bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Imidazole‐Rich Pd(II)‐Polymer Pre‐catalyst for the Suzuki‐Miyaura Coupling: Stability Influenced by Dissolved Oxygen and Reactants Concentration
Authors: Nishida Elvis N. , Leopoldino Elder C. , Zaramello Laíze , Centurion Higor A. , Gonçalves Renato V. , Affeldt Ricardo F. , Campos Carlos E. M. , Souza Bruno S.
Published: December 2021

Herein a novel Pd(II)‐polymeric pre‐catalyst was prepared by coordinating Pd(II) ions to a low cost imidazole/carboxylate‐rich polymer. The material displays good activity in the Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling towards a range of aryl bromides and iodides in iPrOH/H2O mixtures at 25 or 60 °C. Catalyst longevity and recyclability proved to be sensitive to the concentration of the cross‐coupling partners. When the concentration of PhBr is high ([PhBr]=250 mmol L−1), inactive Pd(0) aggregates were detected. On the other hand, when the reaction was performed at 20‐fold dilution ([PhBr]=12.5 mmol L−1) the material could be reused up to 12 times without significant loss of catalytic activity. In this condition, minimum amount of Pd(0) was detected by XPS analysis and no Pd(0) aggregates were observed by XRPD. Importantly, it was found that the presence of oxygen is fundamental for avoiding formation of inactive Pd(0) aggregates.
Associations of anemia with death and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation: A report from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study
Authors: Zhang Zhuxin , Jiang Chao , He Liu , Bai Yu , Wu Jiahui , Hu Rong , Lv Qiang , Ning Man , Feng Li , Tang Ribo , Sang Caihua , Long Deyong , Dong Jianzeng , Du Xin , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Ma Changsheng
Published: December 2021

Background

Anemia is a common comorbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Reports on the association of anemia and adverse events in patients with AF, especially from Asia, are limited.

Methods and Results

Based on data from the Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study (CAFR), a total of 18,106 AF patients enrolled between August 2011 and December 2018 had hemoglobin (Hb) values recorded at baseline. Patients were classified into three groups according to Hb levels: 15,606 patients (86.2%) into the no anemia group (male Hb≥130 g/L; female Hb≥120 g/L), 1800 (9.9%) with mild anemia (male 110≤Hb<129 g/L; female 110≤Hb<119 g/L), and 700 (3.9%) with moderate to severe anemia (Hb≤109 g/L). Multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine if anemia was independently associated with all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, or major bleeding, after adjusting for confounders.

Anemia was present in 13.8% of the population at baseline. During a median follow‐up of 4.01 years, the incidences of all‐cause death (1.8, 4.9, and 8.9 per 100 person‐years), cardiovascular death (1.0, 2.9, and 4.5 per 100 person‐years), and major bleeding (0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 per 100 person‐years) were gradually accentuated in patients with no anemia, mild anemia, and moderate to severe anemia, respectively. Compared with patients with no anemia, those with anemia had higher risks for all‐cause death (mild anemia; adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.38; moderate to severe anemia; adjusted HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.31–1.77); and cardiovascular death (mild anemia; adjusted HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.10–1.52; moderate to severe anemia; adjusted HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.57), but not for major bleeding. The association between anemia and all‐cause death was similar among subgroups stratified by sex, kidney function, anticoagulant, or ablation therapy.

Conclusions

Anemia was associated with increased risks of all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, but no major bleeding in AF patients. The effect of anemia correction on the prognosis of patients with AF requires further study.
Trends in conventional cardiovascular risk factors and myocardial infarction subtypes among young Chinese men with a first acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Min , Zuo Hui‐Juan , Yang Hong‐Xia , Nan Nan , Song Xian‐Tao
Published: December 2021

Background

There is limited data on the characteristics of conventional risk factors (RFs) in young Chinese men hospitalized with a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Hypothesis

We analyzed the trends in and prevalence of cardiovascular RFs and subtypes of MI during the first AMI in young Chinese men.

Methods

A total of 2739 men aged 18–44 years hospitalized for a first AMI were identified from 2007 to 2017. The overall prevalence of RFs and their respective temporal trends and subtypes of AMI were evaluated.

Results

The most prevalent conditions were smoking, followed by hypertension and then obesity. Patients aged <35 years had a much higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and obesity. Compared with a similar reference population in the United States, young Chinese men had a higher prevalence of smoking and dyslipidemia, but a lower prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The prevalence of hypertension increased from 2007 through 2017 (p trend <.001), whereas smoking decreased gradually. AMI frequently presented as ST‐segment elevation MI (STEMI) (77.5%). Cluster of conventional RFs (3 RFs, odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.57; ≥4 RFs, OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.55–4.03] and multivessel disease (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08–1.60) increased the risk of non‐STEMI (NSTEMI).

