bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictions of soybean harvest index evolution and evapotranspiration using STICS crop model
Authors: Crépeau Marianne , Jégo Guillaume , Morissette René , Pattey Elizabeth , Morrison Malcolm J.
Published: June 2021

In the last century, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genetic improvements have resulted in increased yield partly due to an increase in harvest index (HI). To account for these genetic improvements, an update of the soybean calibration of the STICS soil‐crop model was carried out. The model was calibrated and evaluated for two sets of soybean plant parameters using datasets from the Ottawa region (ON, Canada); a low HI cultivar calibrated using datasets (1993–2008) of cultivars of maturity groups (MGs) 00 and 0 and a high HI cultivar calibrated with more recent datasets (2016–2017) of cultivars of MGs 0 and I. The model succeeded in reproducing the HI increase. Leaf area index (LAI), shoot biomass, and yield were also well predicted for the high HI cultivars with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 34, 10, and 14%, respectively, which was a great improvement compared to the default parametrization proposed in STICS for soybean. Under rainfed conditions, accurate simulation of evapotranspiration is a critical point to achieve good model performance. A comparison of the two crop evapotranspiration approaches available in STICS was also carried out. It showed that the resistive approach (NRMSE of 36%) was more efficient than the crop coefficient approach (NRMSE of 67%). This good performance of the model in predicting evapotranspiration allowed the model to perform equally well under water stress and non‐water stressed conditions. The model could therefore be used in future studies to simulate the impact of water stress on soybean growth in eastern Canada.
Bee species visiting Medicago sativa differ in pollen deposition curves with consequences for gene flow
Authors: Santa‐Martinez Emmanuel , Cardoso Castro Cibele , Flick Andrew , Sullivan Michael , Riday Heathcliffe , Clayton Murray K. , Brunet Johanne
Published: June 2021

Premise

Pollinator foraging behavior can influence pollen dispersal and gene flow. In many plant species a pollinator trips a flower by applying pressure to release its sexual organs. We propose that differences in tripping rate among grooming pollinators could generate distinct pollen deposition curves, the pattern of pollen deposition over successive flowers visited. This study compares the pollen deposition curves of two grooming pollinators, a social bumble bee and a solitary leafcutting bee, with distinct tripping rates on Medicago sativa flowers. We predict a steeper deposition curve for pollen moved by leafcutting bees, the pollinator with the higher tripping rate.

Methods

Medicago sativa plants carrying a gene (GUS) whose product is easily detected by staining, were used as pollen donors. After visiting the GUS plants, a bee was released on a linear array of conventional M. sativa plants. The number of GUS pollen grains deposited over successive flowers visited or over cumulative distances was examined. Distinct mixed effect Poisson regression models, illustrating different rates of decay in pollen deposition, were fitted to the pollen data for each bee species.

Results

Pollen decay was steeper for leafcutting bees relative to bumble bees for both models of flowers visited and cumulative distance, as predicted by their higher tripping rate.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a difference in pollen deposition curves between two bee species, both grooming pollinators. Such differences could lead to distinct impacts of bee species on gene flow, genetic differentiation, introgression, and ultimately speciation.
Venetoclax for the treatment of multiple myeloma: Outcomes outside of clinical trials
Authors: Sidiqi M. Hasib , Al Saleh Abdullah S. , Kumar Shaji K. , Leung Nelson , Jevremovic Dragan , Muchtar Eli , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Warsame Rahma , Buadi Francis K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Kyle Robert A. , Go Ronald , Hobbs Miriam , Dispenzieri Angela , Dingli David , Hayman Suzanne R. , Gertz Morie A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kapoor Prashant
Published: June 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease despite incorporation of novel agents. Venetoclax, a B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2) inhibitor is approved for some hematologic malignancies but not yet for MM, although clinical trials have shown efficacy in patients with MM, particularly those harboring t(11;14). We reviewed the medical records of relapsed and/or refractory MM patients to study the efficacy and safety of venetoclax used outside of clinical trials at Mayo Clinic between December, 2016 and March, 2019. The data cut‐off date was August 06, 2020. We identified 56 patients of whom 42 (75%) harbored t(11;14). The median number of prior therapies was six (range 1–15) and 14% of patients had received ≥10 prior lines of therapy. Fifty‐three (95%) patients were refractory to an immunomodulatory drug and proteasome inhibitor. Venetoclax was used as monotherapy or doublet, in combination with dexamethasone in 55% (n = 31) and a triplet or quadruplet in 45% of patients. No patient experienced tumor lysis syndrome. Overall response rate in 52 evaluable patients was 44%. The median time to best response was 2 months and median duration of response was 13.6 months. The median PFS for the entire cohort was 5.8 (95% CI 4.9–10.3) months and median OS was 28.4 (95% CI 14.6‐not reached) months. The presence of t(11;14) was associated with improved PFS (median 9.7 months vs. 4.2 months, p = 0.019) and OS (median not reached vs. 10.8 9 months, p = 0.015). Venetoclax demonstrates encouraging activity in heavily‐treated patients with relapsed/refractory MM, particularly the t(11;14) patient‐population.
Matrilineal diversity and population history of Norwegians
Authors: Kristjansson Dana , Bohlin Jon , Jugessur Astanand , Schurr Theodore G.
Published: June 2021

Background

While well known for its Viking past, Norway's population history and the influences that have shaped its genetic diversity are less well understood. This is particularly true with respect to its demography, migration patterns, and dialectal regions, despite there being curated historical records for the past several centuries. In this study, we undertook an analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity within the country to elaborate this history from a matrilineal genetic perspective.

