bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MR‐Linac guided adaptive stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy for recurrent cardiac sarcoma with mitral valve bioprosthesis – a case report
Authors: Batumalai Vikneswary , Carr Madeline , Jameson Michael , Crawford David , Jelen Urszula , Pagulayan Claire , Twentyman Tania , Hong Angela , de Leon Jeremy
Published: March 2023

We present the first case in the literature of a 78‐year‐old woman with recurrent cardiac sarcoma adjacent to a bioprosthetic mitral valve treated with magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MR‐Linac) guided adaptive stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). The patient was treated using a 1.5 T Unity MR‐Linac system (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden). The mean gross tumour volume (GTV) size was 17.9 cm3 (range 16.6–18.9 cm3) based on daily contours and the mean dose received by the GTV was 41.4 Gy (range 40.9–41.6 Gy) in five fractions. All fractions were completed as planned and the patient tolerated the treatment well with no acute toxicity reported. Follow‐up appointments at 2 and 5 months after the last treatment showed stable disease and good symptomatic relief. Results of transthoracic echocardiogram after radiotherapy showed that the mitral valve prosthesis was normally seated with regular functionality. This study provides evidence that MR‐Linac guided adaptive SABR is a safe and viable option for the treatment of recurrent cardiac sarcoma with mitral valve bioprosthesis.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron XBB subvariants exhibit enhanced fusogenicity and substantial immune evasion in elderly population, but high sensitivity to pan‐coronavirus fusion inhibitors
Authors: Xia Shuai , Jiao Fanke , Wang Lijue , Yu Xueying , Lu Tianyu , Fu Yan , Huang Ziqi , Li Xicheng , Huang Jinghe , Wang Qian , Man Qiuhong , Xiong Lize , Jiang Shibo , Lu Lu
Published: March 2023

Numerous emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron subvariants have shown significant immune evasion capacity and caused a large number of infections, as well as vaccine‐breakthrough infections, especially in elderly populations. Recently emerged Omicron XBB was derived from the BA.2 lineage, but bears a distinct mutant profile in its spike (S) protein. In this study, we found that Omicron XBB S protein drove more efficient membrane‐fusion kinetics on human lung‐derived cells (Calu‐3). Considering the high susceptibility of the elderly to the current Omicron pandemic, we performed a comprehensive neutralization assessment of elderly convalescent or vaccine sera against XBB infection. We found that the sera from elderly convalescent patients who experienced with BA.2 infection or breakthrough infection potently inhibited BA.2 infection, but showed significantly reduced efficacy against XBB. Moreover, recently emerged XBB.1.5 subvariant also showed more significant resistance to the convalescent sera of BA.2‐ or BA.5‐infected elderly. On the other hand, we found that the pan‐CoV fusion inhibitors EK1 and EK1C4 can potently block either XBB‐S‐ or XBB.1.5‐S‐mediated fusion process and viral entry. Moreover, EK1 fusion inhibitor showed potent synergism when combined with convalescent sera of BA.2‐ or BA.5‐infected patients against XBB and XBB.1.5 infection, further indicating that EK1‐based pan‐CoV fusion inhibitors are promising candidates for development as clinical antiviral agents to combat the Omicron XBB subvariants.
Pre‐existing immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 associates with strong T cell responses induced by inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines
Authors: Yi Xuan , Wang Yuhao , Li Quanrun , Li Xiaoyi , Zhang Panli , Fu Xin , Gu Shuqin , Zhang Daqian , Liu Xiaoyi , Lou Haonan , Wu Yuemei , Tang Libo , Hou Jinlin , Li Yongyin
Published: March 2023

Individuals with a recent common cold coronavirus infection, which leads to pre‐existing immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2, displayed a less severe course of COVID‐19. However, the relationship between pre‐existing immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and the inactivated‐vaccine‐induced immune response is still unknown. Here, 31 healthcare workers who received standard two doses of inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines (Weeks 0 and 4, respectively) were enrolled, vaccine‐induced neutralization and T cell responses were detected, and the correlation between the pre‐existing SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific immunity was analyzed. We found the SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies, pseudovirus neutralization test (pVNT) titers, and spike‐specific interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly elevated after two doses of inactivated vaccines. Interestingly, the pVNT titers after the second dose of vaccination displayed no significant correlation with the pre‐existing SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies or B cells, nor the pre‐existing spike‐specific CD4+ T cells. Notably, the spike‐specific T cell response after the second dose of vaccination was positively correlated with the pre‐existing receptor binding domain (RBD)‐specific B cells and CD4+ T cells, which were documented by the frequencies of RBD‐binding B cells, the breadth of RBD‐specific B cell epitopes, and the frequency of IFN‐γ‐expressing RBD‐specific CD4+ T cells. Overall, the inactivated‐vaccine‐induced T cell responses, not the inactivated‐vaccine‐induced neutralization, closely correlated with pre‐existing immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2. Our results provide a better understanding of inactivated‐vaccine‐induced immunity and help predict the immunogenicity induced by inactivated vaccines in individuals.
Smallpox vaccination‐elicited antibodies cross‐neutralize 2022‐Monkeypox virus Clade II
Authors: Criscuolo Elena , Giuliani Benedetta , Ferrarese Roberto , Ferrari Davide , Locatelli Massimo , Clementi Massimo , Mancini Nicasio , Clementi Nicola
Published: March 2023

