bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of synthetic errors during chemical synthesis of DNA and its suppression by non-canonical nucleosides
Authors: Masaki Yoshiaki , Onishi Yukiko , Seio Kohji
Published: July 2022

Substitutions, insertions, and deletions derived from synthetic oligonucleotides are the hurdles for the synthesis of long DNA such as genomes. We quantified these synthetic errors by next-generation sequencing and revealed that the quality of the enzymatically amplified final combined product depends on the conditions of the preceding solid phase chemical synthesis, which generates the initial pre-amplified fragments. Among all possible substitutions, the G-to-A substitution was the most prominently observed substitution followed by G-to-T, C-to-T, T-to-C, and A-to-G substitutions. The observed error rate for G-to-A substitution was influenced by capping conditions, suggesting that the capping step played a major role in the generation of G-to-A substitution. Because substitutions observed in long DNA were derived from the generation of non-canonical nucleosides during chemical synthesis, non-canonical nucleosides resistant to side reactions could be used as error-proof nucleosides. As an example of such error-proof nucleosides, we evaluated 7-deaza-2´-deoxyguanosine and 8-aza-7-deaza-2´-deoxyguanosine and showed 50-fold decrease in the error rate of G-to-A substitution when phenoxyacetic anhydride was used as capping reagents. This result is the first example that improves the quality of synthesized sequences by using non-canonical nucleosides as error-proof nucleosides. Our results would contribute to the development of highly accurate template DNA synthesis technologies.
A van der Waals force-based adhesion study of stem cells exposed to cold atmospheric plasma jets
Authors: Hajizadeh Kobra , Mehdian Hassan , Hajisharifi Kamal , Robert Eric
Published: July 2022

Cold atmospheric plasma has established its effect on cell adhesion. Given the importance of cell adhesion in stem cells, the current study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HBMMSCs) adhesion by which the differentiation and fate of cells are determined. In this paper, adhesion modification is considered not only for cell- ECM (Extra cellular Matrix), but also between suspended cells, and enhanced adhesions were found in both circumstances. Regarding the previous works, the increase of the cell–ECM adhesion during the plasma therapy was mostly attributed to the enhancement of the production and activity of integrin proteins. Nevertheless, considering the importance of van der Waals forces at the cellular level, the effect of cold plasma on VDWFs and so its effect on adhesion is investigated in this work for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. For this purpose, employing the semi-empirical methods, the role of the plasma therapy on the VDWF between the cells has been studied at three levels; (a) plasma-induced dipole formation, (b) Hammaker coefficient modification of culture medium, and c) cell roughness modification. For suspended cell condition, we conclude and support that van der Waals forces (VDWFs) enhancement has a key role in cell adhesion processes. We believe that, the present work gives a new physical insight in studying the plasma therapy method at the cellular level.
The prevalence of psychological stress in student populations during the COVID-19 epidemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Yang , Ji Bo , Liu Yitian , Zhang Jingyu , Liu Qianwei , Ge Yunpeng , Xie Yana , Liu Cunzhi
Published: July 2022

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, psychological stress was particularly pronounced in the student population due to prolonged home isolation, online study, closed management, graduation, and employment pressures. The objective of this study is to identify the incidence of psychological stress reactions in student populations following a global outbreak and the associated influencing factors. Four English databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) and four Chinese biomedical databases (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang) were searched in this study. We also retrieved other search engines manually. The search period was from the time of database creation to 10 March 2022. This study included cross-sectional studies related to psychological stress reactions in student populations during the COVID-19 epidemic. Three groups of researchers screened the retrieved studies and assessed the quality of the included studies using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Cross-Sectional Study Quality Assessment Checklist. A random-effects model was used to analyze the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and fear symptoms in the student population during the COVID-19 epidemic. Of the 146,330 records retrieved, we included 104 studies (n = 2,088,032). The quality of included studies was moderate. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the student population during the epidemic was 32.0% (95% CI [28.0–37.0%]); anxiety symptoms was 28.0% (95% CI [24.0–32.0%]); stress symptoms was 31.0% (95% CI [23.0–39.0%]); and fear symptoms was 33.0% (95% CI [20.0–49.0%]). The prevalence differed by gender, epidemic stage, region, education stage, student major and assessment tool. The prevalence of psychological stress in the student population during the COVID-19 epidemic may be higher compared to the global prevalence of psychological stress. We need to alleviate psychological stress in the student population in a targeted manner to provide mental health services to safeguard the student population.
Conventional and genetic risk factors for chronic Hepatitis B virus infection in a community-based study of 0.5 million Chinese adults
Authors: Hamilton Elizabeth , Yang Ling , Mentzer Alexander J. , Guo Yu , Chen Yiping , Lv Jun , Fletcher Robert , Wright Neil , Lin Kuang , Walters Robin , Kartsonaki Christiana , Yang Yingcai , Burgess Sushila , Sansome Sam , Li Liming , Millwood Iona Y. , Chen Zhengming
Published: July 2022

