bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes and Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® in early‐stageBRCA‐associated hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Layman Rachel M. , Lin Heather , Gutierrez Barrera Angelica M. , Karuturi Meghan S. , Yam Clinton , Arun Banu K.
Published: February 2022

Background

BRCA‐associated breast cancers tend to have distinctive features compared to sporadic breast cancers; further characterization can aid in optimizing treatment.

Methods

The study evaluated a patient cohort with early‐stage estrogen receptor positive, HER2 negative invasive breast cancer who had Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score®analysis and genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Data on patients and their breast cancers with outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

745 patients were included, of whom 33 had pathogenic BRCA mutations (8BRCA1, 25BRCA2). Patients with BRCA mutations were younger and received more adjuvant chemotherapy, but less endocrine therapy and radiation therapy. BRCA‐associated breast cancers had less progesterone receptor expression, higher nuclear grade, and higher Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Scores®with median Recurrence Score®29, compared to 16 in cancers without mutations (p < 0.0001). Breast cancer recurrence developed in 18% of patients with BRCA mutations and 9% of patient without mutations, although multivariate analysis of relapse‐free survival was not significant, HR 1.519 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–3.58;p = 0.3401). After adjusting for Recurrence Score®, overall survival by BRCA status was improved HR 0.448 (95% CI 0.06–3.34;p = 0.4333).

Conclusions

BRCA‐associated early‐stage hormone receptor‐positive breast cancers have higher Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score®compared to those without mutations. BRCA status did not significantly impact relapse‐free survival and overall survival. Larger clinical trials are needed to further assess the findings, and if confirmed, could impact clinical management of BRCA‐associated breast cancers.
Abusive head trauma follows witnessed infant shaking
Authors: Feldman Kenneth W. , Melville John D. , Johnson Katie L. , Valvano Thomas J. , Piper Anne C. , Lakin Karen L. , Petrak Channing S.
Published: February 2022

Abuse is a frequent cause of infant subdural haemorrhages, retinal haemorrhages and neurological dysfunction. Confessed shaking, without impact, is one reported injury cause. However, this remains legally controversial. We evaluated whether witnessed shaking alone can cause typical abusive head trauma (AHT). Cases were collected by Helfer Society list‐serve solicitation for infants who developed signs and symptoms of AHT after independently witnessed shaking. We also reviewed a cross‐sectional observational, multi‐centre study (Examining Siblings to Recognize Abuse (ExSTRA)) of 2890 children evaluated for abuse between January 2010 and April 2011 who experienced independently witnessed shaking. Four children identified by the Helfer Society experienced witnessed shaking and developed clinical and radiological evidence of AHT, including subdural and retinal haemorrhages. Another two had neurological symptoms, but normal imaging. Nineteen (0.7%) ExSTRA subjects experienced witnessed shaking without impact injuries. Among them, one (5.9%) of the 17 subjects who were neuroimaged had AHT findings and additional abusive injuries. Three had neurologic symptoms but normal neuroimaging. Although shaking is rarely witnessed, these cases support that shaking alone can cause typical AHT injuries, including, but not limited to, acute neurological impairment, subdural haemorrhages and retinal haemorrhages. This information is important to the legal management of abused children.

Key Practitioner Messages

Confessions document that infant shaking can cause abusive head trauma (AHT); however, this is disputed in courtrooms and by some physicians.

Ten infants developed clinical neurologic symptoms with or without radiologic findings of AHT after independently witnessed shaking. None had a history of cranial impacts, and all lacked physical findings suggesting impacts. They provide support for isolated shaking as a cause of AHT.
Diagnostic performance of intravascular ultrasound‐based fractional flow reserve versus angiography‐based quantitative flow ratio measurements for evaluating left main coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Sui Yonggang , Yang Min , Xu Yanlu , Wu Naqiong , Qian Jie
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We compared the diagnostic performance of the ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR) and quantitative flow ratio (QFR) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis.

Background

Evaluation of LMCA stenosis remains challenging because of its complex pathogenesis and severity. Computing QFR allows rapid determination of fractional flow reserve (FFR) from coronary angiograms. A novel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)‐based FFR (UFR) allows rapid FFR computation from IVUS images. Neither of the computational approaches required a pressure wire or hyperemia induction. Previous studies have validated the good diagnostic accuracy of QFR and UFR in identifying hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis using FFR as the reference standard.

Methods

This retrospective observational study enrolled consecutive patients with intermediate‐grade LMCA stenosis who underwent IVUS evaluation. UFR and QFR of all LMCA stenosis patients were assessed, their correlation and agreement were analyzed, and diagnostic performance of UFR in LMCA stenosis was evaluated.

Results

Eighty‐three paired comparisons between UFR and QFR were obtained. UFR excellently correlated with QFR (r = 0.74, p < 0.01). The Bland‒Altman plot showed good agreement between UFR and QFR (mean differences: 0.01 ± 0.05, p = 0.34). The area under the curve of UFR for identifying physiological LMCA stenosis was 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–1.00, p < 0.01). The overall UFR diagnostic accuracy was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88–0.99).