Methods

We aggregated 1174 partial modern Norwegian mtDNA sequences from the published literature and subjected them to detailed statistical and phylogenetic analysis by dialectal regions and localities. We further contextualized the matrilineal ancestry of modern Norwegians with data from Mesolithic, Iron Age, and historic period populations.

Results

Modern Norwegian mtDNAs fell into eight West Eurasian (N, HV, JT, I, U, K, X, W), five East Eurasian (A, F, G, N11, Z), and one African (L2) haplogroups. Pairwise analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) estimates for all Norwegians indicated they were differentiated from each other at 1.68% (p < 0.001). Norwegians within the same dialectal region also showed genetic similarities to each other, although differences between subpopulations within dialectal regions were also observed. In addition, certain mtDNA lineages in modern Norwegians were also found among prehistoric and historic period populations, suggesting some level of genetic continuity over hundreds to many thousands of years.

Conclusions

This analysis of mtDNA diversity provides a detailed picture of the genetic variation within Norway in light of its topography, settlement history, and historical migrations over the past several centuries.
All‐Resonance Controlled‐Phase Gate on Two Nonlocal Nitrogen‐Vacancy Center Ensembles Assisted by a Superconducting Quantum Circuit
Authors: Wu Hai‐Peng , Li Yan‐Mei , Tao Ming‐Jie , Hua Ming
Published: June 2021

The realization of universal quantum logical gates on nonlocal nitrogen‐vacancy center ensembles (NVEs) is a basic task for universal quantum computing with NVEs. In contrast to previous works on the construction of gates, a one‐step all‐resonance scheme is proposed to construct a controlled‐phase gate on two nonlocal NVEs that are coupled to different superconducting transmission line resonators connected by a superconducting transmon qubit. The gate can be easily realized using only one step. Moreover, the all‐resonance operation allows the gate to be achieved within a short time. By considering the feasible parameters obtained in the experiments, this gate can be completed within 101 ns with a high fidelity of approximately 97.8%, which has reached the threshold of fault‐tolerance quantum computing.
Study of the rheological properties and solution microstructure of progressively cross‐linked aqueous gels
Authors: Lv Xin , Liang Shoucheng , Sun Fujie , Zhang Jian , Li Qiang , Ge Yang , Li Fenghui , Jing Bo , Li Lixia
Published: June 2021

A stepwise cross‐linking polyacrylamide hydrogel was prepared using the laboratory homemade stepwise crosslinker PVC‐PP‐Cr and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide. The microstructure was investigated by using the scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering. The results show that the system has a controllable cross‐linking time of 4 ~ 6 h, good heat resistance, and maximum gel strength of >300,000 mPa.S. In terms of viscoelastic behavior, a stepwise cross‐linking process between crosslinker and hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) is presented, and the viscoelasticity is increased step by step. During the stepwise cross‐linking process, the dendritic structure, network structure and lamellar structure to a stable spatial network structure is obtained. Here, the cross‐linked structure between polymer molecular chains is formed after addition of the crosslinker, which increases the steric hindrance of macromolecular chains and further enhances the stability of the system. With the gradual release of chromium ions from the PVC‐PP‐Cr stepwise crosslinker, the gel system is formed continuously. When intermolecular friction stopped increasing, intermolecular entanglement and interaction are enhanced, and elasticity is also increased.
Compression stiffness evaluation of polycaprolactone‐amorphous calcium phosphate 3D‐designed scaffolds oriented by finite element analysis
Authors: Liu James , Roque Renan , Barbosa Gustavo Franco , Malavolta Alexandre Tácito
Published: June 2021

Scaffolds are implants used to accelerate bone regeneration process, being a relevant element of research in bone tissue engineering field. In this context, the proposal of this research was to perform a mechanical behavior evaluation, by finite element analysis (FEA), of two different configurations of 3D scaffolds fabricated in a type of composite material of PCL‐ACP (polycaprolactone and amorphous calcium phosphate). The numerical results were compared with the experimental data and also, used to determine the compression stiffness of each studied scaffold configuration. Thus, it was possible to conclude that FEA is a tool that helps understand complex problems while being able to reduce time and cost in analysis, resulting in more efficient and less invasive medical procedures and treatments. In addition, the novelty of this multidisciplinary research work contributes as an application in tissue engineering area by relating a PCL‐ACP biomaterial with one unprecedented geometry of scaffold faced to FEA mechanical evaluation. Therefore, demonstrating to be a relevant subject for science by not only providing procedures that increases people's life quality but also for being a new application.
Recycling of waste cotton fabrics into regenerated cellulose films through three solvent systems: A comparison study
Authors: Zhou Chufan , Wang Yixiang
Published: June 2021