Despite universal vaccination of newborns, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis virus B (HBV) infection and the associated disease burden remain high among adults in China. We investigated risk factors for chronic HBV infection in a community-based study of 512,726 individuals aged 30–79 years recruited from ten diverse areas during 2004–2008. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity recorded at baseline by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, and medical history. In a random subset (n = 69,898) we further assessed the association of 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously shown to be associated with HBsAg positivity and development of chronic liver disease (CLD) (1600 cases). Several factors showed strong associations with HBsAg positivity, particularly younger age (< 40 vs. ≥ 60 years: OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.32–1.66), male sex (1.40, 1.34–1.46) and urban residency (1.55, 1.47–1.62). Of the 18 SNPs selected, 17 were associated with HBsAg positivity, and 14 with CLD, with SNPs near HLA-DPB1 were most strongly associated with both outcomes. In Chinese adults a range of genetic and non-genetic factors were associated with chronic HBV infection and CLD, which can inform targeted screening to help prevent disease progression.
Construction of a T7 phage display nanobody library for bio-panning and identification of chicken dendritic cell-specific binding nanobodies
Authors: Xu Hai , Li Ling , Deng Bihua , Hong Weiming , Li Ruiting , Guo Zijie , Hou Jibo , Govinden Roshini , Chenia Hafizah Y.
Published: July 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the antigen-presenting cells that initiate and direct adaptive immune responses, and thus are critically important in vaccine design. Although DC-targeting vaccines have attracted attention, relevant studies on chicken are rare. A high diversity T7 phage display nanobody library was constructed for bio-panning of intact chicken bone marrow DCs to find DC-specific binding nanobodies. After three rounds of screening, 46 unique sequence phage clones were identified from 125 randomly selected phage clones. Several DC-binding phage clones were selected using the specificity assay. Phage-54, -74, -16 and -121 bound not only with chicken DCs, but also with duck and goose DCs. In vitro, confocal microscopy observation demonstrated that phage-54 and phage-74 efficiently adsorbed onto DCs within 15 min compared to T7-wt. The pull-down assay, however, did not detect any of the previously reported proteins for chicken DCs that could have interacted with the nanobodies displayed on phage-54 and phage-74. Nonetheless, Specified pathogen-free chickens immunized with phage-54 and phage-74 displayed higher levels of anti-p10 antibody than the T7-wt, indicating enhanced antibody production by nanobody mediated-DC targeting. Therefore, this study identified two avian (chicken, duck and goose) DC-specific binding nanobodies, which may be used for the development of DC-targeting vaccines.
Prevalence and associated factors of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: Alamirew Walelgn Gete , Belay Denekew Bitew , Zeru Melkamu A. , Derebe Muluwerk Ayele , Adegeh Senait Cherie
Published: July 2022

Neonatal mortality is the death of a live-born baby within the first 28 days of birth. For the selected households, neonatal mortality was collected from children aged 0–28 days and women aged 15–49. The neonatal period is a significant 4-week period in human life because it carries a greater mortality risk. To identify the determinant factors of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia based on EDHS 2016 data with the application of count regression models. In this study, all neonates in Ethiopia were born within the 5 years preceding EDHS 2016 of the source population in the selected EAs from September to December 2015. Count regression models were used to analyze the data. A total of 10,641 live-born neonates within the previous 5 years of EDHS 2016 had neonatal mortality of women aged 15–49, which was considered in the study to be 7193. The data were found to have excess zeros (96.6%), and the variance (0.052) was higher than its mean (0.04). The count regression model (ZINB) was best fitted to the data with maximum likelihood parameter estimation methods. The average neonatal mortality difference in multiple births was increased by IRR = 8.53 times compared with a single birth. The average number of neonatal deaths experienced during breastfeeding was lower (IRR = 0.38) than that experienced by mothers who did not experience breastfeeding their child. The average neonatal mortality difference in rural residences was increased by IRR = 3.99 times compared to urban mothers' residences. In this study, the prevalence of Neonatal mortality in Ethiopia was higher. For selected ZINB count regression models of explanatory variables, such as multiple birth types, having rural residence factors of neonatal mortality increased the risk of death. However, having early breastfeeding, a female household head, and antenatal visits (1–4) and (5–10) during pregnancy decrease the risk of neonatal death.
A Mach-Zehnder Fabry-Perot hybrid fiber-optic interferometer operating at the thermal noise limit
Authors: Hoque Nabil Md Rakinul , Duan Lingze
Published: July 2022

A new type of interferometric fiber sensor based on a Mach-Zehnder Fabry-Perot hybrid scheme has been experimentally demonstrated. The interferometer combines the benefits of both a double-path configuration and an optical resonator, leading to record-high strain and phase resolutions limited only by the intrinsic thermal noise in optical fibers across a broad frequency range. Using only off-the-shelf components, the sensor is able to achieve noise-limited strain resolutions of 40 f$$\varepsilon $$
ε
/$$\sqrt{(}Hz)$$