Since early May 2022, some monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections have been reported from countries where the disease is not endemic. Within 2 months, the number of patients has increased extensively, becoming the most considerable MPXV outbreak described. Smallpox vaccines demonstrated high efficacy against MPXVs in the past and are considered a crucial outbreak control measure. However, viruses isolated during the current outbreak carry distinct genetic variations, and the cross‐neutralizing capability of antibodies remains to be assessed. Here we report that serum antibodies elicited by first‐generation smallpox vaccines can neutralize the current MPXV more than 40 years after vaccine administration.
Joint coverage analysis in progressive collapsing foot deformity
Authors: Knutson Kassidy , Peterson Andrew C. , Lisonbee Rich J. , Hintermann Beat , Krähenbühl Nicola , Lenz Amy L.
Published: March 2023

Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is characterized by a progressive subluxation of the peritalar bones and respective joints. Two‐dimensional conventional radiographs are limited in their ability to visualize the peritalar bones and joints with adequate detail to describe the complex three‐dimensional deformity. An improved understanding of the relationship between joint coverage and deformity would allow clinicians to use coverage analysis to distinguish among the stages of PCFD. The aim of this study was to analyze the joint coverage of the six articular relationships within the talocrural, subtalar, and Chopart joints using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) scans. Ten individuals with a flexible hindfoot and ten individuals with a rigid hindfoot presentation of PCFD were compared to twenty‐seven asymptomatic control individuals. The three most relevant findings are: (I) the anterior‐medial facet of the subtalar joint contains the greatest reduction in coverage for patients with a rigid deformity, (II) an increase in talonavicular overlap (TNO) moderately correlated with a decreased coverage in the: tibiotalar, anterior‐medial subtalar, talonavicular joints, and (III) the calcaneocuboid joint lacks radiographic values to adequately quantify alignment and coverage. To conclude, there were significant differences in coverage area of various articulating regions throughout the hind‐ and midfoot when comparing PCFD patients to asymptomatic control individuals. Relevant radiographic measures correlating to articular coverage areas of clinical interest were identified, possibly helping to better quantify PCFD in clinical practice.
Screening for Vocal Fold Movement Impairment in Children Undergoing Esophageal and Airway Surgery
Authors: Meisner Jay W. , Izadi Shawn , Kamran Ali , Shieh Hester F. , Smithers C. Jason , Bennett John , Demehri Farokh R. , Mohammed Somala , Lawlor Claire , Choi Sukgi S. , Zendejas Benjamin
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Children undergoing cervical and/or thoracic operations are at risk for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, resulting in vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI). Screening for VFMI is often reserved for symptomatic patients.

Objective

Identify the prevalence of VFMI in screened preoperative patients prior to an at‐risk operation to evaluate the value of screening all patients at‐risk for VFMI, regardless of symptoms.

Methods

A single center, retrospective review of all patients undergoing a preoperative flexible nasolaryngoscopy between 2017 and 2021, examining the presence of VFMI and associated symptoms.

Results

We evaluated 297 patients with a median (IQR) age of 18 (7.8, 56.3) months and a weight of 11.3 (7.8, 17.7) kilograms. Most had a history of esophageal atresia (EA, 60%), and a prior at‐risk cervical or thoracic operation (73%). Overall, 72 (24%) patients presented with VFMI (51% left, 26% right, and 22% bilateral). Of patients with VFMI, 47% did not exhibit the classic symptoms (stridor, dysphonia, and aspiration) of VFMI. Dysphonia was the most prevalent classic VFMI symptom, yet only present in 18 (25%) patients. Patients presenting with a history of at‐risk surgery (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.1, 4.8, p = 0.03), presence of a tracheostomy (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.0, 10.0, p = 0.04), or presence of a surgical feeding tube (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.6, 6.2, p = 0.001) were more likely to present with VFMI.

Conclusion

Routine screening for VFMI should be considered in all at‐risk patients, regardless of symptoms or prior operations, particularly in those with a history of an at‐risk surgery, presence of tracheostomy, or a surgical feeding tube.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3564–3570, 2023
Impact of metformin on clinical outcomes in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Kang Sandra , Khalil Lana , McCook‐Veal Ashley , Liu Yuan , Galvin John , Draper Amber , Kokabi Nima , Diab Maria , Shaib Walid , Alese Olatunji , Gbolahan Olumide , El‐Rayes Bassel , Akce Mehmet
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Emerging data suggests NASH‐induced HCC could be associated with less response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐based therapy. Metformin has been associated with improved outcomes in cancers like melanoma treated with ICIs, but its impact on HCC is not well defined. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of metformin on clinical outcomes in patients with advanced HCC treated with ICIs.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients with advanced HCC treated with ICIs in first and later‐line settings between 2015 and 2021. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR) as assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1. Patients were stratified based on their usage of metformin.