Conclusions

UFR showed excellent correlation and good agreement with QFR in LMCA stenosis assessment, indicating that it is highly feasible to use UFR for functional evaluation of LMCA stenosis.
Depigmentation of the vulvar area: Is it an alarming sign?
Authors: Diab Reem , Asadi Kani Zahra , Kaddah Ali , Pourani Mohammad Reza , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh , Moravvej Hamideh
Published: February 2022

A 34‐year‐old female patient presented with recurrent bilateral hypopigmented macules on the labia majora. The lesions were treated with topical steroids, which led to mild improvement, but erosive plaques developed after discontinuing the treatment. Histopathological findings were compatible with extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), which was treated with radical vulvectomy with no recurrence in the next months of follow‐up.
Fulminant myocarditis after the second dose of COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Oka Akihiro , Sudo Yuya , Miyoshi Toru , Ozaki Masatomo , Kimura Yuta , Takagi Wataru , Ugawa Satoko , Okada Tomoaki , Nosaka Kazumasa , Doi Masayuki
Published: February 2022

Myocarditis is an adverse event associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mRNA vaccination. A 50‐year‐old man presented with dyspnea and resting chest pain after receiving the second dose of the COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine and developed cardiogenic shock. Fulminant myocarditis was diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy and treated with intravenous corticosteroids.
Multiple nodules in the scrotal wall
Authors: Kouki Chaima , Amouri Mariem , Charfi Slim , Boudawara Tahya , Turki Hamida
Published: February 2022

Herein, we report a rare case of extensive ISC. It affects dark‐colored skin men aged from 20 to 40 years old, suggesting an ethnic susceptibility. Pathogenesis of scrotal calcinosis remains controversial.
Duplication cyst and diverticulum of the stomach: A case report of an unusual association
Authors: Ben Amar Mohamed , Masmoudi Abderrahmen , Zouari Amine , Hadrich Zied , Mzali Rafik
Published: February 2022

Gastric duplication cysts are uncommon findings in adult patients. Accurate diagnosis of these cysts is difficult. Presenting symptoms are often non‐specific, and complications are rare. We report an uncommon case of a non‐communicating duplication cyst associated to a diverticula of the stomach in 38‐year‐old women.
Development of a Two‐Fluid Hydrodynamic Model for a Riser Reactor
Authors: Vorobev Anatoliy , Antonov Artem , Nazarova Galina , Ivashkina Elena , Ivanchina Emiliya , Chuzlov Vyacheslav , Kaliyev Toleubek
Published: February 2022

ANSYS Fluent is used to examine the mixing of catalyst zeolite particles with petroleum feedstock and water vapor in a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) riser. A two‐fluid model is developed for tracking catalyst particles and gas mixture in a riser, modeling the granular and gaseous phases as two interpenetrating continua. The hydrodynamic flows are analyzed with the aim to single out the principal physical effects that determine the distribution of particles. The results are compared with a study that is based on a non‐isothermal reactive model. It is demonstrated that the simplistic purely hydrodynamic model generates similar flow fields. The developed model is valuable for improvements of modern FCC risers. The model is applied for understanding the hydrodynamics of an S‐200 KT‐1/1 industrial unit.
Theoretical Modeling of the Metal‐Organic Precursors of Anthracene‐Based Covalent Networks on Surfaces
Authors: Lisiecki Jakub , Szabelski Paweł
Published: February 2022

Surface‐assisted fabrication of molecular network architectures has been a promising route to low‐dimensional materials with unique physicochemical properties and functionalities. One versatile way in this field is the Ullmann coupling reaction of halogenated organic monomers on catalytically active metallic surfaces. In this work, using the coarse‐grained Monte Carlo simulations, we studied the on‐surface self‐assembly of metal‐organic precursors preceding the covalent Ullman‐type linkage of tetrahalogenated anthracene building blocks. To that end, a series of positional isomers was examined and classified with respect to their ability of creation of extended network structures. Our simulations focused on the identification of basic types of self‐assembly scenarios distinguishing enantiopure and racemic systems and producing periodic and aperiodic networks. The calculations carried out for selected tectons demonstrated wide possibilities of controlling porosity (e. g. pore size, shape, periodicity, chirality, heterogeneity) of the networks by suitable functionalization of the monomeric unit. The findings reported herein can be helpful in rational designing of 2D polymeric networks with predefined structures and properties.
Dual DNA staining enables isolation of multiple sub‐types of post‐replicative mouse male germ cells
Authors: Gill Mark E. , Kohler Hubertus , Peters Antoine H. F. M.
Published: February 2022