(

H
z
)

at 10 Hz and 1 f$$\varepsilon $$
ε
/$$\sqrt{(}Hz)$$

(

H
z
)

at 100 kHz. With a proper scale-up, atto-strain resolutions are believed to be within reach in the ultrasonic frequency range with such interferometers.
Repeated ketamine anesthesia during neurodevelopment upregulates hippocampal activity and enhances drug reward in male mice
Authors: Cui Jianchen , Ju Xianshu , Lee Yulim , Hong Boohwi , Kang Hyojin , Han Kihoon , Shin Won-Ho , Park Jiho , Lee Min Joung , Kim Yoon Hee , Ko Youngkwon , Heo Jun Young , Chung Woosuk
Published: July 2022

Early exposures to anesthetics can cause long-lasting changes in excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission (E/I imbalance), an important mechanism for neurodevelopmental disorders. Since E/I imbalance is also involved with addiction, we further investigated possible changes in addiction-related behaviors after multiple ketamine anesthesia in late postnatal mice. Postnatal day (PND) 16 mice received multiple ketamine anesthesia (35 mg kg−1, 5 days), and behavioral changes were evaluated at PND28 and PND56. Although mice exposed to early anesthesia displayed normal behavioral sensitization, we found significant increases in conditioned place preference to both low-dose ketamine (20 mg kg−1) and nicotine (0.5 mg kg−1). By performing transcriptome analysis and whole-cell recordings in the hippocampus, a brain region involved with CPP, we also discovered enhanced neuronal excitability and E/I imbalance in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Interestingly, these changes were not found in female mice. Our results suggest that repeated ketamine anesthesia during neurodevelopment may influence drug reward behavior later in life.
Catalytic Ozonation over Composite Metal Oxides
Authors: Cavalcante Rodrigo Pereira , Dantas Renato Falcao
Published: July 2022

Composite materials are good alternatives in performing catalytic ozonation since they might have the intermediate properties of their constituents, which can give them greater recyclability, stability and performance in ozone decomposition. Their use can increase ozonation efficiency at the same time it reduces the drawbacks of heterogeneous catalytic ozonation. This chapter presents basic knowledge along with a critical review of composite materials used for catalytic ozonation applied for water and wastewater treatment. Among the different composite materials that can catalyze ozonation, perovskite-type and spinel-type mixed oxides are attractive catalysts of continuous interest in the scientific community due to their low cost when compared to other solid catalysts, high stability and good catalytic activity. The application of these catalysts for the removal of organic contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, phenols and others have been summarized and presented. Several aspects are discussed throughout this chapter, such as the performance of the catalysts and the mechanisms involved. In addition, the application of other natural minerals, such as zeolites, ceramic honeycomb and red mud, are discussed, and the main ones are summarized and presented. Future challenges and opportunities are discussed, and some promising studies are proposed.
Selection and colorimetric application of ssDNA aptamers against metamitron based on magnetic bead-SELEX
Authors: Xie Xicheng , Huang Weiwen , Shen Guoqing , Yu Hong , Wang Lumei
Published: July 2022

A metamitron-specific ssDNA aptamer with high affinity was screened using magnetic bead-SELEX with the establishment of its new colorimetric assay.
Probing the cell delivery of synthetic diubiquitin chains
Authors: Mandal Shaswati , Brik Ashraf
Published: July 2022

In this study, the live-cell delivery of structurally different synthetic diubiquitin chains was examined.
KF·B(OH)3: a KBBF-type material with large birefringence and remarkable deep-ultraviolet transparency
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Xinglong , Ok Kang Min
Published: July 2022

A new KBBF-type crystal, KF·B(OH)3, exhibits a good balance between birefringence (0.114 @1064 nm) and bandgap (7.63 eV) owing to the designed [F·B(OH)3]− layers.
Is enzyme immobilization a mature discipline? Some critical considerations to capitalize on the benefits of immobilization
Authors: Bolivar Juan M. , Woodley John M. , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: July 2022

Enzyme immobilization has been developing since the 1960s and although many industrial biocatalytic processes use the technology to improve enzyme performance, still today we are far from full exploitation of the field.
Correction: Post-synthetic modifications in porous organic polymers for biomedical and related applications
Authors: Kim Ji Hyeon , Kang Dong Won , Yun Hongryeol , Kang Minjung , Singh Nem , Kim Jong Seung , Hong Chang Seop
Published: July 2022

Correction for ‘Post-synthetic modifications in porous organic polymers for biomedical and related applications’ by Ji Hyeon Kim et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2022, 51, 43–56, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1CS00804H.
Application of magnetic field (MF) as an effective method to improve the activity of immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB)
Authors: Wang Honghai , Zhang Yu , Yue Wenda , Liang Jun , Su Weiyi
Published: July 2022

The process of immobilized enzyme and the change mechanism of enzyme in magnetic field.
Chemical space: limits, evolution and modelling of an object bigger than our universal library
Authors: Restrepo Guillermo
Published: July 2022

Chemical space as a directed hypergraph network of chemical reactions and its upper bounds (equations). Inside the world different anthropogenic, social and technological factors influencing it.
Antibacterial silver and gold complexes of imidazole and 1,2,4-triazole derived N-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Mather Joel C. , Wyllie Jessica A. , Hamilton Alex , Soares da Costa Tatiana P. , Barnard Peter J.
Published: July 2022

