bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of marital status with stage and survival in patients with mycosis fungoides: A population‐based study
Authors: Xing Ling‐Xiao , Zhang Jing , Shen Hui , Tang Xiao‐Lu , He Lu , Wu Jia‐Zhu , Li Jian‐Yong , Miao Yi
Published: September 2021

Background

Previous studies have shown that marital status was associated with stages and survival in patients with melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma. To date, the impacts of marital status on stage and survival in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) have not been determined yet.

Methods

A total of 3375 eligible cases diagnosed from 2004 to 2015 were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Association of marital status with stage and survival in patients with MF was analyzed.

Results

Married patients were more likely to be diagnosed at T1 stage (p = 0.041). And married patients were less likely to present with lymph node involvement (p = 0.007). More favorable overall survival (p < 0.001) and cancer‐specific survival (p < 0.001) were demonstrated in married patients as compared with divorced patients or widowed patients. A clinically feasible prognostic model including marital status, age, sex, race, and stage at presentation was constructed.

Conclusion

Married marital status was associated with earlier stage at diagnosis and longer survival compared with divorced or widowed marital status in patients with MF.
Hearing loss and intellectual outcome in children treated for embryonal brain tumors: Implications for young children treated with radiation sparing approaches
Authors: Moxon‐Emre Iska , Dahl Christine , Ramaswamy Vijay , Bartels Ute , Tabori Uri , Huang Annie , Cushing Sharon L. , Papaioannou Vicky , Laperriere Normand , Bouffet Eric , Mabbott Donald J.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

We investigate the impact of severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and for the first time evaluate the effect of unilateral versus bilateral SNHL on intellectual outcome in a cohort of children with embryonal brain tumors treated with and without radiation.

Methods

Data were from 94 childhood survivors of posterior fossa (PF) embryonal brain tumors who were treated with either: (1) chemotherapy alone (n = 16, 7.11 [3.41] years, 11M/5F), (2) standard‐dose craniospinal irradiation (CSI) and/or large boost volumes (n = 44, 13.05 [3.26] years, 29M/15F), or (3) reduced‐dose CSI with a boost restricted to the tumor bed (n = 34, 11.07 [3.80] years, 19M/15F). We compared intellectual outcome between children who: (1) did and did not develop SNHL and (2) developed unilateral versus bilateral SNHL. A Chang grade of ≥2b that required the use of a hearing aid was considered severe SNHL. Comparisons were made overall and within each treatment group separately.

Results

Patients who developed SNHL had lower full scale IQ (p = 0.007), verbal comprehension (p = 0.003), and working memory (p = 0.02) than patients without SNHL. No differences were observed between patients who had unilateral versus bilateral SNHL (all p > 0.05). Patients treated with chemotherapy alone who developed SNHL had lower mean working memory (p = 0.03) than patients who did not develop SNHL. Among patients treated with CSI, no IQ indices differed between those with and without SNHL (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Children treated for embryonal brain tumors who develop severe SNHL have lower intellectual outcome than patients with preserved hearing: this association is especially profound in young children treated with radiation sparing approaches. We also demonstrate that intellectual outcome is similarly impaired in patients who develop unilateral versus bilateral SNHL. These findings suggest that early intervention to preserve hearing is critical.
Contemporary post‐marketing adverse events and modes of failure related to VASCADE Vascular Closure System: The utility of the MAUDE database
Authors: Case Brian C. , Kumar Sant , Medranda Giorgio A. , Yerasi Charan , Forrestal Brian J. , Satler Lowell F. , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Hashim Hayder , Bernardo Nelson L. , Rogers Toby , Waksman Ron
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To analyze post‐marketing surveillance data from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for the VASCADE Vascular Closure System (Cardiva Medical Inc., Santa Clara, CA).

Background

The VASCADE Vascular Closure System is a closure device for femoral arterial and venous access‐site closure that was approved by the FDA in 2013. However, post‐marketing data and experience on the most commonly reported complications and modes of failure associated with the VASCADE Vascular Closure System are limited.

Methods

Post‐marketing surveillance data from the FDA MAUDE database from October 2013 through March 2020 were analyzed, yielding 201 reports.

Results

Of the 201 reports of major complications involving VASCADE devices, 156 reports involved either injury (145) or death (11) related to the device. Of the 145 injury reports, bleeding was the most common adverse outcome described (85), followed by pseudoaneurysm (29) and pulselessness of an extremity (21). The device malfunction incidents (41 reports) were reported in three main categories, with deployment failure being the most commonly reported complication.

