensitivity according to which subsite of the aerodigestive tract is sampled. Nasal swab sensitivities appear to be about 70%. Chest CT imaging for screening purposes is not currently recommended.

Conclusion

Due to the current sensitivity of RT‐PCR based testing for SARS‐CoV‐2, a negative test cannot rule out COVID‐19. Full PPE should be worn during high‐risk procedures such as aerosol generating procedures even if testing is negative. Patients who test positive during screening should have their surgeries postponed if possible until asymptomatic and have tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2.
Respiratory and pulmonary complications in head and neck cancer patients: Evidence‐based review for the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Silverman Dustin A. , Lin Chen , Tamaki Akina , Puram Sidharth V. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Seim Nolan B. , Eskander Antoine , Rocco James W. , Old Matthew O. , Kang Stephen Y.
Published: April 2020

Background

Pulmonary complications and infections frequently affect patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Common characteristics can predispose these patients to the development of severe respiratory illness, which may be particularly relevant during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

A scoping review was performed to assess the impact of pulmonary comorbidities and adverse respiratory outcomes in HNSCC patients.

Results

Advanced age, history of tobacco and alcohol abuse, and cardiopulmonary comorbidities are significant risk factors for the development of adverse respiratory outcomes. Treatment toxicities from radiation or chemoradiation therapy significantly increase these risks.

Conclusion

Respiratory complications are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality among HNSCC patients, and the COVID‐19 pandemic may disproportionately affect this population. Interventions designed to decrease smoking and alcohol use, improve oral hygiene, and aggressively manage medical comorbidities are important to the long‐term management and health of these patients.
Analysis of copy number variation by sequencing in fetuses with nuchal translucency thickening
Authors: Lan Liubing , Wu Heming , She Lingna , Zhang Bosen , He Yanhong , Luo Dandan , Wang Huaxian , Zheng Zhiyuan
Published: April 2020

Objective

Copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq) technique was used to analyze the genetic etiology of fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT).

Methods

A total of 139 women with gestational 11‐14 weeks whose fetuses were detected with increased NT (NT ≥ 2.5 mm) in our hospital from July 2016 to December 2018 were selected. Fetal specimens were performed for karyotyping analysis and CNV sequencing.

Results

According to the nuchal translucency thickness, 2.5‐3.4, 3.5‐4.4, 4.5‐5.4, and more than 5.5 mm, the rates of chromosomal abnormalities were 22.8% (13/57), 30.8% (12/39), 42.1% (8/19), and 62.5% (15/24), respectively. There was significant difference among the incidences of chromosomal abnormalities in four groups (χ2 = 37.69, P < .01) and the incidences increased with fetal NT thickness. Among 139 cases, there were 36 cases (25.9%) with abnormal chromosome karyotypes. Meanwhile, there were 45 cases (32.3%) with abnormal CNV. In the 12 cases with abnormal CNV and normal chromosome karyotypes, there were 2 cases of pathogenic CNV, 7 cases of CNV with unknown clinical significance, and 3 cases of possibly benign CNV. There was no significant difference in CNV between pregnant women in advanced maternal age and those in normal maternal age (χ2 = 1.389, P = .239). In the fetus who showed abnormalities in NT and ultrasonography (χ2 = 5.13, P < .05) and the fetus aborted (χ2 = 113.19, P < .05), the abnormal rate of CNV was higher with statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

CNV‐seq combined karyotype analysis should be performed simultaneously in fetuses with increased NT, providing a basis for genetic counseling, which is of great significance for prenatal diagnosis.
Is a Fetal Echocardiography Necessary in IVF‐ICSI Pregnancies After Anatomic Survey?
Authors: Aderibigbe Oluyemi A. , Ranzini Angela C.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF‐ICSI) is generally regarded as an indication for fetal echocardiography due to a reported increased risk of congenital abnormalities including cardiac anomalies. In this study we evaluated the utility of fetal echocardiography after anatomic survey in an experienced center.

Methods

This was a retrospective case review of in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection pregnancies who had echocardiography in our institution from January 1996 to October 2010.