A series of gold(i) and silver(i) complexes of 1,2,4-triazolylidene and imidazolylidene based N-heterocyclic carbene ligands were prepared that show excellent antibacterial activity against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens.
A carbonization/interfacial assembly-driven electroplating approach for water-splitting textile electrodes with remarkably low overpotentials and high operational stability
Authors: Mo Jeongmin , Ko Younji , Yun Young Soo , Huh June , Cho Jinhan
Published: July 2022

We introduce silk textile-based water-splitting electrodes that can significantly increase the electrocatalytic performance for both HER and OER by a carbonization/interfacial assembly-driven electroplating approach.
Removal efficiency of organic contaminants in landfill leachate contaminated groundwater under oxygen micro–nano bubble aeration
Authors: Bai Mei , Liu Zhibin , Liu Zhu , Fan Zhanhuang , Yuan Miaoxin
Published: July 2022

Oxygen micro–nano bubble (MNB) aeration was used to treat landfill leachate contaminated groundwater.
Novel tetrahydropyrimidinyl-substituted benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles: synthesis, antibacterial activity, DNA interactions and ADME profiling
Authors: Rep Valentina , Štulić Rebeka , Koštrun Sanja , Kuridža Bojan , Crnolatac Ivo , Radić Stojković Marijana , Paljetak Hana Čipčić , Perić Mihaela , Matijašić Mario , Raić-Malić Silvana
Published: July 2022

The most active benzimidazole 15a against E. coli, M. catarrhalis and both sensitive and resistant strains of S. pyogenes showed preference toward AT-rich sites and minor groove binding mode, which was in line with docking studies.
Immobilization of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase on magnetic Fe3O4/PVIM/Ni2+ nanomaterials for the synthesis of anthocyanidins
Authors: Jiang Yuanyuan , Li Xuefeng , Hu Xiaodie , Si Jingyu , Xu Zezhong , Yang Hua
Published: July 2022

Anthocyanidins are one subclass of flavonoids in plants and possess important biological functions. A Fe3O4/PVIM/Ni2+-immobilized DFR enzyme was prepared using nano-biotechnology, which can catalyze the synthesis of anthocyanidins in vitro.
Atrachinenynes A–D, four diacetylenic derivatives with unprecedented skeletons from the rhizomes of Atractylodes chinensis
Authors: Chen Fei-Long , Liu Dong-Li , Fu Jing , Fu Lu , Gao Jin , Bai Li-Ping , Zhang Wei , Jiang Zhi-Hong , Zhu Guo-Yuan
Published: July 2022

Atrachinenynes A–D (1–4), four undescribed acetylenic derivatives with diverse skeletons, were isolated from Atractylodes chinensis.
Tuning the spin caloritronic transport properties of InSe monolayers via transition metal doping
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhu Ying , Xie Rong , Hu Yujie , Li Shujuan , Lei Shulai , Li Qunxiang
Published: July 2022

The thermal-driven current through the device is dominated by the spin-down electrons within a wide temperature range.
A neutrophil cell membrane-biomimetic nanoplatform based on l-arginine nanoparticles for early osteoarthritis diagnosis and nitric oxide therapy
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Huang Yuqin , Chen Xu , Chen Yutong , Zhu Xufeng , Liu Yanan , Liu Jie
Published: July 2022

Neutrophile-cell-membrane-based biomimetic nanoparticles were developed for the targeted recognition of inflamed osteoarthritis, dual-modal imaging diagnosis, and NO gas therapy.
Introduction of cadmium chloride additive to improve the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Jabir Majid S. , Abdulzahraa Haider G. , Mohammed Safa H. , Al-Azzawi Waleed Khaild , Ahmed Duha S. , Singh Sangeeta , Kumar Anjan , Asaithambi S. , Shekargoftar Masoud
Published: July 2022

With the increase in the importance of using green energy sources to meet the world's energy demands, attempts have been made to push perovskite solar cell technology toward industrialization all around the world.
The rippled β-sheet layer configuration—a novel supramolecular architecture based on predictions by Pauling and Corey
Authors: Hazari Amaruka , Sawaya Michael R. , Vlahakis Niko , Johnstone Timothy C. , Boyer David , Rodriguez Jose , Eisenberg David , Raskatov Jevgenij A.
Published: July 2022

The rippled sheet was proposed by Pauling and Corey in 1953, yet structural foundation remains extremely limited. Here we report on three X-ray crystal structures of rippled β-sheets, thus providing the long-sought structural basis for the field.
Heterostructured FeNi hydroxide for effective electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Li Fayan , Li Yanyan , Li Lei , Luo Wen , Lu Zhouguang , Zhang Xinyu , Zheng Zhiping
Published: July 2022

A butterfly-like FeNi/Ni HS featuring a “torso” of Ni-doped FeOOH and two “wings” of Ni2(CO3)(OH)2showed excellent activity in electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction attributable to the increase of higher-valance Ni3+in the heterostructure.
Switching gas permeation through smart membranes by external stimuli: a review
Authors: Widakdo Januar , Austria Hannah Faye M. , Subrahmanya T. M. , Suharyadi Edi , Hung Wei-Song , Wang Chih-Feng , Hu Chien-Chieh , Lee Kueir-Rarn , Lai Juin-Yih
Published: July 2022