Large amounts of textile waste are generated every year and disposed of through landfill or incineration, leading to numerous environmental and social issues. In this work, the dissolution of three typical waste cotton fabrics (t‐shirts, bed sheets and jeans) in NaOH/urea aqueous solution, H2SO4 aqueous solution, and LiCl/DMAc solution was investigated. Compared to different types of cotton fabrics, the effects of three solvents on the dissolution of fabrics were more obvious, leading to the significant changes in the structure and properties of regenerated cellulose films. Cotton fabrics (about 2%–5%) were rapidly dissolved (8 min) in H2SO4 and NaOH/urea solvents after acid pretreatment, while the dissolution in LiCl/DMAc solvent did not need any pretreatment, but a lower cellulose concentration (1%), higher dissolution temperature (80°C), and longer dissolution time (24 h) were required. The films produced from bed sheets in NaOH/urea solution exhibited the highest tensile strength, thermal stability, and water vapor barrier property. It was because of the stronger cellulose chain entanglement and hydrogen bonds induced by the higher cellulose concentration in NaOH/urea solution. Therefore, this work proves the feasibility to recycle waste cotton fabrics into biodegradable cellulose films, which can be potentially used in various food and agricultural applications.
Environmental, social and governance disclosure and default risk
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Ali Searat
Published: June 2021

We investigate whether environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure is related to default risk. Using a sample of US nonfinancial institutions from 2006 to 2017, we find that ESG disclosure is positively related to Merton's distance to default and is negatively related to the credit default swap spread, which suggests that firms with a higher ESG disclosure have lower default risk. Our analysis further indicates that the inverse effect of ESG disclosure on default risk is through increased profitability and reduced performance variability and cost of debt. We also document that the negative impact of ESG disclosure on default risk is existent only for mature and older firms. These results are important for all stakeholders of firms, including shareholders and bondholders to consider firm's ESG disclosure in conjunction with life cycle stage before making their investment decisions.
Ionic liquid‐based in situ product removal design exemplified for an acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation
Authors: Chen Yuqiu , Garg Nipun , Luo Hao , Kontogeorgis Georgios M. , Woodley John M.
Published: June 2021

Selecting an appropriate separation technique is essential for the application of in situ product removal (ISPR) technology in biological processes. In this work, a three‐stage systematic design method is proposed as a guide to integrate ionic liquid (IL)‐based separation techniques into ISPR. This design method combines the selection of a suitable ISPR processing scheme, the optimal design of an IL‐based liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) system followed by process simulation and evaluation. As a proof of concept, results for a conventional acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation are presented (40,000 ton/year butanol production). In this application, ILs tetradecyl(trihexyl)phosphonium tetracyanoborate ([TDPh][TCB]) and tetraoctylammonium 2‐methyl‐1‐naphthoate ([TOA] [MNaph]) are identified as the optimal solvents from computer‐aided IL design (CAILD) method and reported experimental data, respectively. The dynamic simulation results for the fermentation process show that, the productivity of IL‐based in situ (fed‐batch) process and in situ (batch) process is around 2.7 and 1.8fold that of base case. Additionally, the IL‐based in situ (fed‐batch) process and in situ (batch) process also have significant energy savings (79.6% and 77.6%) when compared to the base case.
GZD824 overcomes FGFR1‐V561F/M mutant resistance in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jiang Kaili , Tang Xia , Guo Jing , He Rui , Chan Shingpan , Song Xiaojuan , Tu Zhengchao , Wang Yuting , Ren Xiaomei , Ding Ke , Zhang Zhang
Published: June 2021

Abnormallyactivated FGFR1 has been validated as a therapeutic target for differentcancers. Although a variety of FGFR inhibitors have shown benefit in manyclinical patients with FGFR1 aberration, FGFR1 mutant resistance such as V561Mmutation, has been reported. To date however, no FGFR inhibitors have beenapproved to treat patients with FGFR mutant resistance. Herein, we report that GZD824, athird generation ABL inhibitor (Phase II, China), overcomes FGFR1‐V561F/M mutant resistance in vitro and in vivo. GZD824potently suppresses FGFR1/2/3 with an IC50 value of 4.14 ± 0.96, 2.77 ± 0.082, and 8.10 ± 0.15 nmol/L. It effectively overcomes FGFR1‐V561F/M and other mutantresistance in Ba/F3 stable cells (IC50:8.1–55.0 nM), and effectively inhibits the growth of Ba/F3‐FGFR1‐V561F/M mutantxenograft tumors in vivo (TGI=73.4%, 49.8% at20mg/kg, p.o, q2d). GZD824may be considered to be an effective drug to treat patients with FGFR1 abnormalactivation or mutant resistance in clinical trials.
Negative effects of psychotherapies: A systematic review
Authors: Paveltchuk Fernanda , Mourão Sabrina Emely de Queiroz , Keffer Stella , da Costa Rafael Thomaz , Nardi Antonio Egídio , de Carvalho Marcele Regine
Published: June 2021