Conclusions

Conventional RFs were highly prevalent in young Chinese men who were hospitalized for first AMI events, and the temporal trends varied different between China and US populations. Multivessel disease and cluster of conventional RFs are closely related to NSTEMI. Optimized preventive strategies among young adults are warranted.
Intelligent admission control manager for fog‐integrated cloud: A hybrid machine learning approach
Authors: Sham Eht E , Vidyarthi Deo Prakash
Published: December 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) and other smart devices produce data that are large in volume, variety, and velocity. Cloud not only helps in data analysis, but also provides storage and computation facility to these data. It has been experienced that for many time‐critical applications, by the time request traverses back and forth to the cloud for analysis/execution, the opportunity to act upon it may get over. Therefore, time sensitivity and priority for such applications greatly matter. Fog computing, an upcoming computing infrastructure, complements the cloud and overcomes this limitation by supporting time‐sensitive and priority‐based applications by provisioning the computation, bandwidth, and storage. However, adopting fog‐integrated cloud introduces newer resource management challenges requiring a new request scheduling scheme with appropriate quality of service/experience (QoS/QoE). In this work, an intelligent admission control manager is being proposed for placing the request based on the parameters such as CPU, memory, storage besides few other categorical parameters, for example, job priority and time sensitivity. The proposed work applies machine intelligence techniques, clustering for labeling the applications' requests followed by a decision tree, using the labeled requests, to classify the incoming requests. The proposed methodology is demonstrated in terms of accuracy, execution time, precision, recall, variation in accuracy, and execution time by introducing noise in multiple size batches to avoid the generalization error and fault tolerance. A comparative study with few well‐known classifiers has also been performed to ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed model. The proposed model is light enough to be placed appropriately on the fog node.
Towards a sustainable artificial intelligence: A case study of energy efficiency in decision tree algorithms
Authors: Ferro Mariza , Silva Gabrieli D. , de Paula Felipe B. , Vieira Vitor , Schulze Bruno
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence has been showing accelerated growth due to its use in solving problems in several application domains. This success results from the convergence of large amounts of data, high‐performance computing, and precision of machine learning (ML) algorithms. Even with the relevance of ML algorithms, little is known about their computational requirements and power consumption, which has become an important task to achieve greener computing. This work aims to evaluate the energy efficiency of the ML algorithms to identify their energy hotspots. Also, to investigate which influences the energy consumption (EC) of these algorithms and how the parameters design could affect it. We conducted a series of experiments using 27 different datasets, 2 decision trees algorithms, and 2 ensembles for classification and regression tasks to answer these questions. Our results show interesting findings, such as, like some simple parameters choice can have a high impact on EC, as a consequence, finding greener strategies for AI.
A 22.7‐ to 44.2‐GHz Darlington dual‐injection injection‐locked frequency tripler with >35dBc harmonic rejection for multiband 5G communication systems
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Zhenrong , Wang Xudong , Quan Xing , Wang Zeyuan , Zhuang Yiqi
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an ultra‐wideband varactor‐less injection‐locked frequency tripler (ILFT) based on Darlington dual‐injection topology targeting millimeter‐wave multiband fifth generation (5G) communication systems. By utilizing the proposed Darlington dual‐injection injector, the current injection efficiency is improved; thus, the locking range is extended significantly without introducing the varactors. In addition, the Darlington dual‐injection topology enhances the harmonic rejection performance by suppressing undesired harmonics. Implemented in 65‐nm CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology, the proposed ILFT can operate from 22.7 to 44.2 GHz and consumes 6.2 mA at 1.2 V supply voltage. The harmonics rejection is more than 35 dBc and occupies 0.17 mm2.
Maintained partial protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae despite B‐cell depletion in mice vaccinated with a pneumococcal glycoconjugate vaccine
Authors: Ercoli Giuseppe , Ramos‐Sevillano Elisa , Pearce Emma , Ragab Sara , Goldblatt David , Weckbecker Gisbert , Brown Jeremy S
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy rapidly depletes > 95% of CD20+ B cells from the circulation. B‐cell depletion is an effective treatment for autoimmune disease and B‐cell malignancies but also increases the risk of respiratory tract infections. This effect on adaptive immunity could be countered by vaccination. We have used mouse models to investigate the effects of B‐cell depletion on pneumococcal vaccination, including protection against infection and timing of vaccination in relation to B‐cell depletion.

Methods

C57BL/6 female mice were B‐cell depleted using anti‐CD20 antibody and immunized with two doses of Prevnar‐13 vaccine either before or after anti‐CD20 treatment. B‐cell repertoire and Streptococcus pneumoniae–specific IgG levels were measured using whole‐cell ELISA and flow cytometry antibody‐binding assay. Protection induced by vaccination was assessed by challenging the mice using a S. pneumoniae pneumonia model.

Results

Antibody responses to S. pneumoniae were largely preserved in mice B‐cell depleted after vaccination resulting in full protection against pneumococcal infections. In contrast, mice vaccinated with Prevnar‐13 while B cells were depleted (with > 90% reduction in B‐cell numbers) had decreased circulating anti–S. pneumoniae IgG and IgM levels (measured using ELISA and flow cytometry antibody binding assays). However, some antibody responses were maintained, and, although vaccine‐induced protection against S. pneumoniae infection was impaired, septicaemia was still prevented in 50% of challenged mice.