Design strategies of smart membranes for switchable gas separation performance.
Insulating materials for realising carbon neutrality: Opportunities, remaining issues and challenges
Authors: Li Chuanyang , Yang Yang , Xu Guoqiang , Zhou Yao , Jia Mengshuo , Zhong Shaolong , Gao Yu , Park Chanyeop , Liu Qiang , Wang Yalin , Akram Shakeel , Zeng Xiaoliang , Li Yi , Liang Fangwei , Cui Bin , Fang Junpeng , Tang Lingling , Zeng Yulin , Hu Xingtao , Gao Jiachen , Mazzanti Giovanni , He Jinliang , Wang Jianxiao , Fabiani Davide , Teyssedre Gilbert , Cao Yang , Wang Feipeng , Zi Yunlong
Published: July 2022

The 2050 carbon‐neutral vision spawns a novel energy structure revolution, and the construction of the future energy structure is based on equipment innovation. Insulating material, as the core of electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset, faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The goal of carbon neutral and the urgent need for innovation in electric power equipment and electrification assets are first discussed. The engineering challenges constrained by the insulation system in future electric power equipment/devices and electrified transportation assets are investigated. Insulating materials, including intelligent insulating material, high thermal conductivity insulating material, high energy storage density insulating material, extreme environment resistant insulating material, and environmental‐friendly insulating material, are categorised with their scientific issues, opportunities and challenges under the goal of carbon neutrality being discussed. In the context of carbon neutrality, not only improves the understanding of the insulation problems from a macro level, that is, electrical power equipment and electrified transportation asset, but also offers opportunities, remaining issues and challenges from the insulating material level. It is hoped that this paper envisions the challenges regarding design and reliability of insulations in electrical equipment and electric vehicles in the context of policies towards carbon neutrality rules. The authors also hope that this paper can be helpful in future development and research of novel insulating materials, which promote the realisation of the carbon‐neutral vision.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication is cost-effective for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: McCarty Thomas R. , Jirapinyo Pichamol , James Lyndon P. , Gupta Sanchit , Chan Walter W. , Thompson Christopher C.
Published: July 2022

Background and study aims Given the sizable number of patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, non-pharmacologic treatment has become increasingly utilized. The aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatment of GERD.

Patients and methods A deterministic Markov cohort model was constructed from the US healthcare payer’s perspective to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three competing strategies: 1) omeprazole 20 mg twice daily; 2) transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0); and 3) laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication [LNF]. Cost was reported in US dollars with health outcomes recorded in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Ten-year and lifetime time horizons were utilized with 3 % discount rate and half-cycle corrections applied. The main outcome was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $ 100,000 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also performed.

Results In our base-case analysis, the average cost of TIF 2.0 was $ 13,978.63 versus $ 17,658.47 for LNF and $ 10,931.49 for PPI. Compared to the PPI strategy, TIF 2.0 was cost-effective with an incremental cost of $ 3,047 and incremental effectiveness of 0.29 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $ 10,423.17 /QALY gained. LNF was strongly dominated by TIF 2.0. Over a lifetime horizon, TIF 2.0 remained the cost-effective strategy for patients with symptoms despite twice-daily 20-mg omeprazole. TIF 2.0 remained cost-effective after varying parameter inputs in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses and for scenario analyses in multiple age groups.

Conclusions Based upon this study, TIF 2.0 was cost-effective for patients with symptomatic GERD despite low-dose, twice-daily PPI.
Early prediction of post-ERCP pancreatitis by post-procedure amylase and lipase levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goyal Hemant , Sachdeva Sonali , Sherazi Syed Ali Amir , Gupta Shweta , Perisetti Abhilash , Ali Aman , Chandan Saurabh , Tharian Benjamin , Sharma Neil , Thosani Nirav
Published: July 2022

Background and study aims Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication attributed to the procedure, its incidence being approximately 9.7 %. Numerous studies have evaluated the predictive efficacy of post-procedure serum amylase and lipase levels but with varied procedure-to-test time intervals and cut-off values. The aim of this meta-analysis was to present pooled data from available studies to compare the predictive accuracies of serum amylase and lipase for PEP.

Patients and methods A total of 18 studies were identified after a comprehensive search of various databases until June 2021 that reported the use of pancreatic enzymes for PEP.

Results The sample size consisted of 11,790 ERCPs, of which PEP occurred in 764 (6.48 %). Subgroups for serum lipase and amylase were created based on the cut-off used for diagnosing PEP, and meta-analysis was done for each subgroup. Results showed that serum lipase more than three to four times the upper limit of normal (ULN) performed within 2 to 4 hours of ERCP had the highest pooled sensitivity (92 %) for PEP. Amylase level more than five to six times the ULN was the most specific serum marker with a pooled specificity of 93 %.