Negative effects (NE) can be defined as all changes experienced during or after the psychotherapeutic process, considered negative by the client, which are attributed by the client to the performed clinical interventions. This work aimed to conduct a systematic review about NE in clinical trials, investigating the definition and assessment of the construct. A secondary aim was to verify which approaches to psychotherapy were used in the selected studies and which had the greatest NE. Using PRISMA criteria to report systematic reviews, a survey was conducted by two independent researchers between April and July 2020 in the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Science Direct databases to identify clinical trials evaluating the NE of psychotherapeutic interventions. Results showed difficulties regarding the consensus towards the definition of the construct and the standardisation of the measurement of NE may culminate in the difficulty of accessing the risks of the offered interventions. Four of six studies investigated differences between approaches to psychotherapy and, among them, which had the greatest NE. Results varied according to the approaches to psychotherapy investigated by each study.
Building a partnership to build a pipeline for geographers
Authors: Shabram Patrick , Housel Jacqueline
Published: June 2021

Given an impending shortage of geographers, and a lack of diversity in the field, the American Association of Geographers (AAG) has worked to expand the number of geography majors, in part by outreach to community college faculty and students.
Cobalt Phosphide Cocatalysts Coated with Porous N‐doped Carbon Layers for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Niu Pingping , Pan Zhiming , Wang Sibo , Wang Xinchen
Published: June 2021

Cobalt phosphide (CoP) has been demonstrated as a cocatalyst for visible‐light‐sensitized CO2 reduction, but just with moderate selectivity, due to the competitive H2 generation reaction. Herein, the porous N‐doped carbon (NC) layer is in situ coated on the surface of CoP nanoparticles to fabricate the core‐shell CoP@NC composite cocatalyst. Benefiting from the outstanding electric conductivity and high surface area of the NC shell, the CoP@NC hybrid attains strengthened capabilities for charge separation/transfer and CO2 capture/activation. Besides, the direct contact of CoP with H2O is prevented by the porous NC shell with high hydrophobicity. Consequently, the photosensitized CO2‐to‐CO conversion efficiency and selectivity of CoP@NC hybrid are enhanced by 2.7 and 2.4 times, respectively, compared to bare CoP.
Liquid‐Phase Exfoliated Few‐Layer Iodine Nanosheets for High‐Rate Lithium‐Iodine Batteries
Authors: Kuang Chengwei , Zeng Wen , Qian Mengmeng , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: June 2021

Rechargeable lithium‐iodine (Li‐iodine) batteries attract significant attention owning to their high energy density, wide abundance and low cost of iodine resources. However, iodine suffers from low electrical conductivity and high solubility in aprotic electrolyte, leading to fast capacity degradation, low columbic efficiency, as well as poor rate capability. Herein, we propose a simple method for the large‐scale production of two‐dimensional (2D) few‐layer iodine nanosheets (FLINs) via liquid‐phase exfoliation of iodine in deionized water. 2D FLINs could effectively improve rate capability by providing sufficient active sites and shortening the Li ion diffusion path. Meanwhile, graphene oxide (GO)@carbon nanotubes (CNT) hosts are designed to suppress the dissolution of iodine and enhance the electrical conductivity. GO@CNT@FLINs film exhibits excellent rate capability (220 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and 96 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1) and outstanding cycle stability (93.2 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 1000 cycles) for lithium storage due to the synergistic effects of GO@CNT hosts and 2D structure of FLINs. The controllable synthesis of FLINs provides a bright prospect for achieving high rate capability of Li‐iodine batteries and is of utmost importance to potential large‐scale applications.
Pharmacogenomic‐Guided Therapy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Diasio Robert B. , Innocenti Federico , Offer Steven M.
Published: June 2021

Approximately 20 drugs have been shown to be effective for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). These drugs are from several classes of agents and include cytotoxic drugs, therapeutics that target cell signaling pathways at the extracellular and/or intracellular levels, and combination therapies that contain multiple targeted agents and/or cytotoxic compounds. Targeted therapeutics can include monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and small molecule drugs. The first introduced into clinical use was 5‐fluorouracil in the early 1960s and remains the foundation for most CRC treatments in both adjuvant therapy and in advanced (metastatic) treatment regimens. As with other cancers, the consideration of biomarkers has the potential to improve CRC therapy through patient stratification. The biomarkers can include germline genetic markers, tumor‐specific genetic markers, immune markers, and other biomarkers that can predict antitumor efficacy or the likelihood of toxicity prior to administration of a specific drug. Consistent with the benefit of considering biomarkers in treatment, many newer targeted therapies are developed and approved simultaneously with a companion diagnostic test to determine efficacy. This review will focus on biomarkers that have demonstrated clinical utility in CRC treatment; however, it is noted that many additional biomarkers have been theorized to contribute to drug response and/or toxicity based on known biological pathways but thus far have not attained widespread use in the clinic. The importance of pretreatment biomarker testing is expected to increase as future drug development will likely continue to focus on the concurrent development of companion diagnostics.
Genome‐wide association study for traits related to seedling vigor in rice
Authors: Thapa Ranjita , Septiningsih Endang M.
Published: June 2021