Conclusions

Our analysis of the MAUDE database demonstrates that in contemporary post‐marketing practice, physicians should be well‐trained and educated to use the VASCADE closure device because improper utilization is a common cause of device failure, and complications with the VASCADE device can have profound clinical implications.
Low Temperature Sunlight‐Powered Reduction of CO2 to CO Using a Plasmonic Au/TiO2 Nanocatalyst
Authors: Martínez Molina Pau , Meulendijks Nicole , Xu Man , Verheijen Marcel A. , den Hartog Tim , Buskens Pascal , Sastre Francesc
Published: September 2021

Sunlight‐powered reduction of CO2 to fuels and chemicals is a promising strategy to close the carbon loop and facilitate the energy transition. In this research, we demonstrate that Au nanoparticles supported on TiO2 are an efficient plasmonic catalyst for the sunlight‐powered reverse water‐gas shift (rWGS) reaction. A maximum CO production rate of 429 mmol ⋅ gAu−1 ⋅ h−1 with a selectivity of 98 % and an apparent quantum efficiency of 4.7 % were achieved using mildly concentrated sunlight (1.44 W ⋅ cm−2 equals 14.4 sun). The CO production rate showed an exponential increase with increasing light intensity, suggesting that the process is mainly promoted by a photothermal effect. Thermal reference experiments with the same catalysts promoted CH4 formation, dropping the CO selectivity to 70 %. Thus, mildly concentrated sunlight can efficiently and selectively enhance the promotion of the rWGS reaction without using external heating.
Intracardiac versus transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis of left atrial appendage thrombosis in atrial fibrillation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: He Guijun , Liu Hanxion , Huang Xiaoyu , Deng Xiaoqi , Yang Guosu , Luo Duan , Cai Lin
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation is usually detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can be a suitable alternative to detect thrombosis. However, the effectiveness of the two methods for detecting LAA thrombus is still unclear, we performed a meta‐analysis that compared ICE versus TEE for LAA thrombosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for published abstracts and manuscripts on June 1, 2020. The analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3, STATA 15, and Meta‐Disc 1.4.

Results

Eight studies consists of 1108 patients (TEE = 558 vs. ICE = 550) were included. The average sensitivity of ICE and TEE to diagnose LAA thrombus is 1.0 (95% CI: 0.91–1.00) versus 0.68 (95% CI: 0.49–0.83), and specificity of ICE and TEE to diagnosis of LAA thrombus is 1.0 (95% CI: 0.99–1.00) versus 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99). The AUC of ICE and TEE is 0.9846 (SEAUC = 0.0196) and 0.9655 (SEAUC = 0.0401), and the Q* statistics is 0.9462 (SEQ* = 0.0406) and 0.9127 (SEQ * = 0.0616), respectively. Z test was performed on Q* statistics (Z = 0.45, p > .05).

Conclusion

The ICE and TEE have similar diagnostic efficacy for LAA thrombosis, but the ICE has higher sensitivity. Compared with TEE, ICE may be more advantages and prospects for clinical application.
Using the lineage determinants Olig2 and Sox10 to explore transcriptional regulation of oligodendrocyte development
Authors: Sock Elisabeth , Wegner Michael
Published: September 2021

The transcription factors Olig2 and Sox10 jointly define oligodendroglial identity. Because of their continuous presence during development and in the differentiated state they shape the oligodendroglial regulatory network at all times. In this review, we exploit their eminent role and omnipresence to elaborate the central principles that organize the gene regulatory network in oligodendrocytes in such a way that it preserves its identity, but at the same time allows defined and stimulus‐dependent changes that result in an ordered lineage progression, differentiation, and myelination. For this purpose, we outline the multiple functional and physical interactions and intricate cross‐regulatory relationships with other transcription factors, such as Hes5, Id, and SoxD proteins, in oligodendrocyte precursors and Tcf7l2, Sip1, Nkx2.2, Zfp24, and Myrf during differentiation and myelination, and interpret them in the context of the regulatory network.
Potential geographical distribution and environmental explanations of rare and endangered plant species through combined modeling: A case study of Northwest Yunnan, China
Authors: Ye Pengcheng , Zhang Guangfu , Zhao Xiao , Chen Hui , Si Qin , Wu Jianyong
Published: September 2021

In recent decades, due to the effect of climate change and the interference of human activities, the species habitat index has fallen by 2%. Studying on the geographical distribution pattern and predicting the potential geographical distribution of species are of great significance for developing scientific and effective biodiversity conservation strategies. Plenty of rare and endangered species that need immediate conservation are distributed in Northwest Yunnan. In this regard, this research is conducted in the purpose of predicting the potential geographical distribution of 25 rare and endangered plant species in Northwest Yunnan and analyzing the explanation capabilities of various environmental factors on the potential geographical distribution patterns of these species. Initially, the ecological niche model MaxEnt was employed to predict the potential geographical distribution of target species. Following that, the superposition method was applied to obtain the potential geographical distribution pattern of species richness on the spatial scale of the ecological niche model with a resolution of 0.05° × 0.05°. Ultimately, geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was adopted to investigate the explanation capabilities of various environmental parameters on the potential distribution patterns. The research results showed that the average value of the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of each species was between 0.80 and 1.00, which indicated that the simulation accuracy of the MaxEnt model for each species was good or excellent. On the whole, the potential distribution area for each species was relatively concentrated and mainly distributed in the central‐western, central‐eastern and northern regions of Northwest Yunnan. In addition, the potential distribution areas of these species were between 826.33 km2 and 44,963.53 km2. In addition, the annual precipitation (Bio12), precipitation of coldest quarter (Bio19), and population density (Pop) made a greater contribution to the species distribution model, and their contribution values were 25.92%, 15.86%, and 17.95%, respectively. Moreover, the goodness‐of‐fit R2 and AIC value of the water model were 0.88 and 7,703.82, respectively, which indicated the water factor largely influenced the potential distribution of these species. These results would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the potential geographical distribution pattern and the distribution of suitable habitats of some rare and endangered plant species in Northwest Yunnan and would be helpful for implementing long‐term conservation and reintroduction for these species.
The quality of afterlife: surviving extracorporeal life support after therapy‐refractory circulatory failure—a comprehensive follow‐up analysis
Authors: Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Eschlböck Sophie Margaretha , Rellecke Philipp , Dalyanoglu Hannan , Tudorache Igor , Boeken Udo , Akhyari Payam , Albert Alexander , Lichtenberg Artur , Aubin Hug
Published: September 2021