During spermatogenesis, mammalian male germ cells undergo multiple developmental processes, including meiosis and post‐meiotic differentiation (spermiogenesis). To understand the transitions between different cellular states it is essential to isolate pure populations of cells at different stages of development. Previous approaches enabled the isolation of cells from different stages of meiotic prophase I, but techniques to sub‐fractionate unfixed, post‐meiotic spermatids have been lacking. Here we report the development of a protocol enabling simultaneous isolation of cells at different stages of meiotic prophase and post‐meiotic differentiation from testes of adult mice. This approach builds on existing fluorescence activated cell sorting protocols designed to purify cells in different stages of meiotic prophase I. By utilizing the specific spectral properties that two different DNA dyes (Hoechst 33342 and SYTO 16) exhibit when bound to chromatin of different stage male germ cells, we obtain highly pure populations of cells in relatively large numbers. This FACS protocol will enable immunocytological and molecular characterization studies of fractionated meiotic and haploid germ cells from both wild type and genetically mutant animals.
Impacts of Severe Tropical Cyclone Olwyn and the biogeomorphic response, Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia
Authors: Morris Thérèse E. , Morris Stephen N. , Fearns Peter R.C.S. , Chopra Aditya , Aspandair Mehrooz F. , Collins Lindsay B. , O'Leary Micheal J. , Visscher Pieter T.
Published: February 2022

Storm disturbance and recovery of the peritidal benthic microbial ecosystem occurs as part of the natural climate regime in Shark Bay. However, tropical cyclone and winter storm frequency and intensity are known to be changing due to climate forcing. Presented here is an analysis of the biogeomorphic response of the benthic microbial ecosystem within the intertidal to upper subtidal zone and the beach face coquina deposits of Hamelin Pool, to the passage of Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone Olwyn (13 March 2015). Storm effects (initial response to 40 days post‐event) include: erosional sculpting of sediments, mats and structures; deposition and winnowing of sediments; accumulation of mucilaginous products into flocs, slurries and sludges; along with limited development of new coquina deposits in the beach face. Medium (15 months) term observations include: mat recovery and changes with transformation of mucilage deposits into new subtidal gelatinous mats, intertidal transitional mats and low‐elevation microbial structures. Observations suggest that this disturbance had both positive (the floc‐to‐mat biogeomorphic storm response) and negative feedbacks (enhanced bioturbation), which impact the development of stromatolite forming microbial mats and microbialite structures.
A student‐led events accessibility policy spreads across Canada
Authors: Hanes Julia , Clarke Quinten , Christi Abby , Waserman Jordana
Published: February 2022

Student‐led events are an important aspect of the medical school experience. We share our experiences as Canadian disabled medical learners developing and implementing successful local events accessibility policies. We map our collective efforts to disseminate the concept across the nation. Our experiences exemplify the power of student organizing and the deep relational work required to achieve this essential access.
Review best practices for accommodating students during applied learning experiences
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2022

Providing accommodations for students during internships, clinical rotations, and other applied learning situations presents challenges for disability services providers, and COVID‐19 has added complications. Susan D. Friedfel, Esq., of Jackson Lewis, P.C., and Seth F. Gilbertson, Esq., of the State University of New York, shared best practices at a session at the University of Vermont's Legal Issues in Higher Education conference.
Freezing or death feigning? Beetles selected for long death feigning showed different tactics against different predators
Authors: Asakura Masaya , Matsumura Kentarou , Ishihara Ryo , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: February 2022

Prey evolve antipredator strategies against multiple enemies in nature. We examined how a prey species adopts different predation avoidance tactics against pursuit or sit‐and‐wait predators. As prey, we used three strains of Tribolium beetles artificially selected for short (short strain) or long (long strain) duration of death feigning, and a stock culture (base population). Death feigning is known to be effective for evading a jumping spider in the case of the long strains, while the present study showed that the long‐strain beetles used freezing against a sit‐and‐wait type predator, Amphibolus venator, in this study. The short‐ strain beetles were more easily oriented toward predators. The time to predation was also shorter in the short strains compared to the long strains. The results showed that, as prey, the short strains displayed the same behavior, escaping, against both types of predators. Traditionally, death feigning has been thought to be the last resort in a series of antipredator avoidance behaviors. However, our results showed that freezing and death feigning were not parts of a series of behaviors, but independent strategies against different predators, at least for long‐strain beetles. We also examined the relationship between a predator's starvation level and its predatory behavior. In addition, the orientation behavior toward and predation rate on the prey were observed to determine how often the predatory insect attacked the beetles.
Landscape composition, climate variability, and their interaction drive waterfowl nest survival in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Bortolotti Lauren E. , Emery Robert B. , Armstrong Llwellyn M. , Howerter David W.
Published: February 2022