Results

Our study included 18 patients in the metformin group and 93 patients in the non‐metformin group. The most common causes of HCC were viral hepatitis (52%), NASH (29%), and alcohol (8%). ORR was 5.6% in the metformin group vs 22.6% in the non‐metformin group (P = .0987). Median OS was 10.8 months versus 45.9 months (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 0.95–4.21, P = .065) and median PFS was 2.5 months versus 6.6 months (P = .077) in the metformin and non‐metformin groups, respectively. Regardless of metformin usage, OS was significantly worse in patients with poor ECOG performance status, HCC aetiology of NASH, MELD score 10–23, AFP >= 400, and use of ICIs in later lines of therapy.

Conclusions

Metformin use was associated with a trend, although not statistically significant, toward a worse ORR, OS and PFS in advanced HCC patients treated with ICIs.
Substantial uncertainties in global soil organic carbon simulated by multiple terrestrial carbon cycle models
Authors: Wang Zhaoqi , Lin Yuanhao , Cai Lang , Wu Guiling , Zheng Kai , Liu Xiang , Huang Xiaotao
Published: March 2023

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is critical to the terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle and global climate change. The carbon cycle model coupled with microbial processes can improve the projection of SOC. However, it remains unclear whether microbial models are superior to multiple terrestrial carbon cycle models and how large the simulation uncertainties of SOC are. Therefore, we simulate the spatial patterns of global SOC by the MIMICS (explicit nonlinear microbial carbon cycle model) and the DCC (implicit linear carbon cycle model), compare the SOC with that of the CMIP6 MME (multi‐model ensemble) and the observation to obtain the uncertainties of SOC, and analyze the sensitivity of the parameters in the two models. The results show that the SOC simulated by the MIMICS is 1615.4 ± 54.3 PgC, which is higher than that of the DCC (668.5 ± 102.1 PgC), the CMIP6 MME (1443.7 ± 795.8 PgC), and the observation (1519.1 PgC). The SOC of the DCC and MIMICS are regulated by NPP, and that of DCC is more sensitive to climate, while that of MIMICS is mainly influenced by the Michaelis–Menten equation and microbial carbon use efficiency. We reveal the spatial patterns of uncertainty in global SOC simulated by the explicit and implicit microbial processes of multiple terrestrial carbon cycle models. Unfortunately, neither the DCC, the MIMICS nor the CMIP6 MME simulate SOC satisfactorily, especially in the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, and the simulation of SOC in this region needs to be improved.
Planting Suaeda salsa improved the soil properties and bacterial community diversity in a coastal mudflat
Authors: Feng Yuanyuan , Xu Xiaopeng , Liu Jia , Han Jiangang , Lu Haiying
Published: March 2023

Planting halophytes is an effective strategy to improve saline soils and prevent soil degradation. However, the effects of planting halophytes on saline soil biochemical properties and bacterial communities remain largely unexplored. In this study, soils were sampled from a field where Suaeda salsa was planted over a three‐year (TY) and one‐year (OY) period on a coastal saline mudflat to investigate the effects of S. salsa growth on soil chemical and biological properties. The results showed that OY and TY significantly reduced soil EC by 76.59% to 79.45% (0–10 cm soil layer) and 31.85% to 43.40% (10–20 cm soil layer) in comparison with the control without S. salsa planting (control). For the characteristics of soil enzyme activity, the alkaline phosphatase activity of TY was significantly reduced in the 0–10 cm soil layer (39.76%) and increased in the 10–20 cm layer (13.37%) relative to control. Alkaline phosphatase activity was the predominant factor affecting soil bacterial community composition. Moreover, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi were increased in both the OY and TY treatments compared to control, and were positively correlated with soil organic matter and available nitrogen. The complexity of the soil microbial network and the bacterial community diversity and richness were higher in OY and TY than in control. Our findings suggested that planting S. salsa benefited saline soil in coastal land by reducing soil salt stress, preventing salt soil degradation, and increasing soil bacterial community diversity.
Strong conciseness of Engel words in profinite groups
Authors: Khukhro E. I. , Shumyatsky P.
Published: March 2023

A group wordwis said to be strongly concise in a class of profinite groups if, for any groupGin , eitherwtakes at least continuum many values inGor the verbal subgroup is finite. It is conjectured that all words are strongly concise in the class of all profinite groups. Earlier Detomi, Klopsch, and Shumyatsky proved this conjecture for multilinear commutator words, as well as for some other particular words. They also proved that every group word is strongly concise in the class of nilpotent profinite groups, as well as that 2‐Engel words are strongly concise (but their approach does not seem to generalize ton‐Engel words for ). In this paper, we prove that for anyn, then‐Engel word (whereyis repeatedntimes) is strongly concise in the class of finitely generated profinite groups.
End of life care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study on the perspectives of nurses and nurse assistants
Authors: Podgorica Nertila , Rungg Christine , Bertini Beatrice , Perkhofer Susanne , Zenzmaier Christoph
Published: March 2023

Aim

To explore nurses’ and nurse assistants’ experiences of providing end‐of‐life care during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Austria, Germany and Northern Italy.

Design

A qualitative explorative interview study.