Aims

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) represents a popular treatment option for therapy‐refractory circulatory failure and substantially increases survival. However, comprehensive follow‐up (FU) data beyond short‐term survival are mostly lacking. Here, we analyse functional recovery and quality of life of longer‐term survivors.

Methods and results

Between 2011 and 2016, a total of n = 246 consecutive patients were treated with ECLS for therapy‐refractory circulatory failure in our centre. Out of those, 99 patients (40.2%) survived the first 30 days and were retrospectively analysed. Fifty‐eight patients (23.6%) were still alive after a mean FU of 32.4 ± 16.8 months. All surviving patients were invited to a prospective, comprehensive clinical FU assessment, which was completed by 39 patients (67.2% of survivors). Despite high incidence of early functional impairments, FU assessment revealed a high degree of organ and functional recovery with more than 70% of patients presenting with New York Heart Association class ≤ II, 100% free of haemodialysis, 100% free of moderate or severe neurological disability, 71.8% free of moderate or severe depression, and 84.4% of patients reporting to be caring for themselves without need for assistance.

Conclusions

Patients surviving the first 30 days of ECLS therapy for circulatory failure without severe adverse events have a quite favourable outcome in terms of subsequent survival as well as functional recovery, showing the potential of ECLS therapy for patients to recover. Patients can recover even after long periods of mechanically support and regain physical and mental health to participate in their former daily life and work.
Preferences on advance care planning and end‐of‐life care in patients hospitalized for heart failure
Authors: Kitakata Hiroki , Kohno Takashi , Kohsaka Shun , Fujisawa Daisuke , Nakano Naomi , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Katsumata Yoshinori , Nagatomo Yuji , Yuasa Shinsuke , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: September 2021

Aims

Early engagement in advance care planning (ACP) is recommended in heart failure (HF) management. We investigated the preferences of patients with HF regarding ACP and end‐of‐life (EOL) care, including their desired timing of ACP initiation.

Methods and results

Data were collected using a 92‐item questionnaire survey, which was directly distributed to hospitalized patients by dedicated physicians and nurses in a university hospital setting. One‐hundred eighty‐seven patients agreed to participate (response rate: 92.6%), and 171 completed the survey [valid response rate: 84.7%; men: 67.3%; median age: 73.0 (63.0–81.0) years]. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of positive attitudes towards ACP. Most recognized ACP as important for their care (n = 127, 74.3%), 48.1% stated that ACP should be initiated after repeated HF hospitalizations in the past year, and 29.0% preferred ACP to begin during the first or second HF hospitalization. Only 21.7% of patients had previously engaged in ACP conversations during HF management. Positive attitudes towards ACP were associated with lower depressive symptoms [two‐item Patient Health Questionnaire; odds ratio (OR): 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.92, P‐value: 0.006], marriage (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.25–5.12, P‐value: 0.010), and a high educational level (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.28–5.56, P‐value: 0.009), but not with severity of HF (represented by Seattle Heart Failure Model risk score). Regarding EOL care, while ‘Saying what one wants to tell loved ones’ (83.4%), ‘Dying a natural death’ (81.8%), and ‘Being able to stay at one's favorite place’ (75.6%) were the three most important factors for patients, preferences for ‘Receiving sufficient treatment’ (56.5%) and ‘Knowing what to expect about future condition’ (50.3%) were divergent.

Conclusions

Despite patients' preferences for ACP conversations, there was a discrepancy between preference and engagement in ACP among patients hospitalized for HF. Patients' preferences regarding EOL care may differ; physicians need to consider the appropriate ACP approach to align with patients' care goals.
Risks of trastuzumab‐related cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Wei‐Ting , Chen Po‐Wei , Lin Hui‐Wen , Lin Sheng‐Hsiang , Li Yi‐Heng
Published: September 2021

Aims

In contrast to Western patients with breast cancer, Asian patients are relatively younger at diagnosis, and most are free from traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Despite trastuzumab‐related major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) being reported, its incidence and predictors remain unknown in Taiwan.