For upland‐nesting ducks that rely on grassland and wetland habitats in landscapes characterized by human alteration and a strongly fluctuating climate, information on how landscape composition interacts with climate is needed to better understand the security of conservation investments and to inform adaptive management in a changing climate. We characterized spatial and temporal variation in a 10‐year study of nest survival of five species of upland‐nesting ducks at study areas across the Canadian Prairie Pothole Region. We assessed factors affecting nest survival across gradients of landscape composition, climate, and duck density. Habitat characteristics influenced nest survival at multiple scales spanning nest‐scale vegetation density to landscape‐scale perennial cover abundance, with the relative magnitude of spatial variation in nest survival greater than that of temporal variation in this study. An interaction between climate and landscape composition suggested that intact landscapes can moderate the effects of interannual variation in climate, reinforcing the importance of habitat conservation in a changing climate. Measured nest survival rates ranged from 4.7% to 40.5% and were high enough to sustain duck populations in only 31% of study areas, barring sustained climatic conditions suitable for elevating other breeding season vital rates, suggesting the need for continued investment in waterfowl conservation.
Beyond blight: Phytophthora root rot under climate change limits populations of reintroduced American chestnut
Authors: Gustafson Eric J. , Miranda Brian R. , Dreaden Tyler J. , Pinchot Cornelia C. , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: February 2022

American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was functionally extirpated from eastern US forests by chestnut blight, caused by a fungus from Asia. As efforts to produce blight‐resistant American chestnut germplasm advance, approaches to reintroduce chestnut throughout its former range are being developed. However, chestnut is also quite susceptible to a root disease in the southern half of its former range, and the pathogen that causes the disease (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is expected to move northward as climate warms. Genetic resistance to root rot appears to vary among individual chestnut trees, and the prevalence of resistance is highly uncertain. Because restoration of a self‐sustaining chestnut population is ultimately a landscape‐scale problem, we used a process‐based forest landscape model (LANDIS‐II) to conduct experiments to quantify the effects of root rot on the effectiveness of chestnut population restoration efforts in the center of the former range of chestnut under various climate scenarios. We developed a new LANDIS‐II extension to simulate root rot‐induced tree mortality as a function of temperature and soil moisture. We conducted a factorial simulation experiment with climate and resistance to root rot as factors and found that root rot greatly reduced chestnut biomass on the landscape, even when resistance to root rot infection was at the highest levels currently observed in published studies. Warming climate enhanced the virulence of the pathogen and resulted in a greater reduction in chestnut biomass. Results indicate that root rot has the potential to seriously hamper chestnut restoration efforts if resistance of chestnut is not enhanced through breeding and biotechnology, suggesting restoration efforts will be more successful if targeted to latitudes, elevations, and site conditions where root rot is not expected to be present well into the future, including areas north of the historical chestnut range (Canada). These results demonstrate the vital importance of incorporating root rot resistance into the larger blight resistance breeding program.
North American Breeding Bird Survey underestimates regional bird richness compared to Breeding Bird Atlases
Authors: Ankori‐Karlinsky Roi , Kalyuzhny Michael , Barnes Katherine F. , Wilson Andrew M. , Flather Curtis , Renfrew Rosalind , Walsh Joan , Guk Edna , Kadmon Ronen
Published: February 2022

Standardized data on large‐scale and long‐term patterns of species richness are critical for understanding the consequences of natural and anthropogenic changes in the environment. The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is one of the largest and most widely used sources of such data, but so far, little is known about the degree to which BBS data provide accurate estimates of regional richness. Here, we test this question by comparing estimates of regional richness based on BBS data with spatially and temporally matched estimates based on state Breeding Bird Atlases (BBA). We expected that estimates based on BBA data would provide a more complete (and therefore, more accurate) representation of regional richness due to their larger number of observation units and higher sampling effort within the observation units. Our results were only partially consistent with these predictions: while estimates of regional richness based on BBA data were higher than those based on BBS data, estimates of local richness (number of species per observation unit) were higher in BBS data. The latter result is attributed to higher land‐cover heterogeneity in BBS units and higher effectiveness of bird detection (more species are detected per unit time). Interestingly, estimates of regional richness based on BBA blocks were higher than those based on BBS data even when differences in the number of observation units were controlled for. Our analysis indicates that this difference was due to higher compositional turnover between BBA units, probably due to larger differences in habitat conditions between BBA units and a higher likelihood of observing geographically restricted species. Our overall results indicate that estimates of regional richness based on BBS data suffer from incomplete detection of a large number of rare species, and that corrections of these estimates based on standard extrapolation techniques are not sufficient to remove this bias. Future applications of BBS data in ecology and conservation, and in particular, applications in which the representation of rare species is important (e.g., those focusing on biodiversity conservation), should be aware of this bias, and should integrate BBA data whenever possible.
Divergent predator activity muddies the dynamic landscape of fear
Authors: French Justin T. , Silvy Nova J. , Campbell Tyler A. , Tomeček John M.
Published: February 2022