Method

Data were collected between August and December 2020 and analysed using content analysis. Healthcare professionals (nurses (n = 30), nurse coordinators (n = 6) and nurse assistants (n = 5)) from hospitals (n = 32) and long‐term care facilities (n = 9) in Austria, Germany and Northern Italy were interviewed for this study.

Results

Five main categories were identified as follows: (i) end‐of‐life care involves love and duty, (ii) last wishes and dignity of the patient, (iii) communication with the family, (iv) organizational and religious aspects and (v) personal emotions. Results indicate that more training and guidelines are needed to prepare nurses and nurse assistants for end‐of‐life care during pandemics.

Public contribution

This research can help prepare nurses and nurse assistants for end‐of‐life care in pandemics and will be of value for improving the institutional and government health policies. Furthermore, it can be of value in preparing training for healthcare professionals patient–relatives.
Semiconductor/Carbon Quantum Dot‐based Hue Recognition Strategy for Point of Need Testing: A Review
Authors: Li Daquan , Wang Jing
Published: March 2023

The requirement to establish novel methods for visual detection is attracting attention in many application fields of analytical chemistry, such as, healthcare, environment, agriculture, and food. The research around subjects like “point‐of‐need”, “hue recognition”, “paper‐based sensor”, “fluorescent sensor”, etc. has been always aimed at the opportunity to manufacture convenient and fast‐response devices to be used by non‐specialists. It is possible to achieve economic rationality and technical simplicity for optical sensing toward target analytes through introduction of fluorescent semiconductor/carbon quantum dot (QD) and paper‐based substrates. In this Review, the mechanisms of anthropic visual recognition and fluorescent visual assays, characteristics of semiconductor/carbon QDs and ratiometric fluorescence test paper, and strategies of semiconductor/carbon QD‐based hue recognition are described. We cover latest progress in the development and application of point‐of‐need sensors for visual detection, which is based on a semiconductor/carbon quantum dot‐based hue recognition strategy generated by ratiometric fluorescence technology.
Support Core Functions by Strengthening Support Functions
Authors: Burlingame Gary
Published: March 2023

Water/wastewater services are critical for a community's social, economic, and public health. Yet it's disheartening to hear skilled workers and managers speak with frustration about their jobs.
Response to magnesium sulfate and adrenocorticotropic hormone combination therapy for infantile spasms with failed first‐line treatments
Authors: Wang Qiuhong , He Wen , Wang Yangyang , Liu Liying , Zhang Mengna , Yang Xiaoyan , Zou Liping
Published: March 2023

Importance

Infantile spasm (IS) is a kind of refractory epilepsy. The first‐line treatments for IS are adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), oral corticosteroids, and vigabatrin.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium sulfate and ACTH (MgSO4+ACTH) combination therapy in patients with IS who failed first‐line treatments.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the clinical data of patients with IS who failed first‐line treatments were collected in the Chinese PLA General Hospital. Patients received MgSO4+ACTH combination therapy after first‐line treatments failed. The course of treatments was 2 weeks. The therapeutic dose of ACTH and MgSO4 was 2.5 U·kg−1·d−1 and 0.25 g·kg−1·d−1, respectively.

Results

A total of 229 patients with IS who failed the first‐line treatments were collected. At the end of the MgSO4+ACTH combination treatment, the seizure‐free rate was 48.5% (111/229), and the resolution of hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalogram (EEG) was 72.1% (165/229). About 21.4% (49/229) of patients showed side effects, including infectious diseases, hypokalemia, and diarrhea.

Interpretation

For patients with IS who failed first‐line treatments, in terms of the seizure‐free rate and resolution of hypsarrhythmia on EEG, MgSO4+ACTH combination therapy can be considered.
Guidelines for designing peptoid structures: Insights from the Peptoid Data Bank
Authors: Eastwood James R. B. , Weisberg Ethan I. , Katz Dana , Zuckermann Ronald N. , Kirshenbaum Kent
Published: March 2023

The number of structural studies of peptoids has grown dramatically over the past 20 years. To date, over 100 high‐resolution structures have been reported for peptoids, which are typically defined as N‐substituted glycine oligomers. We have collected these structures and standardized their sequence representations to facilitate structural analysis as the dataset continues to grow. These structures are presented online as The Peptoid Data Bank (databank.peptoids.org), which also provides persistent links to the published structural data. This review analyzes the present collection of structures and finds extensive support for grouping side chains by their chemistry at the position adjacent to the backbone nitrogen. Groups of side chains with similar chemistry at this position show similar influences on the conformational preferences of the backbone. We also observe a relationship between the side chain and backbone conformations for many monomers that has not previously attracted significant discussion: the values of the χ1 and ϕ dihedrals are correlated. We outline a general design strategy for attaining a specific backbone conformation based on the patterns seen in the collected structures.
AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 transporters function in tandem to modulate sugar flux in plants
Authors: Fatima Urooj , Balasubramaniam D. , Khan Wajahat Ali , Kandpal Manu , Vadassery Jyothilakshmi , Arockiasamy Arulandu , Senthil‐Kumar Muthappa
Published: March 2023