Conclusions Our analysis indicates that a lipase level less than three times the ULN within 2 to 4 hours of ERCP can be used as a good predictor to rule out PEP when used as an adjunct to patient clinical presentation. Multicenter randomized controlled trials using lipase and amylase are warranted to further evaluate their PEP predictive accuracy, especially in high-risk patients.
Clinical application and diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy for inflammatory bowel disease: systematic review
Authors: Yang Linda S. , Perry Evelyn , Shan Leonard , Wilding Helen , Connell William , Thompson Alexander J. , Taylor Andrew C. F. , Desmond Paul V. , Holt Bronte A.
Published: July 2022

Background and aims Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is being evaluated for its potential to improve colonoscopic assessment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly with computer-aided image classifiers. This review evaluates the clinical application and diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of AI algorithms in colonoscopy for IBD.

Methods A systematic review was performed on studies evaluating AI in colonoscopy of adult patients with IBD. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched on 28th April 2021 for English language articles published between January 1, 2000 and April 28, 2021. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Diagnostic accuracy was presented as median (interquartile range).

Results Of 1029 records screened, nine studies with 7813 patients were included for review. AI was used to predict endoscopic and histologic disease activity in ulcerative colitis, and differentiation of Crohn’s disease from Behcet’s disease and intestinal tuberculosis. DTA of AI algorithms ranged between 52–91 %. The sensitivity and specificity for AI algorithms predicting endoscopic severity of disease were 78 % (range 72–83, interquartile range 5.5) and 91 % (range 86–96, interquartile range 5), respectively.

Conclusions AI has been primarily used to assess disease activity in ulcerative colitis. The diagnostic performance is promising and suggests potential for other clinical application of AI in IBD colonoscopy such as dysplasia detection. However, current evidence is limited by retrospective data and models trained on still images only. Future prospective multicenter studies with full-motion videos are needed to replicate the real-world clinical setting.
Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy with a new colonic irrigation device: Results of a prospective observational study
Authors: Teich Niels , Klecker Chris , Klugmann Tobias , Dietel Peter
Published: July 2022

Background and study aims The success of colonoscopy is mainly dependent on the effectiveness of prior bowel preparation (BP). Patients often consider BP to be the most burdensome part of colonoscopy, which might be a main barrier to the procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and effectiveness of colonic irrigation with a new colon hydrotherapy (CHT) device as an alternative to traditional oral BP.

Patients and methods A prospective, non-randomized observational study was conducted to evaluate the quality of BP. A BP was considered effective if a score of 6 or better through the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) could be reached. Colonoscopy was performed immediately following colonic irrigation. For safety analysis, data on adverse events (AEs) were collected. Among the secondary outcomes, the BBPS assessed in each bowel segment and cecal intubation rate were analyzed.

Results Twenty-eight consecutive patients (11 male [39.3%] and 17 [60.7 %] female) undergoing screening/surveillance or diagnostic colonoscopy were enrolled. Mean age was 54 ± 12.4 years (range 19–80). The evaluated mean BBPS was 7.8 ± 1.5. Twenty-five patients (89.3 %) had a BBPS score of 6 or above. Colonic irrigation was performed without any complications and no AEs were reported within 30 days. The cecal intubation rate was 100 %.

Conclusions Colonic irrigation with a new CHT device is an effective and low-risk alternative to traditional oral preparation prior to colonoscopy.
Investigating the Genetic Etiology of Pediatric Patients with Peripheral Hypotonia Using the Next-Generation Sequencing Method
Authors: Eker Damla , Gurkan Hakan , Karal Yasemin , Yalcintepe Sinem , Demir Selma , Atli Engin , Karasalihoglu Serap T.
Published: July 2022

Background Hypotonia occurs as a result of neurological dysfunction in the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, motor neurons, anterior horn cells, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Although the genotype–phenotype correlation can be established in 15 to 30% of patients, it is difficult to obtain a correlation in most cases.

Aims This study was aimed to investigate the genetic etiology in cases of peripheral hypotonia that could not be diagnosed using conventional methods.

Methods A total of 18 pediatric patients with peripheral hypotonia were included. They were referred to our genetic disorders diagnosis center from the Pediatric Neurology Department with a prediagnosis of hypotonia. A custom designed multigene panel, including ACTA1, CCDC78, DYNC1H1, GARS, RYR1, COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3, FKRP, FKTN, IGHMBP2, LMNA, LAMA2, LARGE1, MTM1, NEM, POMGnT1, POMT1, POMT2, and SEPN1, was used for genetic analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Results In our study, we found 13 variants including pathogenic (two variants in LAMA2) and likely pathogenic variants (three variants in RYR1 and POMGnT1) and variants of uncertain clinical significance (eight variants in RYR1, COL6A3, COL6A2, POMGnT1 and POMT1) in 11 (61%) out of 18 patients. In one of our patients, a homozygous, likely pathogenic c.1649G > A, p.(Ser550Asn) variant was defined in the POMGnT1 gene which was associated with a muscle–eye–brain disease phenotype.