Methods and results

Through a three‐hospital retrospective cohort study, we analysed the incidence of MACCE in 386 breast cancer patients' exposure to trastuzumab from 2010 to 2018. To further reconfirm our findings, in a nationwide study using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database and National Cancer Registry, we identified 13 502 women diagnosed with breast cancer who received chemotherapy from 2010 to 2015 and found 6751 women who received initial treatment with trastuzumab. After 1:1 propensity score matching with trastuzumab non‐users, the incidence of MACCE was measured with a median follow‐up of 36 months. In the hospital‐based study, among 386 patients receiving trastuzumab, the 5‐year incidences of MACCE and heart failure (HF) were 5.4 and 2.8%, respectively. In the national cohort, the crude incidences of MACCEs and HF were 4.67 and 3.21%, respectively. After adjustment for age and comorbidities, the hazard ratio of MACCE was 1.485 (95% CI 1.246–1.769). Notably, among the endpoints, only the hazard ratio of HF was significantly higher in patients receiving trastuzumab than in nonusers. In the subgroup analysis, except for patients also using taxanes, those receiving trastuzumab had a higher risk of MACCE than non‐users.

Conclusions

From clinical observations in a nationwide cohort, we found an increased risk of MACCE, especially HF, in patients receiving trastuzumab. Given that its cardiotoxicity is independent of traditional cardiovascular risks, our findings highlight critical concerns regarding the cardiac safety of trastuzumab use.
Influence of baseline parameters on one‐year physical, mental, and health‐related quality of life in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Fitz Judith , Edelmann Frank , Hasenfuß Gerd , Sandek Anja , Nolte Kathleen , Hashemi Djawid , Trippel Tobias D. , Wachter Rolf , Herrmann‐Lingen Christoph
Published: September 2021

Aims

To identify baseline parameters longitudinally influencing overall health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), physical function and mental health 1 year later in patients with chronic heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

We performed post hoc analyses of the randomized aldosterone in diastolic heart failure (Aldo‐DHF) trial, including 422 patients with HFpEF and NYHA class II or III. Overall HRQoL, measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), physical functioning and mental health, both measured by the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36), after 12 months were predicted in correlation analyses and multivariate regression analyses with continuous values and worst versus three better HRQoL quartiles as dependent variables. The mean age of the study population was 66.8 ± 7.6 years, 52.4% were female, and 86.0% had NYHA class II. All HRQoL variables at 1 year were predicted by their respective baseline values (all P < 0.001), which were also the best variables to predict lowest versus higher HRQoL quartiles (all P < 0.001). For overall HRQoL, six‐minute‐walking‐distance (P = 0.009), Borg‐score (P = 0.001), coronary heart disease (P = 0.036) and SF‐36 role‐emotional (P = 0.005) independently predicted one‐year‐outcome, while depression diagnosis (P = 0.044), self‐reported health status (P = 0.023) and PHQ depression (P = 0.001) were only significant predictors when excluding MLHFQ total score at baseline. In logistic regression analyses, only SF‐36 role‐emotional (P = 0.016) independently predicted overall HRQoL group status at follow up. For physical functioning, Borg‐score (P ≤ 0.001), 6 min walking distance (P = 0.005), coronary heart disease (P = 0.009), and SF‐36 vitality (P = 0.001) were significant independent predictors, also when excluding baseline physical functioning. Low SF‐36 vitality (P = 0.021) and presence of coronary heart disease (P = 0.027) independently predicted a patient's membership in the lowest quartile 1 year later. For mental health, SF‐36 physical functioning (P = 0.025) and HADS anxiety (P = 0.046) were independent predictors, while self‐rated fatigue and poor performance (P = 0.033) and SF‐36 vitality (P = 0.008) only served as significant predictors when excluding mental health at baseline. HADS anxiety (P = 0.009) also served as independent predictor of a patient's group status after 1 year.

Conclusion

Overall HRQoL, physical functioning, and mental health of HFpEF patients 1 year later are mainly influenced by their respective baseline values. Other self‐rated baseline parameters also showed independent effects while objective severity measures had limited predictive value.
Phenotyping heart failure patients for iron deficiency and use of intravenous iron therapy: data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Becher Peter Moritz , Schrage Benedikt , Benson Lina , Fudim Marat , Corovic Cabrera Carin , Dahlström Ulf , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Jankowska Ewa A. , Anker Stefan D. , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: September 2021

Aims

Iron deficiency (ID) is associated with poor prognosis regardless of anaemia. Intravenous iron improves quality of life and outcomes in patients with ID and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In the Swedish HF registry, we assessed (i) frequency and predictors of ID testing; (ii) prevalence and outcomes of ID with/without anaemia; (iii) use of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and its predictors in patients with ID.

Methods and results

We used multivariable logistic regressions to assess patient characteristics independently associated with ID testing/FCM use, and Cox regressions to assess risk of outcomes associated with ID. Of 21 496 patients with HF and any ejection fraction enrolled in 2017–2018, ID testing was performed in 27%. Of these, 49% had ID and more specifically 36% had ID−/anaemia−, 15% ID−/anaemia+, 29% ID+/anaemia−, and 20% ID+/anaemia+ (48%, 39%, 13%, 30% and 18% in HFrEF, respectively). Risk of recurrent all‐cause hospitalizations was higher in patients with ID regardless of anaemia. Of 1959 patients with ID, 19% received FCM (24% in HFrEF). Important independent predictors of ID testing and FCM use were anaemia, higher New York Heart Association class, having HFrEF, and referral to HF specialty care.