The sugar will eventually be exported transporter (SWEET) members in Arabidopsis, AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 are the important sucrose efflux transporters that act synergistically to perform distinct physiological roles. These two transporters are involved in apoplasmic phloem loading, seed filling, and sugar level alteration at the site of pathogen infection. Here, we performed the structural analysis of the sucrose binding pocket of AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 using molecular docking followed by rigorous molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We observed that the sucrose molecule binds inside the central cavity and in the middle of the transmembrane (TM) region of AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12, that allows the alternate access to the sucrose molecule from either side of the membrane during transport. Both AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12, shares the similar amino acid residues that interact with sucrose molecule. Further, to achieve more insights on the role of these two transporters in other plant species, we did the phylogenetic and the in‐silico analyses of AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 orthologs from 39 economically important plants. We reported the extensive information on the gene structure, protein domain and cis‐acting regulatory elements of AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 orthologs from different plants. The cis‐elements analysis indicates the involvement of AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 orthologs in plant development and also during abiotic and biotic stresses. Both in silico and in planta expression analysis indicated AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 are well‐expressed in the Arabidopsis leaf tissues. However, the orthologs of AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 showed the differential expression pattern with high or no transcript expression in the leaf tissues of different plants. Overall, these results offer the new insights into the functions and regulation of AtSWEET11 and AtSWEET12 orthologs from different plant species. This might be helpful in conducting the future studies to understand the role of these two crucial transporters in Arabidopsis and other crop plants.
The relationship between patient‐family caregiver congruence/incongruence in acceptance of illness and family caregivers' anticipatory grief
Authors: Wang Hui , Yue Haorun , Wang Zenghui , Lu Mengxin , Feng Danjun
Published: March 2023

Objective

Cancer is a family affair that negatively impacts the lives of patients and their family caregivers. This study takes a dyadic perspective to investigate the effect of patient‐family caregiver illness acceptance congruence/incongruence on family caregivers' anticipatory grief (AG) and examine whether caregivers' resilience moderates the abovementioned relationship.

Methods

For the study, 304 dyads of advanced lung cancer patients and their family caregivers from three tertiary hospitals in Jinan, Shandong Province, China were recruited. The data were analyzed using polynomial regressions and response surface analyses.

Results

Family caregivers' AG was lower when patient‐family caregiver illness acceptance was congruent rather than incongruent. Lower patient‐caregiver illness acceptance congruence was associated with higher AG in family caregivers compared with higher illness acceptance congruence. Family caregivers reported significantly higher AG only if their illness acceptance was lower than that of their patients. In addition, caregivers' resilience moderated the effects of patient‐caregiver illness acceptance congruence/incongruence on family caregivers' AG.

Conclusions

Patient‐family caregiver illness acceptance congruence was beneficial to family caregivers' AG; resilience can be a protective factor for buffering the impact of illness acceptance incongruence on family caregivers' AG.
Misclassification of Gleason grade and tumor stage in Asian‐American patients with low‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Li Lu , Xu Yihang , Xu Zicheng , Qi Feng , Li Xiao
Published: March 2023

To investigate the misclassification rates of Asian‐American patients with low‐risk prostate cancer (PCa). Patients diagnosed with low‐risk PCa treated with radical prostatectomy between 2010 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were included in this study. Then, basic characteristics and pathological outcomes of the enrolled patients were retrospectively extracted. We compared the rates of upgrading and/or upstaging between Asian‐American patients and White/Black patients. Moreover, temporal trend analyses were performed to explore the changes in upgrading and upstaging rates in each race over time. Finally, logistic regression models were constructed to explore the role of Asian race in upgrading and upstaging and to screen out potential risk factors for predicting upgrading and upstaging in Asian‐American patients. Asian‐Americans had a significantly higher rate of upgrading than Whites (P < .001), while no statistical difference was found in the comparison of upstaging rate (P = .536). Moreover, Asian‐Americans were more likely to upgrade to diseases with higher ISUP grade than Whites (P = .010). The rate of upgrading increased significantly over time in White and Black patients, but not in Asian‐American patients. Finally, race seemed to be an independent risk factor for predicting upgrading, while the racial differences seemed to be more pronounced between White and Black patients. Asian‐American patients had a significantly higher rate of upgrading than White patients. Moreover, Asian‐American patients were more likely to upgrade to diseases with higher ISUP grade. Further risk assessment before clinical decision for low‐risk PCa patients with the help of significant clinical variables is required.
Characteristics of recurrent acute urinary retention in BPH patients in the United States: Retrospective analysis of US‐based insurance claims database
Authors: Lee Sinyeong , Yoo Koo Han , Kim Taek Sang , Cho Hyuk Jin , Kim Wansuk , Oh Jin Kyu , Li Shufeng , Kim Sang Youn , Wei Wuran , Huang Jianlin , van Uem Stefanie , Del Giudice Francesco , Lindars David P. , Sathe Abha R. , Chung Benjamin I.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to analyze characteristics of recurrent acute urinary retention (AUR) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), utilizing a population based data set. Also, we sought to report on how AUR was treated, specifically regarding the need and length of catheterization and types of procedures utilized for mitigation.