The landscape of fear (LOF) hypothesis is a unifying idea explaining the effects of predators on the space use of their prey. However, empirical evidence for this hypothesis is mixed. Recent work suggests that the LOF is dynamic, depending on the daily activity of predators, which allows prey to utilize risky places during predator down times. While this notion clarifies some discrepancies between predictions and observations, support for a dynamic LOF remains mixed. The underlying assumption of a dynamic LOF is strong predictability in predator activity cycles. Work in multi‐predator systems demonstrates the effect of differential behavior between predator species on the predictions of prey space use. However, none have considered the effect of intraspecific variation in predator behavior. Most, if not all, dynamic LOF studies base inference on the species‐level average activity pattern, implicitly assuming similarity within the predator population. We examined the dynamics and intraspecific variation in activity cycles within a population of coyotes (Canis latrans). We found seasonality in the predictability of coyote behavior, as well as divergent nocturnal and crepuscular activity patterns between individuals during summer. Activity dynamics were not related to range size, sex, body mass, or habitat complexity, but did vary by year. These results suggest that the predictability of activity patterns is seasonally dynamic, and failure to account for intraspecific variation in activity may cloud inference in LOF studies. We argue that future studies should not neglect the potential complexity of predator behavior with simplistic assumptions. By considering intraspecific variation in activity patterns, we may gain a clear picture of LOF dynamics.
Identification of vital modules and genes associated with heart failure based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis
Authors: Bian Weikang , Wang Zhicheng , Li Xiaobo , Jiang Xiao‐Xin , Zhang Hongsong , Liu Zhizhong , Zhang Dai‐Min
Published: February 2022

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic heart disease with a high incidence and mortality. Due to the regulatory complexity of gene coexpression networks, the underlying hub genes regulation in HF remain incompletely appreciated. We aimed to explore potential key modules and genes for HF using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA).

Methods and results

The expression profiles by high throughput sequencing of heart tissues samples from HF and non‐HF samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HF and non‐HF samples were firstly identified. Then, a coexpression network was constructed to identify key modules and potential hub genes. The biological functions of potential hub genes were analysed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING online tool. A total of 135 DEGs (133 up‐regulated and 2 down‐regulated DEGs) between HF and non‐HF samples were identified in the GSE135055 and GSE123976 datasets. Moreover, a total of 38 modules were screened based on WGCNA in the GSE135055 dataset, and six potential hub genes (UCK2, ASB1, CCNI, CUX1, IRX6, and STX16) were screened from the key module by setting the gene significance over 0.2 and the module membership over 0.8. Furthermore, 78 potential hub genes were obtained by taking the intersection of the 135 DEGs and all genes in the key module, and enrichment analysis revealed that they were mainly involved in the MAPK and PI3K‐AKT signalling pathways. Finally, in a PPI network constructed with the 78 potential hub genes, CUX1 and ASB1 were identified as hub genes in HF because they were also identified as potential hub genes in the WGCNA.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to employ WGCNA to identify the key module and hub genes for HF. Our study identified a module and two genes that might play important roles in HF, which may provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of HF and improve our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying HF.
Palladium‐Catalyzed N3‐Directed C−H Halogenation of N9‐Arylpurines and Azapurines
Authors: Hu Junbin , Wang Chenxing , Yu Mingwu , Zhang Shaojuan , Chen Ning , Du Hongguang
Published: February 2022

A palladium‐catalyzed direct ortho‐halogenation of N9‐arylpurines was developed by using N‐halogenated succinimide (NBS/NCS/NIS) as the halogenation reagents. The current procedure offers a late‐stage strategy to generate N9‐(ortho‐haloaryl)purines in moderate to excellent yields. The protocol was applicable to the substrates with both electron‐rich and electron‐deficient substituents and only monohalogenated products were formed. Moreover, the purinyl N3‐atom was verified as the directing group to facilitate Pd‐catalyzed ortho‐C−H activation.
Black Swan in Phase Transfer Catalysis: Influence of Mixing Mode on the Stereoselectivity of Glycosylation
Authors: Myachin Ilya V. , Mamirgova Zarina Z. , Stepanova Elena V. , Zinin Alexander I. , Chizhov Alexander O. , Kononov Leonid O.
Published: February 2022

Phase transfer catalysis (PTC) is widely used for the preparation of anomerically pure aryl glycosides by glycosylation of phenols with glycosyl halides. Here, we attempted to synthesize 4‐(3‐chloropropoxy)phenyl (CPP) sialoside – a useful Janus glycoside for neoglycoconjugate synthesis. A batch glycosylation reaction under typical PTC conditions (N‐acetylsialyl chloride, 4‐(3‐chloropropoxy)phenol, Bu4NHSO4, AcOEt, 10 % aq Na2CO3) resulted in formation of CPP sialoside as a single anomer, albeit in low yield. Conversely, the PTC glycosylation in flow using Comet X‐01 micromixer doubled the yield of CPP sialoside, which was obtained as a mixture of anomers suggesting the change in the reaction mechanism apparently induced by the change in mixing mode. An increase in flow rate led to further loss of stereoselectivity while the use of T‐shaped mixer increased stereoselectivity. Similar results were obtained for N,N‐diacetylsialyl chloride and two other para‐alkoxy‐substituted phenols suggesting generality of the discovered phenomenon.
Glycerol electro‐reforming in alkaline electrolysis cells for the simultaneous production of value‐added chemicals and pure hydrogen – Mini‐review
Authors: Tuleushova Nazym , Holade Yaovi , Cornu David , Tingry Sophie
Published: February 2022