Conclusions

This study showed that although vaccine efficacy during periods of profound B‐cell depletion was impaired some protective efficacy was preserved, suggesting that vaccination remains beneficial.
Adherence, control of cardiometabolic factors and therapeutic inertia in patients with type 2 diabetes in the primary care setting
Authors: Orozco‐Beltrán Domingo , Cinza‐Sanjurjo Sergio , Escribano‐Serrano José , López‐Simarro Flora , Fernández Gonzalo , Gómez García Antón , Ferreira de Campos Karine , Cedenilla Horcajuelo Marta
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Studies on treatment adherence to glucose‐lowering drugs among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) including concomitant treatment for other cardiovascular risk factors are scarce. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of good adherence to all medications used to control diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia and to analyse cardiometabolic control and its associated factors in T2D patients in the primary care (PC) setting.

Methods

Observational, retrospective study conducted in adult patients with T2D who were followed in the PC setting in Spain. Patients were classified as adherent in a particular category if the summary of the proportion of days covered (PDC) for a particular medication category was ≥80% and were considered globally adherent if the PDC was ≥80% for each of the 3 medication categories.

Results

A total of 457 evaluable patients were recruited, among which 321 patients (70.3%, 95% CI 65.8 to 74.4) were adherent to the three drug categories. The proportion of patients controlled for the 3 cardiometabolic risk factors was 31% according to the contemporary clinical practice guideline criteria, 58% according to investigator judgment and 36% when the objective for HbA1c was individualized. In a multivariate analysis, presenting comorbidities was associated with a lower likelihood of showing adequate control of dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR] 0.25, 95% CI, 0.16–0.40) and the three cardiometabolic factors as a whole (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26–0.70). In a post hoc analysis, therapeutic inertia was found to be greater for dyslipidemia and hypertension than for T2D.

Conclusions

Despite a relatively high adherence to all medications for treating diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia in patients with T2D in the PC setting in Spain, the control of cardiometabolic risk factors as a whole is far from optimal. This could be related, at least in part, to the high frequency of comorbidity of these patients.
Valence Tautomerism of p‐Block Element Compounds – An Eligible Phenomenon for Main Group Catalysis?
Authors: Greb Lutz
Published: December 2021

Valence tautomerism has had a remarkable impact on several branches of transition metal chemistry. By switching between different valence tautomeric states, physicochemical properties and reactivities can be triggered reversibly. Is this phenomenon transferrable into the p‐block – or is it already happening there? This Perspective collects observations of p‐block element‐ligand systems that might be assignable to valence tautomerism. Further, it discusses occurrences in p‐block element compounds that exhibit the related effect of redox‐induced electron transfer. As disclosed, the concept of valence tautomerism with p‐block elements is at a very early stage. However, given the substantial disparity in the properties of those elements in different redox states, it might offer a valid extension for future developments in main group catalysis.
Experimental evaluation of tri‐hydrated aluminium in fire‐retardant properties of glass fibre reinforced polymers
Authors: Tavares Teles Araujo Priscila , Pereira da Silva Ribeiro Simone , Landesmann Alexandre
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an experimental investigation of alumina trihydrate (ATH) in glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP), aiming to determine the influence of ATH concentration on improved flame‐retardant properties. For this research, different concentrations of ATH: 37 phr (parts per hundred resin), 40, 47.5, 50 and 55 phr, were added in isophthalic polyester matrix composites reinforced with E‐glass fibre through a pultrusion process. These composites were tested for flammability and flame propagation using the mass loss calorimeter cone (MLCC), limiting oxygen index (LOI) and glow wire tests. Simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to evaluate the thermal stability and enthalpy. These analyses assessed the effectiveness and influence of each ATH concentration. It was observed in the MLCC tests that the ATH concentration of 40 phr reduced the peak heat release rate (PHRR) by 27% compared to a composite with 37 phr. All specimens showed the desired commercial result for wires and cables in the glow wire test since the composites reached the maximum glow wire flammability index (GWFI) of 960 °C and a glow wire ignition temperature (GWIT) above 900 °C. Thus, the addition of ATH above 40 phr leads to an improvement in the flame‐retardant properties of glass fibre reinforced polymers.
Nitrogen limits zinc‐mediated stimulation of tillering in rice by modifying phytohormone balance under low‐temperature stress
Authors: Liu Zhilei , Su Jinkai , Luo Xiangyu , Meng Jingrou , Zhang Haonan , Li Pengfei , Sun Yankun , Song Jiamei , Peng Xianlong , Yu Cailian
Published: December 2021