Conclusion

In this nationwide HF registry, ID testing occurred in only about a quarter of the patients. Among tested patients, ID was present in one half, but only one in five patients received FCM indicating low adherence to current guidelines on screening and treatment.
High Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of SnO2‐x Nanocrystals with Rich Oxygen Vacancy
Authors: Liu Quan , Zhan Hongquan , Huang Xuchun , Song Yihui , He Shenchao , Li Xiaohong , Wang Changan , Xie Zhipeng
Published: September 2021

SnO2‐x nanocrystals were prepared using a simple hydrothermal method by controlling the proportions of Sn4+/Sn2+ precursors. Due to the doping of Sn2+, the oxygen vacancies could be introduced into SnO2 nanocrystals, and their concentration can be controlled by the amount of doping Sn2+. The structural characteristics of SnO2‐x nanocrystals was investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, Raman spectra, UV‐vis diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results reveal that the bridging O‐vacancies are dominant in the pure SnO2 while the in‐plane O‐vacancies play a key role in the SnO2‐x. Meanwhile, the higher Sn2+ concentration, the more structural disorder was produced. According to XPS analysis, the presence of oxygen defects will change the electronic structure of SnO2‐x nanocrystals, which will lead to the valence band moving up and the smaller band gap. The rich oxygen vacancies, the structural disorder and the narrow band gap should greatly improve the visible light harvesting, and result in the excellent photocatalytic activity.
A fully distributed energy‐aware multi‐level clustering and routing for WSN‐based IoT
Authors: Abasıkeleş‐Turgut İpek , Altan Gokhan
Published: September 2021

One of the major problems in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is that resource‐constrained sensor nodes consume their limited batteries quickly due to long‐distance data communications. The communication distance of the nodes can be decreased using clustering architectures and multi‐hop data transmissions; hence, the lifetime of the network can be increased. In this study, two‐level intra‐cluster and multi‐level inter‐cluster communication are proposed. The coverage area of the second‐level clusters is dynamically determined according to the distance of cluster heads to the BS. Self‐organized nodes in the network designate the clustering ranges, the clusters, and the cluster heads without a central control mechanism using a fully distributed approach. Moreover, with the help of static clustering, the control messages generated by the system are decreased. The proposed approach, FDEAM, is compared with recent approaches in terms of the network lifetime, network energy consumption, cluster head alteration frequency, dead parent statistics, and data collection. The results show that FDEAM outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches for all performance metrics.
Anti‐jamming beam steering based on strapdown inertial navigation system aid for global satellite navigation system receivers in highly dynamic scenes
Authors: Wang Hao , Chang Qing , Xu Yong , Li Xianxu
Published: September 2021

In highly dynamic scenes, beamforming can alleviate satellite signal attenuation and distortion caused by null widening. In this article, a beam steering scheme based on strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) aid is proposed. Firstly, the Hermite interpolation algorithm is used to calculate satellite position coordinates to reduce the amount of calculation. On the other hand, the satellite position coordinates are converted to the antenna coordinate system, and the beam direction is calibrated based on the attitude angle measured by the SINS to ensure the optimal beam gain. Finally, the proposed scheme is verified through a simulation, and the influence of SINS measurement errors and interpolation errors on the beamforming performance is evaluated. The simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively improve and stabilize the signal‐to‐noise ratio and reduce the influence of anti‐interference processing on satellite signals close to the interference direction in dynamic scenes.
A decision for 5G‐UAV to maximize the throughput of emergency indoor‐outdoor communication
Authors: Guo Zinan , Liu Xikui , Cui Jian
Published: September 2021

In the emergency communication scenario, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) relay can provide long‐distance communication service for indoor users. Different from providing services for outdoor users, there is a signal through wall loss when providing services for indoor users. The process of signal passing through the wall leads to the rapid attenuation of the signal, the significant reduction of the signal‐to‐noise ratio, and further leads to the decline of the system throughput. In order to improve the system throughput as much as possible, it is necessary to optimize the three‐dimensional location of UAV, adjust the elevation angle of signal through the wall, and reduce the through wall loss. Users have the right to enjoy the same communication quality, but the optimization of UAV location cannot meet the fairness requirements of users. Therefore, under the constraints of user fairness and information causality, we construct the objective problem of maximizing system throughput. Due to the difficulty of solving the original problem, we decompose the original problem into two subproblems (location optimization and bandwidth allocation), and use successive convex approximation theory to solve them, respectively. Then we propose a joint location and bandwidth optimization (JLBO) algorithm. Simulation results show that the JLBO algorithm has good convergence performance and can maximize system throughput on the premise of ensuring user fairness.
Changes in the microbiological, physicochemical properties of Chinese traditional fermented Suan rou at ripening fermentation
Authors: Zeng Xuefeng , Meng Ju , Zhang Wei , He Laping , Deng Li , Ye Chun
Published: September 2021