Seedling vigor is a desirable trait in direct‐seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) to improve plant establishment and enhance weed competition. In this study, a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on seedling vigor traits was performed on a rice panel of 244 accessions consisting of the five major rice subpopulations (aromatic, aus, tropical japonica, temperate japonica, and indica) using the 7K SNP Cornell‐IR LD Rice Array. A total of seven seedling vigor‐related traits were evaluated under controlled conditions in a growth chamber. All traits had a normal distribution with a wide range of phenotypic variation with CV between 27.6 and 43.9%, except for seedling dry weight, which had a CV of 11.4%. We identified 43 GWAS‐quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions associated with different seedling vigor traits, of which 19 QTL regions were near previously identified genes or QTL regions. These findings confirmed 19 previous QTL and identified 24 potential novel QTL targets for marker‐assisted breeding programs. Additionally, superior donors with high seedling vigor were identified and can be used for rice crop improvement in direct‐seeded systems.
Retracted: An improvement in the teaching of college English writing and communication tools for fifth generation network: Comparative study
Authors: Chen Dexi
Published: June 2021

There are many disadvantages in traditional college English writing teaching in wireless network. Consequently, the research and development for the fifth generation (5G) systems have already been started. It has a close‐to‐wide look of European 5G network. Literature reviews are limited to recent thematic IEEE Communications Magazine 5G issues and related white papers from a variety of sources. 5G network is the fifth generation wireless network communication technology for digital cellular networks, which supports a large amount of data traffic and massive number of wireless connections. In order to accomplish higher order teaching skills, the application of latest technology must be integrated into the curriculum. The rapid development of network communication technology provides a new perspective for English writing teaching, so teachers should make full use of network resources, especially 5G network communication tools, to improve English writing teaching. By exploring this new mode of network English writing teaching, this paper argues that network communication tools can further resource sharing, strengthen the interaction between teachers and students, and comprehensively improve their performance in English writing. In this study, 5G network‐based English writing and communication tools are used to improve the performance.
Impact of hospital transfer to hubs on outcomes of cardiogenic shock in the real world
Authors: Lu Daniel Y. , Adelsheimer Andrew , Chan Kevin , Yeo Ilhwan , Krishnan Udhay , Karas Maria G. , Horn Evelyn M. , Feldman Dmitriy N. , Sobol Irina , Goyal Parag , Bhatt Reema , Batra Supria , Sciria Christopher T. , Olonoff Danielle , Cheung Jim W. , Kim Luke K.
Published: June 2021

Aims

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with significant mortality, and there is a movement towards regional ‘hub‐and‐spoke’ triage systems to coordinate care and resources. Limited data exist on outcomes of patients treated at CS transfer hubs.

Methods and results

Cardiogenic shock hospitalizations were obtained from the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2010–2014. Centres receiving any interhospital transfers with CS in a given year were classified as CS transfer ‘hubs’; those without transfers were classified as ‘spokes.’ In‐hospital mortality was compared among three cohorts: (A) direct admissions to spokes, (B) direct admissions to hubs, and (C) interhospital transfer to hubs. Among hospitals treating CS, 70.6% were classified as spokes and 29.4% as hubs. A total of 130 656 (31.7%) hospitalizations with CS were direct admission to spokes, 253 234 (61.4%) were direct admissions to hubs, and 28 777 (7.0%) were transfer to hubs. CS mortality was 47.8% at spoke hospitals and was lower at hub hospitals, both for directly admitted (39.3%, P < 0.01) and transferred (33.4%, P < 0.01) patients. Hospitalizations at hubs had higher procedural frequency (including coronary artery bypass graft, right heart catheterization, mechanical circulatory support), greater length of stay, and greater costs. On multivariable analysis, direct admission to CS hubs [odds ratio (OR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–0.89, P < 0.01] and transfer to hubs (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.69–0.76, P < 0.01) were both associated with lower mortality.

Conclusion

While acknowledging the limited ability of the Nationwide Readmissions Database to classify CS severity on presentation, treatment of CS at transfer hubs was associated with significantly lower mortality within this large real‐world sample.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis: elucidating the spectrum of disease through endomyocardial biopsy
Authors: Palaskas Nicolas L. , Segura Ana , Lelenwa Laura , Siddiqui Bilal A. , Subudhi Sumit K. , Lopez‐Mattei Juan , Durand Jean B. , Deswal Anita , Zhao Bihong , Maximilian Buja L. , Iliescu Cezar
Published: June 2021

Aims

Although immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) myocarditis carries a high reported mortality, increasing reports of smoldering myocarditis suggest a clinical spectrum of disease. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains the gold standard for diagnosis of ICI myocarditis, but different pathologic diagnostic criteria exist. The objective of this study was to classify the spectrum of ICI myocarditis and myocardial inflammation by pathology findings on EMB and correlate this with clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

All patients who had EMB at MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 2018 and August 2019 for suspected ICI myocarditis were retrospectively reviewed. A grading system (Grades 0–2) based on the degree of inflammatory infiltrate was developed by pathologists. Cardiovascular outcomes and treatment were compared between grades of pathology. We identified 28 patients who had EMB for suspected ICI myocarditis, of which 18 were positive for myocarditis/inflammation. There were four deaths (two in Grade 2 and two in Grade 1), but only one was attributable to myocarditis. Grade 2 patients had no myocarditis‐associated deaths despite having the highest troponin T values (median 2063 pg/mL). Four patients with Grade 1 myocardial inflammation continued ICI without any immunomodulation, and all were alive without adverse cardiovascular events at follow‐up.