Zinc (Zn) can improve resistance of rice plants to abiotic stress and promote the recovery of rice tillers by influencing auxin (IAA) synthesis, Zn absorption is closely related to nitrogen (N) concentrations; however, the mechanisms by which Zn regulates rice tiller recovery at low temperatures under different N levels are rarely studied. In this study, a solution culture experiment was conducted at two temperatures, three different Zn concentrations, and two N concentrations. Low temperature during the vegetative stage damaged the rice antioxidant system, suppressed nutrient uptake, and decreased the number of tillers. Increasing Zn application improved the resistance of rice plants to low‐temperature stress under normal N levels, enhanced nutrient absorption, improved tiller bud cytokinin (CTK) concentrations, and the CTK/IAA ratio, which accelerated tiller recovery relative to plants receiving standard Zn treatment. Shoot Zn concentrations were positively correlated with tiller numbers at normal N levels. High N attenuated the positive effect of Zn on rice tillering at low temperatures due to higher shoot Zn and IAA accumulation, and lower tiller buds CTK/IAA ratios. However, appropriate Zn application under high N levels was conducive to breaking tiller dormancy and promoting tillering growth spurts when recovering to normal temperature, which was related to the synergistic regulation of hormone balance and nutrient absorption by N and Zn. In conclusion, Zn could enhance rice low‐temperature stress resilience and facilitate tiller recovery via balancing the hormones in tiller buds. However, higher environmental N limited the stimulation of Zn on rice tillering under low temperature.
Litho‐mineralogy, geochemistry, and chronology for the genesis of the Kamust sandstone‐hosted uranium deposit, Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Huang Shaohua , Qin Mingkuan , Liu Zhangyue , He Zhongbo , Geng Yingying
Published: December 2021

The Kamust sandstone‐hosted uranium deposit was recently discovered within the Middle Jurassic Toutunhe Formation of the eastern Junggar Basin. In this study, polarizing microscope and scanning electron microscope observation, electron microprobe analysis, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurement were carried out to define the petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of these sandstone‐hosted uranium ores. In addition, sulphur isotope signatures for the associated ore‐stage pyrites and the ore‐forming age were determined. The results show that the mineralized sandstones, which exhibit excellent reducibility with abundant organic matter and pyrites, are characterized by the secondary accumulation of uranium and are slightly enriched in rare earth elements (REE) and light REE (LREE). The uranium deposits are mainly composed of a large amount of uraninite, followed by some coffinites and uranium‐bearing titanium minerals and very few sorptive uranium‐bearing materials. Uranium minerals primarily exist within the interior and edge of clastic particles in colloidal, dispersed, and vein form, and some are closely interweaved with the colloidal and framboidal pyrites and carbonaceous detritus. Both uraninite and coffinite are strongly enriched in REE and LREE, as determined by in situ trace element measurements. Moreover, the δ34S values of the associated ore‐stage pyrites mostly range from −41.66 to −19.33‰, indicating biological origin, and light 32S demonstrates the relatively low‐temperature and open‐system mineralization processes related to the microbial anaerobic action on the organic matter. One of the δ34S values (6.88‰) is possibly caused by Rayleigh isotope fractionation due to the utilization of residual heavy 34S in the relatively later closed‐like mineralization system. The ore‐reforming ages of 27 ± 3.2 Ma, 22.4 ± 3.9 Ma, and 21.3 ± 2.3 Ma were obtained by U–Pb isotopic dating combined with U–Ra balance correction, corresponding to the rapid uplift event caused by the remote effect of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates at the end of the Palaeogene. In conjunction with the tectonic–sedimentary evolution of the study region, a four‐stage ore‐forming model for the Middle Jurassic Toutunhe Formation is preliminarily constructed: ① Development of ore‐bearing strata, ② initiation of the mineralization stage from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, ③ deep burial by lacustrine and flood mudstone from the Cretaceous to the Palaeogene, and ④ the superimposed ore‐forming stage during the Neogene. These research results provide significant benefits for further uranium prospecting and in situ leach process mining in this basin.
Supra‐subduction zone ophiolite from the Great Xing'an Range, China: Geochemistry, geochronology, and implication for formation in a back‐arc setting
Authors: Shi Zhiwei , Bai Zhida , Dong Guochen , Santosh M. , Li Liyang , Luo Zhibo , Liu Tao , Wang Keqi
Published: December 2021