Results

Records from 85 mothers and 110 fetuses were identified. During anatomic survey, six cardiac anomalies were identified, including four ventricular septal defects, one pulmonary‐aortic disproportion, and one post‐valvular pulmonary artery dilatation. At fetal echocardiography, two of the four ventricular septal defects were confirmed and an additional three were identified. The most common cardiac anomaly seen in our population of IVF‐ICSI pregnancies was ventricular septal defect, which was identified in 3.6% of all cases in the neonatal period. Of ventricular septal defects identified in the prenatal period, 71% resolved before birth.

Conclusion

In experienced centers, a fetal echocardiography may not be necessary if the 3 vessels tracheal view of the heart is evaluated and the heart is evaluated carefully for a ventricular septal defect.
Long‐term coexistence of SARS‐CoV‐2 with antibody response in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Li , Kong Xianggen , Geng Jin , Xiao Di , Ma Chunhong , Jiang Xue‐Mei , Wang Pei‐Hui
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has spread worldwide. Whether antibodies are important for the adaptive immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection needs to be determined. Here, 26 cases of COVID‐19 in Jinan, China, were examined and shown to be mild or with common clinical symptoms, and no case of severe symptoms was found among these patients. Strikingly, a subset of these patients had SARS‐CoV‐2 and virus‐specific IgG coexist for an unexpectedly long time, with two cases for up to 50 days. One COVID‐19 patient who did not produce any SARS‐CoV‐2–bound IgG successfully cleared SARS‐CoV‐2 after 46 days of illness, revealing that without antibody‐mediated adaptive immunity, innate immunity alone may still be powerful enough to eliminate SARS‐CoV‐2. This report may provide a basis for further analysis of both innate and adaptive immunity in SARS‐CoV‐2 clearance, especially in nonsevere cases.
Outcome in Caucasian patients with hepatitis B e antigen negative chronic infection: A long‐term observational cohort study
Authors: Koc Özgür M. , Robaeys Geert , Topal Halit , Bielen Rob , Busschots Dana , Fevery Johan , Koek Ger H. , Nevens Frederik
Published: April 2020

Sensitive polymerase chain reaction assays to measure hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA became only available the last decade. Hence, the long‐term outcome of Caucasian patients in Western Europe with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative chronic infection, especially with a baseline HBV DNA level ⩾2000 IU/mL, is still unclear. Out of a cohort of 1936 chronic HBV patients, 413 Caucasian individuals were identified with HBeAg‐negative chronic infection, defined as persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and HBV DNA levels <20 000 IU/mL. During a mean follow‐up of 12 years, 366 (88.6%) maintained an HBeAg‐negative chronic infection status, whereas 25 (6.1%) developed chronic active hepatitis (CAH). In total, Nine of these 25 CAH cases were related to immunosuppression. In total, 22 (5.3%) individuals had ALT > 2 × upper limit of normal due to non‐HBV‐related causes. The cumulative probability of spontaneously developing CAH after 10 years was almost exclusively seen in patients with baseline HBV DNA level ⩾2000 IU/mL (11.7% vs 1.2%; P < .001). Advanced liver disease developed significantly more in patients with baseline HBV DNA level ⩾2000 IU/mL (5.2% vs 1.5%; P = .018) and occurred especially in patients with obesity (16.7% vs 4.2%; P = .049). The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.0%. Caucasian patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic infection and baseline HBV DNA level <2000 IU/mL have an excellent long‐term prognosis in the absence of immunosuppressive therapy. However, patients with baseline HBV DNA level ⩾2000 IU/mL are at risk to develop advanced liver disease.
Fatty Acids of Microbial Origin in the Perirenal Fat of Rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica) and Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Fed Various Diets
Authors: De Cuyper Annelies , Winkler Daniela , Tütken Thomas , Janssens Geert P.J. , Clauss Marcus
Published: April 2020