Conclusion

We defined an EMB grading system for ICI myocarditis encompassing a spectrum of histologic findings of inflammatory infiltrates. A subset of low‐grade myocardial inflammation patients were able to continue ICI without immunosuppressive therapy. Further studies are needed to identify low‐risk patients who can be safely treated with ICI.
Utilization of whey for formulation of whey jamun juice ice pops with antidiabetic potential
Authors: Jan Yasmeena , Malik Muneeb , Sharma Vasudha , Yaseen Mifftha , Bora Jinku , Haq Afrozul
Published: June 2021

Whey utilization has been a subject of much research, as it has a very high biological oxygen demand (BOD) and must be treated prior to disposal. Several strategies, such as isolation of whey proteins, bioconversions of lactose to ethanol, and methane production, have aimed at reducing the organic load for reducing the BOD levels. In order to enhance the utilization of whey, a novel approach for formulating a functional food was employed. Whey was blended with jamun juice to prepare whey jamun ice pops (WJP) by the use of freezing technology (−20°C) with the addition of small amounts of citric acid as preservative as well as for enhancing taste and nonnutritive sugar (sucralose). The formulation containing 59.7 ml of jamun pulp juice, 40.11 ml of whey, 0.06 g of citric acid, and 0.13 g of sucralose, which ranked best among all combinations, was selected. The formulation was analyzed for physicochemical parameters, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and sensory acceptability. WJP was found to have 78% DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) inhibition (antioxidant activity), 7.89 mg GAE/ml of total polyphenols, 4.58 QE mg/ml of total flavonoids, 0.7% (v/v expressed as citric acid) titrable acidity, pH 4.3, TSS 12 °Brix, 14.3 mg/100 ml vitamin C, and 6% reducing sugar. In the present study, in vitro antidiabetic activity showed inhibition of α‐amylase activity by 60%, and in vivo activity tested in albino rats revealed that the final product helped in regulating the blood glucose in the body.
Design of a FAIR digital data health infrastructure in Africa for COVID‐19 reporting and research
Authors: van Reisen Mirjam , Oladipo Francisca , Stokmans Mia , Mpezamihgo Mouhamed , Folorunso Sakinat , Schultes Erik , Basajja Mariam , Aktau Aliya , Amare Samson Yohannes , Taye Getu Tadele , Purnama Jati Putu Hadi , Chindoza Kudakwashe , Wirtz Morgane , Ghardallou Meriem , van Stam Gertjan , Ayele Wondimu , Nalugala Reginald , Abdullahi Ibrahim , Osigwe Obinna , Graybeal John , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Kawu Abdullahi Abubakar , Liu Fenghong , Wolstencroft Katy , Flikkenschild Erik , Lin Yi , Stocker Joëlle , Musen Mark A.
Published: June 2021

The limited volume of COVID‐19 data from Africa raises concerns for global genome research, which requires a diversity of genotypes for accurate disease prediction, including on the provenance of the new SARS‐CoV‐2 mutations. The Virus Outbreak Data Network (VODAN)‐Africa studied the possibility of increasing the production of clinical data, finding concerns about data ownership, and the limited use of health data for quality treatment at point of care. To address this, VODAN Africa developed an architecture to record clinical health data and research data collected on the incidence of COVID‐19, producing these as human‐ and machine‐readable data objects in a distributed architecture of locally governed, linked, human‐ and machine‐readable data. This architecture supports analytics at the point of care and—through data visiting, across facilities—for generic analytics. An algorithm was run across FAIR Data Points to visit the distributed data and produce aggregate findings. The FAIR data architecture is deployed in Uganda, Ethiopia, Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia.
Comparison of Clinical Features and Outcomes Between Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States
Authors: Lee Yi‐Te , Wang Jasmine J. , Luu Michael , Noureddin Mazen , Nissen Nicholas N. , Patel Tushar C. , Roberts Lewis R. , Singal Amit G. , Gores Gregory J. , Yang Ju Dong
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the most common primary liver cancers (PLCs). Differences in their clinical features and outcomes are open for investigation in a large‐scale study. We aim to investigate the differences in clinical features and outcomes between iCCA and HCC.

Approach and Results

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program 18 Database (2000‐2017) was used to extract demographic and clinical features of HCC and iCCA patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with iCCA diagnosis versus HCC. Cox regression analysis was used to assess factors affecting overall survival (OS). There were 13,611 iCCA and 96,151 HCC patients. Half of iCCA (50.7%) and three quarters of HCC (76.3%) patients were male. Diagnosis in recent year, age (<50 or ≥65), female sex, non‐Hispanic White race, higher income, rural area, and higher tumor burden were independently associated with iCCA diagnosis versus HCC. Patients with iCCA had worse OS than those with HCC (9 vs. 13 months; P < 0.001). However, OS was comparable between iCCA and HCC in multivariable analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.99‐1.05). In subgroup analyses, iCCA was associated with better OS than HCC in patients with tumor ≥5 cm (aHR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.80‐0.86), lymph node involvement (aHR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.72‐0.81), distant metastasis (aHR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.73‐0.79), poorly/undifferentiated tumors (aHR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.83‐0.94), and those receiving noncurative treatment (aHR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.93‐0.98).