Glycerol is a cheap, non‐toxic, and renewable by‐product of the rapid expansion of biodiesel and soap producers around the world. Glycerol electroforming is a method of oxidizing glycerol into valuable chemicals of interest to the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, polymer, and food industries. One of the technologies that have been studied over the past decades is to couple glycerol oxidation with the production of pure hydrogen in an electrolysis cell (so‐called electrolyzer), which has shown the advantage of consuming a much lower theoretical amount of electricity than conventional water electrolysis. The efficiency of this device is influenced by the nature, structure, and composition of the electrode material. This mini‐review concerns the understanding of glycerol electro‐oxidation, a brief state of the art of nanomaterials currently used to prepare electrode materials, and some results concerning the performance of electrolyzers in alkaline conditions that combine the efficient production of value‐added chemicals and hydrogen.
Grow enrollment with focus on student support, authenticity
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2022

When Steve Robinson became Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at the University of Utah two and a half years ago, what he learned about the institution during the job search process convinced him it was a sleeping giant. Located in one of the only states with a growing population and a reasonable distance from some large out‐of‐state markets, he saw the potential for growth.
Fully vacuum‐free semitransparent polymer solar cells for power‐generating window with pure achromatic appealing
Authors: Kang Moon Hee , Kim Hyojin , Yun Changhun
Published: February 2022

Among the existing renewable independent energy sources, semitransparent (ST) solar cells have attracted attention owing to their ability to be integrated into the windows of buildings or vehicles. To realize not only practical electricity production but also esthetic appearance, we fabricated PTB7:PC71BM‐based ST polymer solar cells via fully vacuum‐free and low‐cost manufacturing methods. Fully vacuum‐free manufacturing could be achieved from a silver nanowire and conductive polymer‐based transparent lamination top electrode, thereby achieving complete and concrete electrical contact with the underlying polymer bulk‐heterojunction layer through a simple hot‐press lamination step. In addition, for the insertion of an appropriate hole‐extracting interlayer between the lamination electrode and polymer layer, ST solar cells with a lamination electrode provided the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.36% with a fill factor (FF) of 53.9%. For comparison, opaque solar cells with a metal top electrode were also fabricated, providing the best PCE of 9.07% with an FF of 65.4%. However, the inferior electricity production of these ST solar cells can be compensated for by its pure achromatic appeal owing to its superior optical properties. Detailed optical analysis was performed to evaluate the compatibility of the lamination electrode‐based ST solar cells for power‐generating window applications. ST solar cells did not exhibit a noticeable optical cavity resonance effect, resulting in an extremely good visual appearance with achromatic sensation and a window illumination source with luminosity of 38.1%, CCT of 6480 K, and general CRI of 95.5 under D65, which is a standard daylight illuminant.
The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms and psychotropic drug use in Dutch nursing home patients with dementia during the first wave of COVID‐19: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Sizoo Eefje M. , Thunnissen Josi A. , van Loon Anouk M. , Brederveld Claire L. , Timmer Helma , Hendriks Simone , Smalbrugge Martin
Published: February 2022

Objective

To describe the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home residents with dementia during the step‐by‐step lifting of restrictions after the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Netherlands, and to describe psychotropic drug use (PDU) throughout the whole first wave.

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study of nursing home residents with dementia. We measured neuropsychiatric symptoms using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire (NPI‐Q). From May to August 2020, the NPI‐Q was filled in monthly. Psychotropic drug use was retrieved from the electronic prescription system, retrospectively for the months February to April and prospectively for the months May to August.

Results

We followed 252 residents with dementia in 19 Dutch nursing homes. Agitation was the most prevalent type of neuropsychiatric symptom at each assessment. Overall, the prevalence and severity of agitation and depression significantly decreased over time. When considering more in detail, we observed that in some residents specific neuropsychiatric symptoms resolved (resolution) while in others specific neuropsychiatric symptoms developed (incidence) during the study period. For the majority of the residents, neuropsychiatric symptoms persisted over time. Psychotropic drug use remained stable over time throughout the whole first wave of the pandemic.

Conclusions

At group level, lifting the measures appeared to have beneficial effects on the prevalence and severity of agitation and depression in residents with dementia. Nevertheless, on an individual level we observed high heterogeneity in the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms over time. Despite the pressure of the pandemic and the restrictions in social contact imposed, PDU remained stable.
The Influence of ZnO−ZrO2 Interface in Hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH
Authors: Šot Petr , Noh Gina , Weber Ines C. , Pratsinis Sotiris E. , Copéret Christophe
Published: February 2022