Guinea pigs are assumed to practice caecotrophy to a higher degree than rats. Studies from leporids suggest that through the practice of caecotrophy, hindgut fermenting species could build up microbial fatty acids (FA) in body tissues. We hypothesized that microbial FA would be detectable in the body tissue of guinea pigs and rats, and this to a higher degree in guinea pigs. Twenty‐four rats and guinea pigs were fed with four different pelleted diets (lucerne‐, meat‐, meat‐bone‐, insect‐based) in groups of six animals for 8 weeks. Perirenal adipose tissue differed in FA composition between the species in spite of the common diets. FA typically associated with microbial activity (saturated FA (SFA; typically 18:0), monounsaturated FA (MUFA; typically trans‐fatty acids TFA), and odd‐ and branched‐chain FA (Iso‐FA)), were all detected. Guinea pigs had higher SFA levels than rats except on the lucerne diet. Concentrations of 18:0 were higher for guinea pigs on the meat and bone diet. Iso‐FA concentrations in guinea pigs exceeded those of rats on all diets. FA profiles with a microbial fingerprint appear—although in low proportions—in the body tissue of both species, and this seemingly to a higher extent in guinea pigs. With respect to whether consumption of rodent meat rich in microbial FA has particular effects on human health as shown for ruminant products, microbial FA concentrations are probably too low to cause any distinct effects.
Sustainable production of FAEE biodiesel using the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Yu Aiqun , Zhao Yu , Li Jian , Li Shenglong , Pang Yaru , Zhao Yakun , Zhang Cuiying , Xiao Dongguang
Published: April 2020

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are fatty acid‐derived molecules and serve as an important form of biodiesel. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is considered an ideal host platform for the production of fatty acid‐derived products due to its excellent lipid accumulation capacity. In this proof‐of‐principle study, several metabolic engineering strategies were applied for the overproduction of FAEE biodiesel in Y. lipolytica. Here, chromosome‐based co‐overexpression of two heterologous genes, namely, PDC1 (encoding pyruvate decarboxylase) and ADH1 (encoding alcohol dehydrogenase) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the endogenous GAPDH (encoding glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase) gene of Y. lipolytica resulted in successful biosynthesis of ethanol at 70.8 mg/L in Y. lipolytica. The engineered Y. lipolytica strain expressing the ethanol synthetic pathway together with a heterologous wax ester synthase (MhWS) exhibited the highest FAEE titer of 360.8 mg/L, which is 3.8‐fold higher than that of the control strain when 2% exogenous ethanol was added to the culture medium of Y. lipolytica. Furthermore, a synthetic microbial consortium comprising an engineered Y. lipolytica strain that heterologously expressed MhWS and a S. cerevisiae strain that could provide ethanol as a substrate for the production of the final product in the final engineered Y. lipolytica strain was created in this study. Finally, this synthetic consortium produced FAEE biodiesel at a titer of 4.8 mg/L under the optimum coculture conditions.
Examining the design, manufacturing and analytics of smart wearables
Authors: Lopez Ximena , Afrin Kahkashan , Nepal Bimal
Published: April 2020

Recent advancements in sensors, device manufacturing and big data technologies have enabled the design and manufacturing of smart wearables for a wide array of applications in health care. These devices can be used to remotely monitor and diagnose various diseases and aid in the rehabilitation of patients. Smart wearables are an unobtrusive and affordable alternative to costly and time‐consuming healthcare efforts such as hospitalization and late diagnosis. Developments in micro‐ and nanotechnologies have led to the miniaturization of sensors, hybrid 3D printing of flexible plastics, embedded electronics and intelligent fabrics, as well as wireless communication mediums that permit the processing, storage and communication of data between patients and healthcare facilities. Due to these complex component architectures that comprise smart wearables, manufacturers have faced a number of problems, including minimum sensor configuration, data security, battery life, appropriate user interfaces, user acceptance, proper diagnosis and many more. There has been a significant increase in interest from both the academic and industrial communities in research and innovation related to smart wearables. However, as smart wearables integrate several different aspects such as design, manufacturing and analytics, the existing literature is quite widespread, making it less accessible for researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study was to narrow this gap by providing a state‐of‐the‐art review of the extant design, manufacturing and analytics literature on smart wearables—all in one place—thereby facilitating future work in this rapidly growing field of research and application. Lastly, it also provides an in‐depth discussion on two very important challenges facing the smart wearable devices, which include barriers to user adoption and the manufacturing technologies of the wearable devices.
Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for treatment of iatrogenic lymphocele in the thigh
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Fritsche Elmar
Published: April 2020

Background

Lymphocele is a collection of lymphatic fluid within the body. It is caused by an impairment of lymph drainage and often occurs after a surgical intervention. In this setting conservative treatment is usually ineffective. The aim of this report is to share the outcomes of 11 patients with iatrogenic lymphocele in the thigh area treated by supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis.