Materials & Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed using Optum's deidentified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database. We compared two groups, BPH patients with AUR (n = 180,737) and BPH patients without AUR (n = 1,139,760) from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2017. Also, we analyzed the factors affecting the development of multiple episodes of AUR through age‐adjusted multivariate analysis.

Results

In contrast to the 47.7% of patients who had a single AUR episode, 33.5% of AUR patients developed 3 or more subsequent episodes of retention. For age matched patients, the risks of additional episodes of retention increase significantly with older age, Caucasian race, diabetes, neurologic conditions, or low income. Overall, the rate of BPH surgery in AUR patients over the study period decreased and the most common procedure was transurethral resection of the prostate.

Conclusions

Risk factors for multiple episodes of AUR included age (60 and older), Caucasian race, lower income socioeconomic status, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Patients with a high probability of developing recurrent episodes of AUR are recommended to receive preemptive BPH medication before such AUR occurrences. Also, more expeditious surgical treatment should be considered rather than temporary catheterization when AUR occurs.
Economic model predictive control with terminal set dynamic programming for tracking control
Authors: Li Qing , Dai Li , Yang Hongjiu , Sun Zhongqi , Xia Yuanqing
Published: March 2023

This paper focuses on vehicle tracking control issues with consideration of energy efficiency, ride comfort and tracking performance. To address this issue, an economic model predictive control (EMPC) framework is proposed by taking average performance into account and introducing a time‐varying terminal set. We integrate an economic model predictive controller and a terminal controller with a feedback gain related to the time‐varying terminal set into the proposed EMPC framework. An acceleration‐dependent average constraint is designed and incorporated into the MPC optimization problem to facilitate the convergence of the actual acceleration to the desired one, which enables the vehicle to implement a smooth driving style that boosts energy economy. A tuning factor in the average constraint has the capacity to balance energy consumption and control performance. Under the premise of invariance constraints, a dynamic terminal set is constructed by solving a dynamic programming problem online, which enables an arbitrary location and scale of the terminal set at each iteration by taking the current and predicted tracking errors into account. This allows a reduction in the conservativeness of an economic model predictive controller in the sense of both the region of attraction and the cost bound. Recursive feasibility of the MPC optimization problem and the terminal set dynamic programming is ensured, and average performance is not worse than the performance with an optimal steady‐state operation. Moreover, the convergence of the closed‐loop tracking error to the optimal steady‐state is guaranteed by using the dissipativity theory. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by numerical comparisons with different controller parameters and standard EMPC.
A coordinated drainage and regulation model of urban water systems in China: A case study in Fuzhou city
Authors: Wang Hao , Lei Xiaohui , Wang Chao , Liao Weihong , Kang Aiqing , Huang Haocheng , Ding Xingchen , Chen Yang , Zhang Xuelian
Published: March 2023

Extreme climate and urbanization lead to frequent urban floods, and urban water system dispatching is an important means of urban flood control. A coupled model is proposed to simulate urban floods in real‐time and achieve comprehensive water system control for urban floods. First, the systematical description of coordinated drainage and regulation model of urban water systems in China is introduced, then the practice of Fuzhou city was taken as an example to introduce the prediction and forecast systems, as well as water system regulation for urban flood and waterlogging disaster in detail. Results show that the root‐mean‐square error of river flood prediction is less than 0.3 and that the calculation time of waterlogging simulation is less than 10 min; the optimization regulation reduces the peak river water level by 31 cm. This study will establish a novel urban water system management model to help urban managers better reduce the loss caused by urban floods.
Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity of Ormocarpum Cochinchinense Leaf Extract /PVA‐PVP Blended Polymer
Authors: Narayanan Aarthi , Marimuthu Muthuraj , Mani Archana , Vasu Gopal , Subhadra Rajeswari
Published: March 2023

Synthetic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) was utilised as a blend with hydrogel and natural plant leaf extract Ormocarpum cochinchinense (OC). Its biodegradability and biocompatibility, have received more attention with regard to the wound dressing applications. In the present work synthesized bio composite film containing Ormocarpum cochinchinense (OC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) was characterized using Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Field emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Energy dispersive X‐ ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Swelling studies and antimicrobial activities were also carried out to ascertain the credibility of the blended mixture. As a result, they offer a promising source of information for studies on wound dressings.
Synthesis of Catalyst Using Bio‐benign Precursors and Its Application in One‐Pot Catalytic Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines
Authors: Kumar Mishra Santosh , Parikh Anuvasita , Rangan Krishnan , Sah Ajay K.
Published: March 2023