The influence of the interface in ZnO−ZrO2 catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH is investigated. Specifically, we perturbed its structure using two different synthetic methods: surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC) and flame‐spray pyrolysis (FSP) and investigated the speciation of the resulting materials by spectroscopic techniques, such as XAS, NMR, IR, UV‐Vis, and EPR. The results indicate that oxidic Zn particles that co‐exist with ZrO2, as synthesized by FSP, show a superior selectivity in contrast to Zn(0) nanoparticles or Zn(II) single sites on ZrO2, formed using SOMC. Further experiments underlined the importance of the ZnO−ZrO2 interface in the process: only materials with such an interface exhibit highly selective production of CH3OH, proceeding likely via the formation of the surface CH3O intermediates.
Effect of helical baffles and water‐based Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2nanoparticles in the enhancement of thermal performance for shell and tube heat exchanger
Authors: Gugulothu Ravi , Sanke Narsimhulu
Published: February 2022

In this study, Shell and tube heat exchanger (STHX) with 22% cut segmental baffles and helical baffles with 20°, 30°, 40° inclination angles are considered for three‐dimensional CFD analysis using the ANSYS FLUENT tool to investigate the performance of STHX. OHTC and comprehensive performance index are higher for 40° helical baffles when compared to segmental baffle and 20°, 30° helical baffle heat exchangers with water as working fluid. Hence, further investigations are carried out for 40° helical baffle heat exchangers. Numerical investigations are extended with nanofluids (Al2O3, CuO, and SiO2) at 1%, 3%, and 5% volume concentrations for each nanofluid. Under the same mass flow rates, 40° helical baffles with Al2O3nanofluid as working fluid provided better heat transfer rates when compared to the other two nanofluids and base fluid. Also, the authors noticed that the 5% volume (vol) concentration nanofluids provided better heat transfer enhancements when compared to 1%, 3% volume concentrations, and base fluid. Enhancements (10.33%–8.24%) from lower to the higher mass flow rate in 40° HB with Al2O3nanofluid at 5% volume concentration are observed when compared to water as base fluid.
ICN‐oriented optimization for real‐time English translation system
Authors: Liu Siwei
Published: February 2022

Information‐Centric Networking (ICN) changes the network communication mode from host‐centric to information‐centric, which directly identifies content in a unified manner and conducts positioning, routing and transmission based on content. In‐network caching is used to speed up content distribution and build the network into an integrated platform for information transmission, storage and service. ICN is regarded as one of the most promising next generation internet architectures. Because of in‐network caching strategy of ICN, English corpus content is cached by ICN router, so as to perform real‐time English translation. Therefore, this study proposes a caching strategy based on English corpus content popularity. Compared with the existing caching strategy, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can improve lagging probability, latency and accuracy in real‐time English translation. The real‐time English translation is performed through the English corpus content, and the router caches the corpus content. After user request routing in the process of translation, if the related translation content hit the cache en‐route, it will respond directly instead of obtaining the corpus from the server every time. Through nearby services, the transmission efficiency of corpus content is improved, and fast response and real‐time translation are achieved.
General toxicity and genotoxicity of altertoxin I: A novel 28‐day multiendpoint assessment in male Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Zhu Xia , Chen Yiyi , Tang Xinyao , Wang Dongxia , Miao Yeqiu , Zhang Jing , Li Ruirui , Zhang Lishi , Chen Jinyao
Published: February 2022

The mycotoxin altertoxin I (ATX‐I) is one of secondary metabolites produced by Alternaria fungi and is frequently detected as food and feed contaminants. Little is known about the genotoxicity of the ATX‐I. In order to evaluate potential genotoxicity and general toxicity of ATX‐I, the novel 28‐day multiendpoint (Pig‐a assay + micronucleus [MN] test + comet assay) genotoxicity platform was applied. Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomized to five groups (six rats per group), that is, a positive control group (N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea [ENU], 40 mg/kg.bw/d), two solvent control groups (PBS and corn oil), and two ATX‐I‐treated groups (low‐dose group [1.10 μg/kg.bw/d] and high‐dose group [5.51 μg/kg.bw/d]). Treatments were administered by oral gavage to male SD rats for 28 consecutive days. Histopathological damages in the liver, kidney, and spleen were observed, but without significant changes in hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Genotoxic endpoints indicated that ATX‐I could cause DNA damage. To summarize, in a relatively low‐dose range, ATX‐I may not have direct genotoxicity in vivo but could induce liver, kidney, and spleen damage.
Theoretical study of thiazole activation in sudoxicam and meloxicam: Reaction center, biotransformation, and methyl effects
Authors: Qin Dan , Dong Lu , Yang Lijun
Published: February 2022