This study characterized the changes in the microbiological, physicochemical properties of Suan rou during fermentation via three different techniques (Technique A is a traditional production process. Based on technique A, technique B adds a total of 200 g of sucrose to the thinly sliced meat, and technique C changes the amount of salt in the thinly sliced meat to 200 grams.). Compared to batch A, the samples from batches B and C featured more rapid reduction in pH and generated more TA. Myofibrillar proteins in batches B and C showed higher degradation rate, and several low‐molecular‐weight metabolites were determined on the basis of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) gel lanes. The contents of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N) and the growth of spoilage bacteria and pathogens were suppressed in the three batches. A relatively compatible acid–salinity proportion was presented in the Suan rou of batches A and B compared with that of batch C. The results show that the Suan rou made by B technology was more palatable acid flavor and abundant nutrition.
Effect of the joint fermentation of pyracantha powder and glutinous rice on the physicochemical characterization and functional evaluation of rice wine
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Huanyi , Tian Rungang , Mo Yiwei , Dong Lijia , Shen Chi , Han Xueyuan
Published: September 2021

Pyracantha fortuneana, as a kind of wild plant resource for both medicine and food, has high nutrition and health‐care value. This study was to explore the effect of the joint fermentation of pyracantha powder and glutinous rice on the physicochemical and functional characterization of rice wine, aiming to improve the rice wine functional quality. As a result, a light dry rice wine fermented with P. fortuneana (PRW) was obtained using the fermentation technology of the Chinese rice wine. Although the contents of alcohol and protein in PRW were lower compared with the rice wine (RW) without adding pyracantha powder, the contents of sugar, ascorbic acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, and anthocyanins were higher in PRW. The analysis of volatile compounds by GC‐IMS showed that the contents of most aldehydes, alcohols, and esters increased in PRW. The quantification of organic acids and phenolic monomers indicated that most of the monomers determined were more abundant in PRW. Besides, the antioxidant capacity of PRW, including the scavenging rate of DPPH• and ABTS+•, was significantly stronger than that of RW. The bacteriostatic effect of the phenolic extracts from PRW was also observed obviously. It was expected to provide an effective way for the comprehensive utilization of P. fortuneana resource by producing a kind of nutritious and healthy pyracantha rice wine.
The regional effect of serum hormone levels on cerebral blood flow in healthy nonpregnant women
Authors: Cote Samantha , Butler Russell , Michaud Vincent , Lavallee Eric , Croteau Etienne , Mendrek Adrianna , Lepage Jean‐Francois , Whittingstall Kevin
Published: September 2021

Sex hormones estrogen (EST) and progesterone (PROG) have received increased attention for their important physiological action outside of reproduction. While studies have shown that EST and PROG have significant impacts on brain function, their impact on the cerebrovascular system in humans remains largely unknown. To address this, we used a multi‐modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to investigate the link between serum hormones in the follicular phase and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (MC) with measures of cerebrovascular function (cerebral blood flow [CBF]) and structure (intracranial artery diameter). Fourteen naturally cycling women were recruited and assessed at two‐time points of their MC. CBF was derived from pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling while diameters of the internal carotid and basilar artery was assessed using time of flight magnetic resonance angiography, blood samples were performed after the MRI. Results show that PROG and EST had opposing and spatially distinct effects on CBF: PROG correlated negatively with CBF in anterior brain regions (r = −.86, p < .01), while EST correlations were positive, yet weak and most prominent in posterior areas (r = .78, p < .01). No significant correlations between either hormone or intracranial artery diameter were observed. These results show that EST and PROG have opposing and regionally distinct effects on CBF and that this relationship is likely not due to interactions with large intracranial arteries. Considering that CBF in healthy women appears tightly linked to their current hormonal state, future studies should consider assessing MC‐related hormone fluctuations in the design of functional MRI studies in this population.
Statistical analysis of flash flood events for designing water harvesting systems in an extremely arid environment
Authors: Unami Koichi , Mohawesh Osama , Fadhil Rasha M.
Published: September 2021