Development of catalysts using natural feedstock is the need of the current era, and accordingly, we have developed a new ligand N‐(2‐hydroxynapthylidene)‐L‐leucienyl‐4,6‐O‐ethylidene‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylamine using natural occurring D‐glucose and L‐amino acid. It interacts with several bio‐relevant metal ions like iron, copper, zinc, etc., but its association with cupric ions is immune to pH (4.2–9.1) change. In‐situ copper‐catalyzed reactions have been proven to be pivotal in many important organic syntheses, including imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines, which is one of the important precursors of many drug molecules. Catalytic synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines requires high catalyst loading, hazardous solvent, high temperature, and long reaction time, which are major drawbacks towards green synthetic methodology. Interestingly, our glycoconjugate‐derived cupric complex catalyzes the reactions among aldehydes, 2‐aminopyridines, and terminal alkynes under the solvent‐free condition to afford one‐pot synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines and 23 derivatives have been reported in good to excellent yields (53–93 %) using lower reaction time, temperature, and catalyst loading compared to other reports on similar reactions. Hence, our approach enhances the green methodology towards the catalytic synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives.
Weak‐Coordination Electrolyte Enabling Fast Li+ Transport in Lithium Metal Batteries at Ultra‐Low Temperature
Authors: Lin Wang , Li Jidao , Wang Jingshu , Gu Kecheng , Li Heng , Xu Zhu , Wang Kexuan , Wang Feng , Zhu Mengyu , Fan You , Wang Huibo , Tao Guangjian , Liu Na , Ding Maofeng , Chen Shi , Wu Jiang , Tang Yuxin
Published: March 2023

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are promising for next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries owing to the highest specific capacity and the lowest potential of Li metal anode. However, the LMBs are normally confronted with drastic capacity fading under extremely cold conditions mainly due to the freezing issue and sluggish Li+ desolvation process in commercial ethylene carbonate (EC)‐based electrolyte at ultra‐low temperature (e.g., below −30 °C). To overcome the above challenges, an anti‐freezing carboxylic ester of methyl propionate (MP)‐based electrolyte with weak Li+ coordination and low‐freezing temperature (below −60 °C) is designed, and the corresponding LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode exhibits a higher discharge capacity of 84.2 mAh g−1 and energy density of 195.0 Wh kg−1cathode than that of the cathode (1.6 mAh g−1 and 3.9 Wh kg−1cathode) working in commercial EC‐based electrolytes for NCM811‖ Li cell at −60 °C. Molecular dynamics simulation, Raman spectra, and nuclear magnetic resonance characterizations reveal that rich mobile Li+ and the unique solvation structure with weak Li+ coordination are achieved in MP‐based electrolyte, which collectively facilitate the Li+ transference process at low temperature. This work provides fundamental insights into low‐temperature electrolytes by regulating solvation structure, and offers the basic guidelines for the design of low‐temperature electrolytes for LMBs.
Superhydrophilic 2D Carbon Nitrides Prepared by Direct Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Thi Quoc Huy , Man Ping , Huang Lingli , Chen Xin , Zhao Jiong , Ly Thuc Hue
Published: March 2023

Surface wetting greatly impacts the performances of many photocatalysts in a water/humid‐involved medium. Carbon nitrides and its isotopes, as emerging metal‐free low‐cost photocatalysts for water splitting, usually require strong chemical or irradiation treatments to obtain highly hydrophilic surfaces, which can undermine their photocatalytic performances. Herein, an alternative method for the direct synthesis of superhydrophilic carbon nitride thin films (CN
x
, x ≈ 0.86–1.04) and graphitic carbon nitride powder (g‐C3N4) by using chemical vapor deposition is proposed. Less than 5° contact angle with water is accessible on both the surface of the as‐grown CN
x
thin films and the membranes made from the g‐C3N4 powder. It is found that the remarkable wetting property can be attributed to the spontaneous hydrophilic functionalization group (e.g., –OH, –NO
x
, = O) supplied by a constant multielemental air flow. The abundant CN triple bonds also promote needle‐shaped nanostructures on the 2D surfaces, which enhances their chemical wettability. Finally, the tremendous potential of this novel technique for direct synthesis of superhydrophilic carbon nitride in photocatalysis applications is demonstrated.
Putative hydroid symbionts recorded by bioclaustrations in fossil molluscan shells: a revision and reinterpretation of the cecidogenusRodocanalis
Authors: Wisshak Max , Schneider Simon , Mikuláš Radek , Richiano Sebastián , Ramil Fran , Wilson Mark A.
Published: March 2023

The fossil record yields a peculiar phenomenon in different kinds of molluscan shells: bioclaustrations formed around (epi)symbionts during growth of the hosts' shell margin. Four morphologies, two of them formerly considered bioerosion traces, are here united in the parataxonomy of bioclaustration structures under the revised cecidogenusRodocanalis. These are: (1) simple linear grooves (Rodocanalis lineariscsp. nov.) formed below the periostracum in Pleistocene to Recent endobenthic bivalves; (2) series of distally ramifying grooves (Rodocanalis runicus) in Silurian orthoconic nautiloids; (3) irregular networks of grooves (Rodocanalis reticulatus) in Jurassic to Cretaceous bivalves and gastropods; and (4) regular reticulate networks (Rodocanalis geometricuscsp. nov.) in Jurassic to Cretaceous gastropods. The linear grooves might be associated with commensal worms, while multiple lines of reasoning point towards hydrozoan symbionts in the case of the branched and anastomosing grooves. After the hydrozoan larva settles and the first polyp becomes fixed on the calcareous ostracum at the shell margin, the process of bioclaustration commences when the periostracum surrounds the base of the polyp, which moves towards the external shell surface, while the hydrorhizae develop in the only possible direction: towards the shell growth margin. This enables new polyps to originate at the shell edge by budding, while the bioclaustration of the stolonial hydrorhizae advances. We consider the nature of this symbiotic relationship as mutualism, with the hydrozoan symbiont taking advantage of the host's feeding current or food debris, and the molluscan host profiting from the defensive capability of the hydrozoan's cnidocysts.
Understanding the technical and social paradoxes of learning management systems usage in higher education: A sociotechnical perspective
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Wood‐Harper Trevor , Wood Bob
Published: March 2023