The molecular mechanism of sudoxicam and meloxicam metabolism to thioamide is clarified based on the results of quantum chemistry calculations. The two drugs are first activated to generate carbonyl intermediate 5‐PC. When the reaction site is on C5 of the thiazole ring, 5‐PC is directly obtained; when the reaction site is on C4, metabolite epoxide is easily isomerized to give 5‐PC instead of hydrolysis to glycols. 5‐PC is an important intermediate, which is further metabolized to generate thioamide. The molecular docking experiments clarify the reasons for the difference in hepatotoxicity of two drugs caused by methyl groups. Compared with close distance between Fe and the thiazole ring in sudoxicam, the additional methyl group in meloxicam is more close to the Fe(III)‐heme moiety, which suppresses the bioactivation of the thiazole ring. The position of methyl binding in the cytochrome P450 pocket determines the activation difference of thiazole in meloxicam and sudoxicam. The study provides detailed molecular mechanisms for the differences in metabolism and toxicity of the two drugs and lays the foundations for drug design and drug modification.
HIV disclosure and depressive symptoms among pregnant women living with HIV: a cross‐sectional study in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Zotova Natalia , Familiar Itziar , Kawende Bienvenu , Kasindi Fidele Lumande , Ravelomanana Noro , Parcesepe Angela M. , Adedimeji Adebola , Lancaster Kathryn E. , Kaba Didine , Babakazo Pélagie , Yotebieng Marcel
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Disclosure of one's HIV status may decrease depression and improve the quality of life among people living with HIV. However, there is mixed evidence on the impact of disclosure to partners for pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV) in areas of intersecting social concerns over disclosure and high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV). We assessed the association between HIV disclosure and depressive symptoms among pregnant WLHIV in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and examined whether the knowledge of partner's status or recent IPV modified this association.

Methods

We utilized data from participants enrolled in a trial to evaluate the effect of continuous quality interventions on long‐term therapy outcomes among HIV‐positive pregnant and breastfeeding women in DRC (NCT03048669). Only pregnant women (n = 1392) were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Between November 2016 and June 2019, enrolled participants completed a survey that included the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) to screen recent depressive symptoms, questions about disclosure, knowledge of partner's status and IPV. We used linear models to calculate crude and adjusted mean differences (MDs) between disclosure and depressive symptoms. All analyses were stratified by timing of HIV diagnosis.

Results

Disclosure was higher among participants diagnosed prior to current pregnancy (41% to their partners and 24% to family, friends or others) relative to those diagnosed during current pregnancy (21% to partners and 12% to family). About one‐quarter of women reported any type of IPV in the past 12 months. Disclosure to a partner was associated with lower depressive symptoms among women diagnosed prior to current pregnancy (MD −0.55; 95% CI: −1.06, −0.04) but the opposite was observed among those diagnosed during current pregnancy (MD 0.5; 95% CI: −0.4, 1.4). Adjustment for IPV, knowledge of partner's status, age, number of living children and primigravidae did not change MDs substantially.

Conclusions

Women in our sample mostly disclosed to partners despite high IPV burden. The observed association between disclosure to partners and lower depressive symptoms among women diagnosed prior to current pregnancy is consistent with cross‐national evidence. A prospective study among pregnant WLHIV is needed to examine longitudinal effects of HIV status disclosure.
Long‐term immunity in convalescent Syrian hamsters provides protection against new‐variant SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of the lower but not upper respiratory tract
Authors: Stauft Charles B. , Selvaraj Prabhuanand , Lien Christopher Z. , Starost Matthew F. , Wang Tony T.
Published: February 2022

COVID‐19 vaccines provide high levels of protection against severe disease and hospitalization due to severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Vaccination may be less effective in preventing shedding of infectious viruses from otherwise immune patients. In this study, we describe breakthrough infections and shedding of infectious viruses in convalescent hamsters without significant replication in the lower respiratory tract following reinfection by Alpha and Delta variants despite high levels of circulating antibodies in sera. Using convalescent hamsters with long‐term immunity (up to 1 year) following infection by ancestral SARS‐CoV‐2, we can model aspects of recurring COVID‐19 in the context of preexisting immunity.
Association of atrial fibrillation with infectivity and severe complications of COVID‐19: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Park Jin , Shin Jae Il , Kim Dong‐Hyeok , Park Junbeom , Jeon Jimin , Kim Jinkwon , Song Tae‐Jin
Published: February 2022

Infection is associated with the occurrence, recurrence, and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF), and is also closely related to poor prognosis. However, studies of the relationship between infectivity and severe complications of coronavirus infectious disease‐19  (COVID‐19) with a history of AF are limited. To estimate infectivity and severity of complications in COVID‐19 patients with a history of AF, this study was done. From the Korean nationwide COVID‐19 dataset, 212 678 participants with at least one severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID‐19) test were included between January 1 and June 4, 2020. AF was defined according to at least two outpatient hospital visits or one admission with an ICD‐10 code of “I48” before the COVID‐19 test. To investigate the association of AF with infectivity and severe complications of COVID‐19, 1:4 ratio propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Severe complications of COVID‐19 were defined as a composite outcome of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, and death within 2 months after COVID‐19 diagnosis. Among 212 678 participants who underwent the COVID‐19 test, there were 7713 COVID‐19 positive patients. After PSM, COVID‐19 PCR positivity did not show a significant difference according to the presence of AF (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.60–1.04]). Of 7713 COVID‐19 patients, 62 (0.8%) had a history of AF and severe complications occurred in 444 (5.7%) patients. After PSM, AF was associated with the development of severe complications (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: [1.10–3.79]) and mortality (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: [1.01–4.31]) of COVID‐19. We found that AF was associated with an increased risk of severe complications in COVID‐19 infected patients.