Conclusions

We identified the demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical features associated with iCCA diagnosis over HCC among patients with PLC. Although iCCA patients presented at an advanced stage, OS was similar between iCCA and HCC in multivariable analysis. iCCA was associated with longer OS for subgroups with poor prognostic features.
In vivo evaluation of temperature‐responsive antimicrobial‐loaded PNIPAAm hydrogels for prevention of surgical site infection
Authors: Heffernan John M. , Overstreet Derek J. , Vernon Brent L. , McLemore Ryan Y. , Nagy Tamas , Moore Rex C. , Badha Vajra S. , Childers Erin P. , Nguyen Michael B. , Gentry Daniel D. , Calara Francis M. , Saunders W. Brian , Feltis Tim , McLaren Alex C.
Published: June 2021

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a persistent clinical challenge. Local antimicrobial delivery may reduce the risk of SSI by increasing drug concentrations and distribution in vulnerable surgical sites compared to what is achieved using systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis alone. In this work, we describe a comprehensive in vivo evaluation of the safety and efficacy of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐dimethylbutyrolactone acrylamide‐co‐Jeffamine M‐1000 acrylamide) [PNDJ], an injectable temperature‐responsive hydrogel carrier for antimicrobial delivery in surgical sites. Biodistribution data indicate that PNDJ is primarily cleared via the liver and kidneys following drug delivery. Antimicrobial‐loaded PNDJ was generally well‐tolerated locally and systemically when applied in bone, muscle, articulating joints, and intraperitoneal space, although mild renal toxicity consistent with the released antimicrobials was identified at high doses in rats. Dosing of PNDJ at bone‐implant interfaces did not affect normal tissue healing and function of orthopedic implants in a transcortical plug model in rabbits and in canine total hip arthroplasty. Finally, PNDJ was effective at preventing recurrence of implant‐associated MSSA and MRSA osteomyelitis in rabbits, showing a trend toward outperforming commercially available antimicrobial‐loaded bone cement and systemic antimicrobial administration. These studies indicate that antimicrobial‐loaded PNDJ hydrogels are well‐tolerated and could reduce incidence of SSI in a variety of surgical procedures.
Pigments from spent ammonium chloride zinc plating electrolytes
Authors: Zalyhina Volha , Cheprasova Victoria , Romanovski Valentin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The volumes of discharged spent plating electrolytes comprise ≈2–3% of the total amount of wastewater from galvanic production. However, the concentration of heavy metal ions they contain is 100–150‐fold higher than in rinsing waters. The periodic nature of such discharges leads to a disruption in the operation of treatment facilities. At the same time, heavy metals could be separated as pigments.

RESULTS

The article presents the results of studies of the effect of brighteners included in the composition of spent zinc (Zn) plating electrolytes on the composition and structure of the resulting white pigments. The results confirmed the possibility of obtaining white pigments from spent Zn plating electrolytes. It was found that during the deposition of Zn(II) ions from the spent ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) Zn plating electrolytes with sodium phosphate, zinc phosphate predominantly is formed. It was found that the presence of brighteners in the spent NH4Cl Zn plating electrolytes practically did not affect the pH and the degree of deposition of Zn (II) ions, as well as the whiteness of the resulting pigments.

CONCLUSION

The presence of iron (Fe) ions in the spent zinc plating electrolytes leads to a decrease in the whiteness of the resulting precipitates; however, pigments of the required whiteness can be obtained with contents of Fe(III) of ≤170 mg L−1 and Fe(II) ≤1000 mg L−1. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A multielectrode array‐based hypoxia model for the analysis of electrical activity in murine retinae
Authors: Ingensiep Claudia , Schaffrath Kim , Denecke Bernd , Walter Peter , Johnen Sandra
Published: June 2021

Several eye diseases, for example, retinal artery occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, are associated with retinal hypoxia. The lack of oxygen in the retina, especially in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), causes cell damage up to cell degeneration and leads to blindness. Using multielectrode array recordings, an ex vivo hypoxia acute model was established to analyze the electrical activity of murine wild‐type retinae under hypoxic stress conditions. Hypoxia was induced by exchanging the perfusion with oxygen‐saturated medium by nitrogen‐saturated medium. Hypoxic periods of 0 min (control) up to 60 min were tested on the retinae of adult female C57BL/6J mice. The electrical RGC activity vanished during hypoxia, but conditionally returned after the reestablishment of conventional test conditions. With increasing duration of hypoxia, the returning RGC activity decreased. After a hypoxic period of 30 min and a subsequent recovery time of 30 min, 59.43 ± 11.35% of the initially active channels showed a restored RGC activity. The survival rate of retinal cells after hypoxic stress was analyzed by a live/dead staining assay using two‐photon laser scanning microscopy. For detailed information about molecular changes caused by hypoxia, a microarray gene expression analysis was performed. Furthermore, the effect of 2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine, 1 mM) on retinae under hypoxic stress was tested. Treatment with taurine resulted in an increase in the RGC response rate after hypoxia and also increased the survival rate of retinal cells under hypoxic stress, confirming its potential as promising candidate for neuroprotective therapies of eye diseases.
Comparative in vitro study of commercially available products for alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Jones Kirstin , Williams Cortes , Yuan Tony , Digeorge‐Foushee Ann Marie , Chambers Wilson Ramanda , Burton Tarea , Hamlin Nicholas , Martinez Luis
Published: June 2021