Ophiolite provides key information on subduction–accretion processes along convergent plate margins. The Wunuer ophiolite in the Great Xing'an Range of NE China was considered to be an accreted fragment of the Palaeo‐Oceanic Plate. Based on field investigation, we evaluate the petrotectonic assemblages, geochemical features, and formation age of the ophiolite, which comprises gabbro, diabase, metabasalt, and radiolarian bedded chert with serpentinized amphibole‐pyroxene peridotites. Zircon U–Pb dating shows ages of 346 ± 6 Ma and 341 ± 6 Ma suggesting the timing of formation of the ophiolite as Early Carboniferous. The ophiolitic mafic rocks in Wunuer can be divided into two types based on their geochemical features. Type I is characterized by high Ti and low Al, with weakly negative Nb‐Ta and positive Pb anomalies and low light rare earth elements (LREE). These rocks display MORB‐like features, and correspond to partial melting product of depleted mantle. Type II has low Ti, high Al, notably negative Nb‐Ta and positive Pb anomalies, and is obviously enriched in LREE, large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE), and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE), characterized by IAB‐like features, and may be formed by partial melting of more depleted mantle, which was strongly metasomatized by subduction fluids, resulted in high LILE/HFSE. The two types of ophiolites belong to SSZ type, obviously influenced by subduction, and their tectonic setting is inferred to be within a spreading ridge in a back‐arc basin. Combined with regional geological background, the Wunuer ophiolite probably represents a shrinking ocean basin and may be the late product of the long‐term and mature back‐arc basin, related to the terminal stage of ridge spreading within the back‐arc basin.
Treatment With Simvastatin and Rifaximin Restores the Plasma Metabolomic Profile in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Pose Elisa , Solà Elsa , Lozano Juan J. , Juanola Adrià , Sidorova Julia , Zaccherini Giacomo , de Wit Koos , Uschner Frank , Tonon Marta , Kazankov Konstantin , Jiménez Cesar , Campion Daniela , Napoleone Laura , Ma Ann T. , Carol Marta , Morales‐Ruiz Manuel , Alessandria Carlo , Beuers Ulrich , Caraceni Paolo , Francoz Claire , Durand François , Mookerjee Rajeshwar P. , Trebicka Jonel , Vargas Victor , Piano Salvatore , Watson Hugh , Abraldes Juan G. , Kamath Patrick S. , Davis Mark M. , Ginès Pere ,   for the investigators of the LIVERHOPE Consortium
Published: December 2021

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis, particularly those with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), show profound alterations in plasma metabolomics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of treatment with simvastatin and rifaximin on plasma metabolites of patients with decompensated cirrhosis, specifically on compounds characteristic of the ACLF plasma metabolomic profile. Two cohorts of patients were investigated. The first was a descriptive cohort of patients with decompensated cirrhosis (n = 42), with and without ACLF. The second was an intervention cohort from the LIVERHOPE‐SAFETY randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial treated with simvastatin 20 mg/day plus rifaximin 1,200 mg/day (n = 12) or matching placebo (n = 13) for 3 months. Plasma samples were analyzed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy for plasma metabolomics characterization. ACLF was characterized by intense proteolysis and lipid alterations, specifically in pathways associated with inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, such as the tryptophan–kynurenine and carnitine beta‐oxidation pathways. An ACLF‐specific signature was identified. Treatment with simvastatin and rifaximin was associated with changes in 161 of 985 metabolites in comparison to treatment with placebo. A remarkable reduction in levels of metabolites from the tryptophan–kynurenine and carnitine pathways was found. Notably, 18 of the 32 metabolites of the ACLF signature were affected by the treatment. Conclusion: Treatment with simvastatin and rifaximin modulates some of the pathways that appear to be key in ACLF development. This study unveils some of the mechanisms involved in the effects of treatment with simvastatin and rifaximin in decompensated cirrhosis and sets the stage for the use of metabolomics to investigate new targeted therapies in cirrhosis to prevent ACLF development.
Six solutions for more reliable infant research
Authors: Byers‐Heinlein Krista , Bergmann Christina , Savalei Victoria
Published: December 2021

Infant research is often underpowered, undermining the robustness and replicability of our findings. Improving the reliability of infant studies offers a solution for increasing statistical power independent of sample size. Here, we discuss two senses of the term reliability in the context of infant research: reliable (large) effects and reliable measures. We examine the circumstances under which effects are strongest and measures are most reliable and use synthetic datasets to illustrate the relationship between effect size, measurement reliability, and statistical power. We then present six concrete solutions for more reliable infant research: (a) routinely estimating and reporting the effect size and measurement reliability of infant tasks, (b) selecting the best measurement tool, (c) developing better infant paradigms, (d) collecting more data points per infant, (e) excluding unreliable data from the analysis, and (f) conducting more sophisticated data analyses. Deeper consideration of measurement in infant research will improve our ability to study infant development.
Kinetics and persistence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralisation and antibodies after BNT162b2 vaccination in a Swiss cohort
Authors: Šošić Lara , Paolucci Marta , Duda Agathe , Hasler Fabio , Walton Senta M. , Kündig Thomas M. , Johansen Pål
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), substantial effort has been made to gain knowledge about the immunity elicited by infection or vaccination.

Methods

We studied the kinetics of antibodies and virus neutralisation induced by vaccination with BNT162b2 in a Swiss cohort of SARS‐CoV‐2 naïve (n = 40) and convalescent (n = 9) persons. Blood sera were analysed in a live virus neutralisation assay and specific IgG and IgA levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay and analysed by descriptive statistics.

Results

Virus neutralisation was detected in all individuals 2–4 weeks after the second vaccine. Both neutralisation and antibodies remained positive for >4 months. Neutralisation and antibodies showed positive correlation, but immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) seroconversion took place 2–4 weeks faster than neutralisation. Spike‐protein specific IgG levels rose significantly faster and were more stable over time than virus neutralisation titres or IgA responses. For naïve but not convalescent persons, a clear boosting effect was observed. Convalescent individuals showed faster, more robust and longer‐lasting immune responses after vaccination compared to noninfected persons. No threshold could be determined for spike protein‐specific IgG or IgA that would confer protection in the neutralisation assay, implicating the need for a better correlate of protection then antibody titres alone.