A water harvesting system for research purposes has been established in the Lisan Peninsula of the Dead Sea in the middle of the Jordan Rift Valley, where no authorized guideline is available for designing water harvesting systems. Rainfall and runoff, which occurred as flash floods, were observed at the downstream end of a gorge with a 1.12 km2 barren catchment area from October 2014 through July 2019. Due to the extremely arid environment, runoff from the catchment is ephemeral, and the flash flood events can be clearly distinguishable from each other. Thirteen flash flood events with a total runoff volume of more than 100 m3 were successfully recorded during the five rainy seasons. Pearson and Spearman correlations between duration, total rainfall depths at two points, total runoff volume, maximum runoff discharge, bulk runoff coefficient, total variation in runoff discharge and maximum variation in runoff discharge of each flash flood event were examined, revealing no straightforward relationship between rainfall and runoff. The performance of the conventional SCS runoff curve number method was also deficient in reproducing any rainfall–runoff relationship. Therefore, probability distribution fitting was performed for each random variable, focusing on the lognormal distribution with three parameters and the generalized extreme value distribution. The maximum goodness‐of‐fit estimation turns out to be a more rational and efficient method in obtaining the parameter values of those probability distributions rather than the standard maximum likelihood estimation, which has known disadvantages. Results support the design of the water harvesting system and provide quantitative information for designing and operating similar systems in the future.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on population‐based cancer registry
Authors: Soerjomataram Isabelle , Bardot Aude , Aitken Joanne , Piñeros Marion , Znaor Ariana , Steliarova‐Foucher Eva , Kohler Betsy , Bettio Manola , Matsuda Tomohiro , de Camargo Cancela Marianna , Mery Les , Bray Freddie
Published: September 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused disruptions to national health systems and impacted health outcomes worldwide. However, the extent to which surveillance systems, such as population‐based cancer registration, have been affected was not reported. Here we sought to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on registry operations across different areas and development levels worldwide. We investigated the impact of COVID‐19 on three main areas of cancer registry operations: staffing, financing and data collection. An online survey was administered to 750 member registries of the International Association for Cancer Registries. Among 212 responding registries from 90 countries, 65.6% reported a disruption in operations, ranging between 45% in south‐eastern Asia and 87% in the Latin America and Caribbean. Active data collection was disrupted more than case notifications or hybrid methods. In countries categorized with low Human Development Index (HDI), a greater number of registries reported a negative impact (81.3%) than in very high HDI countries (57.8%). This contrast was highest in term of impact on financing: 9/16 (56%) registries in low HDI countries reported a current or an expected decline in funding, compared to 7/108 (7%) in very high HDI countries. With many cancer registries worldwide reporting disruption to their operations during the early COVID‐19 pandemic, urgent actions are needed to ensure their continuity. Governmental commitment to support future registry operations as an asset to disease control, alongside a move toward electronic reporting systems will help to ensure the sustainability of cancer surveillance worldwide.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals the epithelial cell heterogeneity and invasive subpopulation in human bladder cancer
Authors: Lai Huadong , Cheng Xiaomu , Liu Qiang , Luo Wenqin , Liu Mengyao , Zhang Man , Miao Juju , Ji Zhongzhong , Lin Guan Ning , Song Weichen , Zhang Lianhua , Bo Juanjie , Yang Guoliang , Wang Jia , Gao Wei‐Qiang
Published: September 2021

Bladder cancer represents a highly heterogeneous disease characterized by distinct histological, molecular and clinical phenotypes, and a detailed analysis of tumor cell invasion and crosstalks within bladder tumor cells has not been determined. Here, we applied droplet‐based single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) to acquire transcriptional profiles of 36 619 single cells isolated from seven patients. Single cell transcriptional profiles matched well with the pathological basal/luminal subtypes. Notably, in T1 tumors diagnosed as luminal subtype, basal cells displayed characteristics of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mainly located at the tumor‐stromal interface as well as micrometastases in the lamina propria. In one T3 tumor, muscle‐invasive tumor showed significantly higher expression of cancer stem cell markers SOX9 and SOX2 than the primary tumor. We additionally analyzed communications between tumor cells and demonstrated its relevance to basal/luminal phenotypes. Overall, our single‐cell study provides a deeper insight into the tumor cell heterogeneity associated with bladder cancer progression.
The Crystal Structure of 5‐Aminouracil and the Ambiguity of Alternative Polymorphs
Authors: Watts Taylor A. , Price Louise S. , Price Sarah L. , Niederberger Sara M. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Swift Jennifer A.
Published: September 2021

The nucleobase derivative 5‐aminouracil (AUr, C4H5N3O2) is of interest for its biological activity, yet the solid state structure of this compound has remained elusive owing to its propensity to crystallize as aggregates of microcrystalline particles. Here we report the first single‐crystal structure of AUr determined from synchrotron x‐ray diffraction data. An early crystal structure prediction effort, which assumed that AUr was rigid in the isolated molecule optimized conformation, provided several poor matches to the simulated PXRD pattern. Revisiting these crystal structures, by periodic electronic level modelling (PBE‐TS optimization) gave more realistic relative lattice energies, but a good match to the experimental powder pattern required using the experimental cell parameters. PXRD and Raman spectroscopy suggest that phase impurities may be present in the bulk crystallization product, though the identity of alternative polymorphs could not be confirmed on the basis of the data available.
Association Between Steroid Use and Nephropathy in Patients Who Were Administered a Proton Pump Inhibitor: Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Event Report Database
Authors: Mitsuboshi Satoru , Kaseda Ryohei , Narita Ichiei
Published: September 2021