Background

Ridge preservation is performed by placing a biocompatible product, following tooth extraction, to maintain bone volume. However, current ridge preservation therapies do not always maintain the volume required for future implant placement. Variations in surgical technique and material selection contribute to determining clinical outcomes. The wide variety of grafting materials available and conflicting efficacy reports make selecting the appropriate graft materials challenging. To investigate how different commercially available ridge preservation products might perform clinically: Helistat (collagen control) (Material 1), OsteoGen Plug (Material 2), Bio‐Oss Collagen (Material 3), and J‐Bone (native bone) (Material 4) were evaluated.

Methods

These products underwent field emission scanning electron microscopy, microcomputed tomography, helium pycnometry, and infrared spectra analysis. Human osteosarcomas were incubated on products and proliferation was monitored with CCK‐8 and visualized with confocal microscopy. Scaffold osteoconductivity was evaluated through the cellular production of proteins osteocalcin, osteonectin, and osteopontin.

Results

Results indicated that products varied in porosity and pore interconnectivity. Although Material 3 was chemically similar to Material 4, Material 2 demonstrated significantly better biocompatibility. Functionally, Material 1 and Material 2 elicited higher osteonectin release than Material 3 and Material 4 which suggests the latter products suppress endogenous osteonectin secretion. Furthermore, osteopontin secretion was minimal for all products, while osteocalcin was elevated. This seems to suggest that high levels of mineralization might be deleterious for bone regeneration.

Conclusions

Although all products are marketed as effective preservation products, the results demonstrated high variability in physical, chemical, and biological effects; however, this study suggests a product with higher ratio of collagen to mineral component may have the most desirable effects for the use in alveolar ridge preservation.
Predicting overall survival and resection in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with FOLFIRINOX: Development and internal validation of two nomograms
Authors: Brada Lilly J. H. , Walma Marieke S. , Daamen Lois A. , van Roessel Stijn , van Dam Ronald M. , de Hingh Ignace H. , Liem Mike L. S. , de Meijer Vincent E. , Patijn Gijs A. , Festen Sebastiaan , Stommel Martijn W. J. , Bosscha Koop , Polée Marco B. , Yung Nio C. , Wessels Frank J. , de Vries Jan J. J. , van Lienden Krijn P. , Bruijnen Rutger C. , Los Maartje , Mohammad Nadia Haj , Wilmink Hanneke W. , Busch Olivier R. , Besselink Marc G. , Quintus Molenaar I. , van Santvoort Hjalmar C. ,   for the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) are increasingly treated with FOLFIRINOX, resulting in improved survival and resection of tumors that were initially unresectable. It remains unclear, however, which specific patients benefit from FOLFIRINOX. Two nomograms were developed predicting overall survival (OS) and resection at the start of FOLFIRINOX for LAPC.

Methods

From our multicenter, prospective LAPC registry in 14 Dutch hospitals, LAPC patients starting first‐line FOLFIRINOX (April 2015–December 2017) were included. Stepwise backward selection according to the Akaike Information Criterion was used to identify independent baseline predictors for OS and resection. Two prognostic nomograms were generated.

Results

A total of 252 patients were included, with a median OS of 14 months. Thirty‐two patients (13%) underwent resection, with a median OS of 23 months. Older age, female sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index ≤1, and CA 19.9 < 274 were independent factors predicting a better OS (c‐index: 0.61). WHO ps >1, involvement of the superior mesenteric artery, celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric vein ≥ 270° were independent factors decreasing the probability of resection (c‐index: 0.79).

Conclusions

Two nomograms were developed to predict OS and resection in patients with LAPC before starting treatment with FOLFIRINOX. These nomograms could be beneficial in the shared decision‐making process and counseling of these patients.
Agile optimization for a real‐time facility location problem in Internet of Vehicles networks
Authors: Martins Leandro do C. , Tarchi Daniele , Juan Angel A. , Fusco Alessandro
Published: June 2021

The uncapacitated facility location problem (UFLP) is a popular NP‐hard optimization problem that has been traditionally applied to logistics and supply networks, where decisions are difficult to reverse. However, over the years, many new application domains have emerged, in which real‐time optimization is needed, such as Internet of Vehicles (IoV), virtual network functions placement, and network controller placement. IoV scenarios take into account the presence of multiple roadside units (RSUs) that should be frequently assigned to operating vehicles. To ensure the desired quality of service level, the allocation process needs to be carried out frequently and efficiently, as vehicles' demands change. In this dynamic environment, the mapping of vehicles to RSUs needs to be reoptimized periodically over time. Thus, this article proposes an agile optimization algorithm, which is tested using existing benchmark instances. The experiments show that it can efficiently generate high‐quality and real‐time results in dynamic IoV scenarios.