Patients and Methods

Eleven patients presenting iatrogenic lymphocele in the thigh were referred for surgery after an unsuccessful conservative therapy. Patients’ mean age was 56 years old, two males and nine females. All of them presented a moderate‐to‐severe lymphocele in the medial thigh after a surgical intervention that damaged the rich lymphatic pathway present there. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was always performed to visualize the lymphatic vessels and to make the preoperative marking.

Results

All the 11 patients were successfully treated by means of one or more (range: 1–3; mean: 1.5) lymphaticovenous anastomoses without complications. Three of them also received a pedicled sartorius flap for dead space obliteration. All the patients reached full range of motion (ROM) and no recurrences were observed during follow up (range: 6–12 months; mean: 8). Intra‐operative ICG lymphography was performed in all cases to check the patency of the anastomoses.

Conclusions

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis confirmed to be a minimally‐invasive and effective procedure for the treatment of postsurgical lymphoceles in the leg. For large lymphoceles a muscle flap may be indicated for volume restoration and prevention of recurrences.
A local meshless method for the numerical solution of space‐dependent inverse heat problems
Authors: Khan Muhammad Nawaz , Siraj‐ul‐Islam  , Hussain Iltaf , Ahmad Imtiaz , Ahmad Hijaz
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a local radial basis function collocation method is proposed for the numerical solution of inverse space‐wise dependent heat source problems. Multiquadric radial basis function is used for spatial discretization. The method accuracy is tested in terms of absolute root mean square and relative root mean square error norms. Numerical tests on a noisy data are performed on both regular domain and irregular domain. To test the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method, numerical experiments for one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional cases are performed. Both regular and irregular geometries with uniform and nonuniform points are taken into consideration, and the numerical results are also compared with the existing methods reported in literature.
Chronic pain 1–5 years after heart transplantation—A nationwide cross‐sectional cohort study
Authors: Dalvindt Marita , Kisch Annika , Nozohoor Shahab , Lennerling Annette , Forsberg Anna
Published: April 2020

Aim

To provide a multidimensional assessment of self‐reported chronic pain 1–5 years after heart transplantation and its relationship with self‐reported well‐being, fatigue, recovery, self‐efficacy and socio‐economic factors and to explore differences between heart recipients and a cohort of lung recipients.

Design

This multicentre, cross‐sectional, cohort study is a part of the Swedish national Self‐management after thoracic transplantation study.

Methods

Six questionnaires were distributed at the heart recipients yearly follow‐up (1–5 years) at three Swedish university hospitals 2014‐2017.

Results

The study group comprised of 79 heart recipients, 25 women and 54 men with a mean age of 52.68 years. Chronic pain among heart recipients was common and those not in paid employment as well as those with low psychological well‐being and high general fatigue reported significantly more pain. Female heart recipients were more affected by pain. General health and vitality, general fatigue, physical fatigue and reduced activity were related to the pain intensity score.

Relevance to clinical practice

As it is the duty of the healthcare system to provide adequate pain treatment, screening for pain should be a mandatory part of long‐term follow‐up.
Detailing the elementary stages in the oxirane ring opening reactions with carboxylic acids catalyzed by tertiary amines
Authors: Bakhtin Stanislav , Shved Elena , Bespalko Yuliia , Tyurina Tatyana , Palchykov Vitalii
Published: April 2020

The study of the reaction systems “R3N – proton‐donor reagent (NuH) – epichlorohydrin” using a complex of various kinetic methods of investigation allowed the reaction pathway and the catalysis mechanism of the oxirane ring opening by proton‐donor reagents in the presence of R3N to be detailed. It was confirmed that the catalytic activity of R3N consists in their quaternization by oxirane under the obligatory condition of its electrophilic assistance with the NuH reagent. The quaternization process of tertiary amines was studied using 1H NMR and UV spectroscopy, quantum chemical modeling, and correlation analysis. It was shown that the transition states of the quaternization stage are dissociative, and their degree of looseness depends on the electrophilic activation of the oxirane ring.