Conclusion The contribution of an in-house designed gene panel in the etiology of peripheral hypotonia with a clinical diagnosis was 5.5%. An important contribution with the clinical diagnosis can be made using the targeted multigene panels in larger samples.
Severity of Pediatric COVID-19: Role of Vitamin D
Authors: Nassar May Fouad , Allam Mohamed Farouk , ElKhayat Samer Hamed , Darwish Yasser Wagih , Shata Mennatallah Osama
Published: July 2022

Objective Vitamin D has many immune benefits and because its deficiency impacts most age groups, it became a nutrient of interest in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. The objective of this study was to highlight the contribution of vitamin D status to the disease severity of hospitalized pediatric patients suffering from COVID-19 infection.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 42 children with documented positive polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 infection. Detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination were done for each recruited patient. Besides the laboratory and radiological assessment done for COVID-19 patients, 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels [25(OH) D] in the serum were estimated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results Using the cutoff level of 10 ng/mL, only 40% of the patients were below this level and 60% had their vitamin D level more than or equal to 10 ng/mL. Significantly more patients of the first group needed oxygen support (denoting more severe COVID-19 infection and lung involvement). The older the patients, the more evident was vitamin D deficiency among them, and 25(OH) D values were not correlated to weight for length nor weight categories in the studied series of patients suffering from COVID-19.

Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency affects the severity of pediatric COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients. It is prudent to advise vitamin D level assessment in such cases and promptly manage the patients accordingly. We recommend further studies to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the clinical outcome of COVID-19 in the pediatric population and other vulnerable groups.
Evolution of Surgical Outcomes in Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Yu Siyuan , Taghvaei Mohammad , Reyes Maikerly , Collopy Sarah , Piper Keenan , Karsy Michael , Prashant Giyarpuram N. , Kshettry Varun R. , Rosen Marc R. , Farrell Christopher J. , Evans James J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction Wide variations exist in the management of craniopharyngiomas, including pituitary stalk preservation/sacrifice. This study examines the practice patterns over 16 years using the endoscopic endonasal approach for the resection of craniopharyngiomas and it examines the effects of stalk preservation.

Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted for 66 patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for resection of craniopharyngiomas. Patients were stratified into three epochs: 2005 to 2009 (N = 20), 2010 to 2015 (N = 23), and 2016 to 2020 (N = 20), to examine the evolution of surgical outcomes. Subgroup analysis between stalk preservation/stalk sacrifice was conducted for rate of gross total resection, anterior pituitary function preservation, and development of new permanent diabetes insipidus.

Results Gross total resection rates across the first, second, and third epochs were 20, 65, and 52%, respectively (p = 0.042). Stalk preservation across epochs were 100, 5.9, and 52.6% (p = 0.0001). New permanent diabetes insipidus did not significantly change across epochs (37.5, 68.4, 71.4%; p = 0.078). Preservation of normal endocrine function across epochs was 25, 0, and 23.8%; (p = 0.001). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks significantly decreased over time (40, 4.5, and 0%; [p = 0.0001]). Stalk preservation group retained higher normal endocrine function (40.9 vs. 0%; p = 0.001) and less normal-preoperative to postoperative panhypopituitarism (18.4 vs. 56%; p = 0.001). Stalk sacrifice group achieved higher GTR (70.8 vs. 28%, p = 0.005). At last follow-up, there was no difference in recurrence/progression rates between the two groups.

Conclusion There is a continuous evolution in the management of craniopharyngiomas. Gross total resection, higher rates of pituitary stalk and hormonal preservation, and low rates of postoperative CSF leak can be achieved with increased surgical experience.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Kidogo model in empowering women and strengthening their capacities to engage in paid labor opportunities through the provision of quality childcare: a study protocol for an exploratory study in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Okelo Kenneth , Nampijja Margaret , Ilboudo Patrick , Muendo Ruth , Oloo Linda , Muyingo Sylvia , Mwaniki Elizabeth , Langat Nelson , Onyango Silas , Sipalla Florence , Kitsao-Wekulo Patricia
Published: July 2022

Worldwide, there is a wide gap between what women can contribute to the economy and what they actually contribute. One of the main barriers to women’s engagement in the labor market and productivity at work is the societal expectation that they should take care of their children in addition to meeting the demands of employment. Furthermore, those in informal employment face difficulties due to long working hours and environments that are not appropriate for childcare. To address this, Kidogo runs an innovative “Hub & Spoke” model for low-income communities. Here, we present a study protocol aimed at evaluating whether the provision of quality childcare opportunities for working women through the Kidogo model is feasible and acceptable and whether it contributes to improvements in their incomes and productivity at work. The study reported in this protocol which is currently ongoing, employed a quasi-experimental design with two study arms: primary caregivers who use childcare services were recruited into the intervention (n = 170) and comparison groups (n = 170). Both groups are being followed up for one year. We are using a mixed-methods approach. Appropriate statistical methods including a difference-in-differences (DID) estimator will be used to analyze the effects of the intervention. We expect that the intervention will improve the quality of childcare services which in turn will improve the incomes of the center providers. We expect that providing improved childcare services will enhance women’s economic empowerment.