Conclusions

This study clearly shows the complex translation of antibody data and virus neutralisation, while supporting the evidence of a single dose being sufficient for effective antibody response in convalescent individuals.
Transitioning to telehealth due to COVID‐19: Maintaining model fidelity in a home visiting program for parents of vulnerable infants
Authors: Roben Caroline K. P. , Kipp Evan , Schein Stevie S. , Costello Amanda H. , Dozier Mary
Published: December 2021

Maintaining treatment fidelity when implementing evidence‐based interventions is a significant challenge. The inability to deliver in‐person services due to the COVID‐19 pandemic critically challenged the foundation of implementation fidelity for home visiting programs across the globe. The Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐Up (ABC) program is an evidence‐based home visiting intervention designed to increase sensitivity in parents of infants who have experienced early adversity. ABC's community effectiveness is due to rigorous fidelity monitoring and supervision. Fidelity is measured by microanalytic coding of parenting opportunities and “in‐the‐moment” commenting, the active ingredient of ABC. In this study, we examined intervention fidelity among parent coaches implementing ABC through telehealth. Random 5‐min clips from 510 telehealth ABC session videos conducted by 91 parent coaches at 48 agencies were coded for their frequency and quality of in‐the‐moment comments. On average, parent coaches were able to exceed in‐person commenting fidelity standards when implementing ABC through the telehealth format. The active fidelity monitoring and supervision inherent to ABC's dissemination afforded a smooth transition to implementing ABC through telehealth while adhering to fidelity standards. Procedural and clinical challenges to telehealth implementation are discussed, along with future directions for telehealth program effectiveness.
Imine resveratrol analogs (IRAs): The strong antioxidant that can protect lymphocytes from oxidative damage
Authors: Kubalová Ivona , Šeršeň František , Gálová Eliška , Filo Juraj
Published: December 2021

Imine resveratrol analogs (IRAs) are promising new agents that can have higher positive effects and, simultaneously, lower negative properties than resveratrol. In this study, three imine hydroxy derivatives (2‐((4‐hydroxyphenylimino) methyl) phenol [IRA1], 3‐((4‐hydroxyphenylimino) methyl) phenol [IRA2], and 4‐((4‐hydroxyphenylimino) methyl) phenol [IRA3]) were prepared and tested in several biological assays. They performed superior to resveratrol in several antioxidant and biological assays, showing high antioxidant capacity and low genotoxicity. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and hydroxyl radicals scavenging assay revealed good Fe3+to Fe2+reduction and strong inhibition of hydroxyl radical formation, respectively. High dosage (1 mmol/dm3) of IRA2 and IRA3 did not cause genotoxicity in human lymphocytes. Moreover, lymphocytes pretreated with all three IRAs accumulated only very few DNA breaks induced by H2O2than lymphocytes pretreated with resveratrol. Additionally, the number of detected DNA breaks appearing after removal of damaged DNA bases, 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine (8‐oxoG), did not dramatically increase in lymphocytes treated with IRA2. Thus, we concluded that IRAs, especially IRA2, are strong antioxidants with the ability to protect lymphocytes from oxidative damage.
Investigating the protective role of metformin on lithium‐induced hypothyroidism
Authors: Samareh Fekri Hojjat , Pishnamaz Seide‐Fatemeh , Jafari Elham , Ansari Mehdi , Doostmohammadi Mohsen , Mohajeri Mohammad , Rahimi Hamid‐Reza
Published: December 2021

Induction of oxidative stress events has been shown to be associated with lithium (Li) hypothyroidism induction. Metformin (MET) is a commonly used antidiabetic drug with multiple properties including antiproliferative activity, antioxidant potency, and is used in polycystic ovarian syndrome treatment. Here, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of different doses of MET on Li‐induced hypothyroidism for elucidating its mechanism of action. The obtained results demonstrated the oxidative stress reduction in thyroid tissues upon MET treatment. Besides this, the biochemical analysis revealed a significant reduction in T3 and TSH levels (down to 2 ng/ml and 0.05 µU/ml, respectively) in coordination with an observable reduction in T4 level (up to 2.1 ng/ml). Also, a significant reduction in Li‐related tissue damages including changes in the morphology and the size of follicles, rate of vascularity, detachment of follicular cells, inflammatory cells infiltration, and follicular cells hypertrophy and disruption was observed. Ultimately, regarding the significant improvement in thyroid tissues and valuable antioxidant activity determined in tissues treated with MET, it is concluded that MET co‐administration with Li can significantly reduce the negative effects of Li and enhance the efficacy of Li therapy.
Analysis of the disease activity of ulcerative colitis with and without concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis: An investigation using a nationwide database in Japan
Authors: Yano Kota , Moroi Rintaro , Shiga Hisashi , Tarasawa Kunio , Shimoyama Yusuke , Kuroha Masatake , Hamada Shin , Kakuta Yoichi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fujimori Kenji , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: December 2021

Aims

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a relatively common complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). Only a few studies have investigated the impact of PSC on the clinical course of UC, and their conclusions are contradictory. Therefore, we aimed to compare the disease activity of UC with and without PSC.