The recent COVID‐19 pandemic has created an unprecedentedly complex situation and wicked problem in the education domain. This has forced educators and learners to study from home using unfamiliar pedagogical typologies and technologies in order to adapt to the new work routine. This research contributes to theory and practice by adopting a sociotechnical approach (STS) to understand the technical and social implications of learning management systems (LMS) to inform pedagogical development. A qualitative approach is adopted, and semi‐structured interviews are conducted across two university cases with 40 academics and students to capture their perceptions of LMS usage. We found that technical paradoxes present a barrier to pedagogical development in the transition from blended learning environments to remote ones, where many wicked and unprecedented challenges emerge from learning remotely during a pandemic, while social paradoxes arise from cultural issues such as user resistance that impede the university's pedagogical goals and visions.
Toward Visualizing Genomic DNA Using Electron Microscopy via DNA Metallization
Authors: Jin Xuelin , Kannappan Shrute , Hapsari Natalia Diyah , Jin Yu , Kim Kyeong Kyu , Lee Jung Heon , Jo Kyubong
Published: March 2023

Electron microscopy‐based DNA imaging is a powerful tool that provides a high resolution for observing genomic structures involved in biochemical processes. The first method, heavy metal shadow casting, was developed in 1948. Uranyl acetate has been widely used for DNA electron microscopic imaging since the 1960s. However, for this method, scientists must deal with government regulations for the safety and disposal. Additionally, sample preparation is often complicated and time‐consuming. Recently, nanoparticles and nanowires have emerged as a new way of imaging DNA molecules under both transmission and scanning electron microscopes. However, as this technology is still in its early stages, there is room for further development. In this review, heavy metal staining, nanoparticle staining, and nanowire growth for DNA visualization are introduced. The applications of shadow casting and uranyl acetate staining in the visualization of DNA structures and protein–DNA complexes are discussed. Then, nanomaterial‐based DNA staining methods are covered, including electrostatic interactions, DNA chain modification, reducing‐group‐modified DNA ligands and DNA–peptide/protein interactions. This review provides up‐to‐date information on different DNA staining approaches and their applications in DNA studies. Ultimately, it offers a new direction for genome analysis through DNA visualization.
Recent Advances of DNA Origami Technology and Its Application in Nanomaterial Preparation
Authors: Jiang Wenjing , Li Jingrou , Lin Zi'an , Guo Jing , Ma Jiaxin , Wang Zhen , Zhang Meizhou , Wu Yuzhou
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the unrivalled self‐assembly properties of DNA molecules have driven the rapid development of a new class of DNA self‐assembly technology—DNA origami technology. Over the past decade, this technology has enabled the construction of DNA nanostructures with different shapes, such as 2D and 3D structures. Meanwhile, the application of DNA origami are also developed rapidly. DNA origami structures are widely used in nanomaterial preparation and drug delivery due to their characteristics of accurate addressability, excellent programmability, and good biocompatibility, especially in the field of nanomaterial preparation. Such structures provide a new platform to construct nanomaterials with high precision. Herein, the development of DNA origami technology is introduced, and the research progress of 2D and 3D DNA origami in the past two decades is systematically summarized. Then, the application of DNA origami template in nanomaterial preparation is emphasized. Finally, the main challenges and opportunities for nanomaterials fabrication based on DNA origami technology are illustrated.
A MOF‐Based Spatial‐Separation Layer to Enable a Uniform Favorable Microenvironment for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Ting , Biset-Peiró Martí , Zhao Siqi , Murcia Lopez Sebastian , Daasbjerg Kim , Morante Joan Ramon , Li Jian , Arbiol Jordi
Published: March 2023

Regulating the local microenvironment of active sites to increase their specific CO2 concentration and pH gradient, is a promising approach to optimize the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR). However, currently reported morphological strategies display an uncertainty to the compatibility and distribution between catalytic sites and their microenvironment. Here, a uniform spatial‐separation metal–organic framework (MOF) layer between active sites and bulk electrolyte is proposed, which enables each active site to locate in a similarly favorable microenvironment. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NR), a representative electrocatalyst for eCO2RR, is covered with a Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) thin layer to serve as a model system. The prepared ZnO NR@ZIF‐8 exhibits an enhanced Faradaic efficiency toward CO at a wide range of potentials and reaches a maximum FE of CO (85%) at −1.05 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is one of the best records till date. Moreover, the hydrophobic ZIF‐8 layer protects ZnO against self‐reduction. Such performance benefits from the porous ZIF‐8 shell with high CO2 affinity, realizing efficient CO2 access and retaining an increased local pH near ZnO active sites.