Trial registration: PACTR202107762759962.
Revisiting W–ZrC interfaces: A first principles study
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Saikat , Wirth Brian D.
Published: July 2022

We investigate W–ZrC interfaces using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. There have been theoretical and experimental studies exploring W–ZrC interfaces, however, the debate regarding the most stable interface continues to persist. In this study, we systematically simulated various W–ZrC interfaces merging W and ZrC surfaces with different orientations. Subsequently, we evaluated their stabilities and explained the corresponding stabilities in terms of the nature of bonding and charge-transfer processes at the interface. We find ZrC(111)–W(110) is the most stable interface with higher adhesive energy than the other interfaces. The additional stability associated with the ZrC(111)–W(110) results from significant interface reconstruction. Three layers of W and ZrC adjacent to the interface are involved in the charge-transfer process leading to stronger ionic bonds in ZrC(111)–W(110) as compared to the other potential candidate: ZrC(100)–W(100). The C and W atoms are found to be displaced from their symmetric position during the reconstruction process at the interface to facilitate stronger bonds with shorter W–C and W–Zr bonds in ZrC(111)–W(110) as compared to ZrC(100)–W(100). This leads to stronger covalent bonds in ZrC(111)–W(110) than that in ZrC(100)–W(100). Therefore, we conclude that the stronger covalent and ionic forces in ZrC(111)–W(110) than those in ZrC(100)–W(100) are responsible for making ZrC(111)–W(110) to be the most stable interface. This study addresses the long-standing question of the most stable W–ZrC interface and derives a number of implications for other W-transition metal carbide interfaces which are potential candidates for improving the mechanical properties of plasma facing materials.
Model for elimination of lifetime-limiting carbon vacancy defects in SiC by thermal treatment
Authors: Zechner Christoph , Tanaka Masahiro , Shimai Kenji , Zographos Nikolas , Kanie Sozo , Tsuboi Shinzo
Published: July 2022

In 4H-SiC semiconductors, carbon vacancies act as traps, which limit the carrier lifetime. During high-temperature treatment of 4H-SiC, the concentration of carbon vacancies can be increased or decreased by several atomistic processes, including the diffusion of carbon vacancies and carbon self-interstitials, and the thermal generation–recombination of defects. In this work, an analytic process model has been developed and calibrated against a collection of measured data. The model describes the concentration of carbon vacancies after thermal processing for a wider range of process conditions than previous works. For inert annealings, bulk recombination, bulk generation, and diffusion of carbon vacancies and carbon interstitials play a critical role. For oxidation processes, carbon interstitials are injected at the oxidizing surface. The injection rate of carbon interstitials at the oxidizing surface and their diffusivity from the surface into the bulk govern the reduction of carbon vacancies via bulk recombination. Basic properties of carbon vacancies and carbon self-interstitials in 4H-SiC, such as the thermal equilibrium concentrations, diffusivities, and bulk recombination rates, are reflected by model parameters and have been determined by model calibration for the temperature range of 1150–1950 °C. High-quality epitaxial films and low-quality substrates are described consistently, when assuming that carbon interstitials can be trapped by defects present only in the substrate.
Initial stage of nanometer metal films electrical explosion: Current action integral and electrothermal instability
Authors: Emelyanov O.
Published: July 2022

An electrical explosion of nanometer (∼20 nm) metal films onto polymer substrate at the current densities of ∼1012A/m2 is studied theoretically. The initial stage of explosion is considered with respect to current action integral and development of electrothermal instability. It is revealed that the effective value of specific action integral is larger than its value for the vacuum conditions due to the heat outflow into the substrate. The paper considers a linear perturbation analysis of thermal state in order to find the marginal condition for electrothermal instability. This instability leads to the formation of strata structures arranged normally to the direction of current flow before the melting stage.
Unbiased disentanglement of conformational baths with the help of microwave spectroscopy, quantum chemistry, and artificial intelligence: The puzzling case of homocysteine
Authors: León Iker , Fusè Marco , Alonso Elena R. , Mata Santiago , Mancini Giordano , Puzzarini Cristina , Alonso José L. , Barone Vincenzo
Published: July 2022

An integrated experimental–computational strategy for the accurate characterization of the conformational landscape of flexible biomolecule building blocks is proposed. This is based on the combination of rotational spectroscopy with quantum-chemical computations guided by artificial intelligence tools. The first step of the strategy is the conformer search and relative stability evaluation performed by means of an evolutionary algorithm. In this step, last generation semiempirical methods are exploited together with hybrid and double-hybrid density functionals. Next, the barriers ruling the interconversion between the low-lying conformers are evaluated in order to unravel the possible fast relaxation paths. The relative stabilities and spectroscopic parameters of the “surviving” conformers are then refined using state-of-the-art composite schemes. The reliability of the computational procedure is further improved by the inclusion of vibrational and thermal effects. The final step of the strategy is the comparison between experiment and theory without any ad hoc adjustment, which allows an unbiased assignment of the spectroscopic features in terms of different conformers and their spectroscopic parameters. The proposed approach has been tested and validated for homocysteine, a highly flexible non-proteinogenic α-amino acid. The synergism of the integrated strategy allowed for the characterization of five conformers stabilized by bifurcated N–H2⋯O=C hydrogen bonds, together with an additional conformer involving a more conventional HN⋯H–O hydrogen bond. The stability order estimated from the experimental intensities as well as the number and type of conformers observed in the gas phase are in full agreement with the theoretical predictions. Analogously, a good match has been found for the spectroscopic parameters.