Methods and Results

We collected UC patient data using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database system in Japan and classified eligible admissions into two groups based on their diagnosis of either UC alone or UC associated with PSC. We then compared therapeutic details (medical treatment and surgery) between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching was also performed. The rates of systemic steroid injection and infliximab administration in patients with PSC were lower than those in patients without PSC (21% vs. 28%, P = 0.012, 9.6% vs. 16%, P = 0.01, respectively). The rates of surgery, colorectal cancer, duration of hospital stay, and in‐hospital mortality did not differ between the two groups. Multivariable analysis revealed that concomitant PSC was a clinical factor that reduced the odds of systemic steroid injection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–0.90, P = 0.008) and infliximab (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32–0.74, P = 0.0008) administration.

Conclusion

UC patients with PSC might have less UC disease activity than those with UC alone.
Agreement Between Automated and Manual MRI Volumetry in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Quek Yi‐En , Fung Yi Leng , Cheung Mike W.‐L. , Vogrin Simon J. , Collins Steven J. , Bowden Stephen C.
Published: December 2021

Background

Automated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry is a promising tool to evaluate regional brain volumes in dementia and especially Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Purpose

To compare automated methods and the gold standard manual segmentation in measuring regional brain volumes on MRI across healthy controls, patients with mild cognitive impairment, and patients with dementia due to AD.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched through October 2021.

Field Strength

1.0 T, 1.5 T, or 3.0 T.

Assessment

Two review authors independently identified studies for inclusion and extracted data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS‐2).

Statistical Tests

Standardized mean differences (SMD; Hedges' g) were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analysis with robust variance estimation. Subgroup analyses were undertaken to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the impact of the within‐study correlation between effect estimates on the meta‐analysis results.

Results

Seventeen studies provided sufficient data to evaluate the hippocampus, lateral ventricles, and parahippocampal gyrus. The pooled SMD for the hippocampus, lateral ventricles, and parahippocampal gyrus were 0.22 (95% CI −0.50 to 0.93), 0.12 (95% CI −0.13 to 0.37), and −0.48 (95% CI −1.37 to 0.41), respectively. For the hippocampal data, subgroup analyses suggested that the pooled SMD was invariant across clinical diagnosis and field strength. Subgroup analyses could not be conducted on the lateral ventricles data and the parahippocampal gyrus data due to insufficient data. The results were robust to the selected within‐study correlation value.

Data Conclusion

While automated methods are generally comparable to manual segmentation for measuring hippocampal, lateral ventricle, and parahippocampal gyrus volumes, wide 95% CIs and large heterogeneity suggest that there is substantial uncontrolled variance. Thus, automated methods may be used to measure these regions in patients with AD but should be used with caution.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Handling considerations for the mass spectrometry of reactive organometallic compounds
Authors: Joshi Anuj , Killeen Charles , Thiessen Tanner , Zijlstra Harmen S. , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: December 2021

Mass spectrometry is a powerful tool in disparate areas of chemistry, but its characteristic strength of sensitivity can be an Achilles heel when studying highly reactive organometallic compounds. A quantity of material suitable for mass spectrometric analysis often represents a tiny grain or a very dilute solution, and both are highly susceptible to decomposition due to ambient oxygen or moisture. This complexity can be frustrating to chemists and analysts alike: the former being unable to get spectra free of decomposition products and the latter often being poorly equipped to handle reactive samples. Fortunately, many creative solutions to such problems have been developed. This review summarizes some key methods for handling reactive samples in conjunction with the various ionization methods most frequently employed for their analysis.
Profiles of attribution for work–family conflict episodes and their relation to negative emotions
Authors: Shockley Kristen M. , Gabriel Allison S. , Yuan Zhenyu
Published: December 2021

Many employees commonly deal with situations where their work and family lives are in conflict. Yet, scholarly understanding of how these episodic experiences influence employees' cognitions (i.e., attributions) and emotions is still limited. Further, the emergent line of work–family research on attributions tends to adopt a variable‐centric approach by investigating the effects of attributional dimensions in isolation, thus precluding a holistic view of how individuals form profiles of attributions in response to work–family conflict episodes. To advance the work–family literature, we employed an experience sampling design across 12 days to investigate profiles of attributions and the resultant discrete negative emotions (e.g., guilt, shame, regret, anger, frustration, and resentment) associated with work–family conflict in full‐time employees with children. Multilevel latent profile analysis (MLPA) results revealed meaningfully different profiles of attributions that tended to occur in reaction to conflicts between work and family, with these profiles differing based upon direction of the conflict episode (i.e., work‐interfering‐with‐family [WIF] vs. family‐interfering‐with‐work [FIW]). Further, these attributional profiles, especially those associated with FIW episodes, differentially related to distinct negative emotions. Overall, our findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of profiles of attributions following work–family conflict episodes, with critical implications for affective well‐being.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of continuous vs intermittent enteral nutrition in critically ill adults
Authors: Thong Debbie , Halim Zakiah , Chia Joel , Chua Fionn , Wong Alvin
Published: December 2021

Background

Continuous enteral nutrition (CEN) remains standard practice in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Intermittent enteral nutrition (IEN) may be a suitable alternative method. This meta‐analysis aims to investigate the safety, tolerance, and effectiveness of IEN compared with that of CEN in critically ill adults in the ICU.