This study used the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database to investigate whether steroid use decreases the risk of nephropathy in patients who were administered a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Disproportionality of kidney injury was observed between patients who did and those who did not use steroids while taking lansoprazole (reporting odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65‐0.93; P = .002) or rabeprazole (reporting odds ratio, 0.69; 95%CI, 0.53‐0.89; P = .005). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly negative association of kidney injury with steroid use (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; 95%CI, 0.75‐0.96; P = .011) and a significantly positive association with the presence of chronic kidney disease (OR, 1.66; 95%CI, 1.44‐1.90; P < .001), the presence of comorbidities that relate to nephropathy (OR, 1.43; 95%CI, 1.29‐1.59; P < .001), male sex (OR, 1.25; 95%CI, 1.13‐1.39; P < .001), and age ≥80 years (OR, 1.21; 95%CI, 1.07‐1.37; P = .002). These findings suggest that steroid use may decrease the risk of proton pump inhibitor–induced nephropathy.
Mesophilic batch co‐digestion of municipal solid waste and food waste: improved digester performance and stability at optimum organic loading rates
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Ammar Muhammad , Hussain Shahid , Ahmed Toheed , Ashraf Waqar Muhammad , Raza Ali , Amjad Ahsan , Zou Dexun
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

The accumulative municipal solid waste (MSW) production calls for emerging efficient technology for its handling. Anaerobic digestion (AD) of MSW provides effective waste volatilization. The high C/N ratio of MSW and increasing organic loading rates (OLRs) are central AD restrictions that affect the AD process performance, inhibition due to aggregation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and rapid fall in pH.

RESULTS

This study examines the consequence of OLRs on AD of MSW with a high C/N ratio of 406 in food waste (FW) to have a balanced C/N ratio of 30. Three batch scale digesters investigate under mesophilic conditions (35 °C) with OLRs of 10, 15, and 20 gVS L−1to assess the digester performance and stability in biogas yield, methane yield, and volatile solids (VS) reduction. The cumulative biogas and methane yield are observed to be 1336 and 776 mL gVS−1, respectively, with aVSreduction rate of 78%, at 10 gVS L−1. VFA/alkalinity ratio ranges from 0.02 to 0.01 at OLR of 10 and 15 gVS L−1, which designates a higher buffering capability of the digester. While VFA/alkalinity ratio of 0.48 observes at OLR of 20 gVS L−1. A rapid deprivation in digester performance and stability finds at ORL of 15 and 20 gVS L−1. The cumulative biogas yield and methane yield decrease with the increase in OLR from 10 to 20 gVS L−1.

CONCLUSION

This study provided sufficient information for better AD processes and operational circumstances that are an optimum and effective method to convert organic matter to biogas fuel. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Staudinger ketene–imine [2+2] cycloaddition of novel azomethines to synthesize biologically active azetidinone derivatives and their in vitro antimicrobial studies
Authors: Kapoor Atul , Rajput Jaspreet Kaur
Published: September 2021

Since considerable intrigue has been focused on azetidinone (β‐lactam) compounds for their wide range antimicrobial activity, the present study focuses on the synthesis of new series of azetidinone compounds. The reaction between the novel azomethine and α‐haloester in the presence of Zn impetus and benzene resulted into the formation of desired azetidinone derivative by [2+2] cycloaddition involving imine–ketene. The reaction has also been studied in the presence of diverse Lewis acids such as Zn(OTf)2, ZnCl2, Cu(OTf)2, TiCl4, and BF3.Et2O. The effect of such Lewis acids also enhance the yield of the desired product. Moreover, the structure of the isolated products was also affirmed by spectral analysis (Fourier‐transform infrared [FT‐IR] spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance [1H NMR], carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance [13C NMR], and high‐resolution mass spectrometry [HRMS]). Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds has been screened in vitro against different pathogenic bacterial and fungus species. Inspection of the results uncovered that all of the newly synthesized compounds individually display varying degrees of inhibitory impacts on the development of the tested bacterial species, thus, they might be considered as medication possibility for bacterial pathogens. The azomethine exhibited an expansive range of antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumannii and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis bacterial strain. The result demonstrated that the β‐lactam subordinates have good antibacterial and antifungal activities on microscopic organisms.
MPS I: Early diagnosis, bone disease and treatment, where are we now?
Authors: Kingma Sandra D. K. , Jonckheere An I.
Published: September 2021

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by α‐L‐iduronidase deficiency. Patients present with a broad spectrum of disease severity ranging from the most severe phenotype (Hurler) with devastating neurocognitive decline, bone disease and early death to intermediate (Hurler‐Scheie) and more attenuated (Scheie) phenotypes, with a normal life expectancy. The most severely affected patients are preferably treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which halts the neurocognitive decline. Patients with more attenuated phenotypes are treated with enzyme replacement therapy. There are several challenges to be met in the treatment of MPS I patients. First, to optimize outcome, early recognition of the disease and clinical phenotype is needed to guide decisions on therapeutic strategies. Second, there is thus far no effective treatment available for MPS I bone disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind bone disease are largely unknown, limiting the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This article is a state of the art that comprehensively discusses three of the most urgent open issues in MPS I: early diagnosis of MPS I patients, pathophysiology of MPS I bone disease, and emerging therapeutic strategies for MPS I bone disease.