Methods

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published up until April 30, 2020, along with manual searches in bibliographies. Eligible studies were trials that compared CEN with IEN feeding in the ICU and reported on at least one of the relevant outcomes (nutrition intake, gastric residual volume [GRV], aspiration pneumonia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension, and glycemic variability). Secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay (LOS) and mortality. The Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess methodological quality.

Results

Ten studies with 664 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. Most studies had an overall “high” risk of bias. Incidence of vomiting was significantly higher in CEN than in IEN groups (risk ratio, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.23–6.23). There were no significant differences between CEN and IEN groups for nutrition intake, GRV, incidence of aspiration pneumonia, diarrhea, abdominal distension, ICU LOS, and mortality. Definition and reporting of outcome measures were not standardized across studies; hence, this heterogeneity limits the generalizability of results.

Conclusion

Overall, the safety, tolerance, and effectiveness of CEN and IEN were found to be comparable. Future studies should explore monitoring larger sample sizes to determine best feeding practices in the ICU.
Planting trees in saline soil using ridge cultivation with drip irrigation in an arid region of China
Authors: Zhu Wendong , Li Xiaobin , Dong Shide , Kang Yaohu , Cui Guangxu , Miao Junxia , Li Erzhen
Published: December 2021

Land degradation due to soil salinization is a widespread problem in arid and semiarid areas. In the Hetao Irrigation District in the upper reaches of the Yellow River in China, nearly one‐third of the land is salinized. To improve the environment in these salt‐affected regions, we conducted a field experiment in the Hetao Irrigation District from 2018 to 2020 that involved planting poplar and willow trees in saline soil using ridge cultivation with drip irrigation. After 3 years of water–salt regulation by drip irrigation, soil salinity at 0–40 and 0–120 cm with initial values of 12.22 and 8.27 dS m−1 was reduced by 85.19% and 68.56%, respectively. The survival rates of the seedlings were 99.3% (poplar) and 99.4% (willow) in the first year, and 90.6% (poplar) and 95.8% (willow) in the third year. Moreover, drip irrigation used 42.19% less water for salt leaching than other common methods. In addition, understory vegetation gradually established, and its species, coverage, and density increased year by year. A plant community structure gradually developed that comprised Poaceae and Asteraceae. In general, we found that ridge cultivation with drip irrigation led to an improved the soil environment which affected the development of the ecosystem shifting it in a stable, healthy, and sustainable direction. Taken together, our results indicate that ridge cultivation with drip irrigation can decrease soil salinity and produce ecological benefits.
Corporate social responsibility: Is it a matter of slack financial resources or strategy or both?
Authors: Wasiuzzaman Shaista , Uyar Ali , Kuzey Cemil , Karaman Abdullah S.
Published: December 2021

Drawing on slack resources and institutional theories, this study tests the links between liquidity, corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, and CSR performance. The results indicate differential effects of liquidity measures on CSR investment. CSR committee and executive CSR compensation individually are significant drivers of higher CSR performance. Moderation analysis to test the interaction effect of liquidity measurements with the CSR committee on CSR performance yields mixed outcomes. Similarly, a second moderation analysis conducted to test the interaction of liquidity measurements with executive CSR compensation on CSR performance produces mixed results. Hence, the results are metric sensitive in terms of liquidity measurements.
Chemical Reactivity Prediction: Current Methods and Different Application Areas
Authors: Ertl Peter , Gerebtzoff Grégori , Lewis Richard , Muenkler Hagen , Schneider Nadine , Sirockin Finton , Stiefl Nikolaus , Tosco Paolo
Published: December 2021

The ability to predict chemical reactivity of a molecule is highly desirable in drug discovery, both ex vivo (synthetic route planning, formulation, stability) and in vivo: metabolic reactions determine pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and potential toxic effects, and early assessment of liabilities is vital to reduce attrition rates in later stages of development. Quantum mechanics offer a precise description of the interactions between electrons and orbitals in the breaking and forming of new bonds. Modern algorithms and faster computers have allowed the study of more complex systems in a punctual and accurate fashion, and answers for chemical questions around stability and reactivity can now be provided. Through machine learning, predictive models can be built out of descriptors derived from quantum mechanics and cheminformatics, even in the absence of experimental data to train on. In this article, current progress on computational reactivity prediction is reviewed: applications to problems in drug design, such as modelling of metabolism and covalent inhibition, are highlighted and unmet challenges are posed.